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Van Life Geek
United States
Приєднався 4 тра 2018
Living the Van Life in my 1986 VW Westfalia Syncro! I'm a retired professional photographer and filmmaker traveling throughout Colorado and the west in my rare 4WD van, camping in National Forest and BLM lands. Follow me, Van O'Brien, on my van life adventures. Be sure to visit my website, www.vanlifegeek.com to learn more about me, my van, product reviews and view my photo galleries.
Coleman 1900 Collection 3in1 Stove - Unboxing, Initial Thoughts & More
This video features an unboxing of the Coleman 1900 Collection 3 in 1 Stove. I unbox the stove, along with all the extras, as well as checking out how pans fit. Plus, I see if my old Coleman Camp Oven fits this stove... spoil alert... it does!
This stove will be an excellent addition to my old VW Westfalia campervan, which will allow me to cook outside the van, which has several benefits I discuss. Also, I compare this stove with the Cascade 3 in 1 stove which is essentially the same stove but with different colors.
Affiliate Links to Products in this Video:
- Coleman 1900 Stove: amzn.to/4bBRAaI
- Coleman Camp Oven: amzn.to/3wPEjfC
- Pizza Stone for Camp Oven: amzn.to/4bV8C3u
- Thermal Insulated Blanket Cover: amzn.to/4bxxy1b
This stove will be an excellent addition to my old VW Westfalia campervan, which will allow me to cook outside the van, which has several benefits I discuss. Also, I compare this stove with the Cascade 3 in 1 stove which is essentially the same stove but with different colors.
Affiliate Links to Products in this Video:
- Coleman 1900 Stove: amzn.to/4bBRAaI
- Coleman Camp Oven: amzn.to/3wPEjfC
- Pizza Stone for Camp Oven: amzn.to/4bV8C3u
- Thermal Insulated Blanket Cover: amzn.to/4bxxy1b
Переглядів: 2 836
Відео
Bionic Willow
Переглядів 49Рік тому
Willow the Australian Cattle Dog doing what she loves the most...Anything ball related...or frisbee related. Would I take $6 million dollars for her? I'd have to get back to you.
Trail Ridge Snow Removal - Rocky Mountain National Park
Переглядів 3,9 тис.3 роки тому
Quite a few years ago, my video production company was invited to film the snow removal process on Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. I'm retired now and no longer am involved in the business, but I had someone asking me about Trail Ridge Road recently and thought you all might enjoy seeing this short video. This video was made just as they were finishing the final stretches of r...
Van Life Geek Drone Footage From Recent Camps
Переглядів 1753 роки тому
Over my last 3 camps (6 weeks) in the National Forest areas of Northern Colorado, I've had plenty of time to practice flying my drone. This is some of the footage I captured. Flying a drone as a video camera is a learning process, for sure. I still suck at it, but am getting better. I hope you enjoy the short video. All footage in this video was taken with a DJI Mavic Mini, even inside the tent...
Topsolar 100w Portable Solar Panel Review/Demo
Переглядів 8 тис.3 роки тому
I had a 100 watt panel from Allpowers that went bad after just a few months, and after no response (after many attempts) from them, I had to replace it. I purchased that one from eBay and wished I'd used Amazon instead. I might have had some luck returning it under warranty. Obviously, I certainly can't recommend Allpowers products! This panel looked to be much more rugged than the Allpowers an...
Pawnee National Grasslands - Wind Trying to Ruin My ARB Awning
Переглядів 3633 роки тому
When I set camp at the Pawnee National Grasslands, overlooking the Pawnee Buttes, all was calm and nice. Then the winds hit and hardly stopped. I was concerned about my awning and have experienced damage in the past due to strong winds. This time I staked it out better and used springs on my guy lines. No damage to report, but know that if you camp here, expect windy conditions.
ARB Screen Room Installation on a 1986 VW Vanagon Westfalia Syncro
Переглядів 4,6 тис.3 роки тому
This video demonstrates how the ARB Screen Room attaches to the ARB Awning. Footage was taken in Roosevelt National Forest, just outside Rocky Mountain National Park. The vehicle is a 1986 Volkswagen Westfalia Syncro. Link to newer version, Deluxe Awning Room, which includes a screen room and tent combo: amzn.to/3v8ExIm
Powerowl 2in1 Charger Unboxing & Review
Переглядів 1613 роки тому
Model H27 Lithium Battery (18650) Powerbank External Battery Pack & Charger - Amazon Link: amzn.to/39E3S4C UPDATE 04-27-2021: I didn't mention in the video (because I just discovered it) that the USB-C port can also be used to charge devices when the charger itself is not being charged. This give a total of 3 simultaneous charging ports, 2 USB-A ports and 1 USB-C port. Also I received a questio...
