Crismateski (BlkWgn)

I am in my late thirties, married and Dad to a beautiful little girl. I work in the entertainment industry, which keeps me in the city during the week, but it also supplies the gas money to get out of town. Over the last 20 years, the love for the outdoor lifestyle has really grown. It does not matter if it is a short hike, an afternoon in the hammock, a night around the campfire, a day of off-roading in the Power Wagon or a week-long overland trip that combines it all together with friends and family—you can sign me up.

Save money with an Andis haircut at home.

October 19, 2016 by Crismateski (BlkWgn)

I am sure it is no surprise to anyone reading this to hear that having a new little one at home has brought some extra expenses into our household. We were lucky and received a lot of necessities like diapers at the baby shower, but there are still a lot of things that start to add up. I have taken to the internet to do some reading and look for ideas to save a bit of money. There is one that stands out to me that I have not really seen mentioned many places and that is . . . .

DIY Jerry Can Water Faucet

September 7, 2016 by Crismateski (BlkWgn)

My buddy Dave from American Adventurist has had a faucet set up for his Scepter MWC can for quite a while. After watching how well this set up works in camp I decided to put a marine galley pump on my Christmas list last year. As life goes, things got busy and the pump was set aside until just before Overland Expo West. Not thinking much of it, I had the Scepter can sitting on my camp table next to the truck where it made for easy access, but it also put it into view of those passing by. To my surprise I had numerous people ask about it at the event and have had a few questions since then. There are numerous places around the internet where you can find instructions, but since there seemed to be an interest I thought I would share how I did mine.

Swagging across the country with Outback Swags

April 28, 2019August 31, 2016 by Crismateski (BlkWgn)

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So what is Swagging?

Swag Tent — On the banks of the Missouri River in South Dakota

Swagging is to travel with one’s personal belongings in a bundle, and that is what I did from New Jersey to Southern California with my Outback Swags Pioneer Tent keeping me comfortable all the way.

American Adventurist – Our extended FAMILY

August 16, 2016 by Crismateski (BlkWgn)

I don’t think there are a lot of people in the world that can say they went to a remote part of the desert, with random people from the internet, and came home with a new family. Well, that is exactly what we did.

Voila (You won’t believe it’s instant) Coffee

August 12, 2016 by Crismateski (BlkWgn)

Those of you who know me, know I am all about coffee, and many of you have seen the kit that travels with me. With a cross-country flight and week-long camping trip I was dreading the thought of instant coffee. Luckily I was saved with an opportunity to try Voila Coffee before the Kickstarter Campaign got underway.