Overland News of the Week

Expedition Portal Overland News

Triple Aught Design Vortex Hoodie

Triple Aught Design Vortex HoodieKicking off this week’s overland news, TAD has unveiled a “reengineered” version of its Vortex Hoodie, which promises to be a true expedition-ready base layer. It’s manufactured with an advanced bi-component knit that balances warmth, weight, and moisture transport. The latest generation is more figure-hugging than its predecessor, which prevents it from bunching up under midlayers or shells. Additional highlights include an updated hood and collar, a deeper half-zip length, dual angled chest pockets, and thumbholes that lay flat when not in use and provide secure wrist anchoring when layering. 

$185 | tripleaughtdesign.com

Nitto Tire Terra Grappler G3

Nitto Tire Terra Grappler G3Nitto is celebrating 20 years of tire manufacturing in Georgia, and one of its most exciting new additions is the Grappler G3. It promises to be the company’s most advanced all-terrain tire and comprises a new compound and completely reimagined tread pattern. It features staggered and concave shoulder blocks and deep sidewall lugs for off-pavement capability, while a reinforced block foundation, full-depth sipes, and innovative tread pattern ensure excellent on-road manners. The G3 is 3-peak mountain snowflake-rated and backed by a limited treadwear warranty of 70,000 miles.

nittotire.com

Front Runner Toyota 4Runner 6th-gen Slimsport Roof Rack Kit (Light Bar Ready)

Front Runner Toyota 4Runner 6th-gen Slimsport Roof Rack Kit Front Runner is now supplying a Slimsport Roof Rack Kit for the 6th-generation 4Runner. The low profile and lightweight (81.57 pounds) flat deck rack provides a carrying area of 88 x 48 inches and features sleek side rails with integrated mounting feet, high-strength aluminum slats with T-slots for top-mount accessories (a Side Mount Accessory Bracket can be purchased separately), and a light bar wind fairing with a cut out to allow the use of a 40-inch light bar. In addition, no drilling is required for the installation, and it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty. 

$1,049 | dometic.com

Mitsubishi Motors and AT&T Collaborate to Bring 5G Connectivity to the Driving Experience 

Mitsubishi Motors and AT&T CollaborateMitsubishi elevates the driving experience in its flagship Outlander SUV with high-speed AT&T 5G. This exciting development promises faster software rollouts, more responsive driver support, real-time navigation, and enhanced infotainment. In addition, the lower latency, higher capacity, and increased bandwidth will enable seamless over-the-air updates to deliver software upgrades and security patches to select systems with reduced downtime. AT&T was the obvious choice for Mitsubishi since they cover more roads than any other carrier and are committed to automotive technology and reliable, high-speed connectivity for vehicles. 

media.mitsubishicars.com

Tailfin HydroMount

Tailfin HydroMountTailfin continues to produce some of the most innovative products within the adventure cycling industry, and its new HydroMount is no exception. It mounts to the bike without tools with either 2 (supports 1 kilogram) or 3 (supports 1.5 kilograms) straps and allows you to attach an additional water bottle or accessory just about anywhere you have space. It incorporates standard 64-millimeter bolt spacing (compatible with all bottle cages) and holds tight thanks to patented V-Mount technology. This is a fantastic option for riders with limited mounting points or those looking to maximize wasted space on their bicycle.  

$30 | tailfin.cc

Baja Designs Reflex Light Actuator

Baja Designs Reflex Light Actuator Baja Designs has introduced the Reflex Light Actuator, which is the first fully compatible actuator system designed specifically for the company’s light lineup (compatible with the LP Series, XL Series, S8, and OnX6+ light bars). The low-profile actuator brings race-level engineering to the consumer and delivers instant, on-the-fly, light pitch angle with up to 20 degrees of adjustment to ensure optimal coverage on the trail. In addition, it’s plug-and-play and mounts directly to existing Baja Designs brackets with no fabrication required. The Reflex Light Actuator is sold with a limited lifetime warranty. 

$varies | bajadesigns.com

Dissent Offroad 6th-gen 4Runner Dual Swing Rear Bumper

Dissent Offroad 6th-gen 4Runner Dual Swing Rear Bumper Dissent Off Road have unveiled a suite of products to elevate the backcountry performance of the 6th-gen 4Runner. A highlight of the lineup is their all-new high-clearance modular rear bumper, constructed from heavy-duty 3/16-inch steel and equipped with .5- inch recovery points bolted directly to the frame. Engineered with dual swing-out capability, it promises effortless access to your gear and is available with six different swing-arm options (sold separately). The bumper incorporates integrated gas struts for easy open/close, a dual shear hinge to eliminate rattle, and is compatible with Dissent’s range of accessories. 

$1,999 | dissentoffroad.com

Kuat Pivot XD

Kuat Pivot XD

Kuat has unveiled the Pivot XD hitch-mounted swing-away, which is a heavy-duty upgrade to the company’s popular Pivot V2. The new offering boasts an impressive 350-pound load rating, enhanced components throughout, and is designed to be accessorized with the MOLLE Hoop and Spare Tire Mount. It provides 90- and 120-degree, passenger-side swing capabilities for easy rear vehicle access, a forged latch design, a flatlock hitch cam system, and is vertical bike rack approved. This is a fantastic solution for those seeking to carry both a spare wheel/extra gear and a bike rack on their rear swing-away. 

