• Home
  • /
  • Category Archives: Gear

Field Tested: Suunto 9 Baro

Editor’s note: This article was originally posted in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue.   Finnish company Suunto has been in the game for over 80 years, making compasses, watches, and dive computers. I owned their Vector, the first outdoor, sports-focused wristwatch that incorporated an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer in one chunky housing. For me,…

Field Tested: Nomad Grill and Smoker

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue.   There is nothing better than a satisfying meal after a day of adventure in the backcountry, and it needn’t consist of hotdogs and Kraft singles on white bread. Enter the Nomad, the low-mess solution to smoking and grilling. As travelers, we…

Ballistol Oil

A few blissful years ago, I stood near Lake Bodensee, which borders Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, helping a meticulous German man called Olaf attach a folding bracket and stainless steel sand ladders to my Land Rover. He worked diligently and took pride in his work; the bracket and sand ladders had been designed and manufactured…

Vasque Breeze LT NTX-Mid

Vasque, “inspired by history, driven by innovation,” is the brainchild of William Sweasy. After travelling to Europe in 1964, he realised a hiking craze was sweeping the continent and returned home “determined to create purpose-built trail boots to mobilize Americans outdoors.” In the decades that followed, Vasque steadily built a reputation for durable mountain footwear,…

ACR Electronics Bivy Stick Satellite Communication Device and App

If you’re someone who enjoys venturing into the backcountry, then your safety should be a primary consideration, and the ability to share your location and alert emergency services in the event of an accident is crucial. In the past, I’ve been a fan of SPOT Satellite Communication Devices (generally alongside a second “burner” mobile phone,…

Dometic Acquires Zamp Solar

Dometic, a global market leader in branded solutions for mobile living in the areas of food and beverage, climate, power and control, and other applications, has a warranted reputation for quality within the overlanding and outdoors community. It’s therefore exciting news that on May 26, 2021, the company acquired Zamp Solar, thus broadening its position…

Osprey Limited Edition Talon Ghost 22

The Talon Ghost is marketed as “the ultimate street to summit day pack,” ideal for everyday use yet discreetly incorporating the latest in mountain functionality. I recently checked out Osprey’s lumbar packs and was impressed by the attention to detail and brand loyalty from users who raved about the company’s customer service and warranty. The…

Overland News of the Week

Trestle Aeropress K-cup Adapter Let me ask you a question: are you really an overlander if you haven’t added aftermarket parts to your Aeropress? The Trestle Aeropress K-cup adaptor allows you to utilize K-cup coffee pods with your trusty coffee syringe. Advantages? Well, to start, K-cups are pre-portioned and pre-ground which makes measuring or adjusting…

Dakota Grizzly Apparel By Jack Mac

Dakota Grizzly strives to create durable clothing fit for adventure and “have embarked on countless expeditions to the furthest corners of the world in search of the highest quality materials.” Furthermore, the company states, “We weren’t born craftsmen. We were born explorers,” and in my experience, the best products in any sector are born out…

Dometic Acquires Front Runner Outfitters

There is big news in the world of overlanding today: Dometic has entered into an agreement to acquire the South African company Front Runner Vehicle Outfitters in a move to diversify their offerings while simultaneously broadening their distribution channels worldwide. The move comes after Dometic, a company that is already a household name in the…

Leatherman, The Bond

I’ll be refraining from gratuitously quoting Bond movies throughout this piece; that would be immature. Leatherman, akin to a much-loved secret agent, “likes to do some things the old-fashioned way” (definitely not taken from Skyfall), and their latest offering is inspired by the company’s very first multi-tool, the PST. Those of you who’ve read my…

Club Ride Apparel

Growing up, I owned very little cycling-specific clothing, other than a helmet and mitts. I spent most weekends on the bike making “sick” jumps, racing friends around the block, or on family rides in a pair of old Converse, generic shorts (jeans in the winter), and a band tee. I needed clothes that were suited…

motorcycle hitch mount

Five Lightweight Motorcycle Options for Vehicle Hitch-mounts

There are many reasons why riders might want to transport a motorcycle by vehicle: maybe you need to take your bike to the dealer for repairs or want to get from A to B without riding hours on the interstate. For example, if you live in Washington and want to ride the Colorado BDR, you’re…