In this installment of the Expedition Portal series on brands that inspire us, Senior Editor Ashley Giordano profiles water filtration and purification manufacturer Guzzle H2O. After witnessing the amount of garbage created from single-use plastic bottles during international sailing regattas, professional sailor Sean “Doogie” Couvreux took to Facebook. “The garbage situation was ridiculous,” he says….
4WD Gift Guide
Presented by Nitto Tires, and the Terra Grappler G3 Despite significant challenges, 2024 has been a great overlanding year for me. I have had the opportunity to use a couple of vehicles to explore Southern Africa and North America while attending a few trade shows. The following 4WD Gift Guide features some of the…
The Dacia Duster is Ready to Explore Europe
Sometimes, less really is more. Dacia has expanded the versatility of its Duster model, built in Romania and backed by Renault, by introducing a new accessory pack aimed at turning this affordable SUV into a weekend adventure vehicle. The new ‘In Nature’ sleep pack, offered in the European market, brings an affordable camping solution that…
15 Black Friday Gifts for the Overlander in Your Life
Presented by Slinky Stove, the Collapsible Smokeless Fire Pit While Black Friday traditionally takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, many retailers are offering discounts now and will continue to do so throughout the holiday season. The coming weeks may be an opportune time for shopping before the onslaught of tinsel,…
Down-feather Apparel for Full-body Warmth :: Best of Breed
Winter and I don’t have the best relationship. Growing up in Virginia, snow days were rare treats that had more to do with sitting inside drinking hot chocolate than playing in the snow. When we did venture out, the temperature never dropped far below 32°F, so sledding and snowball fights kept us warm enough to…
Renogy IP67 Charger and 100 Pro Lithium Battery: Field Tested
Renogy has been relentlessly innovating its vehicle-based energy products since 2010. While the dual battery system I put together with Renogy products in 2015 functioned flawlessly for three years and 54,000 miles around Africa, Renogy’s latest round of products are more efficient and durable while being smaller and lighter. By incorporating customer feedback and real-world…
Proffitt’s Resurrection Cruisers’ 1959 Land Cruiser FJ28 Pickup “Taco Tuesday” Honors Toyota Legacy
Proffitt’s Resurrection Cruisers has unveiled their latest project, a meticulously restored 1959 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ28 Pickup dubbed “Taco Tuesday.” By maintaining a focus on Toyota components, the build aims to show the restoration community that sticking with authentic parts can not only preserve the reliability and spirit of a classic Land Cruiser but also…
Overland News of the Week
Warn Industries Announces Release of New Zeon XP Winch Lineup In this week’s Overland News of the Week we feature, Warn’s Zeon XP winch lineup, engineered in Clackamas, Oregon, which will be available starting December 12, 2024, incorporates feature upgrades to meet demanding recovery needs. With models offering 10,000-, 12,000-, and 14,000-pound capacities, these winches…
SEMA 2024 Day One: Overlanding Heats Up!
The SEMA Show remains one of the most important events of the year for overlanding, with OEMs and major brands launching new products and developing their prospects for the following season. 2024 is no exception, and the excitement was palpable as I walked the halls for the first day seeing exciting new concepts from companies…
Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl: Field Tested
While traveling Alaska’s Dalton Highway with friends, I stopped to take in the beautiful scenery and do some fly fishing. Alas, the river contained no fish, but fortunately, I was still able to employ my favorite fly to snag a real keeper: a single, Kevlar-lined, gauntlet-sporting chainsaw glove. Catch-and-release is not my style, and thus,…
Hasselblad X2D 100C :: Field Tested
When NASA needed a camera to capture Apollo 11’s landing on the moon, they trusted one brand—Hasselblad. Chances are you and I will never get to traverse the Sea of Tranquility or crawl out of a lunar crater, but that shouldn’t stop us from wanting to immortalize our own history in the making. Like the…
Colfax Design Works Q.D. Camera Strap :: Field Tested
Colfax Design Works (CDW) has set a new standard with its latest Q.D. camera strap. Built with rugged 1-inch MIL-SPEC nylon tubular webbing and equipped with the proprietary anti-binding CDW Quick Disconnect swivels, this strap is the epitome of versatility and durability. The intuitive design features a push-top button on the swivel that allows for…
Thinking Outside the Box: The Story Behind STEP 22
In this installment of the Expedition Portal series on brands that inspire us, Senior Editor Ashley Giordano profiles adventure travel gear manufacturer STEP 22. I recently found out, thanks to STEP 22 owner and founder Adam Wood, that the company’s name is an acronym for Storage Transportation Exploration Protection. There couldn’t be a more on-point…
Overland News of the Week
Meet the New KC Hilites Solar Charge Hub This compact, plug-and-play charging solution directs solar panel energy to 12- and 24-volt vehicle batteries for easy charging and maintenance. Requiring no permanent installation, the hub features magnetic feet for easy placement and Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring and updates. At the heart of the hub’s weather-sealed aluminum…
Exploring the Smoky Mountains: Planning Your East Coast Overland Adventure
For episode three of Exploring the Smoky Mountains, we review the process of planning your overland adventure to the East Coast. From mapping applications, to tire selection, and finally equipment and driving recommendations. The Smoky Mountains are filled with overland adventure opportunities. Editor’s Note: Shortly after this series was produced, the Asheville area was devastated…
Nissan Unveils Project Trailgater, Built for the Overlanding Sport Enthusiast
As avid Rugby fans, we learned early on that traveling overland will often conflict with important matches and planned weekends away. A difficult choice had to be made: head out or stay home to catch the game. Nissan has unveiled the Project Trailgater, a one-of-a-kind custom build based on the refreshed 2025 Frontier, showcasing a…
In the Bag: Reliable Dry Bags to Keep Your Gear Safe
Whether you’re an intrepid overlander exploring remote locations, an avid adventurer seeking the thrill of whitewater rafting, or a beachgoer looking to keep your valuables safe from sand and surf, dry bags have become an indispensable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Unsurprisingly, these versatile, waterproof wonders have revolutionized how we protect our gear from the elements….
KC Hilites Unveils the Solar Charge Hub: Portable Power for Any Adventure
KC Hilites Solar Charge Hub is a portable, weather-sealed solar charging system designed to power 12-volt battery setups in off-grid environments. This system seems perfect for those who require a rugged and simple solar charging system that offers flexibility and performance in an off-road environment. It may also be perfect for overlanders who outfit their…
Gregory Knocks it Out the Park with Duffels, Case, and Backpacks :: Field Tested
Gregory Mountain Products specializes in designing and manufacturing backpacks, travel bags, and outdoor gear. Founded in 1977 by Wayne Gregory, the brand is known for its focus on comfort, durability, and innovative design. Gregory’s products are built to support outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of packs for hiking, backpacking, and travel. The company emphasizes ergonomic…
Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Grinder
Photography by Richard Giordano, Lead photo courtesy of Bellman Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Steamer I have used moka pots in the past with the hope they would deliver the espresso I desired, but that was never the case. This Bellman, on the other hand, produces a flavor and texture very similar to a full…