Packing light for Alaska: in our Pleasure Way Camper Van

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  • Опубліковано 22 жов 2024

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  • @Propelled
    @Propelled 5 років тому +6

    Packer cubes do make things nice.
    You may want to stop by Liard Hot Springs on either direction. We drove the Cassiar coming up a month ago. Nice road.
    For gear: If it ends up being damp, and it often is, try for wool or synthetic socks. Also, H2O at Home sells these fantastic microfiber bath towels that work so well and dry so quickly. You’re about ready to roll! I do have the advice that you don’t have to carry everything you might need. We have an REI and Duluths in Anchorage. (Duluth clothing is awesome)
    I did want to re-iterate that everyone should consider their insurance coverage. I carry Ripcord insurance when traveling and either a cell phone or Explorer + because of the spotty coverage. Ripcord will get you to a trauma center of your choice. If you don’t have your own process like this set up, you will get what you get. A helo ride is about $30,000, just something to think about.
    The Tok Cutoff (the road between Tok and the Richardson Highway) is being reworked for many miles around Chistochina. Just a status update.
    The Denali Highway is opened and in nice shape. I just had a friend ride it on his motorcycle.
    Take your favorite bug remover for the windshield, they’re getting thick!
    Something we Alaskans find extremely valuable is windshield coverage. We have Country Financial and have windshield replacement coverage. We use it allllll the time. I have had three windshield’s replaced and countless repairs. The good folks at Novus in Anchorage are awesome.
    For the Mercedes drivers: There is only one business authorized and trained to work on your vehicle, Trailer Craft. They have a facility in Fairbanks and one in Anchorage.
    Camping tip: Do not try to camp in Anchorage. The crime is bad and there is not much to see there. You can day trip in from the valley (Wasilla and Palmer) to see the museum and visit the shops.
    If you have to travel early in the morning or late at night (easy to do as it never gets dark) slow down and watch the sides of the road. It’s rush hour for the critters. If you do have one running across the road, don’t focus on that one, it may have company (predator, mate, or baby) on its heels and that one is the one you’ll hit.
    Bear aware. Seriously, it’s ALLL bear country here, even in the city and suburbs. Always look around. When you hike, make noise. Sing, talk, whistle. You don’t want to surprise a momma cub.
    Even more dangerous and frequent are moose attacks. If you see a cute baby moose, it is really tempting to get close for pictures. Momma can and will kill you. They are hyper protective. A moose stomping is deadly. They look slow, they are not. When mommas ears go back and her eyes narrow, you are in for it.
    Thermacells are awesome. They have a new model that screws onto propane cook stove/heater bottles to save using the cartridges. I like this for sitting around and leaving by the door of the van. You have to turn a Thermacell on about five minutes before it is needed to allow the warming plate to heat up enough to gas off the pad.
    Bring some bug bite stuff with the ammonia in it. No-see-ums are awful.
    I do like Sawyer bug dope with no deet. Deet tears up your gear and is bad for you.
    I keep a headnet in arms reach. To just fill up or take a picture, you don’t want to hassle with a whole suit.
    You will see small flags, piles of stuff, makeshift signs by the edge of the road. These mark frost heaves and road damage. Pay attention and slow down for them! Canadians mark anything. I never hit a big one marked in Canada. In Alaska, they can be for a little heave or for a van wrecking nightmare! Don’t ignore them!
    If you are insistent on driving the Dalton (I wouldn’t, the superior Dempster is open) try to carry a CB radio. Channel 19 is monitored. Trucks announce their entry (as you should as well) to hills like Ice Cut. It is pretty dangerous to a trucker and you, to meet on the steep stuff. Physics rule. Watch the shoulder on the Dalton. The graders push the road off the edge and the shoulder, while looking flat, can be a foot of loamy mess. If you don’t see tire tracks, don’t trust it!
    Drive safe!!!!!

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      Seriously good info here as usual. Thank you. I will share this with the viewers in an upcoming video. Hope to meet you in Alaska.

  • @pamt6829
    @pamt6829 5 років тому +4

    The extra pocket on the jeans, very smart 👍👍

  • @latada2198
    @latada2198 5 років тому

    This video has really helped me to try to figure out how to pack for my family of four. My husband and I with our two teenager sons. We have just downsized from our new 38ft. Thor Challenger to our New Tiffin Wayfarer that we had built. We are extremely excited! But when We unloaded the Class A and brought everything into our dining room.... it completely filled the room up! Everything is brand new and still in original boxes. Our OCCC is approximately 900lbs. So I really appreciate how you said less is more because the more you have will only cause friction. I thank you for sharing all your knowledge and tips and adventures with us. I’m certainly praying for you and John to have safe and happy travels! I’m always looking forward for your very next update!

