This overland gift guide is presented by
iKamper
The holidays are upon us, and if you’re looking for a big overland gift for the road warrior in your family, you’ve come to the right place. The Expedition Portal team has put together this list of must-have overland gifts over $100. From sleeping systems to camp kitchen gear, and accessories for your overland rig, you’re sure to find something worth gifting this holiday season.
For additional overland gift ideas, check out these other Expedition Portal gift guides:
- 2021 Thanksgiving overland gift guide
- 2020 Over $200 overland gift guide
- 2019 Outdoor & camp gear over $200 gift guide
- 2018 Holiday gift guide, $300 or more
Audible Premium Plus Subscription
Some prefer music or podcasts during long drives, but audiobooks are another effective way to to learn something new, become engrossed in a thrilling tale, or finally get to the novel that remains at the top of your to-read list. In addition to podcasts, Audible offers a wide range of books, including best sellers and classics. Membership is free for 30 days, after which Premium Plus plan members pay $15 per month. This includes the Plus Catalog, plus one credit per month for any premium selection title. Plans range from $8/month to $230/year. (AG)
$164 | audible.com
JBL Flip 5 Portable Waterproof Speaker
I received a JBL Flip waterproof speaker last year for Christmas, and it has become one of my favorite pieces of overland kit. We turn it on in the morning, grooving to some mellow bossa nova while cooking breakfast. Punchier tunes keep us energetic while working, and dinner music adds a nice touch to a scenic camp spot. The Flip 5 gives you up to 12 hours of playtime, weighs a mere 1.2 pounds, and fits nicely in a small drawer or glove compartment. The sound is impressive for the size of the speaker, and it is offered in 11 different colors. The Bluetooth version is a must. (AG)
$130 | jbl.com
57Hours Excursion or Gift Card
A gift card for a 57Hours adventure makes the perfect gift for any outdoor enthusiasts who love adventure, or for anyone who may be challenging to shop for. 57Hours is a platform that connects people with certified guides for outdoor activities (hiking, backpacking, climbing, mountain biking, surfing, kiteboarding, etc.) in locations all over the world. Their excursions provide a fun opportunity to try a new activity for the first time, knowing that all guides are certified and experts in their field. Gift cards are delivered immediately and are available for any dollar amount. (AG)
For a look into the types of adventures coordinated by 57Hours, check out my trip report from Cochise Stronghold, AZ.
Price varies by trip | 57hours.com
Patagonia Down Sweater Vest
Down vests are a great addition to any wardrobe as they pack down small but hold warmth; this one by Patagonia is my absolute favourite. The vest is lightweight, windproof, and offers a sleek fit. The shell is 100 percent recycled polyester ripstop with 800 fill-power Advanced Global Traceable goose down and Fair Trade Certified sewn. It also features two handwarmer pockets and an adjustable hem. (AG)
Benchmade Camp Kitchen Cutlery
A curated meal prepared campside can enhance our adventures in subtle yet unforgettable ways. With this in mind, Benchmade branched out into the cutlery segment in October, introducing a series of fully customizable knives handcrafted for dishing up memories. At first glance, the line is awe-inducing—I lost an appendage just by way of imagination—but the products’ performance itself proved unparalleled. The Meatcrafter made its way through a whole raw top round as if it was butter; the Station knife is a do-everything model that worked with ease through vegetables, cheese, fruit, and meat; and the three-piece set, including Chef, Paring, and Utility units, functions with the same championed proficiency. All utilize Benchmade’s proprietary 14-degree SelectEdge blade for maximum precision without sacrificing durability, are made in Oregon, and include the company’s sharpen-for-free-forever promise. The personalization component is a refined touch for an heirloom-quality gift for the aspiring or master chef. (TO)
$260+ | benchmade.com
Red Oxx C-Ruck
Made in Montana, the C-ruck has a practical, no-nonsense approach to packability inspired by military moxie. The water-resistant Cordura nylon fabric is thick yet pliable, double-stitched with bound seams with rugged hardware to fit the bill. I tried using this rucksack as a carry-on (intended use), and though everything from my small wheeled suitcase fit, I didn’t want to lug it through the airport at the packed weight. For me, the C-ruck works best with lightweight gear for backpacking objectives, as there is ample room for everything needed for a self-supported weekend in the wilderness. I manage a packed weight that tops off at 20 pounds (unpacked, the C-ruck weighs 3.7 pounds). Various gear stays separated: sizeable side pockets house my food along with associated accessories and fuel, while the front pocket gives ready access to go-to necessities. It’s padded with foam in all the right places, and I especially appreciate how easy it is to clean. Designed to last for a lifetime (or more) with a “No Bull” warranty to match. (TO)
$295 | redoxx.com
Luno Ultimate Car Camping Bundle
The car camping movement is a growing facet of the industry, perfect for those who want to maximize the space of their vehicle, bringing only the essentials. I recently found myself in a ground tent at an assigned campsite (by necessity) in the pouring rain. My Subaru Forester sat adjacent like a beacon, warm and dry inside, prompting a re-evaluation of certain camping habits. I sought out Luno for its customized 2.0 air mattress and complementary window screens. The mattress inflates in minutes and is available in single and double sizes, constructed with a 300-denier Oxford fabric that seems like it can take significant abuse and live to tell the tale(s). On the double, each side’s fullness can be adjusted separately or completely deflated for solo camping. The Base Extenders are a nice addition, allowing for an extended platform length of 12 inches when your front seats are pushed forward. The Ultimate bundle is a winning combination that includes a pump, fitted mattress sheet, fan, seatback organizer, window screens, and more. (TO)
$330/mattress only, $510/bundle | lunolife.com
Giv’r 4-Season Gloves
Designed and rigorously tested in Jackson Hole, Giv’r gloves are built from hard-wearing cowhide, with a waterproof membrane, reflective heatshield, and Thinsulate synthetic insulation. A natural wax treatment helps the leather shed moisture while simultaneously extending its life. An elastic cuff helps keep warmth in and snow out, and a steel D-ring provides a secure location for attaching a wrist leash. At the time of purchase, Giv’r can even brand your loved one’s initials into these gloves.
