Shot Show: The Best Adventure Gear

Each year, all that is tacticool descends on Las Vegas and the SHOT Show. While 90% of the products are specific to the firearm and military/LEO community, there are certainly products fit for the adventurer. Here are the highlights.

Magpul:
I have used Magpul gear for years and have been continually impressed by both the quality and innovation. As a pleasant surprise, Magpul released a line of soft goods that are a perfect fit to the overland traveler. In particular, their new Daka pouches and complete line of travel garments. The shirts and pants are both stylish and understated, while still being thoroughly functional in the field.

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LightForce:

The lighting gurus from Australia have released several new products, including a series of small rack and rock lights, perfect for illuminating camp or the dark side alleys of Kabul. lightforceusa.com

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Pelican:

Coolers are all the rage and this molded unit from Pelican has some serious insulation (at the expense of interior volume). This new 30L has several inches of insulation on each side and integrated handles and cup holders. pelican.com

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Salomon:
I am a huge fan of Salomon shoes for remote exploration, my last pair surviving a few circumnavigations of the globe. The shoes below represent the newest versions of my trusted footwear and have made the short list for my 2016 Christmas list. The low top is a Speedcross 3 and the winter boot is a Tundra Mid, good to -40. Salomon Forces (link)

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Coast Lights:

Coast has expanded into the outdoor market with high quality lights and knives at low price points. Perfect for Every Day Carry is their combo knife and 100 lumen flashlight. Their headlamps offer impressive output and red light capability. Coastportland.com

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5.11 Tactical:
With an expansive line of hard cases, 5.11 has introduced a cost-competitive option for protecting your gear. 511Tactical.com
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The most impressive booth at the show was the SilencerCo display. It won several industry awards and reinforced the reason to #fightthenoise. One of the few Adventure Motorcycles at the show, this Kawasaki achieved Tacticool. . .

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Truck Vault:

Useful for both firearm storage and support equipment, the Truck Vaults are serious drawer systems complete with HD slides and push code locks. truckvault.com IMG_1607
Arcteryx:
Serious adventure requires the right gear, and few will argue that Arcteryx makes some of the highest quality technical garments in the industry. Their Leaf Alpha line is a perfect fit to remote vehicle-based adventures. Arcteryx Leaf

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Poler had a roof tent on the new Diesel Nissan HD. Kitanica makes wicked looking jackets that would be entirely at home on a KTM, including full elbow and back protection. Kitanica Jackets

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DPX Gear Knives:
There were dozens of knife makers at SHOT, but few are as legitimate as the blades from Robert Young Pelton. Robert is a consummate adventurer and overlander, his last overland trip involving a Bentley across Iran- enough said. DPX Gear

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Scott is the publisher and co-founder of Expedition Portal and Overland Journal. His travels by 4WD and adventure motorcycle span all seven continents and include three circumnavigations of the globe. His polar travels include two vehicle crossings of Antarctica and the first long-axis crossing of Greenland. He lives in Prescott, Arizona IG: @scott.a.brady Twitter: @scott_brady