Rapha Explore Luggage System
In this week’s overland news, Rapha has unveiled their Explore luggage system that’s “designed to go further” with long-distance bikepacking and adventure cycling in mind. As the name suggests the new lineup comprises a complete system for travel that includes Frame, Seat, Handlebar, and HandleBar Accessory packs, and a Top Tube Bag. It’s the perfect option for the weight-conscious rider who seeks a complete luggage system with minimal impact on the riding experience. Check out the company’s recent field report from Morocco to learn more about how this new offering can be configured for bikepacking.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Splash Bivy
The all-new Splash bivy is the ideal ultra-lightweight shelter (just 5.6 ounces) for big miles where speed and efficiency are paramount. The system can be paired with the Hyperlite Flat Tarp for inclement weather or utilized solo for clear nights under the sky. It can be pitched using trekking poles or via the ridge line on your tarp and showcases a ripstop nylon exterior shell, no-see-mum mesh for bug protection/ventilation, and incorporates 9-inch-tall bathtub floor sidewalls to keep your sleep components dry. This is the perfect solution for stowing away in compact overland rigs for those impromptu overnight backcountry adventures (also useful as an emergency shelter).
$250 | hyperlitemountaingear.com
Super Pacific HuckPack Collection
The HuckPack Collection comprises a Duffel, Seat Back Organizer, and the HuckPack Cube, and is designed to perform at home, in a vehicle, or even as carry-on luggage. The hero product is the clamshell-designed duffel, which is manufactured using a Dimension Polyant RX36 exterior and a Challenge SailCloth EPX200 liner. It can be opened on the flat or hung vertically and incorporates Dura-Flex gated G-Hooks with ladder and camming locks. Combined with the Seat Back Organizer this collection is a great option for overnighters or as part of an existing pack list for longer trips.
Leica D-Lux 8
As an avid Leica user, I was excited to hear the company had recently unveiled the new D-Lux 8, which promises to be “uncomplicated, functional, and intuitive.” It features an ergonomic design, touchscreen, high-resolution OLED viewfinder, optical zoom, Vario-Summilux lens, and attachable flash unit. Image quality is provided via a 4/3 CMOS sensor with 21 megapixels and the video function is capable of 4K 3840 x 2160. The compact form factor, discreet styling, and legendary Leica quality make the D-lux a great option for travel.
$1,595 | leicacamerausa.com
MSR Hubba Hubba Bikepack 2-person Tent
The lightweight (3 pounds, 1 ounce) Hubba Hubba 2 builds on the success of its best-selling predecessor. The new iteration showcases a rectangular floor plan with no taper, 42 inches of headroom, tech-friendly pockets with cable ports, and large overhead lofts for bulkier items. The interior clothesline allows you to hang damp gear, while “extra-large” vestibules are ideal for equipment you’d prefer to keep outside. Pitching is seamless courtesy of a unified hub-and-pole system and symmetrical design. The tent packs into the included Handlebar Bag, which fits both flat and drop bars, and includes spacers for the perfect fit.
$580 | msrgear.com
Goose Gear Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon 2023-Present Explore Series Second-Row Seat Delete
Goose Gear produces industry-leading storage solutions for a wide array of vehicles. The company recently introduced its Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon 2023-to-present Explore Series second-row seat delete, which replaces the factory rear seats with a platform, back wall, and integrated storage. The system is bolt-in, features lockable latched cubbies, and is built with industrial-grade plywood and coating to ensure years of abuse. When living in a mid-size truck, every inch of real estate matters, so a rear seat delete is a great way to maximize the space without any permanent modifications.
$1,995 | goose-gear.com
Scheel-Mann Introduces Klima Ventilated Seats
As someone who recently drove almost 2,500 miles in under a week, I can’t stress enough the importance of supportive seats. Scheel-Mann is widely considered the gold standard for overland seating and has recently introduced its first ventilated seat, the Klima. The exciting new offering features integrated fans in the seat bottom and backrest to provide welcome relief in hot climates (they’re also heated for winter adventures). In addition, there’s 14-way adjustability to suit all sizes and an ergonomic design that hugs the natural curve of your spine for all-day comfort and support.
$3,766 | scheel-man.com
Hi-Lift Vertical Tailgate Mount
The Hi-Lift jack is a staple of overland travel but due to its size and weight mounting to the vehicle exterior is preferential. With this in mind, the company has recently updated its lineup with a Vertical tailgate mount for the 2021+ Ford Bronco. Installation is simple with minimal drilling and the 6061-T6 aluminum construction ensures strength and durability. Another nice touch is the pre-drilled tab that can be used for an antenna or flag mount. If you’re looking for a convenient, space-efficient, and safe way to fit a Hi-Lift jack to your Bronco, look no further.
