Dude, Where's My Torque Wrench? Off-roading with Andrew Collins
By Woven Society Team
Hey everyone, it's another installment of "Dude, Where's My Torque Wrench?" from Andrew Collins! Whenever Andrew gets a break from doing things like racing in the Australasian Safari, we asked him to send us reports on his adventures in the outback, essential traveling gear, and the various struggles of off-roading - "man and machine versus the vast and unforgiving terrain", as Andrew puts it.
This week, Andrew shares his essential backcountry gear.
Leaving the scripted world behind and heading off-road is one of the most exciting and satisfying ways to travel. The thrill of exploration, serenity of solitude and the challenges of self-reliance make each ride into the wilderness unique and memorable. Less is more when you’re on your own, so you’ve got to choose your loadout wisely. Here are my items I never hit the track without.
1. Waterproof Duffel Bag
Duffel bags rule the roost of adventure luggage because they’re more malleable than hard cases, easier to load than backpacks, and more stylish than either. Don’t go bigger than seventy liters if you want to be able to sling it over your shoulder with anything resembling slickness.
2. Cotton Jacket
A thick, multi-pocketed cotton jacket is one of the best pieces of clothing you can pack. It’ll be warm enough for afternoon on the tundra or morning in the desert, quick drying, and a lot less dorky looking in the pub than a ski jacket.
Maiden Noir Field Jacket, $420.00
3. Keffiyeh
A keffiyeh is what bandanas want to be when they grow up. Worn by warriors on both sides of every desert conflict since The Crusades, it can be worn around the neck like a scarf or over your whole head like a personal turtle shell. Also viable as a sling for broken limbs.
Voodoo Tactical Shemagh, $9.99
4. Portable Cooker
You can survive without cooked food if you devote enough space in your bag for Slim Jims (Ed. note: Or beef jerky!), but good luck enduring a desert crossing without coffee. A portable cooker is prime for times when you can’t find firewood, wood’s wet, or you just flat out can’t be bothered gathering kindling. Make sure you pick a stove with as few seals, pumps, and widgets as possible. And don’t forget to buy one that runs on a commonly available substance that’s detachable from the stove itself- you won’t make it through airport security with a hip flask of boom juice.
JetBoil Flash Personal Cooking System, $99.95
5. Head Torch
A head-mounted flashlight is invaluable for nighttime repairs, and avoiding stubbing your toe when you leave the campfire to take a leak. Keep it on you even in towns; you’ll be amazed how unreliable power grids can be outside the Western World. Make sure your selection is rated to at least 100 lumens. A “red light” mode is also good for the tropics, where mosquitoes will flock to most other lights.
Black Diamond Equipment Ltd. Storm Headlamp, $49.95
Honorable Mention…
6. Face Wash
Sure, Bear Grylls’ face is plastered with mud in every picture he’s in, but even the manliest men could benefit from a splash of facial cleanser at the end of the day. It’s amazingly refreshing and helps you trick yourself into thinking you’ve had a shower.
Portland General Store Face Bomb Deep Cleansing Mud, $21.00
