Editor’s Note: This camper van essentials article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2023 Issue. Eight years ago, I overstuffed the biggest suitcase I owned and lugged way too much clothing, shoes, and gear to Vienna. I’d landed a journalism fellowship and a portal to Europe and spent much of the coming year exploring,…
Rockworx Introduces Innovative Tow Hitch Step/MultiTool
One tool to rule them all? As minimalist overlanders, we are always attracted to gear that is not only compact but also serves many purposes. It seems that it has all been done before, but every once in a while, a product comes along that is quite unique; the Rockworkx Step/Multi-Tool is one of those…
Overland News of the Week
Helinox HDB Collection If you’re looking for stylish and luxurious packable furniture for your outdoor adventure, then take a peek at the HDB Collection. A variety of chairs, chef tables, and high cots will ensure a comfortable vacation when camping, glamping, or some time away at the vacation home. The HDB Collection is comprised of…
Overland Expo West 2023—Top Gear
With hundreds of exhibitors setting up shop at Overland Expo West—by far the largest overland event in North America—the wave of products, gear, and upgrades, both well-proven and brand new, takes center stage. Many of us from the Overland Journal and Expedition Portal teams spent hours hiking the aisles of Expo’s vendor village, and we…
Field Tested :: Renogy DCC30S Solar Charge Controller
Editor’s Note: This Fieldsheer article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2023 Issue. Dual-isolated batteries have been a fixture of overland vehicles for decades, and in recent years, the price of solar and lithium batteries has dropped enough to become the go-to choice. Correctly isolating batteries is essential to preserve the vehicle starting battery, and keeping batteries…
Ignik Grows Product Line, Launches Tank Accessories
We love practical, multi-purpose gear which is well-designed and constructed to survive harsh environments and heavy use. Ignik, the outdoor brand headquartered on Bainbridge Island, Washington, is set to expand its product offerings with the introduction of propane tank accessories; the company has unveiled the 20-pound Tank Case/Seat and 20-pound Tank Tote, designed to facilitate…
Six Months of International Travel with Starlink
“Stay calm; call 911!” I instructed Luisa as I carefully brought the Nimbl to a stop on the icy road deep within the Yukon. The van lay wedged in the snow on its roof, the wheels spinning in the air like a stranded, upended tortoise’s legs. I jumped out to assist my inverted convoy mate…
Overland News of the Week
Gerber Gear Launches More Than Ready Camp Essentials As part of its More Than Ready campaign, Gerber Gear has released a wide range of multi-tools, knives, axes, and other camp essentials for 2023. Lightweight items like the Stake Out and Armbar Scout multi-tools feature a plain edge blade, bottle opener, and scissors in a compact…
Overland News of the Week
America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA) Senators Joe Manchin (D – WV) and John Barrasso (R – WY) have reintroduced this bi-partisan bill in Congress. SEMA and the Sierra Club, among other organizations, support it. It is a wide-ranging bill and includes provisions for modernizing and updating campgrounds and other recreation sites across public…
The Australian Hardkorr Camper is Innovative and Built for the Bush (or Beach)
Hardkorr Campers, a Queensland-based manufacturer, has been in the camping trailer industry since 2015 and has established a reputation for building affordable and compact camping trailers and larger caravans. Hardkorr Campers has recently launched the HKC Xplorer camper trailer, which boasts high levels of versatility and innovation. The top-of-the-range Xplorer camper trailer has a modular…
iKamper Launches PNW-Inspired Roof Tent at Seattle Store Launch
iKamper, the innovative outdoor equipment and rooftop tent brand, has announced the release of its first limited-edition rooftop tent called the PNW Edition. The tent will be available in both Skycamp 3.0 and Skycamp 3.0 Mini models. Based in the Pacific Northwest region of the US, the company has created this unique version to celebrate…
All-New 180-Degree Awnings from Eezi-Awn
Equipt Expedition Outfitters has recently announced the release of their latest product line, the Eezi-Awn Dragonfly awning. As the exclusive distributor of Eezi-Awn in the US, the company has once again cemented its position as an industry leader in high-quality vehicle expedition equipment. The Dragonfly is a lightweight and user-friendly roll-up bag awning that offers…
Buyers Guide :: Portable Shower Solutions for Overland Travel
Let’s be honest—some travelers value a regular shower more than others. We have met those who must shower daily and others who are content with a regular swim in the sea or a river. You may also have a partner who is prepared to “rough it” and explore the outdoors with you, but who draws…
Overland News of the Week
CMM Offroad Delete Pro Quick Disconnect Mounting System Tennessee-based CMM Offroad recently launched the Delete Pro Quick Disconnect (QD) mounting system, an aluminum accessory mount suitable for attachment to CMM mirror, A-pillar, or universal mount products for Jeep JL, JLU, Gladiator, and JT models. The Delete Pro QD can hold up to 50 pounds and…
Ram 2500 Overland Build :: Super Pacific Switchback X1 Truck Camper
Ram 2500 Overland Build :: Super Pacific Switchback X1 Truck Camper Of all the additions I have added to my Ram 2500 overland build, the Super Pacific Switchback X1 truck camper has been the most significant in terms of size and infrastructure. It provides a variety of solutions for vehicle-based travel, all in one neat,…
Field Tested :: Appalachian Gear Company Utilizes Alpaca Fibers in Its Performance Fabric
Merino wool is on most people’s radar, but alpaca fiber is one of the new kids on the block of “natural” performance fabric. A familiar friend to those in the Andes region, it is a completely different animal (literally) when compared to sheep’s wool or llama fibers, with a more slippery origin material that’s…
2022 Overland Holiday Gift Guide :: 20 Gifts OVER $100 For Your Favorite Adventurer
Photo courtesy of Featured Friends With December well underway, the countdown to holiday gift gifting season has officially begun. Out of fresh ideas for 2022? We test a lot of gear throughout the year as Expedition Portal editors and have carefully curated this over $100 list of gifts for the adventurer in your life. Whether…
2022 Overland Holiday Gift Guide :: 20 Gifts UNDER $100
With the holiday season upon us, the quest for the perfect gifts for family, friends, and adventurers has officially begun. Featuring cookbooks and knives, whiskey, shot glasses, and blankets, we hope this under $100 holiday gift guide not only sparks joy but offers suggestions to delight even the hardest to please. Whether you’re shopping for…
Stream2Sea Sunscreen And Bodycare Products: Sunscreen, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion, and Lip Balm That Won’t Harm Waterways
Stream2Sea creates sunscreen and other hair and body care products that are safe for waterways. Many companies claim to make environmentally safe sunscreens, natural shampoos, and more. Stream2Sea also makes this claim but backs up its assertions with testing. Stream2Sea has the only products proven safe for simple nematodes (C. elegans), freshwater fish, saltwater fish,…
Makita Launches Cordless Outdoor Adventure Range
The Makita Outdoor Adventure range launches with 16 battery-powered products, including a chain saw, inflator, wet-dry vacuum, lighting, fans, audio equipment, a coffee maker, and more. Duality of use is a huge draw for us, and products that can be used daily on the job site and around the home and can then be repurposed…