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TextNow
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The most popular reviews in /r/vagabond:
Friendly plastic melts in somewhat hot water. Ball up your weed inside three baggies, and coat it with the melty plastic. When it cools to 120F, it will reharden into solid, army man type plastic. Then you have a plastic ball with weed inside, that no one would suspect.
Here's another brand with diagrams and shit.
https://www.amazon.com/InstaMorph-Moldable-Plastic-12oz-White/dp/B003QKLJKQ
It's an amazing product and kids fucking love the shit out of it.
You can also completely ruin any keyhole with it, forever.
Since most of the things you buy in America nowadays are made overseas, a site called alibaba.com exists to connect you directly to suppliers for bulk purchases. While the minimum order may be more than you can stomach, if you work with a few local buisnesses to get in on the purchase, you might fill up the minimum quite quickly.
For example this search for cordura backpack.
Generally speaking, a well made backpack made from "Codura" Nylon with YKK zippers will last a long time. Having a "laptop" slot isn't necessary, but having multiple pockets and access points is mandatory.
Nope, it will not negatively affect your tent. Just put a teaspoon or 2 of hydrogen peroxide into a 20oz spray bottle, or mix it into a bucket of 20-40oz of water, and use a sponge to gently spread it over the infected areas. Let it air dry.
After that dries, try to get your hands on some water-proofing spray from walmart, ace hardware, etc. Usually costs between 4-6 dollars, comes in a paint-spray can, and you can find it near the camping sections.
Spray your ENTIRE tent with this stuff, and spray extra attention along the seams and joints. This will not only further waterproof your tent, but it will also act as an extra defense against future possible mold build-up.
Sidenote: If you have any spray left in the can, go ahead and spray your boots or shoes, or even the outside of your backpack. Waterproofing spray is a travelers secret that more people should be educated about.
I use a free and open source program called Calibre to do this with my Kindle Paperwhite, and I believe it works with other E-readers. It'll automatically convert files that aren't compatible with the device and strip out any copy protection bullshit.
Good stuff, although with backpacks I take a different approach. https://www.amazon.ca/Coolton-Tactical-Backpack-Military-Rucksack/dp/B076VVCZ1Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=backpack&qid=1622356755&sr=8-6 for 50 Canada bucks this guys got tons of storage space and a great design that lets you access your gear like a duffel bag. It won't last long if you abuse it, but mines holding up well so far and it's 50 bucks so not a pain to replace.
For gloves I use a ratty pair of old mtb/bmx gloves. They work fine and have really good dexterity. Not the highest protection but beats going bare by a long shot.
Sleeping bags are a nuisance. I use hoodies and blankets.
For my shelter I use a simple hardware store tarp. It's cheap, sturdy, waterproof and versatile. I can use it as a sitting mat, a blanket (sorta) and of course a tent. Hanging it from opposite corners then pegging the two free ends into the ground makes a nice shape with good coverage and ventilation for warmer nights.
For a water jug, a milk jug is great. I like to also carry another smaller bottle to take quick sips out of. Portable stoves/pots are cheap on Amazon, and are also decent quality. I use this one and it's been working good so far: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01JLMM0YG/ref=ppx_yo_mob_b_track_package_o1_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
For beds hammocks are the BEST hands down. Mattresses are heavy, slow to pack and setup, bulky, and get smelly faster than hammocks. A hammock cradles you nicely and prevents you from getting sore. Especially as a side sleeper they are far far better than any mat. They also keep you off the ground, so you don't wake up with spiders crawling all over you. They have better ventilation in the summer and can snuggle quite warm in the winter with a sleeping bag. You can get them on Amazon for 30-50 CAD.
Thank you for introducing me to Don Blanding..."poet laureate of Hawaii"
Vagabond's House: "A complete antiquarian manual to the art of angling for roach"
https://www.amazon.com/Vagabonds-House-Don-Blanding/dp/1557092303
Harbour frieght sells a 7 X 9 camouflage tarp for $6.
9 X 11 camouflage for $11
Go to a mattress store and hit the dumpster. You should find a plastic cover for a twin mattress. This is just the size for a tube tent. Larger size covers have to be cut down to make an A frame tent or burrito cover for your sleeping gear.
Wal-mart has a 40 degree sleeping bag for $9. A bit bulky and you may need two of them for sleeping outside in Colorado in February. I would spend the extra money and get a 0 degree or better bag that does not take up much space. Remember that insulation under you is critical. Layer cardboard, leaves or pine needles under your gear.
Pick up some disposable hand warmers. Do you have good gloves and a balaclava ski mask? Hoodie or jacket with a hood?
I went from Oklahoma to Idaho in September. It was far colder than I expected. I had to hit a thrift store and buy more warm clothes. Don't make that mistake. Always know what the weather will be and expect the forecast to be wrong there just as often as it is in your area.
Denver CO weather forecast.
You don't mention a passport or international driver's license. Useful tools.
Even if you don't have service a used smart phone or tablet that can access WIFI is valuable. Offline maps, email, text messaging and even free phone calls using google hangouts and a voice mail box using google voice. Cell phones can make 911 calls as long as there is a signal.
