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Overland News of the Week

Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro

The sound of a gas-guzzling generator in a remote campground is enough to drive a saint crazy. We camp in the wild to experience the peace and tranquility of nature and not the humdrum of an engine. Introducing the Jackery Solar Generator 1500 Pro. It has a sweet purr, has zero emissions, is shock-resistant and fireproof, and weighs only 37.4 pounds. With their 200-watt ultra-solar charging panels, you can expect a full charge in two hours (6 x 200-watt panels required). A 15 percent discount on your purchase ends on the 31st of January, 2023.

From $2,099 | jackery.com

 Edison Lightstick

We love concepts and designs that integrate both modern and vintage, and Barebones has encompassed that with the Edison Light Stick. The steampunky light stick can be used as an outdoor lantern or a flashlight, and the lantern has a softer and warmer glow. The glass tube with brass and copper construction and leather trimmings keeps this light stick classy, and with seven lighting modes, it can be used for preparing food, lighting your way to the lavatory, or even charging your phone via a USB-C port.

 $75 | barebones.com 

Zippo Typhoon Match Kit

When camping, it is a tradition to make a campfire when fire restrictions allow, almost obligatory for most. We always have a lighter on our person or in our vehicle, but at times, our lighter gets “lost” (as do our teaspoons). We then have to resort to using that old box of matches that rarely works. Enter the Typhoon Match by Zippo. The kit includes 15 4-inch, windproof and water-resistant matches that will burn for up to 30 seconds and are packaged in a water-resistant, buoyant, ergonomic container with a strike pad cap. These may also be a great addition to your medical aid or emergency kit.

$15 | zippo.com

Nemo Equipment Releases New Gear for 2023

 Nemo Equipment is a well-known and reputable designer and manufacturer of outdoor gear. Their new range of gear released for 2023 includes:

Flyer Self-inflating Bluesign Sleeping Pad – Although this self-inflating pad’s design has not changed, the materials used are now 100 percent recycled. They have earned Bluesign certification, with minimal impact on the environment and the highest level of consumer safety.

From $140

Moonlite Reclining Camp Chair – this lightweight and adjustable camp chair comes in a new variety of colors.

$160

 

The Tempo Sleeping Bag has been updated with synthetic Stratofiber fill, a new recycled fabric, and an updated look.

$160+

The Stargaze Reclining Camp Chair design has been modified to provide a wider frame, more comfortable seating for people of all heights and sizes, and a quicker setup.

$300

The Hornet Osmo, Dragonfly BikePack, and Osmo Tent are now manufactured with the waterproof Osmo fabric, along with additional features that can be found on their product page.

$400+

nemoequipment.com

Giant Loop Cactus Canteen Drinking Water Reservoir

The new Cactus Canteen drinking water reservoirs are designed and built to safely transport essential hydration for outdoor adventures. Having used the Giant Loop Armadillo fuel bags for the last year on the road, we are confident that these water reservoirs will be the perfect hydration solution when secured to motorcycles or other overland vehicles. The canteen is currently available in 1- and 2-gallon capacities, but we think a 5-gallon option would be nearly perfect for overland vehicles and would neatly replace rigid jerry cans. Features include a double-layer construction and a tough, food-grade BPA-free water bladder inside a highly abrasion-resistant outer shell, a quick-connect hose with a valve, an adjustable strap, a wide-mouth cap, and high-visibility reflective daisy chains. 

1-Gallon Size/$55,2-Gallon Size/$69  |  giantloopmoto.com

Exped MegaMat Auto Sleep Mat

 The Megamat Auto is a sleeping mat for two that fits snugly in the back of many SUVs, trucks, and wagons. Four inches of open-cell polyurethane foam provide support and warmth, and the brushed stretch tricot nylon is a comfortable surface. The mat self-inflates when the valve is opened, and firmness is adjusted with the separate one-way inflate/deflate valves; the included Exped mini pump tops off inflation. The Megamat Auto packs down to 27.6 x 11.8 inches for storage when not in use. It is worth noting that inflatable technology has come a long way and that Exped products carry a 5-year warranty for defects in materials and workmanship.

