Yeah, northern Calfornia beaches definitely don't fit the picture-postcard image of what a "California beach" is supposed to look like! A lot of them are "shelf" beaches, meaning there's a steep dropoff from the shore into the ocean, causing large waves and dangerous swimming conditions (if you were brave enough to get into that freezing water in the first place!) Thanks for watching!
New subbie friend! My, now husband, and I hiked the southern portion of LCT and also stayed at Mattole up north during the fires in 2021. This was a Beautiful video! We are planning to stay at the Inn now. The Lupin and fog ans beach shots were breathtaking. My favorite, was your pup....I teared up at the end to see the sad dedication.....what a life that sweet doggy friend had!!❤❤ You spoiled him.
Yeah I highly recommend the Inn if you're looking for a nice lil getaway on the Lost Coast that doesn't involve roughing it. Thanks for watching all the way to the end! Fred was the best boy, and although his life was short and ended sadly, it was full of adventure and love and he brought me and everyone around him so much joy. I miss him constantly, even with my new pup Doug around the house 🥹
The natural scenery is extraordinary in its beauty... A very memorable camping in the midst of this natural beauty...with a very charming lake and beach... The surrounding forest is still pretty good...the green trees are still quite awake...
Very nice video. Thanks. I and some friends backpacked the north section of the LCT (from Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove) approx. 25 years ago. Saw zero other people the whole trip, but did spot bear, elk, deer, skunk, and many pesky raccoons. Some of the hiking on the beach was quite difficult (deep sand, softball size rocks that slid constantly underfoot), and the second tidal section caused us to have to spend an extra day enroute because we hit the tides wrong, but the whole trip was magical - something I'll never forget. If you get the chance to do it, don't miss it.
Very nicely done. I was tempted to hit Usal early last November but it was going to be a bit of a stretch time-wise, especially if the the Usal Rd was bad. Nice to see the road is much better than I thought - though I saw another vid where there were deep waterholes. Really enjoyed your vid, especially with the inclusion of the maps and history. I also love seeing folks out there with somewhat atypical "offroad" vehicles. Keep up the good work!
Yeah everything I’ve read about Usal suggests that the road is so bad during the winter months that the local sheriffs department will just close the gate, making it inaccessible to prevent knuckleheads from getting stuck on it. When it’s not raining the road is rather passable for most vehicles, though higher clearance than a regular sedan is usually helpful, and there are parts of the road closer to the beach that are extremely rutted which would test break over and departure angles on any vehicle. Subsequent to the filming of this video, I was last there last year around late June, I think, and another group was shooting off fireworks and started a brush fire-scary stuff when you’re on a remote beach accessible by one lane dirt road with limited cell service/coverage. The place is kind of hit or miss in terms of its quiet solitude, I guess is what I’m getting at.
I am a local from Mendocino County. I and a small cadre of 60 something buddies hiked the entire length of the Lost Coast (Mattole to Usal) a few years ago. We did it over two trips. I have been camping at Usal since the late 1960's. It has always had somewhat of a yahoo factor given its remoteness yet fairly easy access. Unfortunately, it has gotten much worse over the last couple of decades. That burn scar that you pictured was caused by yahoos shooting off fireworks on Usal beach during the dry season. My wife and a group of ladies from her book club went there a decade ago for a camping trip only to encounter a dog fighting ring there to ply their sport. Thankfully it was broken up by long line of sheriff deputies and Fish & Game agents. I could go on with other stories but needless to say, we don't camp at Usal anymore, I certainly would only recommend going there during weekdays in the off peak season.
Damn dude, just having 60 people on that trail simultaneously must've been quite the sight! My girlfriend and I returned to Usal in the last week (Mon-Weds) of June of '22, just over a year after we did this trip in the video in May of '21, and I hadn't thought about how, even the week BEFORE the fourth of July that people would be there to do some dumb shit. The yahoo factor had increased exponentially since we had been there last. There was one dude just mashing a big 'ole Dodge around chaining logs of driftwood to it and dragging them around the beach and the inlet to the forest just off the beach. When asked he said it was for a "big ass bonfire for the Fourth," which at that point was still 5 days away, so these folks were either living there or just gonna be there for a while. The yahoo factor had increased SO greatly, in fact, that some dingus lit off fireworks on the beach on the Wednesday night and started a brushfire while we were there, forcing the arrival of several gigantic off-road fire trucks and some very grumpy firemen and rangers. We were both pretty shook by it, and haven't been back since, which is a shame cause it's so beautiful there. Reaaaaallly glad we didn't run into a dogfighting ring, jesus christ....