$109 | giv-r.com
Overland Journal Lifetime Subscription
If you read our under $100 gift guide, you probably noticed that we included a subscription to Overland Journal. Well, if you really love our gear reviews, travel stories, and inspiring photography, why not give an overland gift that will keep on giving every quarter, indefinitely? Yes, we’re talking about the coveted lifetime subscription to Overland Journal. Not only will your chosen recipient enjoy a spring, summer, fall, winter, and gear issue every year for the rest of their life, they’ll also get a few extra goodies, like a hand-forged L.T. Wright knife with custom Overland Journal leather sheath, and Overland Journal hat, and two-lifetime subscriber stickers to proudly display your status as an overlanding bigwig.
$980 | overlandjournal.com
Orvis Grip-tight Windowed Hammock Seat Protector
If you’re like me and your four-legged friend comes along on your overland adventures, a rear seat cover is an excellent investment for the long-term wellbeing of your vehicle’s upholstery. But the Orvis Grip-Tight protects more than just your back seat. It provides a barrier, encouraging your dog to stay in the backseat while also covering your floor. As a bonus, it has pass-throughs so that you can still use your vehicle’s rear seat belts to secure your furry pal.
$169+ | orvis.com
Oz Braai Camp Grill Basket
Is it just me, or does cooking a meal on an open fire somehow make it taste better? Whether it’s just in my head or there is some science behind this theory, cooking over wood coals (or charcoal briquettes) can be fun and provide much more cooking real estate than two burners—if you have the right equipment. That’s where the Oz Braii campfire grill basket can help you out with your campsite culinary ambitions. Consisting of a 304 stainless steel basket that measures roughly 16 x 12 inches and a multi-level rack to support it, you can prepare food in a multitude of ways, from searing to slow-cooking.
$150 | dasmule.com
BFG Trail-Terrain T/A tires
Looking for a practical overland gift idea? The changing of seasons is always a great time to inspect the treads of your vehicle’s tires. Do they have enough life left in them to safely get you through the winter? The BFG Trail-Terrain T/A is severe snow-rated, with three-dimensional siping for a reliable grip in a variety of conditions on the pavement and the trail. Signature BFG shoulder serrations provide additional grip in loose soil, and a 60,000-mile warranty provides some peace of mind if this rubber doesn’t hold up to the abuse you throw at it.
$143+ per tire | bfgoodrichtires.com
Rewild gear Gasper 4 knife
Rewild Gear is a new company in the outdoor space, but they know a thing or two about quality equipment. Case-in-point, they contracted Michigan-based knife maker White River Knife and Tool to build their new Gaspar 4, an all-purpose fixed-blade that can prep a meal, skin your latest trophy, or slice through thick cord like a hot knife through butter. The Gasper is made from S35VN steel for an excellent mix of edge retention and corrosion resistance. It’s got TeroTuf scales for a comfortable no-slip grip, a 90-degree ground notch on the spine of the blade for striking ferrocerium rods, it’s made in the USA, and it has a lifetime warranty.
$225 | rewildgear.com
Garmin instinct Solar
I pre-empted the holidays and gifted myself this GPS watch, and I’m really happy that I did. It can last up to a month between charges (with limited GPS use), and the face has a tiny solar cell which can bolster battery life if it gets regular exposure to the sun. Between its wrist-based heart-rate monitoring, GPS-tracking, and cell phone connectivity to easily log all of my adventures on the Garmin App, it does everything I need and want a GPS watch to do. But unlike the fanciest touch-screen smartwatches that are so popular these days, the Instinct’s functions are limited mostly to metrics, and it’s also fairly compact on my wrist. I’ve found it to be a welcome addition to my outdoor activities, and for the adventurer that wants little more than a GPS track of their outings, this would make an excellent overland gift.
$400 | garmin.com
MaxTrax MKII Recovery Boards
One of the easiest to use, most affordable, and safest recovery tools that any overland traveler can carry is a pair of recovery boards. They’re lightweight, easy to mount, and they also have a variety of additional uses, like as a shovel, or for leveling your vehicle on uneven terrain. The MaxTrax MKII comes with a lifetime warranty, and for all you Toyota and Jeep owners out there, they come in 11 different colors so you can match them to your wheels…and differential covers…and undercarriage lighting. I kid.
$300 | maxtraxus.com
Looking for additional overland gift ideas? Check out these 15 items, all under $100.
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