Michael Satterfield
TGR Staff -03/25/2021
Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s Overlanding season. We have been testing out the best gear for your truck, SUV, and campsite to share our honest opinions on what you should buy for your next great off-grid adventure. From camping to cooking more and more companies are creating products for living in the great outdoors.
Orca coolers are offered in a range of sizes from the 20 Quart model shown, to a 75 Quart model that can hold everything you need for a long trip off the grid. Offered in a wide range of colors and made in the USA, Orca coolers offer performance and quality for a lot less than the competition. Plus you can customize your cooler with text and images for a one-of-a-kind cooler. We used the Orca for weeks on the road and were impressed with how long it kept our favorite drinks and snacks cold.
Starting at $199.99
Tyger Auto has a reputation for building bumpers, fender flares, racks, and steps for serious off-roaders. But the company also produces this amazing 16-in-1 multifunctional camp shovel, that not only fits into a great compact carry case but also has an actual handle so you don’t have to deal with stooping over like many camping shovels. Besides a shovel, it also features a saw, knife blade, fire starter, whistle, screwdriver, ice pick, wire cutter, ruler, and can be used as an ax. We suggest picking up the extra handle extension while you are at it.
$99.00
Ranger Ready was created by outdoorsmen for outdoorsmen, originally offering no DEET bug repellents, the line has expanded to offer hand sanitizer and permethrin. Not only does Ranger Ready work repelling insects it also comes in a range of great scents or no scent at all.
Starting at $13.00
Thule has been offering roof racks and other automotive accessories for decades and has a reputation for quality and fit. The Thule Tepui Explorer Kukenam 3 rooftop tent is no exception offering an all-season tent that can be mounted on a number of different vehicles. Offered in three colors and with a ladder that can adjust to several different vehicle roof heights the Thule rooftop tent is great for those who don’t wish to have a tent on the roof at all times. You will need the correct Thule TracRac and possibly an adaptor to mount.
$1,749.95
Another really useful tool from Tyger Auto is this cordless “power cleaner” that can operate using any source of water and includes a collapsible bucket perfect for cleaning gear while on the trail. The powerful 20V battery pack produces a maximum of 536 PSI with up to 40 minutes of battery life. It comes in handy around the house too and with the added soap bottle nozzle it’s perfect for detailing your ride once you get home.
$149.00
Getting dirty while Overlanding is fact of life and showers are not always available on the trail. We tried CrudCloth which is described as an “instant shower in a bag”. An actual 100% cotton cloth and natural ingredients and essential oils make keeping clean on the trial easy and while they don’t make up for a full shower, they are a great option to take on the go.
Starting at $4.00
Looking for the ultimate Overlanding setup for your truck? The Fiftyten USA camping system replaced your truck bed giving you a rugged place to live off-grid with all the comforts of home. Inside each camper is customized to the owner’s specifications. We had a chance to check out these unique campers which while price, are built to last.
If you are going to be gone for more than a few days, a real shower is an amazing luxury on the trail and the Yakima RoadShower can attach to most roof racks or trailer and uses the sun to warm the water so you don’t even have to take a cold shower. With sizes ranging from 7-10 gallons, there is a RoadShower that is right for your rig.
Starting at $349
Every camper needs a good knife, why not get one with a little personalization, the team over at Groovy Guy Gifts offers a number of knives including fixed and folding blades. Get your name, initials, or a special date engraved on the handle and enjoy a functional tool with a special meaning.
Storage is always an issue when packing, but finding and accessing what you need when you needed is even more important. Decked toolboxes and drawer systems are a great way to organize your truck, van, or SUV. Draw systems are available for most popular truck models and include dividers and organizers to help keep things in place while on the road.
Starting at $1,350
Trail Kitchens make some of the best camp kitchens on the market, but their specially designed Wrangler Camping System converts your standard Jeep, SUV, or Truck, into a gourmet kitchen on the go. An all-in-one, overland kitchen drawer system comes equipped with a high-performance camping sink, removable camp kitchen, convenient flip-down work surfaces, LED lighting, and an optional water heater with camp shower attachment.
Starting at $2,490