@@brendansoutdoors377 Cool video, it's only a days drive to Leggett, I think I'll take the van up there in February. Should be pretty quiet. Winter camping usually is.
Truly amazing video man. You put a lot of effort into it, and it shows. Whatever you're doing, keep do it!!!! PS, loved the montage to the classical music.
I'm headed there in August 2022 on motorcycle KLR 650 Adventure Bike. Any advice or hazards on the dirt roads you can think of? This was a great video, content, shots, and dialog. It helped more than any map or book so far.
Hey thanks Vin! If your Adventure Bike has knobby/dirt tires then I can't see any reason why you wouldn't make it to the beach, although I've heard that the road may be impassable when wet. Thanks for watching!
Never been to that part of that state. The lack other people made the landscape and coastline scenery all the more appealing. Is the vehicle AWD? Any thoughts on the feasibility of a 2WD Tacoma pulling a teardrop trailer on those one lane dirt roads? Thankyou so much for sharing that amazing location of beauty and isolation.
My Rav4 is AWD. I wouldn't recommend pulling a trailer on that road just based on the fact that there are parts where if you encountered another car you'd have to back up quite a ways to find space to pass each other. I've never driven with a trailer, but it seems like that would be a pain in the ass.
I have not. Even when I roll windows down/open moonroof there’s only a normal amount of dust. Maybe you have a gap in one of the gaskets sealing your rear doors?
When I was there last in June of ‘21 the gate beyond the beach was unlocked. I’m pretty sure it’s a call made by the local sheriffs department, and is usually open June-September depending on their discretion. I’ve also found this website helpful: www.mendocinocounty.org/government/transportation/road-closures when planning a trip around those parts.
Hey Raul, On the approach to Usal Beach, after you cross the bridge you take a left to head towards the water. You can keep going straight and there are some inland campsites on either side of the road which continues back up into the mountains northwest toward Shelter Cove, but only when the gate is unlocked by the local sheriff's department, usually during the summer months.
I think if the road was mostly dry and you had some good all-terrains you'd be alright--I've definitely seen 2wd passenger cars down at the campground. I wouldn't recommend driving on the beach with 2wd without another buddy vehicle to help you out of a jam just in case, though.
Awesome video mate!! A few questions that I hope you can answer for me! I am planning a trip north to northern Washington State, leaving Southern Calf. In June. #1 Traveling north on Hwy 1, what exit would I take to get to the beach that you camped at? 2, I am hoping to take my mini van, pulling a small cargo trailer. Possible or do you think I would have problems on the dirt road heading down to the beach? Thx in advance
There is no exit, it is simply a road off Highway 1 called Usal Road. It's on the left if you're heading north about 10 minutes past the town of Rockport. What kind of van do you have? The road can be impassable when wet, and it's wet up in that part of the state A LOT. Also check local road closures before you go out of your way to try to get there because the local sheriff's department closes the road periodically due to weather or other reasons. I hope that if you're planning on driving roads like this that you have a good set of all-terrain tires, and not the stock highway ones that came with the van. There are a couple places on Usal Road where a low-clearance vehicle would scrape its belly, and I definitely WOULD NOT RECOMMEND pulling a cargo trailer. A lot of it is a tight, winding, one lane dirt road where you might have to back up quite a ways if you encounter another vehicle going the opposite direction. Also, if the trailer started to slide for any reason, there isn't a lot of space to allow a sliding vehicle much grace on that road. I'm not saying it's a super dangerous road, but I definitely wouldn't tow a regular cargo trailer on it.
I'm glad I ask! I'm pulling a 6x12 cargo trailer with a Plymouth Grand Caravan and it does not have any ground clearance. I will have to skip that beach this time. I do the Hwy 1 trip every other year, starting off around Ventura CA. And ending up in Orcus Island Washington for the summer. I am always looking for hidden getaways like the one you have shown us. Maybe in 2024! Thank you for the great video and your quick response. Much appreciated.
I had been looking for rain guards that were “in-channel” for a while, but everything I could find was just the kind that you stick to the outside of the car until I found these on eBay. I don’t think they have a brand name, I just googled “in-channel rain guards for 2019 RAV4” and those popped up.
