Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: His-and-Hers Big Agnes Torchlite Camp 20° Expandable Mummy Bags

November 9, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 1 Comment

Andy and I spend as much time outdoors as possible. It’s our respite from the digital world we’re so attached to. Our latest build, the Travel Tractor Mitsubishi Delica van has allowed us to camp in comfort, no matter if we’re headed to overland shows via our makeshift sleeping platform or by moving the mid-row…

Continue reading →

Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: Sea to Summit’s Aeros Ultralight Deluxe and Aeros Down Inflatable Pillows

August 22, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 1 Comment

We reviewed the Aeros Ultralight Deluxe and Aeros Down Sea to Summit inflatable pillows. Are they all they’re cracked up to be or are they filled with hot air? We take a deep dive into both pillow types and share our impressions of each model.

Continue reading →

Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam

August 3, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 2 Comments

The Nextbase 622GW Dash Cam provides high-quality, crisp recordings and can give you added security when on the road. We recently received a Nextbase 622GW dash cam for review. At a tune of $399.99, it certainly isn’t the cheapest one on the market but it offers several bells and whistles in exchange for its hefty…

Continue reading →

Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: ARB Touring Awning Kit with Light

July 12, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 2 Comments

Australian-based ARB knows a thing or two about living in the Outback. From heavy-duty bumpers and off-road fridges to high-powered auxiliary lights and even awnings, the company has a long-standing reputation for quality, design, and longevity. We review the ARB Touring Awning Kit with Light to see if it stands up to its other products.

Continue reading →

Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: Lumio’s Lito mini

June 28, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / Leave a comment

Andy and I have reviewed dozens of products over the years. Some types of gear are utilitarian. Others are brought to market as “design first, function last.” It’s rare that your eyes notice something truly unique and functional and you know with a strong degree of certainty it’ll become a classic. One such product that…

Continue reading →

Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: Sea to Summit’s 6L Watercell ST

June 27, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 2 Comments

Next to air, water is the next most precious thing. Without it, especially when traveling remotely, bad things happen. We’ve tested the Sea to Summit 6L Watercell ST to see how it stacks up against its hard-sided water-carrying cousins. Over the years we’ve reviewed a variety of hard-sided water containers. However, they’re bulky and take…

Continue reading →

Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: On-the-Go Camp Essentials

May 5, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / Leave a comment

We’re all at that breaking point. We’ve been cooped up for over a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, political unrest is clawing its way throughout the globe, and job insecurities have us nervous. However, the new norm for taking your mind off of daily challenges may have transitioned from what was into enjoying the…

Continue reading →

Crankshaft Culture Gear Garage: 5.11 Tactical Load Ready Utility Large Tote

April 29, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / Leave a comment

Everyone needs a great tote bag. No joke. No matter if you’re lugging around heavy vehicle recovery gear or oddball-sized items, owning a durable go-to carrying case is important. Enter 5.11 Tactical’s 39-liter Load Ready Utility Large tote. In our opinion, it’s all that and more.

Continue reading →

You Know You’re on the Alcan When …

January 17, 2021 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 1 Comment

It’s hard to believe it’s been almost one year since Andy and I competed in the 2020 winter Alcan 5000 Rally. Who would have thought an old 1991 Japanese Domestic Market right-hand-drive diesel Pajero would be competing in temps that reached -40, much less finish strong in a rally that lasted 10 days and over…

Continue reading →

Coastal Offroad Delica Space Gear Bumpers: Installed and In Action

November 23, 2020 / Mercedes Lilienthal / 1 Comment

We have the Coastal Offroad high-clearance front and rear bumpers (with skid plate and swing-away tire/jerry can carrier) finalized! We thought we’d do a walk-around video showing the Coastal Offroad Delica bumpers’ advantages for off-road driving, camping, and carrying extra gear.

Continue reading →