KC Hilites Solar Charge Hub is a portable, weather-sealed solar charging system designed to power 12-volt battery setups in off-grid environments. This system seems perfect for those who require a rugged and simple solar charging system that offers flexibility and performance in an off-road environment. It may also be perfect for overlanders who outfit their…
Gregory Knocks it Out the Park with Duffels, Case, and Backpacks :: Field Tested
Gregory Mountain Products specializes in designing and manufacturing backpacks, travel bags, and outdoor gear. Founded in 1977 by Wayne Gregory, the brand is known for its focus on comfort, durability, and innovative design. Gregory’s products are built to support outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of packs for hiking, backpacking, and travel. The company emphasizes ergonomic…
Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Grinder
Photography by Richard Giordano, Lead photo courtesy of Bellman Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Steamer I have used moka pots in the past with the hope they would deliver the espresso I desired, but that was never the case. This Bellman, on the other hand, produces a flavor and texture very similar to a full…
Nimbus Oleo Pneumatic Shock Absorbers Review – Get Ready for the Flying Carpet Effect
Since converting our Land Rover Defender into a camper in late 2016, I have enjoyed almost everything about it, but mainly the space and comfort afforded for everyday living and camping. What we did not enjoy was the vehicle handling after installing a new suspension kit from the now-defunct Bearmach. Body roll was excessive, and…
iKamper’s New Raconteur Rack Series
iKamper has launched its first roof and bed rack system, the Raconteur Rack Series, designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The Raconteur features a steel frame, stainless steel hardware, chip-resistant powder coatings, and high-strength aluminum cross bars. This new series offers options for popular overlanding vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Gladiator. With various…
SUV, Van and Pick-Up Camping Conversion Kits :: Buyers Guide
In recent years, the trend of converting vans and SUVs into mobile living spaces has grown in popularity, driven by the desire for freedom, adventure, and the convenience of having a home on wheels. This surge in interest has led to the rise of van and SUV camping conversion kits—pre-packaged systems that simplify transforming a…
Mystery Ranch :: Field Tested
As overlanders, we aim to travel light and avoid excess gear that can be cumbersome, especially as a family of four where space is always an issue. We truly appreciate well-designed storage solutions and carriers for when we’re out and about, and Mystery Ranch consistently delivers. Mystery Ranch was co-founded by Dana Gleason and Renée…
Overland News of the Week
Pakmule Launches the Motomule Moto Hauler In this week’s, Overland News of the Week, we introduce Pakmule’s Motomule. A motorbike is a great overlanding accessory, but hauling bikes has always been a challenge. The Pakmule Motomule is an innovative hitch-mounted moto hauler designed for the easy loading and transport of dirt bikes and light adventure…
It’s All in the Name: The Story Behind Goose Gear
In this installment of the Expedition Portal series on brands that inspire us, Senior Editor Ashley Giordano profiles overland industry leader and vehicle-based storage solutions manufacturer Goose Gear. It’s easy to notice the quality of a Goose Gear product at a glance. Burly slides hold expertly crafted wood drawers. Marine-grade plywood coated with a proprietary blend of bedliner…
Van DIY Conversion Kits :: Buyers Guide
Vanlife has captured the imagination of many overlanders driven by the desire to have their cake and eat it, too. While many overlanders enjoy the simple, minimalist experience of living out of a compact 4WD, there is a growing trend toward the comforts of home while having the capability to explore far reaches of the…
Getting Unstuck: Recovery Items to Keep You Moving
Okay, let’s be honest. Just because I’ve been driving four-wheel drive vehicles for 50 years and just because I’ve covered most of the major four-wheel-drive events in the United States (including numerous trips over the Rubicon Trail, the Jeepers Jamboree, All 4-Fun, Sierra Trek, and Moab’s Easter Jeep Safari), I am not a “four-wheeler.” Getting…
The Inflatable POD-01 Tent by EXØD Might Be the Camp Solution You Have Been Waiting For
Thanks to the evolution of material technology, inflatable outdoor equipment is becoming more practical for short- and long-term overland travel applications. The POD-01 by EXØD represents a novel approach to portable outdoor living, blending advanced kite-surfing technology with the practical needs of a temporary shelter. Designed for up to four occupants, the POD-01 weighs a…
Overland News of the Week
Snow Peak Long Beach Campfield In this week’s Overland News of the Week, we’re excited to share the news that Snow Peak recently established the Long Beach Campfield between Seattle and Portland, along Washington State’s Long Beach Peninsula. This 25-acre luxury campground redefines outdoor leisure while offering a unique camping experience. The campfield offers three…
Top Gear :: Overland Expo Pacific North West 2024
While exploring the booths at this year’s Overland Expo West PNW, I realized that the products worth highlighting should not only be ones I would personally use (and those backed by powerful PR firms) but, more importantly, those created by entrepreneurs. As someone who has been an entrepreneur, self-employed, and a freelancer for most of…
Portable Fire Pits for Every Season
I learned to explore the outdoors when I was quite young, and one of my early mentors-in-adventure was a scoutmaster who was exceptionally cautious about when and where he built a campfire. “Every campfire needs the right campsite, but not every campsite needs a fire,” he would say. These are wise words to live by….
Minimalist Wallets :: Best of Breed
Good times—at least of the sort we’re after—come with a downside. The hard truth behind adventure is that you can’t safely peace out beyond the confines of cell service with nothing but a sandwich in one hand and your car keys in the other. For those of us desperate for even a brief escape from…
NEMO Dagger Osmo Lightweight 3P Tent :: Field Tested
After an undulating 14-kilometer hike with 35 pounds on my back, I opened the NEMO Dagger Osmo three-person tent for the very first time under the looming shadow of Mount Assiniboine—motivated by a relentless cloud of thirsty mosquitoes. Perhaps this wasn’t the smartest plan in the world, but it made for a perfect opportunity to…
The Story Behind AluBox
In this installment of the Expedition Portal series on brands that inspire us, Senior Editor Ashley Giordano profiles the multi-generational Denmark-based storage company AluBox. She connected with Søren Wiberg to learn more about AluBox’s origins, its involvement in field expeditions, and how consumer preferences have changed since the company’s inception in 1999. Cover photo courtesy…
Truck Toppers for Overlanding :: Buyers Guide
Our recent, meticulously cataloged soft and hard shell rooftop tent buyers guides were a massive hit as we compiled a list of the premier rooftop tents available on the market today while highlighting those we felt deserved special mention. We would be remiss if we did not now turn our attention to camper toppers, but…
Flextail Tiny Repel :: Field Tested
Photography by Jason Spafford Outdoor endeavors should be about embracing nature, not battling mosquitoes. Enter the Tiny Repel. Designed by the Shenzhen-based company Flextail—increasingly known for their multifunctional outdoor gear since 2015—this compact device serves as a mosquito repellent, light, and power bank. Using DualRepel technology quickly creates a 30-foot mosquito-free zone (including horseflies), with…