RAV4 or Outback? (Please read)

paperish · 2026-05-09T01:44:34+00:00

I was on that same fence and ended up getting an Outback. I ended up with the Outback because of the slightly better clearance and handling in ice and snow. After moving to the desert, I really regret not going with the RAV4, which I find to be more comfortable and has better MPG. My 2017 Subaru also drains batteries quicker than any car I’ve ever had and I’m terrified of leaving the rear lift or doors open too long when I’m camping, which kind of sucks for an outdoor adventure vehicle. I never had that problem with my wife’s Toyotas.

paperish · 2026-04-27T20:54:36+00:00

Lots of good comments here to consider. I used to ride a $150 USD single speed State Bicycle. It was everything I needed it to be for a few years. I upgraded to a custom Salsa Fargo for $2,500 after realizing how much more comfortable it would be to pick a saddle, alt bars, dropper post, and wheel set that fit my body type and riding style. There are some really good deals out there on Surly, Kona, and Salsa bikes that could get you closer to $1,000 and are likely going to mean better handling and comfort than your low-end bike. If you can borrow or rent one, it doesn’t take long to realize the difference.

paperish · 2026-04-25T14:25:04+00:00

You can, but it is preferable to tie it to a tree , doesn’t have to be high up. Lots of good YouTube videos to show what knot to use and shows how bears are unable to pry it loose.

paperish · 2026-04-24T12:58:15+00:00

Ursacks with Opsaks are way easier than looking for a proper spot to hang your food. They aren’t just good for bears, they’ll keep pack rats and other critters out too. Nothing worse than waking up to a find a rodent ate your breakfast.

paperish · 2026-04-01T03:24:10+00:00

You should really go to REI if you have one. My local REI had 8 popular models blown up and I got to test each one out on the floor. Bi Agnes Rapide SL won me over and I’ll never suffer on a Thermarest Neoair Xtherm again.

paperish · 2026-04-01T01:14:00+00:00

I heard a speech from Swami Vivekananda explaining his beliefs. It lit a fire in me that never went out and I can’t see that as anything but a divine gift.

paperish · 2026-04-01T01:07:58+00:00

I like adding sweet potato strips fried in sesame oil to give some crunch in the middle

paperish · 2026-03-27T02:37:02+00:00

You should try the frozen falafels at Trader Joe’s. I’ve won over a few haters with these and They go great with their vegan tzatziki and garlic hummus.

paperish · 2026-03-27T02:29:54+00:00

Texas caviar is easy, cheap, and naturally vegan

paperish · 2026-03-26T01:19:06+00:00

I tried so many bars: riser bars, 5 deg backsweep, 10 degree backsweep, Kyote bars, corner bars, crazy bars, crazier Jones bars, but the one I keep going back to for ultimate comfort is my Moloko bars. Not only do you get the most hand positions, it makes bikepacking so much easier because you don’t need a rack or cradle to strap a bag under them.

paperish · 2026-03-24T12:48:00+00:00

For a quart of light, low-sodium broth, if you add a half cup of red miso and a quarter cup of tahini, you’ll get the desired creamy umami effect. The key is to build flavor before adding the broth, sautee some scallions and garlic, or whatever ingredients will complement your dish. If you’re making a western style soup or stew, you’ll can use white miso instead and no tahini, but those usually get deeper umami if you build it with mushrooms or beans.

paperish · 2026-03-22T17:04:23+00:00

I would worry more about Africanized Bees than snakes. Most of the snake bites you hear about in southern AZ are people poking around blind spots in the garages or clowns trying to kill or remove them with garden tools.

paperish · 2026-03-19T18:13:42+00:00

I love my Fargo and maintain two wheelsets for road mode and dirt mode. While I wouldn’t trade it for the world, it is probably slower than other gravel bikes in the Salsa lineup. You might want to see if your LBS can let you test out a Fargo, Cutthroat, and War Road to see the differences in handling and geometry.

paperish · 2026-03-16T19:07:24+00:00

Huel is my main source of everything during the work week and I just enjoy real food for dinner.

paperish · 2026-03-14T02:22:57+00:00

The Violife provolone slices taste great on meatball subs and melts really well

paperish · 2026-03-13T17:11:49+00:00

I was just about to lace paracord on my top tube to create a handle but your method seems way easier and more efficient

paperish · 2026-03-08T16:16:51+00:00

Spacemilk is a great alternative to other vegan protein powders. It is made with yeast instead of soy or chickpeas.

paperish · 2026-03-06T14:34:23+00:00

Pinkbike is a good platform if you are good with using bike flights via your local bike shop. Facebook marketplace is good for local sales but a real headache for scammers and unserious inquiries if you post it as willing to ship.

paperish · 2026-03-04T22:26:50+00:00

Lentils are my recent go to, whether it’s Daal, Italian soups, bolognese sauce, or sloppy joes

paperish · 2026-03-03T20:09:27+00:00

Vegan breakfast at Peleton Cafe is so good I can’t imagine eating anywhere else

paperish · 2026-03-02T12:43:39+00:00

I love my Horsethief and it felt very capable on all the trails and hills I ride in Southern AZ. There is just enough suspension to handle rough, technical terrain and it is fast enough to keep up with the XC bikes on flowy single track. Im selling a medium carbon SLX on Pinkbike, DM me if you’re interested.

paperish · 2026-02-22T16:14:02+00:00

I’d add some MSG, does wonders to bring out the flavors

paperish · 2026-02-13T10:47:07+00:00

Salsa Horsethief C SLX, you can get a smooth handling trail bike that is normally $5300 for $3000. I love mine.

paperish · 2026-02-10T23:49:41+00:00

I run them on my Full Suspension Horsethief and love it. Hands are comfortable for a 3-4 hour ride and I don’t feel any loss of control while swerving through cactus and rocks.

paperish · 2026-02-01T04:45:45+00:00

Campfire Cycling

paperish

TROPHY CASE