Top 5 Overland Buyers Guide

Calling all Overlanders. Here are our Top-5 items in the overland category that we’ve both tested and use regularly while on the trail. These items will help you get down the trail and make life better while enjoying nature.

1. HOTTAP v2 from Joolca

Cleanliness is next to godliness. Or so they say. Up until recently, there really weren’t great options for taking a hot shower when you’re off the grid. Solar showers that rely on the sun to warm water for use come with all sorts of limitations. A truly hot shower, with legitimate water pressure any time of day. That’s just what the HOTTAP v2 from Joolca offers. This on demand, propane powered hot water heater has been by far the best piece of kit for our Overland travels. If you find a camp near a water source. You’ll be in for a treat like no other. Endless hot water soaking your dirty body and aching muscles. With several versions available plus an optional shower enclosure, check out Joolca on our affiliate page and do yourself a favor.

2. Midland Radios

Having just returned from competing in the Red Clay Rally on a 6 vehicle team, I can tell you that communication between vehicles is critical. As well as comms between dismounted spotters and drivers. Clear, concise instructions got us through some of the difficult stages of that race. And Midland Radios have supported everything The Gear Bunker has done so far. All of our vehicles are outfitted with Micromobile Radios. From the MXT115 in our Jeep, the MXT275 in the Tundra, to the most powerful 40 watt MXT400 in the FJ. We heavily rely on these GMRS radios. Even Midlands PPG1000 battery pack has supplied us with the power required to recharge cameras, drones and laptops on extended trips. While the T290 X-Talkers have provided reliable out of vehicle comms. In the past 3 years, we’ve never had any product from Midland let us down. That’s why they’re #2 on this list. Use code thegearbunker15 on our affiliate page for 15% off your entire order until 1/31/21.

3. DMOS Delta Shovel

This is one of those essential overland items in my opinion. Not packing some sort of digging tool is just irresponsible. I mean, where do you plan to poop? I’ve seen my fair share of toilet paper tulips in the wild lately and it’s gross. Dig a damn hole and take care of your business like the responsible camper you’re supposed to be. But enough about that shit. Having a sturdy digging tool onboard is a critical tool for several recovery scenarios. Having a shovel that collapses down for easy storage, yet extends to ridiculous lengths is unheard of. Meet the Delta Shovel from DMOS Collective. Made in the USA, this ultimate tool is a must have. Available in both steel and aluminum the Delta Shovel can be mounted just about anywhere on your rig with their mounting brackets. Lock the spade of the shovel at 90 degrees and you can drag items from beneath a vehicle. Feel free to navigate to their website via our affiliate link and help support this American company.

4. Fireside Outdoor Pop-Up-Pit

Leave no trace. It’s a phrase I hear all the time when out on the trail. But how many travelers heed those words when it comes to making a fire? A little over a year ago, I was gifted a Pop-Up-Pit from Fireside Outdoor. I immediately packed it for a trip up to the Keewenaw Overland Adventure Retreat. As it turned out, the base camp area had no fire rings and prohibited ground fires. Well, well, well. I unpacked the Pop-Up-Pit and had it assembled in no time flat. Before long, we had a nice little fire going. And one of the only fires at this event. While my wife and I were enjoying this little contraption, the wind suddenly picked up. So we relocated to the other side of the vehicle for shelter. And brought our fire with us. You can’t do that with a fire ring. Check out our affiliate page and take look at the Pop-Up-Pit from Fireside Outdoors. They even offer a grill for those looking to cook over an open fire.

5. Helinox Tables and Chairs

Here is a company we’ve come to love over the last few years. Some will criticize the price of these chairs. But they’ve probably never sat in one. The Sunset Chair packs down to a ridiculously small and lightweight package. Perfect for those with smaller vehicles where space is at a premium. The high quality DAC Aluminum poles are the same poles used in high end tents. Known for their strength to weight ratio, Helinox utilizes these DAC poles in all their tables, chairs and cots. Quick to set up, these have become our permanent table and chairs for every adventure in the FJ. Check out all that Helinox has to offer through our new affiliate program.

BONUS Pick: Maxtrax Xtreme

If you set off on a solo adventure in your overland rig, one item I wouldn’t leave home without is a couple sets of Maxtrax. Because a tow strap only works if you have a second vehicle. Self recovery is an essential part of overland travel. And can be challenging if you don’t have a winch. Although I do have a winch mounted to both my Tundra and FJ, the Maxtrax offer a quick solution to recovery from many situations. Recently, Maxtrax introduced a top-tier product, the Maxtrax Xtreme. Featuring 88 aluminum replaceable studs, this product is targeted at professional guides, special operations units, racers and consumers with no budget. They ain’t cheap at $499 per pair but I will say, they will outlast several pairs of MkII Maxtrax.