Rooftop tents have come a long way since they first appeared in the 1930s and will always remain a relevant element of the overland and outdoor lifestyle. With the simple installation of a roof tent, a vehicle is elevated and repurposed at a relatively low cost. While older roof tents were large, heavy, and hard…
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…
Treeline Outdoors Tamarack Plus Rooftop Tent
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2022 Issue. Many tents are coated in flame retardants to meet regulatory standards in North America, and these chemicals can easily transfer from fabric to skin to the hands (and ultimately, to your mouth). This is where Treeline Outdoors is making progress toward a safer…
Rossmönster Overland Launches Lagom Truck Camper Series
Inspired by the Swedish word lagom, which means “just the right amount,” Rossmönster Overland recently launched their latest offering, the Lagom Series topper. Constructed with a quick and easy-to-use aluminum hard-walled folding system, the camper is four-season capable and offers full access to the truck bed. Featuring full-length front and rear window panes and locking…
Outdoor Retailer Show :: Day 1
Each summer, the Outdoor Retailer descends on Denver, Colorado (soon back in Salt Lake City) with aisles of new gear and innovation. This year is no different, with even more overland components on display and a the continuation of the Overland Experience area. We were fortunate to be able to display in that section, including…
Katadyn BeFree 1.0L
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2022 Issue. Swiss maker Katadyn has been producing personal water treatment systems for over 90 years, and the brand is well-known in various outdoor segments. While the BeFree is not new, I recently found myself comparing water filters for an upcoming backpacking trip. In terms…
Necessity Fuels Innovative Creations at 2022 Overland Expo West
There were nearly 400 exhibitors at this year’s Overland Expo West held in Flagstaff, Arizona. Amid high-dollar overland vehicles and numerous impressive motorcycle displays, it was the work of homegrown entrepreneurs that stole the show. These ingenious products take on the challenge of overlanding travails and provide useful, productive, and practical solutions to make life…
Gear Roundup at Overland Expo West
I love overland vehicles and I love overland gear! While there were some amazing vehicles at the recent Overland Expo West, it is the search for excellent equipment which, in the words of James May, gives me the fizz. Great gear is essential to an overland journey, and well-designed gear should be good to look…
Bear-proof Food Storage for Moto Campers
Many of us traveling overnight or long distances on motorcycles are going into bear territory; that’s why we love our ADV and dual-sport bikes—to get off main roads and into the backcountry. But what about storing food out of reach from bears while we sleep at night? Growing up in the Canadian Rockies, I often…
The Coleman 1900 Range – Functional and Nostalgic
Coleman gear has been synonymous with exploration of the great outdoors since 1900 when William Coffin Coleman began selling gasoline pressure lamps. During WWII, Coleman camping stoves transformed the way soldiers ate in the field, and we have all admired the build quality and patina of classic Coleman gear found at garage sales and campsites…
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…
Introducing Flated Inflatable Topper, Rooftop Storage Box, and Pickup Deck
A few years ago, my family volunteered to take care of a ranch in the mountains of Baja. Our pickup had carried us across the Americas and was soon stripped of all overland gear and repurposed temporarily as a farm truck. Unfortunately, I did not have the manpower to remove the aluminum topper, which had…
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…
Dometic GO, the Camping Collection You Have Been Waiting For
The recently launched Dometic GO range attracted us at the bustling SEMA 2021 Dometic stall with its handsome, masculine functionality, clean lines, and premium quality design. We were fortunate enough to spend time with the Dometic Product Manager–Outdoor, Owen Mesdag, who took the time to show us the Dometic GO pre-production range. We did not…
Good to the Last Drop :: Instant Coffee Options for the Trail
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2022 Issue. I have a secret to share with you: I’ve been drinking instant coffee for the last few weeks and have been enjoying it. I know this may come as a surprise to some of you, especially after past articles where I have no…
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…
Western Mountaineering Sycamore MF Sleeping Bag
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2022 Issue. There’s nothing like sliding into a cozy sleeping bag at the end of a long day in the wild. Whether you’re ensconced in a tent, tucked away inside your vehicle, or dirt camping under the stars, a comfortable bag is essential to a…
iKamper Raises the Overland Roof Tent Bar With Their New Skycamp 3.0
iKamper releases their largest Skycamp yet, version 3.0, providing king-sized comfort. The roof tent has become a boon for vehicle-based travelers, providing tree-fort security with condo comfort. The trail can be rocky or muddy, and the car-top mounted tent keeps you clean and dry. The roof tent also offers the security of being off the…
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…