Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station - Real Overland Review

When It comes to products like this, you will often times find videos on Youtube which amount to nothing more than unboxings but with TOGR we do things differently;

I've been testing this product for over 6 months, I've taken it across the country to Colorado and have relied on it for countless adventures into the middle of nowhere and I have a lot to share.

This is a real overland review of the Jackery Explorer 1000 Power Station. Also, I review the Jackery 100w Solar Panels.

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR


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Jackery Explorer 1000 Review

Agenda Free Link Explorer 1000 : https://www.jackery.com/products/explorer-1000-portable-power-station

Agenda Free Link Solar Panels : https://www.jackery.com/products/solarsaga-100w-solar-panel

Price : $1000

Weight : 22lbs Dimensions : 13.1 x 9.17 x 11.1”

Capacity : 1002Wh (21.6V, 46.4Ah)

Output Max : 1000W Continuous, 2000W Max

Battery Type : Li-ion NMC

Protection Systems : Over Voltage Protection, Short Circuit Protection and so on.

Ports :

USB A : Two USB-A ports (5V 2.4A，Quick Charge 3.0)

USB C : Two USB-C ports PD18W (5V 3A / 9V 2A / 12V 1.5A)

AC : 3*110VAC, 60Hz, 1000W Continuous, 2000W Max

DC : DC 12V, up to 10A

Operating Temp Range : 14-104F – I’ve had this running in temps around 102F with no issues.

Included : 1* Jackery Explorer 1000 Portable Power Station, 1*AC Adapter, 1* Car Charger Cable, 1*SolarSaga Parallel Adapter Cable, 1* User Guide

Review Pros :

Excellent quality – I’ve had no issues with this device; it has always worked flawlessly with no errors nor problems

3 standard PURE SINE WAVE AC outlets

Multiple ways to charge – Wall, DC, Solar

Power Levels is in percentages and not bars; bars are absolutely pointless and will get you into trouble as you will never be able to know exactly how much power you have left. Also, you won’t be able to determine how much power something that you plug in is being used.

1000w limit is great for running multiple items and appliances all at once and for running appliances that are under 1000w range.

Excellent Warranty – easy to contact the company via their web site and also via phone. Not all companies who make and sell power stations provide a phone number to call.

Dual Solar panel adapter cable included

Quick Charging via all methods;

8 hours by connecting two SolarSaga 100W solar panels together with an adapter cable

16 hours to charge via a single panel -

Solar Charge times are very much subjective and will be based on solar intensity, direction and so on.

Time for full recharging is approximately 7 hours from an AC outlet

11 hours from 12v car ports but your mileage will vary as there are differences in vehicles.

Features an Anderson Power port so you can use solar panels with this system

Good weight : I have larger power stations but they are a chore to move as they are very heavy. 22Lbs, isn’t bad

If charging via your start battery when the vehicle isn’t running, it does have built in protection so that you have enough juice to start. I don’t recommend doing this as you should drain your start battery.

Silent operation

Simple power solution for those who don’t want to mess with a dual battery system.

Review Cons :

Wattage usage can be slow to present on the lcd screen.

Flashlight isn’t super reliable.

Review Summary :

Without a doubt, the Jackery brand is the one Power Station Brand that I can easily recommend as it checks off all of the boxes for what I feel makes an excellent power station.

Lots of power, excellent peak wattage range, reliable, lots of ways to charge, quick to charge, power levels are in percentages, and can be charged via dc 12v.

1000wh is an excellent capacity for overlanding and also for emergency use; speaking of which, I’ve ran this station for months now and not once have I had any issues. I use it mainly to power my DC fridge/freezer and it has been excellent.

Real Review - Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Blanket - Sleeping Bag - Poncho -...

This is the Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll;

Blanket, Sleeping Bag, UnderQuilt, Poncho Liner and in this episode Luke is giving his Agenda Free Review!

Pros and Cons after 6+ months of use!

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

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Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll Review


Agenda Free Link : https://www.helikon-tex.us/swagman-roll-poncho.html

Price : $126.

Colors : 3 shades of Green, Black, Coyote, Flecktarn, Wildwood,

Claimed Weight : 1.64lbs

Actual Weight : 1lbs 11.4oz with storage bag

Storage Bag weight : 1oz

Bag weight : 1lb 10.4oz

Included : Blanket, Stuff bag

Measurements Blanket Mode :

55” wide

79” long

Measure Meants Sleeping Bag Mode :

27.5” Wide

79” long

Measurements when stuffed :

6.5”

12” long Materials : Dupont Teflon fabric protector and extra warm liner filled with Climashield Apex insulating material , YKK zippers,

Insulation : Climashield Insulation - Proven performance in side-by-side comparisons of warmth-to-weight ratio and durability is the reason Climashield® has supplied the U.S. Armed Forces for over 30 years.