$119 | hi-lift.com
Benchmade Adira Depth Blue Grivory Drop-Point
This year, I’ve drastically downsized my pack list with my entire kitchenware fitting inside of a collapsible washing-up bowl. However, some items are essential, and a quality knife is one of them. Cue the Benchmade Adira, which features a CPM-Magnacut corrosion-resistant Super stainless-steel blade and a Grivory (glass-filled thermoplastic composite) handle that’s light, durable, and easy to grip. The made-in-the-USA drop-point blade is optimized for use around water, which makes it the ideal choice for outdoor adventurers. Knives can be personalized for a loved one and are sold with Benchmade’s warranty and LifeSharp promise.
$250 | benchmade.com
NW Alpine Fortis Collection
Back in 2013, NW Alpine commercialized an award-winning sub-5-ounce waterproof jacket utilizing made-in-the-USA ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The fabric is 15 times stronger than steel at the same weight, ultralight, non-toxic, and abrasion-resistant. The company has continued to develop products using this space-age material and has recently unveiled its Fortis Collection, which is made using 10% UHMWPE and 90% poly/nylon. The fabric is offered in a 115 and 150 gsm weight and is used for the Short Sleeve Performance Tee, Hoody, Rock Hoody, and a Long Sleeve Baselayer. The products promise enhanced mountain performance and durability over alternatives.
$69-99 | nwalpine.com
AeroPress Go Plus Coffee Maker
AeroPress Go Plus is designed to be the ultimate coffee-making system for travel. The kit incorporates a Go Plus chamber, plunger, and filter cap, a tumbler with a built-in filter holder, scoop, stirrer, and paper micro-filters. Simply remove the chamber, add your filter, coffee, and water, and press directly into the double-wall, vacuum-insulated tumbler (which also doubles up as a storage container for the entire kit). When living on the road, space is at a premium, so this super-compact brewing station is the ideal companion for overlanders who want an all-in-one solution for barista-quality java.
$80 | aeropress.com
2024 Chevrolet Silverado Fox Factory Edition
The limited-edition super truck “celebrates 50 years of pushing potential further at Fox with big power, capability and menacing style.” This monster Silverado is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces 700 horsepower and 640 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 10-speeed automatic transmission and an Autotrac 2-speed transfer case. Underneath is Fox race-proven long-travel suspension that provides 14.5 inches of front and 15.5 inches of rear travel. Additional highlights include an ARB rear locker, front AAM and rear semi-float Dana 60 axle housings (with 3.73 gearsets), chromoly axle shafts, carbon fiber body parts, armor, and interior upgrades. The truck is sold with a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty.
$210,000 | foxfactorytruck.com
Hipcamp and Subaru Partner to Create 10 Electric Vehicle Road Trips Across the United States
Is there anything more magical than a summer road trip—listening to music, taking in the sights, and sleeping under the stars? Hipcamp and Subaru have partnered to create 10 EV-friendly scenic drives across the United States. Each route highlights pristine public lands in the US (including national parks) while detailing charging stations and campsites along the way (80 percent of sites are located near publicly accessible EV stations). Trips include classics such as Route 66, Texas’s Chihuahuan Desert, the Olympic Peninsula, the Great Lakes, the California Coast, and more. The project demonstrates that EV road trips are easier than ever and are a great way to reduce our impact on the environment.
Realtruck Trail Access Program Awards Spring Grants to Tread Lightly! And BlueRibbon Coalition
Realtruck, an leading online retailer of aftermarket truck parts and accessories, has announced Tread Lightly! and BlueRibbon Coalition as spring recipients of funding via its Rugged Ridge Trail Access Program. Now in its 11th year, the program works to maintain and protect access to public land and recreational trails across the United States and Canada and has donated $175,000 in grant funds to date. It’s great to see an industry giant such as Realtruck giving back to the community and inspiring competitors to step up and do their part to support our public lands. If your organization is eligible you can apply here.
SylvanSport Launches Micro Adventure Series
Oftentimes less is more and taking this into account North-Carolina based SylvanSport celebrates its 20th anniversary with the launch of its Micro Adventure Series (MAS), which includes the Loft rooftop tent, Go Easy HD kayak/bike trailer, and the Trailoft HD micro camper. The products are engineered to work in conjunction or independently and are perfect for customers desiring a compact/lightweight towable system for camping. In addition, the Go Easy Trailer and Trailoft are available in three build options (base, essential, and ultimate), which allows users to tailor the products to their objectives. The SylvanSport’s MAS turns any daily driver into a rolling home.
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