@@brendansoutdoors377 Okay thanks I like the in channel rain guards over stick on also way better look. I am surprised weather tech has not offered these yet.
Right!? Neither Weathertech or AVS makes an in-channel for the Rav4, and Weathertech doesn’t make a rain visor for the car at all, which is odd given how popular they are.
You know, I go back and forth on it, honestly. It perfectly fits two Roam 105l boxes side by side in which I store most of my gear, leaving the inside free for the fridge, bedding, tent, the dog and other personal items. I also like that with long enough crossbars I can keep my bike racks on the roof on either side of it, and being tall I don't mind having bikes up there--I like to think maybe if they're up there people are less inclined to try to steal them than if they were hanging off a hitch on the back. It has a shovel mount on one side, and with the two boxes on there my maxtrax fit perfectly just behind them, so I feel like I've dialed it in to suit my particular needs. It's also really easy to take on and off the roof, so if you're the sort of person who's worried about fuel economy when you're not using the thing it's easy to remove. I sometimes think about going with the Prinsu rack, but it seems to have a couple drawbacks although they look rad. If I want to continue keeping bikes on the roof, I lose available real estate for other gear. There also seems to be a fair amount of drilling and/or removal of existing bits of the roof, which is beyond the amount of effort I'm personally willing to put into an installation. I will say that I'm leasing the Rav, so having things that are functional but also ultimately removable are handy for me as I'm not totally convinced that I'm going to keep the Rav TRD after it's 3 years--might end up graduating to what might be the new generation of 4Runner in 2023. That way I don't have to add a lift and armor and new tires and install a hitch etc....On the other hand I've had this car since it had 5 miles on it and I'm rather attached to it, so we'll see what happens in a couple years. TLDR--I like the rack. It works fine for how I use it. Sometimes I wish I had a Prinsu, but mainly for the looks, and the clearance in parking garages.
@@brendansoutdoors377 Thanks for the reply! I’ve been looking into a Yakima or Rola (from Amazon). Which version of the Yakima do you have? Trying to do more outdoor stuff with my family and need more space in trunk. The prinsu looks great and seems slimlined , but for the price and what my family would be using it for doesn’t fit the budget.
This is a great video; wonderful scenery and an excellent location chosen! There are 2 things I need to point out for you, though; (1) Please don't drive with the dog in your lap, this will get you a ticket anywhere in California as it isn't safe. I had a cop's wife slam into me in a parking lot with her dog in her lap, she couldn't turn the steering wheel. He harassed me for months until he was fired for intimidating/threatening a witness ( she was found at fault.) (2) All open fires including that Primus portable fire pit thing are presently NOT ALLOWED due to the increased fire danger in all California state and federal parks and forests. They require a stove which can be shut off quickly. So the butane cartridge stove was fine, but an alcohol stove or open fire is not. A butane, propane, or liquid fuel stove which can be shut off is legal. The fines, if a forest fire isn't started, are pretty high; if a forest fire DOES start, they'll charge you for the costs of fighting it & extinguishing it, which is VERY expensive AND will get you permanently barred from all state & federal camping. I don't think they like fires very much....
Thanks for watching Franz! That's a wild story about the cops wife and her dog. Glad it seems like it worked out. 1) It's not something you can legally get a ticket for in California, or nearly any other state in the U.S, as driving with a dog on your lap is only currently illegal in Hawaii and New Jersey. What I imagine an officer might give you a ticket for is the technicality that it could be considered 'distracted driving'--a catchall phrase for a whole host of behaviors that the police can deem a reason for, or addition to, a traffic stop/ticket. It's mostly just not safe for both parties and it's a rare treat for the dog to be in my lap. Usually in the car he's in a crate or in his own seat with a harness attached to a seatbelt. I don't like him distracting me while and I drive, and I don't need him getting ejected from the vehicle if we get into an accident, but I appreciate the concern. 2) I always check local fire restrictions and carry an up-to-date California campfire permit, which allows the holder to operate a stove/build a fire on BLM land and in State Parks. I follow the permit regulations by making sure the area around my campfire is clear of flammable debris, and I also have a shovel, fire extinguisher, and a bucket of water handy whenever I have a campfire. At the time of filming (May '21), according to the BLM King Range and CA State Parks Sinkeyone Wilderness websites there were no such fire restrictions. Usal Beach established campsites have fire rings, and I really wasn't too worried about the sand catching fire, but again, I appreciate your concern for safety and the comment!
