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Overland News of the Week

Overland News: Let’s Go Aero Introduces E-Motorbike Carrier

This week’s overland news begins with the V-Lectric Folding Rack (VFR). The VGF integrates a tray mount and ramp system that can withstand up to 80 pounds per bike and features a folding V-formation structure that handles various bike sizes, shapes, and geometries. To secure anything from e-bikes to gas scooters, the VFR uses adjustable wheel cradles and webbing straps. Rated for all vehicles, including travel trailers and fifth wheels, this rack allows vehicle cargo bay access without having to remove the bikes.

$1,000 | letsgoaero.com

Backpacker’s Pantry Launches Build Your Own Emergency Meal Kits

The revamped emergency meal kit allows users to build their own rations for three to seven days. Available meals include meat, vegan, and vegetarian options and the ability to bundle breakfasts, lunches, and dinner entrees in an easy-to-customize format. For those looking to avoid decision fatigue, Backpacker’s Pantry has also revamped its pre-built meal kits for three, seven, or 14 days. Each meal is packaged in waterproof pouches, making them easy to store in an emergency or bug out kit.

From $70 | backpackerspantry.com

Kora Releases Yak Wool and Merino Technical Hoodie

At 240gsm, the Yardang hoodie is a midweight layer celebrating the natural performance of yak wool. This unique material offers impressive breathability, moisture-wicking, is fast drying, and has naturally odor-resistant properties. Available for women and men in four colorways, the Yardang hoodie includes wool sourced and collected by the Kegawa Herders’ Cooperative, a collective of more than 90 families in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Specifications include a zipped neck, deep cuffs, and a lightweight hood.

$170 | Kora Yardang Hoodie

Burch Barrel’s Flat Packer Grill is Built for Your Overland Adventure

This portable stainless steel grill and firepit is lightweight, easy to assemble, and folds into four flat pieces. The result: it’s easy to store in your vehicle or tote bag. Campers may use charcoal briquettes, lump charcoal, or wood, and the grill features removable grates for easy cleaning. When packed, it measures 19 x 21.5 inches; when assembled, it spans to a height of 13.5 inches. Finally, the grill has a built-in bottle opener—handy for enjoying a cold, bubbly bevvie while grilling.

$275 | burchbarrel.com

Overland News: Ironman 4×4 Introduces Subaru XV Bumper Guard

The vehicle accessory market for all-wheel drive vehicles is expanding, and Ironman is here for it with its new XV bumper guard. This tubular bumper guard features a 2-millimeter steel skid plate, providing both bumper, radiator, condenser, and engine protection for Subaru XV owners. Additional offerings include two aerial tabs suitable for UHF and cellular aerials and the ability to seamlessly install light bars up to 32 inches in length. The 82-pound guard is powder-coated for longevity.

$990 | ironman4x4.com

Cantori Offroad Solutions Announces Box/Rack Systems for Ford Ram and Ranger

overland news cantori

A USA-based company that features German engineering, Cantori Offroad Solutions has introduced bed rack and storage solutions for Ford Ram and Ranger models. The systems include six to eight custom-sized boxes with accessory panels suitable for Rotopax, an ax, and fire extinguisher mounts. All welding is done in-house at Cantori’s Idaho-based shop. Note the company also offers made-to-order rack options and the opportunity to stop by on-site for installation.

$5,900/Ram Series One overland rack/box system, $5,000 /Ranger Series One truck box/rack system | cantorioffroadsolutions.com

Leatherman’s New ARC Multi-Tool Features 20 Different Tools

ov news leatherman

The first multi-tool to include MagnaCut steel, the Leatherman ARC also has a DLC blade coating, adding an additional corrosion resistance layer. Each tool is 100 percent one-hand operable, and with 20 of them, including a removable pocket clip, four-pocket nylon sheath, and eight double-ended bits, the ARC is certainly the next jack-of-all-trades. With a weight of 8.6 ounces and a closed length of 4.5 inches, it’s a wonder this nicely sized tool includes everything from needle nose pliers to a bottle opener, a large screwdriver, and more. Note the ARC is available to purchase starting October 17, 2023.

$230 | leatherman.com

Good-to-Go Launches Meals in Microwavable Cups

overland news good-to-go

These Good-to-Go meals are made by adding boiling water and waiting several minutes or by adding water and popping the cup in the microwave. Made from 35 percent post-consumer recycled fiber, the cups are available individually or in packs of eight in flavors such as Pad Thai, Pasta Marinara, and Cuban Rice Bowl. Chief and founder Jennifer Scism says the brand’s backpacking meals were larger than she wanted for lunch, so the company packaged its best-sellers to enjoy at home, work, school, or anywhere else. The cups are now available at the Good-to-Go website and from select grocers.

$5+ | goodto-go.com

Ural Motorcycles Announces October Demo Days

Ural Demo Days

Ural Motorcycles always turn heads, and the Kazakhstan/Redmond, Washington-based company has made some significant under-the-skin improvements to the three-wheeled beast over the last year. If you’ve been itching to try out a Gear Up, now is the time during their October Demo Days. At participating dealers in the USA and Canada, Ural will be rolling out bikes for demo rides on Saturday, October 21, and Saturday, October 28. Licensed riders are welcome to turn a throttle, and anybody—even your four-legged friends—can get a sidecar ride.

imz-ural.com

Nemo Introduces First Air Pad with 8+ R-Value

overland news nemo

Backcountry enthusiasts seeking a sleeping pad with the highest warmth-to-weight ratio have an ideal option in Nemo’s new Tensor Extreme Conditions. With an 8.5 R-value and weight of only 16 ounces, the pad is an ideal option for year-round overnighters looking for a comfortable, warm sleep in the backcountry. Nemo product developer Luke Scotton says that to achieve the high R-value, “the Apex system uses trapezoidal trusses to suspend four sheets of Thermal Mirror metalized film within each pad. By eliminating welding, we’ve created the quietest and warmest insulated air pad on the market.”

$280 – $250/various sizes | Nemo Tensor Extreme Conditions

Overland News: KC Hilites Raises the Bar with Flex Era LED Lights

overland news

KC’s latest innovation features 7,912 lumens of power per 10-inch segment, ideal for demanding, high-speed conditions. The bar bezels come standard in gold, but users can customize them to suit their build, including deep red, rich blue, or gloss black. An amber LED backlight is available for on- or off-pavement pursuits, while the kit bundles lights, beam pattern lenses, spare O-rings, black and yellow KC logo covers, and a complete wiring kit for installation. Team owner and driver Jason Coleman of Coleman Motorsports tested the lights in this year’s Vegas to Reno race with effective results and a thrilling win.

Starting at $500 | kchilites.com

Gestalten Debuts Riding in the Wild: Motorcycle Adventures Off and On the Roads

overland news book

Written by expert Jordan Gibbons, this comprehensive guide to riding classic motorcycles showcases the best regions and routes that offer unforgettable travel experiences. Gibbons advises what to pack and wear and discusses the best bikes for the journey. Typical of Gestalten’s books, this one features stunning photography, maps, illustrations, and stories to suit anyone with an adventurous spirit. Riding in the Wild will be published internationally on November 21—perfect timing for the holiday season.

$50 | gestalten.com

Read more: 9 Best Hard Storage Cases for Overlanding by Chris Cordes

Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.

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