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A MIDWEST-CENTRIC PUBLICATION FOR THE VEHICLE-ASSISTED ADVENTURE TRAVELER

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE 9 VOLUME 7

KOAR SEASON Fall events kickoff with the 9th annual keweenaw Overland adventure retreat

WISCONSIN OVERLAND

BIKES & BACKROADS

THE CAMPING MISTAKE I WON’T MAKE TWICE

gear of the month roadless rule thoughts OnX’s Public Land Comment Hub

TRAIL RIDES / CAMPING / LIVE MUSIC / CLASSES /

FOOD / RAFFLES / DOOR PRIZES / SWAG BAGS

PRESENTS THE 2ND ANNUAL

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SUPPORTING PARTNERS SUPPORTING PARTNERS & & SPONSORS SPONSORS

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SCAN FOR 4X4 FEST PASSES & CAMPING

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IN THIS ISSUEWISCONSIN OVERLAND

Celebrating with a campout

BIKES & BACKROADS

Heading west, finally

A CAMPING MISTAKE CONFESSION

All’s well for the lucky

TRAVOCA’S STORY

A Wisconsin Company’s mission

GEAR OF THE MONTH

Tents and stoves and more, oh my

BE THE PUBLIC

OnX launches comment hub

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR September is here, and for Northology that means one thing: KOAR is almost here! There are still a few tickets available for the Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat, so if you’ve been sitting on the fence, consider this your nudge to join us in the Keweenaw. Inside this issue, we’re leaning into getting out there while the days are still warm and the first signs of fall start creeping into the Northwoods. We test Teslovix battery solutions that make the Starlink Mini truly portable, talk with Travoca about electric coolers and food safety on the road, take a closer look at OnX Offroad’s new Public Comment Hub, and bring you more gear, destinations and ideas for making the most of one of our favorite times of year. Add to that some really great stories about heading west and an honest admission on some potentially dangerous camping mistakes, and I think you will really enjoy this issue.

FREE ADVENTURE WEEKEND

Membership has its privileges

CUTTING THE CORD

Starlink goes cordless

ACCESS & CONSERVATION

Roadless Rule Considerations

EVENTS UPDATE

KOAR, WI Fall Fest and OTR

Fall adventure season is just getting started. See you out there — and hopefully, we’ll see a bunch of you at KOAR! Cindy

SHARE YOUR STORY Creators- Drop us a line at or submit content on our website. We love stories and photos of trips, events, gear reviews, destinations and outdoor activities. Advertisers- Get in touch to learn about our current promos and how a presence here can help you tell your story to this amazing community and grow your business. info.northologyadventures@gmail.com

Front cover, Back Cover: Jarrod Nobbe

REGULAR FEATURES Calendar/Podcast Directory Adventure Directory Camping & Cabins

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NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES SPECIAL

WISCONSIN OVERLAND CASUAL CAMPOUT WEEKEND

Another great Wisconsin Overland campout in the books! A weekend of exploring, campfires, good food and even better company reminded us exactly why this community is so special. Huge thanks to our event sponsors TRE 4x4 USA, Radio Chatter, OnX Offroad and Northology for helping make this weekend special, and to everyone who came out and shared the adventure with us. Photos by Kelly Wicklund.

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES SPECIAL

Looking for more Wisconsin adventures and a great group of people to explore with? Join Wisconsin Overland to connect with fellow travelers, discover new places, swap ideas and gear tips, and hear about upcoming campouts, trail rides and community events.

KEWEENAW OVERLAND ADVENTURE RETREAT SEPTEMBER 17-20, 2026 COPPER HARBOR, MI

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES SPECIAL SERIES

BIKES, BACKROADS, AND THE LONG PUSH WEST

AFTER THE INITIAL HITS OF PREPARATION ANXIETY, IT WAS TIME TO HIT THE ROAD. Part Three of an Adventure Series By Jarrod Nobbe The early version of this route had a mountain-minded logic. Start with Pisgah, carve through the Smokies, then eventually land in Colorado. In my head, that sounded like a clean thread from one mountain range to the next. In reality, there was a whole lot of ground between them, and plenty of it looked flatter, hotter, and less dramatic than the places I daydreamed about. That sense of what’s next made the first stretch west feel like its own chapter. You know, the one where it starts to set the story up, but you’re almost ready to skip ahead to the juicy stuff. We left Durham, NC with the bikes swinging off the back and the goal of getting into Tennessee. Colorado was still a long way off (sigh). But before the Rockies showed up, we had Tennessee, Bentonville, the Ozarks, and a formidable push across flat, open miles that made ridgelines feel pretty darn welcomed when they finally came back into view.

TENNESSEE: WINDROCK, A BONUS HOUR, AND THE FIRST CAMP We departed Durham with the 4Runner packed heavier than it had ever been and headed toward Windrock, Tennessee. It was an easy place to justify as a first stop, as it gave us a little bit of everything without pulling us too far off the route. Windrock Park was tempting, but with a long trip still ahead, we kept the 4Runner on the greens and avoided turning day one into a recovery exercise. Luckily for my mountain bike-loving self, the OHV area neighbors Windrock Bike Park. Two birds, one stone situation? I think yes. A few laps helped shake off the first chunk of highway and gave the trip its first dose of dirt, sweat, and gravity. Bentonville was still the first big bike stop on the route, but getting on the trail before the first night at camp made the journey feel officially underway. After Windrock, we made one simple agreement: we weren’t stopping for the night until we crossed into Central Time. Gaining that hour felt like a small road-trip loophole,

“THAT FIRST NIGHT TURNED INTO A SWEATY REMINDER THAT THE TRIP WAS GOING TO HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR. MY WIFE DEFINITELY DID NOT AGREE.” and we were happy to take it. Once we had our double-secret bonus hour, we found an easy-access lakeside spot and set up camp for the first time. The setup itself went pretty smoothly. The tent and awning came together without much fuss, the gear was easy enough to find, and the 4Runner felt like a working camp setup. Sleeping, well, that was less successful. A 90-degree night with heavy humidity has a way of making a rooftop tent feel a little less glamorous. That first night turned into a sweaty reminder that the trip was going to have a sense of humor. My wife definitely did not agree.

