In this installment of the Expedition Portal series on brands that inspire us, Associate Editor Stephan Edwards profiles Washington-based Ignik Outdoors. He talked with co-founder Peter Pontano in an expansive conversation about Ignik’s origins, its lineup of warmth-focused outdoor products, and the company’s commitment to doing more for the planet. Across the vast reaches of…
Category Archives: Gear
e-Bike Buyers Guide
The electric bike, or e-bike as it is commonly called, is a relatively new concept for most consumers; however, a rudimentary design of the electric bike was first patented as early as 1895 by American inventor Ogden Bolton Jr. For many years, there were several attempts to market the electric bike, but only in the…
Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss This Spring (2024)
Lead photo courtesy of Weird Wild West SOUTHWEST USA Adventure Van Expo When: April 13-24, 2024 Where: Scottsdale, Arizona The Adventure Van Expo series returns for 2024 with a packed schedule of events, including the first of the season in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lively music, food trucks, vendors, and camping converge in this all-ages celebration of…
Overland News of the Week, March 29th, 2024
Super Pacific Announces Integration With Truma VarioHeat Furnace Now available for integration with Super Pacific’s X1 truck camper, the Truma furnace provides a heating solution for year-round comfort. The furnace mounts under the canopy door, while the exterior port allows for an easy propane connection. When paired with the optional ThermaPuff insulation kit, Super Pacific…
Field Tested :: AltRider T7 Center Stand and Crash Bars
AltRider Center Stand AltRider’s motto could easily be, “find a need and fill it.” From a Ténéré 700 perspective, they’ve created better crash bars, an adjustable kick stand, three-position lowering links, and several other key items. Their latest effort for the Ténéré is an all-aluminum center stand. The OEM stand on my T7 is fully…
Best Remote Communications for Overlanders :: Video
Remote communications technology for overlanders has evolved swiftly in recent years. The democratization of both terrestrial signals via cell networks and GMRS, as well as satellite connectivity, has transformed not only comms within your travel party but also the ability to work and reach out to friends and family from nearly anywhere in the world….
The Eezi-Awn Galaxy Roof Tent is a Breath of Fresh Air
Great news for those who prefer a view of the great outdoors to a view of the canvas (and great news for the claustrophobic): The new Eezi-Awn Galaxy rooftop tent features a unique 6.9-foot full-length door/wall, four large windows, and skylights. Available from Equipt in the USA, the Galaxy is ideal for couples or solo…
Redarc Battery Management and Voltage Monitor :: Field Tested
I have more fingers and toes than there are fuses in my classic Land Rover. The engine has no electrical components save for the alternator and the glow plugs. Even the fuel delivery is mechanical. So, I take cues from my trusty Defender and try to keep my auxiliary electrical systems as simple as possible….
KC HiLites Launches 8-inch SlimLite 8
Iconic KC HiLites recently introduced the 8-inch SlimLite 8 LED, designed for larger vehicles such as overlanding and full-size trucks, vans, Jeeps, classic Toyota and Land Rover trucks, and tow rigs. This evolution and re-imagining of a classic first introduced nearly 30 years ago, builds on the success of the top-selling 6-inch SlimLite 6. The…
Front Runner Launches Rivian Roof Rack Kits
Front Runner, acquired by Dometic in May 2021, has launched Slimline II roof rack kits specifically created for Rivian’s R1T and R1S models. Their timing could not be better as Rivian recently unveiled three new vehicles, the R2, R3, and R3X, and the brand is currently trending across our news feeds. Hopefully, we will be…
Five Tips to Help Plan Your Next Overland Trip
Photography by Richard Giordano Being on the road full-time means I’m in a constant state of trip planning. The process has become so natural it runs on autopilot in the background, between fuel station visits, grocery shopping trips, and scrolling the Park4Night app for some creature comforts and facilities. I love gathering tidbits about everything…
KC HiLites Fog, Bumper, and Area Lights :: Long-Term Review
Essential Applications One of the Golden Rules of Overlanding, in the top five at least, is “Do Not Drive At Night.” We have learned this lesson the hard way, and it is one of the reasons that expansive and intricate auxiliary lighting has not been a priority for us when outfitting our vehicles. That does…
The Inspiring Arc’teryx Continuum Film Goes Live
If you are in need of some winter inspiration, you have come to the right place. In the film Continuum, produced by Arc’teryx, a group of six professional athletes embark on an extraordinary winter journey. Traveling from Washington through Canada and up to Alaska, they showcase top-tier, jaw-dropping skiing and snowboarding in pristine, virgin winter…
Kelty Camping Gear :: Field Tested
Dick Kelty designed and hand-built external aluminum-framed backpacks along with his wife, Nena, who sold them out of their garage in 1952. In 1966, Dick Kelty’s backpacks were used on the National Geographic Antarctica Expedition. Since then, Kelty has grown into a well-loved and respected legacy outdoor brand. Kelty designers and employees are gear experts…
Talk Among the Stars :: Thuraya Skyphone
Several tech outlets have been reporting about the imminent release of UAE-based Thuraya’s Skyphone—a universal smartphone/satellite phone hybrid. Apple introduced satellite connectivity hardware in much more run-of-the-mill devices with the iPhone 14 but with only limited one-way messaging for emergencies. The Skyphone promises full integration of traditional terrestrial smartphone communication with two-way satellite messaging and…
Overland News of the Week, March 1st, 2024
All-New Toyota Land Cruiser Prado To Land In Australia Mid-2024 As it is marketed in Australia, the all-new Land Cruiser Prado range is set to enhance its appeal with a five-variant lineup that includes 48-volt technology across the board. The range features the GX, GXL, VX, Kakadu grades, and the new Altitude variant, each offering…
Practical Overland Knives :: Buyers Guide
It’s 1982, and I have just walked out of the movie theater after watching Rambo First Blood. While the film itself had me pumped to get pumped and wear a headband, the longest lingering impression was of that knife. You know, the one for hunting. A few years later, Crocodile Dundee graced our screens, and…
Fuel for the Fire: Tips to Keep Your Water Boiling and Food Hot
Parked in a construction quarry beside a quiet, muddy road between the villages of Loebetsi and Kibangou in the Democratic Republic of Congo, my son, Keelan, struggled to cook a meal as we dealt with a debilitating mechanical issue and the sunset. We had recently run out of propane, and now the price was being…
Arctix Winter Gear :: Field Tested
Arctix is a ski and outerwear company that has been in operation for the past twenty years. I came across their affordable products when searching for sub-zero outerwear for our trip to the Arctic Circle, and we were not disappointed. Arctix has tailored its designs for all shapes and sizes and is a family favorite…
Designed for Marines, Used by Overlanders: The Story Behind Shower Pouch
In 2012, Mike Houston’s father, a retired Navy officer stationed in Afghanistan, shared stories of his travels between forward operating bases with the Marines. Among the many anecdotes, one recurring theme was the pervasive stench they endured inside their transport vehicles. Hygiene was a top priority for soldiers, and baby wipes were the go-to solution…