Wolf Tooth Components B-RAD System
Over the last 10 years, bikepacking has grown in popularity exponentially and this has generated a huge array of purpose-built bikes, parts, and accessories. In fact, there has been so much innovation over the past decade that it’s hard to believe the industry can produce something original. Wolf Tooth has always risen to the challenge and they’re back once again to demonstrate there’s still room for exciting new products. Their B-Rad system is the “ultimate Bottle Relocation and Accessory Device,” and allows you to mount accessories away from shocks, add additional accessories below a bottle cage, and even provide space for a second bottle. On the Wolf Tooth website, you’ll find a 1–1 printable template so that you can cut out the various B-RAD bases and see which is the best fit for your bike.
$varies | wolftoothcomponents.com
Pennzoil Announce Outdoors Line of Small Engine Oils
At this year’s SEMA Show Pennzoil announced a new portfolio of oils targeted for the vehicles of outdoor enthusiasts. Bree Sandlin, Vice President of Lubricants Marketing at Shell Lubricants, states: “It’s important for us to continue to innovate to meet the needs of our customers. We’ve taken the technology that Pennzoil customers are accustomed to in their passenger cars and formulated these small engine oils to provide the same performance and protection for those who love the outdoors.” Key benefits include protection in extreme heat, reduction in engine noise and vibrations, better fuel efficiency and performance, and improved engine cleaning. At present, there are oils designed for ATVs/UTVs, watercraft, motorcycles, and snowmobiles, with all products optimized for the unique requirements of smaller engines.
$varies | pennzoil.com
Gerber Announce New Customization Option
Multi-tools and pocket knives are personal items so it makes sense that you’d want to customize them. Gerber is now offering this service on a wide range of products including knives, multi-tools, and even a tactical pen. If you head over to the “Custom” section of the Gerber website you can select a product and use the interactive builder to create your dream tool. I spent some time mocking up one of their Savvy folding pocket knives (seen below) and it’s remarkable how the new feature breathes personality into an otherwise utilitarian product. If you’re looking for a thoughtful and useful Christmas gift for a loved one then look no further!
$varies | gerbergear.com
Kitsbow Hybrid Icon Shirt
Kitsbow is “the only apparel company using lean manufacturing in the US. [It] simply means that each garment is made when you’re ready to buy it.” Based and sewn in Old Fort, North Carolina, Kitsbow is arguably best known for its Icon Collection, which is a performance flannel designed to “be the best fitting, best-looking wool shirt you will ever own” and intended to last a lifetime. The Hybrid Icon is their latest iteration and departs from the existing line-up with a purpose-designed layer of wind, water, and abrasion-resistant fabric across the chest and shoulders for added functionality and durability. Additional features include chamfered pocket flaps and cuffs, elbow patches, “on-the-go” friendly snaps, added reflectivity for night safety, a pocket slot for securing eyewear, shoulder vents, and more. Whether you’re bikepacking, hiking, or overlanding, the ICON hybrid flannel is the perfect fit.
$309 | kitsbow.com
Baja Designs Announce Next Generation Squadron SAE
Baja Designs has announced the next Squadron SAE for January 2023. The Squadron is one of the company’s most popular lights and they promise that the next model will be “brighter, bolder, and better.” The light has been re-engineered to maximize performance, while crucially remaining road legal. Factory lighting on vehicles is often average at best, and on older vehicles, it can be woefully inadequate. The opportunity to outfit a vehicle with powerful auxiliary off-road driving lights that enhance visibility is a game-changer, and the fact that the upcoming Squadron is also road legal is very impressive. Technical details surrounding the new lights are currently under wraps, but there is a teaser video on their YouTube channel.
$tbc | bajadesigns.com
ARB Partners with Ford in Quest to Conquer Baja 1000
ARB recently announced an exciting partnership with Ford as they prepare to race the Baja 1000 in the Next-Generation Ranger Raptor (upon publication the race will have been completed). The annual Mexican off-road race consists of 1,000 grueling miles of desert along the Baja California Peninsula and pushes both vehicles and drivers to their limits. The company states: “Not only was ARB involved in the development of the car, but ARB’s very own Managing Director, Andy Brown, and his son, Danny Brown, who are both seasoned off-road racers, will have the privilege of racing the final leg of this year’s Baja 1000.” If you’d like to see how the team got on then check out the ARB socials or stay tuned for a feature in Issue 62 of their 4×4 Culture magazine.
Mercedes Electrifies G-Wagon
The Mercedes EQG is expected to arrive in 2024 and will mark the electrification of the iconic Gelandewagen. The latest model retains the classic boxy dimensions but internal combustion will be replaced by four electric motors. Based on the concept, customers can expect a body-on-frame design, 2-speed gearbox, independent front suspension, and a solid rear axle for all-terrain scenarios. Mercedes Chairman, Ola Kallenius, states, “It will have phenomenal performance on and off the road.” It’s worth noting that Mercedes has also mentioned that a higher density and larger battery pack will be released for the EQG a year after the release. Prices are expected to start at $150,000.
Honda Announces XL750 Transalp
Adventure riders will be excited to hear that the legendary Honda Transalp is making its return in 2023. Transalp Large Product Leader, Masatoshi Sato, said, “With our new Transalp we looked hard at what made the first model so good and wanted to strike the right balance between urban agility, long-distance, on-road touring comfort, and off-road ability.” Featuring a 755cc Parallel-Twin engine (claiming 90.5 horsepower/55.3 pound-feet of torque) and offering five riding modes that include Standard, Gravel, Rain, and Sport (plus one customizable option). The Transalp will offer 7.9-inches front/7.5-inches rear travel and comes to a stop with Nissin two-piston calipers up front and a single-piston caliper in the rear. A 5-inch TFT color dash incorporates Bluetooth connectivity and Honda’s Smartphone Voice control system. There will be five accessory packs available: Urban, Adventure, Rally, Touring, and Comfort to ensure riders can tailor the Transalp to their needs.
GoFastCampers Expand to Four New Locations and Introduce Customer Financing
GoFastCampers announced they’re expanding to four new locations: Tru Automotive in Denver, CO, GFC Orange County in Orange, CA, Stellar Built in Sacramento, CA, and Basil’s Garage in Vista, CA. Founder and CEO Wiley Davis states: “Opening locations where our customers are will allow them to experience the products in person, provide easier access for service needs, and support our burgeoning community of adventure enthusiasts.” GFC’s manufacturing facilities will remain in Bozeman, Montana, but the new locations will function as showrooms, service centers, event spaces, and installation facilities. Further still, customers who order a GFC product before the end of 2022 will enjoy free shipping to the location of their choice and complimentary installation at that facility. In addition, the company has partnered with Uplift to offer convenient financing options, which will allow platform campers to be financed for as little as $348 per month.
Flat High-Performance Starlink for RVs
Covid had many awful repercussions but one positive is that it revolutionized the workplace and demonstrated to both new and existing businesses that their staff can work efficiently remotely. It’s not uncommon to hear people state “All I need to work is an internet connection!” and thanks to Starlink reliable internet has never been so accessible. The company now offers a flat high-performance roof-mounted option for RVs with a more resilient construction for extreme environments. The latest offering promises high-speed, low-latency, internet while on the move (the Standard Starlink is not designed for in-motion use), and enhanced GPS capabilities. The new model has a wide field of view and can connect to more satellites, which ensures more consistent connectivity on the go. Starlink for RVs is a pay-as-you-go service, which can be paused at any time.
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