Overland News of the Week

New RUX Clear

We’ve all been arm-deep in a bag or container, exclaiming, “Where the heck is it? I know it’s in here somewhere!” Well, fear not, as in this week’s overland news RUX is now offering the RUX 70-liter, Waterproof Bag, and RUX Pocket in a transparent material. The company promises that by using double-sided, TPU-coated, high-tensile 250d Polyester insertion weave material, their products provide the same level of durability, waterproofness, and functionality but with the added benefit of easy gear identification. Other small updates have been made to the Rux 70-liter, including new lashing points and a clear tag pocket.

rux.life

Ombraz Launch Cammina Shades

I was first introduced to Ombraz’s armless sunglasses in 2021 when I reviewed their Dolomite shades, and they’ve joined me on every overlanding and outdoor adventure since. The company recently released the Cammina frame (meaning “to walk” in Italian), which incorporates “vintage subtleties” and is designed to look at home in both urban and alpine environments. The frame is available in Tortoise and Charcoal, with a choice of three lenses (grey, brown, and yellow). The company plants 20 mangrove trees for every product sold, meaning that each pair sequesters 1,713 times more carbon than is emitted to produce and deliver.

$160 | ombraz.com

iKamper, X-Cover 3.0 Rooftop Tent

iKamper’s new hard-/soft-shell hybrid tent is one of the lightest 3- to 4-person offerings on the market at just 128 pounds. Highlights include a fold-out, coated aluminum hard top and integrated fabric side panels, a waterproof poly-cotton shell, and black-out window panels and awnings. If you enjoy camping in the colder months, you’ll also appreciate the optional insulation tent and heater duct for auxiliary heaters (also can be used in the summer for air conditioners). Finally, it showcases a full-coverage, insulating polyfoam mattress, 360-degree panoramic views, and overhead Skyview windows.

$2,599 | ikamper.com

66° North Snaefell Jacket

The PFA-free (per- and polyfluoroalkyl synthetic chemical compounds) jacket is named after the largest freestanding mountain in Iceland and is intended to perform across a broad range of activities and weather conditions. It incorporates adjustable cuffs and hem, a swivel hood with a helmet-friendly visor, and a backpack-compatible articulated fit. The fabric excelled in both a hydrostatic pressure test for waterproofness and moisture transmission rating for breathability. The Snæfell jacket is available for both men and women alongside a recently updated cropped version.

$550 | 66north.com

Blue Ridge Overland Gear Headrest Pouch Kit

Living in a vehicle, it’s imperative to utilize every inch of space, and with the help of Blue Ridge Overland Gear (BROG), you can. Today’s product seamlessly attaches to the vehicle headrest and is offered with either one Headrest Velcro Pouch or two Medium Velcro Pouch Clear. I have a DIY solution strapped to the headrests of my rig and I use it frequently for quick-grab items such as my multi-tool, medical supplies, stationary, and small spare parts. Aside from the BROG premium quality and design, I love that the pouches are easily detached/attached, and that the Pouch Clear allows for content identification.

$48-57 | blueridgeoverlandgear.com

Limited Edition Vahna x Danner Moto GTX Boots

Also in this week’s overland news; the Vahna x Danner Moto GTX Boots blend classic style with modern functionality. The boot showcases a full-grain leather upper, 100% waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex liners, a perforated footbed for shock absorption, airflow, and drainage), a Vibram Kletterlift outsole with Megagrip, and a stitch-down construction for increased stability underfoot. Safety features consist of D30 ankle protection (the thinnest and most flexible protection material on the market) and a medial shift guard for added abrasion resistance. The GTX boots will be produced in a limited quantity and are available for pre-order now.

$480 | vahna.com

Dometic Go Camp Seat Heater

The Dometic Go range offers “everything for a day outdoors and is made to fit the trunk of your car.” The company recently added the Go Camp seat heater to the lineup, which provides three levels of warmth, is constructed from durable, water-resistant fabric, and incorporates an efficient heating system that promises consistent, even heat. Other highlights include an internal temperature sensor cutoff for safety and an energy-efficient design that can be powered with either a 5-volt USB-A or 12-volt output. It comes with a carry case and can be used as a personal seat heater or a sleeping bag pre-heater.

$64 | dometic.com

Outin Nano Portable Espresso Machine

I’m obsessive about cutting weight in my vehicle, but when it comes to my coffee-making apparatus, I make an exception. I currently use a rather obnoxious (but brilliant) Rok EspressoGC, but I recently discovered the Outin Nano portable espresso machine, which promises the same barista experience in a pocketable size. It supplies 20-bar pressure for rich crema, up to 5 cups off a single charge with cold water (or 200 with hot water), has an IPX4 waterproof rating, and weighs just 670 grams. It also showcases an innovative 2-in-1 design that’s compatible with both ground coffee and capsules.