BENTONVILLE BASECAMP By the time we rolled into Bentonville, the trip shifted into bike mode, at least for a little while. Tennessee gave us the first taste, but Bentonville was where the mountain bike side of the route really started to take over. The town wears its bike-haven reputation pretty well. Bikes are everywhere, trail access feels baked into the place, and every parking lot seems to have more vehicles with racks than without. For someone showing up with bikes hanging off the back of an overland-loaded vehicle, that was a pretty solid sign that we were where we needed to be.

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES SPECIAL SERIES Bentonville Bike Camp made the stop even better. It had the amenities that matter when camping and riding are both on the agenda: a place to park the rig, clean up, rinse bikes, sort gear, and stay close to the local trail scene. After the sweaty Tennessee night, showers alone felt like a major upgrade. Add a bike wash and enough space to breathe for a minute, and it started to feel like the right basecamp for this part of the route. The following day, OZ Trails Bike Park gave us the real riding fix. Lift-served laps are a beautiful thing when the days have included travel, camp setup, and everything else that comes with living out of the truck. You mean I can rip as many laps as possible at a liftaccess park that only takes a few minutes from top to bottom? Yes please. We also checked out local spots like Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, and Bentonville quickly started to feel like a place you could lose a few days without trying very hard. It left us with the same feeling we had as kids on vacation: “Do we really have to go already?” That was the dangerous part. We were supposed to be passing through. Bentonville made that feel like a questionable decision.

“WE WERE SUPPOSED TO BE PASSING THROUGH. BENTONVILLE MADE THAT FEEL LIKE A QUESTIONABLE DECISION.”

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES SPECIAL SERIES A QUICK STOP TURNED INTO THE RIGHT LEAD After Bentonville, we wanted to get deeper into the Ozarks. The whole trip was built around overlanding across the country, and northwest Arkansas felt like the right place to trade bike-town energy for forest roads and a quieter camp. The problem was figuring out where to go. “The Ozarks” sounds simple until you’re staring at a map full of options with no obvious place to land. That’s when a quick reach-out to Backwoods Adventure Mods and FSR turned into one of the better pivots of the trip. What started as a split-second “maybe we should see if they’re around” decision somehow landed us inside their warehouse, where we got a guided tour and a closer look at what they had been working on. New projects, racks, tents, builds, gear, and a whole lot of “oh, that’s freakin’ sweet” moments started filling the next part of the day.

It also gave us a chance to address the thought I had been quietly wondering since leaving North Carolina: how much weight were we really asking the 4Runner to carry? The stock suspension had been doing its best impression of confidence, but the full setup was heavy. Bikes, camp gear, recovery gear, food, water, the rooftop tent, the awning, and everything else we thought we might need had added up quickly. Seeing the rig in that warehouse setting made the question feel a little more real. Did we pack for a three-week overland trip, or did we accidentally build a rolling garage with a sleeping platform?

“THAT WAS THE OZARK STOP WE HAD BEEN HOPING FOR... A DIRT ROAD, AND A CAMP SPOT THAT FINALLY FELT LIKE WE HAD FOUND THE VERSION OF THE OZARKS WE CAME LOOKING FOR.

Once we finished talking through the setup, the conversation shifted to where we should camp next. The guys were nice enough to share a few local off-grid spots, which is exactly the information you hope to get from locals. One of those tips sent us deep into the national forest and landed us right next to the river for the night. That was the Ozark stop we had been hoping for. No guessing at a random pin. No overthinking the map from a parking lot. Just a local lead, a dirt road, and a camp spot that finally felt like we had found the version of the Ozarks we came looking for.

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES SPECIAL SERIES

TWELVE HOURS FOR ONE MORE DAY After the Ozarks, we had a choice to make. We could break up the next stretch and ease our way toward Colorado. Or we could accept that Oklahoma, the Texas Panhandle, and the road toward New Mexico were about to feel long no matter how we sliced it. So we decided to knock it out. That turned into a 12-hour push across flat, open miles that had us checking the map more than the scenery. Somewhere in the middle of it, the question became less “Where are we stopping tonight?” and more “Where the heck are we?” The answer changed a few times, but the reason stayed the same: one hard travel day would buy us one extra day in Colorado. At that point in the trip, that trade felt worth it. The Ozarks had given us the river camp and the backroads we were hoping for. Now the goal was simple enough. Get through the long stretch, keep the 4Runner moving, and let the next chapter start where this route had been trying to go all along. Jarrod Nobbe is a North Carolina–based outdoor writer drawn to the long way around. He writes about overland travel, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and the unexpected moments that come with building a route, chasing new terrain, and spending time beyond the pavement. From quick weekends close to home to bigger trips built around unfamiliar places, Jarrod brings a practical, first-hand perspective to the adventures, gear, and planning that make the experience worth chasing.

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NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES GUEST WRITER

THE CAMPING MISTAKE I WON’T MAKE TWICE

BY LEE MEADOWS

I guess I’ll be shopping for external propane mounts. I never liked seeing them on Jeeps. Drilling through the hardtop and it screams, “Look at me, I’m an overlander.” (Says the guy with an Ursa Minor camper top) This past week I took my two boys from Michigan up through the Upper Peninsula and into Ontario, Canada, eventually making our way to Lake Superior Provincial Park northwest of Sault Ste. Marie. We camped on US public or crown land, spent one night in a rustic campground, explored the Lake Superior shoreline with PNW/Goonies vibes, 3 days of swimming in the big lake and generally had the kind of trip I love taking with them.

And somewhere along the way, I made a mistake that could have turned the entire trip into a tragedy. I have an Ursa Minor camper top on my Jeep, but with George, 11, and Theodore, 9, along for this trip, I decided to bring my 1992 M101 CDN2 military trailer for some extra storage. I jokingly call the trailer “the kitchen sink,” because I pretty much take everything with me — including the Joolca kitchen sink. It also has a 4 person Tepui on it, but at almost 200 pounds, it’s a pain to take off solo, so I left it on. Packed inside are things like my Gazelle popup tent, propane fire pit, chairs, Joolca on-

demand water heater, miscellaneous camp gear, and two propane tanks: an 11-pound pancake-style and a 10-pound mini tank. I carry two tanks because once camp is set up, I usually have one connected to the propane fire pit and another running my Partner Steel Camp Partner stove. The Joolca water heater also runs on propane, so depending on what we’re doing, the tanks get moved around. For this trip I went a little old-school and put my camp kitchen box on a rack hanging off the rear receiver of the trailer. That kept all the cooking equipment out of the Jeep and left the Jeep's cargo area for the fridge, clothes, and dry food.

