ROADDUDE

Longtime Off-Grid/Vanlife Adventurer - On the Road In North America

  • Blog
    • Blog: All Posts
  • Gear
    • Bunduawn 360 Awning
    • Cargo Boxes & Cases
    • E-Bike: Sondors X
    • Spare Tire Bag (Storage, Garbage and Recycling)
  • Vanlife
    • DIY Composting Toilet
    • Install A Roof Vent
    • Stay Clean On the Road
  • Off-Grid
    • Adding Solar Power
    • Solar Panels: To Move Or Not?
  • Portfolio
    • Nightscapes
    • Landscapes
    • Story Portraits
    • Head Shots
    • Overland Gear
  • About
    • Site Map
    • Kudos: What Folks Say
  • Contact
    • Newsletter
  • Face Masks

Off-Grid

Basecamp in the Chihuahuan Desert
Off-Grid Base Camp, Chihuahuan Desert, Spring 2019

Off-grid, to me, means not depending on the power grid for light, heat, cooking, electricity, or anything else.

I love setting up extended basecamps in places where I depend on my own power, providing all I need to run my lighting, a water pump, keep my food refrigerated, and charge up all my mobile and communication devices and batteries for flashlights, camera gear, and ebike. All while being able to venture out when I want in my van, canoe, or on my bike, knowing everything back at camp is taken care of as far as being powered.

I’ve experimented extensively with a variety of solar solutions, controllers, deep cycle batteries, and charging devices. I’ve worked it out to where as long as I have reliable sources for fresh water and food, whether close to camp or within several miles, I can stay off-grid for about as long as I want.

I don’t mean going without or living in hardscrabble conditions. To be certain, there are adjustments in lifestyle, like being more conscious and conservative in water consumption, for example. I’ll be writing about those adjustments and what I’ve learned along the way.

There are important lessons in living that one can learn when going off-grid. Learning to depend more on renewable energy and less on fossil fuels can be an eye opener. You just have to pay attention to what’s around you while you’re out here.

I’ll be posting about and reviewing the gear I use, lessons learned, and posting how-to pieces on how it all gets put together. As articles and reviews are written on the topics below, they will become active links:

Housekeeping
  • Keeping Clean
  • Simple Composting Toilet – How To Make Your Own
  • Cooking and Washing
  • Water Tanks, Water Pumps, Water Heaters and Water Consumption
Alternative Energy
  • Adding Solar Power To Your Vehicle Or Off-Grid Set-up
  • Solar Panels: To Move Or Not To Move?
  • Honda Inverter Generator – product link with reviews
  • Deep Cycle Batteries (for solar power storage)
  • Solar Powered Charging Blocks/Power Cells
  • Solar Powered Lighting
  • Inverters
  • Charging Mobile Devices
General
  • how much lifestyle change is there?
  • Ebike: My Sondors X Rescue Bike, Scout, and Pack Mule
  • and more. . .

 



Believe in what I’m doing, want me to keep doing it, and would like to see me expand to publishing and prints? You can help by buying me a couple cups of coffee!

Buy Me A Coffee


On the Road in America

THE BIG PAUSE of 2020-21

ROADDUDE.COM is usually about one man’s travels and photography around North America.

During The Big Pause of 2020-21, however, it is about making quality cloth & fabric face masks and face coverings for the public. Every mask purchased enables more to be made for donation.

I have made, sold, and donated thousands, as far away as Sudan.

Stay safe, stay clean, stay healthy!

Thank you for your orders and support!


Kudos from Customers for Face Masks I make, sell, and donate throughout the pandemic:

“The best design I’ve seen.” ~ Richard F, California

“We love your masks and use them all the time! They are the best fit from different types we tried. I was actually thinking of ordering more :)” ~BW, Cambridge MA

“We really love them. The quality is amazing and they are comfortable. Will be great for hiking and work.” ~ Beckie G, SW Harbor

“Both my husband and I love the masks. Fit very well and stay in place when talking.” ~ Susan W, Livermore Falls

“The masks arrived today! Thanks so much. They are terrific! Best fit, most comfortable, most stylish of any I have worn or seen.“ ~ Elaine J, SW Harbor

“Excellent mask! Highest quality and fit. Find it very comfortable and breathable. Much better design than the pleated style. If you care, please wear!” ~ Jane W, Scarborough

“Outstanding quality comfort and fit. These are as good if not better than pictured on the web. Worth the wait and cost. I would buy again. Have recommended you already. Five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating!” ~Janet, Rockport

“Got ‘em!!! Arrived today and they are impressive.” ~ Bob B, Maine

“Thank you so much for the quality masks. The fit is great. Good work!” ~Lynn B, Maine

“Really quite nice and much needed!” ~Kathy H, Maine

“That’s nice, dear.” ~Ma


Where is Road?

Back Cove, Maine, working on:
– making masks
– portfolio & prints
– prep for painting desert art mural
– improving storage functionality in van
– helping folks haul and deliver items
– South of I-10, Another America
– Roaddude Food Cookbook
– website improvements
– my tan

I hear it’s summer. Is that true?

Help Roaddude Tell More Stories & Write More Blog Posts About Adventuring


Roaddude.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to sites like Amazon.com and Adorama Photo.

Recent Posts

  • It’s Mask Time In America
  • Adventure Rig: Coming Into Its Own . . .
  • Morning Breakfast Muffins
  • DARK SKY BONANZA
  • RED CURRY LENTILS w/ SWEET POTATOES & SPINACH

Links

Links to various things I mention in posts and on insta: linktr.ee/roaddude

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Tags

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