Danner Announces First Modern, Recraftable Hiking Boot
First up in this week’s overland news is the Mountain 600 Leaf GTX which represents “a step forward in Danner’s mission to combine outdoor performance with a reduced carbon footprint.” The boot is available for both men and women and can be resoled and reconditioned via Danner’s Recrafting Program. The 600 Leaf GTX is constructed using Gore-Tex liners that utilize 45 percent post-recycled materials, full-grain leather OrthoLite Eco footbeds with 12 percent plant-derived bio-oil, a 100 percent recycled collar liner, and more. Finally the GTX incorporates a Vibram Fuga outsole with Megagrip compound that’s “designed to cling to any surface, no matter the conditions.”
$220 | danner.com
GOES Health, The World’s First Outdoor Health Platform
This first-of-its-kind resource “provides instant access to wilderness medical support for outdoor goers, wherever and whenever they need it. GOES sets a new standard for outdoor health by offering essential, lifesaving information through an intuitive smartphone app.” It was developed at Stanford School of Medicine and the Preventative Search & Rescue Rangers from the National Park Service and is staffed by wilderness-trained physicians. The standard package offers adventure prep advice, natural disaster alerts, location-based environmental health risks, and offline injury management resources. The premium GOES+ also includes 24/7 access to wilderness medicine doctors.
1UP USA Xtreme Duty (XD)
The new Xtreme Duty rack from 1UP USA is “tailor-made to accommodate any e-bike, mounting to a standard 2-inch hitch and capable of carrying up to 150 pounds per bike tray, and up to three bikes.” It’s constructed with reinforced bent arms and an upgraded ratcheting glide bar system, which is even suitable for off-road usage. In addition, the modular design ensures it’s compatible with any 1UP Quik Rack add-on, so you can seamlessly modify the rack to suit your objectives.
$850 | 1up-usa.com
Chevrolet Unveils all-new 2024 Colorado ZR2 Bison in collaboration with American Expedition Vehicles
The Colorado ZR2 Bison, in collaboration with AEV, is designed to be “America’s ultimate off-road beast, built to conquer any terrain.” As standard, the Bison enjoys Multimatic spool-valve dampers and hydraulic bump stops, 35-inch tires, 12.2-inches of ground clearance, front and rear lockers, and more. These impressive credentials are bolstered by the team at AEV with upgrades that include their stamped bumpers, Boron steel skid plates, fender flares, a vertical spare tire mount, beadlock-capable wheels, and more. Inside, the Bison showcases a well-equipped interior with an 11.3-inch infotainment system with navigation, adaptive cruise control, powered and heated seats, premium audio, and more.
DID Extreme Expeditions Launches Active Overlanders
Overland news from Scandinavia; David Daigle, former special forces, Norwegian climbing champion, and owner of DID Extreme Expeditions launches Active Overlanders. This new venture will provide a unified platform with all the latest overlanding events and services for Scandinavia. David states: “Our vision is to continue to contribute to the growth of the overlanding community in Norway and Scandinavia with gradual expansion into Europe.” In addition to the latest events the company will offer expedition consultations, Norwegian tours, community gatherings, and much more. Active Overlanders is a fantastic resource for anyone seeking to travel overseas and explore the Nordics in their vehicle.
Bajío launches Eco-Conscious Eldora Frames
Bajío is Spanish for “the shallows” and is a company committed to making quality sunglasses while striving to improve “the quality of life for the world’s saltwater flats, the ecosystems they support, and the communities that depend on them.” This in mind, their new unisex Eldora frame is constructed using plant-based bio-resin that biodegrades quickly. The shades also feature a plethora of technical features including oleophobic coatings, polarized proprietary Lapis technology, non-slip rubber nose pads and temple tips, and are anti-scratch. Finally, they incorporate the company’s built-in Sun Ledges and are available with either glass or polycarbonate lenses.