$140 | outin.com

Bedrock Sandals Mountain Clog

Whatever the activity, I live in my Bedrock sandals. Without question, they’re the best footwear I’ve ever invested in and subsequently, I never travel without them. However, one of the drawbacks is they offer very little foot/toe protection and with this in mind, the company has released the Mountain clog. Featuring a synthetic suede upper (also available in oiled ecco nubuck leather), a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and an ultra-secure strap system, it crucially incorporates a toe box that’s wide enough for thick socks and incorporates a rubber toe cap for closed-toe protection. The Mountain Clog might be the ultimate do-it-all outdoors footwear.

$160-175 | bedrocksandals.com

Suzuki Announces Limited Edition Jimny XL Heritage

I’ve long admired the Suzuki Jimny, which harkens back to a time when 4WDs prioritized functionality above all else. It was, therefore, big news in 2023 when the company unveiled a longer wheelbase 5-door XL variant. If that wasn’t enough, Suzuki has now unveiled a Limited Edition (only 500 available) Heritage model that incorporates the same rugged credentials (including AllGrip Pro 4WD technology, high and low range, Hill Hold and Descent Control, and more) and is offered with retro paint and decals that herald the “Jimny’s vibrant 4WD history from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.”

suzuki.heritagemotors.com

Nitto Tire Ridge Grappler

Choosing between a mud- and an all-terrain tire is a difficult choice when both excel in different scenarios. Nitto’s light-truck tire, the Ridge Grappler, hopes to solve this conundrum by offering the best of both worlds. It utilizes a revolutionary dynamic hybrid tread pattern that delivers quiet and comfortable on-road manners while incorporating aggressive sidewall lugs for backcountry performance. Highlights include a dual sidewall design (one side adopts a more traditional pattern and the other a new aggressive block design), a reinforced block foundation that adds rigidity, stone ejectors, staggered shoulder lugs, and step block tapered edges that provide additional biting for traction.

$varies | nittotire.com

Six Moon Designs ADC Travel Pack

The new ADC (all-day carry) travel pack is designed to be the ultimate do-it-all bag and is available in both 35- and 45-liter variants. It caters to airport travelers and digital nomads while incorporating the technical features required for exploring the great outdoors. Featuring an admin pocket, a full clamshell opening with dual clothing organizers and compression straps, a quick removal hip belt, a trekking pole carrier, two 1.5-liter bottle pockets, a flight suspension system, YKK waterproof locking zippers, a roller luggage handle pass-through, top and side grab handles, and more. The bag is also compatible with the company’s wide range of adventure trekking accessories.

$335-350 | sixmoondesigns.com

Roofnest Meadowlark XL Rooftop Tent

The Meadowlark XL is a soft-shell rooftop tent that sleeps 2-3 people and only uses a fraction of the roof space required by alternatives thanks to its long and narrow design (just 30 inches). Consequently, it frees up half of the roof space for solar panels, roof boxes, and adventure gear. It’s manufactured using 190 gsm coated polycotton (waterproof rating 2,000 millimeters) and has a weight of just 100 pounds. Additional highlights include a 2.5-inch dual-density foam mattress, three windows and two skylights, LED lighting, a rain fly, two detachable shoe bags, and more.

$1,995 | roofnest.com

Iron Man 4×4 USA, 2021+ Ford F-150 3.5-inch Lift and Level Kit

Lifting a vehicle is an easy way to ruin it, so it pays to invest in a quality kit. With this in mind, Ironman USA has recently released a new 3.5-inch lift and level kit for 2021+ F-150s. It’s available as a Stage 1 or Stage 2 kit (the latter also contains front struts and rear shocks) and is engineered to enhance all-terrain performance without compromising factory comfort and drivability. Benefits include improved ground clearance, durable construction, and enhanced performance across all surfaces. The kit allows up to a 35-inch tire and enjoys a 4-year unlimited mileage warranty.

$799-999 | ironman4x4america.com

Bobby and Angel Massie Launch Wanderland Outdoors

Colorado-based Wanderland Outdoors is a new luxury outfitter on a mission to make the outdoors more accessible via guided excursions that include fly fishing trips, trail rides, hiking, and more. Events will launch in mid-May and run through October and promise to be unique thanks to the “Wanderland Way,” which means top-tier equipment such as Bare Bones Chairs, Simms Waders, Winston Fishing rods with Bauer reels, and gourmet excursion meals featuring local produce. Wanderland Outdoors is a mission-driven outfitter that prides itself on the lived experiences of its black, Navajo, and Tongan guides. Each trip begins with a land acknowledgement, and indigenous practices are used whenever possible.

wanderlandoudoors.com

Rumpl Camp Pillow

The first time I traveled with a Rumpl blanket was the last time I used a traditional duvet for overlanding. They’re lighter, softer, warmer, and more compressible. The company has recently unveiled a camp pillow specifically designed for camping, vanlife, and overlanding. It features dual-sided materialization for warming or cooling comfort, PFAS-free stain and water resistance, includes a roll-top stuff sack, and is machine washable. Pillow fill is a proprietary blend of memory foam and polyester in a removable insert that allows the user to adjust the fill level and loft. If you’re looking for the perfect pillow for outdoor adventures, look no further.

$49 | rumpl.com