Review Pros :

Excellent insulation for temps down to around $50. This is of course subjective for everyone but once the temps went into the 40’s, I was getting cold. I’ve heard from some viewers who were told by other youtubers that this would take them comfortably into the 30’s. That’s not true at all; I’ve confirmed this with my own testing and with the experiences of those viewers who I spoke it. You might be able to push it down into the 30’s but you would have to be wearing some seriously warm layers. Realistically, 50f is the comfort zone.

Excellent quality.

Awesome design

Very functional

Easy to use as a blanket, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, poncho, great for hammock in warm weather

Is fully USGI poncho compatible

Hood is warm

Very good price.

Small form factor – larger than a woobie blanket but it is more versatile.

Sheds water thanks to a DWR coating

hood is adjustable

Review Cons :

My biggest con is size; for wider individual it could be an issue. Not height wise as it is 79” long, but it is rather narrow at 27.5” If you have wide shoulders or are just a big individual, it may be too small. For myself, length wise it fits fine but width wise, it is at the point of being uncomfortable. I have a shoulder diameter of 48” and if you are any larger than that, it will be too tight.

Nylon material is what I would label as civilian grade; not military. While I haven’t had any issues and I don’t see any reason why I would, I have seen reports of some rips and tearing online with hard use. I’ve read that the outer and inner materials not not mil-spec.

Smallish head hole size; big heads or wearing a hat it may be snug if not impossible. Also, small face hole.

Summary :

Do I recommend this product? Absolutely! This is another product from Helikon that is absolutely top notch. The quality is excellent, very versatile, price is reasonable, warm for what it is, great form factor and it is everything that the Woobie blanket isn’t and I have no problem recommending it.

Again, for wide individuals using this in sleeping bag mode may be impossible. For myself, it’s right at the point of being uncomfortable. I can make it work but I wish there was more space. Keep that in mind before purchasing and also, keep in mind the temp range. Realistically, 50f comfort. Don’t listen to nonsense; commonsense will tell you that this won’t keep you warm at 30f unless you have VERY warm clothing layers….if you do, that makes you wider and it may not fit.

Solo Stealth Camping Adventure in a Park

This Stealth Camp Solo Adventure begins with Luke the Lone Wolf being dropped off at a park on the outskirts of a city. From there he connects, travels, and crosses multiple trails, roads and fields as he remains hidden...

Hiding in Plain Sight!

Rain is on the way and his goal is to get in and out before it hits....but things don't go according to plan....

After receiving countless messages from viewers about supporting the channel through Amazon, I have begun using Amazon Affiliate links in the Adventure Videos and if you choose to purchase one of these products via these links I will receive a small commission which will help fund future honest reviews and adventures.

The channel remains as it always was, 100% Agenda Free with no sponsored videos, no paid reviews, and I don't care if you purchase these products or not; you won't find affiliate links in review videos only in adventures.

 
I'm going to do my best to put gear lists into all of my videos since everyone is asking for them all the time.

 
For this trip, here are the big items that I used.

Gear List :

Gregory Miwok 24 : https://amzn.to/3uh3WyC

Fjallraven Barrents Pants : https://amzn.to/3fFvUyN

North Face Ultra 109 GTX Shoes : https://amzn.to/3hSUEpK

Swiss M71 Stove : https://amzn.to/3fAjxnr

MSR Titan Small Cup : https://amzn.to/3f8U4T0

TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon with Polished Bowl : https://amzn.to/3vcItrL

Carinthia Micro Tent :

Nemo Zor Sleeping Pad :

Atwood Micro Cord : https://amzn.to/3vmq2B8

Onewind Quilt : https://amzn.to/3oPVCVp

NiteCore NU32 Headlamp : https://amzn.to/3fxqLbU

Osprey Kit Bags : https://amzn.to/3oPWsBx

Expedition Research Hexamine Solid Fuel Tablets : https://amzn.to/3fi3E6e

Lighters : https://amzn.to/3vhdXwU

Kershaw Cryo II Folding Knife : https://amzn.to/2Sej6aD
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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

Junk! - Walmart Lithic 65L Expedition Backpack – Review

Luke has been testing out the Walmart Lithic Backpack for months now and it is time to pass on his review of a product that should be avoided.

