If you’re feeling like someone in your life deserves something big this holiday season, and $200 just isn’t going to cut it, then this is the list for you. You can see all of our outdoor gear under $200 here, and check back for our four-wheel-drive parts and accessories list coming soon.
Renogy 200-watt Solar Starter Kit – $349
We tend to power a lot of electronics on the road, from tablets and phones to refrigerators and lights. With all of these draws on our battery systems, a solar system is a wise investment. Sadly, they’re quite expensive, often fetching $600 to $700 for a basic kit. If you are trying to pick one up for cheap, though, check out Renogy’s 200-watt starter kit. For just $349, it comes with everything you’ll need to get your system going, including two 100-watt monocrystalline panels, mounting brackets, wiring, connectors, and a 30A charge controller. If $349 is still too expensive, check our their similar 100-watt starter kit for just $199.
To learn more, visit the Renogy website here.
Front Runner Outfitters Powered Water System – $325 (Varies)
Go Fast Camper Rooftop Tent – $3,500
Go Fast Campers is a wildly popular option in the world of wedge campers, but their rooftop tent is just starting to gain traction in the oversaturated hardshell tent market. Fortunately for GFC, their hardshell boasts some features that few other tents can match, like an industry-leading thickness of just 6 inches, T-slot rails that allow for mounting accessories like racks and solar panels, billet aluminum, and composite construction. To top it all off, it’s 100 percent made in the USA. What’s not to love?
To learn more, visit their website here.
Go Fast Photo by Jim Bob Barnett
Salsa Blackborow GX Eagle – $3,299
Alu-Cab Shadow Awn 270 Awning – $1,499
It would be pretty tough to talk about our recommendations for overland camp gear without mentioning the Alu-Cab Shadow Awn. After winning our Editor’s Choice Award in the Overland Journal 270 Awning Test, which you can read here, this great product has continued to earn our affection. We love its durable construction, attention to detail, and ability to stand freely without any support legs. Add in the quick setup and breakdown times, and it is sure to please.
To check it out, visit the OK4WD website here.
Gunner Kennel – $399+
Dogs go with camping like peanut butter goes with jelly, or beer goes with brats. It’s just meant to be, but being in a car, especially off-road, is a risky business for a dog. To protect man’s best friend and make sure they have an enjoyable journey, check out Gunner Kennels. They are crash tested with 5-star ratings and withstood 4,000 pounds of crushing force before the test machine broke. Needless to say, this is one tough crate to crack. They also include all kinds of great accessories like all-weather covers, orthopedic and performance beds, and cooling fans for hot summer days.
To learn more, visit their website here.
Engel MT45 Fridge Freezer – $799
Engel fridge/freezers have been around forever, and have earned their reputation for reliability and efficiency in the marketplace. I’ve personally been using one for nearly two years, and love the galvanized steel exterior, simple control interface, and quiet motor. Engel is currently running a sale on this $1,049 fridge for just $799, so get yours while they last.
Check it out here.
Espar Airtronic Diesel or Gasoline-powered Heater – $789+
Camping in cold weather can be a blast even in a tent, but if you sleep inside a vehicle, using a gasoline or diesel heater can be a game changer. Take this Espar D2, for example. It burns .05 gallons per hour while pumping out up to 7,500 BTU. The thermostat makes it easy to set your temperature and forget it, keeping the cabin nice and warm all night long.
The Espar can be purchased for diesel or gasoline fuel sources, and are available on various websites for a range of prices, but we’ve found Espar Parts to be one of the best. You can view their website here.
Hastings Overland Rental Jeep and Trip Plan from Southern California or British Columbia – $219+
Tepui Hybox Tent/Cargo Box – $2,899
Eezi-Awn Blade Tent – $3,700
If you’re looking for a hardshell tent that offers a sleek look but with more space for bedding when closed than the Go Fast Camper, the Eezi-Awn blade is a great option. It features the brand’s legendary tent fabrics, but adds a modern aluminum hardshell, an 80-millimeter thick laminated mattress, and fantastic features like a National Luna LED light on the roof, a 12-volt power supply socket, and lockable latches.
To learn more, check it out on the Equipt Outfitters website here.
Old Town Canoe Penobscot 164 – $1,199
National Luna Fridge/Freezer – $995
Goose Gear Sleeping & Storage System – $1,288+
The word is out: sleeping in your vehicle can be a heck of a lot more comfortable and convenient than sleeping in a tent. The only trick is to make your interior a level sleeping space while still retaining storage. Thankfully, Goose Gear is making that far easier with their sleeping platforms and storage systems. They come in a range of sizes and designs for various vehicles, but each is built with CAD-generated and precision-made components with a level of durability and quality second to none. You can read more about our experience living with one of these systems full time here, or check them out on the Goose Gear website here.
Yakima Double Haul – $699
If you fly fish often, you’ll know how much of a pain it can be to break down your rod every time you want to hit the water. That’s why we’re digging the DoubleHaul from Yakima, which has padded and lockable space for four rods and reels. It can be used at its full length for 10′ rods, or a half-length for shorter vehicles with limited space. It can mount to most roof racks with a simple, tool-free universal crossbar attachment, so you don’t even need a Yakima rack to use it.
To learn more, check it out on the Yakima site here.
1Up USA Off-Road Bike Rack – $379+
There’s something about watching your prized mountain bike being thrown around behind a truck like a rag doll that makes you sick. Unfortunately, that’s been a reality for many off-roaders with the bike racks available on the market, but now 1Up USA has designed a system that’s up to the challenge. It uses a built-in anti-wobble stabilizer to prevent the rack itself from rotating in the receiver, and an incredibly stout all-metal frame to eliminate movement everywhere else. The Super-duty rack can support up to 250 pounds, and its rack armatures can secure bike tires of all sizes. It even has an optional bottle opener. Single bike carriers start at $379, while the super-duty double comes in at $599.
To learn more, visit the 1Up USA website here.