It was called the Inn of the Lost Coast. A little on the pricey side for the ocean facing room with a hot tub and sauna, but after several days sleeping on the ground it was well worth it!
You are going to destroy the Pacific Northwest by doing great videos about it. Which will cause people to come to the Pacific Northwest. Everyone it rains here every day all day long. Go to New England it never rains there. It has Beautiful trees that change colours!
I've noticed in norcal the winter beaches get steeper and pebbly and in summer sandy with less slope. Cool little rat dog.
Yeah, northern Calfornia beaches definitely don't fit the picture-postcard image of what a "California beach" is supposed to look like! A lot of them are "shelf" beaches, meaning there's a steep dropoff from the shore into the ocean, causing large waves and dangerous swimming conditions (if you were brave enough to get into that freezing water in the first place!) Thanks for watching!
Sorry for your loss! Cutest pup ever!
Thanks Vickie :)
Full of taco’s,beer and gratitude for this beautiful place,, THats exactly how I love my camping.
Keep it up .
Thanks for watching Kim!
Hey--we have the same last name, that's crazy!
New subbie friend! My, now husband, and I hiked the southern portion of LCT and also stayed at Mattole up north during the fires in 2021. This was a Beautiful video! We are planning to stay at the Inn now. The Lupin and fog ans beach shots were breathtaking. My favorite, was your pup....I teared up at the end to see the sad dedication.....what a life that sweet doggy friend had!!❤❤ You spoiled him.
Yeah I highly recommend the Inn if you're looking for a nice lil getaway on the Lost Coast that doesn't involve roughing it.
Thanks for watching all the way to the end! Fred was the best boy, and although his life was short and ended sadly, it was full of adventure and love and he brought me and everyone around him so much joy. I miss him constantly, even with my new pup Doug around the house 🥹
Very enjoyable video. Beautiful scenery. Nice narrating.
Glad you enjoyed it :)
The natural scenery is extraordinary in its beauty...
A very memorable camping in the midst of this natural beauty...with a very charming lake and beach...
The surrounding forest is still pretty good...the green trees are still quite awake...
Thanks for watching!
I really like this camping atmosphere.
Thanks for watching!
Great video and very sorry for your lost 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Thank you 🙏🏻
Awesome video!!! Your dog is sooo adorable!!!😍😍👍✌🙏
You are so kind, thanks!
Wonderful video, sorry for the loss of your pup😔
Thanks for watching Phil!
Truly inspiring video, great job. So sorry about the loss of your dog :(
Thank you for watching and for your kind words of condolence. He was a good boy.
Thank you
no, thank you!
"Cat", here! Great job, Guys! Great job!
Thanks for watching!
Nice video! You helped a lot, I want to see it planning on going in July 2024. Did you check out the town?
The town of.....Shelter Cove? Which town we talking about?
Very nice video. Thanks. I and some friends backpacked the north section of the LCT (from Mattole Beach to Shelter Cove) approx. 25 years ago. Saw zero other people the whole trip, but did spot bear, elk, deer, skunk, and many pesky raccoons. Some of the hiking on the beach was quite difficult (deep sand, softball size rocks that slid constantly underfoot), and the second tidal section caused us to have to spend an extra day enroute because we hit the tides wrong, but the whole trip was magical - something I'll never forget. If you get the chance to do it, don't miss it.
Yeah i've heard that it's not a trek for the faint of heart or weak of ankle! Thanks for watching and subscribing!
Peer Gynt. That surprised me. Thank you.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching.
Nice Travel & Camping.:)
Thanks for watching!
Very nicely done. I was tempted to hit Usal early last November but it was going to be a bit of a stretch time-wise, especially if the the Usal Rd was bad. Nice to see the road is much better than I thought - though I saw another vid where there were deep waterholes. Really enjoyed your vid, especially with the inclusion of the maps and history. I also love seeing folks out there with somewhat atypical "offroad" vehicles. Keep up the good work!
Yeah everything I’ve read about Usal suggests that the road is so bad during the winter months that the local sheriffs department will just close the gate, making it inaccessible to prevent knuckleheads from getting stuck on it. When it’s not raining the road is rather passable for most vehicles, though higher clearance than a regular sedan is usually helpful, and there are parts of the road closer to the beach that are extremely rutted which would test break over and departure angles on any vehicle.