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

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Walmart Lithic 65L Expedition Backpack – Review

Agenda Free Link : https://www.walmart.com/ip/LITHIC-65L-Expedition-Pack/285548223

Price : $98.00

Colors : Black

Sizes : 40l, 50l, 65l,


Weight : 4lbs 4oz

Measurements : 14.1x12.6x30.7 in

Materials : Duraflex buckles, 200D Nylon – NO NAME Zippers

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Review Pros :

If the quality was better, the design of this backpack wouldn’t be bad. It has all of the features and pockets that the average backpacker would need.

Good amount of pockets so you can organize as you please. 9 pockets in total; for some reason Moosejaw and Walmart claim 11 but that isn’t accurate.

Strap keepers!

Lid is floating so you can raise and lower it as your loadout changes.

Two access points; top and side – Awesome.

Good looks

Adjustable for different torso lengths

Rain fly is included

The shoulder harness padding and waist belt is thick and comfortable….but not thick and comfortable enough to make up for the issues with the pack frame.

Review Cons :

All of the pros that I mentioned mean absolutely nothing if the backpack isn’t comfortable to wear and it isn’t!

My issue with this pack is the frame-sheet and the stays which make up the support of the suspension system. It’s so weak that depending on how you wear the pack, it can literal bow away from your back which puts virtually all of the weight on your shoulders while stressing your spine. I’ve taken this pack out for 2 overnight trips which amounted to about 22 miles of hiking and I won’t be doing any more. It’s simply uncomfortable and as you adjust the load-lifters the pack isn’t rigid enough to handle those adjustments and bows and flexes away from you body.

If you take a look at the pack, the top is completely limp and offers no support for the load-lifters to be used. It shouldn’t be like this as this renders them useless.

Then if you look at the middle of the frame-sheet, the sides are the same way. Very weak and flimsy. Only the very center is rigid and that isn’t enough to support this pack.

If you can wear it with no load lifter adjustment and it is comfortable, this pack may be somewhat more comfortable than what I experienced but I like having the loadout pulled up and towards me just a bit to be comfortable with most backpacks.

Hip pocket are small and only very small, very slim items will fit in them.

Feels cheap and as you look around the pack you will see that it doesn’t feel very sturdy

Outside of the pack has a daisy chain of looping on the front; if you look at the inside of what it has been sewn to, you will find this mess of stitching and fabric for whatever you put in this pocket to get caught on. I’ve had items get caught on this and the lower section of the fabric ripped.

The pack was designed to be hydration compatible but it isn’t really. There is ports for hoses but there isn’t a clip or strap to hold the bladder but it looks like there was meant to be one. There is a strap which is sewn and is completely useless hanging on the inside.

There is no dedicated sleeping bag pocket – for me this isn’t that big of deal but for some it might be. Where the sleeping bag pocket should be is a small pocket which is absolutely useless once you put anything in side of your pack. As it fills up that space, the zippered pocket becomes so tight that it can’t be used.

The lid cinch is in a really weird place and in fact, I don’t know if I have ever seen another company do this before. It’s not centered at the top of the pack, it’s off to the side and it does in fact make opening this pack slightly more difficult than it needs to be. Also the cincher is terrible and more times than not, result in your unzipping the side of the pack instead of opening the top of the pack.

Speaking of which, if you are going to implement a side zip, you have to have a snap or a clip to tension it so you can unleash the pack or every time that you go to do so, it unzips instead.

Due to the design, it is difficult to seal up the top of the pack and you’ll waste time messing with it.

Opening Stuff You Sent In - Viewer Mail #81

The generosity of our viewers continues to blow us away; thank you all for the kindness which you have blessed us with.

This is Viewer Mail Episode #81!

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This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

Rain....Lots of Rain! - Testing Grounds 5 Solo Camping Adventure

This is Testing Grounds...

A Solo Camping Adventure featuring all sorts of new gear which Luke is currently testing out and amongst those products the focus is on the OneTigris Outback Retreat tent which horrifically failed!

Rain is on the way.....how bad can this possibly be?

Gear in this adventure includes companies such as;

OneTigris

Helikon-Tex

Military Surplus

SOTO

DeWalt

and More.

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

Winners Announcements - $100 Gift Card, Hammocks, Pillows

Wolf Pack!

It is time to announce the winners of the recent giveaways!

This includes the winner of the $100 REI Gift Card, the Winners of the Hammocks and the Pillows!

Thank you all for supporting TOGR!

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Special Thank You :

A special thank you goes out to all who made this possible!

