Groaning springs, nose in the air, the struggle to the top of the next hill, always bringing up the rear, thirsty at the pump—we all know that traveler in our lives who could use some gear that lightens the load. Whether on two wheels or four, reducing avoirdupois reaps many benefits, not least safety. As a vehicle’s mass inches toward (or over) its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), stress on the suspension, brakes, steering components, the engine, and the transmission multiplies, not to mention the driver. Handling and stopping performance suffers and fuel efficiency craters. If the overlander you love won’t give up on their gear by culling their load-out, why not help them with a few of these lightweight gifts as substitutes? After all, bound by the laws of gravity, we don’t have whatever magic Santa Claus uses to pilot his rig so effortlessly through the Christmas Eve night.
Inspired Overland Carbonlite Rooftop Tent
Inspired Overland’s Carbonlite roof tent has a carbon-fiber-reinforced shell that keeps weight to a minimum while maintaining rigidity for rough-track use. Gas-assisted struts make setup nearly instant, revealing a roomy interior with a high-density foam mattress and insulated walls for shoulder-season comfort. Dual-entry doors, large windows, and integrated LED lighting enhance livability, while the aerodynamic clamshell profile reduces drag. At just around 80 pounds, the Carbonlite reduces mass up high on roof racks and frees up valuable payload for 4x4s, wagons, and even small SUVs or hatchbacks—perfect for travelers who want the comfort of a hard-shell tent without giving up on weight savings.
inspiredoverland.com | $1,999
KTM 390 Adventure R
The 2026 KTM 390 Adventure blends lightweight maneuverability with real-world touring capability. Powered by a lively 399cc single-cylinder engine (45 horsepower, 29 pound-feet of torque), it delivers excellent fuel efficiency and enough punch for backroads and even challenging off-road travel. WP Apex suspension, switchable ABS, and traction control equip it for technical terrain, while a redesigned chassis improves stability with luggage onboard. A crisp TFT display, ride modes, and LED lighting round out its modern touring features. Weighing in under full-size ADV bikes (388 pounds wet), the 390 Adventure is ideal for riders who want to explore remote tracks without wrestling a big, heavy motorcycle. The $7,000 price tag will keep a few bills in your pocket, too.
ktm.com | $6,999
A Weight Lifted from Your Conscience
Sometimes the best gear is no gear at all. A generous donation to a favorite outdoor, advocacy, or international charity in the name of your friends or family can make everyone’s souls soar. The Bears Ears Partnership helps preserve access to the far corners of Utah’s Red Rocks Country through education and the promotion of responsible backcountry travel; Riders for Health puts medical supplies on the back racks of small motorcycles and sends them out to communities across Africa with the most need; and Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue is there at a moment’s notice for the safety and well-being off all kinds of adventurers across Oregon and Washington.
Pacific Northwest Search and Rescue
Danner Trail 2650 Hikers
Danner’s Trail 2650 hikers are built for fast, light travel on mixed terrain. The breathable mesh upper keeps weight low and ventilation high, while the Trailguard TPU shank and EXO Heel System offer stability on uneven ground. Vibram 460 outsoles provide dependable grip for everything from desert slickrock to wet alpine trails. A removable Ortholite footbed adds long-mile comfort, making these shoes ideal for backpackers, moto travelers, and campers who want the support of a hiking boot without the bulk. At around 24 ounces per pair, the Trail 2650 helps shave weight without compromising durability.
danner.com | $119
Giant Loop Great Basin 68L Saddlebag
A backcountry classic, Giant Loop’s Great Basin saddlebag offers 68 liters of rugged, waterproof storage without the need for racks. Its horseshoe-shaped design hugs the bike securely, distributing weight low and evenly for improved handling on dirt. Made from bombproof RF-welded materials with roll-top closures, it shrugs off rain, dust, and abrasion. Three interior dry pods, lash points, and external pockets keep gear organized. Compatible with nearly any motorcycle, the 6-pound Great Basin is a go-anywhere luggage solution for riders tackling multi-day BDRs, moto-camping routes, and international overland trips where reliability matters.
giantloop.com | $629
GSI Bugaboo Ceramic Base Camper Cookware
The GSI Bugaboo Ceramic Base Camper set packs a full-featured kitchen into a compact, trail-ready kit. It includes nonstick ceramic-coated pots, a frypan, strainer lids, and nesting bowls with lids that double as prep containers. The cookware heats evenly on camp stoves while cleaning easily thanks to its scratch-resistant ceramic surface. A folding pot gripper and included storage bag keep everything tidy and rattle-free. At under 3.5 pounds for the full set, it’s an excellent choice for overlanders, ADV riders, or travelers who want real cooking capability without hauling heavy cast-aluminum or steel equipment.
