What a year 2023 has turned out to be! My wife, Luisa, and I kicked it off by camping on a secluded beach in Baja, then traveling to the Arctic Ocean in winter before collecting our Land Rover Defender from the port in Canada, driving down through the US to central Mexico during a heat wave. We have camped in feet of snow at -50°F in Tuktoyuktuk, on the beach in Sinaloa at 110°F, and have been comfortable at either extreme while traveling thousands of miles safely, thanks to some very good gear. The following list highlights the top-performing gear that we have used this year, and that has become an integral part of our gear; we only carry the essentials.
Vermonter Gloves
This year could have been hard on the hands had we not invested in a few sets of gloves. Up in the Arctic, a good, thick mitten was our go-to for general outside activities, but further south, the Vermonter Glove became my consistent go-to for everyday tasks, especially the collection and processing of firewood and for the packing and unpacking of outdoor gear. Handmade in Vermont exclusively from goat leather, these supple gloves earn a patina with age and use. I regularly treat the gloves with leather conditioner or even body lotion to keep them in tip-top condition. Stored within reach beside my Gransfors Bruk forest axe, these gloves have become indispensable and have proven to be worth the investment.
$110 | vermontglove.com
Mystery Ranch Full Moon Bag
I am a creature of habit and will not often change my daily routines. The Mystery Ranch Full Moon “fanny pack” has been an actual game changer. Before, when exploring a new town or taking an international flight, I would wear a light, long-sleeved Craghoppers Adventure II shirt and store my valuable wallet and passport in the capacious, hidden chest pocket. The Full Moon bag has proven to be a convenient alternative for more secure areas and is large enough to swallow up my smartphone, Luisa’s phone, my wallet, spare cash, glasses, etc. In fact, the bag is surprisingly voluminous, and I have become my dear wife’s walking handbag. I have not worn the Full Moon around my waist and prefer to sling it across my shoulder, behind my back when I am relaxed, and in front of my chest when I am wandering through a market or plaza.
$49 | mysteryranch.com
Kuiu Kutana Stretch Woven Pants
Exploring the volatile but beautiful Mexican state of Sinaloa, we piloted our old Defender toward the muggy coast, praying for a breeze. The heat and humidity were oppressive, and I prefer to cover up rather than strip down for extreme heat, a trick learned from the Bedouin in North Africa. The reasoning is simple: it is better to protect your skin from the sun and the elements by wearing clothing made to protect and allow the dissipation of moisture and heat than to be exposed to the sun and elements. These Kuiu Kutana pants offer such protection; two long, zippable thigh vents cool your legs better than a pair of shorts while being dirt, water, pick, and abrasion resistant and keeping biting bugs at bay. The Kutana pants also offer just the right amount of large, well-placed, and zippable pockets. The Kuiu range of clothing is generally designed for hunting but works equally well for overland travel.
$169 | kuiu.com
Bearfoot Bruin Boots
I respect minimalism and scorn what I like to describe as “extrovert clothing” I have watched the Dick Proeneke documentary a zillion times and would never dream of bolting a bright orange anything to my Land Rover, again. As a large man with large feet, I thought I would give the “barefoot” shoe craze a try, and I am happy I did. No, the Bearfoot Bruin boot will not appeal to everyone’s tastes either for looks or performance, but those who know, know. Intelligently and skillfully made from high-quality leather, the heritage-inspired boot is engineered to enhance foot strength and movement quality with a really broad toe box (my son has exceptionally broad feet, and these boots are perfect for the similarly afflicted) and a level outsole. Admittedly, it took a while to get used to the flat sole and chunky leather tongue but the longer I wear them, the more I enjoy them. These boots are re-soleable and just perfect for a walk in the woods or urban exploration after a day behind the wheel. As a matter of interest, “Bruin” means brown in Afrikaans (and Dutch), my father’s language.
$250 | bearfoot.store
Kuhl Resistor Belt
This belt has become my go-to as it offers performance and comfort. When hiking, I can tighten the belt with a quick tug and release the tension when sitting, usually behind the wheel. Another upside of the design is as my weight fluctuates when I am traveling, I never need to cut a hole to tighten the belt. The Resistor Belt is made from durable stretch webbing, and the lightweight belt employs a metal-free design that is perfect for airport travel or other security checkpoints. The quick-release, low-profile buckle is one-hand operational and slides easily through belt loops. S/M fits pant sizes 28-34 inches, and L/XL fits pant sizes 35-42 inches.