It worked great. Over the course of the trip I cooked pancakes, eggs, steak, hot dogs, and everything else on the Partner Steel stove and griddle. On our last day in Canada, we stopped at a day-use area before heading south. The boys had been swimming in Batchawana Bay, so I set up the Joolca and gave everybody a chance to rinse off. Then it was time for lunch.

LUNCH STOP Theodore requested a prime-cut ribeye. I had two hot dogs. And George, my vegetarian, had a Nutella and peanut butter quesadilla. Don't ask. After lunch and showers, I started packing everything back into the trailer. Until then I had mostly been using the little 10-pound propane tank for cooking. We had emptied the pancake tank the previous day, so I had moved things around and was using the mini tank for both the shower and stove. Normally, I had been leaving the propane hose attached to the tank but turning the tank valve off. The tanks were at the rear of the trailer bed; so that way, when it was time to cook again, I could pull just the end of the hose out, screw the adapter onto the stove, open the valve, and be ready to go. The hose itself also has a spring-loaded shutoff at the loose end. There is a small pin in the center of the fitting. When nothing is connected, that valve is supposed to stay closed. When the mating fitting is screwed onto it, the fitting presses that center pin inward and allows propane to flow. I packed everything away, closed the trailer, and we headed south. We crossed back into Michigan at Sault Ste. Marie. The boys wanted KFC, and George — who has been a vegetarian and is incredibly particular about food — announced that he wanted to try fried chicken. I was practically celebrating. Getting everyone to eat the same thing instead of making multiple meals at camp is a rare victory. He ate about half of it. From there, I found a spot in Hiawatha National Forest where we could boondock for the night before heading home the next morning. The night was completely uneventful. The next morning I even took an ORV route for several miles to get back toward the main road. It was rough and bumpy in places, exactly the kind of trail the Jeep and old military trailer were built for. We grabbed McDonald's before leaving the UP on the roughly two-hour drive home.

AN UNPLEASANT SURPRISE When we got there, I backed the trailer up near the garage, got the boys settled inside, and started thinking about unpacking. Then I walked back through the garage and smelled something awful. My first thought was the freezer. I'd had trouble with it before, so I checked it. Closed. That wasn't it. Then I opened the lid of the trailer. The smell hit me immediately. Within moments I had a headache and felt nauseated. At first I thought something had died inside. Then I saw the propane tank. The little 10pound tank was wet and partially covered in frost. And instantly I knew something was very wrong. I eventually figured out exactly how it had happened.

A REALIZATION Then I closed the lid. The propane had potentially been leaking into that enclosed trailer for hours. Possibly close to 20 hours. The frost on the tank was consistent with propane rapidly leaving the cylinder and cooling the tank as the liquid propane inside evaporated. Then my mind started replaying the previous day. The trailer was full of camping equipment. LED lights. Battery-powered gear. Metal tools. A mini hammer.

A BAD COMBINATION At some point when I packed everything away in Canada, I had forgotten to close the valve on the propane tank. Normally, even with the tank valve open, the spring-loaded valve at the end of the hose should have prevented propane from flowing out. But the loose end of the hose had apparently been packed against something inside the trailer. Whatever it was had pressed that little center pin inward. In other words, something inside the trailer was doing exactly what the stove fitting normally does. So I had unknowingly created the exact combination required for propane to escape: The tank valve was open. The hose was still attached. And something packed inside the trailer was holding the hose's shutoff valve open.

A hatchet. Things shifting around. Things that could potentially produce an ignition source. Then I remembered the rough ORV trail that morning. Everything in that trailer had been bouncing around while, unknown to me, propane may have been accumulating inside. And that part really got to me. The movement of the trailer could have changed what was pressing against that hose fitting at any point. The leak could have started, stopped, or changed as things shifted around. We had parked at KFC. We had parked at McDonald's. Someone could have been standing nearby smoking a cigarette. I could have opened the trailer and activated an electrical device. Something inside could have shifted.

SIMPLE THINGS LINED UP THE WRONG WAY. Any ignition source, with the right propaneto-air mixture inside that enclosed trailer, could potentially have caused a flash fire or explosion. And my boys were around that trailer through all of it. That realization bothered me more than anything. I've camped for years. I'm comfortable with propane. I've used these tanks, stoves, heaters, and fire pits countless times. This wasn't some complicated equipment failure. I forgot to turn off a valve. Then a completely separate safety feature was accidentally defeated because the hose fitting ended up pressed against something inside a tightly packed trailer. Two simple things lined up in exactly the wrong way.

CHANGING THE ROUTINE Nothing happened. The boys are fine. The Jeep is fine. The trailer is fine. I'm sitting here writing about it instead of explaining something unimaginably worse. But I don't want to dismiss that as, “Well, everything worked out.” I got lucky. So I’m changing how I carry propane. The tanks are getting mounted externally, where a leak can dissipate into open air instead of accumulating inside an enclosed trailer. I'm also changing my routine. Tank valve closed. Hose disconnected at both ends. No exceptions.

SAFETY LESSONS The biggest lesson for me is that safety systems aren't a substitute for safe storage. I had a shutoff valve on the tank. I had another shutoff built into the hose. Yet through a simple mistake and some bad luck, both protections were effectively bypassed. Convenience isn't worth bypassing a safety step. I love this old M101 CDN2 trailer. I love taking my boys out on trips like this. I love having what we need to disappear into the woods for a few days and make a campsite wherever we end up. I'll probably continue taking the kitchen sink. The propane, however, is moving outside. Sometimes the best lessons from an adventure aren't about where you went. They're about making sure everybody gets home. Engagement: Drop some thoughts on ways to mount tanks that can be moved/removed easily from Jeep or Trailer here.

