Benchmade 5370FE Shootout OTF
OTF automatic knives can be deployed single-handed in an instant, making them the perfect blades for use in high-stress situations. But many of them are heavy and prohibitively expensive due to complex mechanisms. Benchmade’s new Shootout aims to change that, with a $300 price point and a lightweight build that is achieved with the use of carbon fiber-filled nylon handle scales. A PVD-coated CPM-CruWear blade, reversible pocket clip, and carbide glass breaker on the bottom of this knife’s handle enhance functionality and make this tactical blade a great everyday companion.
$300 | benchmade.com
Decked x Pathfinder Survival Kit
Do you prefer to spend time assembling every last item that you might need on the trail? Or would you elect to trust the experts and save some time with a pre-built selection of survival gear? The Decked/Pathfinder survival kit provides all the necessary basics in a neatly organized waterproof storage case that fits nicely in your Decked truck bed system.
Included in this kit:
- Fire-starting materials
- Flat tarp and rigging cord
- Folding saw
- Bushcraft knife
- Emergency medical kit
- Stainless water bottle
- Nesting cup
$290 | decked.com
ICON Tubular Front Upper Control Arms, Rear Suspension Links, Rear Track Bar for Bronco
We know many of you who have taken delivery of your new ’21 Bronco are itching for some upgraded suspension, and Icon Vehicle Dynamics has you covered. New parts will be available shortly, including tubular front upper control arms, rear suspension links, and a rear track bar. The new upper control arms feature Icon’s Delta Joint Pro, which is 100 percent serviceable and rebuildable.
$378+ | iconvehicledynamics.com
Bad Ass Mounts 360 Swivel
Having just added A-pillar light mounts to my vehicle, I was excited to come across Bad Ass Mounts and their 360-degree swivel lighting accessory. This billet aluminum bracket mounts to any flat surface and allows for 360-degree rotation of whatever is attached to it—in this case, lighting. A spring-loaded retention pin locks the mounts into place once rotated. Mounts are sold in pairs and are available in a variety of colors.
$129 | badassmounts.com
Sunchaser Plug n’ Play Sprinter Power System
While electrical system installation can be one of the most complex and challenging parts of a campervan build, it doesn’t have to be. With Sunchaser Vans’ Plug‘n’Play Sprinter power system, just about anybody can perform the installation of a 2.7-, 4-, or 5.4-kilowatt lithium-based off-grid power system. The unit comes completely pre-wired with batteries, a charge controller, AC inverter, fuses, breakers, battery disconnects, and more. The kit is available in an aluminum or bamboo exterior to seamlessly and beautifully integrate into your build, saving you a considerable amount of time in the process.
$7,567+ | sunchaservans.com
Nebo Slim+ 1200
Returning to your rig after dark only to find that it won’t start is a scenario many of us have faced at one time or another. Maybe it’s as simple as a dead battery, or perhaps something more. Opening the hood to inspect your engine compartment, you’re going to need some light. The Nebo Slim+ 1200 can do the job with a clip that allows you to attach it to your shirt pocket. You can also position it securely on some metal surfaces, thanks to a magnet in the base. In addition to providing 1,200 lumens of light (red and white), the Nebo has an integrated laser pointer and can also function as a USB power bank to recharge cell phones or other small electronics.
$50 | nebo.acgbrands.com
Xpanse Solar Awning
Awnings are a crucial piece of the overland kit, especially in sunny environments. So why not utilize all that sun-blocking real estate to generate off-grid power? These Xpanse solar awnings do exactly that, with 800-, 1000-, or 1200-watts of output. The Xpanse is made up of multiple small panels that nest together. There are small gaps between each panel to allow air to flow, keeping the panels cooler than roof-mounted options and reducing the awning’s susceptibility to wind damage (although they have been tested up to 45 mph without damage). The awning carries a 10-year warranty of parts and a 1-year warranty for labor associated with repairs. While it’s not a guarantee, RV owners may qualify for a federal tax credit of up to 26 percent toward the purchase of the Xpanse awning (your tax professional may be able to advise you on this).
$6,660+ | xponentpower.com
Graypants Studio Wick LED Lighting
This one is a little out-of-the-box for overlanders, but given the fact that ambient lighting can make or break the campsite (or campervan), I thought I’d toss the Wick LED lighting from Graypants Studio into this week’s gear roundup. Made to simulate a candle, but with an aesthetic that is much more futuristic and will certainly garner some attention, the Wick 1-watt LED light is powered by a built-in USB-C-rechargeable battery and produces warm light at 2600 Kelvin.
$149+ | graypants.com
