Commonly referred to as “overlanding,” vehicle-based travel and adventure received a considerable boost in public awareness in the wake of the travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the trend shows no sign of abating soon as individuals strive for an enlightened lifestyle that sets straight day-to-day expectations by living smarter, being healthier and prioritizing what’s important. So whether you’re a weekend warrior with a bone-stock Subaru or a genuine overlander with a customized 4×4 vehicle, the proper gear and accessories will make your adventures simpler and more rewarding and your memories sweeter.
Knowing what type of products and accessories you may need for outdoor vehicle-based adventuring can be daunting. Choosing the appropriate gear to ensure successful endeavors is critical, no matter your budget. Established manufacturers and newcomers have come to the rescue, offering various products to get you situated. From inflatable truck bed toppers and bug-out roof rack packages to enhanced GPS units and all-encompassing expedition-style campervans, the proper equipment will keep you traveling happily wherever the road—or trail—may take you.
These top products can help you stay safe and stylish and sleep comfortably while escaping the daily grind.
Based in the Czech Republic, EGOE has been making durable, modern outdoor furniture for more than 30 years. Six years ago, EGOE expanded operations to include mobile vehicle-based camp systems called Nestbox, selling units in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and more. In the summer of 2021, EGEO began importing various-sized Nestbox products into the United States and Canada, with one of its first showings at the Overland Expo West show.
Designed to offer unique solutions when transforming a vehicle into a camper, EGOE Nestbox products favor a “floating: design anchored only by straps and existing tie-down points. Complete units include a modular body and steel frame, with aluminum accouterments to help keep the weight in check. Removable water and cook system modules are also included, with storage cubbies that can house a fridge. A bed platform and mattress with side bolstering and Velcro mattress pads can expand and morph to fit a wide variety of vehicles.
EGOE’s Nestbox ROAMER fits larger vans like the Mercedes-Benz Metris and Sprinters, as well as Ford Transit and Ram Promaster models. The Nestbox Hiker fits smaller SUVs, while the Nestbox Supertramp is a rugged camper conversion kit for those who take vehicles off the beaten path.
EGOE Nestbox units are available as a complete unit; however, sleeping and kitchen-only setups are also available. Since the company specializes in outdoor furniture, marine grade materials and other high-quality surfaces are used to create each Nestbox product. The largest and most comprehensive Nestbox, the ROAMER, ranges from $6,129 to $6,399. Individual ROAMER sleeping setups or kitchen units are available at a lower cost. The smaller Hiker units also come in complete or sleeping and kitchen sets, the Hiker 100 retailing for $5,549 and Hiker 410 for $6,049.
Australia-based ARB has been a long-time manufacturer of Outback-proven off-road equipment and accessories. From aftermarket winch bumpers, recovery gear, and air compressors to their BASE roof rack system, snorkels, and more, ARB drew upon their experience to offer their first-ever hard-shell rooftop tent.
The ARB Esperance rooftop tent is slim in size, lightweight, and features modern styling. It’s simple to set up and pack down and includes features like an internal telescopic ladder and stainless steel hardware. The main tenting is sewn from 200GSM poly-cotton fire retardant canvas with UVP 50+ and includes a removable rain fly. The ARB Esperance rooftop tent also features three push-lock ratchet straps and a gas strut-assisted opening and can be packed with minimal bedding left inside the tent—perfect for stash-and-go scenarios. An external LED light strip brightens dark surroundings, whereas an internal dimmable LED light illuminates its interior once inside. Oversized internal pockets easily stash hiking boots and smaller belongings, and a dedicated moonroof allows for dreamy relaxation once ready for overnight sleep. The ARB Esperance rooftop tent weighs 123 pounds and can hold two adults and one child. Packed dimensions: 60 inches long by 48 inches wide and 13 inches high. Price: $2,680.
Based out of southern California, Nomad Wheels is a new subsidiary of long-time wheel producer Raceline Wheels. Nomad Wheels plans to bring a fresh face to the brand, offering unique wheel options for 4x4s and Subarus alike. It’s a lifestyle-focused entity concentrating on camping and outdoor exploration, not rock crawling or drifting.
Starting with 17-inch rims, Nomad Wheels boasts three designs in various matte, satin, or high-gloss finishes: the 501-Convoy, 502-Arvo, and the 503-Sahara model. In addition, 15-inch wheels for CUVs recently joined the lineup, and 16-inchers are on the way. Each wheel is a one-piece, lightweight, form-light product with various offsets to suit new vehicles and older adventure rigs like Land Cruisers, Scouts, and Broncos. Nomad Wheels anticipates their CUV offerings will be available in 60-90 days. Pricing ranges from $295 to $345 per wheel, depending on size and style.
