BDR Releases New North Georgia Route
In this week’s overland news, Backcountry Discovery Routes has released the trailer for its latest route in North Georgia, the Chattahoochee BDR-X. This is the BDR’s 18th route and the fifth installment of shorter loop routes in the BDR-X. GPS tracks, a waterproof route map, and an accompanying film will be unveiled during a live YouTube broadcast on September 19, along with an exclusive look at the route’s development and the inaugural run. The new route is a 350-mile loop featuring a collection of graded forest roads, two-track, and scenic backcountry pavement sections that crisscross the Appalachian Trail.
BDR-X Live Route and Film Release | 4:00 p.m. Pacific/7:00 p.m. Eastern | ridebdr.com/hoochee
WaterField Designs Introduces American-made Vitesse Duffel
Combining heritage waxed canvas with premium full-grain leather, the 28-liter Vitesse duffel features a spacious main compartment, two interior pockets, and a YKK waterproof zipper and metal paragliding-style buckle to close. The Vitesse offers four carry options, including handles, a suitcase passthrough, and a detachable shoulder strap, while the pleated front pocket is reminiscent of WWII army jackets. The bag is available in blue and brown colorways with an optional Supreme Suspension strap.
$219 | sfbags.com
iKamper Launches Inaugural Raconteur Rack Series
Featuring a steel frame, stainless-steel hardware, chip-resistance powder coatings and high-strength aluminum cross bars, iKamper’s rack series is available in roof and bed varieties for the Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner, and the Jeep Gladiator. Ranging in weight from 63 to 132 pounds, the racks do not require drill mounting and feature integrated side panels to mount your choice of aftermarket accessories. iKamper’s accessory line is built to integrate with the Raconteur and includes awning and mounting brackets, roof rack crossbars, a wind deflector light bar, and more.
$1,400+/Jeep Gladiator bed rack, $1,300+/Toyota Tacoma bed rack, $1,200/Toyota 4Runner roof rack, $850/Toyota Tacoma roof rack | ikamper.com
Aether Just Dropped its Fall 2024 Collection
’Tis the season for jackets, hoodies, fleeces, vests, and sweaters. Aether has answered the call with its latest collection, which features men’s and women’s styles made of 100 percent recycled fleece, extra-fine merino wool, and 100 percent organic cotton. The collection’s flagship item, the Stornaway insulated hoodie, is a water-repellent technical jacket featuring a quilted, recycled interior lining, a drop tail hem for cooler temps, and zippered chest and hand pockets. Other collection pieces include a shirt jacket, crewneck and hooded sweaters, and plenty of vests and fleeces.
$145 | aetherapparel.com
Gerber Debuts Full-size Collapsible Shovel
The Dredge features a powder-coated high-carbon steel blade for tough digging conditions and a glass-filled nylon D-handle with a rubber-over-mold grip for wet and cold weather. The shovel provides three configurations: open, closed, and hoe, which is effective for pulling dirt from the underside of a stuck vehicle or away from tires. With an open length of 45 inches and a closed length of 25 inches, the Dredge weighs 6.75 pounds and is easily stored in a trunk or drawer system.
$150 | gerbergear.com
Vasque’s Fall Footwear Lineup Provides Comfort, Traction, and Support
Vasque’s latest styles begin with the St. Elias XT, a premium technical hiker featuring a waterproof membrane and Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole designed for challenging treks or a week of backpacking. The Vasque Breeze debuts VasqueDry, which promises to deliver waterproofing derived from 25 percent recycled materials. Finally, the lightweight Vasque Re:connect Now shoe features a footbed with 20 percent bloom algae, 100 percent recycled ripstop mesh upper, and recycled content throughout, balancing repurposed materials with performance.
$270/St. Elias XT, $230/St. Elias, $160/Breeze, $130/Re:connect Now | vasque.com
EGR Launches Bed Reinforcement for 2024-2025 Ford Ranger and Raptor Models
Ford owners of 2024-2025 Ranger pickup trucks must install bed reinforcement kits for accessories such as racks, toppers, or camper shells that weigh more than 88 pounds. Designed to solve this issue, EGR’s steel “J” brace support is engineered to handle the additional stressors of off-pavement adventures. Easy to install with basic automotive tools, the “J” brace support is also compatible with EGR’s RollTrac retractable tonneau cover and features a light texture powder coat for weather resilience.
