Just as in life, energy and light are fundamental to overlanding. Our favorite products across these categories run the gamut from lighting the trail ahead or illuminating your campsite to generating your own electricity during an adventure to tech that enables you to tote auxiliary energy along on your journeys.
We all know our friends at Snow Peak make incredible gear for backpacking and overland travel, but nothing in their line up gets as much use from me than the Titanium Double Wall Mug 600 (Ti-Double 600). Use the Ti-Double 600 during your overland trail days or add it to backpacking kits for a reliable drinkware staple. The double-wall insulation will keep beverages hot or cold and the foldable handles offer compact storage.
The folks at VSSL Gear make incredible, compact adventure and survival gear to help you out of the stickiest situations, and there is no situation as sticky as running out of your favorite libation.
With literally thousands of brands at our biggest event of the year, it’s impossible to do a thorough round-up. As an overlander and overall outdoorsy person, however, I was fascinated by the inventive spirit among the brands and products. Many problems I’ve learned to live with (or have avoided out of fear of not being able to solve in a bad situation) actually have solutions. Big or small, these smart solutions to dumb problems caught my attention and are worth sharing. Chances are, some of you have also been cursing your bloody knuckles, wet outdoor appliances, dead electronics, or something else that these ingenious gadgets help prevent.
“This shift isn’t just about distribution,” says EarthCruiser founder Lance Gillies. “It’s about realigning with the core values that EarthCruiser has stood for since the beginning — craftsmanship, innovation, and a genuine commitment to our customers.”
With so many rigs to admire at Overland Expo West, I may have gone a little camera-happy.