Gear Schmear
The departure date is fast approaching...hooray! Funny how slowly the time passes when you are two weeks out, and how quickly it passes when only a few days remain.
I've been keeping track of our gear, and the upfront costs of this adventure. This is how it's looking so far:
Of course, as I mentioned before, I've been able to collect quite a few free items. Plus both Jess and I are bringing lots of miscellaneous stuff we already own. So it's not exactly a from scratch cost estimate, but it's fairly close considering most everyone owns something.
I've also spent a fair amount of money on synthetic "performance" clothes for hiking, boating, etc. I am really a cotton gal, so it's pretty tough to get me into any other fibers, but knowing the extreme weather changes we will be facing in Alaska I figured I needed to give in to the sensibilities of wicking fabrics.
Thanks to my grandmother, we also have a brand new tent, the Sierra Designs Bedouin 6. It is huge and awesome and I expect it to be a fabulous base tent for the car camping portion. Jess is also bringing a great backpacking tent. Add the bed in the van and we have three versatile sleeping options.
I am still pining for some sort of water transport. I have pretty much ruled out any hardshell boats and have been mostly looking into the inflatable canoe/kayak options. There are many, all with varying abilities, price ranges and capacities. I am looking to buy something used, but so far nothing has come up that I've been thrilled with. I have started leaning toward the Sevylor Colorado Canoe lately, which is at Costco for 299, but I'm just not sure I am willing to go new. Of course we could always just rent where we can, but it eliminates the little lakes and streams. Island camping and fishing away from shore are just sooo appealing that I am hesitant to leave without a boat, but we shall see. As Jess said this morning, we may just find something fantastic on the road. You never know.
We still have a big shopping trip to do; food and various things. Today I think I will pick up a case of wine. However, it appears we will be starting this trip out with upfront costs around five grand. Which is pretty darn good. Well, considering the length of the venture. Not recommended for short-term travel.
6 days to go.
I've been keeping track of our gear, and the upfront costs of this adventure. This is how it's looking so far:
| Van | $2,840.00 |
| Insurance - 6 months | $174.00 |
| Streets and Trips with GPS | $35.00 |
| Expression Web | $40.00 |
| Vehicle Taxes | $253.00 |
| Dresser | $40.00 |
| Attachment Hardware (Dresser) | $10.00 |
| Cooler | $15.00 |
| Stove | $25.00 |
| Lantern | $15.00 |
| Tupperware + Bowls + Mesh Carrier | $5.50 |
| Dishpan + Mugs + Poker Chips | $3.30 |
| Emissions Test | $20.00 |
| Wiper Pump | $20.00 |
| Crates | $2.00 |
| Rubbermaid Storage Tub | $4.00 |
| Cribbage Board | $2.00 |
| Dutch Oven | $6.00 |
| Air Pump | $2.00 |
| Fish Cooker | $1.00 |
| Mosquito Nets (Bed and Head, 2 each) | $98.00 |
| White Gas | $10.00 |
| Fire Starters and Matches | $1.00 |
| Thermos | $2.00 |
| Digital Camera | $270.00 |
| Futon Cover | $34.00 |
| Beach Umbrella | $19.00 |
| Plastic Storage Containers | $20.00 |
| Ziplocs + Garbage Bags | $15.00 |
| Rope | $14.00 |
| Bungies + Hooks/Clips | $21.00 |
| Suction Cup Hooks | $4.00 |
| Dust Pan + Broom | $2.00 |
| Thermarest Pads | $190.00 |
| Camp Towels | $45.00 |
| $4,257.80 |
Of course, as I mentioned before, I've been able to collect quite a few free items. Plus both Jess and I are bringing lots of miscellaneous stuff we already own. So it's not exactly a from scratch cost estimate, but it's fairly close considering most everyone owns something.
I've also spent a fair amount of money on synthetic "performance" clothes for hiking, boating, etc. I am really a cotton gal, so it's pretty tough to get me into any other fibers, but knowing the extreme weather changes we will be facing in Alaska I figured I needed to give in to the sensibilities of wicking fabrics.
Thanks to my grandmother, we also have a brand new tent, the Sierra Designs Bedouin 6. It is huge and awesome and I expect it to be a fabulous base tent for the car camping portion. Jess is also bringing a great backpacking tent. Add the bed in the van and we have three versatile sleeping options.
I am still pining for some sort of water transport. I have pretty much ruled out any hardshell boats and have been mostly looking into the inflatable canoe/kayak options. There are many, all with varying abilities, price ranges and capacities. I am looking to buy something used, but so far nothing has come up that I've been thrilled with. I have started leaning toward the Sevylor Colorado Canoe lately, which is at Costco for 299, but I'm just not sure I am willing to go new. Of course we could always just rent where we can, but it eliminates the little lakes and streams. Island camping and fishing away from shore are just sooo appealing that I am hesitant to leave without a boat, but we shall see. As Jess said this morning, we may just find something fantastic on the road. You never know.
We still have a big shopping trip to do; food and various things. Today I think I will pick up a case of wine. However, it appears we will be starting this trip out with upfront costs around five grand. Which is pretty darn good. Well, considering the length of the venture. Not recommended for short-term travel.
6 days to go.
Hi Girls, I think what you are doing is absolutely great. Wish I was there. I like the case of wine.Also, am a cotton girl and am going to Amazon in Sept. and must think different fibers. Any suggestions what to by or where? Have bought 2 insect repellent shirts and 2 scarfs, good for 70 washings, light weight and soft. Just ordered some coolmax underwear to give a try. I know you two are going to write a book when you come back. YOU have a lot of MOXIE....luv it....take care and I will keep in touch....PAT H.
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I agree. Don't go with the hardshell. Inflatable is the way to go these days! Camping trips are the best. Although it can get pricey it's wel worth it. I suggest getting your own boat instead of renting.
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