Subsequent to the filming of this video, I was last there last year around late June, I think, and another group was shooting off fireworks and started a brush fire-scary stuff when you’re on a remote beach accessible by one lane dirt road with limited cell service/coverage. The place is kind of hit or miss in terms of its quiet solitude, I guess is what I’m getting at.
Awesome 👏
Thanks 🤗
I am a local from Mendocino County. I and a small cadre of 60 something buddies hiked the entire length of the Lost Coast (Mattole to Usal) a few years ago. We did it over two trips. I have been camping at Usal since the late 1960's. It has always had somewhat of a yahoo factor given its remoteness yet fairly easy access. Unfortunately, it has gotten much worse over the last couple of decades. That burn scar that you pictured was caused by yahoos shooting off fireworks on Usal beach during the dry season. My wife and a group of ladies from her book club went there a decade ago for a camping trip only to encounter a dog fighting ring there to ply their sport. Thankfully it was broken up by long line of sheriff deputies and Fish & Game agents. I could go on with other stories but needless to say, we don't camp at Usal anymore, I certainly would only recommend going there during weekdays in the off peak season.
Damn dude, just having 60 people on that trail simultaneously must've been quite the sight!
My girlfriend and I returned to Usal in the last week (Mon-Weds) of June of '22, just over a year after we did this trip in the video in May of '21, and I hadn't thought about how, even the week BEFORE the fourth of July that people would be there to do some dumb shit. The yahoo factor had increased exponentially since we had been there last. There was one dude just mashing a big 'ole Dodge around chaining logs of driftwood to it and dragging them around the beach and the inlet to the forest just off the beach. When asked he said it was for a "big ass bonfire for the Fourth," which at that point was still 5 days away, so these folks were either living there or just gonna be there for a while. The yahoo factor had increased SO greatly, in fact, that some dingus lit off fireworks on the beach on the Wednesday night and started a brushfire while we were there, forcing the arrival of several gigantic off-road fire trucks and some very grumpy firemen and rangers. We were both pretty shook by it, and haven't been back since, which is a shame cause it's so beautiful there.
Reaaaaallly glad we didn't run into a dogfighting ring, jesus christ....
@@brendansoutdoors377 Cool video, it's only a days drive to Leggett, I think I'll take the van up there in February. Should be pretty quiet. Winter camping usually is.
Gran video. Me ha gustado mucho. Saludos desde Mendoza, Argentina.
Gracias por ver mi video Daniel, y hola desde California 👋🏻! Que esta pasando en Mendoza?
Truly amazing video man. You put a lot of effort into it, and it shows. Whatever you're doing, keep do it!!!!
PS, loved the montage to the classical music.
Thanks Noy, much obliged!
Amazing video!
Thanks for watching Jerry!
Great video 👍🏼
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
good video!
Thanks for watching John!
I live near here, all the craziest shit happens on the 4th of July week.
Yeah, I'll bet it gets wild out there for a holiday weekend!
❤TFS!
Thanks for watching!
Plenty of trees ;)
They're all over the place!
I'm headed there in August 2022 on motorcycle KLR 650 Adventure Bike. Any advice or hazards on the dirt roads you can think of? This was a great video, content, shots, and dialog. It helped more than any map or book so far.
Hey thanks Vin! If your Adventure Bike has knobby/dirt tires then I can't see any reason why you wouldn't make it to the beach, although I've heard that the road may be impassable when wet. Thanks for watching!
One a motorcycle, you are invisable and they (other drivers) are all blind
Never been to that part of that state. The lack other people made the landscape and coastline scenery all the more appealing. Is the vehicle AWD? Any thoughts on the feasibility of a 2WD Tacoma pulling a teardrop trailer on those one lane dirt roads? Thankyou so much for sharing that amazing location of beauty and isolation.
My Rav4 is AWD.
I wouldn't recommend pulling a trailer on that road just based on the fact that there are parts where if you encountered another car you'd have to back up quite a ways to find space to pass each other. I've never driven with a trailer, but it seems like that would be a pain in the ass.
I have a 2023 RAV4, when I take it off road I notice it collected a lot of dust on the floor in the back seat. Did you experience this?
I have not. Even when I roll windows down/open moonroof there’s only a normal amount of dust. Maybe you have a gap in one of the gaskets sealing your rear doors?
Do you know when and if they unlock that gate past Usal beach?
When I was there last in June of ‘21 the gate beyond the beach was unlocked. I’m pretty sure it’s a call made by the local sheriffs department, and is usually open June-September depending on their discretion.
