Volcon Off-Road UTVs to be Powered by General Motors’ Electric Propulsion System
Off-road powersports company Volcon Inc. has announced it will power all of its off-road utility terrain vehicles with General Motors’ electric propulsion system, including its all-electric UTV, the Volcon Stag, which will come to market in 2023. The GM system will provide instant high power and torque with AWD capabilities, allowing the Stag to accelerate quickly and demonstrate exceptional speed recovery in various terrains. Volcon’s “Project X” vehicle is currently in the works, bringing GM’s electric vehicle expertise to the table. Volcon’s first product, the 2022 Grunt electric motorcycle, was recently reviewed by Expedition Portal and Overland Journal publisher Scott Brady. Learn more at volcon.com.
Osprey Talon Earth Backpack
Osprey recently launched its 22-liter Talon Earth backpack, which is lightweight with a ventilated close-to-body fit due to a BioStretch harness, continuous wrap hip belt, and injection-molded die-cut foam AirScape back panel. But what’s most impressive about this backpack is its adherence to bluesign-approved criteria, which is designed to “reduce the impact on people and planet.” This means that all Talon Earth main body, accent, bottom, and liner fabrics are made from 100% recycled content, zippers are constructed from recycled plastic, and plastic hardware is made from certified renewable natural gas.
$200 | osprey.com
Küat Piston SR Single Tray Bike Rack
Küat Racks recently launched its SR Single Tray bike rack, a 67-pound low-profile roof rack that mounts to factory, aftermarket, t-channel crossbars, and overlanding bars. Its Fastfit Wheel Chock System allows users to quickly change wheel sizes without using tools, and a 10-millimeter cable lock provides security in between rides. Made of stainless steel and automotive-grade finished hardware, the rack also features Genuine Kashima coated struts and a Tiger Drylac powder coat finish. Available for pre-order this fall, the Piston SR is scheduled to start shipping in Spring 2023.
$449 | kuat.com
The Harley-Davidson Pan America Adventure Tour and Hometown Rally
If you’re keen to test Harley-Davidson’s 2022 Pan America motorcycle, you’re in luck. The company is taking bikes to ADV events across the US, which offer demo rides, ADV clinics, skills competitions, and casual fireside chats for those looking to befriend like-minded riders (or find your next riding buddy). Upcoming events for the 2022 season include Xladv: High Sierra in Benton Crossing, California, from September 1 to 4, and the Bonnier Adventure Rally in Julian, California, from November 3 to 6.
For those looking for a Labor Day weekend celebration of all things Harley-Davison, the Hometown Rally will feature live events, exhibitions, and motorcycle demos at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, from September 1 to 5. For more, visit harley-davidson.com.
GlobeScout USA and LGP Powersports Announce New Fitments for Harley Davidson, Suzuki, and KTM Adventure Bikes
GlobeScout USA and LGP Powersports launched three new GlobeScout premium adventure kits for the new Harley Davidson Pan America 1250/1250 Special, the Suzuki V-STROM 1050, and the KTM 790/890 Adventure. The GlobeScout XPAN and side cases are now available for all the listed bikes above (utilizing the GlobeScout Pannier Carrier). V-STROM and KTM 790/890 owners have an additional option in the GlobeScout XPAN plus aluminum magnesium alloy side and top cases, using the GlobeScout Pannier Carrier and Luggage Rack.
The XPAN Side and Top Cases feature dual seal lids, which compress when closed to prevent dust, debris, and water from getting in. The double-hinged lid also features a unique tethered latch system, which can be opened from either side. Hardware and components are made from high-grade stainless steel. globescoutusa.com
Howl Campfires
As hot temperatures and increased wildfire risk become more frequent, campfire bans have become the norm in many areas. The founders of Howl Campfires believe that spending time around a campfire in the forest is a crucial part of the human experience, so they’ve set out to design a propane campfire that provides the warmth and feeling of a woodfire without the risk. Plus, the USA-made Howl marries to a standard 20-pound propane tank, helping with efficient transport and packability. The company estimates its first production run will be by Christmas 2022.
