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  • Overland News of the Week, April 24th, 2026

Overland News of the Week, April 24th, 2026

ARB Launches Modular Bed Rack for Ford F-150 Trucks

While the ARB bed rack has been available for 3rd-Gen Tundra and Tacoma owners for some time now, the brand has introduced a new model for 2021 to 2024 Ford F-150 truck owners. The bed-mounted system offers storage options on top, underneath, outside, and inside the bed rack rails. This configuration ensures unrestricted access to the truck bed, enabling taller items such as motorbikes and bicycles to be easily loaded. Constructed from 6063 aluminum extrusion, the rack has a dynamic load capacity of 330 pounds and a low-profile design that minimizes wind drag.

$1,350 | arbusa.com

Exped Introduces its Most Versatile Sleep Solution Yet

The new Vega tent, Versaluxe sleeping pillow and mat, and DeepSleep sleeping bag combine to form a comfortable yet durable camp sleep system. The 3-season Vega tent features steep sidewalls and a spacious floor, maximizing space and headroom, while the Versaluxe sleep mat weighs 2 pounds and is crafted with an environmentally conscious TPU air core and a recycled polyester cover. The DeepSleep sleeping bags include a 3D footbox with a compartment for clothes or a heated water bottle and are constructed from recycled monomaterials. Complete the system with the 7-ounce Versalux pillow, which features a removable, machine-washable cover.

$330+/Vega tent, $150/Versaluxe mat, $110+/DeepSleep sleeping bag, $50/Versaluxe pillow | expedusa.com

Introducing the Latest from Outdoor Research: The SkyChaser Alpine Shell

The new SkyChaser jacket is built for fast and light travel in alpine conditions, delivering highly waterproof protection in unpredictable mountain weather. The shell is designed for fast, light pursuit: climbing a windy pitch, pushing for a ridge summit, or exploring by skis. Made with Bluesign-approved Pertex Shield Pro fabric, the shell features fully taped seams, a helmet-compatible hood and wire-brim seal, and large pit zips for adjustable ventilation. Available in men’s and women’s sizes, the jacket is rounded out with an internal zip chest pocket, molded cuff tabs, and an elastic drawcord hem.

$340 | outdoorresearch.com

Ford Partners with onX Offroad to Provide Complimentary Year of Navigation

Through a new partnership with onX, owners of 2017 and newer Ford vehicles in the US are eligible to receive a complimentary year of onX Offroad, onX Hunt, onX Fish Midwest, and onX Backcountry Elite memberships, unlocking 650,000+ miles of off-road routes, public/private land layers, advanced scouting tools, offline maps, and more. To activate your complimentary onX Elite Membership, open the Ford app and click on the onX banner, or navigate to the in-app messages. Authenticate with your Ford or Lincoln account credentials and select the onX apps you want to activate. From there, download the app and start your next adventure. The offer is available now through the end of 2028.

TemboTusk Debuts Drop-Down Fridge and Cargo Slide

For many overlanders, accessing a fridge mounted in the back of a vehicle often requires climbing, stretching, or carrying a step stool. The TemboTusk Drop-Down slide lowers fridges or cargo 12 inches, making it easy to reach wherever your adventure takes you. Engineered from lightweight aluminum and designed to withstand harsh terrain, the heavy-duty tracks are rated at 500 pounds and support fridge loads of up to 130 pounds. The slide is optimized to fit popular fridge sizes ranging from 35 to 55 liters, and is made in the USA.

$1,595 | tembotusk.com

Hipcamp Partners with Overland Expo to Launch Cross-Country Roadtrip Planner

The Hipcamp x Overland Expo Adventure Route is a cross-country road trip planner that follows all five Overland Expo events from California to Virginia, highlighting iconic parks, must-sees, and campsites along the way. Hipcamp will also host a community camp in the on-site campground at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff and has created dedicated Hipcamp collections for each Overland Expo Event. “For a lot of people, the real Overland Expo adventure starts on the drive in and continues long after the event,” said Alyssa Ravasio, founder and CEO of Hipcamp. This route planner will help overlanders find great places to camp before, during, and after each stop on the 2026 event circuit.

New from Triple Aught Design: The Talon Guide XT Pant

Advancing the original Talon platform with a heavier-duty build, the Guide XT pant features a proprietary SC stretch double weave for durability, breathability, performance, and mobility. The knees, seat, and heel are reinforced with Tweave Durastretch, bringing added protection to key wear zones. The Talon XT can be worn securely underneath a harness thanks to its low-profile wasteband, 1-inch webbing belt loops, and Cobrax front closure. 

$315 | tripleaughtdesign.com

Leatherman Releases Seasonal Spring Hues to its Lineup

Following the new Micra spring drop last month, Leatherman has released additional colorways with its Skeletool CX, KB, KBX, Tool Pouches, and Bit Kit Paddles, including aurora, nocturnal, sandstorm, teal, yellow, and green. The Skeletool CX has a premium 15CM stainless-steel, straight-edge blade, pliers, a bit driver, and wire cutters, while the KB and KBX models are ideal everyday carry knives with built-in bottle openers. Store the knives and bit kits in Leatherman’s pouch, which fits full-size tools with additional space for accessories and extra gear. 