$798 | kuat.com

Prinsu Prinsu Pro Roof Rack

Prinsu Prinsu Pro Roof RackIt’s been 10 years since Prinsu launched its first form-fitting, aluminum, low-profile, modular roof rack. A decade later, the company has unveiled the Prinsu Pro rack, which carries forward the successes of the original while incorporating lessons learnt from millions of miles of user experience. It boasts a completely redesigned crossbar that is 44% stronger than the original, updated double-plated side rails (15x stronger), a fully corrosion-resistant stainless steel hardware kit, and bolt-on mounting feet for a seamless installation. In addition, six drop-in points are included at the edges and the center of the crossbar for mounting accessories.

$varies | prinsu.com

Relentless Components Mule Rack

Relentless Components Mule Rack Travelling by bicycle, luggage space is at a premium, and you’ll often find yourself lashing supplies anywhere you can; to this end, the Mule Rack is a great option. It’s manufactured with 5052 and 6061-T6 aluminum and is compatible with strap-style panniers and boasts a “Flat Bed” top deck with anchor slots and an anti-sag structure. The MOLLE-inspired side panels make adding extra gear/accessories seamless, and it has more than 10 mounting points for cages and cargo accessories. This innovative solution provides a 55-pound load rating and enjoys a three-year limited warranty. 

$234 | relentlesscomp.com

Alcon and Agile Offroad Big Brake Kit for Ineos Grenadier

Alcon and Agile Offroad Big Brake Kit for Ineos GrenadierAlcon and Agile Offroad have announced a heavy-duty front Big Brake Kit for the INEOS Grenadier that’s engineered to withstand the rigors of exploration. It replaces the factory 12 5/8-inch rotors and 2-piston calipers with 13.5-inch-diameter corrosion-treated rotors with directional cooling vanes, 4-piston cast-iron calipers, and a set of braided steel brake lines. A billet steel, zinc-plated caliper bracket ensures precise mounting and long-term durability. The kit is designed to clear factory wheels and promises uncompromising performance without sacrificing fitment. A fantastic option for heavier builds and big adventures. 

$3,699 | agileoffroad.com

Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition

Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition Jeep continues to celebrate its 85th anniversary with its third exclusive model as part of its Twelve 4 Twelve celebrations. Following the release of the Moab 392 and Whitecap, the 85th Anniversary Edition marks this milestone moment with a distinctive design and desirable features that commemorate Jeep Americana heritage. Exterior highlights include exclusive steel-oxide-painted 17-inch wheels, bronze tow hooks, Blue Agave 85th-anniversary badges/decals, and body color fender flares. Inside, there’s plaid (not seen since 1995) seat inserts matched with plaid accents on the instrument panel and mid bolster, durable berber floor coverings and cargo mats, and premium driver comforts and tech. 

jeep.com

Honda Passport TrailSport Elite Trim

Honda Passport TrailSport Elite TrimHonda has been edging closer toward a dedicated overland-ready vehicle, and with the sales success of the rugged Passport, which was up 70% on 2024 (with 80% of these being the TrailSport), it’s clear there’s an appetite for it. The company continues to evolve the model, with the most recent development being the Elite Trim. This option balances backcountry attributes such as all-terrain tires, AWD, and off-road-tuned suspension, with a luxurious interior that includes heated/ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, Bose audio, TrailWatch camera system, wireless charging, and Honda’s Sensing safety suite.

honda.com

Durston X-Dome 2

Durston X-Dome 2Last year, I field-tested the Durston X-Dome 1+, and it exceeded all my expectations, so I was thrilled to hear that the two-person variant is now available. This generously sized, fully freestanding shelter weighs just 2.8 pounds and provides space for two tall hikers with wide sleeping pads (52 W x 88 L x 43 H). In addition, it features dual 9-square-feet (each) vestibules, which are ideal for safely storing gear outside of the living space. Other notable attributes include premium carbon poles, large overhanging doorways, adjustable peak vents, interior pockets, a full double-wall design, and more. 

$439-544 | durstongear.com

Blue Ridge Overland Gear Map Folio

Blue Ridge Overland Gear Map FolioToday’s smart devices provide almost infinite mapping/navigation options at our fingertips. However, this can make us overly dependent on technology that could fail (as discussed on the Overland Journal Podcast). Consequently, it’s important to travel with multiple navigation tools, and a physical map is hard to beat. It’s also important to keep your maps organized, and to this end, BROG’s map folio has you covered. Manufactured from 500D durable nylon Cordura, it comprises a Velcro flap, hi-vis orange liner, and an exterior Velcro field for adding an ID panel. It’s also ideal for storing itineraries, guides, travel documents, and stationery. 

$56 | blueridgeoverlandgear.com

AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder

AeroPress Manual Coffee Grinder

AeroPress has unveiled one of its most notable products since its original coffee maker back in 2005—the manual coffee grinder. It features an easy-grind ergonomic handle, all metal construction, 25-gram ground capacity, and Italian-made, titanium-coated conical burrs that deliver durability and precise, consistent grinding. There’s a power drill adapter option for ultra-fast grinding and 60+ adjustable grind sizes to ensure optimal results for AeroPress, pour-over, French press, or drip brewing. It’s slim and portable, and thanks to a patent-pending magnetic hand crank, it can be seamlessly packed down and stored inside the AeroPress plunger when not in use.  

$200 | aeropress.com

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No money in the bank, but gas in the tank. Our resident Bikepacking Editor Jack Mac is an exploration photographer and writer living full-time in his 1986 Vanagon Syncro but spends most days at the garage pondering why he didn’t buy a Land Cruiser Troopy. If he’s not watching the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, he can be found mountaineering for Berghaus, sea kayaking for Prijon, or bikepacking for Surly Bikes. Jack most recently spent two years on various assignments in the Arctic Circle but is now back in the UK preparing for his upcoming expeditions—looking at Land Cruisers. Find him on his website, Instagram, or on Facebook under Bicycle Touring Apocalypse.

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