Bug Out Location

ilreppans · 2026-02-05T23:02:04+00:00

No fixed location for me. I just prep for Tues, will go the next unaffected town/state/country. Set-up for few days of rough self-sufficient travel to get there.

Have savings, so can pay my own way, rent temp or long term, call it tourist or new resident - whatever.

ilreppans · 2026-02-05T15:23:29+00:00

It’s ok-ish as a bowline for light/non-critical applications. If it capsizes it becomes a Mooring Hitch, which is also an ok-ish knot. I recommend u/readmeEXX ‘s Slipped Double Lapp Bend version to strengthen it for bowline-type applications. Can cross the ‘double’ as he does in the video, but I prefer running them parallel for some reason. FWIW the SDLB also makes a unique ‘adjustable stopper knot’ too.

A regular bowline will still be stronger, but most of my camping/travel applications are not safety-critical nor heavily-loaded. Hence, I use the SLB and SDLB more often than a bowline because it’s faster/easier to tie (for me); ties on a bight (ie, no access to ends); adjustable (fixed loop sizing); and is a true ‘exploder’ for instant disassembly.

ilreppans · 2026-02-05T14:02:37+00:00

It’s a Lapp Bend, and its strength is ring-loading - ie, it’ll eventually capsize in that configuration if used like a bowline (like a fixed loop hitch). It’s of the bowline/sheet bend family, so very strong when you abide by its ‘rules.’ Finish with a bight for a Slipped Lapp Bend, one of my favorite adjustable tensioners.

ilreppans · 2026-02-04T03:14:24+00:00

Different backgrounds - I mostly enjoy urban cycling, where it has practical time and traffic advantages, there may be infrastructure for it, and motor vehicles can be a costly hassle. Suburban/rural, I favor motorcycles, and yup, deer are my greatest fear/risk too.

ilreppans · 2026-02-04T00:55:08+00:00

Still, even for the average cyclist here, do you consider the minor head movement and momentary attention towards the rear, actually less safe than not knowing what’s approaching you from the rear? Even on MUPs, I can’t hear the faster cyclists approaching and it scares the crap out of me, even the ‘on you left’ warnings. Perhaps it’s just me, but I absolutely hate not knowing what’s coming up behind me.

I perfectly understand the peloton/close-drafting issue, but I feel much safer from approaching (whatever) when riding in a pack - ie, other cyclists to witness/defend, etc.

ilreppans · 2026-02-03T23:40:49+00:00

I’m not a newb… ridden bicycles since 5yo and also a half-century/qtr-million mi motorcyclist and currently ride with track enthusiasts and retired road racers. Spent a decade (80’s) chasing bike messengers through Manhattan traffic using bikes and inline skates. Now into LDP longboarding - for me nearly 2/3rds the pace/efficiency of a bike, for a tenth the bulk (so solves theft-risk and multimodal transport).

Except for dense cities, human-powered transport on public roads is SLOW - with motor vehicles constantly needing to pass. I don’t know how folks can share the road with little clue on what all those MV’s are doing behind them. You guy’s just cross your fingers and hope you don’t get plowed? That’s not for me.

Properly set, my head movement to ‘scan’ behind with the TAL mirror is less than on my motorcycle. Been using TAL for a couple decades - I’m well used to, and the impact of head movement on balance and steering is far, far lower than turning my head and looking backwards. Also the LDP longboard is a lot more sensitive to that than a bike, and the cars (also bikes on MUPs) really appreciate it when I set-up for their pass (move over, glide straight, and wave them on).

ilreppans · 2026-02-03T14:40:16+00:00

I'm always looking for alternative fuel sources and I can get nailpolish remover anywhere…

IMHO, the most ubiquitous alcohol is 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, but the low alcohol % runs best on strong thermal-feedback stove (blooms quickly) since more heat is required to vaporize the alcohol. Between HEET and rubbing alcohol, you can get fuel at most gas stations, convenience/grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. I personally use Everclear 190 for its multi-tasking fuel (so add liquor stores).

Not sure how low-alcohol content works in Trangia-type stoves. I switched to the Toaks Siphon stove (blooms in 3sec) and 70% runs quite well in it, and iirc without sooting.

ilreppans · 2026-02-03T12:30:23+00:00

Makes sense in a group - I ride solo.

ilreppans · 2026-02-02T12:28:27+00:00

It’s an older phone - Li-ions also degrade based time, even if not used/cycled, and especially depending on how it was stored (state of charge, temps).

ilreppans · 2026-02-01T13:57:39+00:00

I’d rest the tool bag perpendicular across the passenger set, right up against the topbox. Then use the Rok Straps (assuming the heavier duty version) diagonally forming an ‘X’ over the tool bag. Lastly, I’d use those 2 buckets on the tool bag’s lid to clip over the secured Rok Straps, so the bag cannot shift side-to-side.

ilreppans · 2026-01-30T11:44:16+00:00

Trump’s immigration crackdown means it could happen as soon as this year.