Get a compass of some kind and refer to it often until your sense of direction gets better.
The first thing you need is a mentor who knows what he/ she is doing.
We get this same question over and over on this sub.
Read the sidebar. Then read the bazillion posts about it, then get a mentor. You will learn more in a week on the rails with a mentor than you would from a thousand internet posts. You cannot learn to hop trains on the internet.
Go to Amazon and buy Duffy Littlejohn's book, Hopping Freight Trains in America. $13.85 It's the best book about trainhopping that we have at present.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Love is a Dog from Hell by Charles Bukowski
Also... Since it was such a high rated recommendation, I'd just like to say that as an experienced vagabond I thought that On the Road was highly overrated. Reading it through, his adventure sounded boring in comparison to things that have happened to myself - and for me it'd be something I'd sooner recommend to someone who has no clue what it's like "on the road." Makes no sense to me to be reading a book like that when I am essentially having a parallel experience in real life and will likely meet other vagabonds all of whom tend to have amazing stories to tell.
When I tried this the submit button was greyed out and I couldn't press it. I had to enter in a debit card before it would let me press it. It didn't charge anything on my debit card. I used a fake card that I made on privacy.com
Depends on the sleeping bag. Synthetic bags can only be compressed a little, but down filled bags can usually be be depressed way down. A compression bag is usually the best way.
I have an ultra light weight AegisMax down bag that compresses down to roughly the size of a grapefruit. Mine came with it's own compression bag. For a down filled sleeping bag, it was cheap too! But it's not that warm, best for nights where the temperature is not expected to drop below about 40 degrees. Alternatively, for colder climate, you can carry an extra blanket or bivy, which normally provides an extra 10 degrees of warmth.
https://www.amazon.com/AEGISMAX-Outdoor-Urltra-Light-Sleeping-Three-Season/dp/B07BYZP96P
That's what https is for... also https://www.eff.org/https-everywhere(except that might fuck up the login portal... so you have to temp disable it or use private mode to log in)
You're totally safe as long as the url bar says "http*S*" and has a little lock on it. (the "s" means secure, and you're end-to-end encrypted from your device to the server)
Here is what I recommend. I'm not sure where you're at, but this is what I steer my fellow money tight wisconsinites to:
Bag: get an army surplus used bag. Often times their "damaged" bags on Amazon are only missing a button or have a bad zipper. If you can sew on a button or zipper, get something used like this. https://www.amazon.com/Military-Warm-Weather-Sleep-System/dp/B005LINEG8/ref=mp_s_a_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1543185484&sr=8-18&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=modular+sleep+system+military&dpPl=1&dpID=51tehjy3OHL&ref=plSrch
(I have no relation or sponsorship or anything like that to the link)
I've just used that kind of military sleep system before in winter nights in norther Wisconsin.
KEEP IN MIND: the temperature ratings for sleeping bags are for survival, not comfort! If you're in a 20 degree bag on a 20 degree night, and you dont have moisture protection like a bivy sack or outer vapor barrier liner or tarp coupled with extra quilts, you'll survive, but you wont get a kick of sleep. You'll be miserable. Always have a bag rated warmer than you need.
Summary: Splurge on a sleeping bag, if you use it, you'll never regret the splurge. Read up on on moisture regulation, because knowing what can be wet or damp and what absolutely needs to be dry can save your ass
For water sources and offline maps Osmand and MapsMe allow to search for water sources (taps, wells or public bathrooms f.e.). For the public restrooms you'll even see open times if someone added them.
I made a demo for you, I'll PM you the admin link, however here's the editable version, as admin you can tinker around with the marker settings as well. Feel free to test it out. If you want it offline on your phone you can click on tools and then export it to GPX and load into Osmand or MapsMe, if you export once with the phone chagers and once with the wall chargers visible you'll even be able to set them up differently. It still lacks conveinient updating systems, but it's definitely possible to make an Osmand Add-On. Oh almost forgot, if people want to use it around the US or even around the world it would make sense to make your own map to keep the maps working well on lower-end machines and smartphones.
Edit: the same works the other way around: you can map the chargers on your phone and upload the file to facilmap. I know this isn't really a convenient app, but it works.
Back to Osmand and MapsMe, they are basically both just using OpenStreetMap as a basis for all of the map data. You could go to the forum or a mapper meeting and propose a tag for public outlets, I think it would be a cool thing to have.
I use Surfshark, which is located in the British Virgin Island, solid privacy protection, no logs, strong encryption, kill switch for leak protection, multi hop options, over 1,000 IPs located in over 60 countries, clean web and ad blocker options, handles streaming well and can be used on unlimited number of devices.
It's also cheap. You can download the app, but with coupon deal below, it's $1.99/month. (I got even better deal though during Black Friday)
When you say "bike packing" as opposed to "bicycle touring", does this mean you'll be riding mainly on back trails, as opposed to the road? One thing I can tell you is carrying a backpack can be done, but is generally not your best option. Far better to carry the weight on your bike, as opposed to on your back.
