Gear Showcase: Power, Lighting, and Solar

As everything becomes more technology dependent, the need for more readily accessible power in your rig or at your campsite increases. From solar panels to rechargeable batteries to convenience receptacles, we’ve got you covered this month. In addition, we shed some light on the latest and greatest illumination just in time for sunset to come earlier as we transition into the heart of fall. This month’s theme: more light and more power for your overlanding adventures.

ExtremeTerrain — Raxiom 9-Inch LED Headlights with DRL and Halo

For overlanders who push into the backcountry after dark, dependable light output isn’t a luxury; it’s survival gear. Raxiom’s 9-Inch LED Headlights with DRL and Halo were engineered for exactly that demand, giving the Jeep Wrangler JL (2018-2026) a factory-style, plug-and-play upgrade that swaps in a projector-lens design built for real backcountry visibility.

Each headlight produces between 3,000 and 6,500 lumens at a 6,000 to 6,500K color temperature, throwing a bright, focused beam down unlit forest service roads and rocky two-tracks alike. A22-watt LED halo ring doubles as a daytime running light, keeping the rig visible to oncoming traffic on remote highways while giving the JL’s face a distinctive, modern look favored across the overland community. The housings are die-cast aluminum paired with crystal-clear polycarbonate lenses, and the whole assembly carries an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, so stream crossings, dust storms, and mud-caked trails won’t compromise the electronics inside.

Despite the trail-ready construction, these headlights remain fully DOT and SAE compliant, meaning a Wrangler can run pavement, byway, and backcountry trail on the same trip without sacrificing street legality. Installation is a direct swap for the factory headlights and takes about an hour with basic hand tools, though the halo accent does require splicing into the Jeep’s existing running-light circuit. Each set ships as a matched driver-and- passenger pair, complete with the harness adapters, add-a-fuse, wiring harness, and Allen key needed for a clean install.

For the overland-minded Wrangler owner, it’s an accessible upgrade: durable, DOT-legal lighting that meaningfully improves visibility on remote routes, backed by ExtremeTerrain’s fitment guarantee and 500-plus verified customer reviews.

MSRP: $774.99/pair

Kingpin Equipped — F-Series 40″ Light

The F-Series 40″ Light is the game-changing light Kingpin built. Starting out in 2023 with the V-Series and evolving into the F-Series, three years later it’s still the go-to light for overland builds everywhere. Over 5,000 people have bought one since.

It does two things a strip won’t. White light for work. Red light for after. Anybody who’s stood at a tailgate at 10 pm with a white light blasting knows the problem. You can’t see past the glow, and every bug in a mile shows up. Switch to red and your eyes stay adjusted. You can still see your hands, and you can still see the stars. The buttons are on the light itself. Give it 12 volts, and it works. Nothing else to wire. If you want to tone it down, any Kingpin dimmer will run it from full brightness down to a glow.

The build is what people pay for. It’s 40 inches long and only 1.13 inches thick, making it easy to mount just about anywhere. Add the Search Mount Kit if you want it to rotate a full 360 and aim the light exactly where you need it. Pulling 12 watts at 1.1 amps, wire it straight to the main vehicle battery and forget about needing a jump start after hours of use. The lens is diffused with zero visible diodes, so the light spreads evenly instead of throwing one hot spot. It’s rated IP54. Rain and dust don’t bother it. Two-year warranty on all of it, so you can count on your Kingpin™ light trip after trip.

MSRP: $129.99

Radlight — Survival Lighter

Every overlander knows the moment: camp is set, the wind is up, and the lighter that worked fine at the trailhead won’t catch. Radlight was created to solve that problem. Traditional liquid-fuel lighters have changed little in a century, and users have learned to accept their limitations, from fuel that evaporates between trips to flames that give out in the wind. From its home in northern Minnesota, on the edge of the Boundary Waters, Radlight took the familiarity and field-serviceability of a classic liquid-fuel lighter and reengineered it for the backcountry.

At the heart of the design is a sealed fuel system that retains fuel up to 20 times longer than traditional lighters, paired with an all-metal reservoir that holds approximately 30% more fuel. An O-ring seal earns Radlight an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating while minimizing evaporation. Patented three-dimensional conical air vents slow incoming air more effectively than conventional flat-hole designs, creating a self-sustaining horizontal flame that holds up in challenging wind. A 25% larger, offset flint wheel strikes easily and throws a strong spark, while a double-flint system extends spark capacity.

Radlight is engineered to operate in temperatures down to -40°F, and a pressure-release plug accommodates changes in elevation, from mountain passes to the desert floor. Measuring 1.75″ wide, 3.2″ tall, and 0.86″ deep and weighing 4.2 ounces, it fits easily in a pocket, glovebox, or fire kit. Its all-metal construction is refillable with standard liquid lighter fluid, reusable, and field-serviceable rather than disposable.

