Colfax Design Works (CDW) has set a new standard with its latest Q.D. camera strap. Built with rugged 1-inch MIL-SPEC nylon tubular webbing and equipped with the proprietary anti-binding CDW Quick Disconnect swivels, this strap is the epitome of versatility and durability. The intuitive design features a push-top button on the swivel that allows for…
Category Archives: Gear
Thinking Outside the Box: The Story Behind STEP 22
In this installment of the Expedition Portal series on brands that inspire us, Senior Editor Ashley Giordano profiles adventure travel gear manufacturer STEP 22. I recently found out, thanks to STEP 22 owner and founder Adam Wood, that the company’s name is an acronym for Storage Transportation Exploration Protection. There couldn’t be a more on-point…
Overland News of the Week, October 25th, 2024
Meet the New KC Hilites Solar Charge Hub This compact, plug-and-play charging solution directs solar panel energy to 12- and 24-volt vehicle batteries for easy charging and maintenance. Requiring no permanent installation, the hub features magnetic feet for easy placement and Bluetooth connectivity for monitoring and updates. At the heart of the hub’s weather-sealed aluminum…
Nissan Unveils Project Trailgater, Built for the Overlanding Sport Enthusiast
As avid Rugby fans, we learned early on that traveling overland will often conflict with important matches and planned weekends away. A difficult choice had to be made: head out or stay home to catch the game. Nissan has unveiled the Project Trailgater, a one-of-a-kind custom build based on the refreshed 2025 Frontier, showcasing a…
In the Bag: Reliable Dry Bags to Keep Your Gear Safe
Whether you’re an intrepid overlander exploring remote locations, an avid adventurer seeking the thrill of whitewater rafting, or a beachgoer looking to keep your valuables safe from sand and surf, dry bags have become an indispensable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Unsurprisingly, these versatile, waterproof wonders have revolutionized how we protect our gear from the elements….
KC Hilites Unveils the Solar Charge Hub: Portable Power for Any Adventure
KC Hilites Solar Charge Hub is a portable, weather-sealed solar charging system designed to power 12-volt battery setups in off-grid environments. This system seems perfect for those who require a rugged and simple solar charging system that offers flexibility and performance in an off-road environment. It may also be perfect for overlanders who outfit their…
Gregory Knocks it Out the Park with Duffels, Case, and Backpacks :: Field Tested
Gregory Mountain Products specializes in designing and manufacturing backpacks, travel bags, and outdoor gear. Founded in 1977 by Wayne Gregory, the brand is known for its focus on comfort, durability, and innovative design. Gregory’s products are built to support outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of packs for hiking, backpacking, and travel. The company emphasizes ergonomic…
BFGoodrich Further Expands All-Terrain T/A KO3 Tire Line-Up
BFGoodrich is expanding the line-up of its All-Terrain T/A KO3 tire with five new sizes as part of the third phase of its product launch, as covered by Expedition Portal in May 2024. Currently, 35 sizes are available; the total number will exceed 100 once the rollout is complete. The launch began earlier in May with…
Aether Mulholland Jacket :: Field Tested
Aether’s Mulholland motorcycle jacket is their latest offering in a line of distinctive riding protection. Mulholland Drive is a bucket list ride for motorcyclists, combining tortuous tarmac with ridge-top views of the ocean, mountains, and greater Los Angeles. Aether’s stylishly masculine, road-worthy garment is a paean to the road and its riders. Meet the Mulholland…
Video :: Iridium Go! Exec Field Tested
One of the swiftest evolving segments of overland gear is undoubtedly off-grid communications. The rapid democratization of global satellite networks over the last half decade has put many highly accessible and portable communication devices into the hands of the everyday adventurer and has proven to be a boon for both safety and simply staying in…
Overland News of the Week, September 27th, 2024
Alu-Cab Announces Release of ModCap Family Camper and ModCap Kitchen In this week’s Overland News of the Week, Alu-Cab announced the release of the ModCap Family Camper, designed to accommodate up to four adults. The camper features a side-opening design and internal access to the tent, offering versatility and compatibility with any ModCap base. Alu-Cab…
Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Grinder
Photography by Richard Giordano, Lead photo courtesy of Bellman Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Steamer I have used moka pots in the past with the hope they would deliver the espresso I desired, but that was never the case. This Bellman, on the other hand, produces a flavor and texture very similar to a full…
This Gear (and Lifestyle Change) Helped me Lose 100 Pounds On the Road
When I arrived back in the US after a multi-year journey across Europe, West, and Southern Africa, I stepped on a scale outside a Publix supermarket in Florida. I was amazed to find that I weighed almost exactly 300 pounds. The pandemic lockdown in South Africa had obviously not been good for my waistline, and…
Toad and Co. :: Field Tested
Toad and Co. was established by Jessica Nordhaus in 1991, starting out of her Colorado garage, sewing toque hats for friends. The first brick-and-mortar store opened in 1995 in Telluride, and since then, the company has expanded significantly, launching several offshoots that continue to excel (these include creating career opportunities and trips for adults with…
Overland News of the Week, September 13th, 2024
BDR Releases New North Georgia Route In this week’s overland news, Backcountry Discovery Routes has released the trailer for its latest route in North Georgia, the Chattahoochee BDR-X. This is the BDR’s 18th route and the fifth installment of shorter loop routes in the BDR-X. GPS tracks, a waterproof route map, and an accompanying film…
Nimbus Oleo Pneumatic Shock Absorbers Review – Get Ready for the Flying Carpet Effect
Since converting our Land Rover Defender into a camper in late 2016, I have enjoyed almost everything about it, but mainly the space and comfort afforded for everyday living and camping. What we did not enjoy was the vehicle handling after installing a new suspension kit from the now-defunct Bearmach. Body roll was excessive, and…
iKamper’s New Raconteur Rack Series
iKamper has launched its first roof and bed rack system, the Raconteur Rack Series, designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The Raconteur features a steel frame, stainless steel hardware, chip-resistant powder coatings, and high-strength aluminum cross bars. This new series offers options for popular overlanding vehicles like the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Gladiator. With various…
SUV, Van and Pick-Up Camping Conversion Kits :: Buyers Guide
In recent years, the trend of converting vans and SUVs into mobile living spaces has grown in popularity, driven by the desire for freedom, adventure, and the convenience of having a home on wheels. This surge in interest has led to the rise of van and SUV camping conversion kits—pre-packaged systems that simplify transforming a…
Overland Expo Mountain West with Scott Brady and Steve Edwards
Overland Journal Podcast Episode 204 Join Scott Brady and Steve Edwards for a bonus episode of the Overland Journal Podcast this week as they explore the highlights of the Overland Expo Mountain West. From new vehicles and equipment to innovative camping solutions and industry trends, they discuss their favorite finds, share insights on market changes,…
Overland Expo Mountain West :: Top Gear
The 2024 overland show season keeps churning, and the most recent stop for its marquee event, Overland Expo, was in Loveland, Colorado. Every Overland Expo has its own character, and the show owner, Emerald Expositions, is trying hard to lean into those differences: Expo West is where the travelers gather, Pacific Northwest feels the “crunchiest,”…