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES COMMUNITY PARTNERS

THE TRAVOCA STORY

FROM CAMPFIRE TO COOLER HOW ELECTRIC COOLERS ARE CHANGING THE WAY WE EAT, TRAVEL AND STAY OUT LONGER A CONVERSATION WITH STUART RUDOLPH, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT TRAVOCA USA LLC. Why does food safety become especially important for overlanders and campers who may be off-grid for several days, and how does an electric cooler help reduce those concerns? Beyond keeping food cold, what are some of the biggest conveniences of an electric cooler for people traveling, camping and living out of their vehicles? Food safety on the road and while camping is key to safe enjoyment of the overlanding experience. Especially for meats, fish, and dairy, keeping things below 41 degrees F is critical to avoid food-born illnesses, which can derail your adventure–and cause repeated trips to the toilet tent or privy! Having an electric cooler with a digital temperature setting ensures you can achieve and maintain food safe temperatures. You can precisely dial in the temperature you want on both the fresh and the frozen side of the electric cooler. Besides temperature control, since you don’t have bulky messy ice, there are no worries about your loose items getting waterlogged, and the temperature is more consistent in all sections of an electric cooler compared to an ice chest.

BETTER FOOD STORAGE GIVES YOU FREEDOM AND FLEXIBILITY How can better food storage change the way adventurers plan meals, stay out longer and enjoy more remote destinations? It gives you freedom and flexibility. In a dual zone electric cooler, you could prep foods at home, freeze them, and then move them from your frozen section to your fridge section over time–as one example. Having a wine or craft beer party one night? Set the electric cooler to 50 or 45 degrees for the perfect serving temperature. Possibly the biggest advantage is never messing around with ice again. Unless you want a few cubes for your favorite refreshing beverage! We’ve all had overlanding and camping trips interrupted by long trips to town to get more ice. With an electric cooler, like TRAVOCA’s, you are not limited by ice. As long as you have power from your rig, or a supplemental power station and solar panel from TRAVOCA or other brands, you can keep foods cold or frozen and safe indefinitely.

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES COMMUNITY PARTNERS

OUR BRAND WAS BORN AROUND THE CAMPFIRE, UNDER THE STARS.

Northology is built around community, responsible recreation and getting people outside. Where do you see Travoca fitting into that mission and helping make outdoor adventure more accessible and enjoyable? We have the same ultimate purpose. Our vision is to make elegantly rugged products that fit around the camp table, to enhance responsible enjoyment of the outdoors with family and friends. We started with electric coolers, and power support including a power station and a solar panel. We’ll expand where our customers allow us to go, while always keeping true to our original vision.

Travoca is a Wisconsin-based company. What does supporting outdoor communities here in the Midwest—and events like Northology’s—mean to your team? We want to give back to our local communities and prefer to focus on like-minded adventurers. Our brand was born around the campfire, under the stars. A few outdoor industry professionals and refrigerated products experts got together and decided, after seeing a night full of stars at an overlanding outing, that there was an opportunity to bring all our talents together and build an electric cooler purposely for the overlanding and car camping communities. Ready to ditch the ice? See TRAVOCA’s coolers, power stations and solar solutions to find the setup that fits your adventure lifestyle at travoca.com.

presented by:

October 15-18 Callie’s lake and campground, stanton, ky

Adventure Starts With the Right Gear

Adventure Gear for every occasion C&J ADVENTURE SUPPLY.COM

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NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES FEATURE

GEAR OF THE MONTH SEPTEMBER: FIELD-TESTED FAVORITES FOR CAMPING, OVERLANDING, AND ADVENTURE TRAVEL

Gear of the Month highlights field-tested products built for camping, overlanding, travel, and time outside. Each month, Northology takes a closer look at gear that has been used, researched, packed, or put through realworld trip prep to see where it fits, what it does well, and who it's for. September’s lineup leans into the pieces that make a full trip easier to manage: a lighter rooftop tent, a dependable power station, a camp stove that can handle real meals, and a trail helmet built for rougher bike days. By Jarrod Nobbe

FSR ASPEN LITE ROOFTOP TENT Specifications: Price: $2,250 Weight: 100 pounds Sleeping capacity: 1 to 2 people Exterior dimensions: 49.5 x 80 x 7.375 inches Interior dimensions: 45.5 x 76 x 59 inches Weight capacity: 750 pounds Best use: Lightweight overland builds, weekend trips, smaller SUVs, and fast camp setups Pros: Lightweight for a rooftop tent. Under-a-minute setup keeps camp simple. Tri-Layer insulated body adds comfort across changing conditions. Low-profile packed height helps keep the rig cleaner up top. Includes key camp pieces such as the ladder, mattress, lighting, and mounting kit. Cons: Still adds meaningful weight to the roof. Best for 1 to 2 people, so families will want more room.

TRAVOCA VEGA 1500 POWER STATION

WHY IT STANDS OUT: The Aspen Lite is an excellent choice for quick weekends, solo adventures, or two-person trips where you want to keep your rig agile. Its tonneau-style cover is a standout feature, providing a streamlined, low-profile footprint that keeps the vehicle composed on highway miles, backroads, and technical trailhead approaches. Once you’re parked, it delivers the creature comforts that matter after a long day behind the wheel. The Tri-Layer insulated body manages temperature swings effectively, the memory foam mattress provides a restful sleep surface, and the integrated LED lighting simplifies camp setup so you aren't fumbling for a headlamp. It’s a clean, efficient solution for camp builds where weight, space, and speed are the priorities. Pros: 1536Wh capacity gives it real camp-power usefulness. LiFePO4 battery chemistry adds long-term durability. Multiple ports support coolers, electronics, camera gear, and small appliances. Bright EMS app support helps monitor power use. Still portable enough to move around camp when needed. Cons: At 38.6 pounds, it isn’t exactly grab-and-go light. Solar charging requires a separate panel.

