Don’t have $25,000 to drop into an adventure bike? Neither do we! Fortunately, we found these five affordable options that are ready for the ride.
Adventure Photographer: HyperDrive UDMA 2 Backup Device
It’s a horrifying thought––losing a trip’s worth of images. Fortunately, the digital age has provided a number of backup solutions to safeguard our visual treasures; the UDMA 2 is one of the best.
Field Tested: Ruffwear Dog Products for the K9 Overlander
Keeping your dog happy and healthy while on the road is a priority for those of us with fluffy friends. We test out Ruffwear products to see if they’re up to the task.
Map of the Week: Global Wind Currents in Real Time
Interactive maps can get complicated, but not this one. This map is not only simple, it’s mesmerizing. To view global wind currents in realtime CLICK HERE.
VOTD: A Bunch of Cool Defenders…and Ice
CCM GP-450 Adventure
Heavily influenced by the Dakar Rally and its 450cc engine size limit, this CCM is aimed at those riders who favor rally inspired speed and agility above all.
Gear Scout: Timex Expedition Military Field
Reasonably priced, durable, and reliable, this good looking watch is still one of the best deals around.
Map of the Week: Sightsmap.com
Get ready to have your daily productivity blown to bits. For the worldly traveler, this might be the ultimate time-suck. What we have here is Sightsmap.com. This is a massive repository of images from around the globe, cataloged on an interactive map. Ever wondered what the Metro entrance looks like under the Arc de Triomphe in Paris? Want to see the sites of Egypt from your computer? Here you go: www.sightsmap.com Special thanks to ExPo moderator Haven for finding this and destroying a few hours of my workload.
Field Tested: Nemo Equipment GoGo LE
Part tent, part bivy sack, it has everything the minimalist backcountry traveler would want, but with more comfort, versatility and features than you would expect of a small 2.2 pound shelter.
VOTD: Overlanding Africa
Things get pretty interesting at about the seven minute mark in this video. It’s proof you don’t need a Defender to overland Africa. You do need courage, and skill.
Pilot Circles the Globe – Twice
Adding a whole new meaning to the term “overlanding”, pilot Bob Gannon has flown his Cessna 182, Lucky Lady Too, around the world––twice, once in each direction.
Gear Scout: Pelican 1085 HardBack Laptop Case
Waterproof, crush resistant, and guaranteed for life, the Pelican 1085 HardBack will give you the peace of mind to take your laptop there and back again.
Hutchinson Rock Monster Beadlock Wheels
Simple solutions are often the best, and Rock Monster wheels are if anything––simple.
Rugged Ridge Releases X-Clamp System
Designed to be extremely versatile, the new X-Clamp system is an innovative way to mount lights, cameras, antennas and more, regardless of the vehicle they’re being mounted to.
VOTD: The Lanzarote Effect
Map of the Week: The Middle of Nowhere
Gear Scout: Fast Find Ranger PLB
Released in May of 2012, the Ranger is one of the most rugged and compact PLBs on the market today. While the Ranger is small, genuinely pocket-sized, it does not skimp on power or features.
VOTD: 6×6 AMG G-Wagon in the Namib
Forbidden Fruit: The Honda VFR1200X Crosstourer
Honda spent a considerable amount of time creating their latest entry into the world of big adventure bikes, and it is a finely appointed machine, to be sure
Over-the-Top-Landing in Bentley’s New Falcon
A highly refined, luxury filled, waste of $300,000; Bentley reassures us that money doesn’t buy taste.