Step 22, Reef Visor Panel and Chameleon Carryall
I’m a fan of storage solutions that utilize wasted space, so was intrigued by Step 22’s latest offerings. First up is their Reef Visor Panel designed to house “smaller on-the-road essentials” and provide a place for items that are easily lost. The modular MOLLE design offers maximum versatility and is attached to the visor effortlessly using two Velcro mounting straps. Next up is their Chameleon Carryall, which as the name suggests is a product “ready to adapt to any environment.” This multi-purpose bag opens using the company’s signature diagonal zipper and reveals three pockets, DIY modular top panel, and eight MOLLE style web slots (four per side). Step 22 states that it’s “perfect for your camera and tech, first-aid, camp kitchen gear, toiletries, or any other travel necessities.” On the exterior, you’ll find a grab handle, MOLLE-compatible backside, and two integrated HooKit D-Rings. The Chameleon also includes two adjustable mounting straps for hanging on your vehicle or around camp.
$50 | Reef Visor Panel
$110-120 | Chameleon Carryall
Eagle Creek introduces Ranger XE Packs
Founded in 1975, Eagle Creek first started life as a small company selling custom mountain packs. It has since become a globally recognized adventure travel company with a range of luggage, duffels, packs, organizers, and accessories. Their website is also a valuable travel resource with advice on packing lists, product selection guides, hot destinations, and more. The brand is committed to producing quality technical gear and with this in mind recently announced their new Ranger XE Packs for 2023, which includes backpacks, waistpacks, and cross-body options. Sustainability is at the heart of these new additions with the line-up utilizing “100 percent post-consumer recycled and Bluesign approved fabrics and webbing right down to the straps.” The Ranger Series is intended for an active lifestyle and feature large easy access main compartments, weather-resistant materials, breathable back panel and shoulder straps, and Pack-It system integration. Furthermore, the products are covered by Eagle Creek’s No Matter What warranty, which covers “all functional aspects of the product for the life of your gear.”
$varies | eaglecreek.com
Toyo Tires, Open Country R/T Trail
There’s no perfect tire, and in the pursuit of any one characteristic, you inevitably compromise another. That said, the “all-terrain” is perhaps the most popular option for overlanders, which as the name suggests, offers good performance in most scenarios. Today we’re looking at an alternative to the all-terrain known as the R/T tire (Rugged Terrain). This less common option sits between “all-terrain” and “mud-terrain” and is intended for those that require more capability when the tarmac ends. Toyo Tires state that their Open Country R/T Trail is a rugged terrain tire that “delivers better off-road grip than a traditional all-terrain tire, most evident in the sand, mud, and deep snow.” It features an optimized tread design with large tread blocks and a three-variable pitch pattern, two wide circumferential grooves, staggered scalloped shoulder blocks, and an extra thick sidewall. The R/T Trail also incorporates wide lateral zigzag grooves with stone ejectors, 4-way tapered notches, and a built-in rim protector. The tire is available in a wide range of sizes and is backed by a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty. Finally, if you’re unsure whether the R/T is the right choice then you can take advantage of Toyo Tires’ No Regrets 45-day/500-mile trial offer.
$varies | toyotires.com
Funwagen launches Simpler Ways
Funwagen, a.k.a Ben Quesnel, is an experienced traveler best known for his epic overland adventures in a Vanagon. Ben has been living on the road since 2018, with trips that include Alaska to Mexico and everywhere in between. His accomplishments have not gone unrecognized, with a recent feature on the front cover of National Geographic’s prestigious Traveler magazine. When it comes to vehicle travel and living on the road, he knows a thing or two, which is why he founded Simpler Ways. Ben explains that the company “aims to become the ‘Etsy for Vanlife’: an online marketplace dedicated to tiny living and life on the road, featuring space-optimized products, designed by well-intentioned brands from the outdoors industry and beyond.” Categories on the site include DIY camper build kits and free DIY tutorials, internal and external accessories (which can be searched by vehicle type or brand), and even a journal sharing inspiring stories, reviews, and recommendations from fellow adventurers. The quality of gear and accessories on the site is impressive, and I love the way Ben has chosen to give back to the community with various free tutorials, such as this DIY Shoe Holder. If you’re looking to equip your rolling home then look no further.
Pedaled, Odyssey Collection
Pedaled announces its Odyssey Collection, which is a range of cycling clothing “inspired by great journeys and informed by the needs of ultra-distance athletes around the world.” The company was founded in Japan by Hideto Suzuki back in 2007 with a mission to create beautiful yet functional cycling apparel that’s manufactured using a combination of natural fibers and technical fabrics. In addition, the company supports some of the toughest bicycle races in the world, including the Transcontinental, Silk Road Mountain Race, Atlas Mountain Race, Trans Pyrenees, and Migration Gravel Race. Hence, Pedaled is well-versed in ultra-long-distance riding and has invested this expertise into the Odyssey Collection. These products utilize breathable, insulated, weather-resistant fabrics with dynamic fits and integrated storage space, and are optimized for long days in the saddle in the harshest of environments. The range incorporates everything you need for an epic bikepacking adventure or race with a selection of jackets, jerseys, bib tights, gilets, gloves, overshoes, socks, and even a full line-up of bikepacking bags.
