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Overland News of the Week

Goose Gear Introduces the Explore Series

A new and improved rebrand of Goose Gear’s M-Series, the Explore Series incorporates the company’s new MaxLite proprietary extrusion, which reduces the total weight of the products by 26 percent. Made of 6063 aluminum alloy with T6 tempering, the MaxLite offers high corrosion resistance and incredible strength. Explore Series products include plate systems and seat deletes, kitchen modules, and drawer modules designed to fit SUVs, trucks, and campers such as those by AT Overland, Vagabond Outdoor, Super Pacific, and Camp King.

Prices vary | goose-gear.com

GTFOverland Now Stocking Iwatani Fore Winds Camp Stoves

The first to create the non-hose-fed portable butane stove in 1969, Iwatani is on a mission to make outdoor adventures more accessible via its lightweight and efficient burners. The company offers three Japanese-made camp stoves: the Luxe, Rugged, and Savor. The Luxe features a wind-resistant top cover and windshield with a 64-minute burn time, while the Rugged is the toughest model, made to thrive on the rockiest trails. Finally, with 12,000 BTUs, the Savor suits those looking for high output.

$149/Luxe, $119/Rugged, $75/Savor | gtfoverland.com

Rugged Routes News, Lowrance Baja HDS Pro GPS Units

gps unit news

Key features of the GPS units include a Point-1 antenna with sensor, pitch, and roll sensors, an enhanced display with a high-resolution touchscreen, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities allowing smartphone connectivity. All models are compatible with detailed topographic maps and high-resolution satellite imagery (available separately) and the ability to import your favorite GPX tracks for easy navigation. The units also feature an IPX7 waterproof rating.

$2,099+ | ruggedroutes.com

White Duck Outdoors News, Regatta 360 Bell Tent

news

White Duck’s latest tent uses 8.5-ounce Dynaduck cotton canvas treated with a PFC-free finish that offers water-, mold-, and UV-resistant properties. A waterproof 7.5-ounce PE floor can be set up for rainy conditions and additional strength is provided by double-stitched seams and a shock-absorbing grounding system. The tent features 360 degrees of airflow and ventilation in a yurt-style design with enough space to stand and move through comfortably. Great for large groups or families and pets, the 13-foot model sleeps six, while the 16.5-foot model sleeps eight.

$1,080/16.5-foot tent, $890/13-foot tent | whiteduckoutdoors.com

Natural Atlas Launches Field Guide and Navigation App

news

The Natural Atlas seems to have built something for everyone in its new map and field recorder app. There’s a field guide for flora and fauna enthusiasts with details on local plants, animals, fungi, and geology; topo maps include data on campgrounds, hiking trails, historic routes, and public lands which can be saved offline while navigating without a signal. Plus, a recording feature tracks hikes and drives and allows users to take field notes along the way. Keeners can even keep track of light conditions, tide phases, and river levels to stay truly connected to the natural world around them.

$40/year, $5/month, 7-day free trial available | naturalatlas.com

Hema Maps Introduces Tasmania Atlas and Guidebook

hema maps

Containing over 40 pages including comprehensive coverage of the top 15 4WD and hiking trails, Hema’s new Tasmania guide also includes information on national parks sites, camping spots, with practical advice on driving, weather, and safety. The pages run at a scale of 1:150 000 and touring sections have been field checked by Hema’s Map Patrol. If you’re heading to Tasmania for an overlanding adventure, this guide provides a wealth of practical information.

$50 | hemamaps.com

Terrain 365 News, STS-ATB Folding Knife

If you’re looking for a knife to match the color of your vintage Land Rover, the STS-ATB in marine gray completes the ensemble. This framelock folding knife features a clip point rustproof blade and is inspired by the classic Loveless chute knife and made of Terravantium dendritic cobalt and 6AL-4V titanium. Specs include a length of 3.5 inches and weight totalling 4.3 ounces. The STS-ATB is also available in green, canvas, and carbon fiber.

$375 | terrain365.com

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hits Dealerships This Summer

toyota highlander news

In other news, Toyota’s SUV will be available in three powertrains including the 2.4-liter turbo gas engine, the 2.5-liter hybrid, and the 362 howerpower Hybrid Max. With 400 pound feet of torque and a zero to 60 time of 6.3 seconds, the Hybrid Max powertrain is the most powerful midsize SUV Toyota has ever built. All three powertrains come with Sport, Eco, and normal Drive Modes while Multi-Terrain Select (mud, sand, rock and dirt, snow) is offered on the gas AWD and Hybrid Max powertrains. The exterior design features a trapezoidal hammerhead front grille and available 20-inch wheels.

$43,070+/gas engine, $44,670+/hybrid, $54,040/Hybrid Max | toyota.com

PerryParts Announces New Range of Bump Stops for Off-Road Vehicles

bump stop news

Automotive component manufacturer PerryParts has announced the release of a new line of bump stops for the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2, Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, Jeep Wrangler JK, Jeep Wrangler JL, and Jeep Gladiator, which will supplement its existing applications for Toyota and Lexus platforms. Producing the bump stops on the company’s custom-built 3D printing machines ensures optimization for each vehicle, especially in light of complex geometries created by increased tire sizes and higher vehicle weights.

$90+ | perryparts.com

Sunflare News, Unveils Xplor Flex+ Solar Series

solar panel news

Available in three wattages, the Xplor Flex+ panel series is enhanced by SmartWire Connection technology which uses small wires in place of large bus bars to connect solar cells. The cells and wires are covered with specialized material which reduces stress on the cells, strengthens the module, and results in increased power collection. Now available in 115-watt or 140-watt sizes, the panels come with pre-applied adhesive and are not prone to micro-cracks.

$750/180-watt, $550/126-watt, $450/105-watt | sunflarexplor.com

AdventureGenie: The World’s First AI-Powered Planning Tool for RVers and Campers

news

Founded by former Microsoft senior technology executive, Scott Lengel, and veteran CEO/Investor David Greenberg, AdventureGenie is a trip planning website with a database of 25,000 public and private campgrounds that uses AI-based algorithms to create customized itineraries for each user. While this website isn’t suited to those who prefer BLM or wild camping sites, those planning road trips with campground stops or those seeking RV sites may appreciate the campground match feature and ability to plan a trip without using multiple resources.

$50/introductory price | adventuregenie.com

Sinuhe Xavier Brings Overlanding Expertise to Camp Yoshi Expeditions in Utah

Photo credit: Alex Souza/Huckberry

Photographer and filmmaker Sinuhe Xavier will be joining forces with Camp Yoshi for a series of trips through Utah’s breathtaking southwestern corner. The upcoming trips are open to all skill levels and illustrate Camp Yoshi’s commitment to transformative, immersive outdoor experiences. “Sinuhe’s robust experience in overlanding, Southern Utah, and visual storytelling aligns perfectly with our mission at Camp Yoshi, there’s a reason we call him Sinsei,” said Founder of Camp Yoshi, Rashad Frazier. The Utah expeditions are slated for October 2023 and spots are limited. For more details, visit Camp Yoshi’s official website and today’s Video of the Week.

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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