gsioutdoors.com | $165
Feathered Friends Flicker UL Wide Quilt Sleeping Bag
Feathered Friends’ Flicker UL Wide combines the adaptability of a quilt with the warmth of a premium ultralight sleeping bag. Filled with high-loft 950+ goose down, it delivers excellent insulation at impressively low weight. The full-length zipper and drawcord footbox allow it to open flat as a quilt, cinch tight on cold nights, or form a roomy mummy-style bag. The wider cut accommodates restless sleepers or those who layer up in bulky clothing. Ideal for bikepacking, moto travel, and fast-and-light trekking, the Flicker UL delivers four-season flexibility in a minimalist, packable design.
featheredfriends.com | $589
Norco Search C Rival Xplr Gen 3
The Norco Search C Rival Xplr is built for riders who push deep into gravel, dirt, and mixed-terrain exploration. Its carbon frame uses adventure-tuned geometry with generous tire clearance and smart mounting points for bags, bottles, and cargo. The SRAM Rival Xplr drivetrain offers wide-range gearing optimized for steep climbs and loaded travel, while the dropped seatstays smooth rough surfaces without suspension. Capable, efficient, and lightweight (20.7 pounds), the Search C handles everything from bikepacking routes to long-distance gravel events. It’s the kind of all-terrain machine that encourages riders to leave pavement behind and keep going. The buff colorway turns heads.
norco.com | From $4,399
Patagonia Nano Puff Vest
A staple for lightweight travel, the Patagonia Nano Puff vest provides impressive warmth with minimal bulk. Its PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation stays warm even when damp, making it ideal for unpredictable backcountry conditions. The recycled polyester shell resists wind and light moisture while remaining highly compressible, stuffing easily into its own pocket. Low-profile quilting ensures even insulation distribution without restricting movement. Whether worn as a mid-layer under a riding jacket or as camp insulation on cool mornings, the Nano Puff delivers reliable performance for adventurers who prioritize warmth-to-weight efficiency.
patagonia.com | $189
Boost Oxygen Supplemental Oxygen
What’s lighter than air? Boost Oxygen offers portable supplemental oxygen for high-elevation adventures, long driving days, and demanding physical activity. Lightweight aluminum canisters come pre-filled with 95 percent pure oxygen and feature ergonomic nozzles for easy use—no batteries, regulators, or medical prescriptions required. Ideal for overlanders crossing high-elevation terrain, endurance cyclists, or travelers who need a quick boost during exertion, each can provides short, controlled bursts designed to improve clarity and energy. Compact and TSA-approved for checked baggage, Boost Oxygen is a practical stocking stuffer for those who play hard in thin air.
boostoxygen.com | From $8.99
My Holiday Wishlist: Editor’s Picks
Continental TKC 80 ADV Tires
I put over 6,000 miles on my BMW F650 GS this year, including a 2,300-mile adventure that took me across the length of the American West from Albuquerque to Montana. Suffice to say, my tires took a beating in 2025, and I burned through two sets of Shinko 705s tout de suite. I’d like to move up to premium rubber in 2026, and the Continental TKC 80 is square in my sights. Its aggressive block tread pattern grips confidently in dirt, sand, and loose gravel while remaining stable at highway speeds. The tire’s reinforced carcass adds durability under loaded travel, and its predictable cornering inspires confidence on mixed terrain. Suitable for everything from mid-weight ADV bikes to full-size 1200cc machines, the TKC 80 strikes a versatile balance for riders tackling BDRs, remote trails, or long-distance tours that weave between pavement and rugged backcountry tracks.
continental-tire.com | From $121
Defenders Northwest/Turner Engineering Land Rover 200Tdi Engine
It wasn’t a particularly daunting journey—no trans-Africa expedition or crossing of the Greenland ice-sheet, not even a wheel turned on gravel—just a fast July jaunt to Yellowstone National Park, practically in my own backyard. But calamity strikes when you least expect it. Leaving our campsite on the last day, a tell-tale puff of white exhaust blew from the tailpipe, a wisp that grew to a wall of grey-black smoke. A precipitous loss of power signaled the end—after 200,000 faithful miles, the mighty diesel in my 1992 Land Rover Defender had finally called it a day. My hope was that merely replacing the head gasket would repair the problem, but on disassembly, a hole in the number 4 piston really ruined my summer. A full rebuild is on the horizon, but maybe I’ll find a brand-new 200Tdi from Defenders Northwest under the tree on Christmas morning instead. I’ve been pretty good this year.
defendersnorthwest.com | From $28,750
Overland Journal Holiday Promotion
Give the gift that keeps on giving. From December 1st – December 31st, 2025, new and returning readers will receive 25% off their entire order, including subscriptions and available individual back issues of Overland Journal magazine. Just use code: holiday25.
Now is the perfect opportunity to dive into our captivating articles, gear reviews, and inspiring travel stories. Click HERE to get started.
For additional overland gift ideas, check out these Expedition Portal guides:
10 Holiday Gifts for the Overlander Who Has It All
For the Minimalist Who Fancies Luxury :: Gift Guide
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