Bushwakka, Kamelback Camper
During the pandemic, Bushwakka used its time productively to create the ultimate lightweight camper for the Land Cruiser 79. The fully-aluminum Kamelback may look like a simple box when packed down, but once opened up, it’s a very different story. The Kamelback provides the best of both worlds by combining the Aussie-style outdoor camping experience with the comfort and security of a traditional truck camper. Inside, you’ll find a dual-level, pop-top roof with 360-degree views, a fold-out queen-size bed with underslung storage, L-shaped drop-down tabletop, three lockable storage cupboards, and more. Outside, there’s a bush kitchen with easy-access storage, large underbed compartments, and a central pantry with a drop-down door that becomes a worktop. It also integrates a dual-burner stove, fridge slide, faucet with an attachable and collapsible sink basin, and a deployable shower room. Finally, there’s a 100-amp-hour lithium house battery (with optional 280-watt solar arrangement), an 80-liter freshwater tank, a 90-liter National Luna fridge, water heater, 180-degree awning, and Dorsland rear bumper with swingout tire carrier. It even comes complete with utensils such as cutlery, dishes, pots, and pans. I appreciate that this is a lot to visualize so I recommend checking out the detailed walkthrough on the Bushwakka YouTube channel. Please note that the bargain price below is converted from South African Rand, and will cost considerably more if imported to the US.
$21,350 | bushwakka.co.za
Ombraz introduce the Teton and Viale
If you’re a regular here at Expedition Portal then you may have already seen my review of Ombraz Armless Sunglasses, but if not, here’s a quick introduction. They say necessity is the mother of invention, and when co-founder Jensen Brehm sat on his sunglasses during a camel safari in India a field repair turned into a lightbulb moment. As a temporary solution, he tied a piece of twine to both hinges and wrapped it around the back of his head. Amazingly they didn’t slip down his nose. They were secure yet incredibly comfortable, and when he didn’t need them on, he could drop them around his neck or throw them in his pocket without fear of breaking them. On his return, he teamed up with his friend Nikolai Paloni, and Ombraz was conceived. They developed the product and launched a crowdfunding campaign on indiegogo.com which was a huge success, raising $165,000 in just 30 days. I first tested their Classic shades back in 2021 and was so impressed that they soon became the only sunglasses I wear. The company recently expanded its line-up with two new styles, the Teton and Viale. Both are available with a choice of three Zeiss polyamide optics (grey, brown, or yellow), a variety of frame color schemes and sizes, and include a neoprene case with an integrated microfiber cloth. Finally for each pair of sunglasses purchased, Ombraz plants 20 Mangrove trees which ensures the company sequesters 1,384 times more carbon than is emitted to produce and deliver each pair. As a result, their sunglasses are the most carbon-negative product in the world.
$150 | ombraz.com
Ironman 4×4 Reco-Traks, by Tred
Ironman 4×4 has introduced a new series of recovery boards called Reco-Traks that are manufactured by Tred in Brisbane, Australia. The Reco-Tracks are available in three colors, Ironman 4×4 Green, Tactical Grey, or Desert Sand, and incorporate mathematically placed teeth, a concave ramp (which helps vehicles suck boards under tires), and are designed to be an effective sand scoop if digging is required. In addition, the boards are lower, lighter, and stronger than many alternatives (six pounds per board), and integrate an innovative Daisy Chain design that enables boards to be linked together should you require a longer single section. Finally, the Reko-Traks include a set of quick-release stainless steel mounting pins that can be used to carry up to four boards and will secure to most T-slot channels.
$249 | ironman4x4america.com
ATM Handmade Goods, Motopacking Bags
The adventure cyclists among you will no doubt be familiar with ATM Handmade Goods (a.k.a Andrew the Maker) and their range of handmade bikepacking luggage. Andrew produces a full line-up of pre-fabricated adventure cycling bags on his webshop but also offers a wide variety of bespoke custom work. I’ve actually utilized several of his products on my bikes for the best part of a decade and can’t say enough good things about the functionality and quality of his work. I was therefore excited when he announced that he would be branching into motorcycle luggage and producing bespoke Motopacking bags and accessories. The new range finds a sweet spot between minimalist bikepacking and traditional motorbike luggage and subsequently creates an exciting hybrid approach to packing gear on a motorcycle. As with all his products you can expect one-to-one customer service, exquisite attention to detail, durable and weather-resistant materials, reliable and easy-access fastenings, seamless functionality, and much more. The line-up is currently under development, but if you’d like some custom Motopacking bags then Andrew is ready to discuss options.
Super Pacific, SideKick and DirtBag Cargo Packs
Super Pacific debuts new Cargo Packs that securely mount to the inside of their X1 Switchback camper hatches and provide convenient, easy-access storage for all your essentials. First up is the SideKick, which is a water-resistant, soft-sided storage bag with zippers on both sides to allow access from both the outside via the canopy door and from the inside of the camper. The bag utilizes recycled 450 Denier Polyester material, YKK zippers, and provides 6.5 liters of volume. Second, is the DirtBag which is intended to house wet or dirty gear. It offers the same volume and zippers but is constructed from a mesh material that allows the contents to air out. If you’d like a better idea of how these bags work in practice then head over to the Super Pacific USA YouTube channel for a full demonstration. If I was already invested in their X1 Switchback camper then these products would be a no-brainer.
$75 | superpacificusa.com
Our No Compromise Clause: We carefully screen all contributors to ensure they are independent and impartial. We never have and never will accept advertorial, and we do not allow advertising to influence our product or destination reviews.
