Preparing for the Mountain Readiness Expo

Preparing for the Mountain Readiness Expo

Preparing for the 2025 Mountain Readiness Self-reliance Expo: A Road Trip Checklist

The 2025 Mountain Readiness Self-reliance Expo is fast approaching, and with it, a road trip of 680 miles to the picturesque Van Hoy Campground in Harmony, North Carolina [1]. Here's a look at the essentials that one author is bringing for this adventure, offering a glimpse into the world of self-reliance and preparedness.

Before setting off, the author ensures that the vehicle is in top shape. A thorough check-up includes oil, oil filter, brakes, tires, fluids, battery, belts, wipers, and lights. Vehicle maintenance and emergency equipment are crucial for a long road trip [2].

The author's EDC (Everyday Carry) bag for the trip is the Vanquest Vert-7, a compact sling bag designed for easy access to essential items without slowing down [6]. Inside, the author carries a small Leatherman multi-tool, pen/pencil combo, Sharpie marker, and a small pry tool, all neatly organized in the PNWBUSHCRAFT EDC Travel Tray 3.0 [3].

For emergencies, the Tuff Possum Nick and Scrapes Pouch contains the author's first aid and bleed kit essentials, including quick clot and a TQ [4]. The Zero Tolerance 0308 CF, a robust folding knife with a carbon fiber handle scale, is the author's favourite tool for various tasks [5].

The author also packs the Dark Energy Poseidon Pro, an advanced power bank with automatic shut off and trickle charge options, a portable hard drive for offline data storage, and the Powertac SOL Keychain Light, a compact lightweight light source offering multiple placement options [7].

The main travel bag for the trip is the water-resistant, convertible Nemo Double Haul 30 Liter, which has enough room for a weekend's worth of clothing, toiletries, a small laptop, and camera gear [8].

In addition to the essentials, the author also carries a Badger Claw Outfitters Scout EDC Pouch, containing a miniature field kit with a Knives by Nuge Wicket, Wazoo Whetstone, Tuff Possum Entry Kit, and survival essentials for fire starting, water purification, signaling, and quick shelter [9].

The author also prepares for potential emergencies by carrying a portable hard drive to keep sensitive data and documents offline but accessible if needed. Other emergency equipment includes a spare tire, tire repair kit, jack, flares or signaling items, jump cables, basic hand tools, work gloves, tow strap, basic first aid kit, flashlight, and additional items like a Pod Xtreme jump starter, Gerber E-Tool, wool blankets, a custom-built trauma kit, a stand-alone GPS unit, toilet paper, weather gear, a Jackery portable generator, foldable solar charging panels, a Grayl Geopress, food and water, and a Princeton Tech Helix LI lantern [10].

The Mountain Readiness Expo, open to the public and family-friendly, features classes and demonstrations across various skill sets such as wilderness skills, austere medicine, off-grid communications, self-defense, homesteading, and more [1]. The expo takes place from May 2-4, 2025, at the Van Hoy Campground in Harmony, North Carolina [1].

For more specific information on tickets, accommodations, and lodging options near the venue, it is advisable to check the official Mountain Readiness Expo website or contact the organizers directly closer to the event date [1].

For those planning their own road trip to the Mountain Readiness Expo, this checklist offers a starting point for ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.

1. To complement the road trip to the Mountain Readiness Expo, the author includes various books in their 'education-and-self-development' category, such as survival guides, wilderness navigation, and homesteading manuals.
2. Upon reaching the Van Hoy Campground in Harmony, North Carolina, the author plans to engage in a diverse mix of activities like hiking (sports), campfire cooking (home-and-garden), and enjoying nature, all part of the desired 'lifestyle' for the expo.

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