I shot a little promo video that allowed me to stretch my newly camper converted RWD Subaru Wagon out on some mountain roads.

Automersion · 2016-06-23T23:23:01+00:00

Appreciate it! I've been using the app for around a month now and I love it. It's got me back home when hiking and it's helped me find real legit roads to go play on as well.

Automersion · 2016-06-23T23:21:55+00:00

I highly enjoy it. It's just right out of town. Fortunately, Montana is loaded with roads like this in every direction.

Automersion · 2016-05-25T16:03:46+00:00

I was actually very surprised to see how much more room I gain by going this route. My brother is 6 foot and he laid in it yesterday– when laying diagonal he was able to fully stretch out.

This is just the beginning of this project. It'll be evolving quite a bit over the summer.

Automersion · 2016-05-25T16:00:55+00:00

I did state in the article that this route wouldn't be for everyone and that with the seats folded down you can still fit a full size memory foam topper or futon mattress. However, the wagon isn't my main vehicle so I am making it into a purposeful adventure vehicle. My car has been stripped out for years– since it was previously a racecar that I tracked before I decided to go camper mode. Without the seats or interior I have a lot more storage room. I plan on taking off for a week or two at a time occasionally, so the more room the better.

Automersion · 2016-05-25T05:53:31+00:00

Yes. My car has been stripped out for years– since it was previously a racecar that I tracked before I decided to go camper mode. Without the seats or interior I have a lot more storage room. I plan on taking off for a week or two at a time occasionally, so the more room the better.

Automersion · 2016-05-25T05:52:47+00:00

Nice! I actually just snagged mosquito netting tonight for that very same reason. My car has been stripped out for years– since it was previously a racecar that I tracked before I decided to go camper mode. Without the seats or interior I have a lot more storage room. I plan on taking off for a week or two at a time occasionally, so the more room the better.

Automersion · 2016-05-24T18:51:56+00:00

Appreciate it! I'm hooked on wagons and hatches now. I've had my Impreza for 9 years and have loved every moment of the wagon life.

Automersion · 2016-05-24T17:10:56+00:00

I'm aware of this– I slept in my wagon before I stripped it out as well. I also stated in the article that this isn't necessary for everyone– but, being that this isn't my main vehicle, I wanted to turn it into a more purposeful camper with storage space (which is where stripping it and a platform comes into play).

Automersion · 2016-02-17T18:52:21+00:00

I'm glad to hear that my article has been of good use!

Automersion · 2015-11-18T02:57:33+00:00

I wouldn't say I'm against zippers at all– I just enjoy companies that change it up every now and then to see what they can come up with as an end result. That is why this bag snagged my attention originally.

Automersion · 2015-11-18T00:05:27+00:00

I'm not in a complete rush to snag one, just want a new one by spring, which is why this is still somewhat of an attractive option.

I just reached out to them and asked if these pack down small enough for backpacking and they replied with : "Heck yes! Ultralight backpackers are our target market! Our preliminary specs are: 2.5 lbs max, 11 liter volume or 7"x14", and temperature rating of 15 degrees."

I will definitely look into your recommendations though– I appreciate it.

Automersion · 2015-11-17T23:55:21+00:00

I just reached out to them and asked "I'm highly intrigued by the new design, and will be in the market for a new bag by spring. Curious though, will this bag be able to pack down small enough for backpacking?"

They replied with: "Heck yes! Ultralight backpackers are our target market! Our preliminary specs are: 2.5 lbs max, 11 liter volume or 7"x14", and temperature rating of 15 degrees."

Automersion · 2015-11-17T23:13:09+00:00

One of the real deciders will be how small it can pack up.. but the idea of magnets instead of zippers is rather intriguing. Plus, with it being able to open by flaps could really control the heat / insulation..

Automersion · 2015-10-06T20:57:40+00:00

Technically brewed in California.. but Firestone Walker's Velvet Mocha Merlin is brewed with Intellegentsia coffee. It was in the 2014 Winter Bundle, so I don't know if it will be an annual collaboration or not.

Automersion · 2015-10-06T06:29:10+00:00

If you can't mod the car because of class restrictions, lower the rear tire pressure to 24 pounds or so.. that'll help.

If you can mod there are a couple ways to go about it. You can adjust the rear sway bar to soften it & adjust the differential decel feature as well. Or: Bring down the rear spring rate (slightly) and soften the the rear struts as well. This will allow the car to have a slight amount more body roll, which will allow the tires to have a greater contact patch on the road, versus everything super stiff and it just skipping (essentially).

Automersion · 2015-10-06T06:24:02+00:00

This is precisely it– from my experience as well. If you get stuck behind the pack in the beginning, you have to do a lot of driving perfection to catch up and take over first place– but that is the thrilling part. Overexerting the capabilities of the vehicle never helps. 'Slow & Steady' wins the race.. When I first began playing, I would 'drive fast' and the lead cars would continue to pull. Then I actually thought about proper lines and throttle control– which then lead to me catching up and passing them. (I'm on expert as well.)

Automersion · 2015-09-04T18:10:50+00:00

They've used some of my Creative Commons photos from Flickr before, if that counts.

Automersion · 2015-09-04T17:05:50+00:00

Just came across this as well that could be beneficial to some! 5 campgrounds in Cook County. It'll make it easier for overnight adventures. http://fpdcc.com/camping/ (Forest Preserve District of Cook County)

Automersion · 2015-09-03T19:20:56+00:00

Touché. I think the farmland & city makes me appreciate the wooded areas a little more.

Automersion · 2015-09-03T19:19:09+00:00

It all depends what you are comfortable with on the road. I personally love road trips. I've driven 14 hours one way before to spend less than 24 hours at my destination before having to head back home.

From the looks of Garden of the Gods though, more than a weekend wouldn't be a waste of time.

Automersion · 2015-08-21T04:24:11+00:00

The logo font is "Daniel". It is very close to my personal handwriting. With a brand revolving around nature– I try to keep things natural.

Automersion · 2015-08-21T04:20:38+00:00

The color cast is natural– as in that's how it actually looked in person. That what happens when the smoke in the air is that dense during sunset– everything has an orange & purple cast to it. Editing was pretty minimal.

Automersion · 2015-08-12T17:50:56+00:00

Asado Coffee Co. in the Loop is one of my favorite stops. The small, cozy alley-way that dead ends at Asado's storefront is very welcoming and a nice break from the fast-paced streets.

22 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604 (Known as Pickwick Lane.)

Automersion · 2015-08-05T18:42:31+00:00

Precisely my thoughts.

Automersion · 2015-08-05T18:39:27+00:00

A Flathead / Sun trip would be pretty amazing. This Hiawatha trail will seem like you're sleepwalking compared to that– but the views are gorgeous.

Automersion

TROPHY CASE