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Overland News of the Week

Pol Tarrés Sets Motorcycle World Altitude Record

In this week’s, Overland News of the Week, we celebrate Pol Tarrés’ most recent accomplishment. Two years after making history and setting an altitude world record on a Yamaha Ténéré 700, Pol Tarrés recently revisited Chile, surpassing his achievement. Not only did he break his previous record, but he also established a new altitude milestone for a single-cylinder motorcycle. Scaling an impressive height of 21,906 feet with the Ténéré World Raid GYTR (Genuine Yamaha Technology Racing), Tarrés set a fresh benchmark for the highest altitude attained on a twin-cylinder motorcycle. During the reconnaissance phase, Tarrés also achieved the highest altitude ever reached on a single-cylinder motorcycle, ascending to 22,165 feet on the cross-country-specific Yamaha YZ450FX. Both achievements were meticulously documented with dual GPS and confirmed by three guides as per protocol.

yamaha-racing.com

ARB Launches the Automated Altitude 2 Rooftop Tent

Overland

The ARB Altitude 2 rooftop tent sets itself up, packs itself down at the touch of a button, and is built with durability in mind; this tent features a robust aluminum frame and 300gsm poly-cotton ripstop canvas fabric, ensuring resilience against harsh weather conditions. Its low-profile aerodynamic design minimizes wind resistance during travel, while the retractable ladder allows easy access and setup. The tent boasts a spacious interior with a high-density foam mattress, providing a comfortable sleeping area for two adults. Large side windows and mesh panels offer ventilation and panoramic views of the surroundings. Additionally, the Altitude 2 includes a retractable annex with a zippered door, providing extra living space and versatility.

$4,950 / nomadicsupply.com

Lifestraw Gives Back and Saves Lives

Overland

LifeStraw recently unveiled its 2023 LifeStraw Impact Report on World Water Day, aligning with this year’s theme of using water for peace. CEO Alison Hill highlights the organization’s pivotal role in providing safe drinking water amid increased humanitarian needs worldwide. Over 55,000 contributions supported LifeStraw’s efforts in regions like Gaza, Ukraine, and South Sudan. To further aid these initiatives, LifeStraw introduces limited-edition Safe Water bracelets and water bottle carriers, with all proceeds funding humanitarian endeavors. The Impact Report details significant achievements, including the distribution of 18,000 filters in Gaza and reaching over 9.6 million individuals through the Give Back Program. SafiCycle, a menstrual health initiative, empowered 1,756 adolescents in Kenya in its inaugural year.

lifestraw.com

Gerber Gear Celebrates 85 Years Of Crafting Excellence And Innovation In Portland, Oregon

Overland

Founded in 1939 by Joe Gerber, a local advertising agency owner with a penchant for quality, the company began with a single carving knife created as a gift for a client. This gesture sparked the birth of Gerber Gear, which quickly evolved from culinary knives to becoming a pioneering force in the American knife market. Gerber’s impact resonates across diverse user communities, from supplying combat tools in World War II to shaping the everyday carry movement with folding knives in the 1960s. Throughout 2024, Gerber will share stories of its heritage, leading up to a special limited-edition product launch in November, continuing its quality and consumer-focused innovation tradition.

gerbergear.com

Roofnest Reveals The Falcon 3 Evo Series Rooftop Tents

Overland

Roofnest recently introduced the Falcon 3 Evo series, including the Falcon 3 Evo and Falcon 3 Evo XL rooftop tents, designed in Boulder, Colorado. This series significantly advances the brand’s clamshell rooftop tents, offering enhanced durability, warmth, space, aerodynamics, and versatility. The Falcon 3 Evo series combines the best features of its predecessors—the Falcon 2 and Falcon Pro’s all-aluminum construction and the Condor 2 foldout series’ robust, weather-proof design. Improvements include a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape, increased interior space, and a durable, insulated PC-ABS plastic top shell with a Line-X coating. Additionally, the series introduces new features like the capacity to keep light bedding inside the closed tent and redesigned accessory channels for external gear storage.

$3,495/Falcon 3 Evo, $3,795/Falcon 3 Evo XL | roofnest.com

Goose Gear Debuts Explore Series Products for Toyota Sequoia and Ineos Grenadier

Overland

Goose Gear recently announced the launch of the Explore Series, compatible with the 3rd-gen Toyota Sequoia and 2024 Ineos Grenadier. For the Sequoia, Goose Gear draws inspiration from XOverland’s Simba model, tailored for Africa’s rugged landscapes. Highlights for the Sequoia include a seat delete plate system for the second row with captain’s chairs and a comprehensive third-row 100 percent Delete Package. For the 2024 Ineos Grenadier, the Explore Series offers a suite of new products, including Brian’s Favorite Package, a rear plate system, a second-row seat delete plate system, and side-by-side and single drawer modules with fitted top plates, ensuring optimal organization and functionality for every adventure.

