Overland News of the Week

Titus Adventure Company Announces Colorado Ski Camping Guide

Using a winter-ready campervan or truck camper to ski is gaining popularity, especially for those who want to enjoy a few days on the hill without blowing their budget on lodging. Fortunately, Titus Adventure Company has developed a guide to ski camping listing overnight camp spots, hot springs, and recreation centers near ski areas. The guide also includes information on the basics of winter camping, what to pack, and how to prepare your vehicle for cold weather pursuits. The .gpx file is viewed using Gaia GPS on a computer or mobile app and works offline in remote areas.

$15 | tacrentals.com

Bubba Goose Design Debuts Series of Zip-Top Duffel Bags

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Designed in-house and made from 90 percent recycled materials from the military and outdoor industries, Bubba Goose Design bags are also sewn locally in Seattle, Washington. Constructed from military-grade, 1,000-denier DuPont Cordura and Kevlar-reinforced nylon laminate, the large-sized duffel measures 22 x 11 inches and weighs 1.1 pounds. Other features include exterior Velcro patches, a leather shoulder strap liner, webbing, buckles, and two YKK coil center zippers. This bag is available in small and medium sizes; all are TSA carry-on compliant.

$160 | bubbagoosedesign.com

Decked x Pathfinder Survival Kit

Winter’s unpredictable weather (or the rigors of hurricane season, depending on where you live) reminds us of the importance of carrying a survival kit. The result of a partnership between Decked and survival instructor and author Dave Canterbury, the Decked x Pathfinder survival kit addresses “the widest variety of true survival situations.” Packed into a water-tight, hard-sided case, the contents include an IFAK emergency medical kit, HD6 Ferro Rod and striker, Mini Inferno discs, and Pathfinder reinforced nylon tarp. A 550-pound tensile strength paracord, folding saw, Mora Bushcraft knife, and 32-ounce stainless steel water bottle and cup round out the kit.

$290 | decked.com

Submissions are Open for the 2023 Overlander Film Festival

“May the best story win” is the motto of the Overlander Film Festival, which has returned for 2023. Filmmakers and storytellers may enter this worldwide film competition, which is dedicated to those passionate about inspiring, educating, and entertaining amidst the backdrop of overlanding and adventure travel. Film fest categories include short-form (3 to 5 minutes), long form (5 to 12 minutes), and junior (open to those under age 17). The submission deadline is February 28, 2023, and requires adherence to the Submission Rules. The festival will be held online and at select in-person watch parties on April 1, 2023.

overlanderfilmfest.com

Ethoz Minimalist Coffee Mug

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Drinkware brand Ethoz recently introduced its Minimalist mug, a 12-ounce vacuum-insulated stainless steel cup featuring a snap-on, non-spill lid and rubber-padded bottom. Available in white, black, or gray, this vessel includes an angled sipping spout made of BPA- and phthalate-free plastic. From the office to the kitchen, Ethoz believes the mug’s minimalist aesthetic allows it to be versatile and suitable for a wide range of locations and occasions.

$27 | planetarydesign.com

New FlatPak Toiletry Colors from Matador Travel Equipment

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Having featured Matador’s FlatPak soap bar cases both in Expedition Portal’s Thanksgiving Gift Guide and His and Hers Toiletry Bags and Accessories round-up in Overland Journal, you could say I’m a fan of their products. FlatPak toiletry accessories are ultralight, space-saving, and have kept my soap in good condition for months. Previously only available in charcoal, the FlatPak toiletry bottle is now available in a three-pack multi-color line including charcoal, slate blue, and green. In addition to the traditional charcoal hue, the FlatPak soap bar case is now available in slate blue. An array of colors mean users can now easily figure out which products are which during their travels.

