🏕️ Backwoods & Off-Grid Essentials
When you’re out in the thick of it — no hookups, no neighbors, no pavement in sight — this is the gear I trust. These are the things that have earned their spot in my Jeep or Skoolie because they actually work when you’re off-grid and off-map.
Forceatt 2-Person Backpacking Tent – Ultralight & Waterproof
I don’t mess around when it comes to my shelter. This Forceatt tent is tough, fast to pitch, and handles wind and rain better than a lot of bigger brands. Friends have used it on solo missions, and it’s held up like a champ. Lightweight, compact, and trail tested.
WolfWise Pop-Up Shower Tent
Privacy matters, even in the wild. Whether it’s a shower, bathroom, or just changing gear, this quick pop-up has become part of my regular camp setup. Packs flat, goes up in seconds.
Fiskars 14″ Hatchet
You’re not really off-grid if you’re not splitting your own wood. This hatchet is light enough to carry but tough enough to bust kindling or small logs. I’ve beat on mine for years and it’s still going.
Oupes Mega 1 Portable Power Station
The Oupes Mega 1 is my main backup power when I’m way off-grid. It runs everything in the Jeep, a fridge, lights, charges my gear, and can even handle tools when needed. Solar-ready, built solid, and it just works — I’ve trusted this unit on long Baja trips and remote boondocks alike.
đź’§ Water Filtration & Purification
Clean water matters more when you’re 40 miles from the nearest faucet. These are the tools I count on to keep it flowing clean.
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
This thing’s in every pack I’ve got. It’s lightweight, reliable, and lets you drink straight from the source — creeks, puddles, even sketchy water if you have to. Great backup if your main system fails.
Travel Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter System
The Travel Berkey is what so many friends use. It turns nasty water into clean, great-tasting drinking water without any power needed. Built like a tank, easy to clean, and lasts forever.
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L Water Filter Bottle
Simple, fast, and easy to stash in a backpack or day bag. I like this one for quick hikes or backup filtration — just fill it up and squeeze. No weird taste, no moving parts to break, and it’s fast enough to keep you moving.
Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System
Great middle-ground between the LifeStraw and a full filter setup. The Sawyer Squeeze is compact, fast, and filters out the bad stuff with solid flow. Perfect for refilling bottles or hydration packs.
🔋 Power & Lighting for Off-Grid
Power isn’t optional when you live off-grid — it’s the backbone of everything from lights to laptops to life-saving gear. This is the setup I actually use in my Jeep so its real-world tested, solar-ready, and reliable deep in the wild.
Oupes Mega 1 Power Kit – 2000W Power Station + B2 Battery + 240W Solar Panel
This is the heart of my off-grid electrical setup. The Mega 1 puts out 2000W continuous (4500W surge) — enough to run serious gear, not just phones and lights. With the B2 expansion battery and 240W solar panel, I can keep my systems running for days without needing shore power. If I’m parked for a bit or doing solar installs, this is what’s keeping things alive.
Milwaukee 2104 Headlamp
Whether I’m wiring something after sunset or setting up camp late, this little headlamp is always nearby. It’s USB rechargeable, super lightweight, and lasts all night. No AA batteries needed, ever.
LuminAID Max Quick Inflate 2-in-1 Solar Camping Lantern and Phone Charger
I keep one of these around camp or in the rig for ambient light. It folds down flat, charges by solar, and runs for hours. Simple and basic.
OGERY Camping String Lights
These 4-in-1 rechargeable string lights stretch over 30 feet, casting a warm, cozy glow that feels just right — never too bright, never harsh. With 8 different modes, they set the perfect mood for nights off the grid, whether you’re kicking back in your tent or hanging out around the campfire.
🔥 Campfire Cooking & Survival Gear
I cook over open flames or small burners more than most people cook at home. When you’re off the grid, cooking over a fire and having the right survival tools isn’t just about comfort — it’s about staying alive and thriving. Here’s what I trust (or have seen trusted) to keep meals going and handle whatever the wild throws at you.
Jetboil Flash 1.0L
Fast, compact, and dead simple. I use the Jetboil when I need hot food or coffee now, not 20 minutes from now. It’ll boil water in under two minutes, even in rough weather, and packs light.
Solo Stove Lite Wood-Burning Backpacking Stove
If you’ve got twigs and dry wood, you’ve got fuel. No gas, no canisters — just a clean-burning stove that’s made for life off-grid. It’s perfect for small meals or hot water in the backwoods.
Gerber Ultimate 4.75 inch fixed blade knife
This is one of those “don’t leave home without it” tools. Full tang blade, fire starter built into the sheath, and a solid grip. Good for food prep, camp tasks, or getting out of a bad situation.
TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot with Lid and Foldable Handle
Lightweight, tough, and multipurpose — Boil water, cook simple meals, and drink straight from it. Titanium means it won’t rust or weigh you down, and it nests nicely with fuel or gear.
A few of these items come recommended by other nomads I trust — folks who live out here like I do. If I haven’t used it myself yet, it’s likely sitting in my cart or on the list for the next trip.