If you don't have a rack, to bungee cord your gear on, you can get a seat post pack instead, such as one of these:
Also highly recommend bringing, at minimum, a tire patch kit, along with a mini pump or CO2 cartridges, and even more so if you will be riding back trails. Really sucks having to walk your bike 10-20 miles to the nearest gas station because of a flat tire.
Also, highly recommend bringing a 'mini tool" that can handle most other repairs -- trying to ride with a loose seat post flopping around also seriously sucks, especially since it takes seconds to screw it tight with a minitool. If you can't get a minitool, then bring a knife, and maybe a small adjustable wrench and screwdriver?
A chain breaker and a couple extra chain links is always a good idea, along with an extra spoke or two, but not absolutely necessary, hopefully.
Also strongly recommend bringing some kind of tarp -- rain protection. You might also want some misquito netting/spray.
Of course you should bring at least 2-3 water bottles/extra beverages. How much water you need also depends on distance between towns where you can restock.
Best of luck!
Lowes generally have them but the employees won't have a clue what you're talking about.
Best one for price/quality is the ILBE GEN III military pack. $100-150 at a military surplus store. Super duable, about 80-90 liters.
That might be a little expensive and big for you though. Really man for now anything with a hipbelt and frame is gonna be so much better than a duffle.
It's on Amazon if that's an option for you. Some bars or temp work places will let you ship to their address if you give them a heads up. https://smile.amazon.com/Survival-Triangular-Bandana-Survival-Information/dp/B00DZYY31U/
The real problem with finding a mentor is finding one who is sufficiently knowledgeable and mature. There are a lot of people hopping trains, but many of them are not very knowledgeable about what's going on.
Start by buying and reading Duffy Littlejohn's book, Hopping Freight Trains in America, about four or five times. You can get it on Amazon for $13.85. Littlejohn sugar-coats trainhopping too much, IMHO, but the information in that book is extremely valuable. He's trying to sell books. Take that into account.
I met Littlejohn once, at the National Hobo Convention in Britt, Iowa. He is an attorney, but he is also a very experienced and accomplished train hopper. He knows what he's talking about.
no stupid questions! this is the one i have. but if i could do it again, i'd get one with more wattage. it can be powered via solar or plugging into an outlet, and lasts me like a week of phone / laptop / heating up tea.
https://www.amazon.com/Coghlans-8408-Backpackers-Trowel/dp/B000BS05Z6
$3. Can't tell you how many cat holes I've dug with one of those. And you can use a fucking stick if you want.
>gas station trashcans normally get taken out after a day
Normally.
When I was in my early 20s I read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance after getting swept up in all the Jack Kerouac stuff. I remember it being a good counter balance and if you are a reader in might be worth a try.
After university and a relationship rough patch I disappeared on a bicycle trip through Alaska, the Yukon and BC. I was gone for a summer and I learned a lot. I learned that I needed the people in my life (I didn't need them for the trip but just missed them more than I thought I would) and as an introvert I realised that I need social interaction more than I thought I did. I very quickly learned how to strike up conversations with random strangers. I had some really fun adventures, some scary moments and I learned a lot. It also cemented my relationship with my partner. I also learned that as much as I love wandering and exploring, to be happy in the long term I need a degree of stability. Finding that has been an adventure in itself and in many ways harder than any of my weird wandeerings.
I now mix my life with a stable responsible long term job I enjoy. I also disappear on adventures in my off time and I am happy in that life. I would recommend taking this trip but doing it on your own terms. I spent a bunch of my 20s thinking that things that things had to be done either one way or the other. In absolutes. Go have fun but don't feel like you need to do everything a certain way and don't put yourself in bad situations with rigid thinking.
The blister will break, eventually, and expose sensitive, weepy, raw skin (the dermis) underneath. The tough, epidermal layer is the part that has separated from the dermis. This dermal layer is easily infected, so you want to use triple antibiotic ointment (TAO) on it, and keep it covered with a bandage.
If the blister is not large or severe, you could try cutting a doughnut-shaped piece of moleskin with a hole big enough to surround the blister, and apply that to dry, intact skin.
The best way to deal with an intact blister is to wash the area carefully, apply something like iodine or alcohol, then sterilize a sewing needle in a flame (heat kills all bacteria) and carefully pierce the edge of the blister at its margin, letting all the serum (fluid) out. (Serum is the "water" part of blood--but has few actual red blood cells.) Then apply TAO and a bandage, and try to rest it frequently. As long as the bandage is intact, and you have applied a generous amount of TAO, it's not necessary to change the bandage every day. The TAO will retard the growth of bacteria, and you can go a couple of days without changing the bandage.
If the bandage gets wet, or comes off, you should change it. More TAO, another, fresh bandage.
If it begins to show signs of infection, however, you must go to a doctor.
The separated skin will eventually come off. New, pink epidermis will grow. The area that was blistered will grow new, tougher, skin, but it takes a while. Blisters are similar to burns in the way they should be handled.
https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-the-skin#1
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-blisters/basics/art-2005669
>Being broke is no fun, lol. If I could figure out a way to make money while hiking all the time I'd be all for it! Romantic Asheville has a lot of great hikes listed for Asheville and surrounding areas. If you aren't familiar with the area this is a good place to start. I also recommend All Trails (app or website). It great for length, elevation, etc.
