What would you need to bring? (2nd "first-time" event)


Don't leave your adventure spirit at home. We might send you back to get it. No time for whining and crying - it will be a medium rough drive.

An absolute must is a strong reliable 4x4 with good ground clearance. Strong tires are a given. BFG preferred.

You have to be absolutely self sufficient and able to operate alone. If, for whatever reason, you get separated from the group, you will have to fend for yourself. We will make every effort to stay together and help everyone through - but life sometimes has other plans.

You need to have enough gas to cover about 250 miles - there will be absolutely no gas en route.

A solid supply of food and water for about a week should be carried by you. Cold beers are not required but very much appreciated. Keep your packing simple and your weight down. We will most likely cook each night for all of us some simple meals on the campfire - but you should still plan on being self sufficient.

Priorities for camping gear vary. So, bring whatever you like - but please keep it simple. Trailers are nice, but they sometimes add complexity to the trip. Bring one if you must. Rooftop tents are very popular and should work out perfectly on this trip. If they have any canvas parts exposed, they might get damaged.

If you have roof mounted communication antennas - make sure they are both very flexible and well mounted. Bushes and trees in Baja have a strong "affection" for antennas!

Recovery gear. Its always on everybody's list. If you have a winch - good! If not - no problem. If you have tow straps, shackles and dynamic ropes - good, bring them. But don't go out and buy stuff just for this event. We should have plenty of recovery gear among us. Drive skillfully (carefully) and recoveries will not be needed. If you don't have much experience with rough terrain - don't worry. I have talked drivers without any driving experience through mission impossible. Its my job - I am good at it.

Tools and spare parts. Don't go overboard. KISS. Treat your vehicle well and nothing will break. Anyway, I personally carry a starter and a fan belt plus a few tools for installation. Nada mas. I strongly recommend to have a tire plug set in your car. A bicycle pump beats most compressors!

There is not really a need for sophisticated communication equipment. We will be close together most of the time. So, FRS will be sufficient. In fact, everyone should have at least two. Two, because they can crap out, get damaged etc. However, if you have a 2 meter radio - bring it.

GPS? Not needed, but you can bring one to record your adventure. Camera and video same thing - bring what you like.

Your attire? Anything that can get dirty - because it will! T-shirts and shorts are perfect. Hat and sunscreen are always a good idea. Nights can be nippy in the wind - bring a sweater, long pants and maybe a jacket. Hiking shoes recommended to keep your toes out of trouble (big rocks and millions of cacti are waiting to hurt you). If you prefer Tevas in the hot weather (like I do) get them one size larger - that way you create a small security zone from the cactus spines.
I expect the days between 90F and 110F - nights between 60F and 80F.


Saludos
Karl & Harald