As any seasoned traveler knows, the key to a successful expedition lies in having the right overlanding gear at your disposal. Whether you're traversing rugged terrains, crossing desolate landscapes, or seeking remote wilderness, your equipment can make all the difference between an arduous ordeal and a memorable escapade.
In this comprehensive guide, we're going to unveil the best overlanding gear you can buy right now. From sturdy rooftop tents that offer a cozy haven under the stars to high-performance GPS apps designed for offline efficiency, we've scoured the market to compile a list of top-notch tools and accessories that will elevate your overlanding experience.
Table of Contents
- Overlanding gear for camping
- Overlanding gear for driving
- Overlanding gear for communicating
- Overlanding gear for living
Overlanding gear for camping
Cocktail table: Radius Outfitters
The Camp Cocktail Table from Radius Outfitters offers standing height convenience at 40 inches, ideal for socializing with friends without constant bending. Whether mixing cocktails, brewing coffee, sharing snacks, or dining for two, this table ensures comfort and versatility for any outdoor gathering, keeping the conversation flowing freely.
Lantern: Foret x Feuerhand
The Foret x Feuerhand 276 is an indispensable piece of camping and overlanding gear, expertly crafted from galvanized steel to withstand the harshest outdoor conditions while resisting corrosion. With a vibrant array of powder-coated colors to choose from, it not only illuminates your campsite but also adds a touch of style. Its Schott Suprax glass, heat-resistant and break-resistant, shields the flame from wind and weather, ensuring reliable lighting for up to 20 hours. This versatile hurricane lantern transforms any outdoor setting into a cozy haven, making it the ideal companion for camping and overlanding adventures.
Kettle: Foret x Trangia
The Kettle 25 Large by Foret x Trangia is a must-have piece of camping gear. Crafted from durable aluminum, this 0.9-liter kettle comes with a convenient lid and features a low-profile design. Its wire handle and removable plastic grip make it easy to carry and pour, ensuring safe and efficient use. Designed to perfectly complement Trangia stoves 25 Large, this kettle is a versatile addition to your camping kitchen, providing a reliable way to boil water and prepare hot beverages or meals in the great outdoors.
Pocket knife: Foret x Opinel
The Opinel N°08 from Foret x Opinel is a timeless outdoor companion, cherished since 1890. Its 8.5 cm stainless steel blade is strong and durable, suitable for picnics, barbecues, and hiking. Available in various sizes, it accommodates all hand sizes and purposes. With the Virobloc® safety ring, the blade securely locks in both open and closed positions, making it a reliable heirloom piece passed down from one generation to the next. The added engraved forét logo adds a touch of style to this classic tool.
Gear case: Yeti
The Loadout GoBox 30 Gear Case from Yeti is the ultimate companion for overlanding enthusiasts, offering exceptional versatility and durability. Built to withstand the toughest conditions, it's dustproof, waterproof, and virtually indestructible, ensuring your gear stays protected during your adventures.
Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest
The MondoKing 3D Sleeping Pad from Therm-a-Rest offers unparalleled comfort, reminiscent of a home mattress, thanks to its ample size. With a high R-value, it ensures warmth even during the coldest nights, guaranteeing a restful sleep. The supple knit material provides a plush and breathable sleeping surface, while dual valves make for swift inflation at the campsite. Its compressible foam core efficiently packs down, and the upgraded stuff sack with easy-carry handles enhances portability, making it a must-have for overlanders seeking a comfortable and convenient sleeping solution.
Camp chair: Kelty
The Lowdown Chair from Kelty is an ideal addition to your overlanding gear, designed for maximum comfort around the campfire or at outdoor events. With its lower base and relaxed, slightly reclined design, you won't obstruct anyone's view or feel like you're towering over the campfire. The chair's durable steel frame ensures long-lasting reliability, while the insulated beverage holders keep your drinks at the perfect temperature.
Camping lights: BioLite
The AlpenGlow 500 from BioLite is an exceptional addition to overlanding camping gear. Its 500-lumen output can provide both bright illumination for tasks and colorful ambience to set the mood. Utilizing ChromaReal LED technology, it offers true-tone light that accurately represents colors in lowlight conditions, reducing harsh glares and enhancing the overall camping experience.
Overlanding gear for driving
Vehicle Awning: Thule
The Thule OutLand Box Awning is a versatile and adaptable addition to your overlanding gear. It complements rooftop tents, cargo boxes, and other rooftop accessories, providing essential shade and shelter during your outdoor adventures. With its included adapter kit and compatibility with both Thule and aftermarket roof racks, installation and setup are hassle-free, ensuring you're ready to enjoy the benefits of this awning without any complications.
Gasoline pack: RotoPaX
The Fuel Container 4 Gal Carb by RotoPaX is a reliable and robust 4-gallon gas can, designed for overlanding and off-road adventures. Its Roto-molded construction ensures durability with thicker walls, preventing leaks and ensuring longevity.
Vehicle recovery board: Maxtrax
The MKII Recovery Boards from Maxtrax are essential overlanding gear designed to offer much-needed traction in challenging terrain like sand, snow, and mud. Crafted from high-quality Austrian-sourced engineering-grade nylon, these recovery boards provide world-class strength and durability, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of off-road recovery.
Air compressor: ARB
The ARB Twin High Output Air Compressor 12v Inflation Kit is an invaluable addition to overlanding gear, catering to a wide range of outdoor activities like off-roading, camping, fishing, and hunting. ARB's air compressors, including this model, offer versatility and are designed for various tasks, including Air Locker activation.
