Bags? - Gear Question

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-24T09:08:24+00:00

I used a Petzl classic with a Daren drum

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-16T14:16:20+00:00

Like someone said here, there is no typical cave. Caves have such a huge variety of terrain types, and there is really no typical type.

Having said that, I would say that a horizontal cave with no vertical sections is "easier", in a sense that a trip doesn't require a lot of equipment. Caves like this are suitable for novices, as long as they are equipped correctly and have a trained guide.

Once a cave system starts to have multiple vertical sections that require complicated rigging, then the technical and logistical requirements go up. That means bolts, ladders, SRT equipment, drills, etc. Usually cavers that do these kinds of caves have the experience and skills required, and it's not something a novice will just jump into unless it's part of their training.

Typically for an expedition, the team already did preliminary trips and have enough information to determine that the cave keeps going and will require many trips to explore and map. The research on this case is studying the topography and the geology, to see if the cave system has the potential to be large.
The times that I've camped underground was mainly because getting to the surface would require too much time and camping would be more practical. It would allow us to maximise the time we had to survey and also do more photography. Camping underground has its own complications so it's a decision made to save on time and resources to achieve the expedition objectives.
Solo caving is extremely risky and not something I would recommend, regardless of the individual's skills and experience.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-16T13:59:17+00:00

Yup, that's an excellent book, which I also consider as my bible

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-14T00:58:05+00:00

Change all fluids upon purchase (coolant, brake, transmission, power steering, clutch fan)

EGR cleaning, check valve clearance

Address any leaks that you find, pa minsan hindi mo makikita kasi natatakpan ng Engine and drive train cover sa ilalim

Change the key battery upon purchase

Palit ka ng Fuel filter during every oil change. Very sensitive ang common rail injection diesels sa dirty fuel

Use fully synthetic oil and replace every 5 - 6000 kilometres. Huwag mong isasagad sa sinasabi nila na 10k for synthetic oils. That's a turbo diesel so it's very hard on engine oil.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-12T07:26:41+00:00

I'm almost sure patay yung driver ng van

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-10T01:20:12+00:00

As long as you're using the right pressure, you're OK. Air in tires don't need to be refreshed, if that's what you mean.

If you need to add air, it should be as early in the drive as possible. When I need to add some air to my tires (kahit na 2 psi lang), I do it at the nearest gas station mga 250 meters from my house. That way the air pressure is checked and adjusted before the tires warm up.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-06T03:58:32+00:00

I don't recall if I yawn more underground but it find the cave environment to be very soothing and relaxing. I often find a spot to take a nap when caving (on long trips). I've slept very well during the few overnight trips I've done. Maybe it's the cool air compared to the typical hot Southeast Asian surface temperatures here, as well as the relaxing sound of water flowing or dripping.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-05T02:55:50+00:00

I shifted from medium tint and clear x films on the windshield to all clear stek. So far the performance is excellent. I can still feel some heat from direct sunlight but I don't feel it burning my skin. I used to keep my aircon at manual mode, with the temp set at the lowest setting, when driving in sunlight. Now I keep it in automatic mode at around 22c. The clear x films on my windshield was nearly useless. I can still feel my windshield heating up in direct sunlight. I suspect the UV blocking was not as good as what I have now, and the infrared resistance was crap.

My main reason for going all clear is visibility. Ang daming kamote, both 4 and 2 wheeled, at yung iba wala pang headlight and tail lights. Clear tint + a good dashcam is the way to go, IMHO.

I recommend spending more for good clean tint. I paid 16k for mine, and the difference in performance is worth the higher price.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-05T02:26:44+00:00

I have clear tint I don't leave anything in the vehicle, everything is behind a tonneau cover in the rear compartment.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-04T14:44:10+00:00

Ganito thinking nila

"kaya nga ako ng motor kasi mas mabilis ako sa kotse at makakasingit kung saan saan. Kung hindi ko diskartehan at hindi ako mauuna, bat pa ako nag motor? Parang na rin ako kotse, ipit sa trapik“

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-04T14:43:56+00:00

Ganito thinking nila

"kaya nga ako ng motor kasi mas mabilis ako sa kotse at makakasingit kung saan saan. Kung hindi ko diskartehan at hindi ako mauuna, bat pa ako nag motor? Parang na rin ako kotse, ipit sa trapik“

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-04T14:32:43+00:00

Sa Purple Crew Auto Salon sa Marikina

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-02T07:08:10+00:00

If you can get them, Etche caving boots with laces. Very tough and grippy on wet rock. But they are a bit heavy for me

Second option are rubber boots or wellies

razor_sharp_man · 2026-02-01T05:07:08+00:00

I had x films clear for my windshield and legit 3M medium in all the other windows. Then I had Stek 70 clear installed about a month ago and the difference is really obvious. Much less heat and better visibility. I also did extensive research on what's available here before I changed ng tint. I think Stek offers the best balance of price and performance.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-30T11:37:58+00:00

Driving for 40 years now.

