Where to start? It was a privilege to speak with one of the greatest ultra-endurance riders of our time and to get insight into the immense dedication and sacrifice required to reach the pinnacle of the sport. However, this cycling journey was not as linear as perhaps one would expect, whilst being far more diverse…
Field Tested: Micro-Start—The World’s Smallest Jump Starter
Created by Antigravity Batteries, known for high-end lithium batteries, the Micro-start is the first, original mini jump starter. These days, we rely on electronic devices more than ever—even in the middle of nowhere—which is what makes the Micro-start an essential item whenever I walk, drive, or ride two wheels off into an adventure. This pocket-sized…
Overland News of the Week
Forge 15 Hitch-mounted BBQ Take your barbeque game up a few notches with Hitchfire’s Forge 15. This hitch-mounted gas grill is a solution for cooking outdoors that will get you up and off of the ground. The grill’s 18- by 22-inch cooking surface is large enough to cook for up to 10 people, and the…
Overland News of the Week
Toyo Trunk Shape Toolbox T-190 SV In the ongoing search for vehicle organization solutions, the Japanese-made T-190 SV steel toolbox from Toyo is a lightweight and sturdy option that stacks nicely within larger gear containers. These simple metal boxes are pressed from a single piece of steel which means that they have a clean, seamless…
Video of the Week: Field Tested Nemo Helio Shower Kit
Just because we enjoy going off-grid, and spending extended periods without the conveniences of home, doesn’t mean that we enjoy being dirty. Long days on the trail are taxing, and having a quick way to rinse off the sweat and sunscreen at the end of the day is often a luxury worth making room for…
Lizard Skins 4.6mm DSP Bar Tape
Lizard Skins, founded in 1993, has been manufacturing quality cycling accessories for almost three decades. The company initially designed products to protect the bike and rider but has since expanded to gloves and grips. Their continued research and passion meant that in 2008 they created their most innovative grip and flagship product, Durasoft Polymer (DSP)….
Overland News of the Week
Haven Tent Hammock camping is one of those polarizing things that people tend to love or hate, with one of the biggest complaints that you can’t sleep flat. Instead, your back is forced into a curved position, and sleeping on your side is impossible. The innovative Haven Tent aims to improve the hammock sleeping experience….
Overland Journal Podcast: Episode 51, Interview with Overland OG Paul May
Show notes for episode 51 Summary: Scott and Matt interview overland OG Paul May. Paul has been working in the industry for two decades and is the owner of Equipt Expedition Outfitters based in Salt Lake City, Utah. A Land Cruiser aficionado who has owned a 40, 60, 100, and 200 series, Paul has embarked…
Leave No Trace—Outdoor Ethics for Riders, Overlanders, and Other Land Users
I was camping in eastern Washington a month ago. We had a gorgeous spot right on a river and plenty of space for three vehicles and six dirt bikes. On arrival, I jumped out of the truck and headed into some trees to relieve my water-filled bladder. Walking a few feet away from camp, I…
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…
Pepper Cook – Book Bike Brew
This is the first in a series of interviews with seasoned bikepackers from all over the world. Pepper Cook is a Salsa Cycles rider, EMT (emergency medical technician), founder of the Worldwide Spoon Exchange, and all-round legend based in Alaska. I’ve been fortunate to spend time with her in Iceland and lucky enough to call…
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,…
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…
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…
MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier
MSR is a company synonymous with quality backcountry gear, and their latest offering, the Guardian Gravity purifier (GGP), is no different. I actually shared my friend’s older MSR water purifier during my bikepacking ride through the Spanish Sierra Nevada, and I was really impressed. On the bike, hiking or overlanding, it’s remarkable how quickly you…
Salsa 2021 Cutthroat
The Cutthroat is Salsa’s Tour Divide inspired drop-bar bike, and the latest model brings to market a more compliant fork, a wide range of drivetrain compatibility, a direct-mount frame pack, and more accessory mounts than ever. This is a bike focused on covering big distances with speed and comfort. So, what are the highlights? The…
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…