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Overland News of the Week

America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 (AORA)

Senators Joe Manchin (D – WV) and John Barrasso (R – WY) have reintroduced this bi-partisan bill in Congress. SEMA and the Sierra Club, among other organizations, support it. It is a wide-ranging bill and includes provisions for modernizing and updating campgrounds and other recreation sites across public lands, updating policies regarding motorized and non-motorized access, and requiring agencies to keep their maps up-to-date and accessible. Read the entire bill for more wins for seasoned hikers and off-road enthusiasts.

energy.senate.gov

The Dunny Buddy

When heading off to the ablutions, whether behind a bush or a Mexican or Canadian pit latrine, this handy Dunny Buddy receptacle will keep your TP clean and tidy, dangling from your shoulder while you go about your business. It even has a nifty storage area for your hand sanitizer and a small torch for your evening visit to the porcelain throne. 

$35 | gtfoverland.com

Voluntary Recall of Black Diamond’s Recon LT Avalanche Beacon

A voluntary recall of the Recon LT Avalanche beacon has been issued. In isolated cases, the Recon LT could unexpectedly enter search mode, despite its rotary switch remaining in the send position. If the first four digits of your Recon LT Avalanche beacon’s serial numbers are between 2119 and 2239, you can update your firmware, pop into an authorized service center for assistance, or request a full refund.

blackdiamondequipment.com

Oyster Tempo Cooler

The Norwegian company Oyster has developed what may well be the coolest cooler around. The Oyster Tempo is claimed to be the world’s first performance cooler constructed of aluminum with vacuum insulation, thermal bridging, and circulation. It is 100% recyclable and keeps your pre-cooled drinks cold with no ice. It has three times the internal space of a regular cooler and holds 36 cans of your favorite beverage. Oyster also has an outstanding return policy.

$605 | oystercooler.com

Aerostich Made-to-Measure R-3 One-piece Riding Suit

The R-3 one-piece riding suit is made in America and introduces the latest innovation in abrasion-resistant riding gear for all-weather and all-situation riders. Made with TLTex fabric and TF armor, this made-to-measure suit is extremely comfortable, lasts up to 10 years, and can be repaired if damaged in a crash. With over 30 different body measurements, it will fit as snug as a glove.

From $1,430 | aerostich.com

PolarPro Flare App

If you’re looking for the perfect photographic lighting during your outdoor adventures, Flare is the app for you. It’s the ultimate tool to help you plan your camping trip and capture those stunning outdoor photos. With Flare, you can easily track the current and upcoming golden hours, blue hour, solar angle, and sun position superimposed on a map. Plus, you’ll get helpful information about wind speed, tide conditions, cloud cover, and visibility. Available for iOS and Android on the Google Play and Apple app stores.

Free | polarpro.com

 NEMO Flyer Self-inflating Bluesign Sleeping Pad

Get ready to sleep like a dream on this self-inflating sleeping pad. The Bluesign combines an air cushion’s thickness with a foam pad’s durability, ensuring no more leaks and aching backs. Each horizontal foam channel has been hollowed out to save weight and create progressive suspension. Solid foam connects the baffles, providing even support and preventing any bottoming out. The first NEMO Bluesign product (an industry-leading supply chain transparency program), this sleeping pad meets the highest environmental and social responsibility standards.

$140 | nemoequipment.com

Makita Portable and Rechargeable Microwave

Japanese manufacturer Makita has developed a portable, rechargeable microwave that may be perfect for your next camping trip. To operate it, all you need are the play-and-pause buttons on the operational panel. You can change the microwave’s power output from 500 watts to 350 watts to save energy. The back of this cordless microwave has the capacity to hold two 40-volt batteries but can function on only one battery pack. The microwave also has a specialized type-A USB port which can output a maximum of 2.4A charging. This 8-liter capacity microwave may be an excellent option for those looking for instant convenience, but with a projected price tag of $550, it may be difficult to justify the purchase.

$550 | makita.com

Parkit Voyager Camp Chair

Experience the great outdoors like never before with the Voyager from Parkit. This outdoor leisure chair offers unparalleled comfort, durability, and utility, allowing you to relax in style. Equipped with a welded and sealed cooler located conveniently beneath the seat, the Voyager provides easy access to your preferred beverage. With ample storage space and a configurable cupholder, this cooler-chair combo has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience.  

$225 | parkitmovement.com

OnX Offroad Route Builder

OnX Offroad’s experts have developed a ground-breaking tool called Route Builder. This innovative solution simplifies creating personalized off-road routes, elevating every excursion while promoting exploring new areas. With Route Builder, users can easily design routes in seconds, zooming in on established trails and receiving graphic suggestions for potential adventures. This powerful tool is accessible to both Premium and Elite members. Plan it, build it, drive it, and share it.

onxmaps.com

Volcon Premiers the Grunt Evo and Runt LT

Volcon Inc., a pioneer in all-electric, off-road powersports, has introduced its latest products, the Grunt Evo and the Runt LT. The Grunt Evo is an updated version of the company’s initial all-electric off-road motorcycle that features Volcon’s Exo-Arch frame and fat-tired design. The Grunt EVO has undergone improvements based on feedback from Grunt consumers, and it now boasts a more streamlined design, greater comfort, and enhanced style. Additionally, both bikes are customizable. The Runt LT is a smaller version of the Grunt, which is its larger counterpart. Its narrower frame and lower seat height makes this bike ideal for riders with shorter stature and new riders, as well as compact properties and trails. It can also serve as a pit bike.

Grunt Evo from $6,000,  Runt LT from $3,500 | volcon.com

Trew Unveils Backcountry Touring Technical Outerwear Collection

Trew has released its LW 3L collection in conjunction with the spring equinox, making it an ideal outfit for those embarking on backcountry touring adventures during this unpredictable season. The collection comprises lightweight outerwear, including the Le Skieur LW Anorak and the LW Bib, which were developed in partnership with Gilles Sierro, a professional mountain guide from Switzerland.  

LW Bib $519, Le Skieur LW Anorak $500 | trewgear.com

Hipcamp Unveils Free Public Lands Maps to Find Campsites Near National Treasures

Hipcamp, an online campsite booking platform, has launched a set of free public lands maps that allow outdoor enthusiasts to effortlessly locate and reserve available campsites on or near points of interest across the United States. With access to Hipcamp’s vast collection of 600,000 properties, the new maps allow for effortless planning of a National Parks road trip this summer while offering a straightforward way to locate ideal Hipcamps or free outdoor stays.

hipcamp.com

LEGO Land Rover Classic Defender 90

This Lego Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 is a highly detailed construction kit replicating the original 1983 model and would make the most memorable gift for many. With 2,336 pieces, this set allows you to construct a sand green Land Rover Estate with a white top, black wheel trims, and a brown interior with operational steering and suspension, a functional hood with swappable engine models, a working winch on the front, and a full set of accessories, including a working jack and a small toolbox that can be opened. Take my money now!

$240 | lego.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