Wouldn't that be the dream job. Thought about going into trail management and help make/manage trails but they find alot of volunteers to do it. Would still be fun. Thanks for the links!
Too much overthinking.
Recently I completed a 9 month nomadic journey from UK to Hong Kong, I had nothing but a 25l daypack which had all my gear.
Here, have a listen to this audio recording I did on the subject:
#6 - My Travel Gear https://anchor.fm/Jinnmago/episodes/6---My-Travel-Gear-e1g7fe
You really don't need to overthink it.
The straws work, but I think a Sawyer mini filter is a lot better. The straws enable you to drink directly from the source only, but a Sawyer mini enables you to fill your water bottles with purified, filtered water, to travel with.
Amazon link:
"How to Train a Watch Dog" by Bruce Sessions. Best book I ever read on the subject. I used it to train two German shepherds, at different times.
I'd recommend the Danner USMC Rat Mohave boot. I tore all over Iraq and Assramastan in these boots and they never let me down. Wear them to this day rubber tramping (motorcycle tramp). Goretex but don't overheat your foot, good for riding in the rain, crossing creeks, walking endless miles. I also believe they can be resoled at a cobbler. Linky below. Also check ebay for great deals on these.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VVK96DK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_FJFKRAXAXM2M0XD0SF22
If you have a halfway decent tent with mosquito netting and keep the zippers closed, the only way buggies are going to get in, is if you bring them in with you.
Even the smallest gnats and misquitos can not get through no-see-um netting, much less spiders or ticks.
Various natural sprays with essential oils do work to repel most insects, but not all. Using an insect repellant containing deet, and/or your tent/gear with a product containing permethrin is far more effective, and lasts for weeks, even lasts through rain and machine washings.
But even though permethrin and deet have been around for years and are far more effective, it all depends on whether bugs or chemicals freak you out more,
Good luck!
Doctors gave me as much expensive medicine as they could. it did not defeat the infestation. but sulfur lime dip ($15 from the pet store) did the trick, for scabies. directions say use diluted every 7 days. I used diluted every 3 days. which helped immensely
This stuff is bomb too, and cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/Hartz-UltraGuard-Flea-Oatmeal-Shampoo/dp/B000OXCUCO/ref=sr_1_3
Just make sure you rinse it all off after letting it sit for 3 minutes. some got on my toe and now it's perpetually numb.
I have this in my diddy bag worlds smallest chess
Just get this book.
https://www.amazon.com/Hopping-Freight-Trains-America-Littlejohn/dp/094462734X
It's been explained on this sub b4.
This portable burner and pot/coffee maker w/cups are cheap and have good reviews
Just got this one 3 weeks ago. Cheaper than most others but I've never had problems with it. Quality product
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F6CR7L2?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I don't know where you plan on traveling to, but in a lot of areas, due to the risk of wildfires, campfires are not permitted. So if you want to cook, a small backpacking stove is advisable.
If you have the money and want something that will boil water fast, you might want to consider buying a "JetBoil". Highest BTUs, boils a liter of water in about 90 seconds. As a complete system, comes with it's own "pot", that speeds cooking, but really only good for boiling water fast.
Otherwise, a good budget backpacking stove that is virtually bulletproof, costs under $20 and also utilizes isobutane can sites is this:
Also, a a good meal that's cheap, high in protein, calorie dense, and easy to carry in a backpack is peanut butter spread on tortillas. Wrap up a banana inside for a gourmet meal.
Hammock with a bug net. I have this one but there are also cheaper options on Amazon that are still good.
I also have citronella candles and bugspray with deet.
I second the wool sock solution. I have sweaty feet and I find it disgusting to have them swimming inside boots. I highly advise a second pair of shoes, why not sandals?
Uniden Bearcat BC75XLT Handheld Scanner: 300 Channels, 10 banks, Close Call Technology, PC Programable, NOAA Weather, Aviation, Marine, Railroad, NASCAR, and Non-Digital Police/Fire/Public Safety
https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-BC75XLT-300-Channel-Handheld-Emergency/dp/B00A1VSO9M
I’m thinking something like this (Amazon link) that packs small and snaps open / closed.
racord is a standard for a reason, if you can swing it, get the good stuff with like 7 distinct core strands (possibly even a tinder or monofilament strand in there). Those high quality ones are gonna be expensive tho but I’d definitely go for stranded not fluff if you can. Personally though, I like tarred bank line more, I always feel bad about cutting paracord but cutting bank line doesn’t mess with me like that. I also find it works better for lashing. I like the #36 for heavier duty, but I think the #15 is a better all round option it’s a better $/foot ratio too, by a lot. For storage I just leave them on the spools they come on, works pretty well for me. If you really need strength and are willing to fork up for the super good stuff, I’m my opinion you cannot beat dyneema it’s light, floats, uv resistant, unties easily (be careful because knots may slip if poorly done), and is ungodly strong (a 7/64 diameter piece has a tensile strength of 1400lbs. Hope this helps
For truck camping, I recommend a simple 1 burner propane damp stove, like this one for approx. $24.