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

OneTigris Roc Shield Bushcraft Tent - First Look and Thoughts So Far

This is the OneTigris Roc Shield Bushcraft Tent and my testing of this shelter has begun; in this Episode Luke is going over a number of setup possibilities and his initial thoughts after a few trips out.

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Agenda Free Link : https://www.onetigris.com/roc-shield-bushcraft-tent.html 

Price : $159 

Material: 75D Nylon Fabric, YKK Zippers, Aluminum Stakes and Poles 

Dimensions Folded : 23”x6”x6” 

Waterproof Rating : 1500mm 

Adjustable Height : 4.1ft or 5.2ft 

Weight : 7lb 

Tent Pole Material : 7075 Aluminum 

Package Includes the Following : 

OneTigris ROC SHIELD Bushcraft Tent 

Tent Stakes : 14 

Guy-line : 10 

Tent Pole : 4 

Stuff Sack : 1 

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers. 

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

Rest Area Camping - USA Overlanding Adventure - Part 2

The Overlanding Colorado trip picks up immediately following the EPIC Overnight Adventure upon Notch Mountain which is part of the Holy Cross Wilderness!

In this episode, Luke and Susie begin by finding a campsite so that they can clean up after a week on the road. From there, some decisions have to be made!

What to do Next!

The Slip Knot - My Favorite Knot - How to Tie and How to Use

This is the Slip Knot which happens to be my Go To knot for many applications and once mastered it can greatly improve your bushcraft and outdoor skills greatly!

In this episode Luke shows you how to tie it, how to use it and more.

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

Will It Leak? LiteFighter 1 Person Military Tent -Test Night

This is Test Night with the LiteFighter 1 Person Military Tent; Will it Leak?

How does it manage with AirFlow and Condensation?

Find out now!

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

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LiteFighter Tent Agenda Free Link : http://www.litefighter.com/product/litefighter-1-shelter-system/

☠️ Backpacking Colorado's Bermuda Triangle - Holy Cross Wilderness

In this episode, The Outdoor Gear Review is out West backpacking what is known as the Bermuda Triangle of Colorado!

People Go Missing and are NEVER to be seen again.
Plane Crashes. 

Death!

This is an epic adventure in some incredibly beautiful mountains and we hope that you enjoy it!

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR

Best Camping Utensils - Custom Cutlery Set

After the FinessCity Cutlery set review that I did recently, I had numerous viewers asking what I personally use and that is what this video is all about.

I go over two types of long handle spoons and an incredibly sharp Opinel Knife.

This is what is in my kit and why!

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100% Agenda Free :

This channel is Agenda Free and is fully supported by the viewers.

Support TOGR with Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/TOGR 

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/theoutdoorgearreview

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The Cutlery Set That I Use :

TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spork with Polished Bowl :

Toaks Titanium Sport Agenda Free Link : https://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-Titanium-Handle-Spork-Polished/dp/B01M69WHEA

Toaks Price : $13 at the time of filming on Amazon

Toaks Weight : 0.6oz

Measurements : 8.5”

Note : Toaks no longer offers a non-polished version of this Spork….or at least I couldn’t find one when getting all of the details together. My preference would be for a polished bowl over a non-polished one.


Stoic Ti Spoon : No Longer Available 

TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spoon with Polished Bowl 

Agenda Free Link : https://www.amazon.com/TOAKS-Titanium-Handle-Polished-SLV-11/dp/B00J1BV01C

Price : $11

Weight : 0.5oz

Measurements : 8.5”

Note : Toaks offers an unpolished version of the spoon for a $1 less.

Pros for Both :

- Ultralight weight. 

- Excellent quality. 

- Have held up extremely well over the years with absolutely no problems. 

- No weird issues with taste nor smell like with some cheaper products 

- Excellent length – long enough that you can easily eat from a freeze dried meal bag without nastying up your knuckles or having to cut the top of the bag off 

- Also great for eating MRE’s out of their packages. 

- Easy to clean 

- Hasn’t stained 

- Good prices

Cons :

Not really a con but I think it is fair to say that there is likely one manufacture for both of these items and likely the offerings from other companies. The Toaks products, those by Stoic, Core, Tito and so on all share in the exactly same design. If it was me, I would stick with the more well known brands….such as Toaks which has been tested thoroughly by individuals like myself.

Toaks claims that their products are designed in CA but made in China; it must be designed by someone other than Toaks because everyone has the same design.

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Knife :

Opinel No. 8 Folder

Agenda Free Link : https://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Pocket-Folding-Knife-Black/dp/B07F7BR52S

Cost : $20

Excellent folder for cutting and process food. Makes a good forest knife as well in a pinch.

Famous!