$209 | bajiosunglasses.com
Snowpeak Land Nest Dome M
Overland news from Snowpeak who unveil a new 4-person tent called the Land Nest Dome M (“Medium”), which is designed to eliminate common challenges faced by beginner campers. The modular design means it “functions as a stand-alone shelter, a 4-person abode, or a solo tent, offering situational adaptability.” It adopts a Y-shaped frame and a multi-directional fly for a seamless setup and can be extended with the Land Nest Tarp to create a covered external living area. Finally, the Nest Dome includes a flysheet with universal door openings, and an inner tent can be attached to the front or back.
$865 | snowpeak.com
Brabus 800 4×4 Superblack
The new Brabus is based on the Mercedes AMG G63 4×4 and is “developed for heavy-duty off-road use.” Subsequently, it features 22-inch Brabus Monoblock HD alloys, an Adventure spare wheel carrier, carbon underride protections, Carbon Widestar inserts, and more. These backcountry upgrades are matched with blistering on-road performance thanks to a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 800 horsepower, 738 pound-feet of torque, and propels the Brabus from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Finally, the 800 4×4 Superblack showcases exquisite interior luxury with comforts that include the “Brabus Masterpiece” fine leather interior and Carbon package.
Great Wall Cannon-XSR
Overland news from Chinese car company Great Wall who has engineered a new off-road-focused Cannon-XSR that promises “enhanced operation in tougher off-road conditions.” The truck is intended to be a budget-friendly alternative to the likes of Toyota and Nissan despite offering many of the same rugged features. Subsequently, this model enjoys 4WD, high and low range, Crawl mode, turn assist, front and rear locking differentials, all-terrain tires, underbody protection, a snorkel, steel front bumper, and more. The interior is well-equipped with a 9-inch infotainment system, 360-degree cameras, climate control, keyless entry, rear parking sensors, powered and heated front seats, and more.
Toaks Outdoor Titanium Double-wall Cup
Saving weight is one of the biggest upgrades you can make to any vehicle, and once you’ve removed the obvious unnecessary gear and accessories you can turn your eye to fine-tuning smaller items (that cumulatively add up to a significant weight). Everyday items such as cups are another opportunity to skim the fat, and at just 2.9-ounces, the Toaks titanium double-wall cup is a great, albeit premium option. This is the lightest double-wall cup on the market and is designed to nest inside of the company’s larger pots for optimal storability and includes its own mesh storage sack.
$39 | toaksoutdoor.com
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Defender 130 Will Join Red Cross
Also for this week’s overland news is a specially converted Defender 130, which has been donated to the British Red Cross to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, and will join active service in Wales. The one-of-a-kind Defender is equipped with an enhanced 4G-connection, VHF radio, built-in phone, solar setup with auxiliary battery, and an upgraded telematics system with GPS tracking. In addition, the 130 incorporates a drawer system, charge points, and even a built-in boiler to provide hot drinks. Land Rover states: “For almost 70 years we have partnered with the British Red Cross, continually seeking ways to grow and support their work through our vehicles and technologies.”
landrover.com
LifeStraw Peak Series Solo Water Filter
LifeStraw’s Peak Series Solo water filter protects against 99.99999% of bacteria, 99.999% of parasites, and 99.999% of microplastics despite being “the world’s most compact water filter.” Weighing just 1.7 ounces and measuring 5.1 x 1.3-inches, it’s the “perfect companion for hiking, backpacking, camping, emergencies, travel and glove compartments or keychains.” It features a 28-mm threading that’s compatible with most standard water bottles and has an impressive 3-litres-per-minute flow rate. It’s constructed using 50 percent post-consumer recycled BPA-free plastic and incorporates top and bottom caps for leakproof storage.
$30 | lifestraw.com
Utu Skincare
Utu has released a new line of premium skincare “formulated for outdoor lovers, and designed to protect, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin, while respecting the planet through responsible sourcing and eliminating single-use plastics.” The product range includes an SPF30 moisturizing sunscreen and an adventure-ready SPF50 Tinted Sunscreen-Stiq; both are non-toxic, water-resistant, reef safe, cruelty-free, chemical-free, aquatic-friendly, and USDA Biobased. According to Founder Richard Welch, We strive to ensure our ingredients and packaging take into account our health and the natural environment we love so much.”
If you’d like to read more overland news then check out Ashley Giordano’s recent headlines.
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