$38/toiletry bottle 3-pack, $14/soap bar case | matadorup.com

Eibach Launches Pro-Lift Kit for 2019-2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

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Suspension and chassis manufacturer Eibach recently introduced its Pro-Lift-Kit system suitable for Fox-equipped Tundra TRD Pro trucks. When paired with Eibach’s 1-inch rear lift block, this lift spring system accommodates factory Fox shocks while retaining balanced ride quality, control, and off-pavement capabilities. This lift kit is finished with a heavy-duty corrosion-resistant coating using the same technology found in Eibach’s ERO Off-road race springs. With a front ride height of 1.8 inches and rear of 1.0 inches, these performance lift springs are made in the USA and come with a limited lifetime warranty.

$342/front lift springs and rear lift blocks, $225/front lift springs, $155/rear lift blocks | eibach.com

Snowpeak Introduces Colorful Ti-Single 450 Cups and Long Titanium Spork

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A pop of color has been a rarity in Snowpeak’s product line traditionally, but the brand recently stepped out of the box, introducing its rainbow-inspired Ti-Single 450 cups made of brightly anodized titanium. Featuring a matte finish and foldable handles, the cups also include a smaller, modernized logo and updated packaging (reducing the use of paper, plastic, and ink) and are available in bright green, blue, and purple. Snowpeak has also launched its Long Titanium spork, designed for use with packaged meals. Topping out at 8 ounces (22.6 g), this spork is as lightweight as it gets.

$45/Ti-Single cup, $13/Long Titanium Sport | snowpeak.com

Yeti Expands its GoBox Collection

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Yeti has added two additional sizes to its GoBox collection, the GoBox 15 and GoBox 60. Featuring a nesting design and non-slip feet, these dust-proof, ultra-durable cargo boxes are stackable and easy to configure. The GoBox 15 includes a flip handle, removable caddy, and locking port, while the GoBox 60 offers additional space and a pack attic for further organization. The brand stands by its 100 percent waterproof guarantee, even if the case is fully submerged in water.

$125-300 | yeti.com

Warn Industries Releases All-New Series of Electric Hoists

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Available in 800-pound and 1,000-pound capabilities, all five of Warn’s new DC800 and DC1000 hoists are equipped with 12- or 24-volt permanent magnet motors and grease lubrication, a metal three-stage planetary gear train, and an automatic mechanical brake designed to hold the hoist’s full-rated load. The units are IP68 and IP69K waterproof and powder-coated in a glossy black. Stainless steel fasteners are used for enhanced UV and corrosion resistance. Additional items such as wire rope, contractor, controls, and roller fairlead are sold separately to suit each buyer’s individual lifting tasks.

Prices vary | warn.com

Warn Recalls VR Evo Wireless Remote Control

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Warn Industries has issued a recall on all VR Evo winch model remotes shipped between June 3, 2019, and November 29, 2022, due to a defect found in remotes exposed to or submerged in water. The company announced it is developing a replacement water-resistant remote control that will be available to affected customers at no charge (when available). To determine if this safety recall notice applies to your winch, read Warn’s VR Evo Remote Recall Notice, which outlines specific products affected and instructions for those eligible for reimbursement.

XGrid Campers Announces Partnership with Australia’s Track Trailers

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XGrid Campers says the Australian-built Track Trailers Tvan Camper trailer will soon be available for the US market. “Track Trailers is Australian-owned and manufactured and known in Australia as a premier outdoor lifestyle brand offering innovative, high-performance, recreational vehicles,” said Loren Walker, owner of XGrid Campers. Features include proprietary MC2 trailing arm suspension, a rear standing pod, a premium kitchen, and an integrated electrical 30Ah Redarc RedVision system. A Quick Cover awning can be deployed in two minutes and provides ample coverage over the front, kitchen, and side of the trailer.

Price upon request | xgridcampers.com | trackrvs.com

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Ashley Giordano completed a 48,800-kilometer overland journey from Canada to Argentina with her husband, Richard, in their well-loved but antiquated Toyota pickup. On the zig-zag route south, she hiked craggy peaks in the Andes, discovered diverse cultures in 15 different countries, and filled her tummy with spicy ceviche, Baja fish tacos, and Argentinian Malbec. As Senior Editor at Overland Journal, you can usually find Ashley buried in a pile of travel books, poring over maps, or writing about the unsung women of overlanding history. @desktoglory_ash