Barbara Toy’s In Search of Sheba Returns to Print with Introduction by Lois Pryce
Barbara Toy, famous for her solo overland travels by Land Rover in North Africa, Arabia, and beyond, set off in 1959 to drive from Libya to Ethiopia. The result: her travel memoir, In Search of Sheba. Thanks to the persistence and passion of several Toy fans (including yours truly), this book has now returned to print and is available for purchase by the public. Introduced by Lois Pryce, author of Lois on the Loose, Red Tape & White Knuckles, and Revolutionary Ride, the book chronicles Toy’s crossing of the Sahara Desert into the Congo, and from Addis Ababa to the ancient ruins of Aksum. Full of good humor and grit, In Search of Sheba outlines a remarkable feat of endurance and adventure by one of the 20th century’s greatest travelers.
£13 | hachette.co.uk
iKamper Introduces the Disco Series Starter and Accessories
Originally sold as an all-in-one-system, the ik allows customers to purchase separate grill components, including the adjustable aluminum tripod, the cast iron disc skillet, cutting table, and pulley system. Inspired by South African cooking culture, the skillet features a non-stick cooking surface, while the tripod comes with a built-in 8,455 BTU camp stove for easy cooking. The Disco tables are made from food-grade Auro oiled birch wood.
$250/Disco Starter, $150/Disco skillet, $85/Disco cutting table, $55/Disco table, $50/Disco pulley | ikamper.com
Ignik Announces New FireCan Elite Fire Pit
Recently showcased at the 2023 Overland Expo PNW show, Ignik’s FireCan Elite is an evolution of the brand’s original Fire Can, offering more power and a lighter-weight design. Constructed with a high-pressure 5psi quick-release output, the pit weighs 10.1 pounds and puts out 55K BTUs per hour. Other new features include stainless steel construction, an integrated flame control knob, and CSA certification. In addition, Ignik has partnered with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), donating a portion of its FireCan line profits to support the NFF’s conservation and restoration efforts.
$250 | ignik.com
Sonora Rally Focuses on Local Talent and Releases Dates for Rally School
After a successful 2023 season, Sonora Rally co-founder and Race Director Darren Skilton announced that for 2024, the rally is looking to its past to build a stronger future, focusing on local talent and resident grassroots racers going forward. The organization also released dates for its two-day Sonora Rally School, taking place in San Luis Rio Colorado on December 8, 2023. The class will combine field practice with roadbook education and learning more about how it all plays out in the Northern Sonoran desert. To learn more, reach out to erinlee@sonorarally.com with inquiries.
Get Joy Offers Freeze-Dried Food for Your Four-Legged Friend
Get Joy, the makers of vet-developed dog meals and treats, has developed a line of dog food suitable for overland travel. Its freeze-dried line is easy to carry and store in limited spaces and offers a long shelf life. The meals can be stored for an extended period without the need for refrigeration, while the treats and chews are designed to optimize the health of your dog’s organs. Highly digestible and beneficial for gut health, Get Joy’s meals are USA-sourced.
From $7 | getjoyfood.com
Thule Caprock, the Modular Roof Platform
With a load capacity of up to 330 pounds (subject to your vehicle’s load rating, of course), Thule’s Caprock features a modular design with or without crossbars. Adjustable railings are available to transform the platform into a cargo basket, while integrated T-slots offer several mounting options for accessories like light bars, jacks, and other gear. Multiple sizes accommodate a variety of roof dimensions and truck bed sizes.
Starting at $900 | thule.com
Off-Grid Trailers Releases Expedition and Pando 3.0 Models
The redesigned camping trailers include upgrades to the electrical, kitchen, heating, and water systems and are now certified and registered as recreational vehicles that meet RVIA Compliance qualifications. The Expedition 3.0 overlanding trailer is constructed of metal and composites with a steel mainframe and aluminum storage compartments. Other features include 23 cubic feet of interior storage, a 31-gallon freshwater tank, and lithium sine inverters. The Pando 3.0 is an overland teardrop camper trailer with Timbren 3500HD axle-less suspension, 12 cubic feet of storage, and a 29-degree departure angle.
Price | offgridtrailers.com
Pact Outdoors Introduces Lite Bathroom Kit
I recently featured Pact’s Wipes and Tabs in When Nature Calls: Bathroom Solutions for the Overland Traveler. The brand released a new Lite Bathroom Kit including an ergonomic shovel, mycelium tabs and wipes, and a convenient container with a one week storage capacity. Weighing a mere 120 grams (4 ounces) when fully stocked, and measuring 8.5 by 1.75 inches, this kit is easily toted no matter where you go.
$35 | pactoutdoors.com
Beyond Clothing Releases Men’s Ascent Glide Pant
Part of Beyond’s Fall 2023 Collection, the Ascent Glide is designed for mobility and features an integrated ankle gaiter with a 2-strand draw cord and an easy fit over hiking shoes, boots, and microspikes. Four-way stretch nylon construction and articulated knee seams mean crouching, climbing, and stretching are a breeze. The pants also include a quick-dry DWR coating for wind and water resistance and rear zippered pockets stow keys, and other goods securely. The Ascent Glide is available in men’s sizes 30 to 42 in black, tobacco, olive green, and manatee grey.
$135 | beyondclothing.com
Gerber Launches Its Newest Knife: The Assert
The Assert is a compact carry knife with an S30V plain edge blade and a textured grip and honeycomb interior. With a blade length of 2.98 inches and a weight of 1.87 ounces, the Assert allows for single-handed operation and a custom carry with adjustable thumb stud, fuller deployment, and ambidextrous pivot lock and clip. Finally, those with deep pockets will appreciate the long clip and overall closed length of 3.97 inches.
$175 | gerbergear.com
Eezi-Awn Sabre Hard Shell Rooftop Tent
A smaller version of Eezi-Awn’s Sword Family hard shell tent, the Sabre is suitable for two people, freeing up space on the vehicle’s roof and is assembled with a one-piece hinge mechanism on the side. The ladder is stored on top of a fold-out platform inside the tent, and comes equipped with an internal LED light, two storage pockets, a USB port, and a 70mm high-density laminated mattress for restful sleeps.
$ | eezi-awn.com
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