I took two months to explore the West in my AT4 Sierra with a Scout Kenai camper. The goal was to work and live in the slide-in nearly daily, with only occasional nights in other accommodations. For that to work, I needed a way to take a shower, pack out human waste, and to be…
Redarc Launches the Alpha150 Lithium Battery for Extreme Conditions
It makes sense that Redarc should finally release a lithium battery in North America to complement an already extensive range of electronic products, including monitoring and management systems for outdoor and military applications. This new product brings the company closer to being a “one-stop shop” with a complete range from relatively basic to highly advanced…
Gear Round Up Overland Expo PNW 2023
There are three main reasons to visit any of the Overland Expos including the PNW and other nationally, and those are (in order) the people, the vehicles, and the gear. While the people and the vehicles are generally easy to spot, even if some do insist on being clad in camouflage, finding the newest, best…
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…
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…
Hatfield-McCoy Trails Partners with onX Offroad
OnX Offoad Shows the Way Navigating the Hatfield-McCoy Trail (HMT) System, with its over 1000 miles trails will soon be easier. Navigation app developer onX Offroad and Hatfield-McCoy are partnering up to improve the user experience in the forests of West Virginia. Adding the Hatfield-McCoy to onX Offroad’s 600,000-plus miles of mapping data will improve…
Overland News of the Week
Super Pacific Campers Launches Network for Installs, Demos, and Support Super Pacific has announced a satellite network of shops in Oregon, California, and Colorado, offering delivery and installation, and, beginning in April 2023, in-person demos, warranty support, and customer service. Prospective buyers may choose between several delivery and pick-up options, including installation at one of…
A Place in the Sun :: Comparing Eight Solar Panels for Overlanding
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2023 Issue. Long-term overland travel requires self-sustained living, and part of that living demands electricity. At the very least, most travelers are using those charged particles to power 12-volt fridges and LED camp lights. More often than not, overlanders are now including induction cooktops, freezers,…
Motorola Announces Defy Satellite Communications Range
Founded in 1928, Motorola is one of the oldest mobile technology brands on the planet. Engineers at Motorola invented the car stereo, the walkie-talkie, the first hand-held portable phone, and the world’s first commercial cellular device. Their 3G cell phones dominated the market for years and were instantly recognizable—raise your hand if you had an…
Overland News of the Week
Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro The sound of a gas-guzzling generator in a remote campground is enough to drive a saint crazy. We camp in the wild to experience the peace and tranquility of nature and not the humdrum of an engine. Introducing the Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro. It has a sweet purr, has…
ARB Linx Accessory Interface Long-Term Review
ARB is, arguably, one of the most recognizable and respected brands operating in the overland and 4WD travel sector. For years we have coveted ARB products, and we were excited to find that our current overland vehicle came equipped with a host of ARB gear, namely a bull bar, front and rear lockers, rear airbags,…
Spot X 2-way Satellite Messenger
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Winter 2022 Issue. I frequent locations that don’t have cell service, where I’ve come to appreciate two-way satellite communication devices. And while earlier personal locator beacons simply alerted SAR, modern two-way messengers like the Spot X do that and a lot more, like allowing you…
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…
Ruko F11Mini Drone :: A Perfect First Drone And High-Value Option For A Spare
Getting aerial footage from the trail is one of the best ways to convey just how epic your last trip was. But finding an entry point into the world of drones can be intimidating. There are countless options, with more popping up every day. How do you know where to dive in? Ruko is a…
Overland News of the Week
Special Edition Beast28 Helium Ultralight Frame Pack I remember backpacking with my first frame pack 30 years ago. It weighed almost more than the sum of its contents, was extremely cumbersome, and I would almost topple over when hoisting it onto my back. Granted, I may have packed too much stuff, but the Beast28 Helium…
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…
Redefined Sound :: Cardo’s Connect App 5.7 Update
This week saw great news for Cardo Freecom X and Spirit users, the new 5.7 Cardo Connect App update which promises to greatly improve listener experience. The best motorcycle Bluetooth headsets continue to get ample time in moto forums. There are as many impassioned arguments for either side as there are dedicated and loyal users….