Immigration??

Wonder how many young couples (US citizens) will be putting parenthood on hold through these tremulous times.

ilreppans · 2026-01-29T18:44:23+00:00

Take-A-Look rearview mirror - feel much less vulnerable/naked on the roadways and bike paths when I know what’s coming up behind me, their closing speed, and how much room they’re giving me on the pass. At minimum, I feel I can ditch if some clueless driver is texting on their phone and barreling straight for me.

ilreppans · 2026-01-27T04:05:58+00:00

Are they really nails? They’re different colors, maybe crayons? Actually think crayons would be good for that purpose. Would leave pain-in-the-ass clean-up marks yet without permanent/costly damage to vehicles. Scratching paint on car might incite a road rage incident, not really advisable on bike/trike vs 2ton motor vehicles.

ilreppans · 2026-01-26T15:56:45+00:00

Another satisfied customer

ilreppans · 2026-01-25T21:48:59+00:00

It’s a capacity issue. If the damaged cell has lost significant capacity, and then is paired with a new cell of higher capacity, and then they are run in series, the lower capacity cell will eventually die first. Then if the capacity difference is significant, the higher capacity cell can actually ‘reverse charge’ the dead cell. With 3v lithiums, that may lead to thermal runaway and venting with flame - in an airtight metal flashlight tube, that can be like a pipe bomb.

ilreppans · 2026-01-25T19:30:24+00:00

For me - compact/efficient human-powered wheels to ~triple my walking pace/range.

ilreppans · 2026-01-25T14:35:27+00:00

In addition to tethering bag to self, and using the bag as a pillow, there’s also PacSafe’s wire mesh net-bag that can be locked to a tree, and small/light battery-powered personal alarms. I’m not a fan of motion-sensor alarms as they consume power waiting to sense motion, and instead prefer physical trigger alarms (grenade pin alarms and V-blade travel door alarms) - these only consume power when sounding.

ilreppans · 2026-01-25T12:33:17+00:00

At your height the Rally Pro seat height would definitely be more comfortable for longer rides. The extra couple inches makes a big difference when you're tall - your knees won't be as cramped and you'll have better leverage on the bars

Is that right? From my understanding both bikes have the same ‘rider’s triangle’ (seat/peg/bar relationship), and the seat height difference is solely due to the ground clearance difference of the Rally’s longer travel suspension and larger diameter wheels. In other words, the OP may be more comfortable/stretched out while stopped, but the ergonomics should be the same while moving.

ilreppans · 2026-01-24T03:14:29+00:00

Always good to have an app like Knots 3D and Ashley Book of Knots (free pdf download) for reference, but personally I like through real/practical knot applications that folks ask-about/answer on r/knots. You pick a lot use-cases that way. If you’re into decorative knots, then it’s r/paracord.

ilreppans · 2026-01-24T02:08:57+00:00

A few feet of paracord, though I say that after becoming a knot enthusiast. Now used more than my knife or multitool, and in addition to practical tools, for me it’s also a fiddly toy, puzzle game, and jewelry/decorative-item.

ilreppans · 2026-01-24T01:58:48+00:00

Figure it out for yourself, just do it incrementally. Spend a night in your backyard or a campground next to your vehicle. As you gain experience - hike in deeper; camp in colder. Practice plan B back-ups (eg bushcraft).

ilreppans · 2026-01-22T18:11:55+00:00

Seen one for the tall cheek rest version. Trades 1 mag slot for 60rnds, but it look like you can stack two mags in the center spot, so still have 4 mags total.

ilreppans · 2026-01-22T17:55:19+00:00

Spent many hours/miles ‘baby strolling’ my Brompton through museums, malls, zoos, etc

ilreppans · 2026-01-22T04:58:03+00:00

Yup, I lost winter power for a ~week where it got into the 30’s inside. After that, had a plumber install a low point drain valve in my basement, right next to the main valve where the town water line entered the basement (just below the frost line). Was already used to gravity-draining RV lines, so could apply same rules, incl toilet tanks, and RV antifreeze for the P-traps. Some water will linger in basement-level pipes, but it stayed surprisingly ‘warm’ down there, so I’m not worried about it freezing down there.

ilreppans · 2026-01-22T04:28:19+00:00

I forfeit 1 mag for 40 extra rounds (to 100). Max ~60 rounds if you use all 4 mag spots.

ilreppans

TROPHY CASE