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому +1

      So glad it helps. I’d love to hear an update on your transition and down sizing experience. Several times on our trips we have mailed home stuff we didn’t need so that may be an option unless you are full timers.

  • @pd6569
    @pd6569 Рік тому

    Many thanks, be safe and well.

  • @stan3497
    @stan3497 5 років тому +3

    Im looking forward to seeing your trip. One thing I carry with me now is a windshield repair kit. on my last trip I got a chip in my windshield. Kits are about $15 and repairs can be done on the road. Have a great adventure

    • @darrellv7988
      @darrellv7988 5 років тому

      stan as Stan suggests - carry more than one. That way you can fix right after you get chipped, and buy replacement kits later. Don’t want to be hunting for a repair kit that interferes with your adventuring.

  • @timsmith7625
    @timsmith7625 5 років тому +1

    Hope the start of your trip has been good and looking forward to seeing and hearing about your trip. Also hope John’s hip is doing good and healing well.

  • @daisysmum7336
    @daisysmum7336 5 років тому

    Since I’ve invested in top to bottom rain gear, including a “Seattle Sombrero” (a sou’wester hat) I’ve spent a lot more time outdoors enjoying our Vancouver Island winters. I really hope you enjoy your travels through Canada to get to Alaska! I love how you’re prepared for every eventuality! Happy Trails!

  • @jsttryin
    @jsttryin 5 років тому +1

    Safe travels you two!

  • @michaelkurz9067
    @michaelkurz9067 5 років тому +2

    You have 20 bags, plus shopping, your husband has 4 bags and no shopping (you're the Boss) safe travels to you and your husband

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому +3

      Happy wife, happy life. ;-))

    • @michaelkurz9067
      @michaelkurz9067 5 років тому +1

      @@FromShetoMe that definitely is the Golden Rule: )

  • @peggyd3643
    @peggyd3643 5 років тому

    Good tips. I especially like how you added the phone pocket to your jeans. I too add pockets to my pants usually hidden ones on the inside that can securely store credit cards, cash, or passport.

  • @marykaylayman1078
    @marykaylayman1078 5 років тому

    Well done! Have a safe and happy adventure.

  • @etheleklund3946
    @etheleklund3946 5 років тому

    You are such an inspiration of thoughtful organization!

  • @terridrimel1056
    @terridrimel1056 5 років тому

    Safe travels! I love my packing cubes. 😁

  • @MSKCCooke
    @MSKCCooke 5 років тому +1

    Thanks for the info/tour. Those handy little zipper pouches are genius for keeping things tidy! You mentioned you will take two hats. I'm curious which hats you choose. We are going on a walking trip in the Cotswalds this fall, and I will need a hat for sun and rain. You strike me as someone who will have already found a good one or two. 😉 safe travels to you both!

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому +2

      When we were in Hawaii, of all places, I found a Tilley three season hat. It’s kind of a bucket hat that I’m thinking will keep off the rain. I added some elastic straps to keep it on my head in case it’s windy which you may run into in the Cotswolds. The other is a long brimmed baseball style with a Velcro attached neck protector made by Dorfman Pacific Company. I’ll show you in the video I am currently editing. I love hats but I have a big head so they can be a challenge.

  • @jessica340
    @jessica340 2 роки тому

    Debbie, you definitely gave me lots of ideas on how to pack and store things smartly. I also admire you are so creative and handy! Where do you store the front window blinds ? They are so heavy and bulky. I hate to keep them in the center cabinmate because they take so much space.

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  2 роки тому +1

      We don’t use those anymore. Now we just use the curtain between the cab and rear area.

  • @deniseb.6007
    @deniseb.6007 5 років тому

    Thanks for the video! Safe travels. We will be doing Jasper to Banff this summer so your packing tips will come in handy! :)

  • @yeah4me1
    @yeah4me1 5 років тому

    You're very organized... good points.

  • @barbcade5484
    @barbcade5484 5 років тому

    Yay for the 3 pillows! I so have to get those packing sacks, this trip to Fiji our suitcase was maxed out - probably all the food we are packing🥴

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      Yea, Dean takes up a lot of space. 😅

  • @TravelSmallLiveBig
    @TravelSmallLiveBig 5 років тому

    Impressive! I always overpack and then suddenly I am out of underwear and socks. Love those cubes ~ I use giant Ziploc bags that I have been re-using for 6+ years. I will swap those out as needed...