I’ve also found this website helpful: www.mendocinocounty.org/government/transportation/road-closures when planning a trip around those parts.
At the end of the bridge you crossed. Do you take that left or keep going straight?
Hey Raul,
On the approach to Usal Beach, after you cross the bridge you take a left to head towards the water. You can keep going straight and there are some inland campsites on either side of the road which continues back up into the mountains northwest toward Shelter Cove, but only when the gate is unlocked by the local sheriff's department, usually during the summer months.
Can this be done with a 2wd pickup with good tires? Looks lots of fun just cruising down an old coastal road.
I think if the road was mostly dry and you had some good all-terrains you'd be alright--I've definitely seen 2wd passenger cars down at the campground. I wouldn't recommend driving on the beach with 2wd without another buddy vehicle to help you out of a jam just in case, though.
Good
Good
Awesome video mate!! A few questions that I hope you can answer for me! I am planning a trip north to northern Washington State, leaving Southern Calf. In June.
#1 Traveling north on Hwy 1, what exit would I take to get to the beach that you camped at?
2, I am hoping to take my mini van, pulling a small cargo trailer. Possible or do you think I would have problems on the dirt road heading down to the beach?
Thx in advance
There is no exit, it is simply a road off Highway 1 called Usal Road. It's on the left if you're heading north about 10 minutes past the town of Rockport.
What kind of van do you have? The road can be impassable when wet, and it's wet up in that part of the state A LOT. Also check local road closures before you go out of your way to try to get there because the local sheriff's department closes the road periodically due to weather or other reasons.
I hope that if you're planning on driving roads like this that you have a good set of all-terrain tires, and not the stock highway ones that came with the van. There are a couple places on Usal Road where a low-clearance vehicle would scrape its belly, and I definitely WOULD NOT RECOMMEND pulling a cargo trailer.
A lot of it is a tight, winding, one lane dirt road where you might have to back up quite a ways if you encounter another vehicle going the opposite direction. Also, if the trailer started to slide for any reason, there isn't a lot of space to allow a sliding vehicle much grace on that road. I'm not saying it's a super dangerous road, but I definitely wouldn't tow a regular cargo trailer on it.
I'm glad I ask! I'm pulling a 6x12 cargo trailer with a Plymouth Grand Caravan and it does not have any ground clearance.
I will have to skip that beach this time.
I do the Hwy 1 trip every other year, starting off around Ventura CA. And ending up in Orcus Island Washington for the summer. I am always looking for hidden getaways like the one you have shown us. Maybe in 2024!
Thank you for the great video and your quick response. Much appreciated.
I live here, if they don't grate the road it's impassable without 4x4. They usually grate it around this time of year after winter.
I like you Rav4 were did you get your window rain guards?
I had been looking for rain guards that were “in-channel” for a while, but everything I could find was just the kind that you stick to the outside of the car until I found these on eBay. I don’t think they have a brand name, I just googled “in-channel rain guards for 2019 RAV4” and those popped up.
Also: superautousa.com/products/fits-rav4-2019-21-in-channel-window-visor-vent-shade-rain-sun-guards-deflectors?variant=41676099846318¤cy=USD&gclid=CjwKCAjw0a-SBhBkEiwApljU0pK8Qr9mJC0ImIjXoVdQjZLJkpND4aD7ALIcNPfL9JJYMEzEzfVn9xoCPz4QAvD_BwE
@@brendansoutdoors377 Okay thanks I like the in channel rain guards over stick on also way better look. I am surprised weather tech has not offered these yet.
Right!? Neither Weathertech or AVS makes an in-channel for the Rav4, and Weathertech doesn’t make a rain visor for the car at all, which is odd given how popular they are.
You like that Yakima roof basket? Been debating on 1 for my Rav4, just don’t like how high it sits.
You know, I go back and forth on it, honestly. It perfectly fits two Roam 105l boxes side by side in which I store most of my gear, leaving the inside free for the fridge, bedding, tent, the dog and other personal items. I also like that with long enough crossbars I can keep my bike racks on the roof on either side of it, and being tall I don't mind having bikes up there--I like to think maybe if they're up there people are less inclined to try to steal them than if they were hanging off a hitch on the back. It has a shovel mount on one side, and with the two boxes on there my maxtrax fit perfectly just behind them, so I feel like I've dialed it in to suit my particular needs.
