Costa Rica, Backpacking, and my Provari

[Chikenbok]

So in 9 days I'll be leaving to trek off into the forests of Costa Rica for 10 days with my girlfriend (A present to myself after completing my doctoral coursework) and wanted to know what you guys suggest I bring along with me. I will be spending a few days here and there in hostels/resorts so I can recharge batteries but overall - I'll tell you guys what I'm bringing, and if anyone has some advice about what else to bring it would be appreciated.

The list:
1 x Provari 2.5
8 x AW IMR 18490 batteries + Charger
1 x ZAP with 3 extra wicks and about 25 feet of Kanthal (Yes I plan on spending dark nights in my tent wrapping coils)
2 x IBtanked 19mm XL + 10 LR Cartos
2 x Kanger Protank + 4 extra 2.5ohm heads
About 5 bottles of liquid (just got my order in from HHV... my god - but that's for another post)

I think this ought to cover it - I'd rather not bring multiple MODs down with me so I think the provari is just gonna 'have to do.' Anything else you guys think I should bring along with? Trying to pack up my kit sooner rather than later.

Oh, for the record, I lived in Costa Rica for about 14 months when I was 17 (that's called running away from home children, not running to your neighbors house and hiding) so I know the terrain and the cities quite well. Thinking about getting some kind of protective sleeve for the Provari for the small pack overnights in the rainforest but not sure where to grab one.

Thanks in advance - and cheers!

Edit: Anyone have experience dealing with the TSA and e-cigs?

 

[exnihilo]

A mech, just in case. Maybe a couple of Njoy disposables 'just in case', but a mech for sure, because electronics can fail.

cg

 

[BeaconX]

I agree with exnihilo, I would bring a mech mod or maybe some ego batteries just in case. I think you have it mostly covered and I trust my provari enough to not bring anything else with me throughout the day, however I would have a back up device or 2 for a trip like that. Congrats on your success and trip, sounds like fun!

 

[Vale46]

Good luck dude. Love travelling, 10 days isn't that long. I reckon I could do that with 3 egos and about 40 ml eliquid. But hey you can cope with out when you're in Such beautiful surrondings. You'll get some mad looks vaping in that part of the world. Jealous of you And your bird. Enjoy big time.

 

[Vale46]

Just to add to most of you on this forum, can you say 'I'm obsessed with vaping'

 

[jimbill]

I would not take the provari on the trip i would not take the chance of losing it you should take some ego's or a cheap vamo something that you can replace in case of any accidents.

 

[MiamiMom63]

I actually carry a backup provari every day in my purse. lol. Once my provari was reading the ohms of everything I put on it at 1.3 ohms and then shutting off. I read on their website that it meant the connections inside were dirty and I had to clean them with 91% alcohol. It actually tells you to pour a little inside and swoosh it around, then let it dry real good overnight. I did that with shaking hands (OMG, pour alcohol inside my beautiful provari?)! Next day it was working great again! Anyhow, since then I carry a backup provari. Oh, and when I go out of town I also take a backup charger because once my charger quit working and once on another charger the chord cracked right near the plug portion. I don't know why it cracked because it usually just sits in one spot unmoved, but it was cracked and wires were exposed.

 

[Baditude]

Best sleeve for a Provari can be found at Serenity Gear. Custom fit leather for most of the popular mods. You might find the flexi-sleeve/lanyard combo to be the most versatile for your expectations. Unfortunately, he's not taking new orders for another couple of weeks to catch up.

Customized sleeves can be ordered, too. ECF member chohan had this "Aliens theme" sleeve made for his Mini Provari:




I made a rubber sleeve for my Provari from a motorcycle handlebar grip and an exacto-knife. Cost was only $9.oo. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/provari/326118-diy-inexpensive-rubber-provari-protective-grip.html

 

[Mudfinger]

Mechanical (even semi-mechanical) mod for a backup.

If I ever do a get a Provari or some other VV/VW device with an IC and LED, I won't be taking it with me into the backcountry, especially in a hot, humid environment like Costa Rica...

I've been an avid offroader and outdoorsman for decades now. The general rule is, "If you can't rebuild it in the field, you're ....ed". When I finally got around to buying a newish, fuel-injected truck, the first spare part I bought was a spare computer to run the engine in case the onboard computer failed.

That said, I still haven't used the spare computer. Also, I'm pretty sure one can still get legit Cuban cigars in Costa Rica, so the risk of your Provari failing is somewhat beside the point. A few days of puffing on Castro's finest is not likely to kill you.

EDIT: the forum appears to edit profanity. That's nice; I can swear at will without offending anyone?

 

[Julopy]

I wouldn't risk taking my expensive gear on an international trip, i would just take some ego's and a few juice bottles with me.

Anyways, Have a Great Trip. Best Wishes!