Built for decades of use and backed by a lifetime guarantee, Radlight keeps pace with the most demanding travelers. Waterproof, wind-resistant, and cold-weather tested, it brings modern performance to one of the oldest tools in the kit. Radlight is not simply designed to make fire. It is designed to make sure a dependable flame is there when it counts.

MSRP: $59.00

Redarc — REDWORKS Pioneer50 Power Panel

When camp is miles from the nearest outlet, reliable power becomes more than a convenience. The REDWorks Pioneer50 Power Panel brings charging, monitoring and control together in one pre-wired dual-battery system built for off-grid travel. Designed to simplify serious 12V installs, it helps builders and installers create a cleaner setup while keeping lights, fridges, pumps and camp essentials powered deeper into the journey.

At the heart of Pioneer50 is REDARC’s BCDC Alpha50 R DC Battery Manager, delivering up to 50A of charging from alternator and solar inputs. When sunlight is available, the system prioritizes solar to help reduce alternator load, while excess solar can help maintain the start battery. If the start battery runs flat, Start Battery Recovery can help get the vehicle started again in as little as 15 minutes without jumper cables. Input-current limiting also makes the system easier to integrate with modern vehicles, including hybrid and EV applications.

Pioneer50 is more than a charger. It pairs the TVMS Rogue Vehicle Management System with the RedVision Pro Display, giving users one place to view battery state of charge, estimated time remaining, and charger performance before heading down the next trail. Key functions can also be monitored and controlled through the RedVision app. Ten dimmable 10A outputs provide centralized control for camp and vehicle accessories such as lights, fridges, fans and water pumps, while two sensor inputs can be configured to track tank levels, temperatures or battery levels.

By combining charging, distribution, monitoring, and control in one professionally engineered panel, Pioneer50 helps take the guesswork out of building an off-grid electrical system from separate components. The result is a cleaner install, faster setup, and a tougher, easier-to-manage power platform built to support overland travelers from the trailhead to the last night at camp.

MSRP: $3190.00

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Solar Energy Systems — Elevation 300Ah EC Battery

The Elevation 300Ah EC battery is a mighty beast in a compact package. Ideal for overlanders who need reliable, high-capacity power, it delivers a total energy capacity of 3.8kWh while maintaining a footprint that’s easy to integrate into tight builds.

Weighing just 65 lbs. and measuring 13.31″ x 7.24″ x 10″, it offers roughly three times the capacity of a standard 100Ah lithium battery without a significant increase in space or weight. That makes it a practical solution for setups where every inch and pound matters.

An internal Battery Management System (BMS) protects against overcharging, over-discharging, and temperature extremes, helping ensure consistent performance in demanding conditions. With an IP65 rating, the battery is built to withstand dust and moisture often encountered off-road. It also features internal heating, allowing for more reliable operation in colder climates without the need for additional heating components.

With a cycle life of 3,000 to 5,000 cycles, the Elevation 300Ah EC is designed for long-term use. It’s backed by a 10-year warranty, offering added confidence for those relying on dependable power while off-grid.

Whether it’s powering essential gear or supporting a full overland setup, the Elevation 300Ah EC battery offers a dependable balance of capacity, durability, and efficiency, no matter where you choose to power your adventure.

MSRP: $1399.00

Vision X Lighting — Explora 6″ Driving Lights With Dual-Color DRL

The Vision X Explora 6-Inch Driving Lights combine high-output LED performance, advanced DRL technology, and extensive customization in a versatile package designed for trucks, SUVs, Jeeps, and off-road builds. Each light delivers up to 6,000 lumens through Vision X’s X-Drive LED system and highly reflective honeycomb optic, producing a powerful, focused driving beam for improved visibility on the road or trail.

A distinctive four-edge dual-color DRL provides a crisp white or amber running light, while integrated switch-back technology allows the amber DRL to take priority and flash in sync with the vehicle’s factory turn signals. An internal MOSFET eliminates the need for an external relay, simplifying installation whether the Explora is wired directly or paired with a Vision X plug-and-play harness.

Customization is a major part of the Explora platform. Interchangeable snap-on lens covers are available in smoked, clear, selective yellow, and blackout finishes, while colored silicone trim rings add another layer of customization. With multiple lens and trim combinations, the Explora delivers a distinctive look while providing the high-output lighting performance expected from Vision X.

MSRP: $490.00

Last Light – Strike 1800 Headlamp

The Strike 1800 Headlamp from Last Light was built for those who demand absolute reliability in the harshest conditions. Designed with the overlander, hunter, and backcountry explorer in mind, this headlamp pushes far beyond ordinary lighting gear. Every detail has been engineered to perform in the dark hours when visibility and durability matter most.

Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, the Strike 1800 isn’t just tough—it’s built to thrive in rugged terrain. At its core, it boasts 1800 lumens, casting a wide beam that cuts through the blackest nights. The intuitive controls include multiple brightness levels, a dedicated red-light mode for preserving night vision, and a moonlight mode that stretches runtime up to 75 hours. Its memory function ensures the light always powers back on to your last setting, while the lockout feature prevents accidental activation when packed away.

The Strike 1800 is powered by a high-capacity, rechargeable battery and charges quickly via USB-C, ensuring you’re always ready to go. With an IPX8 waterproof rating, it performs without hesitation in rain, snow, or while crossing streams. The lightweight, balanced headband makes extended wear comfortable, and the low-profile design allows it to seamlessly fit over hats, beanies, or helmets. Or transfer it to a day pack with the hat/backpack clip.

More than just a headlamp, the Strike 1800 is a dependable tool that overlanders and adventurers can trust for their go to lighting. Whether you’re setting up camp on a desert plateau, mechanicing off-grid, or navigating backcountry roads long after dark, the Strike 1800 was built to keep you moving forward when others would turn back.

MSRP: $95.00 (Currently on sale for $90.00)

Renogy — ShadowFlux N-Type Anti-Shading Solar Panel 120W & 200W

The world’s first rigid solar panel with cell-level Shadow Management Technology, Renogy’s ShadowFlux is built to solve one of solar’s biggest frustrations: shading. Even a small shadow can reduce a traditional panel’s output by 30–50%. With ShadowFlux, each cell works independently, so shaded areas only affect the cells in shadow—not the entire panel. The result is up to 30% more energy harvest in real-world conditions compared to conventional rigid panels.

When traditional panels drop to near-zero from shade, ShadowFlux maintains up to 85% output.

Built for the Heat

Hot weather is a solar killer: high cell temperatures can slash efficiency and even create dangerous hot spots. ShadowFlux combats this with anti-hotspot technology and N-type high-efficiency cells that keep panels running cooler and more stable in scorching conditions. In lab tests simulating 1,000 hours at 85 °C / 185 °F and 85% humidity (extended to 3,000 hours), ShadowFlux maintained safe operation with less than 5% power loss — proving it’s built for long summers and desert heat.

Proven to Last Longer

Durability is more than a claim; it’s been independently verified. ShadowFlux underwent over 48 rigorous tests, audited by an IECEE CBTL-accredited lab, including thermal cycling from 85°C / 185°F to –40°C / -40°F for 600 cycles. Impact resistance with hail and 100 lb sandbag drops. Mechanical load testing of 5,400 Pa snow and 2,400 Pa wind, plus 1,000 dynamic load cycles. Wet leakage testing under saline water with 1,500 V DC applied.

Results: No cracks, no leakage, no failures. ShadowFlux panels are built to survive road vibration, mechanical stress, heavy weather, and years of real-world use.

Designed for Mobile Living

Available in 120 W and 200 W models, ShadowFlux features a compact footprint, is 7% smaller and 10% lighter than conventional rigid panels, and comes with an IP67 rating for protection against dust, water, and stress. Perfect for RVs, campervans, boats, or cabins where roof space is limited and durability is non-negotiable. Renogy offers a complete off-grid power solutions — from batteries and inverters to monitoring tools, DIY guides, and videos — customers can build a reliable, long-lasting solar system with confidence.

MSRP: 120W – $129.99 | 200W – $239.99

Scanstrut — Ventura Series 125V 20A AC Outlet

With its adventure-ready design, the Ventura 125V Outlet delivers instant mains power outside your RV, perfect for electric grills, BBQs, outdoor coolers, and all your favorite home comforts.

Whether you’re lounging at the beach, exploring the mountains, or camping with friends, you’ll always have access to reliable outdoor power. Using the Ventura outlet is effortless. Just park, lift the waterproof lid, and plug in- power is at your fingertips.

Engineered with Scanstrut’s renowned marine-grade innovation, this outlet is rigorously tested for UV resistance and meets IP68 & IP69K waterproofing standards (with the lid closed). Built with 316 stainless steel components, it ensures durability and long-lasting performance in any environment.

The Ventura Series is the result of extensive research, testing, and development, offering a sleek, compact design that seamlessly integrates with the other products in the range, including exterior sockets like power, water, and solar. Upgrade your RV’s exterior with a clean, sleek finish that enhances both aesthetics and usability.

Key Features 

  • IP68, IP69K Waterproof (with lid closed)
  • Premium click-to-close design
  • Marine-grade 316 stainless steel hardware 
  • Durable matte black plastics 
  • Built-in gaskets for a watertight seal 
  • Corrosion-resistant design 
  • Commercial-grade receptacle included 
  • Built-in strain relief 
  • Compatible with flat and round cables  

MSRP: $63.49

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