  • @stjohnluxuryvillas6829
    @stjohnluxuryvillas6829 5 років тому

    Wonderful videos.. For your viewers. I found the packing cubes at TJ Maxx and Marshalls, less expensive then the ones I bought before.
    I have been shopping Merrill’s. Which ones did you get? Number is on tongue of shoe.
    We just got our new 4x4 Sprinter Van by Airstream. 19’. So excited. Taking our first camping trip from Colorado to Lee Vining ( camping site for 1 week). Looking forward to hiking in my childhood stomping grounds. All your videos have been so valuable. Taking your advise and not adding shelving until after our virgin voyage. But I am pretty sure we are going to want the shelving over the seat area.
    Happy travels

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому +1

      J38606. These shoes have been perfect. May have to order another pair. Shelf has been great as well. But you will bump your head for a bit before you remember. Add some padding.

    • @stjohnluxuryvillas6829
      @stjohnluxuryvillas6829 5 років тому

      @@FromShetoMe Thank you. good idea. We are getting the parts to do ours tomorrow.

  • @juanitasellshouses
    @juanitasellshouses 3 роки тому

    Debbie, can you do a follow-up video to this one? What did you bring that you didn't really use? And what did you buy because you really needed it? For instance, were your short rain boots adequate? Did you find the need for rain pants? Did you take regular cotton socks or wool socks? We're planning to go in our camper van in July 2021, assuming they open border. With such a small vehicle I'm conflicted about clothing to bring. Thanks.

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  3 роки тому

      I'm actually going to be doing a collaboration video with Drew at Playing with Sticks (he lives in Alaska). That won't be until early February but I can probably add it on. But to give you a condensed version: Their summer weather is not that different from most places in the US. Being from So Cal, yes it rained more than we are used to but nothing that kept us from enjoying the outdoors. I think I wore my rain pants once (which is not enough to warrant taking them, although a layer that blocks the wind is nice). The boots were worn only a few times (waterproof hiking boots would suffice). If you find you need something, you can buy it in Whitehorse or Anchorage or Fairbanks or other places in Canada. Truth is, it's much more fun to buy a few articles on a trip than trying to take too much from home. We shipped a box of stuff back home from Fairbanks. We tend to do that on long trips. Special mosquito gear isn't really necessary (unless you have a particular sensitivity. A mosquito hat or net for head is good to have and whatever repellent you prefer. Because of the long daylight, we didn't have any campfires so we didn't hang out in chairs around the van. We probably could even have left our chairs at home because we were always moving either in the car or on our feet. Feel free to email me if you have any questions: energymaven@gmail.com

    • @dosid184
      @dosid184 3 роки тому

      @@FromShetoMe Interesting about potentially being able to leave the chairs at home. They do take up a lot of room.

  • @RoamingRuca
    @RoamingRuca 5 років тому

    Sewing a pocket on your jeans for a cell phone is genius 👍

  • @anniegogogone1806
    @anniegogogone1806 5 років тому +1

    Wow you’ve done a great job of organizing and packing. One question. Where do you store your dirty clothes?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому +2

      Dirty socks and underwear go into a bag that hangs on the back of the bathroom door. Everything else goes back into our storage compartments unless it’s really dirty and then it would go back into the bathroom as well.

  • @juliapl3174
    @juliapl3174 5 років тому +2

    Suggestion: hat and gloves, thin long johns.

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      Yes, I forgot to mention those. Thank you.

  • @LivingTheRVLocaLife
    @LivingTheRVLocaLife 5 років тому

    great video good ideas for when we go to Alaska :)

  • @karenfalk2707
    @karenfalk2707 5 років тому

    Have a safe and wonderful journey! Perhaps I have overlooked this in your past videos, but how do you manage any mail that comes to your home mailbox when on an extended trip?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      I’m going to do a video on this but we have the Postal Service hold our mail. And yes they will hold it for longer than 30 days and that’s what I will talk about in the video. All of our banking is done online and we have another service from the US Postal Service called informed delivery. It is free but it may not have rolled out to all areas of the country.

  • @novembers
    @novembers 5 років тому

    Can you tell me about the "shelf above the cab?" I cannot find your video regarding this topic. Thx

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      I did a terrible job of titling the video so that it could be easily found. I had to do some searching myself. Here it is: ua-cam.com/video/NeJcsNmpFyU/v-deo.html

  • @garygus5966
    @garygus5966 3 місяці тому

    Hi Debbie. Can you tell me about your mosquito coat and where to get one? Thanks

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  3 місяці тому

      It’s called “The original bug shirt” and they are available directly from the company or on Amazon.

    • @garygus5966
      @garygus5966 3 місяці тому

      @@FromShetoMe thank you so much!

  • @HenriettaFoster
    @HenriettaFoster 5 років тому

    Where do you put dirty laundry when traveling? We have an even smaller camper than you and have never come up with a good way to deal with the things that need to be washed.

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      Socks and underwear go in a small laundry bag that hangs in hook of bathroom door. Everything else goes back with our clothes unless truly dirty, then it goes in bathroom.

  • @ruththomann7765
    @ruththomann7765 5 років тому

    Just curious how long you're planning for your Alaska trip.