Rooftop tent: Freespirit Recreation
The FSR Evolution V2 stands as a premium rooftop tent, distinguishing itself among the top-tier hardshell RTT choices. Its meticulous design, superior craftsmanship, and impressive four-season capabilities set it apart in a market brimming with overlanding alternatives. With attention to detail, durability, and all-weather performance, it caters to the discerning needs of adventurers seeking reliability and comfort on their journeys.
Overlanding gear for communicating
GPS: Garmin
The Tread® XL - Overland Edition by Garmin is a remarkable overlanding navigation tool designed for off-road adventures. It offers turn-by-turn trail navigation using OpenStreetMap (OSM) and USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps, ensuring you can navigate unpaved roads and trails with ease. Custom routing options, tailored to the size and weight of your vehicle, along with preloaded iOverlander™ points of interest, make finding ideal camping spots a breeze.
Signal booster: weBoost
The Drive Reach Overland by weBoost is a trailblazing device designed to be your ultimate game-changer when it comes to staying connected while overlanding. It maximizes available cell signal, ensuring you can make calls, send texts, navigate, post photos, and even stream data in more remote locations. This powerful mod features an adjustable outside antenna mount that conveniently folds down to clear roof gear and trail hazards, with a versatile bracket that attaches to your vehicle using a T-slot, pole, or fixed mount.
2-way radio: Midland
The Midland MXT275 MicroMobile® is a 15-Watt GMRS two-way radio known for its convenience and power. Its Fully Integrated Control Microphone is perfect for vehicles with limited dashboard space, allowing discreet storage of the radio base unit. With 15 GMRS channels, 8 repeater channels, and NOAA Weather Scan + Alert technology, it keeps you connected and informed about local weather conditions, while its USB-C charging port offers quick charging for various devices, including cell phones and hand-held radios.
Off-road map app: onX Maps
The Off-Road Map App by onX Maps is the ultimate navigator's companion for adventure seekers. Packed with landowner details, weather forecasts, and trail information, it's a one-stop solution for off-roaders. Discover trails for various vehicles nationwide, access trail specifics like difficulty ratings, and save maps with interactive data for on-the-go GPS tracking.
Satellite communicator: Garmin
The Garmin inReach Explorer+ is an essential overlanding tool, offering GPS navigation and global Iridium satellite communication. It enables two-way text messaging and SOS signaling to a 24/7 rescue center, ensuring safety in remote locations. With the Earthmate app, users can access downloadable maps and NOAA charts. Additionally, the device comes preloaded with DeLorme TOPO maps, features GPS routing, a digital compass, barometric altimeter, and accelerometer.
Overlanding gear for living
First aid kit: Redi
The Roadie from Redi is a comprehensive 113-piece first aid and scenario-specific essentials pack designed for various travel needs. Whether you're on a daily commute, embarking on a long road trip, or enjoying a weekend of car camping, it covers your medical and emergency requirements.
Trigger-action travel mug: Foret x Stanley
Introducing the Foret x Stanley Blaze Orange Stainless Steel Water Bottle, a rugged companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Crafted from 18/8 stainless steel and BPA-free materials, it's built to last. With double-wall vacuum insulation, it keeps your beverages at the perfect temperature. The leakproof, packable design and one-handed trigger-action lid ensure no spills while you focus on your outdoor adventures. Plus, easy cleaning is a breeze with the lid that comes apart and is dishwasher safe. Whether you're casting a fly rod or on the go, this water bottle is the ideal outdoor companion. Weight: 360g Dimensions: 73 H x 73 W x 222 L mm. Compatible with car cup holders.
Lunch box: Foret x Stanley
Pair your new trigger-action travel mug with a lunch box from the same Foret x Stanley collaboration. In a light green hue, this lunch box looks straight out of a Wes Anderson film. But more importantly, it promises to keep your meals refreshingly cool until you're ready to dig in. In other words, it's a lunch box that goes beyond the basics.
Waterproof bag: Rux
The Rux 70 Gear Tote is a versatile solution for simplifying gear transportation and access. Crafted from high tenacity nylon with a waterproof TPU coating, it ensures durability and protection against UV damage and daily wear. Its tri-fold lid provides quick access and can double as a seat pad or changing mat, while various straps offer both tote and backpack-style carrying options.
Cooler: Yeti
The Yeti Tundra 65 Hard Cooler is a rugged and versatile outdoor companion that's perfect for camping trips, fishing adventures, and hot summer days. It offers ample storage, accommodating 77 cans or 58 pounds of ice to keep your beverages and perishables cold in even the hottest conditions. With its durable build, it can also serve as a casting platform for fishing and provides excellent insulation to maintain low temperatures throughout extended outings.
Portable power station: Jackery
The Jackery Portable Power Station Explorer is a crucial overlanding accessory for keeping devices charged in remote areas. It ensures power for cell phones, laptops, freezers, and more, addressing emergency needs. When paired with Jackery's Explorer solar panels, it becomes the ultimate off-grid energy source, providing reliable power during outdoor adventures.
Portable shower: Nemo Equipment Inc.
The NEMO Equipment Inc. Helio Pressure Shower is a portable backcountry camp shower that offers pressurized water flow using a foot pump. With a seven-foot hose, it allows versatile use and covers various angles. It provides up to seven minutes of continuous water pressure after a full pump, and its black water reservoir efficiently heats water when exposed to direct sunlight.
Up next, 20 best gifts for outdoorsmen.
