If you were traveling to/from Plain Wash. this week, or just out exploring nature… you probably missed a few things. Here’s what popped up on our radar during week 27.
Northwest Overland Rally
Image Courtesy – NW Overland Rally
If you were in the state of Washington, there’s a good chance you were hanging out in a big field in small town just down the road from Leavenworth. NWOR is a great event held in an incredible location. If you haven’t been; it’s definitely worth a trip.
Like everything expo and overland related the event seems to be getting bigger and better each year. But, even though it’s changed a bit since the first NWOR is a much more laid back event than say Overland Expo West.
There are a good number of vendors in attendance, but we think the highlight of the Rally is the technical course. Actually, the highlight this year may have been Sunday’s “Trophy Challenge” on the technical course. Who doesn’t love a mini off-road race where you have to tape a cup of water to your hood or roof.
Rooftop Tent Rally Announces Registration Details and More
Blue Ridge Overland Gear announced, earlier this week, that registration for the 2 annual Roof Top Tent Rally opens August 1st. The event is scheduled to take place October 19-21st in Gladstone VA at James River StatePark. A roof top tent is not required for entry. You can reserve your spot for just $22, but if you’re a procrastinator expect to par $40 upon arrival.
Women Overlanding the World
This Site / Facebook Group / Instagram is one of the coolest we’ve seen in a long time. If you haven’t already done so; be sure to pay them a visit.
Another Backcountry Coffee Option
Just when you think the coffee market is clearly too saturated to come up with another product; you see something like the “Bripe.” It’s part coffee brewer and part pipe. You basically load coffee grounds and water into the copper pipe like an old-time ship captain. Then in a strange turn of events you whip out a butane torch and heat from the bottom… similar to something you’d expect from Dave Chapelle’s classic character “Tyrone Biggums.”
[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B06XPSFYJB” locale=”US” src=”https://expeditionwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/41Zvg1eU5wL.jpg” tag=”s0b9420-20″ width=”500″]Using a thermometer, you track your progress until the concoction in your “Bripe” reaches the perfect temperature. At this point you transition from Biggums back to the Sea Captain by stowing your butane torch and removing the thermometer. But, instead of taking a pull of tobacco smoke… you’ll use the Bripe’s mouthpiece to ingest a perfectly brewed shot of coffee.
The Bripe’s creator thinks that his creation is the answer to getting your gourmet caffeine fix pretty much anywhere in the wild with little fuss. And, that’s probably the best place use this creative little gadget. If you buy a Bripe, we recommend that you limit your brewing activities to the back country. You don’t want to turn a morning shot of coffee into a potential arrest.
Lightform
Disclaimer… we’re nerds. Also, this applies more to retailers, manufacturers, and event planners, but we just had to share this video from Tested. Within the first few minutes the gears were turning. Augmented reality (AR) is pretty amazing in and of itself… but projected AR might to be the next big thing in retail stores and event venues.
Our first thought: This would be incredible in a brick and mortar store. You could project onto a product (or product display) to highlight key features and better explain differentiating qualities. Or maybe you have a project vehicle in your shop. Imagine setting these up as part of a in-store presentation to show customers parts you added or services you provide.
Our next thought: This would be a huge attention grabber at an evening event if you’re a vendor or presenter at Overland Expo. Imagine happy hour around your vehicle with a bit of augmented reality assist gin in brand building as you hand out free drinks.
One last thing: This could add a lot of flexibility to video content creators
Image Courtesy – Lightform
Basically, the applications for this are limited only by your creativity and ambient light. And aside from the set up time and learning curve… the startup cost to give Lightform a go is pretty low. You can check out the prices or reserve your own over on their website. They expect the first units to ship in November which is too late for Expo East… but you should have plenty of time to get proficient in the long winter evenings.
