While it may seem strange at first, the concept does make some sense in theory. See how it held up in the field under real conditions.
Gear Scout: Torque, Scan Tool App
If you happen to need a scan tool on hand for reading OBD codes, it’s hard to beat one that runs right off your phone
Gear Scout: Trimble TopoCharger iPhone Case
The TopoCharger is many things, most notably it’s one more nail in the coffin of the stand-alone GPS unit.
Garmin Dash Cam 20
Prove your innocence in a crash, record an epic water crossing, or just capture Russian road madness for Youtube.
Gear Scout: Text Anywhere, Global Text Messaging
It’s all in the name––Text Anywhere. A tool for those of us who can only get away from it all, by staying connected to it all.
Adventure Photographer: HyperDrive UDMA 2 Backup Device
It’s a horrifying thought––losing a trip’s worth of images. Fortunately, the digital age has provided a number of backup solutions to safeguard our visual treasures; the UDMA 2 is one of the best.
Field Tested: Ruffwear Dog Products for the K9 Overlander
Keeping your dog happy and healthy while on the road is a priority for those of us with fluffy friends. We test out Ruffwear products to see if they’re up to the task.
Gear Scout: Timex Expedition Military Field
Reasonably priced, durable, and reliable, this good looking watch is still one of the best deals around.
Field Tested: Nemo Equipment GoGo LE
Part tent, part bivy sack, it has everything the minimalist backcountry traveler would want, but with more comfort, versatility and features than you would expect of a small 2.2 pound shelter.
Gear Scout: Pelican 1085 HardBack Laptop Case
Waterproof, crush resistant, and guaranteed for life, the Pelican 1085 HardBack will give you the peace of mind to take your laptop there and back again.
Hutchinson Rock Monster Beadlock Wheels
Simple solutions are often the best, and Rock Monster wheels are if anything––simple.
Rugged Ridge Releases X-Clamp System
Designed to be extremely versatile, the new X-Clamp system is an innovative way to mount lights, cameras, antennas and more, regardless of the vehicle they’re being mounted to.
Gear Scout: Fast Find Ranger PLB
Released in May of 2012, the Ranger is one of the most rugged and compact PLBs on the market today. While the Ranger is small, genuinely pocket-sized, it does not skimp on power or features.
Gear Scout: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
Far from the tennis racket snow shoes of old, the MSR Lightning Ascents are lightweight, aggressive, and meticulously designed tools for the snowbound outdoorsman.
Stio Hardscrabble Jacket
Finally, a technical garment with a classic look that lets you fit in at the local watering hole as well as the backcountry.
Gear Scout: Superwinch Roam Smartphone Winch Controller
Meet the Roam from Superwinch, a WiFi enabled smartphone app that gives you full control of your winch. Analog advocates the end is nigh.
Triple Aught Design: Stealth Hoodie LT
Schoeller® 3-Layer waterproof/breathable stretch fabric, reinforced seams, more pockets than you know what to do with, and looks that can’t be beat, make the this jacket one of OI’s favorites.
Best Gear of 2013: MSR Reactor 1.0L System
With a full season of adventures in the books, it’s time to fill out the report card and see if my initial winning verdict still rings true.
Factor 55 FlatLink
What happens when you take a team of experts with backgrounds in the aerospace, defense, and semi-conductor industries and mix in a shared love of off-roading? Factor 55 is what happens.
FLIR ONE: Thermal Imaging for Your iPhone 5/5s
Spot wildlife, detect heating or cooling leaks in houses or cars, and find out whats going bump in the night without it finding you.