Hey there! It’s been a minute since our last roundup/newsletter, but I’ll get to that below. We’ve been busy pumping out the content, though. Below is a recap of some top stories, but there’s a LOT more on the site, too.
But first, a few new overland and vanlife goodies we’ve found recently…
Fresh Gear
ADGU Drawer System Slides in for Lexus GX550
With a lightweight aluminum frame with full-depth locking slides, the Air Down Gear Up drawer system is a solid choice. And now it’s available for the Lexus GX550. The bolt-in design requires no vehicle modifications, and you can add their fold-over 2nd row shelf to create a full-length bed behind the driver’s seats.
Add full-length slide-out tables under the drawers, too, with more options for a fridge slide, interior dividers, a cutting board, and two finishes. Nice, but prices run from $3,499 up to $6,349…before locks and accessories.
WildTop Load-Bearing Soft Truck Topper
The new WildTop Soft Canvas Truck Topper upgrades to a no-drill clamp-on system, making them easier than ever to install…and remove when you don’t need them. They claim to be the only load-rated soft top in the U.S, able to haul 220 pounds on its roof while you drive (dynamic weight rating), or 770 pounds when stopped (static load rating). It’s 100% waterproof, and the topper doubles your cargo space and conceals everything inside while still allowing full access to it.
All Pro Offroad 3rd Gen Tacoma Long Travel Kit
Now available for the 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma, All Pro Offroad’s long travel suspension kit extends the wheel track by 2″ per side to deliver 12″ of front wheel travel. It includes upper and lower control arms plus various connections and adapters, including brake line extensions, but you’ll need to add long-travel shocks and bump stops to complete the kit. MSRP is $3,746.
Tripod Torch Makes Camp Fires Safer, Easier
If fire bans are dowsing your camp fire hopes, the Tripod Torch may reignite them. Some areas allow gas-fueled flames in lieu of logs since there are no sparks or embers to drift off and create wild fires. Or maybe you just prefer the simplicity and lack of campfire smell on your clothes. The kit runs $189.99, just add propane. Use the included shields to aim the heat or create a stove pipe.
B5O Antenna Swivel Mount
The B5O Foldable Swivel Mount for GMRS antennas lets you quickly stow your whip antenna when not in use, keeping it out of the wind (and your line of sight). It’s $50, which is $25 less than the virtually identical version from Midland USA. It bolts into any slot or mounting hole on your bull bar, bumper, roof rack, etc., and a locking pin keeps it set in one of six angles.
Ignik Flipside Heated Bed Cover
I’ve had a heated mattress pad for my RTT for years and it’s a game changer. Much cheaper and simpler than a diesel heater, it makes sleeping in sub-freezing temps surprisingly comfortable. The Ignik Flipside Heated Bed Cover is even more compact, perfect for solo campers or pairs who have different temperature preferences. MSRP is $150, includes 12V barrel-plug car adapter.
Backwoods Adventure Mods Drifter Panels
Backwoods Adventure Mods’ new Drifter Panels bolt onto your roof rack to create a multi-purpose mounting solution that works with virtually any strap, bolt, clamp, etc., and fit onto L-Track & E-Track rails. They’re 17″ long and come in four widths (11″, 16″, 23″ & 27″). Strong enough to walk on, they’re also lightweight made with powder coated 5-gauge aluminum. MSRP from $45 to $82 per panel, mounting hardware included.
Recent Stories… ICYMI
Best Power Stations for Overlanders
We recap everything you need to know about portable power stations, fast chargers, solar panels, and more. Plus, our top picks and brands for taking your adventures off grid without giving up the creature comforts. Read more...
Toyo Open Country R/T Pro tires debut
Splitting the difference between an All-Terrain and Mud Terrain, the new Toyo Open Country R/T Pro gets a road-friendly design that also maximizes traction on rougher-than-usual trails, muck, and sand. Read more...
We rank the best 14 A/T overland tires
Wondering how the most popular All-Terrain tires compare on weight, price, tread depth, and more? We ranked them all, and lay out all the technical features and details you need to know to pick the best tire for your rig. Read more...
Nissan Armada goes PRO-4X
Nissan’s largest SUV finally gets a proper off-road trim level, with features like Invisible Hood, electronic locking rear diff, skid plates, and more that make it a serious overland platform. Read more...
FWC Campout modular camper shell
Three lengths and infinite interior builds thanks to modular, swappable inserts let you build the Four Wheel Camper Campout truck bed slide however you need it, then change it for your next adventure. Read more...
Best Overland Events of 2025
We’ve updated our list of Overland festivals, expos, and Vanlife events, with more events than ever in more places than ever. No matter where you live in North America, there’s at least one close to you! Read more...
Field Notes
- OnX now has turn-by-turn directions, even off-grid
- iOverlander 2 brings dark mode, search & more to boondocking app
- Now you can use HSA/FSA funds for Wahoo trainers, watches, etc.
- Big Bend Ranch State Park looks like a fun trip!
- Magnaflow adds Overland exhausts for latest Toyotas, Lexus GX550
- Stapll’s MOLLE panel system goes outside your truck bed
- eBay acquired Caramel, making private car sales safer & much easier
- Pact Wipes’ Bathroom Wipes are biodegradable & chemical-free
- Vandoit’s spring open house is March 27-29
Big Deals
- Up to 60% off MountainSmith packs thru 2/17 w/code MTNLOVE
- Up to $160 off wheels & tires at Discount Tire thru 2/18
- Extra 3% off BougeRV’s Valentines & President’s Day sales w/code bougerv
- Up to 35% off Ari Bikes…road, mountain, or gravel!
- Up to 60% off Bluetti Power, plus extra 5% w/code AFF5OFF
- Up to 50% off Jackery power stations & solar kits thru 2/16
- REI has Columbia, Patagonia, Outdoor Research & more up to 50% off
Wandering Thoughts
Happy (belated) New Year!
I know, it’s Valentine’s Day.
I started this issue in early January, and then things kept popping up. And here we are, mid-February, and I’m finally sending our first AWOL Gear Drop newsletter of the year.
So while I didn’t make any formal resolutions on the 1st, I am now: We’ll be better about getting these out.
I’ve been playing around with different content ideas, too.
Coming from the cycling world, where a handlebar fits any bike out there, it’s a little different trying to cover overland and van stuff. Something like Ironman’s new IM2.5 suspension will fit a lot of vehicles, so a big story on that makes sense.
But, a new high-clearance bumper is only going to fit one model, so writing a full story about that is tough because it’s only interesting to people who own that particular vehicle.
And that’s where these roundups come in… we can mention things like the drawer slide (GX550) and long travel kit (prior gen Tacoma) because they’re still interesting, but don’t require a dedicated feature story. You get what you need from a short blurb, and we’re not wasting anyone’s time with SEO-laden drivel.
So, if you like to keep on top of new stuff just for funsies, or discovering new brands to see what else they offer, stick around.
And if you’ve got a few buddies who like that stuff, too, please pass this along. Y’all can subscribe here to get these recaps in your inbox.
Thanks, and we’ll (probably) see you next week!
Cheers,
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