goose-gear.com

Overland Vehicle Systems Introduces the LD Tmon Clamshell Aluminum Hard Shell Rooftop Tent

Overland

The LD Tmon 3-Person rooftop tent by Overland Vehicle Systems offers a spacious and comfortable shelter for outdoor enthusiasts. The tent is constructed from high-quality materials, including a 600 denier ripstop polyester fabric with a waterproof coating, ensuring durability. Its aluminum frame is lightweight yet sturdy, providing stability and support. The tent features large windows and mesh panels for ventilation and panoramic views of the surroundings. It includes a comfortable foam mattress and accommodates up to three people. The LD Tmon rooftop tent is easy to set up and comes with all the necessary hardware and accessories.

$1,500 | overlandvehiclesystems.com

Six Moon Designs Launches the Flight 30 Ultralight Backpack

The Flight 30 Ultralight Backpack by Six Moon Designs is designed for ultralight backpacking enthusiasts. Crafted from high-quality materials, including durable nylon and Dyneema fabrics, this backpack offers a balance of lightweight construction and durability. With a total capacity of 30 liters, the backpack features a minimalist design with a main compartment, front mesh pocket, and side water bottle pockets, allowing easy organization and access to items on the trail. It includes comfortable shoulder straps and a padded hip belt for optimal weight distribution and carrying comfort during long hikes. The Flight 30 also boasts a hydration sleeve and hose port, making it compatible with hydration systems.

$300 | sixmoondesigns.com

The Helinox Table Four is Minimalist and Practical

Helinox introduces Table Four, a lightweight, portable camping table for outdoor adventures. With its innovative design and durable construction, the Table Four offers a stable surface for dining, cooking, or other camp activities, and its collapsible aluminum frame is both lightweight and strong. A spacious tabletop leaves plenty of room for food, drinks, and other essentials, making it ideal for camping, picnics, or backyard gatherings. When not in use, the table folds into a compact size and comes with a storage bag for convenient transportation and storage.

$400 | helinox.com

Real Truck Introduces the Bak Revolver X4s Tonneau Cover

The Bak Revolver X4s tonneau cover, available at RealTruck, offers a sleek and functional solution for truck bed protection. Crafted with durability in mind, this cover features a heavy-duty aluminum construction with a matte-black finish, ensuring long-lasting performance and style. The low-profile design provides a flush fit, enhancing the truck’s aerodynamics while maintaining access to the entire truck bed. The rolling design allows for easy operation, with the ability to fully open or close the cover in seconds. The cover also includes integrated seals to keep out dust, water, and other debris, keeping cargo safe and secure.

From $1,350 | realtruck.com

Nemo Equipment Event Empowers Teens Fighting Cancer

See You at the Summit offers an engaging program tailored for teenagers undergoing cancer treatment, aiming to infuse fun and levity into their journey. The program utilizes wilderness adventures to empower teens facing cancer, providing medically supported backpacking trips where they connect with peers facing similar challenges, fostering resilience and embracing nature’s healing essence. Beyond outdoor adventures, the evidence-based curriculum spans nine days, drawing from cutting-edge research to empower teens and enhance their quality of life. The program also extends its benefits to adults, delivering invaluable experiences and fostering independence and resilience.

seeyouatthesummit.org

Optima Build

Optima unveiled a custom-built hybrid Toyota Tundra at CES 2024, tailored for the ultimate off-the-grid experience. This vehicle, powered by Optima, is equipped for camping, featuring a rooftop tent, a bed rack for easy gear storage, integrated gear pods, and a water carry tank ensuring readiness for both adventure and relaxation in the wild. It’s also ruggedly prepared for off-road excursions with enhancements, including upgraded suspension, wheels, and tires. Optima’s Tundra is also outfitted with a Magnaflow exhaust system, a winch from Warn Industries, high-power radios from Kenwood, a Garmin off-road navigator, vehicle data monitoring by Banks iDash, and internet connectivity provided by Starlink, ensuring readiness for any adventure. You name it, the Tundra has it.

optimabatteries.com

Go Fast Campers Offers Rivian R1T Pre-Order

With a modest initial deposit of $100, Rivian R1T drivers can secure their spot for this innovative camper and topper duo, with production set to commence in August 2024. The design focus for the Rivian R1T Camper and topper is on ensuring a seamless fit and functionality, aiming to preserve the vehicle’s original features. The camper’s design minimally impacts the R1T’s height while enhancing its aerodynamics without significantly affecting range. Functioning as a truck bed topper and a roof rack when not used for camping, the topper offers additional lockable storage space and the capability to transport lengthy, heavy items. Throughout the design phase, updates will be shared to keep interested parties informed.

$9,450/Camper, $4,999/Topper with a $300 installation fee

gofastcampers.com

Read More: Practical Overland Knives : Buyers Guide

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.

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