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| Below is our list of equipment sourced specifically for this expedition. Central America does present a unique set of variables for the vehicle-dependent traveler, including rain, high humidity, deep mud, malaria, questionable water sources and limited food/equipment infrastructure. |
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Equipment and Modifications to EarthRoamer XV-JP |
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| 2008 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | The Rubicon is one a few modern vehicles available in the US for expedition travel |
| EarthRoamer XV-JP Conversion | Over eight weeks on the road - A dry, comfortable bed and shower is a welcome addition |
| AEV Bull-Bar Bumper | Provides protection for animal strikes and to mount a 12v winch |
| Warn 9000i 12v Winch | Jungle tracks will require extensive recovery and trail maintenance (fallen trees, etc.) |
| Viking Offroad Synthetic Winch Line | Nothing competes with synthetic line for safety, light weight and tread lightly |
| Lightforce 240 HID Driving Lamps | Lightweight, durable and the low power consumption of HID |
| AEV Heat Reduction Hood | High-quality stamped steel construction and improved engine cooling |
| AEV Snorkel | Donaldson cyclone pre-filter and raised intake for dust and deep water |
| Kilby engine driven compressor | High-output and robust construction will provide the required duty cycle and volume |
| Nth Degree Suspension System | Tuned suspension and Bilstein shocks improve the ride and trail performance |
| JKS Suspension Hydraulic Jounce Shocks | The weight of the EarthRoamer requires more robust compression damping and control |
| Total Vision System Camera System | Three cameras and a video input to a 7" screen. Nose cam, observation cam and rear |
| Tuffy Security Products Steel Glove Box | Allows the secure storage of documents |
| Tuffy Security Products Steel Center Console | Tuffy's full center console, which will be fitted with Pelican foam for secure camera storage |
| Misch Overhead Shelf | The Misch shelf is custom to the JK and adds useful and accessible storage for maps, etc. |
| AEV 17" Beadlock Wheels (5) | One of the few DOT approved wheels on the market, and beadlocked for simple tire repair |
| Go Rhino! Xtreme hitch step | Greatly eases access to the camper |
| There are dozens more components in the EarthRoamer conversion. Additional information is available here | |
Electronics |
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| SPOT: Satellite Personal Tracker | |
| Surefire L1 LumaMax | |
| DeLorme PN-40 Handheld GPS | |
| Apple 15" MacBook Pro: Aperture and Final Cut | |
| Apple iPhone, international calling and data plans | Used for nearly all phone communications, music library and back-up document storage |
| BGAN | |
| Verizon Aircard | |
| (5) Western Digital Passports ~ 2TB total | |
Personal Equipment |
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| Just as a comment, people typically bring way too much clothing for adventure travel. Buy high-quality, quick drying gear that folds up compact. Use layers for warmth and a single technical shell jacket with a liner, and one that is breathable. Breathable also typically means quick drying, so when you do laundry every few days, clothes dry over night, even in humid environments - avoid cotton. Often overlooked, but extremely important is underwear and socks; again, avoid cotton and get quick drying options. I have used nearly all brands of quality travel clothing, and ExOfficio just works for me, so I keep it simple get nearly everything from them. Simms makes some high-quality shirts and jackets too. I use Columbia shells with liners for all-weather jackets. I stopped buying North Face gear years ago when it began consistently underperforming. This list is just for segment two, Central America. |
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| ExOfficio Cruz'r Travel Shoe | Comfortable and casual. Great for driving and most adventure travel |
| ExOfficio Reef Runner Waterproof Shoe | All about the rivers and beaches. I will give them a good test on the Rafiki Lodge trek |
| ExOfficio Insect Shield Baja Shirt (2) | |
| ExOfficio Insect Shield Ambush Pants | |
| ExOfficio Insect Shield Convertible Pants | |
| ExOfficio Boxers (3) | You don't need that many, but fortunately the pack small. Three seems perfect |
| ExOfficio and Smartwool Socks (4 total) | Two Insect Shield Pro Ankle, one Vented Hiker and a thick pair of Smartwool hikers |
| ExOfficio V-Neck (1) and Short-Sleeve (2) Tee Shirts | |
| Columbia Titanium shell with liner | I have used this jacket for years, even up in the Arctic. |
| Swim Trunks | |
| Flip Flops | I don't even remember the brand - Baja tested and approved |
| Lucky Brand 181 Denim Jeans | For when khaki is not the new black... Made in U.S.A. |
Camera Equipment |
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| Olympus E-3 10mp Digital SLR | Compact and light, the E-3 is weatherproof and HD in construction. Our first departure from the Canon brand. Integrated image stabilization improves image quality for all lenses |
| FL-50R Electronic Flash Unit | |
| Remote Cable Release (RM-CB1) | |
| Flash Dome Diffuser | |
| Zuiko Digital ED 9-18mm, F4-5.6 | Super-wide zoom for the 2:1 magnification factor of the sensor. (18-35mm equiv.) |
| Zuiko Digital ED 50-200mm, F2.8-3.5 | Super-Telephoto, and ready for the chance for a Jaguar or Howler Monkey |
| Zuiko Digital ED 50mm F2.0 Macro | Portraits and fire ants await! |
| E-520 Digital SLR | This will be Stephanie's primary camera, and the unit we use on extended treks. |
| Zuiko Digital 14-45mm F3.5-5.6 | A light, compact zoom (28-90mm equiv.) |
| Zuiko Digital 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 | Small and light for an 80-300mm equiv. lens |
| Manfrotto Tripod | |
| Pelican Products 0940 Memory Card Case | Takes four ScanDisc III CF Cards |
| Pelican Products 1510 Camera Case (main storage) | |
| Sand Storm Canvas Camera Case (portable) | This is a classic piece of kit, and it well used and weathered and stealthy |
| Two HD video cameras with solid state memory | |
| Additional HDV memory cards, ScanDisc III SDHC | CalTape provided us with six ScanDisc III SDHC cards for the trip. Thanks Dave! |
Camping Equipment |
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Vehicle Support Equipment |
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