$100/Skeletool CX, $40/Skeletool KB, $40/Skeletool KBX, $30/Tool Pouches, $20+/Bit Kit Paddles | leatherman.com

Meet Helly Hansen’s New Odin Waterproof Shell Jacket and Hooded Fleece

New for Spring and Summer are Helly Hansen’s Odin Infinity Minimalist jacket and the Odin Breeze Hooded fleece, both developed with input from Mountain Madness, a US-based guiding company, and several mountain professional ambassadors. Weighing just 220 grams for a men’s large and 200 grams for a women’s medium, the Odin Infinity Minimalist jacket is the brand’s lightest fully waterproof mountaineering shell jacket. While fleece layers can be bulky and cause overheating, the Odin Breeze Hooded fleece offers extreme breathability while maintaining warmth, softness, and comfort. Additional features include a chest pocket, hang loop, anti-chafe chin guard, helmet-compatible hood, and 100% recycled fabric.

$400/Odin Infinity Minimalist jacket, $160/Odin Breeze Hooded fleece | hellyhansen.com

True Utility Brings the Fire With the New Plasma Lighter XRL

Harnessing advanced plasma arc technology, True’s Plasma Lighter XRL is flameless, fuel-free, windproof, and rechargeable. Unlike matches or fuel lighters, the Plasma Lighter XRL can be used repeatedly, thereby reducing waste. Featuring a flexible neck to keep fingers away from the ignition point, the XRL doubles as a pocket flashlight with a built-in three-mode LED light, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, whether it be packed in an emergency kit, toted with backpacking gear, or used to light candles or gas stoves. The Plasma Lighter XRL’s lithium-polymer battery is USB-C rechargeable and can fully charge in about an hour.

$30 | true.acgbrands.com

Eagle Creek Launches RePack, a Peer-to-Peer Marketplace for Pre-Owned Gear

Powered by Treet, the new resale platform lowers the cost barrier to adventure travel by offering shoppers pre-owned duffels, luggage, and travel packs at lower price points. Designed to extend the life of Eagle Creek products, the marketplace enables travelers to buy and sell pre-owned gear at 40-75% off retail prices, keeping unused items out of landfills. The brand has also expanded its No Matter What warranty, which covers free repairs for Eagle Creek gear. RePack is now live at repack.eaglecreek.com and is available only to US customers.

Vanspeed’s New Modular Adventure Van Offers Functionality and Comfort

Built on the AWD 144-inch Sprinter 2500 chassis, the Vanspeed Album features a queen-size, easily stowable Murphy bed that allows for a fully open walk-through living area. The enclosed shower also serves as a multi-level closet when not in use, offering ample hanging and shelving space for clothing and gear during extended travel. Additional creature comforts include an expandable countertop and a slide-out work table for meal prep, laptop work, and more, while a built-in sink and a lithium power system round out the offerings.

$219,000 | vanspeedshop.com

This Australian Off-Grid System Will Change the Way You Think About Touring

Based in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Lost N Salty Fabrication’s owners, Katie and Jack, built the Undertray Sleeper System based on real-world use, where heat, humidity, and remote access demand gear that’s simple, durable, and practical. Traditional rooftop tents and tray-mounted systems can come with compromises, loss of usable space, added height, and time-consuming setup. Designed to eliminate those pain points, the system integrates the sleeping platform under the tray, maintaining a lower center of gravity and preventing the need to climb up and down to access. Suited to full-size American pickups, features include a twin pull-out drawer and table setup, a pull-out pantry with Travel Buddy oven, rear under-tray toolboxes, and twin full-drawer storage with twin fridge slides on top.

$58,000/Off-grid touring setup, $34,000/Signature, $26,000/Essential | lostnsalty.com.au

Join the Overland Expo Foundation to Leave the World Better Than You Found It

The Overland Expo Foundation will host a couple of cleanup events at Overland Expo West from May 15 to 17. First up is the Edge of the World Cleanup and Kiosk project, where participants will join Tread Lightly, the Overland Expo Foundation, and Trails Offroad, meeting at 9am on May 16 at Forest Road 535 and 89A (35.04665, -111.73355). Click here to register. Rounding off the weekend is the Ft. Tuthill Cleanup, ensuring the vent site is left spotless after a busy event. Food and drinks are provided and the cleanup is typcially finished within a couple of hours. Those interested can meet on Sunday, May 17 at 4:30pm at the Overland Expo Foundation Booth (near the Oasis). The organizers recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and gloves, and wearing close-toed shoes and appropriate layers for weather.

AEONrv Launches 13-State National Tour to Showcase All-Season Electric Cabin RV

The tour, which runs from California to North Carolina, gives the public an opportunity to see the vehicle in person at REI locations, overland expos, and outdoor meetups across the country. The AEONrv replaces traditional RV propane units with a modern electric cabin powered by a lithium battery bank and integrated solar charging system. Built on an AWD platform with lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and underbody protection, the vehicle is designed for terrain and conditions that put conventional RVs out of reach. Check out the full schedule at aeonrv.com/events

Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.

Ashley Giordano’s first foray into overland travel involved a 48,800-kilometer journey from Canada to Argentina with her husband, Richard, in their well-loved but antiquated 1990 Toyota Pickup. Currently cruising along the iconic Silk Road in a 2008 Toyota Tundra, her full-time navigator duties are rewarded with bowls of plov and lagman noodles, hikes in the Tian Shan, and countless cups of fragrant Tashkent tea. As senior editor at Overland Journal, you can usually find Ashley buried in a pile of travel books, poring over maps, or writing about the unsung women of overlanding history, including her enduring inspiration, Barbara Toy. @desktoglory_ash