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Some Element owners have made a sleeping platform from plastic plumbing pipe. They don't use any top boards, using instead an airmattress than is stiff enough to rest on supports spaced every 15" or so. paulj

In my case the plywood does not need to be particularly weather resistant. I chose the birch as much because it has a smooth finish (no splintering knot holes), and I could buy a couple of precut 2x4 pieces for a reasonable price from the hardware store. Initially I intended leave the...

I used 5 1x3 boards to span 4' wide interior of my Element. On top of these I put 2x4' 1/2 plywood boards (good quality birch). This was lighter than 3/4" plywood. Also it is easier to assemble the structure with the smaller boards, and then attach the plywood on top of that. I painted the...

There are 3 main types of alcohol isopropyl - this is the medical rubbing alcohol. The 90+% stuff is supposed to work in stoves like this, though it can be sooty ethanol - this is the drinkable stuff. The best for burning is high proof, for example, Everclear. But it is a relatively...

I considered getting the GSI pressure cooker, but decided to get the smaller Hawkins one that REI also carries (1.5L). I'm glad I did since it has just the right base diameter to work with my Trangia cookset. Now I can cook chicken gizzards with just a couple of ounces of alcohol. paulj

I've used a Traveler II for years without problems with the collection cup. I don't recall that it was ever loose, though by now, the accumulated coffee dust has added to the friction. I would agree, though, that the Turkish type of grinder is better for a fine grind. I leave the Traveler at...

R.E.Byrd's (Alone) stuggle with a faulty heater in an Antarctic base is the classic tale of carbon monoxide poisoning. http://www.ast.leeds.ac.uk/haverah/spaseman/bookalone.shtml

Units that claim to be safe for indoors should have sufficiently complete combustion that carbon monoxide production shouldn't be a problem. They still consume oxygen and produce CO2 so shouldn't be used in closed spaces. Instructions may state how big of a vent space (e.g. open window) is...

I've only used a butane heater like the Cat in the morning, to take the edge off the cold while fixing breakfast. I set it on the ground near or under the picnic table, and stand where I feel the most heat. paulj

I just saw, in passing, an FJ40 (short wheel base Land Cruiser), with 1979 placard , in used car lot on 196th in Lynnwood, toward the near east end of town where it turns into Filbert. I believe the color was tan and white. paulj

A couple of years ago when I was hanging around some photo forums (dpreview) there was a lot of talk about portable hard drives that could download from memory cards directly. Some also had screens to allow viewing the photos. Since then the capacity of memory cards has gone up, and cost...

I recently picked up a MH Lightpath3 on sale at REI. It's described as a light generous 2 person plus dog. Peak height is 4', but interior floor space is enough for a full size air mattress, though I intend to just use thermarest size mats. I haven't used for camping except for an overnight...

Low battery draw = low heat production. It isn't hard to find sleeping bags that are good to 20F or lower. paulj

and to get the full 3T pull you need to use the block, reducing the net pull to less than 10'. I have a less expensive 2T Maasdam unit, but haven't used it. I think the tough part with using one of these (or a HiLift) is taking along a cost effective, low stretch means of connecting the puller...

Korean groceries sell butane hotplates and grills - intended for dining table grilling. The less expensive grill is a ceramic 'shield' that fits over flame, providing sloped sides for cooking thinnely sliced meat. Metal versions may have slots to provide more direct contact with the hot...

There was an item in the paper today about his wife seeking to have Steve declared dead, so as to settle the estate. paulj

I bought both linear and circular filters - used from camera shops. My Pentax DS works fine with either. The polarization is deeper with the circular one, but that is about the only difference that I can see. AF is not messed up; most shots when using the filter are landscapes, and hence...

An Element owner has gotten a prototype full length roof rack from Gobi - http://elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40339

There's a Ridgeline Owners Club forum. It's a spinoff from the very active Element Owners Club. Last time I looked there were a couple of brands of caps. They remind me of the cap that used to fit the Ranchero/Camino car/pickups. But to make a Ridgeline into a good camper, one needs a cap...

I never handled it myself, but did observe it being installed the first time. It was along time ago, so I can't say for sure how men lifted it up and put it on the bed. I'm tempted to say 2, but 4 might be more realistic. It was removed only one time, when a body shop did work on the bed, but...