Overland News of the Week

Let’s Go Aero Moon Unit

 

In the search for the perfect overland shelter, there are many options to choose from (did you listen to our recent podcast about ground tents?). Personally, I have been intrigued by the hanging enclosures that integrate with some rooftop tents, creating a weather-resistant shelter annex with access to your vehicle. But the problem with these systems is that you still need to have a rooftop tent for sleeping space. That’s why I find Let’s Go Aero’s Moon Unit to be an interesting option.

This tunnel-style shelter can be pitched right off of the tailgate of your rig, providing shelter that is immediately adjacent to your vehicle. And if you utilize the overland vehicle connector, you end up with a snug connection that allows you to access the interior of your vehicle, all while maintaining protection from the elements.

$699 | Letsgoaero.com

 

Roofnest Falcon 2 Rooftop Tent

Roofnest’s popular Falcon rooftop tent has been re-engineered and updated and is now available as the Falcon 2. Changes include a redesigned top portion of the tent shell that is now constructed from foam sandwiched between two sheets of aluminum. This design results in a lower profile (compared to the V1 Falcon) product, with better condensation resistance inside the tent. Additionally, two accessory channels have been added to the floor, facilitating better load distribution and allowing users to mount up to 75 pounds of additional equipment utilizing common M8 hardware. The V2 also includes new 320-gram poly-cotton, black-out canvas, and a removable awning for increased weather protection. The Falcon 2 comes with an 8.5-foot ladder, anti-condensation mat, and LED lighting.

$3,595 | Roofnest.com

 

Nomadix Original Multi-purpose Towel

We often think of towels as having a singular purpose, but in reality, they can fulfill various needs when traveling. For instance, protecting the rear seat of our vehicles from muddy paws, creating a pleasant place to sit and enjoy a picnic, keeping your legs warm as a makeshift blanket, or protecting your clothing while you lay on the ground underneath the rig trying to diagnose that mysterious sound you keep hearing. They are also good for drying off after a brisk outdoor shower.

Nomadix multi-purpose towels are an upgrade from cotton thanks to their post-consumer recycled construction and compact size. They also come in an array of pleasing patterns to complement your style.

$40 | Nomadix.com

 

Chrome Industries Niko Camera Ecosystem

Chrome Industries has a reputation for building incredibly burly bags that were originally developed for cyclists and bike messengers. However, since their appeal has become more widespread, so have their offerings.

The Niko line of camera-specific solutions includes the Niko backpack, wrist strap, camera sling, camera cubes, and shoulder strap. All are built to Chrome’s high standards utilizing materials like 1050-denier nylon and silky-soft Tricot. All of Chrome’s bags carry a lifetime guarantee, with some limitations.

$25-280 | Chromeindustries.com

 

Goal Zero Venture 35 Power Bank

While electrical power is often unnecessary for shorter vehicle-based adventures, it’s still nice to be able to recharge small USB-compatible devices like cell phones, GPSs and PLBs, or cameras, all without needing to keep your vehicle running. In these instances, a portable power bank like Goals Zero’s Venture 35 is an excellent solution.

Charge the Venture via a small solar panel or your auxiliary 12-volt outlet in your rig while driving, and then charge small USB-powered devices in camp or the backcountry. And given that so many of us now rely on our cell phones for mapping and navigation software, a portable power bank like the Venture should be considered mandatory equipment in case you end up depleting your phone’s battery quicker than you anticipated.

$70 | Goalzero.com

 

Nocs Provisions Pro Issue Binoculars

Nocs has made a name for themselves in the world of affordable, portable optics (we’ve previously reviewed the standard-issue binocs here). But their new Pro Issue Binoculars are in a whole new league in regard to optical clarity and construction.

Offered in both 8×42 and 10×42 configurations, these binoculars are IPX7-rated (30 minutes under 1 meter of water), with fully multi-coated optics, a phase-coated Bak4 roof prism, and are tripod compatible. They also come in a variety of colorful options, so you can find a pair that matches the color of your Jeep or Toyota.

$295 | Nocsprovisions.com

 

SureCall Fusion2Go Max Cell Phone Signal Booster

While it won’t get you connectivity in a location that doesn’t have any signal, SureCall’s Fusion2Go Max will boost an existing cell signal and could make the difference between being able to send a text message and being able to have a video call. Cell signal boosters are becoming more and more common in adventure rigs, and this is because they can provide an extra margin of safety in terms of connectivity. They can also be a solution for those of us who work remotely and rely on internet connectivity to do our work (I’m currently writing this article on a satellite internet connection in a remote canyon in Western Colorado).

The Fusion2Go needs a 12-volt power source to operate and will need to be permanently installed. However, once the installation is complete, the power draw of the device is a diminutive 10 watts or less. This booster is compatible with 4G and 5G LTE phones and with the following providers: Verizon, AT&T, T Mobile, U.S. Cellular, and Sprint.

$498 | Surecall.com

 

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Matt is a paragliding pilot and adventure seeker living in Boulder, Colorado. His love of the outdoors has driven him to explore remote destinations across North and South America in search of the most aesthetic peaks and beautiful flying sites. IG: @m.b.swartz