 

[Baditude]

I wouldn't risk taking my expensive gear on an international trip, i would just take some ego's and a few juice bottles with me.

I don't think I'd want to risk a $200 mod on an international trip nor while hiking in extremely rugged back country, either.

I didn't wish to risk taking my Provari to a rock concert recently; never know if security might confiscate your stuff in a non-smoking (I know, its a rock concert) facility.

I chose to use the much less expensive Smoktech VV Gripper. The VV Gripper uses an 18650 battery rated at 2000 mAh for all day use. You can get these for less than $40.



You can get the single voltage Gripper for just $16. It only uses an 18350 battery rated at 800 mAh, though.

 

[DuffyA2Z]

I take my Provari with me on trips BECAUSE it can take a beating. My Vamo would not have survived some of the mishaps my provari has had. Your list is similar to mine ....the only real difference being I use cartos and tanks.

Have a great trip!

 

[Jessica PB]

battery cases, a plastic baggie or waterproof case that fits all you carry daily. Have fun!

 

[MiamiMom63]

Mechanical (even semi-mechanical) mod for a backup.

If I ever do a get a Provari or some other VV/VW device with an IC and LED, I won't be taking it with me into the backcountry, especially in a hot, humid environment like Costa Rica...

I've been an avid offroader and outdoorsman for decades now. The general rule is, "If you can't rebuild it in the field, you're ....ed". When I finally got around to buying a newish, fuel-injected truck, the first spare part I bought was a spare computer to run the engine in case the onboard computer failed.

That said, I still haven't used the spare computer. Also, I'm pretty sure one can still get legit Cuban cigars in Costa Rica, so the risk of your Provari failing is somewhat beside the point. A few days of puffing on Castro's finest is not likely to kill you.

EDIT: the forum appears to edit profanity. That's nice; I can swear at will without offending anyone?

I agree. I was wondering about the humidity fogging up the tiny window in a Provari and possibly causing it to not work until cleaned properly and dried out. You probably should get a mechanical.

 

[MiamiMom63]

My friend used to make the outdoorsman mod which was waterproof and a box mod, but he quit making them. It held 2, 18650 batts, I believe, and would float in water if it fell off a boat. Had a locking waterproof box to it. Anyhow, they aren't around anymore

 

[grandmato5]

I am soooo jealous I LOVE Costa Rica ! We've visited there twice and we hope to return again someday.

It doesn't matter what it is, but I would have a second backup APV. And I would take a second backup charger. Having only one of each of those things means if either of them die (and we all know vaping toys die at the most inconvenient times) you won't be vaping again until you get home

No problem with TSA and your vaping toys. Make sure your liquids are in your quart sized ziplock bag. TSA may or may not choose to look at your vaping toys but its no big deal if they do.

 

[Chikenbok]

Thanks for the replies guys! I guess I'll throw another quick charger in the pack and add one of the mechs too (I feel like I'm bringing more vape gear than climbing/hiking gear).

 

[Baditude]

Thanks for the replies guys! I guess I'll throw another quick charger in the pack and add one of the mechs too (I feel like I'm bringing more vape gear than climbing/hiking gear).

I know what you mean. I carry way more stuff just to work than I really need. I just don't want to be caught with my pants down.

I have a very portable vape bag that I purchased from one of the popular computer stores. It's a Swiss Gear mini-laptop carrying bag. It has a shoulder strap. Two larger pockets and a smaller one that use a zipper to close. Not sure of the material, but it is typical for computer bags, might even have the ability to be waterproofed with the spray stuff. I caught mine on sale for only around $20.



These little battery storage pouches work really well to store my extra batteries and will even hold a couple of smaller size cartotanks or other juice delivery devices. I got mine at RTD Vapor.

 

[matcas]

I would leave my provari and take some spinners. Good luck have fun and if I took my provari I would take a spinner backup.

 

[Chikenbok]

I think I'm gonna bring the provari for the beach days and warm nights in the woods but take the mech (I guess I'll go order something cheap - all my mechs are... pricey - recommendations?) out when I go for climbs, overnights, etc. Or hell, maybe I'll just bring a few Ego batteries with me, I dunno - I'm really not all into mechs recently, but maybe I'll spend 35 bucks on a GG clone.

Regarding cases, I actually 'modded' the inside of my Osprey 24 pack to have within it a waterproof shock-absorbant pouch that can carry a few tanks/juices/batteries (although those battery packs you posted look kinda badass, Bad) etc. Its kind of badass if I may say so myself. My gearbag currently has about 60% cams, carabiners, atc's, quick locks, some diving gear, etc and about 40% vape gear. The thing is going to weigh 90 pounds when all is said and done. Hell, maybe I'll bring an aluminum frame week pack just for my juices