$42 | kuhl.com
Sea to Summit Hydraulic Packing Cubes
The Hydraulic Packing Cubes, designed for overland and off-road travel, are made from TPU-laminated 70D ripstop nylon, ensuring durability while remaining lightweight. Their water-resistant design helps to protect your gear from moisture, and the dust-proof feature, achieved through PU-coated zippers and RF welded seams with dust ingress protection, is a bonus when hitting the trails. We love the transparent windows, which make it easy to identify the contents without opening each. The cubes are easy to carry with their low-profile Hypalon grab handles and attach easily to a backpack with a carabiner. I found the cubes work great when traveling for quick access to any medication, keeping my dog’s goodies in one place, and the extra large packing cube has been a game changer for carrying extra clothing during hikes or as a picnic container. The cubes have helped us to keep our camper organized and tidy while protecting our precious gear.
From $25 | seatosummit.com
LifeStraw 18-ounce Stainless Steel Bottle
The LifeStraw Go Series is a practical companion for travelers, featuring an 18-ounce stainless steel, BPA-free bottle that can filter water from various sources, including airport bathrooms, taps, and gas stations. As we spend a lot of time in Mexico, we are not able to consume water directly from the faucet without filtering, and this handy bottle reduces the need for single-use plastics while offering peace of mind. The bottle includes a carbon filter that enhances water taste by reducing chlorine, odors, and organic chemical matter. Additionally, it has a membrane microfilter that removes bacteria (such as E.coli and Salmonella), parasites, microplastics, sand, and dirt, ensuring clearer water. The membrane microfilter is durable, lasting up to 1,000 gallons (approximately 4,000 liters), which equates to about five years of daily use. The carbon filter has a lifespan of up to 26 gallons (about 100 liters), or roughly two months. The microfilter can be removed, and the bottle can be used as a flask to drink your favorite drink.
$38 | lifestraw.com
The Biolite AlpenGlow Mini
The AlpenGlow mini is a versatile and user-friendly compact lantern, which we have found to be ideal for camping and outdoor activities. It features ChromaReal LEDs that provide warm, true-to-life lighting and also offers multiple color modes that set the scene and mood. The lantern is easy to attach to various structures like poles and branches up to 1 inch in diameter, thanks to its integrated bungee strap, and the base of the lantern features a non-slip material. It has a brightness of 150 lumens on high setting and 5 lumens on low, with a battery life of 40 hours on low and 5 hours on high. The recharge time is approximately three hours via a USB-C input, so no batteries are needed! The lighting modes include warm white with dimming, single color, color cycling (a set of these in tandem would rock your camping experience), and a horizon effect. The dimensions are 75 x 51 millimeters, and for attachment, you can unhook the bungee and secure it around structures up to 3/4 inch in diameter.
$40 | bioliteenergy.com
OutdoorVitals Vario Jacket
The Vario Jacket is an ultralight backpacking jacket that offers warmth without adding significant weight to your pack. It has become my go-to jacket for daily hikes or trips to the plaza as it is water-resistant but also extremely comfortable and cozy to wear. The jacket uses innovative 3DeFX Insulation, which is 50 percent recycled and maintains its performance and durability. The jacket’s design includes body-mapped breathability and stretchable ripstop nylon fabric, which allows for heat release and ventilation during movement while the insulation coils expand and contract with movement, enhancing loft and warmth. Yes, the jacket keeps you cool and keeps you warm. The jacket features an insulated hood and a lightweight exterior coating, making it effective as a windbreaker with good temperature control and it can be compressed to the size of a grapefruit, enhancing its portability. Unlike many ultralight fabrics, the Vario Jacket’s interior is soft and comfortable, encouraging wear; I wouldn’t leave home without it.
$210 | outdoorvitals.com
Splay Explore Stone Sneakers
Shopping for shoes for my wife has always been challenging for her due to her history as a barefoot skiing champion, so when she was on a recent hunt for shoes, we came across the Splay Explore sneakers. While they may not be the most attractive shoes, these comfortable “barefoot shoes” have become a daily wearer for my wife. The Explore sneaker is simplistic in its design with a convenient Velcro strap for fastening, a handy design for easy access when exiting and re-entering your camper or house regularly. The adjustable strap adds versatility, allowing for a tight or loose fit. The wide toe box gives your toes ample space for toe movement, which makes it great for city walking, and the grippy sole can take you down any wet cobbled road without missing a step. The cotton canvas uppers are breezy for summer and can be worn with socks during the colder months. Unfortunately, these shoes would not do great on a hike, but as an everyday option, they are ideal. If you’re looking for a stylish alternative, I recommend the Freestyle Leather lace-ups in Chestnut (my wife’s next purchase).
$51 | splayshoes.com
Read More: The Versatile Freedom Mog 2.0 Overland Camper Gives Us the Fizz
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.