It's a little on the heavy side for backpacking, but especially good for vehicle camping, offering more stability than most backpacking stoves, are virtually bulletproof.
The butane canisters also only cost about $2-3, which is also whole lot cheaper than the isobutane canisters used by most backpacking stoves.
You could probably find one at a Walmart even cheaper.
yeah, the mobile app isnt very good. Might I suggest checking out Infinity. It's a Reddit client that seems to be a lot better than the official one, and it should sort out your problem with the double posting 😁
Do you mean the Singing Bowl? I've seen some that were fairly pricey, but you can also buy entry level ones for under $10.
Here's one on Amazon for $9.97
Ride with traffic on a bike and wear high viz / reflective gear
Get a bright headlight and flashing red light on the back
Watch behind you with a mirror
Try to stick to roads where people expect bikes if possible
A lot of cities have bike maps so check for those
If you're traveling, look at the Adventure Bicycle Association. They've mapped out the best roads for biking
RailGuide is superior for trainhoppers.
It color codes the track rights according to company (UP/BNSF/CSX/NS), and it also has cool stuff like points of interest and railroad history. I love it.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.railguide.rg_free
I left mine with family.
Frankly, more than a few people I know have had their storage lockers broken into and lost everything.
Before I paid for something like that, I'd sell off as much as possible, and either rent a safety deposit box, or bury in 5 gallon bucket deep in the woods.
To protect, you might want to also seal in Mylar bags and oxygen absorbers, which also help keep dry and protect against mold.
It’s an Amazon link but you can get it on super markets. Plus I’d say any kind of dehydrated meat will hold quite nicely amazon for jerky
Nothing fancy about this book. It’s just information in the style of the White Pages: the Next EXIT 2022 - The Most Complete USA Interstate Highway Exit Directory https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QNZWPLV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_N6NF3FQYN1RG2RVYY5WR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's official name is a sillcock key. Hardware stores carry them, or you can get them online from Amazon or somewhere. (A sillcock is an outdoor water faucet with no handle. To turn it on you have to have a sillcock key.)
Some people mount a small PV panel on their pack and charge their phone that way. There's also a phone charger that creates electricity from heat created by burning twigs in a small stove/charger.
UV 5R is the affordable go to. Works kike a charm.
Iike the 8 watt models and think it's worth the extra 30 bucks:
BAOFENG BF-F8HP (UV-5R 3rd Gen) 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio (136-174MHz VHF & 400-520MHz UHF) Includes Full Kit with Large Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MAULSOK/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_XKDT79E687BK9XZ7SHBQ
As aforementioned, I also think it's worth it to upgrade your antennae with a Nagoya whip:
Authentic Genuine Nagoya NA-771 15.6-Inch Whip VHF/UHF (144/430Mhz) Antenna SMA-Female for BTECH and BaoFeng Radios https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KC4PWQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_KHM5WG159H42915ZDR6X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Thje best book I ever read on the subject of dog training is "How to Train A Watch Dog" by Bruce Sessions.
Sessions was an Air Force security dog trainer and the techniques he detailed in the book are the same techniques the Air Force used to train Air Police dogs. (The USAF military police (MP's), Air Police and Security Police (SP's) are now known as the U.S. Air Force Security Forces (SF.) They are the ground security and ground combat forces of the USAF. I knew a Vietnam veteran who served in the USAF ground security force in Vietnam. He said they were just like Army infantry, except they only patrolled around Air Force bases in Vietnam.
Anyway, Sessions really knows his stuff. I used his book to train a German shepherd puppy I got (from the guard dogs at my job) way back in the mid 1970's and Sessions' techniques worked perfectly for me.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Train-Watchdog-Bruce-Sessions/dp/0830657533
You can buy down filled sleeping bags that are fairly warm, weigh less than a pound, and compress down to roughly the size of a large water bottle.
However, the really good ones are also fairly expensive. For cheaper alternatives, you can go with a light weight down filled quilt -- or an inexpensive down filled sleeping bag, such as ultra light weight AegisMax sleeping bags:
https://www.amazon.com/AEGISMAX-Outdoor-Urltra-Light-Sleeping-Three-Season/dp/B07BYZP96P
I have one of these. Not the highest quality, but for the price it's a fairly decent 3 season sleeping bag, with 800 fill power, water resistant down.
I got mine at a rummage sale, but they often also go on sale for about $60.
Best of luck!
You may want to consider getting a spill proof urine bottle, such as one of these:
A lot of hikers use them, especially when camping in artic climates, so they don't have to freeze by getting out of their fart bags to use them, and not worry about spillage.
There are some. Most women vagabonds travel with a partner, either a guy or another woman. This is just common sense.
It goes without saying that there are a shit ton of predators in the world. Many women report that they never have a problem, and they sometimes accuse people who advocate caution of being gatekeepers or scaremongers. On the other hand, some women report that they are frequently accosted by creeps.
I know several female trainhoppers, but they are exceptionally skilled and experienced, and seem to have developed a sort of "sixth sense" about danger. Women vagabonds should listen to their gut. If something seems creepy or "off," you may be picking up on some vibe from a predator subconsciously.
