Trail Flask
Why it’s cool: Hydro Flask bottles are made from bacteria-resistant 18/8 stainless steel and feature double-wall, vacuum-insulated construction. The aerospace-grade material also prevents unwanted odors and flavors from forming. Backed by a lifetime warranty, this bottle will keep drinks hot for up to 12 hours and cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours. Each bottle sold allows the purchaser to donate five percent to a nonprofit charity of choice.
More info: Hydro Flask, 888/584-9376, www.hydroflask.com
Extreme-Duty Slide
Why it’s cool: Capable of supporting up to 500 pounds, these slides are available in front- or side-pull models to accommodate a wider variety of equipment such as fridges, coolers, stoves, and toolboxes. All of TemboTusk’s slides are made in the U.S.
More info: TemboTusk, 714/396-4549, www.tembotusk.com
Secured Storage
Why it’s cool: Get peace of mind with a full line of lockable steel and aluminum security storage products for over 35 different vehicles. Tuffy boxes feature a high-security patented lock and latch mechanism, custom hinge design, weather protection, and a durable powdercoated finish. They’re made in the U.S.
More info: Tuffy Security Products, 800/348-8339, www.tuffyproducts.com/fw
American Outfitters
Why it’s cool: AEV offers a comprehensive line of U.S.-made Jeep Wrangler accessories. The AEV product line includes bumpers, hoods, snorkels, tuned suspensions, body kits, skidplates, wheels, and V8 conversions—all with a unique OE-level of engineering.
More info: American Expedition Vehicles, 248/926-0256, www.aev-conversions.com
Aluminum Cases
Why it is cool: The Alu-Box aluminum case collection provides dust and weather resistant protection for your valuable equipment. These cases feature all-aluminum construction, rubber sealing lid gasket, lockable latches, and spring-loaded handles. Cast aluminum top corners help to stack cases and prevent damage. The Alu-Box just might be the last box you purchase.
More info: Equipt Expedition Outfitters, 866/703-1026, www.equipt1.com
Storage on Top
Why it’s cool: Offered in an assortment of different configurations to fit the majority of popular builder vehicles, Baja Racks come in steel and aluminum. We like the way these racks contour to the natural body lines to create an integrated OE look.
More info: Baja Rack, 760/621-0171, www.bajarack.com
275-Amp Dual Battery Kit
Why it’s cool: When you need more electrical power for your overland adventure, this 275-amp kit packs a punch. Designed to allow accessories to draw from one deep-cycle battery while preserving the second battery for starting the vehicle and running life-critical systems, this system will not leave you stranded in the outback.
More info: Camel 4x4 and Outdoor, 800/698-6976, www.camel4x4.com
Solar Power Pack
Why it’s cool: This modular solar system weighs just 26 pounds but is capable of delivering hundreds hours of lighting, recharge a laptop seven times, or run a mini-sized refrigerator for up to three hours.
More info: Goal Zero, 888/794-6250, www.goalzero.com
Spare Tire Trash Bag
Why it’s cool: The Trasharoo is a trash bag that mounts to your externally mounted spare tire. It has a positive-closing cover that allows you to take your trash away without hauling it, or the smell, inside your vehicle.
More info: Trasharoo, 714/854-7292, www.trasharoo.com
Compressor Kit
Why it’s cool: This essential tool will air up your tires, mattress, or watercraft with its 30 cfm flow rate and minimum duty cycle of 40 minutes at 40 psi. It has a max output of 150 psi and comes with a 24-foot quick-connect hose, brass air valve connector, sand tray, built-in psi gauge and rugged travel bag. It’s all backed with a five-year warranty.
More info: TJM Products, 951/934-7150, www.tjmusa.com
Lightweight Shelter
Why it’s cool: This feather-light tent maximizes space-to-weight ratio by incorporating several smart design features. The interior can accommodate three adults, and the waterproof fly keeps occupants dry during the inevitable downpour. Unique features such as a light-diffusing interior pocket and a glow-in-the-dark stargazing chart put this tent in a class by itself.
More info: Nemo Equipment, 800/997-9301, www.nemoequipment.com
LED Lightbars
Why it’s cool: These rectangular LED lights consume very little power and feature 6061 extruded aluminum housings with a durable black powdercoated finish. A tough polycarbonate lens protects the LEDs against damage and prevents harmful UV damage. These lights are available in 3.9-, 10-, 33-, and 43-inch lengths.
More info: KC HiLites, 928/635-2607, www.kchilites.com
Aussie Lights
Why it’s cool: These lamps come with super-lightweight composite housings and scratch-resistant hard polycarbonate lenses. They are available in halogen or HID, with spot or wide cornering reflector designs, with or without anti-theft mounting options.
More info: Light Force, 877/510-9204, www.lightforce.net
HEMA map App
Why it’s cool: This app quickly turns your iPhone or iPad into a digital U.S. road atlas. It’s perfect for your next interstate road trip or outdoor adventure. For even greater detail, you can purchase topographic maps or marine charts from within the app, via the Digital Map Shop.
More info: HEMA Maps, www.hemamaps.com
guide to the Americas
Why it’s cool: This book is essential for anyone planning to drive overland through Mexico, Central and South America. Featuring color photographs and pictures, this book covers everything so that you won’t find yourself unprepared south of the border.
More info: America’s Overland, www.americasoverland.net
Ultimate Expedition Vehicle
Why it’s cool: Think of this rig as the mega-yacht of overland adventure vehicles. It combines the highest standards of safety, reliability, durability, and comfort with the go-anywhere ability of a Unimog. It features a 2,000-mile range in virtually any climate and terrain and serves as the ultimate base camp for the most extreme expeditions. We’ll have a road test of this bad boy in an upcoming issue.
More info: Unicat Americas, 415/515-6644, www.unicatamericas.com