It's also really easy to take on and off the roof, so if you're the sort of person who's worried about fuel economy when you're not using the thing it's easy to remove.
I sometimes think about going with the Prinsu rack, but it seems to have a couple drawbacks although they look rad. If I want to continue keeping bikes on the roof, I lose available real estate for other gear. There also seems to be a fair amount of drilling and/or removal of existing bits of the roof, which is beyond the amount of effort I'm personally willing to put into an installation. I will say that I'm leasing the Rav, so having things that are functional but also ultimately removable are handy for me as I'm not totally convinced that I'm going to keep the Rav TRD after it's 3 years--might end up graduating to what might be the new generation of 4Runner in 2023. That way I don't have to add a lift and armor and new tires and install a hitch etc....On the other hand I've had this car since it had 5 miles on it and I'm rather attached to it, so we'll see what happens in a couple years.
TLDR--I like the rack. It works fine for how I use it. Sometimes I wish I had a Prinsu, but mainly for the looks, and the clearance in parking garages.
@@brendansoutdoors377 Thanks for the reply! I’ve been looking into a Yakima or Rola (from Amazon). Which version of the Yakima do you have? Trying to do more outdoor stuff with my family and need more space in trunk.
The prinsu looks great and seems slimlined , but for the price and what my family would be using it for doesn’t fit the budget.
@@o0oitzJimmy It’s called the OffGrid in a size Medium
This is a great video; wonderful scenery and an excellent location chosen! There are 2 things I need to point out for you, though; (1) Please don't drive with the dog in your lap, this will get you a ticket anywhere in California as it isn't safe. I had a cop's wife slam into me in a parking lot with her dog in her lap, she couldn't turn the steering wheel. He harassed me for months until he was fired for intimidating/threatening a witness ( she was found at fault.) (2) All open fires including that Primus portable fire pit thing are presently NOT ALLOWED due to the increased fire danger in all California state and federal parks and forests. They require a stove which can be shut off quickly. So the butane cartridge stove was fine, but an alcohol stove or open fire is not. A butane, propane, or liquid fuel stove which can be shut off is legal. The fines, if a forest fire isn't started, are pretty high; if a forest fire DOES start, they'll charge you for the costs of fighting it & extinguishing it, which is VERY expensive AND will get you permanently barred from all state & federal camping. I don't think they like fires very much....
Thanks for watching Franz! That's a wild story about the cops wife and her dog. Glad it seems like it worked out.
1) It's not something you can legally get a ticket for in California, or nearly any other state in the U.S, as driving with a dog on your lap is only currently illegal in Hawaii and New Jersey. What I imagine an officer might give you a ticket for is the technicality that it could be considered 'distracted driving'--a catchall phrase for a whole host of behaviors that the police can deem a reason for, or addition to, a traffic stop/ticket.
It's mostly just not safe for both parties and it's a rare treat for the dog to be in my lap. Usually in the car he's in a crate or in his own seat with a harness attached to a seatbelt. I don't like him distracting me while and I drive, and I don't need him getting ejected from the vehicle if we get into an accident, but I appreciate the concern.
2) I always check local fire restrictions and carry an up-to-date California campfire permit, which allows the holder to operate a stove/build a fire on BLM land and in State Parks. I follow the permit regulations by making sure the area around my campfire is clear of flammable debris, and I also have a shovel, fire extinguisher, and a bucket of water handy whenever I have a campfire. At the time of filming (May '21), according to the BLM King Range and CA State Parks Sinkeyone Wilderness websites there were no such fire restrictions. Usal Beach established campsites have fire rings, and I really wasn't too worried about the sand catching fire, but again, I appreciate your concern for safety and the comment!
Beautiful view! What hotel did you guys stay at?
It was called the Inn of the Lost Coast. A little on the pricey side for the ocean facing room with a hot tub and sauna, but after several days sleeping on the ground it was well worth it!
Hello we’re Primus and we suck
Ah, a man of culture I see...
มารับชมด้วยนะครับผมสวยงามครับผมสุดยอดมากๆครับผม
Thank for watching!
You are going to destroy the Pacific Northwest by doing great videos about it. Which will cause people to come to the Pacific Northwest. Everyone it rains here every day all day long. Go to New England it never rains there. It has Beautiful trees that change colours!
I don't know that I'd call central California "the Pacific Northwest," but um....yeah, go to New England!
Thanks for watching!
POISEN IVY !!!!!!!!!!!
WHERE!?!?