Nitecore is on a mission to bring durable tech to the outdoors, and their FSP100W promises to be a solar panel you can depend on in the backcountry. I currently own the Goal Zero (GZ) Yeti 1250 and their Boulder 100-watt panels and love them, but I’m intrigued by some of the cheaper alternatives. That…
Tribit StormBox Micro and FlyBuds NC
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I can’t remember a time when our house was silent growing up, whether we were listening to Radio Caroline, the pirate radio station that inspired the film The Boat That Rocked, or my dad’s records. As a young kid, I was first drawn to the…
Can Portable Power Packs Replace Dual Batteries?
For decades, dual-battery systems have been the go-to solution for anyone seeking auxiliary electrical power in their four-wheel drive or camper van. They make it possible to run accessories like refrigerators without draining the vehicle’s starter battery, but they’re also costly, permanent, and complex systems that can be prone to failure or even fire unless…
Red Oxx and Overland Journal Summer Gear Giveaway
Red Oxx Manufacturing, a Montana-based bag and travel accessory manufacturer, and Overland Journal have teamed up for a summer gear giveaway. Four lucky winners will be chosen at random to receive one of the following products: a Sun Chaser Duffel, a Flying Box Car Duffell, a Big Bull Roll, or a Packing Cube Set! Winners…
The Winch-Clamp-Spreader Attachment for Hi-Lift Jacks
The Hi-Lift jack is somewhat of an icon, which is no surprise considering its parent company was established in 1895, making it one of the oldest companies in the state of Indiana. The jack’s predecessor was invented back in 1905. It’s become a well-respected tool in the overlander’s recovery kit, and with the new Winch-Clamp-Spreader…
Overland News of the Week
Helinox Toasty Lightweight camp furniture has come a long way, and the brand Helinox is a perfect example of the intersection between smart design and modern materials. For instance, their Chair Zero is a 17-ounce camp chair that adds huge amounts of comfort in the backcountry despite its diminutive weight. But this week, it’s actually…
Act Quickly and Get FREE Parts for Your Primus Stove with “Service for a Reason”
This month, Swedish stove manufacturer Primus is offering free stove replacement parts through its Service for a Reason sustainability initiative. “We encourage you to use this pre-season as an opportunity to troubleshoot and test your Primus Multi-fuel or Backpacking stove. If your current inline stove needs a part replaced because it is worn out, let…
New Compact Sony G-series Lenses: 24, 40, and 50mm Focal Lengths
Sony has just announced three new G-series prime lenses which are compatible with their E-mount cameras, including a 24, 40, and 50mm focal length. These new lenses offer modest apertures ranging from f/2.5 to 2.8, but make up for speed with smaller than average form-factors and weights. But as with all Sony lenses bearing the…
Motorcycle Soft Luggage
From scrublands to high mountain forests, the Idaho BDR challenges motorcycles, riders, and gear. Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2021 Issue. After purchasing a BMW F 800 GS in 2009, I quickly sourced a set of expensive aluminum panniers, thinking that’s what you had to use on…
Nemo 2021 Collection
Nemo was born after its founder, Cam Brensinger, spent a sleepless night on Mount Washington in a poorly designed bivy. He realised that evening how much opportunity there was in creating quality functional gear that enhanced the outdoor experience. As a result, just three days after graduation, he founded Nemo (New England Mountain Equipment). Seventeen…
Overland News of the Week
Ooni Gas-powered 12-inch Pizza Oven As someone who grew up less than an hour from Manhattan, I take pizza somewhat seriously. To me, good pizza has a thin crust, and it needs to be cooked quick and hot. Generally, this is difficult to achieve in a conventional oven, let alone while traveling in a vehicle,…
Nitecore NPB4 Power Bank
There’s no shortage of portable power banks on the market, but there are fewer focused on the Great Outdoors. The new Nitecore NPB4 is packed with features designed to embrace rough treatment in the field whilst still integrating all the latest technical specifications and functionality. This 20,000 mAh Li-ion battery pack showcases multiple fast charge…
Rumpl Blankets
Necessity is the mother of invention, and quite often, the best-selling products offer solutions to everyday problems. I’d not heard of Rumpl Blankets before writing this piece, but within 10 minutes, I was sold. Rumpl began their journey “in the back of a van,” where on a surf/ski trip through California, the founders awoke to…
Club Ride Apparel
Club Ride is “mountain lifestyle clothing,” designed from a biking perspective but intentionally made to be multi-functional. Founder Mike Herlinger wanted to “create clothing that spoke to the lifestyle led by the mountain bikers, hikers, raft guides, and ski bums creating their own opportunities in mountain towns.” Ten years later, Club Ride has spearheaded the…
Field Tested: Ovrlandr Coffee Press
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2021 Issue. Planetary Design spent three years researching, designing, and testing the Ovrlndr, a French-style press that provides the opportunity to make a cup of coffee that can travel. Though it will not fit in a cup holder, you can drink directly from…
Fjällräven Launches Samlaren Line Made From Surplus Fabric
The name Samlaren means “Gatherer” in Swedish and it is a new limited-release clothing line from Fjällräven that is made from surplus materials, aka fabric scraps. The idea behind the new line is simple: reduce waste, create value, and do right by the environment. Fjällräven has always approached its manufacturing process with a concern for…
Field Tested: Scotts Steering Stabilizer
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2021 Issue. The Scotts Steering Stabilizer has one purpose: keep you in control of your motorcycle by limiting wobble, weave, and unintended deflection of the front wheel. The device is a hydraulic shock absorber housed in a gold-anodized aluminum box that mounts to…
Bikepacking Clothing Essentials
Well, look what the cat dragged in—the ‘Jack Mac’ signature look. Make no mistake, when it comes to clothing, I take my styling cues from Stig of the Dump. I appreciate fashion and style, but honestly, I’m generally too busy spending every penny I earn on my hobbies or experiences. I make an active effort…
Benchmade Knives: Blades Built for a Lifetime of Use
Benchmade knives are frequently found in the hands of outdoor enthusiasts, first responders, military personnel, and collectors, thanks to their outstanding warranty, above-average customer service, Lifesharp program, and web-based knife customization platform. But they weren’t always the pinnacle of success that they are today. Originally incorporated as Bali-song, Inc. in Southern California, Benchmade has come…
ARB Bushranger Exhaust Jack
Up up and away! The latest version of ARB’s Bushranger is the inflatable saviour we all need. This ingenious recovery solution has a long history in Australia, and in the words of ARB, ‘is an essential piece of equipment that should never be far away in case of emergency.’ Well, the company has taken this…