Overlanding Gear Report: Smaller is Better

[Jay&Shonna]

Forge Overland submitted an Article on the main site!

Overlanding Gear Report: Smaller is Better

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="All The Small Things..."...

Continue reading the Original Blog Post.

 

[Gryf]

Thanks for the article and it's interesting to see how gear is evolving. Our focus in the past was backpacking so all our camping gear is as light and compact as we could afford to make it.

I've been trying to apply that same focus on lightweight bang-for-the-buck in the overlanding but the use needs of the equipment make it a big more difficult :)

 

[OutOfStep]

Cool

 

[smritte]

Im trying to figure out a use for a shorter maxx trac. I carry 2 as it is and have wished for 4. Most of the time when I've had to use them, I need to get a little ground speed before hitting the surface again. The smaller ones look like I would just end up back where I started. Ive used mine in mud, snow and sand.
I understand the small footprint for storage idea but, in my opinion some things shouldn't be made smaller.
They would look cool on a small vehicle roof rack though.

Scott

 

[ridgerunner84]

Cool stuff. It's amazing how things advance to be stronger and lighter.

 

[MOAK]

Finally after 20 plus years I broke down and bought a set of TREDs three years ago. Previously I used all the other tools aboard to extract myself. I'll admit, digging out is a lot of work, at my age, so I when I use them I'm grateful for the labor saving device that they are. Short ones? I don't see the sense in them so it may be another 20 or so years until I do.

 

[smritte]

Finally after 20 plus years I broke down and bought a set of TREDs three years ago. Previously I used all the other tools aboard to extract myself. I'll admit, digging out is a lot of work, at my age, so I when I use them I'm grateful for the labor saving device that they are. Short ones? I don't see the sense in them so it may be another 20 or so years until I do.

A long time ago, I carried two pieces of Marston mat. I wish we had something small and light then.

Scott

 

[Catdog]

Great article! I'm always Interested in minimizing with good quality gear

 

[EJD]

I'm considering the small maxtrax for my Jeep TJ. Space is extremely limited and I always like the idea of carrying traction boards but could never justify carrying 4 foot ones...this may be the answer! Hopefully half the size means half the cost too.

 

[Stepsride]

I saw a video by Sir William Goes on YouTube about ActionTrax. I liked the story of them. I have never owned Maxtrax and do not deny they look like they work really well. However I ordered up some of these due to the story.

 

[James M Doak jr]

This Very helpful article

 

[bmwguru]

I saw a video by Sir William Goes on YouTube about ActionTrax. I liked the story of them. I have never owned Maxtrax and do not deny they look like they work really well. However I ordered up some of these due to the story.

I've seen that video and agree. I have had those in my Amazon cart for a few days now. I still wish these were available https://anchormtnoverland.com/collections/recovery/products/amo-anchor-mats

 

[tritonl]

150$ for their carry bag, seriously?

 

[Rx4Fun]

Finally after 20 plus years I broke down and bought a set of TREDs three years ago. Previously I used all the other tools aboard to extract myself. I'll admit, digging out is a lot of work, at my age, so I when I use them I'm grateful for the labor saving device that they are. Short ones? I don't see the sense in them so it may be another 20 or so years until I do.

A long time ago, I carried two pieces of Marston mat. I wish we had something small and light then.

Scott

Funny how age makes us smarter!

 

[WE ROME]

I have successfully avoided purchasing MaxTrax or similar for many years, relying on other means to extricate myself. However in the mud at Overland Expo last fall, the tire tracks into the camping area became so deep I could NOT get my front tires to steer out of the deep valley. Finally a good Samaritan arrived with his MaxTrax and I "walked" right out, eezy peezy. I bought two of them the next day.
Similarly one can often get by w/o a winch; hey it's easy to justify avoiding the expense, weight, etc, BUT when occasionally you definitely do you need one, you REALLY need one since depending on the circumstances, and there really are no other options in some circumstances.
When it comes time that you need MaxTrax or similar I think short ones are "cutsey" but size does matter in most situations when you need a MaxTrax.
P.S. I probably should have purchased 4 of them!

 

[CSG]

Not sure I get short MaxTrax but I do get the smaller and lighter is better mindset. As a former backpacker who only does car camping now, I still try to keep that backpacking mindset and keep my gear simple and light where practical.

 

[Yeti adVANtures]

These seem a little silly and small. Sometimes a couple extra inches is what it takes to get er’ over the hill. A couple extra inches of traction can make a big difference.

 

[rustyhardwood]

fantastic for lawn mowers. the lawn care landscaping community could us
something like this.

 

[grubworm]

this guy has short recovery boards on the back of his rig....

 

[theMightyGoose]

Thanks for the article and it\'s interesting to see how gear is evolving. Our focus in the past was backpacking so all our camping gear is as light and compact as we could afford to make it.

I\'ve been trying to apply that same focus on lightweight bang-for-the-buck in the overlanding but the use needs of the equipment make it a big more difficult :)

Lighter is always good. We’re also backpackers so we appreciate how extra weight affects the truck. So many people bring so much more than is needed just because the rig allows them to.