I also advocate that women travel armed with a fixed-blade knife, concealed, but in a place where you can still get to it in an emergency. If you carry a folding knife, be sure it is a clip-on knife that can be drawn and operated with one hand. I think knives similar to this are appropriate, but everybody has their own preference. The main thing is to practice, practice, practice and to develop absolute resolve about using it to defend your own life.
Hopping Freight Trains in America. Duffy Littlejohn, Zephyr Rhoades Press, 1993, 2001. The price has more than doubled in recent years. Amazon.
Getting a small first aid kit is usually more compact, practical, and cheaper.
Instead of carrying around bottles Of isopropyl alcohol, pain meds, etc., carrying a couple of individually wrapped antiseptic wipes, along with a couple individually wrapped OTC pain meds, and few other items makes more sense. Easier to carry and usually more economical
Such as this one for $6.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006M58ZO/ref=emc_b_5_t#descriptionAndDetails
Study study study. Get yourself a copy of this Book. Many many things are still relevant. Tune into the scanner frequencies and see if you can figure out the lingo. If you can get info on where a train is heading from the radio, youll be in a good position but really knowing comes from years of experience and even then, sometimes the pros end up dropped at a siding in bum fuck egypt and have to hitch back to the mainline.
Safety, packing proper but light are the most important things. For all the fun of seeing the country by train, theres also a whole lot of waiting, sleeping in the rain, and getting dirty af.
Sometimes I drink coffee, and sometimes I don't. It depends if there's an opportunity to kindle a fire. But I buy coffee whenever I have the chance. I'm feeling human whenever drinking coffee made in a coffee shop. And I really miss the coffee that I was drinking while having my own place. Although it was simple, involving only a good french press, hot water, and ground coffee. I was using the SterlingPro french press that I ordered on https://www.amazon.com/French-Double-Wall-Stainless-Mirror-Finish/dp/B00MMQOZ1U and freshly grounded beans. But unfortunately, now I can't allow myself such luxury. I mainly carry something similar to a cezve that is far from the traditional ones made from copper. In my backpack, I keep a pack of instant coffee using it when I have the opportunity. It tastes awful, but it does help get more energy to move on, so I'm grateful.
Daniel Leen's book is about 40+ years old, pretty out-of-date.
Duffy Littlejohn's book is pretty out-of-date at this point, but it's newer than Leen's book. Hopping Freight Trains in America was first published in 1993, then re-issued in 2001. That's still 21 years old though. Most of the information is still good.
It is impossible to learn enough about trainhopping from a book to hop trains safely, but Littlejohn's book is filled with a lot of really good information despite that. It's a good place to start learning.
My main complaint about Littlejohn's book is that he sugarcoats tramp life. He's trying to sell books, so he was trying to make trainhopping into some kind of "extreme sport" attractive to yuppies. Life on the street is a lot more dangerous than Littlejohn says in his book, especially now, and especially after three years of Covid. There's probably ten or fifteen times as many drug addicts now than there were in 1993. There are massive homeless encampments everywhere. Street life is much worse now.
Hopping Freight Trains in America is available on Amazon, but the price has pretty much doubled.
https://www.amazon.com/Hopping-Freight-Trains-America-Littlejohn/dp/094462734X
The Freighthopper's Manual for North America: Hoboing in the 21st Century https://www.amazon.com/dp/0963291270/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_AAR8626BEMPVTRMAMV24
Here's an updated version I found, I don't know how different it is from that one. Someone called it the "vulgate," so it seems to be held in high regard. I'm glad you posted this, I might have to pick up a copy before heading out.
why do you have to run away permanently, go away for two months; live the life with your savings.
Come back, learn a trade, anything (woodworking, coding, etc), learn a way to sustainably live by yourself; that will be way better than leaving with no skills. You could become a full stack developer within 6-8 months, then you can travel the world while making some money. Try, https://www.freecodecamp.org/
I understand how you feel tho, you need a break; go out and travel for a couple of months. You feel better when you come back. Just tell your parents the truth, say you need to taste how it feels, and promise them you will call them every week.
Mine is a GSI, weighs rough 4 ounces and shoots out a shot of espresso in about a minute. I picked up mine from a garage sale for a couple of bucks, but they're sold on Amazon, here
https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Expresso-Maker-GSI-Outdoors/dp/B07BL4RDJ8
Only holds about 2 ounces of water, so you couldn't really use it for heating up water for tea. It's just for making single shots of espresso, very fast.
> It says hitchhiking, not ''affordable flights''.
This sub is mainly Americans, but the sidebar contains advice on hitchhiking in Europe. How do you think most American vagabonds get to Europe, genius?
> The sidebar says houseless, not budget hotels.
Even some of our most respected hobos and dirty kids here have posted that they use cheap hotels at least occasionally. The only person who keeps banging on about ever paying for accommodation is you.
> There are frugal travel subs.
Not really functioning ones. I see you recommended r/Shoestring elsewhere, but if you paid attention you would have seen that that sub was already taken over by blogspammers a couple of years ago now. I agree that ordinary backpackers are unlikely to get the advice they are looking for here, but your jeremiad is probably a waste of your time and everyone else’s.