WHY IT STANDS OUT:

Specifications: Price: $999.99 Capacity: 1536Wh Output: 1800W max Weight: 38.6 pounds Size: 15.9 x 8.6 x 11.6 inches Battery type: LiFePO4 Best use: Off-grid camp power, powered coolers, camera gear, phones, laptops, and vehicle-based travel

The Travoca Vega 1500 is engineered for the rigors of modern camp life. On multi-day trips, standard power banks often hit their limit by the second night when tasked with keeping powered coolers, cameras, and laptops running. The Vega 1500 bridges that gap, providing enough headroom to keep your core camp gear humming independently, so you aren't tied to your vehicle’s 12V outlet. The standout feature is its practical versatility; it comfortably powers a cooler for 18 hours to three days, depending on conditions —a critical safety net when the weather turns or you're parked up for a few days. It isn’t the featherweight champion of power stations, but it strikes the right balance between portability and pure capacity for anyone serious about off-grid longevity.

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES FEATURE

POC KORTAL RACE MIPS MTB HELMET Specifications: Price: $300 Weight: 380g to 470g, depending on size Sizes: S, M, L Safety features: MIPS Integra, RECCO Reflector, Twiceme NFC Medical ID Certifications: EN 1078 and NTA 8776 Best use: Mountain biking, enduro riding, e-bike use, and technical trail days Pros: Built for harder trail and enduro riding. MIPS Integra adds rotational impact protection. RECCO Reflector and Twiceme NFC Medical ID add emergencyfocused tech. Ventilation works with goggles and sunglasses. Extended coverage gives more confidence on rougher terrain. Cons: Premium price point. Trail-focused design may feel bulky for mellow rides.

CAMP CHEF EVEREST 2X Specifications: Price: $229.99 Burners: Two 20,000 BTU burners Cook space: 215 square inches Ignition: Matchless ignition Best use: Car camping, basecamp cooking, overlanding, tailgating, and bigger camp meals Pros: Strong burner output for a portable camp stove. Two-burner setup makes real camp meals easier. Matchless ignition keeps startup simple. Enough cook space for larger pans or a more complete camp kitchen. A proven design with strong outdoor-review credibility. Cons: Larger than minimalist stove setups. Overkill if you only need coffee and quick meals

WHY IT STANDS OUT: The Camp Chef Everest 2X makes sense for camp nights when dinner takes more than one burner and a little patience. The two 20,000-BTU burners bring plenty of heat, and the wider cooking surface gives you room to run a pan and a pot at the same time without playing stove Tetris.

WHY IT STANDS OUT: The POC Kortal Race MIPS is easiest to appreciate once the ride gets fast and chunky. The deeper coverage feels appropriate on steeper descents and rougher lines, while the ventilation still holds up during climbs and longer pedals. It gives enduro and downcountry riders the coverage they want on rougher terrain without feeling like too much helmet during the slower parts of the ride. That same trail-focused design is where the safety features start to make more sense. The MIPS Integra system adds rotational impact protection, while the RECCO Reflector and Twiceme NFC Medical ID bring useful emergency-focused tech into the helmet. Most riders won’t think about those features on every ride, but they become easier to appreciate when the trail gets more remote, and the consequences get higher. The Kortal Race MIPS is a premium helmet, but for aggressive trail riders or those looking for beefed-up safety, it brings the coverage, airflow, and added security you want when the terrain starts asking for more.

It’s built for vehicle-based camping, overlanding, and basecamp weekends where a larger stove is worth the space. The Everest 2X gives you enough cooking power to handle bigger camp meals, boil water quickly, and keep dinner moving without crowding everything onto a tiny surface. One small detail that stands out in use: the side wind panels lock into place, so they feel more secure when the wind picks up, or camp gets bumped around.

WHY TRUST US? Northology’s gear coverage comes from real use, close research, and firsthand experience from people who spend their time outside. Products are evaluated for how they perform during actual trips and how well they fit the way outdoor travelers pack, drive, camp, ride, and move through rough conditions. A product needs to make sense in the field. It needs to hold up after setup. It needs to solve a clear problem when space, time, weather, and access matter. Our recommendations are shaped by practical details that show up through use. We look at how easy the gear is to pack, how quickly it sets up, how durable it feels, and whether it continues to prove its value after the first impression wears off. When a product earns a place in Gear of the Month, it’s because it offers something useful for the trip and deserves a closer look from readers planning their next trip.

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When we heard about onX Offroad’s new Public Comment Hub, we had questions. What exactly is it? How does it work? And most importantly, how can everyday recreationists use it to have a voice in decisions affecting the places we explore? We took those questions straight to onX — here’s what they had to say.

Why did onX create the Public Land Comment Hub, and what problem is it trying to solve? The problem we are trying to solve with the Public Land Comment Hub is discoverability. NEPA and related laws determine when and how federal land management agencies must conduct public scoping, but that information is scattered across numerous government websites, delivered in textheavy notices and documents, in inconsistent formats, and written in dense government language. In order to find information on a proposal regarding public land management, someone would have to already know what they were looking for, including when it was published and which specific keywords to use. So, onX built the Public Land Comment Hub to pull all active public comment periods into one interactive map and dashboard, so people can see what's happening on land they care about, then go directly to the right webpage to comment. Writing a substantive comment still requires people to read the official documents to understand what’s being proposed, but our goal was to make more people aware of when these opportunities are open, see which areas are impacted, and then help them get to the information quickly. Why should the average public-land user care about federal public comment periods? These processes help determine the future of the land people ride, explore, hunt, fish, hike, and camp on. These decisions made with public input ultimately set the management direction and environmental

outcomes of land use decisions for decades, if not forever. Many types of proposals, whether they include decisions about roads and trails, wildlife habitat, grazing, energy development, or forest management, also have long-term implications for public access or enjoyment of the land. Input during comment periods are one of the few formal ways that everyday recreationists get a say before those decisions are finalized, and collectively they demonstrate to the agencies where public sentiment falls on a given proposal. And the on-the-ground knowledge recreationists have is often exactly the kind of information agencies don't have from their own data. Agencies are required to consider and reply to substantive comments from the public. What kinds of land-use and access decisions can people discover through the Hub? The Hub covers proposals and comment periods across four federal agencies: the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. These agencies determine things like which roads and trails through their jurisdictions are open to which vehicles and when, as well as energy leasing, livestock grazing terms, land designations like Monuments and Wilderness Study Areas, and commercial outfitter/ special use permits. How does the Hub make finding and understanding those opportunities easier than the traditional process? First, when specific geographical areas are impacted by a plan or proposal, we’ve put those open comment periods on an interactive map, to help users visualize each place. Some of these are at the individual land parcel level, and some are shown at the Forest, Park, Refuge, or Field Office level. For example, a Forest Plan Revision for a particular National Forest will show up on our map based on the boundaries of that National Forest. Some are shown at the State or District Office level. We’ve used the most specific geographic area possible for each one, given the geospatial information provided by the agencies. For plans and proposals that are not tied to a