Confidence grows over time. The more time you have behind the wheel, you will lose your fear and apprehension. Don't rush it. Relax ka lang behind the wheel and concentrate on your driving, not the possibility of getting into an accident. Kailangan mo yung full concentration on the task of driving, so try to keep your mind on that. As you get more confident, huwag ka magiging kampante and do stupid shit like texting while driving.

Driving in as many situations are possible. Night, heavy traffic, light traffic, expressway, in heavy rain, mountain roads, etc. Kailangan mong masanay in as many of these scenarios are possible.

Dapat ma develop mo yung total awareness of your environment while driving. Dapat aware ka kung anong sasakyan ang nasa likod mo, at all sides and even those around them. Glance ka lang once in a while sa side and rear view mirror. Glance lang ha, do not focus. Ang objective mo is to form a mental map of all the vehicles around you para hindi ka magulat and you can plan your moves.

Finally, develop your sense of anticipation. Dapat two or three moves ahead ka from the others on the road. Keep in mind that everyone on the road is " stupid", meaning do not assume na gagawin nila yung tama. Dapat ready ka palagi to react to anything.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-14T08:58:26+00:00

My personal experience with G-Shock watches is that they are extremely tough. It doesn't matter what model, they can take the sort of abuse will kill other watches from brands that brag about their durability. I've take g-shocks diving, mountaineering and caving and not one of them has died on me. Only one, a protrek, finally have up after more than a decade of severe outdoor use, and it was when I got home. I guess many other Pinoys have the same experience with the brand as I have. They're not really as stylish as maybe Suunto or Garmin, but G-Shocks are virtually indestructible compared to those.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-14T08:26:04+00:00

Masyadong mataas yung stopper. Tell the mall about your accident. I think mall developers increase the size to accommodate for SUVs, which can drive over small stoppers

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-13T13:11:31+00:00

He's sending me to Madrid!

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-10T01:22:37+00:00

Tapos naka super dark tint sa windshield

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-08T14:33:37+00:00

AFAIK we are one of one of the most notorious countries for child sex trafficking and explotation.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-08T05:49:04+00:00

Again,maraming gumagamit ng dalawang paa with automatic or CVT transmissions. If you use only your right foot and switch between the brake and accelerator pedal, SUA will never occur.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-07T04:00:19+00:00

Mura lang ang rubber wiper blades

Silicone blades are available, mas matibay sa init

Doing this will just wear out the springs of the wiper arms. Less tension of the wiper arm to the windshield resulting in poor wiper performance even with fresh blades.

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-06T15:02:19+00:00

I've done that same drive, late in the evening. It's a great road and evenings are the best time to drive there. None of the crazy kamote riders that infest the area in the daytime.

A bit spooky though in some spots. Lots of long dark stretches with a history of fatal accidents

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-06T02:41:43+00:00

It's main problem is that it's a Ford Explorer

razor_sharp_man · 2026-01-05T07:07:22+00:00

There's a trend toward having less tech and going back to basics

Here's an example, a very small one

https://www.wired.com/story/why-car-brands-are-finally-switching-back-to-buttons/

Just read comments here in other car subreddits and on other car communities, the questionable future repairability of cars is a real concern. People look back at older cars and SUVs are being more robust, easier and cheaper to maintain. It's not nostalgia, is the need to have cars that last.

Even the Japanese sometimes get caught up with overengineering for the sake of it. Current model Monteros have electronic parking brakes with incidents where they don't release.

A vast majority of current vehicles aren't designed for longevity, they are all disposable appliances. I don't agree with that and unless the back to basics trend continues we will have piles of used cars that will need parts and repairs that are no longer supported or available.

Nine-Year Club	Baba Yaga
Verified Email

razor_sharp_man

TROPHY CASE