Price to be announced | howlcampfires.com
Step 22 Tamarin Trunk and Rhino Rig-A-Maroll
Step 22 recently launched two new storage solutions, the Tamarin Trunk and Rhino Rig-A-Maroll. While most bags on the market are square-shaped, the Tamarin Trunk answers the call for long and narrow cooking gear, tripods, and heavy items that require additional protection. It’s built with heavy-duty reinforced bartacks at all stress points, a YKK #8 zipper, and 500D coated fabric. Long items require unique carry options, so Stepp 22 included grab handles on all four sides and kept the bag relatively lightweight at 1.6 pounds.
The Rhino Rig-A-Maroll was designed with oversized and bulky gear in mind. The roll top allows for a wide range of height adjustment (the bag has 67 liters of capacity while unrolled and 44 liters while rolled), while the diagonal side zippers create easy access to the bottom of the bag or can provide a work mat when opened. Total weight equals 3 pounds. Plus, a portion of every sale goes to conservation efforts focusing on the Cotton Top Tamarin and Rhino Recovery Fund.
$90/Tamarin Trunk, $125 Rhino Rig-A-Maroll | step22.com
Lightship RV Raises $23 Million to Build America’s First All-Electric Recreational Vehicle Company
Lightship is an American all-electric RV manufacturer looking to the future of recreational vehicles, starting with its first product: an all-electric, connected, and aerodynamic travel trailer. Currently, under lock and key, the company’s first project aligns with Lightship’s mission to “bring electrification to the recreational vehicle industry by reimagining RVing from the ground up to create a seamless, connected, and delightful experience for electric vehicle and non-electric vehicle owners alike.” Lightship board of directors member and climate investor Victoria Beasley believes that the RV industry will need to keep up as the EV market continues to grow. “The reality is that clunky RVs will never be reliably towable with an electric vehicle. Even for gas-powered vehicles towing RVs, the range loss of 30%+ is unacceptably high. The only way to address this is through redesigning an electric travel trailer from the ground up, focusing every decision on minimizing aerodynamic drag.” Learn more at lightshiprv.com.
SylvanSport Loft Rooftop Tent
Brevard, NC, camping trailer and outdoor gear brand SylvanSport has entered the rooftop tent market with their latest offering, the Loft. This tent features an anti-condensation mat, a thick mattress, a rechargeable fan/light combination system to keep air flowing and provide light at night, and four windows with high-density screen mesh for airflow and privacy. Four hydraulic assist arms allow quick and easy opening and closing, while the expandable ladder accommodates various vehicle heights. Inside, two hanging organizer pockets and two bungee net gear lofts provide storage for jackets, pillows, and electronics. Compatible with most roof racks, the Loft is also a good fit for SylvanSport’s Go Easy kayak trailer.
$2,795 | sylvansport.com
Moonlanding 1: A Vanlife and Overland Gathering
Hosted by the Journal of Lost Time and Moon, the Moonlanding 1 vanlife and overland gathering will be held at Sky View Park and Campground in New Mexico from October 6 to 10, 2022. The event looks like a hoot, with scheduled activities including various Happy Hours, Morning Yoga, Introduction to Photography Basics and Landscape workshops, a spicy taco night, stand-up comedy, and plenty of live music (complete with lasers and fog machines) for dancing atop the lunar landscape. If the interplanetary vibes hit just right, there will also be a tattoo artist on site, available by appointment.
Tickets are now on sale for $80 per person | moonlandinggathering.com
Apply for an onX OffRoad Access and Stewardship Grant by October 16
Every year, onX OffRoad devotes a portion of sales to secure and protect access to public lands and to restoring and maintaining the trails that support outdoor adventures. onX also offers access and stewardship grants for various projects aligned with its mission. Access projects can include land purchases or swaps, public-access conservation easements, trail or road easements for public access, and more. Stewardship grants rehabilitate or restore land where overuse or abuse negatively impact recreation and wildlife habitat; examples include trail maintenance, re-routing, or rebuilding. Examples of potential applicants include US-based land trusts, conservation organizations, park foundations, state agencies, tribal and local governments, and more. If this sounds like you or someone you know, visit onxmaps.com for more details.
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