Gear Chronicles: New SOUNDBOKS Echoes in the Oregon Backcountry
The New SOUNDBOKS is the world’s loudest Bluetooth speaker. But is it overlanding tough? Nick Jaynes took one on his latest overland journey through the Oregon backcountry to find out.
The New SOUNDBOKS is the world’s loudest Bluetooth speaker. But is it overlanding tough? Nick Jaynes took one on his latest overland journey through the Oregon backcountry to find out.
Whether you’re looking for a tent, sleeping pad, or head lamp, outdoor gear brand UST has affordable offerings of must-have gear.
When you’re outfitting your rig for overlanding, the best place to start is with heavy-duty bumpers and a winch. If you’re building a Jeep JK, few options are better than the Rugged Ridge HD Series full-width bumpers and Trekker winch.
When it comes to building out a vehicle there are lots of opinions about where to start, from skid plates to snorkels to solar, but I decided to start from the ground up. With a new Superlift three-inch suspension lift, I headed deep into the Sonoran desert to put my Tacoma to the test.
Most outdoor jackets offer windproof and waterproof designs but few, if any offer protection from campfire embers and coals. Trekka’s innovative jacket design is ember-proof, stylish enough to wear in the office and tough enough to wear on the trail.
There is nothing better than pulling out your wool blanket to keep you warm in camp. The Pendleton Craftsman Collection combines quality construction and cozy feels for classic campsite lounging.
You know those cheap, aluminum tent stakes that you get with nearly EVERY piece of equipment you buy? You know, the ones that bend if you look at them funny? If you’re sick and tired of tent stakes that disintegrate if you get a hammer near them, it’s time to upgrade to the Snow Peak Solid Stake #30.
If you spend lots of time living, working, and camping out of your overland rig, you’ll know the need for durable, easy-to-clean, and large enough for your backcountry culinary creations while not taking up a lot of precious cargo room. The folks at MSR have developed the perfect companion for the backcountry chef in your group with the MSR Flex 4 Cooking System.
The Overland Expo staff each snagged a pair of Wildly Good socks and tested them out on an overland journey (or three). These are their reviews.
Wildly Good Lightweight CoolMax Neck Gaiters are hyper-functional and a perfect match for your active and outdoor lifestyle.
Light up your campsite with the lightest light. Weighing only three ounces, the Crush Light Chroma by Goal Zero is tiny, portable, and charges on a built-in solar panel.
Keep your sand out of your sandwich with a sturdy little camp side table. The Stoic Dirtbag Table is lightweight, easy cleaning, and packs up small.
Hydro Flask’s 12 ounce mug is the perfect vessel for hot camp coffee with incredible insulation and sturdy construction.
The Claymore line of area lights, headlamps, and battery-powered fans will change the way you camp. Each Claymore light and fan doubles as a battery bank to charge your phone, GPS, or other USB devices. We put the new Claymore Ultra+II, 3FACE mini, and V600 to the test on the Alpine Loop in Southwestern Colorado.
I’m sure everyone reading this knows how MISSION CRITICAL good coffee is to start your day out on the trail. All too often it is something that we forego because of the time consuming clean up.
After three years of testing, research, design and hard work, our friends at Planetary Design came up with the OVRLNDR Press, a truly easy-to-clean French Press perfect for commutes, road-trips, or just brewing in the kitchen.
The Hydro Flask 64oz. Beer Growler features the Fresh Carry System – which is designed to keep beer cold and carbonated for multiple hours, though, there’s a fair chance the beer won’t be there longer than an hour. This durable, sweat-free powder coated finish growler is BPA- and phthalate-free and it keeps beverages hot up to 6 hours and cold for up to 24 hours.
Waterproof and well-vented, Klim’s Artemis jacket is the ultimate women’s adventure jacket for all riding conditions.
The Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL is a lightweight, closed-cell foam pad that delivers a great night sleep.
Easily the comfiest riding boots on the market, the Forma Terra EVO is well protected and waterproof.
There are many gadgets that offer the same benefits as the Garmin Overlander. Few, if any, have them all packed into one hardy, quick, and easy-to-use package. If off-road turn-by-turn navigation is something your overland journeys are missing, consider picking up the Overlander.
Anyone who has been on a multi-week or longer overland trip knows the importance of a solid way to organize your clothes and outdoor gear in your vehicle. I’ve tried backpacks, multiple duffels, and suitcases in the past and I finally landed on a favorite. Patagonia’s 55L Black Hole Duffel Bag.
Outdoor adventurers must be prepared for all weather conditions in mountainous terrain. Lightweight, windproof, waterproof, stretchy, and durable, the KUHL Stretch Voyagr Jacket is perfect for biking, hiking, running, climbing, paddling outdoors this Fall.
The EDC knife for the wine or beer lover in mind. Open bottles, cans, and cut things with the Gerber Armbar Cork.
Navigate roaring rivers or peaceful lakes with the ultra-light Rogue Lite packraft from Kokopelli. The Rogue Lite packs down small and weighs nearly nothing making it the perfect overland companion.
Photo by Brett Willhelm