$94 | egrusa.com
Ineos Grenadier Announces Self-Drive Trips in Botswana and Namibia
Participants will stay at luxurious lodges and mobile camps while enjoying meals under the stars during Ineos Grenadier’s eight-night trips through Botswana and Namibia. The Botswana itinerary begins in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and ends in the Okavango Delta (October 5-13, 2024), while the Namibian route includes exclusive access to remote locations and wilderness zones from the Skeleton Coast to the Koakoveld (November 18-26, 2024). The price includes accommodation for eight nights, an Ineos Grenadier station wagon hire for two, and all guides, meals and drinks, park fees, gratuities, and activities.
$37,224 per person/Botswana, $25,590 per person/Namibia | ineosgrenadier.com
Caterpillar’s Invader Max Boot is the Real Deal
While the AI-generated CAT-branded pickup truck image that went viral last month isn’t based in reality, the brand’s latest waterproof work boot certainly is. The Invader Max exemplifies Caterpillar’s unstoppable machines with a composite safety toe, slip-resistant soles, and electrical hazard protection. Available in colors such as Black, Coffee Bean, and Gargoyle, the Invader Max is inspired by the tires on a CAT 792F truck and aims to provide confident footing on any terrain.
$165 | catfootwear.com
The Breeo Live-fire Grill Has Arrived
Taking the live-fire cooking experience to the next level, Breeo’s new grill allows users to keep it simple or add accessories to make their meal a great one. The grill is optimized for charcoal and wood, is dual outpost compatible, and features a skillet rest and removable ashtray. The Breeo Live-Fire is compatible with other Breeo accessories, including the Firemaster, Grilling, Searing, and Pizza Bundles. Constructed from stainless and powder-coated steel, the grill also offers wood storage, adjustable airflow, and folding side trays.
$849 (early bird pricing through September) | breeo.com
New Royal Robbins Sweaters Made with 100% Merino Wool
In other overland news, Royal Robbins has launched its Fall 2024 line, which uses Responsible Wool Standard-certified wool across the entire collection. The Rockcraft (crew and hoodie) and Arch Rock (1/4 zip and crew) sweaters are 100 percent merino wool, offering moisture wicking, natural insulation, and durability. Overall, 96 percent of styles in the Fall collection are made with at least 50 percent preferred cotton, recycled polyester, traceable wool, preferred forest materials, hemp, or recycled nylon. Styles include camp shirts, lined pants, and light and heavyweight crew sweaters.
$90+ | royalrobbins.com
CRKT Launches New Folding EDC Pocket Knife
Columbia River Knife and Tool recently revealed its Forebear slip joint knife, an everyday carry based on a centuries-old design that remains popular today. The blades use 12C27 steel with a nail nick for easy opening, while the textured Ultem provides extra grip. Measuring 6.75 inches long and weighing 1.3 ounces, the knife is available in yellow (with an Ultem handle) or black (with a G10 handle).
$85 | crkt.com
Overland News: Keep Toasty with Helinox Seat Warmers
Offering an array of designs featuring quilted insulation, Helinox’s line of camp chair warmers provide soft warmth, cushioning, and draft protection for cold outdoor adventures. Made of 100 percent recycled fabrics, the Bloncho is part blanket, part poncho, with one-sided high-pile fleece for maximum coziness. Those seeking something more fitted may find the Helinox Seat Warmer Down, Reversible Seat Warmer, or Toasty Seat Warmer fit the bill.
$150/Toasty Seat Warmer, $90/Bloncho Seat Warmer, $90/Reversible Cot Warmer, $80/Seat Warmer Down, $60/Reversible Seat Warmer, $60/High Back Seat Warmer | helinox.com
Meet the Fineline, Black Diamond’s Fully Featured Rainshell
Featuring Black Diamond’s BD.dry—a three-part waterproof layer of DWR finish, a microporous membrane, and a half-layer interior print—the Fineline is engineered to shield from the wettest conditions while quickly adapting to moderate weather. DWR armpit zips provide ventilation, while underarm gussets assist with mobility and adjustable hem and cuffs dial in the fit. Plus, the shell stows in the right-hand pocket when the sun comes out. Available in men’s and women’s sizes.
$180 | blackdiamondequipment.com
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