Sunglasses are essential gear for some; let me explain. My childhood friend Big Terrence and I had more than the devoted love of savory pies in common when we were nine years old—we both had big blue eyes and would do anything to avoid the wrath of Mrs. Anderson, our mole-nosed math teacher. One sunny…
Overland News of the Week
Purtrek 2-in-1 Trekking Poles Purtrek have developed an ingenious water solution for while out hiking. The innovative, “why didn’t I think of that” 2-in-1 trekking pole provides you with clean and safe water on hand, on-demand, and frees up space in your backpack. The trekking pole has an integrated water filtration system that you submerge,…
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 Backpacking Tent
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2022 Issue. Few brands in the world of bikepacking have an equal reputation for quality, innovation, and functionality as Big Agnes. The Colorado company was established 20 years ago with a mission to “build better gear for sleeping in the backcountry” by a team who…
Overland News of the Week
Method 312 Double Black Wheel Method’s 312 wheel is now avaiable in a “Double Black” matte black/gloss black finish, and they look slick! If you are unfamiliar, the 312 is constructed from A356 aluminum with a T6 heat-treatment for strength and features a six-windowed design. The 312 has a load rating from 2650- to 3640-pounds…
Field Tested :: Lifestraw Peak Series Gravity System and Straw
Photo: Thomas Ward Lifestraw Peak Series 3-Liter Gravity System Overlanders are incredibly adaptable, and we have figured out how to thrive in a wide variety of environments. But we’re still human, and no matter how far into the backcountry we manage to travel, we can’t neglect basic necessities, including clean drinking water. It’s a…
Field Tested :: Ridge Merino Aspect High Rise Base Layer Bottoms and Convict Canyon Base Layer Joggers
Aspect High Rise Base Layer Bottoms Ridge Merino is a family-owned business, founded in 2014 and based in Mammoth Lakes, California. As the story goes, one of their co-founders worked for a major ski brand and noticed that all of the pros always chose merino layers over synthetics, and thus the company was born, providing…
Overland News of the Week
Aspen Frontiers Patagonia Black Hole Duffle Bag Hangers I get really excited when I see innovations in the campervan space, mostly because the industry seems to be maturing a bit and unique solutions are a little less frequent these days. But here’s something new: Black Hole duffel bag racks from Aspen Frontiers. This clever solution…
Overland News of the Week
Let’s Go Aero Moon Unit In the search for the perfect overland shelter, there are many options to choose from (did you listen to our recent podcast about ground tents?). Personally, I have been intrigued by the hanging enclosures that integrate with some rooftop tents, creating a weather-resistant shelter annex with access to your…
Overland News of the Week
Snow Peak Home and Camp Lantern Continuing their tradition of designing outdoor gear that bridges the gap between function and form, Snow Peak brings us the Home and Camp Lantern. This camp light has modern features, like dimmable LED bulbs and a USB-rechargeable battery in a retro silhouette. Maximum light output is 400 lumens and…
Overland News of the Week
Benchmade 5370FE Shootout OTF OTF automatic knives can be deployed single-handed in an instant, making them the perfect blades for use in high-stress situations. But many of them are heavy and prohibitively expensive due to complex mechanisms. Benchmade’s new Shootout aims to change that, with a $300 price point and a lightweight build that is…
New Gear for Overland Travelers at Outdoor Retailer 2022 Snow Show
Considered by many to be the premier outdoor industry trade show in North America, Outdoor Retailer brings together brands, store owners, athletes, PR, media—pretty much anyone that has anything to do with outdoor recreation. The winter version of this get-together, referred to as the OR Snow Show, just took place at the Denver Convention center….
Overland News of the Week
Loca Ceramic Pour-over Coffee Filter When it comes to vehicle-based travel, I am always on the lookout for products that can replace consumable items—for instance, this ceramic pour-over coffee filter. Instead of having to rely on paper filters with your coffee system (which you might have to replace while on the road during longer expeditions),…
Overland Gift Guide 2021: 15 Affordable Overland Gifts UNDER $100
This overland gift guide is presented by GCI Outdoor When giving holiday gifts, it’s the thought that matters the most. That’s why the Expedition Portal team has rounded up this list of 15 affordable overland gifts, all under $100. If you’re shopping on a budget and in need of an affordable overland gift for…
Overland Gift Guide: 15 Gifts OVER $100 For Your Favorite Overland Adventurer
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…
Thanksgiving Overland Gift Guide
Presented by GCI Outdoor Beyond Clothing Guide Lite Gloves Gloves are one of those small, crucial items that can protect your fingers from cold weather, winch cables, tool handles, and grime. However not all gloves are created equal, and few (in my experience) are often up to the task of protecting your delicate…
Ombraz Armless Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential accessory for adventures, but they can also be fragile, poor fitting, easy to lose, and fog up the moment you do anything strenuous. Ombraz (pronounced “Ohm-bruhs,” originating from the Italian word ombra for shade) promises to end these drawbacks with their armless sunglasses, designed to be the ultimate outdoor adventure shades. …
Overland News of the Week
Lavabox Over/Under The Over/Under is a 304 stainless-steel multi-level stand and cooking surface for your Lavabox firepit. When used as a base, it elevates the Lavabox off of the ground (two height settings) to comply with Forest Service regulations as well as Leave No Trace low-impact campfire principles. But if you fold in the legs…
Overland News of the Week
Toyota Land Cruiser LC80 RTR (1/18th scale) If you’ve been looking for a good deal on a Land Cruiser 80 Series, here it is. This 1/18-scale LC80 is powered by a 7.4-volt LiPO battery and features aluminum frame rails, scale interior features, working headlights, and indicator lights. And for your 1/18-scale overland adventures, it’s also…
Field Tested: Micro-Start—The World’s Smallest Jump Starter
Created by Antigravity Batteries, known for high-end lithium batteries, the Micro-start is the first, original mini jump starter. These days, we rely on electronic devices more than ever—even in the middle of nowhere—which is what makes the Micro-start an essential item whenever I walk, drive, or ride two wheels off into an adventure. This pocket-sized…
Overland News of the Week
Forge 15 Hitch-mounted BBQ Take your barbeque game up a few notches with Hitchfire’s Forge 15. This hitch-mounted gas grill is a solution for cooking outdoors that will get you up and off of the ground. The grill’s 18- by 22-inch cooking surface is large enough to cook for up to 10 people, and the…