Even if that other guy going to Japan isn’t a homeless person, you shouldn’t discourage them so quickly. Japan is a country where ordinary backpackers are likely to at least try out our lifestyle, because free camping in Japan is tolerated.
Industrial society makes it possible to provide for millions of people through what is called "Economy of Scale." Commercial farming exploits the earth, but feeds millions. Subsistence farming exploits the earth, but only feeds the farmer and his family. Zimbabwe is an example. When Zimbabwe had commercial farming, it was called the "breadbasket of Africa." When commercial farming was destroyed, and the farms expropriated, Zimbabweans began to starve.
When the nations heats it's homes with industrial natural gas or fuel oil, the earth is exploited. When people burn wood for heat and cooking, the land is deforested, soil erosion occurs and the streams and rivers are polluted with silt.
We have billions of people on Earth. A tremendous change occurred with the industrial revolution: whereas it had taken all of human history until around 1800 for world population to reach one billion, the second billion was achieved in only 130 years (1930), the third billion in 30 years (1960), the fourth billion in 15 years (1974), and the fifth billion in only 13 years (1987).
We cannot allow large numbers of people to attempt to "live off the land." The extinction of other species absolutely will result. A few people can do it, but not the masses of humanity.
Duolingo for learning other languages. Also watch foreign films with subtitles on. That tunes up your ear to catch the inflections and cadence of the new language and exposes you to some of the culture as well. Listen to music in the target language and sing the lyrics. While in country watch lots of local TV when you can.
We made lots of them. I liked the alcohol ones better because they burned hotter, and cooked food faster, but the cardboard/wax ones lasted longer.
You an also buy the alcohol ones premade instead. Here's one on Amazon, although Walmart sells them cheaper:
Also, most people use "Heet" instead of alcohol, because it apparently burns cleaner,
There's insulated models of the Klymit. Here's one, with an r value of 4.4
Well, I use the memo switchback, which is a closed cell foam pad, and I find it very comfy however, I'm also very small, and go out like a light. Yes, a little on the bulky side, but folds up like an accordion, and MINE weighs far less than any air mattress because I chopped several of the sections off so it only weighs about 12 ounces.
Backpacking mattresses do offer more padding and considerably more comfort, and yes, Thermarest air mattresses are top of the line -- but expensive, at close to $200. Sea to summit air mattresses are also good -- but still cost about $150.
However the Klymit Static V air mattress only weighs a couple ounces more. Very well made, extremely comfy, highly recommended and only costs about $50.
https://www.amazon.com/Sleeping-Lightweight-Outdoor-Backpacking-Inflatable/dp/B0897Y7NXN
You mean like a luggage card or backpack trolley? Problem with the. Is they tend to be on the heavy side. Most weight at least 5-10 pounds. Here's one that's only 2.8 pounds
But that's roughly what my tent weighs, so don't know that I'd want to carry the additional weight just for whenever happen to be in a city on pavement.
Sign up for couchsurfing.com and completely fill out the profile with several pictures of your self.
Use Gumtree.com like you would use Craigslist to find what you need.
Ask people if you can stay in their garden for a night.
/r/rideshare
/r/hitchhiking
Https://www.craigslist.org/iso/us
On the top left side of Craigslist there is a rideshare section. Look in the starting city and the destination city. Also look in cities along the way.
Do not walk along the Interstates labeled I-##. Use fuel stations and on ramps.
Being broke is no fun, lol. If I could figure out a way to make money while hiking all the time I'd be all for it! Romantic Asheville has a lot of great hikes listed for Asheville and surrounding areas. If you aren't familiar with the area this is a good place to start. I also recommend All Trails (app or website). It great for length, elevation, etc.
Dude, this is 2019. There are websites that will run phon code in browser. https://repl.it/languages/python3
You could also set up a USB Linux environment and use that. And Jupiter notebooks and Git.
I see someone already shared a link, but I will add a little detail not usually shared in official guides.
It used to be, in addition to the largest gem and mineral show in the world, one of the most epic, weeks-long party of hippies, travelers, and other general freaks. There was always a Regional Rainbow Gathering in Quartzsite, AZ leading up to it and one in Stagestop following, so there was a large Rainbow presence and all that entails. (Things like LSD, inexplicable happenings and ethereal hippie chicks.)
​
Ah, the "good old days".
There is also the life straw. I have not used this, but it is a popular item.
My Eureka Solitaire tent only weighs a little over 2 and a half pounds, and packs down very small.
https://www.amazon.com/Eureka-Solitaire-One-Person-Three-Season-Backpacking/dp/B000EQCVNY
Unless you have a really good down sleeping bag, my entire sleep system is probably much smaller and weighs less than yours.
A pair of those cheap picnic salt and pepper shakers. https://www.amazon.com/Mortons-Mccormick-Pepper-5-25-ounce-Shakers/dp/B0005YMEFK/ref=sr_1_28?keywords=salt+and+pepper+shaker&qid=1637444532&qsid=136-3360683-3604859&sr=8-28&sres=B06XH11C7K%2CB079W7NSNX%2CB0957GFVV6%2CB07WFCFMD2%2CB...