Aoge 1080p Webcam Review
Переглядів 1843 роки тому
This USB webcam was cheap, but still an upgrade from my laptop webcam. The audio comes in a little soft, but can be boosted when editing to compensate. Amazon Link: amzn.to/2P2EYEw
Colorado Snow Storm - March, 2021
Переглядів 4,5 тис.3 роки тому
We had a pretty good snow overnight in Colorado. I'm sure it was way deeper in the high country. Here's some footage of my VW Westfalia Vanagon Syncro during the storm.
Mpow Selfie Stick Unboxing and First Look
Переглядів 203 роки тому
This is a video unboxing and first look at the Mpow Selfie Stick Tripod I purchased on Amazon. Link: amzn.to/3v5pwYh I found this to be a versatile little product!
Nunet Suction Cup Review
Переглядів 3223 роки тому
This is a review of a cool suction cup I found that is really strong and I can use to get cool video shots when it's attached to my van. Product Link: amzn.to/3e7wQwM
Nunet Magnetic Camera Mount
Переглядів 1083 роки тому
I discovered this super-strong magnet that comes with a 1/4 20 thread, which is the same size as a tripod thread. I'm finding all sorts of uses for this little magnet, including mounting my action camera under my van for an interesting perspective. It also works great for mounting my shotgun microphone. Magnet Link: amzn.to/3uK3sT0 Suction Cup Link: amzn.to/3e3HMeG RØDE NTG1 Shotgun Mic Link: a...
Nunet Bluetooth TX RX Review
Переглядів 3113 роки тому
This little transmitter worked exactly as I'd hoped! Link: amzn.to/3sCXl0X
Portraits By Van O'Brien
Переглядів 243 роки тому
More examples of my professional portrait work in nature.
Excellent review Sir thank u👍👏
Willow is a wonderful puppy. I love her!!!
I think she likes you, too! Thanks for the sub.
Best review on UA-cam! Bought the 3 in 1 version for my bus conversion. Thanks for the thorough review!
Wow, thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you found my video useful.
Thanks for the review! I ended up getting one of these after watching your video.
Wow, thanks for the comments. I hope you enjoy your new stove!
Thanks for the great review.
Glad it was helpful!
Is that not a 120watt panel,as it has 4 of them at 30watt each ,
I'm new to all of the solar panel systems could someone give me some advice with this panel do I need a solar generator? Or can I just plug my phone laptop straight in the the sockets on the panel? Without any other equipment? So no solar generator or controller. Can I just unfold and plug phone straight in no problems? Thank you
Yes, you can just use the solar panel to charge your phone or other USB chargeable devices. There are USB ports built right into the solar panel, so just set the panels in the sun and plug in your phone. I will say that this is way overkill for using the panels just for your phone. You could get by with a much smaller set of panels for charging a phone, like a 10 watt panel or something similar. A panel of this size is more suitable for charging a solar generator, or as I use it, to charge the house battery in my van. You also mentioned your laptop, which most likely would not be able to be charged by the panels alone. Laptops generally require more power than the solar panels can generate, so this is where a solar generator would come in. Charge up the solar generator, then you can plug the laptop into the 110v plug and charge that way. I hope this helps!
@@vanlifegeek this has helped amazing for.me I honestly appreciate it 🙏 godbless you and your family again thank you so much
@@8ball9016 My pleasure!
The dude abides.........
Nice Video Surprised You Don’t Have More Views.
Thanks! To be honest, I haven't really been adding any new content for a while, so not generating many views. I'll get motivated one of these days. I have a ton of content shot, but just need to edit it into something worth watching.
@@vanlifegeek I know what you mean we started our channel a year ago and posted a few videos and stopped for a year. My granddaughter wanted to go camping and shoot some videos so we just posted a couple she helped make. No idea if anyone will ever see them other than friends and family. The most unfortunate part is not that our video is not promoted, but that it is rare to see new content because we keep getting presented with the same old mega channels and not enough new content from new or smaller channels. Please post more.
@@CreekRanger I"m sure one of these days I will. I just got some new equipment, so I have no excuses, other than being lazy.
Thank you for the video
Thanks for watching!
How is it holding up? The foldable one
It has held up well and is still going strong! We'll see how long it lasts, but for now, I'm happy.
🙂👍👍👍🙂
Hi Mr Geek 👋🏻. Fantastic video!!! Jealous of your adventures with van and drone! I have a drone, and a pal with a van! We took his van out for a try in the desert: ua-cam.com/video/RC_P1YgZsRc/v-deo.html. Have left a 👍🏻 and subscribed. Jackie
Got one from Amazon, would not put out any power.. Got a replacement and it would only put out 50W... Not a very good unit, returned that one too and got the XStar 100W, which actually puts out more than advertised..
