The Overland Embassy, Transportation for Motorcycles over the Darién Gap
The Overland Embassy (located in Parque Lefevre, Panama City) is offering shipping and airfreight transportation for motorcycles. The airfreight option takes just three days from “drop off to drive off” in Bogotá, Colombia. Alternatively, you can opt for the shared container option, which is significantly cheaper, takes around 10-14 days, and arrives in Cartagena, Colombia. The Overland Embassy states that in both cases, it’s important that the bike is clean, contains no more than a quarter tank of fuel, and that no propane or pressurized items are allowed on the bike. Services include overnight stays at The Overland Embassy facilities with access to Wi-Fi, showers, restrooms, coworking space, and support.
Price varies | overlandembassy.com
Quoc X Restrap Sandal
The Quoc and Restrap Sandal “is a collaboration that unites two British brands with over two decades of footwear innovation and bikepacking experience between them.” Handmade in the UK, it features an anatomically designed footbed, anti-slip tread, and extra-thick webbing straps that work with Quoc’s signature microfiber to fasten over your saddle bag with a locking buckle. In addition, the heel strap pivots so these sandals can be utilized as slip-ons around camp. As an avid bikepacker, mountaineer, sea kayaker, and overlander, I can attest that a pair of quality sandals are essential for travel, and these look to be a great option.
$130 | quoc.cc
BMW Eyewear Release Two New Frames
The company states that the “styles are inspired by concepts that reinterpret on sunglasses and optical frames the distinctive elements of the various BMW car series.” The first offering is their BMW 7-Series-inspired BW0040 shades, which incorporate a hand-crafted design, unique BMW logo placement, and polarized lens options. They also presented the BW0044-H shades, which draw on the “timeless design of Navigator sunglasses,” providing an ultra-slim, lightweight frame, and sophisticated hinge. Both are intended to “translate the allure of the brand into innovative technical solutions and a modern aesthetic.”
$203-247 | bmw.com
iKamper Announces ReCovery Collection
In an effort to reduce their environmental impact, iKamper will be utilizing material waste to create a range of hardwearing camping products. The new collection showcases a tote bag, apron, firewood carrier, and rain poncho made from repurposed textiles from the manufacturing of their Skycamp 2.0 roof top tents. iKamper Director of Marketing and eCommerce Erik Flink states, “by giving a second life to unused materials common to our renowned roof top tent lines, we’re not only reducing waste but also creating unique and functional products that tell a story.” Each product is made from either ultra-dense poly-cotton canvas or fully rainproof ripstop polyester.
Nemo Equipment Introduces 100% Recyclable Sleeping Bag
Nemo introduces its first recyclable sleeping bag with the updated Forte Men’s and Women’s 20F/35F series. In addition, it’s the first product in their Promise series, which represents their mission to cut emissions intensity in half by 2030. The company took its top-selling 3-season Spoon synthetic sleeping bag and redesigned it using just a single material family. As a result, the 2023 Forte provides the same performance but is now 100 percent recyclable. Key features include a Spoon shape to ensure enhanced comfort for side sleepers, upgraded Thermo Gill vents, an oversized blanket fold, integrated pillow pocket, full-length double-slider YKK zipper, and more.
$180-240 | nemoequipment.com
Pelican, 1595 Air Case
As an exploration photographer and full-time overlander, I can’t speak more highly of Pelican cases for protecting my valuables over the years. The company recently announced the new 1595 Air Case, which is “designed for the professional adventurer,” and sized between the 1535 Air carry-on case and the larger 1615 Air check-in model. Highlights include that it is waterproof, crushproof, and dustproof, IP67 and MIL-SPEC certified, with Press-and-Pull latches, an automatic pressure equalization valve, extension trolley handle, stainless-steel wheel bearings, and more. Speaking from experience, if you’re someone who travels internationally with valuable gear, this is a worthwhile investment.
$372 | pelican.com
Nuke Sunrise Bike Bags, Oil Cloth Titan Tank
Nuke Sunrise release a Mexican oilcloth version of their classic top tube tank bag. The eye-catching lineup retains the tank bag’s proven functionality but introduces unique colour schemes. Notable features consist of a hidden water-resistant zipper with nickel-plated slider and Hi-Viz paracord, a radioactive green packcloth interior with closed-cell foam sandwiched in-between, and 1000 denier Cordura nylon spines. The bag also enjoys some updates, such as an adjustable strap position with a .75-inch Velcro one-wrap and a 2-inch sticky back cinch strap to ensure a secure fit. The bag can be positioned behind the stem or attached to the seat post and provides accessible storage on the go.
$26 | nukesunrise.com
AeroPress, Flow Control Filter Cap
As a traveler and coffee lover, the new AeroPress Flow Control Filter Cap excites me! This compact coffee maker has long been a favorite for the caffeine-obsessed adventurer, but with the advent of more sophisticated alternatives such as the Wacaco Picopresso, it has felt a little dated until now. The company recently announced its new Flow Control Filter Cap, which is quite literally the cream, or crema, on top. This budget-friendly add-on utilizes “a pressure-actuated valve to eliminate drip through and maximize control over the brew process.” The result is an “espresso-like crema” that elevates your backcountry coffee experience to the next level.
$25 | aeropress.com
Colfax Design Works Announce New Addition to T.O.A.D line of Dry Bags
T.O.A.D or “Tactical Operations Amphibious Drybags” are made in the USA and are 100 percent submersible. The latest model is their 13-liter Lumbar pack, which is configured to be a cross-over pack. “Effortlessly switch from waist belt only to adding either the additional single cross body strap or slim backpack style strap.” It features a YKK Aquaseal zipper, waterproof TPU 500 denier nylon Cordura fabric, multiple handles and lash points, a sleeve pocket that fits up to a 13-inch laptop, and more. The Lumbar pack is available in both black and multicam colorways.
$379 | colfaxdesignworks.com
Snow Peak Announces Three Community Campout Events
The brand will be adding two more community campouts in 2023, which means community events in Upstate New York, Utah, and the Pacific Northwest. “Snow Peak Way events have been held in Japan for over 30 years and have been instrumental to building the brand’s trajectory,” and in 2018, they held the first gathering in the USA. Visitors will enjoy workshops, demonstrations, and an opportunity to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts and Snow Peak staff. Spaces are limited, and attendance is $100 per person, $25 for ages 3-11, and free for those 3 and under.
BFGoodrich Tires Launch “Your Next” Campaign
The campaign shares the stories of overlanders and car builders representing the BFGoodrich community. Jordan Tucker, Global Director of Marketing, states: “Our community lives with a ‘built not bought’ mindset that makes them uniquely capable of taking on the toughest challenges.” There are currently two short films to enjoy. First up is Preserving the Trail for the Next Generation, which follows an adventure through the Australian Outback with an emphasis on treading lightly. The second is, The Next Generation of American Muscle, documenting an aspiring fabricator who transforms his 1965 Chevy Nova into an autocross star with the help of his mentors.
Land Rover Classic Showcases Defender Works V8 Islay Edition
The V8 Islay Edition is “the first heritage-themed Works V8 to come from Land Rover Classic” and is inspired by a 1965 Series IIa owned by Spencer Wilks (managing director of the Rover Car Company and one of the founders of Land Rover). Wilks tested the vehicles on his Laggan Estate on the Isle of Islay in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. The special edition showcases a bespoke leather interior with unique tweed detailing from the Islay Woollen Mill and will be available in both a 90 and 110 Station Body variant. It also incorporates steel wheels, LED headlights, uprated suspension and braking, and a 5.0-liter V8 that produces 405 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque.
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.