specific geography, like agency-wide rules, those are listed below the map. For those, we’ve provided the same overview information and a direct link to go comment, just like the ones we show on the map. Second, we’ve provided the basic information people need in order to begin making sense of government jargon, including plain-language descriptions of what each plan type means for recreation, a glossary of terms, and direct guidance on what makes a comment count. Third,our map and dashboard are continually updated, as comment periods open and close, so the information on the Hub stays current. If someone finds a proposal affecting a place they use, what should they do? Once they land on the Hub and find a proposal they want more information about, they can click or tap on it, which opens a pop-up card with a summary of the proposed action. At the bottom of the card, they will see the "Comment Now" button, which will link them directly to the official documents and comment portal on the agency's website. (onX doesn't collect or process the comment itself, and we don’t tell people what to say). Before submitting a comment, it's worth reviewing the guidance we’ve provided on the Hub about what makes a comment substantive, and to note the deadline, since late comments are excluded from the record. What makes a public comment substantive and useful rather than simply registering support or opposition? A strong comment is specific to the proposal under review, rather than registering a general opinion about the agency or a broader policy matter. It also references the plan by name with page or map numbers if possible. A substantive comment presents infor-mation, on-theground knowledge, and reasoning. It’s helpful if the comment raises a point the agency can actually act on, like a blind spot in the agency’s analysis, or calls attention to an unsupported claim or unconsidered impact. And, of course, the comment needs

to be submitted on time. Simply saying "yes" or "no" to a proposal doesn't give the agency anything to work with — the goal is giving them something specific enough to respond to. For proposals that offer several alternatives, people should specifically reference which of the alternatives they want to see as the chosen course of action, and again, back it up with their why. How important is personal, place-specific experience when submitting a comment? It's pretty important in order for the comment to be considered substantive, which is what will literally make the comment “count” and not get tossed out or lumped in with carbon-copies of the same comment. Commenters can offer their own experience or expertise: what they've personally witnessed on the ground. This can be any kind of observation that’s relevant for the issue at hand. That might mean observations about safety issues, wildlife movements, trail or road conditions after a flood or fire, places in need of maintenance, campground conditions, or overcrowding in popular destinations. People can also describe how they recreate in a particular area, or how close they live to the area, and how their experience will be impacted by a proposal. Referencing exact locations (you can copy coordinates directly off the Hub’s map) makes a comment more concrete and harder for an agency to dismiss as generic. This kind of firsthand, location-specific observation is often information the agency's own environmental analysis doesn't otherwise capture.

Why was it important for the Hub to remain nonpartisan and not tell users what position to take? The Hub's purpose is to make an existing government process easier to navigate, not to advocate for any particular outcome. We want folks using this tool to form their own thoughts, and offer their unique perspectives. We all enjoy the outdoors differently, and the Hub is meant to serve all outdoor activity types equally by giving them access to the same information and the same direct links to official agency portals. Plus, since it’s being continually updated, we aren’t able to dive deeply into every federal agency action. Right now, there are over 40 active comment periods! And we don’t expect any individual using the Hub to respond to everything either. But we would like to see more people participate, more often. For someone who thinks their individual comment won't make a difference, what would you tell them? Comment periods are one part of a larger decision-making process alongside environmental analysis, scientific data, and agency objectives. It’s true that it's not a vote, so the majority opinion doesn’t necessarily determine the outcome. However, substantive comments can help agencies improve their decisions if an important factor was initially overlooked, so sometimes we’ll see a hybrid outcome from what was originally proposed. Plus, the agencies are required by law to consider

and respond to substantive comments: essentially, they have to justify their decisions. Every substantive comment becomes part of the official record, which can be used by the courts if a final decision is challenged in a lawsuit. Finally, for some processes (like USFS decisions), commenting during the initial scoping stage is a prerequisite for being able to formally object later — so missing the window doesn't just mean missing a chance to speak that time, it can close off future opportunities to weigh in at all.

WIS CON SIN OFF ROAD TRAILS WEST EVERGREEN - OFF HIGHWAY MOTOR VEHICLE RECREATION IN “WISCONSIN’S COUNTY OF TRAILS”

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FREE ADV WEEKEND: ONE OF THE PERKS OF THE CLUB Sometimes the best weekends are the simplest ones: a campsite in the Northwoods, a few good trails, a campfire and a bunch of people who genuinely enjoy hanging out together. Our annual Free ADV Weekend brought Northology Patreon members together August 7–9 in northern Wisconsin for a completely free weekend of camping and adventure. We hit the trails during the day, played games, gave away prizes and gathered back at camp for a potluck dinner.

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We also celebrated Jill and Chris Carr as our 2026 P.O.T.Y. (Patron of the Year) winners — recognizing two people who have become a big part of what makes this community special and have been there from the very beginning. Free ADV Weekend is exactly why we created the Northology Patreon in the first place. It isn’t just bonus content or another subscription. It’s a way to bring the people who support what we do together in real life — with member-only gatherings, event perks, discounts, giveaways and a few surprises throughout the year. If you’ve been following Northology from the sidelines, come join us. Your support helps keep Northology Adventures independent, and you might just find yourself around the campfire with us next year. See more info here.

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The Field ATV, UTV Park & Ride and Stay A place to come, Park and Ride the Trails, setup your camper/tent and relax overnight after a fun day on the trails.