Most of the time you just reach in and take the stuff off the top that interests you. Rarely have to dig. Never been that hungry.
Hoffman's book
You can earn money simply by watching ads on this website Ojooo Wad Ojooo Wad. It doesn’t require any investment or experience. It's not really sustainable tho and I wouldn't recommend to do it for a living, but it is great for earning some side money. I've been using it for a long time and it can really be useful to make some side money
>biovacs
The correct spelling is
Bivouacs
They are free camping spots across NL and BE, and some/most even have a wood gazebo where you can set up your tent which is very nice in winter since they are very wet countries.
https://www.outdooractive.com/en/bivouacs/netherlands/bivouacs-in-the-netherlands/25076277/
Did you read 18 USC? The downside is going to prison for five years.
Hell, you can fly to London for $380. Why in the world would anybody stowaway?
https://www.kayak.com/flights/region/BOS-EUcg/2019-03-03/2019-03-10
madmacs won't break it. It can be tricky to find which interface is your wifi. (bluetooth and ethernet have mac addresses too)
But messing around in your registry (like the article says) can definitely break it. But, you know, breaking it over and over again is how you learn.
I like partitioning my HD so I can run windows and couple different gnu/linuxes... but I'm pretty far out there on the nerd spectrum.
But really, just use madmacs. You can set it to randomize your mac on every boot, too.
Oh and if you want to learn linux, you can use a live usb that doesn't touch your harddrive. https://unetbootin.github.io is pretty straightforward for making one but i recommend downloading the .iso first manually instead of through the program.
Also, i don't mind answering questions for you if you're stuck.
Free wifi locations and passwords: https://www.wifimap.io/
Free wifi phone service: https://www.textnow.com/
If your cell phone works on the Sprint network, TextNow has an advertising supported cell phone service.
I've read (and given my sister) a book called "The Gift of Fear" that I highly recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036Z9U2A/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
It describes (with examples and case studies) the various ways predators will manipulate you. This reminds me of one of the warning signs outlined in the book, which I'll paraphrase: "Someone offering you a favor you did not ask for and then not listening when you demur is someone who is not listening to you and who likely has a hidden agenda. Bail, and don't feel bad about it."
Highly recommend the book. Glad you got out of there.
That's why most vagabonds here will head south for the winter, and north for the summer rather tan battle the elements.
You may want to consider getting a small propane heater, like a "Mr. Heater Little buddy".
Uses a 1 pound propane tank, which can get expensive, but far cheaper if you refill the canisters from a 20 pound propane tank.
Good luck!
My wife was also adventurous. She just had a book published which is a fictionalized account of one of our first adventures. Paul and Carol Go to Guatemala
I use a backpacking espresso maker, works fairly wrll
Excess cash should be kept in a bank account, accessible with debit card.
I personally carry my ID, cash, along with debit/credit cards in a money belt, worn under my clothes, with RFID protection-so thieves can't read your cards electronically, like one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Travel-Money-Belt-Protection/dp/B06W5HC3GX
Also advise carrying a "decoy wallet" with a couple bucks in it, to hand over in the event of a robbery. Most thieves/muggers will just take the "decoy" and run, and that's all they'll get.
You might also want to get a security deposit bank from a bank, to protect any other important documents/ papers, such as your birth certificate.
If you can get a cheap sous vide and small container it would be a great way for you to heat up food [other than the microwave] that will have little, to no smell at all.
This is just one example:
RODONI Ultra Slim Sous Vide Machine 1000W | Immersion Circulator | Professional Cooker | Ultra Quiet Working Vacuum Heater | Accurate Temperature Digital Timer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LFKBK67/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_2K7GNNY9FBNNNFVDR2W6
The yoga mat is definitely more important since you have a way to cook food. This is just an idea for you!
It’s a bit more pricey but I think it will be much more comfortable for you. Something to think about if it works out and you’re comfortable making the investment.
A lot of smart tvs have Bluetooth support if yours doesn’t i would use something like this
BANIGIPA Wireless Headphones Earbuds for TV Watching, Neckband Earphones Hearing Set w/Bluetooth Transmitter for Home Stereo DVD Projector, support RCA, 3.5mm AUX audio out, Plug n Play, No Audio Delay https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08QHGLDF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_9P3VSB337045V6MRNJNC Oh btw myflixer is not a typo it us actually spelled like that
I have a lot of success with this air pad.
OutdoorsmanLab Ultralight... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LZWW2FD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s a knockoff of a way more expensive R value Neo Air lite.
Works real well. Blows up and Can stow it away quicker than a large blow up mattress.
Best of luck to you.
Instead of having to buy and install a rack, along with a bag, panniers, etc., you could just get a seatpost bag -- that you just snap right on to the seatpost, and back of your saddle.
There's fairly large ones, that hold a surprising amount of gear, at least 10-15 pounds, plus you can bungid your foam sleep pad on top, along with some additional gear. Like is one:
https://www.amazon.com/Moosetreks-Lightweight-Bikepacking-Waterproof-Attachment/dp/B08LDX4M38