Sounds like maybe one side isn't working. I'd definitely return it.
I got 80w in perfect evening sun light.
I got this one to connect to my Jackery 1500w. But it is not charging my Jackery. I guess I did not set it up the right way. What is the right way? I can't find any info on HOW TO.
Thanks for your helpful review. Wishing you all the best!
I want to know if the product itself will hold a dslr... without your tripod reconfiguration. I'm still left wondering if this is a good buy or not.
A DSLR will work without the ball head, but I would think it would be difficult to frame your shot easily as there would be no adjustment ability.
Most portable panels don't give you 100w. You will be happy if it gives you 60w.
Actually, I get 100 watts every time if it's sunny. Sometimes, up to 110 watts, so I'm happy.
Klamath falls Oregon is watching
That's a good size. You can replace batteries with Panasonic-Sanyo NCR18650G-A from Orbtronic. Those batteries is rated for 3400-3500 mAh each. Making it a 14,000 mAh battery bank.
Good idea!
Hey thank you for demonstrating this product! D you think there would be enough room to mount this inside the windshield and have a dslr/mirrorless camera facing out the windshield? I want to say definitely not if the camera has a large lens, but a small lens? I guess with the double ball head you shouldn't have issues?
I think you could most likely do what you're asking. I suppose it would depend on the slope/angle of your windshield and like you said, the size of your lens. It will definitely stick to the inside of the windshield. I know because I did that but had the camera facing towards the back seat. In fact, I had a bit of a hard time getting it to release. I think especially if you add a ball head, like I did in the video, you would have an easier time mounting the camera. The bad part about mounting the camera on the inside is reflections from the glass.
Dig the van!!
Thanks, me too!
@@vanlifegeek When you put the magnets on the door I cringed.
@@johnkempf1808 I think I visibly cringed in the video when I took it off. Lessons learned! I do love my magnets, though.
Can you give me hight and length when folded? the amazon page seems not right about that.
Sure... When stored n the case it is about 21.25" wide, by 15" high, and 2" thick (depends on how many cables, etc. in the internal storage pocket. The panel alone when folded (not in case) is about 20.25" wide, by 14" high, and is 1 3/8" thick at the handle (entire top bar section , which contains the handle, plug ports & solar intensity meter) is about 1.75" tall) and a little less than half an inch thick on the rest. I didn't look to see what was listed on Amazon, but these are the measurements I just took. Hope that helps!
Old fart
Indeed
It’s nice, & compact easy to carry
It is compact. It's sitting out in the morning sun generating power as I write!
@@vanlifegeekHow much did you pay for yours at the time of your purchase if you don't mind? I just bought this same panel at a $128.00
@@bayside6207 I paid $160 on June 18, 2021
What a great set up, & the drone video is quality 👍👍
Thanks Stephen. I appreciate your comment.
Awesome van and awesome set up. My intention is to own one of these. My father sold his 86 Syncro Westfalia a couple months before I was born :(
Go for it! I was always my intention to own one, as well. This is my third one, but first Syncro version.
Sorry No Bloody Way. I’m in the tropics of Australia with Palm Trees, & shorts. Loving your videos
Thanks, Mate!
0
Looks like a treeless windswept place. As long as the awning didn’t break
Yes, not too many trees in that area. But there are a ton of wind turbines, so that's a pretty good indication that it's a windy area. And yes, the awning and poles came out just fine. Thanks for watching!
Just came across your channel, & just subscribed. Great video, & it’s all about having fun 👍👍
I just got back from 2 weeks in the forest, and it was fun! Thanks!
Buen vídeo amigo Saludos desde España Las T3 son las mejores furgos del mundo 🚌🤙🏻
¡Gracias! Estoy de acuerdo, ¡los Vanagons son geniales!
I am looking into that unit for a diy project to use it with a solar panel and a small camera. I was unable to find any info on whether you can charge the powerbank and charge a device at the same time. Have you tried?
I'm glad you asked... I didn't think to test for that when doing the video. I just tested it out and it does indeed charge devices while while the powerbank itself is being charged. Also, since I was checking it out for you, I discovered the USB-C port can also be used for charging external devices when the unit itself is not being charged, for a total of 3 charging ports (1 USB-C & 2 USB-A ports). I originally thought that the USB-C port was only for charging the powerbank, but I attached two cell phones and a JBL BT speaker and all three were being charged at the same time. Thanks for your comment/question!