W6116 Cemetery Rd. Pembine, WI, 54156

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES IN THE FIELD

CUTTING THE CORD: BATTERY POWER FOR STARLINK MINI BY TESLOVIX BY CINDY POPE One of the reasons I love the Starlink Mini is its portability. The problem is that “portable” gets a little less portable when you still need to figure out where the power is coming from. That’s especially true when camping in the Northwoods, where finding a clear view of the sky can mean moving the Starlink well away from your vehicle or campsite. Teslovix reached out and offered to send me two of their Starlink Mini battery solutions to try: their 45,000mAh Tripod Battery and 27,000mAh Clip-on Battery. The products were provided to me at no cost, but Teslovix specifically asked for an honest review. And so far, I genuinely have nice things to say.

TRIPOD BATTERY The 45,000mAh Tripod Battery replaces the Starlink Mini kickstand, so the battery itself becomes the base for the dish. That eliminates a separate power station and, more importantly, the cord running between the Starlink and wherever you’ve stashed your power source. The tripod attaches surprisingly easily to the Starlink mini clip-on battery, but I realize now it makes more sense to attach it to the mount mod they sent.

On a recent camping trip with Wisconsin Overland, I set up the tripod battery and Starlink Mini after we returned from our trail ride. One little self-contained setup was able to provide Starlink service to my campmates throughout the afternoon and into the evening. In a remote camp where cell service can be questionable at best, being able to simply set it up where I had a clear view of the sky and share the connection with everyone was pretty damn handy. I also ended up testing it somewhere I hadn’t originally planned: at a local arts and crafts fair. I needed reliable internet access for the day, powered my Starlink Mini with the Teslovix tripod battery, and it worked exactly as I needed it to. No generator, no separate power station and no extension cord to deal with.

CLIP-ON BATTERY The smaller 27,000mAh Clip-on Battery has turned out to be interesting for an entirely different reason. It clips directly onto the back of the Starlink Mini, creating a completely selfcontained unit. I tested that setup in my truck. My dash mounting method was admittedly a little haphazard and needs some refinement, but the concept absolutely worked. With the Starlink Mini mounted near the dash and powered by the 27,000mAh Teslovix battery, I was able to navigate and do all of the other online things I normally rely on while traveling — without having to run another power cord around the cab. That experiment may actually be one of my favorite uses for the smaller battery. The entire Starlink and power setup moves together as one unit. For road trips, trail navigation, quick stops or working from the truck, there’s very little to set up.

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES IN THE FIELD

The two batteries solve slightly different problems. The larger 45,000mAh tripod makes sense when I want longer runtime and the freedom to carry the Starlink away from camp or my vehicle to find a better opening in the tree canopy. It’s also IP67 rated, which is reassuring when that perfect Starlink location happens to be wet grass, dirt or mud.

All-day power to the Starlink at the Lakewood Arts & Crafts Fair. I started out with 5+ hours with the clip-on battery and finished out the day strong with power to spare using the tripod.

The smaller 27,000mAh clip-on is about portability. At 99Wh, it’s also designed to stay within airline battery limits, making it an interesting option for travelers who want to take their Starlink Mini farther from home. After using both, what I like most about the Teslovix concept is pretty simple: these batteries make the Starlink Mini more useful by removing one of the things that makes portable electronics annoying — the cord. That may sound like a small improvement, but when you’re trying to find a hole in a Northwoods tree canopy, sharing internet with your campmates, working an event, traveling or just trying to get online without unpacking half the truck, simple is pretty damn nice. Teslovix provided these products to Northology at no cost for testing and review. They asked for an honest assessment and did not pay for a positive review. Northology readers can also save 20% with discount code Northology. You can shop all of the Starlink products by Teslovix here. If you don’t have a Starlink yet, get a free month of service when you use our referral link, just click here.

We provded satellite service to Wisconsin Overland members on a recent campout deep in the Nicolet National Forest a couple of weeks ago. No cords mean we can place the unit anywhere and not worry about trip hazards or placement.

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NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES

ACCESS IS PART OF CONSERVATION, TOO WHY THE ROADLESS RULE DESERVES A DEEPER CONVERSATION ABOUT MANAGEMENT, MOBILITY AND COMPROMISE BY CINDY POPE I would encourage everyone who has an opinion about the Roadless Rule — on either side — to actually read about it before reacting to a headline or repeating someone else's talking points. This isn't a simple “protect nature vs. destroy nature” issue, and it shouldn't be reduced to whether you support or oppose the current administration. The

debate over how the Forest Service manages inventoried roadless areas has been going on for decades, through Republican and Democratic administrations, multiple court battles, congressional involvement and statespecific compromises. Colorado and Idaho already operate under their own roadless rules rather than the nationwide 2001 rule. There are legitimate reasons the Roadless Rule was created. Roads can fragment habitat, affect watersheds

and change undeveloped landscapes. Those concerns deserve consideration. There are also legitimate questions about whether a blanket national rule covering tens of millions of acres unnecessarily limits local forest managers, active forest management, wildfire mitigation, timber management and the multiple-use mission of our National Forests. Even the history of the Roadless Rule shows that states have repeatedly sought more locally appropriate solutions that make sense for their particular situations.

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES QUESTIONS ON ACCESS There is another part of the access conversation that has become increasingly personal to me: not everyone can experience public lands on foot. My dad still loves getting outdoors, and his Jeep allows him to experience places he simply couldn't reach otherwise. I'm getting older myself, and I can't hike as far or as easily as I once could. That has changed the way I think about what “access” really means. For an able-bodied 25-yearold, closing a road might mean parking and hiking another five miles. For an elderly person, someone with a disability or limited mobility, or even someone aging out of long-distance hiking, it can mean that place is effectively no longer accessible at all. I want wild places protected. I also want my dad to be able to see them. I want people with disabilities to see them. And frankly, I want to be able to keep experiencing them as I get older. Motorized access doesn't have to mean roads everywhere, nor does every road need to remain open forever. But I don't believe preserving public land should mean reserving the experience of it primarily for people physically capable of reaching it on foot. Our national forests are for all.

