Photography by Richard Giordano When it comes to overlanding gear, I’m a firm proponent of items serving multiple functions. Unless you have a ton of space and ample payload to carry the proverbial kitchen sink, priorities must be made, sacrifices identified, and potentially, tears shed. For each of us, this means something different. I recently…
Overland News of the Week
Harley Davidson Bagger Riding Jacket w/ Integrated Backpack Heading out on a short motorcycle ride and need a little bit of additional cargo space? Harley Davidson’s new Bagger riding jacket, constructed from 600-denier polyester canvas with a Teflon coating, offers protection from the pavement with a removable integrated backpack offering 20-liters of storage (men’s size…
Dryad Cookery Titanium Spatula, Leather Skillet Handle Cover
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Winter 2021 Issue. When I think about ways to add enjoyment to my cooking experience, it’s nearly always about a new recipe or a fresh set of knives. Maybe even some new pans, but a spatula was never on the list. Earlier this year,…
Field Tested – Quick Pitch North America Roof Top Tent, Weathershade 20 Second Awning, Quick-en-Suite Shower Cubicle, and Quick-Barbe
I was faced with a dilemma when planning a journey across the USA with a borrowed Range Rover Classic: accommodating three adults and a teenager in a compact SUV. We would be camping every day, and needed a sleeping solution for four people as well as space for those multi-day breaks from the road. We…
The Best Overland Fridge Freezers
Editors Note: This article originally ran in the print version of Overland Journal, Winter 2021 Issue Coolest of the Cool | Testing the latest fridge-freezers to their limits. Having interviewed hundreds of overlanders, we often ask what their favorite piece of kit is, and almost sheepishly, many reply “my fridge.” The reasons vary, like making…
Field Tested: Improved iKamper SkyCamp 2.0 Rooftop Tent, Annex S Awning, and HC Steps
Photography by Jason Spafford Three years ago, when we installed the first generation (2017) SkyCamp 4X (the original four-berth) upon White Rhino, our 2015 Toyota Hilux, little did we know where the rig would see us make camp—certainly when compared to where we had set our sights. The Cape to Cape plan kick-started well on…
New Overland Gear at Expo West 2021
There was a huge selection of new overland gear at Overland Expo West 2021 in Flagstaff, Arizona. Here are some highlights from the show. iKamper Disco Series Cooking Outfit iKamper makes a strong entry to the cooking game with this modular setup, complete with burner, adjustable legs, and more. What makes this cooking outfit unique?…
2021 Overland Expo West :: Day 2
In addition to an incredible visitor turnout, day two of Overland Expo brought plenty of sunshine, a lot more gear, and the opportunity to visit with some more vendors. Join Scott as he chats with the folks at onX, Skinny Guy Campers, Big Country, Protector Gear, iKamper, Shower Pouch, and Staples in Tents!
Overland News of the Week
Snow Peak Pack & Carry Fireplace XL Snow Peak has just released the XL version of their popular stainless steel folding Pack & Carry fireplace. The new XL is 170 percent bigger than the size large, ensuring that you have plenty of warmth and ambience for the entire camp. Because the Fold & Carry packs…
Overland News of the Week at Expo Mountain West
Having just returned from my first Overland Expo, I’m a bit overwhelmed. I’ve never seen so many kitted-out vehicles and overland gear in the same place. I found myself being drawn in five different directions at the same time. Woah! Check out these bumpers…and, oh wow! Is that the Acela Monterra? It was like being…
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…
Overland News of the Week
Toyo Trunk Shape Toolbox T-190 SV In the ongoing search for vehicle organization solutions, the Japanese-made T-190 SV steel toolbox from Toyo is a lightweight and sturdy option that stacks nicely within larger gear containers. These simple metal boxes are pressed from a single piece of steel which means that they have a clean, seamless…
Video of the Week: Field Tested Nemo Helio Shower Kit
Just because we enjoy going off-grid, and spending extended periods without the conveniences of home, doesn’t mean that we enjoy being dirty. Long days on the trail are taxing, and having a quick way to rinse off the sweat and sunscreen at the end of the day is often a luxury worth making room for…
Overland News of the Week
Haven Tent Hammock camping is one of those polarizing things that people tend to love or hate, with one of the biggest complaints that you can’t sleep flat. Instead, your back is forced into a curved position, and sleeping on your side is impossible. The innovative Haven Tent aims to improve the hammock sleeping experience….
Overland News of the Week
Hyperlight Mountain Gear Camera Pod Hyperlight Mountain Gear, makers of über-lightweight sewn outdoor goods, have just dropped their new Camera Pod, and if it’s built like their other products, I have no doubt that it will survive many miles on the trail. Hyperlight is one of the pioneering companies responsible for popularizing Dyneema (aka Cubin…
Field Tested: Nomad Grill and Smoker
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue. There is nothing better than a satisfying meal after a day of adventure in the backcountry, and it needn’t consist of hotdogs and Kraft singles on white bread. Enter the Nomad, the low-mess solution to smoking and grilling. As travelers, we…
Overland News of the Week
USWE CORE 16 & 25-liter Dual Sport Daypack USWE Sports is a Swedish backpack company that was founded by a group of dirtbike riders. Their idea was straightforward: design a backpack that doesn’t bounce around when you are participating in action sports, like riding dirtbikes, trail running, mountain biking, skiing, or anything else that involves…
Overland News of the Week
Trestle Aeropress K-cup Adapter Let me ask you a question: are you really an overlander if you haven’t added aftermarket parts to your Aeropress? The Trestle Aeropress K-cup adaptor allows you to utilize K-cup coffee pods with your trusty coffee syringe. Advantages? Well, to start, K-cups are pre-portioned and pre-ground which makes measuring or adjusting…
Overland News of the Week
AEV Jack Base for Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator AEV’s jack base for Wrangler JL or Gladiator provides an additional 3.5 inches of height for the factory JL or Gladiator scissor jack. This lets users easily change tires as large as 37 inches with their factory jack. In addition to providing extra height and being…