Giant Loop has been creating innovative motorcycle luggage since 2008 when they hit the trail with their original horseshoe-shaped bag. Beginning with the Great Basin model, GL has used Rugged Bomb Shell vinyl-coated polyester with great success. The 8-liter Fandango tank bag and Pannier Pockets reviewed here are both constructed from it. As you’ll see,…
25 Black Friday Gifts for the Overlander in Your Life
Presented by Nitto Tire Now that Halloween ghosts have been replaced by twinkling reds, greens, and golds, it’s time to start thinking about the fast-approaching holiday season. Luckily, the Expedition Portal team has been busy amalgamating our favorite gear picks just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While Associate Editor Steve Edwards has…
Better Safe Than Sorry: Transitioning Toward Moto Rider Safety
When I began adventuring through some of the 700,000 kilometers of dirt roads in South Africa, it’s safe to say I didn’t have the right kit for the job. Transitioning into dirt riding, I made do with what I had at the time with gear used for my 1994 Harley Dyna. My first true off-road…
Touratech Gear for BMW R 1300 GS
Touratech plans to leave no BMW GS undressed. As any GS owner will tell you, the German accessory company has something for everyone. And they just announced 23 accessories for the 2024 R 1300 GS. Some are brand new for this bike or re-configured, some are existing universal items. R 1300 GS Only When BMW…
What Overlanders Should Know About the Gore-Tex Brand
Photographs courtesy of the Gore-Tex Brand The path to purchasing outdoor gear can feel like a quest for the Holy Grail. There are many factors to consider, including sizing, materials, fit, construction, durability, and brand ethics or environmental impact. Whether it’s a pair of hiking boots or a puffy jacket, the mission always starts with…
Mosko Moto Gnome—The Small Tank Bag That Packs a Big Punch
There’s a lot to be said about a little tank bag. I’ve been just as guilty as the next ADV rider, packing out a full-size tank bag with all the things I think I needed, only to not use half of it. Worse even is restriction of movement – or worse still – restriction of…
Overland News of the Week
Rux 70-liter Essentials Set This week’s Overland News of the Week has some great gear offerings and the first on the list is the Rux 70-liter system; a practical and robust alternative to plastic bins and duffel bags for efficient gear organization and transportation. When used independently, the Rux takes the form of a rugged…
Giant Loop Armadillo Bag :: Field Tested
Of all the things that can put the brakes on a motorcycle journey, running out of gas has to be the easiest to avoid. I ride by this maxim: “Know thy range, read thy map, and carry extra fuel.” That last bit became much easier when I bought Giant Loop’s 2-gallon Armadillo Bag, which is…
Overland News of the Week
Space Acacia Camping System In this week’s overland news is the Space Acacia camping system; a unique glamping tent that gives you a cozy interior while camping out in the wild. The tent is made with ultra-durable 300D Oxford cloth with a waterproof coating and can withstand wind speeds up to 45 miles per hour….
AltRider ADV Moto Products :: Field Tested
AltRider produces a wide range of rugged adventure bike accessories. Reviewed below are three of their products that I’ve tested on my Yamaha Ténéré 700. I chose them because they solve real-world problems for adventure enthusiasts, and are available for several other motorcycles. My T7 also wears AltRider’s crash bars, which Heather Lea highlighted in…
Dusty Lizard Campout by Mosko Moto
Mosko Moto is calling all Reptilian riders to meet at their Dusty Lizard Campout Event near Park City, Utah. Bring your own dust and eat plenty more while riding a planned Adventure or Dualsport route, or create your own ride. Where and When The Mosko event site is 17 miles east of Park City in…
Rev’It Lombard 3 RF Motorcycle Jeans :: Field Tested
I wore blue jeans when I hit the trail on my first motorcycle. They were the uniform of the day, despite providing just a touch more protection than cotton pajamas in a get-off. When textile gear came of age, I moved on to a higher level of protection. Now technology has taken us back to…
Dunlop Trailmax Raid ADV Tire
The Dunlop Trailmax Raid is ready to hit the road, paved or not. The aggressive 40/60-rated tire lies between the gnarly D908RR Rally Raid that inspired it and Dunlop’s popular Trailmax Mission. Their target ranges from mid-sized dual-sports to large adventure bikes. A Tread Talk Without looking too hard, it’s easy to see that Dunlop…
Overland News of the Week
Helinox HDB Collection If you’re looking for stylish and luxurious packable furniture for your outdoor adventure, then take a peek at the HDB Collection. A variety of chairs, chef tables, and high cots will ensure a comfortable vacation when camping, glamping, or some time away at the vacation home. The HDB Collection is comprised of…
The “Goose” All-In-One Motorcycle Camping System is Trail and Road Ready
Fresh out of high school, I bought a Yamaha XS 1100 Special and hit the road in every direction as often as possible from my dull, mining company hometown. I soon learned that good gear made the difference between a good ride and a great ride, and had the bike not been stolen and had…
Overland Expo West 2023—Top Gear
With hundreds of exhibitors setting up shop at Overland Expo West—by far the largest overland event in North America—the wave of products, gear, and upgrades, both well-proven and brand new, takes center stage. Many of us from the Overland Journal and Expedition Portal teams spent hours hiking the aisles of Expo’s vendor village, and we…
Field Tested :: Fieldsheer Mobile Cooling Garments
Editor’s Note: This Fieldsheer article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2023 Issue. With your head in a helmet, your body wrapped in protective gear, and heavy boots on your feet, staying cool on a motorcycle in triple-digit temperatures can be a challenge. Add the exertion of piloting a heavy bike over rough ground, and you…
Ignik Grows Product Line, Launches Tank Accessories
We love practical, multi-purpose gear which is well-designed and constructed to survive harsh environments and heavy use. Ignik, the outdoor brand headquartered on Bainbridge Island, Washington, is set to expand its product offerings with the introduction of propane tank accessories; the company has unveiled the 20-pound Tank Case/Seat and 20-pound Tank Tote, designed to facilitate…
Field Tested :: Rev’It Storm WB Jacket
A Lightweight Wind Cheater Rev’It pursues new fabrics and clothing technologies like many of us seek the next challenging backroad or stunning campsite. Their Storm WB (for wind barrier) jacket is no exception. Rev’It combines Hydratex WindBarrier fabric for water-resistance, moisture wicking, and breathability, with Exkin Air insulation panels for warmth. Though designed as a…
Overland News of the Week
Gerber Gear Launches More Than Ready Camp Essentials As part of its More Than Ready campaign, Gerber Gear has released a wide range of multi-tools, knives, axes, and other camp essentials for 2023. Lightweight items like the Stake Out and Armbar Scout multi-tools feature a plain edge blade, bottle opener, and scissors in a compact…