ROOM FOR COMPROMISE After digging into both sides, I support rescinding the nationwide Roadless Rule. That does not mean I support building roads everywhere, clearcutting forests or abandoning conservation. I think there is plenty of room for compromise: protect genuinely sensitive and ecologically important areas while allowing responsible, sitespecific management where it makes sense — including thoughtful consideration of public access. Most importantly, read beyond the memes and political posts. Read why the rule was created, the arguments for keeping it, the arguments for rescinding it. Read about the Colorado and Idaho approaches. Understand what “roadless” actually means and what rescission would and would not authorize. Public-land policy is complicated. It deserves more thought than “someone cool on my side says this is bad, therefore it is bad.”

Clean up. Show proof. Earn entries. Win prizes. The Northology “Leave it Better” Summer Challenge is a community-driven stewardship initiative running through September. Participants are encouraged to clean up trails, campsites, public lands, shorelines, and recreation areas wherever they adventure, then submit photos of their efforts for entries into monthly and season-ending prize drawings.

MinneSconsin Michelle

SUMMER CLEANUP UPDATE & AUGUST WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT

CONGRATS, JACOB LETCHER! LEAVE IT BETTER SUMMER: KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING Our Leave It Better Summer campaign has hit a bit of a lull, we had fewer submissions in August but we're grateful to everyone who has taken the time to clean up public lands and share photos of their efforts. From campsites to trailheads and dispersed camping areas, your submissions prove that a few extra minutes can make a real difference. Congratulations to Jacob Letcher, whose submission was selected as this month's winner in a random drawing! Jacob won a 650LM Hand Crank Solar Battery Powered Rechargeable Lantern The campaign isn't over. Keep sending us your photos, locations, and a brief description of the cleanup you completed. Every submission helps inspire others to care for the places we all love. And don't miss out—September's prize drawing will feature something amazing, so get out there, leave it better, and show us how you're making a difference.

“Went trail riding on the Langlade County trails and fire roads picking up beer bottles pop cans and worm boxes as well as marking locations for larger items for later in the fall.” -Jacob Letcher

NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES EVENT NEWS KEWEENAW OVERLAND ADVENTURE RETREAT

KID’S KOARNER Kid’s KOARner is better than ever this year! We’ve added more games, hands-on activities and outdoor education designed especially for our youngest adventurers. Thanks to Cassandra Letcher and Melissa Wisniewski of Sticks and Stones Adventures, there’s plenty to keep KOAR kids exploring, learning and having fun.

September 17-20, Trails End Campground, Copper Harbor, MI

ONLY A FEW SEATS LEFT FOR THE BEST TOUR OF THE KEWEENAW Only a few seats remain for our KOAR Seaplane Tours! Take to the skies for an unforgettable flight over the Keweenaw, with incredible views of Lake Superior, the rugged shoreline and some of our favorite landmarks from above. Grab your seat before they’re gone!

PRESENTED BY FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE For the latest announcements, schedule updates, trail information, and last-minute event details, be sure to follow the KOAR Facebook Page and mark yourself Going on the official KOAR Facebook Event. It's the best way to stay informed before and during the weekend.

WISCONSIN FALL 4X4 FEST WEST EVERGREEN OHMV TRAILS IN LANGLADE COUNTY October 2-4, River Forest Campground, White Lake, WI Celebrate fall in the Northwoods at the Wisconsin Fall 4x4 Fest! Spend the weekend camping, exploring the Langlade County West Evergreen OHMV Trail System, enjoying fall colors, great food, raffles, educational programming, and connecting with fellow offroad enthusiasts. Best of all, the event helps support the Wolf River Fire Department, making it truly a weekend of adventure with a purpose.

RIVER FOREST CAMPGROUND LEVELING UP FOR 4X4 If you haven't been to River Forest Campground lately, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Amy and Raf have been hard at work making improvements throughout the property, with upgraded campsites and ongoing enhancements that continue to make one of Wisconsin's favorite off-road destinations even better. Their dedication to creating a welcoming, comfortable campground is one more reason we're excited to return for the Wisconsin Fall 4x4 Fest this October.

PRESENTED BY OVERLAND THE RED PRESENTED BY October 15-18, Callie’s Lake and Campground, Stanton, KY Experience one of the country's premier overlanding destinations at Overland the Red presented by Dan Cummins Auto. Set in Kentucky's breathtaking Red River Gorge, this three-day gathering brings together overlanders for camping, trail rides, educational sessions, vendors, evening programming, and unforgettable adventures on and off the trail.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK Stay up to date on everything happening at Overland the Red by marking yourself Going on the official OTR Facebook Event.

Protecting the Keweenaw's vast landscapes. For everyone. Forever.

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JOIN THE CONVERSATION Join our Facebook Group to continue the discussion on magazine articles, relevant topics and other adventurerelated subjects important to this community!

CALENDAR Keweenaw Overland Adventure Retreat, September 17-20 Detroit 4Fest, September 18-19 Big Iron Overland Rally, October 2-3 Wisconsin Fall 4x4 Fest October 2-4 Overland the Red, October 15-18 Rendezvous in the Ozarks, October 15-17 Rally at the Rocks, November 14

Got an event coming up that you would like to promote? Let us know! Email info.northologyadventures@gmail.com

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ILLINOIS Rockford Ski Club , Rockford KENTUCKY Callie's Lake & Campground, Stanton MICHIGAN Boondock Inn Toivola Fresh Coast Cabins Eagle Harbor Keweenaw Mountain Lodge Copper Harbor Trails End Copper Harbor Northwinds Adventures, Atlantic Mine MINNESOTA Hungry Hippie Hostel, Grand Marais WISCONSIN The Field Park Ride & Stay, Pembine River Forest Campground, White Lake

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MEMBERSHIP PERKS There's something special about belonging to a community that actually gets together. Our Northology Adventures Patreon members enjoy exclusive content throughout the year, but some of the best moments happen away from the keyboard. Last month we held our annual Free ADV Weekend, where patrons gathered around the campfire, swapped stories, explored, and simply enjoyed good company in the Northwoods. Membership also includes our Trail Mail Snail Mail Club at certain levels, bringing a little adventure to your mailbox with exclusive stickers, patches, postcards, prints, and other surprises throughout the year. If you've been looking for a way to support Northology Adventures while becoming part of a growing community of like-minded explorers, we'd love to have you join us.

Photo by Jarrod Nobbe