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…
VF Corporation to Discontinue Eagle Creek Brand in 2021
Eagle Creek, the luggage and backpack brand owned by VF Corporation since 2007, has confirmed that it will cease business operations by the end of the year due to “strategic and financial concerns.” The company was founded by Steve and Nona Barker in 1975 in the San Jacinto Mountains of California, where they ran a…
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,…
Overland News of the Week
USWE CORE 16 & 25-liter Dual Sport Daypack USWE Sports is a Swedish backpack company that was founded by a group of dirtbike riders. Their idea was straightforward: design a backpack that doesn’t bounce around when you are participating in action sports, like riding dirtbikes, trail running, mountain biking, skiing, or anything else that involves…
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,…
Video of the Week: Starlink Satellite Internet Service from SpaceX
Is the new Starlink satellite internet from SpaceX the mobile broadband data solution that travelers have been looking for? Well, if we’re being honest, not quite yet. We previously featured the Starlink in our Overland News of the Week column and one astute reader was quick to point out the lack of support for users…
Book Review :: 2Up and Overloaded by Tim Notier
Having done a fair amount of long-distance moto travel, the first thing that struck me about Tim Notiers’ book, 2Up and Overloaded, was no way in hell would my husband and I be together today if we traveled two-up on an ADV motorcycle like Tim and his fiancée, Marisa. One of us would likely be…
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…
Lectric Bikes Folding XP 2.0 Goes 28mph with 45+ Mile Range
For travelers who are on the road consistently (both weekend warriors and full-timers), having an auxiliary method of transportation like an e-bike can be a fun and valuable addition to your setup. For instance, using an e-bike to scout the trail ahead before committing to hauling your trailer down that new road could potentially save…
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…
Scottoiler V-system—An Auto-oiler Overview
With the dusty days of summer inbound, chain lubrication should be at the top of every rider’s motorcycle maintenance list. In fact, some experts say motorcycle chains should be lubricated every 300-600 miles, though this is debatable and depends on riding conditions. Why Do I Need To Lubricate My Chain? Lubrication will increase the longevity…
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…
Overland News of the Week
AEV Jack Base for Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator AEV’s jack base for Wrangler JL or Gladiator provides an additional 3.5 inches of height for the factory JL or Gladiator scissor jack. This lets users easily change tires as large as 37 inches with their factory jack. In addition to providing extra height and being…
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…
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…