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      12 weeks. But we are flexible.

  • @kxrv6629
    @kxrv6629 5 років тому

    Wow. Your clothes are so small and thin. My clothes probably take twice the space for the same number of items as your husband. How often and how do you plan to wash your clothes?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      We wash about once a week. Laundromats are easy to find. He learned quickly to jettison thick clothing.

  • @collyhughes5144
    @collyhughes5144 5 років тому

    What are those little bags you are using to store your clothing? Also, about food....when we traveled to Canada, it was difficult to get through with especially fresh foods, meat, eggs. They much prefer you to buy in Canada and will take whatever you have at the border. Best to check to see what they are allowing before you spend too much for nothing. By the same token, meat purchased in Canada has trouble getting back into US.

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      Thanks for the reminder. I’ve been meaning to look that up.

    • @collyhughes5144
      @collyhughes5144 5 років тому

      @@FromShetoMe The little travel bags you used to store your clothing....where did you get them?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      @@collyhughes5144 Oops, missed that part. There are lots of different companies making "packing cubes" but my favorite are the REI brand. Eagle Creek also makes good ones. But if you Google "packing cubes" you should find lots of options and price points.

    • @collyhughes5144
      @collyhughes5144 5 років тому

      @@FromShetoMe Thanks

  • @crystalstevens5010
    @crystalstevens5010 5 років тому

    Wish u the best of luck on your AK trip! Thanks for sewing pocket idea. Also, just curious: what does From She to Me mean or where did u get that idea?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому +4

      It’s from a poem that reminds me of my mother. It’s called A Bridge Across Time. The last stanza is: I'll live my life and when It's done
      I'll live again in those to come.
      For I'm a bridge from she to me;
      from those that were, to those to be.

    • @skipsteller1908
      @skipsteller1908 5 років тому

      Do you happen to know who the poet is?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      @@skipsteller1908 Darlene Stevens, Spokane, Washington

    • @skipsteller1908
      @skipsteller1908 5 років тому

      Thanks Debbie, very thought provoking poem.... easy to see why it reminds you of your Mom. Skip

  • @bp6720
    @bp6720 5 років тому

    Bring more than one pair of jeans. Speaking from experience I know you will need them.

  • @ednapuckett1042
    @ednapuckett1042 5 років тому

    Do both of you drive?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      While John’s hip is recovering I have been doing all the driving.

  • @jocaroljames
    @jocaroljames 5 років тому

    You don't use sheets?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      We do but one is a duvet cover and the bottom is a twin fitted sheet.

    • @jocaroljames
      @jocaroljames 5 років тому

      Thank you! I love love love love your videos!

  • @barrysoutthere
    @barrysoutthere 5 років тому

    Where does the wine go ? :>)

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      LOL. John doesn’t drink for health reasons and I just never did for no particular reason. We are probably quite boring people in real life. 😁

    • @barrysoutthere
      @barrysoutthere 5 років тому

      @@FromShetoMe I ordered packing cubes, great tips !

    • @skipsteller1908
      @skipsteller1908 5 років тому

      Even More room.... :)

  • @sobodon
    @sobodon 5 років тому

    Are you sure John is going...haven't heard a pip out of him.

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      He was pretty useless while he was recovering. 😁

    • @skipsteller1908
      @skipsteller1908 5 років тому

      A fresh cup of coffee on the road would perk him up considerably :)

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      Good news! I found my favorite instant coffee up here. Loaded up just for you!!!

    • @skipsteller1908
      @skipsteller1908 5 років тому

      You're killing me.... :)

  • @bgtykl
    @bgtykl 5 років тому +1

    Totally off topic, but where did you get your Apple Watch band?

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому +1

      LOL. I made it. You can buy the parts on Amazon and then buy the elastic. My wrist is small so none of the store bought ones fit well. I will probably make another one in a few weeks when I get to my brother’s place.

  • @juliapl3174
    @juliapl3174 5 років тому

    Were those your foam pads in the front? I am amazing at how compact you've gotten everything! We are getting our ascent at the end of June and then we'll start doing some of your improvements such as cabinet shelves and the front shelf. It would be awesome to see how you pack your kitchen, bathroom and garage before you leave. Thanks for your informative and inspiring videos! I always look forward to them!

    • @FromShetoMe
      @FromShetoMe  5 років тому

      We are on the road and I plan to do a complete tour over the next couple of weeks. Yes those were our foam pads in the front and they are working out quite well. I recommend you make several trips in your new rig before you make any adjustments. Find out what works and what doesn’t so that you aren’t wasting your time or your money. These first dry runs will force you to jettison some of the things that you thought were essential. I am excited for you and the adventures that await you.

  • @thecades1
    @thecades1 5 років тому +1

    Stop it you’re giving Barb ideas