$400  |  exped.com

Pelican Products Micro Cases

The most valuable products in your vehicle (and life in general) tend to be smaller items such as phones, camera equipment, jewelry, cash, credit cards, etc. The new waterproof, crush-proof, and dust-proof Pelican micro cases are available in three sizes and four colorways, the M40, M50, and M60. These cases feature new improvements, including dual latches and a padlocking hole for increased security, an O-ring seal for watertight protection, a removable no-slip bottom liner, and an automatic pressure equalization valve to balance internal pressure. These translucent cases are made in the USA and carry a Lifetime Guarantee of Excellence.

$27  |  pelican.com

The Tekto F2 Bravo EDC Knife


All knives share a common purpose, but not all knives are equal; even the sharpest, most reliable everyday carry (EDC) knife will soon be shelved if it is not convenient, simple, and safe to carry and use. The lightweight F2 Bravo features machined pocket clips, custom titanium accents, state-of-the-art ceramic ball bearings, and recessed liners that provide rigidity to the handle for grip and comfort. With a 3.30-inch handle length and an open length of 7.80 inches, the thumb-flip-open knife is large enough to be practical for most everyday tasks but still compact enough to sit snugly in your pocket or on your belt.

$140+  |  tektogear.com

Thor Industries Announces Partnership with Starlink

The Starlink revolution continues unabated. Recently, Thor Industries announced that the company has entered into an agreement with SpaceX’s Starlink to integrate flat high-performance Starlinks across the Thor family of companies in 2023. Flat high-performance Starlink units will initially be made available as optional equipment specifically for motorized RVs manufactured by four Thor companies, including Airstream, Entegra Coach, Jayco, and Tiffin. All factory-installed, high-performance Starlinks will be eligible for a one-month service credit after the initial month of activation. Thor is the first RV Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) to work with Starlink to integrate flat high-performance Starlink units.

thormotorcoach.com

Five-door Suzuki Jimny Announced

The Suzuki Jimny has proven to be one of the most loved and capable 4WD vehicles ever produced. The introduction of a five-door variant, the fourth-generation Jimny, is excellent news for overland travelers. The long wheelbase Jimny includes rear doors specifically adapted for a five-door design with seats and interior trim adopted for the rear space. Suzuki has promised the Jimny will provide the driving performance expected by customers, and there are rumors of a turbocharged engine and even a pick-up version. Initially, the all-new Jimny five-door will be introduced for domestic sales in India, with exports expected for Europe, Oceania, Latin America, and Africa. The Jimny will likely not be available in the US, but the three-door Jimny is available in Mexico at approximately $24,000.

suzukiauto.com

Midland Radio Launches MXR10 and MXR10VP Repeater Bundles

Midland’s repeater bundles are designed to work instantly with any compatible GMRS two-way radios or handhelds without requiring manual programming. The repeaters are a great mobile solution for travelers as the mobile 10-watt repeater affords use in areas with no existing GMRS network. The higher the antenna, the better the coverage (also a plus for large farms and properties). The MXR10 is reportedly the only GMRS repeater pre-programmed to standard GMRS frequencies on the market. 

From $460  |  midlandusa.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.

Graeme Bell is an author and explorer who has dedicated his life to traveling the planet by land, seeking adventure and unique experiences. Together with his wife and two children, Graeme has spent the last decade living permanently on the road in a self-built Land Rover based camper. They have explored 27 African countries (including West Africa), circumnavigated South America, and driven from Argentina to Alaska, which was followed by an exploration of Europe and Western Asia before returning to explore the Americas. Graeme is the Senior Editor 4WD for Expedition Portal, a member of the Explorers Club, the author of six books, and an Overland Journal contributor since 2015. You can follow Graeme's adventures across the globe on Instagram at graeme.r.bell