Garmin recently released its Tread–Overland Edition GPS units, available in two sizes: the Tread –Overland Edition 8-inch unit and the larger Tread XL – Overland Edition 10-inch model. Now including satellite communications using Garmin’s inReach technology, the Tread–Overland Edition GPSs showcase many bells and whistles to keep users headed in the right direction when traveling remotely or within city limits.
Boasting on- and off-road navigation capability, each Garmin Tread–Overland Edition GPS includes a brilliant high-visibility display screen, smooth interactions, and an IP67 weather-resistant design. They also feature preloaded three-dimensional maps of North and South America, indicating critical areas in the U.S. like Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, wilderness areas, private land boundaries, and more. Elevation, altimeter, compass, barometer, and pitch/roll gauges give additional information, too. Preloaded iOverlander points of interest can also help users find established or dispersed camping areas. In addition, Garmin’s Tread–Overland Edition GPS units can create turn-by-turn trail navigation using “adventure routes” or paved ways via standard navigation. They also come with a heavy-duty windscreen mount, allowing an infinite number of mountable positions. Both models can also sync to smartphones via the Tread app. The Garmin Tread –Overland Edition 8” unit costs $1,299.99, while the larger Tread XL–Overland Edition 10” model tops out at $1,499.99.
Based in Carlsbad, California, newcomer Flated manufacturers a line of inflatable products that provide security, comfort, and ample storage opportunities for people who regularly travel. The design allows you to conveniently Stow Flated products when not in use and inflate them when impromptu opportunities arise.
Flated’s rigid inflatable Air-Topper is designed to stow a truck bed full of gear beneath it. The Air-Topper can also allow other equipment, like Flated’s Air-Carrier, to be strapped to its roof using four D rings. Held down by six heavy-duty straps, Flated’s Air-Topper is available in three sizes and tightly fits atop various truck beds. The Flated Air-Topper showcases a four-chamber construction and inflates to a stiff structure. Tinted side and rear windows are affixed to the unit via industrial-strength Velcro but roll up to allow air circulation and are removable if desired. The Flated Air-Topper weighs a mere 35 pounds and comes with a hand pump, storage backpack, and a repair kit. Price: $1,899.00
If you’re looking to self-sustain for weeks at a time or longer, wanderBOX may be the answer to your needs. Mike Barnwell, the CEO of the newly formed wanderBOX, spent nearly four decades as a technology industry executive. A lifelong camper and outdoor enthusiast, Barnwell created an expedition-style off-road camper to sustain remote living for weeks at a time. Armed with oversized water and solar systems, beefy lithium batteries and more, wanderBOX’s first iteration, the Outpost 35, presented an array of high-quality finishes and upgrades. Unfortunately, the prototype’s interior wasn’t finished in time for the show.
The wanderBOX Outpost 35 will include a wide variety of accessories to aid in remote living while enjoying the creature comforts of home. With currently 11 trucks on order, the company will use a regular-cab Ford F-600 4×4 diesel as its base with packages showcasing items like a king-size bed, a 34-inch square dry shower and bathroom, a dedicated office and kitchen area, as well as a combined washer and dryer. In addition, a galley kitchen will boast a solid-surface countertop, three-burner high-output induction cooktop, 17-cubic food door refrigerator, 18” dishwasher, 15” stainless steel trash compactor, and more.
Exterior accessories include an aluminum front winch bumper with a 16,500-pound WARN winch and synthetic line and a rear steel bumper with the same winch. The wanderBOX Outpost 35 will also feature 20-inch 10-lug “super-single” steel wheels wrapped in 41-inch Continental MPT 81 335/80R20 multi-purpose tires, leaf springs paired with upgraded shocks, a 3.5” lift kit, front and rear stabilizer bars, and a push-button hydraulic self-leveling system for when at rest. WanderBOX’s camper walls are comprised of composite panel-wall construction with R15 to R25 insulation, non-organic never-rot structural components and a high-strength aluminum aerospace-grade exoskeleton. Prices start at $399,000.
San Diego-based BajaRack, along with its manufacturing plant in Ensenada, Mexico, has been making high-quality welded roof platforms and baskets since 2007. However, BajaRack recently saw the need to create one-stop-shop modular bug-out roof rack kits preloaded with essential gear. That includes items like Goal Zero’s Boulder 50 solar panels with a Yeti 1000X portable power station, a LifeSaver water filtration system; a Scepter water can, a Wavian fuel can and a heavy-duty Pelican cargo case—all with associated mounting brackets. Other kit offerings are a sturdy rear ladder and front rack-mounted retractable Baja Designs 40-inch LED light bar.
BajaRack off-grid emergency roof rack kits debuted a few days before Overland Expo West, and they’ll be available through their website in early June. Kits fit most vehicles, like the 5th gen Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser and Land Rover Discovery. Prices depend on specific roof rack models and which kit items are specified for each package. Complete kits range from $4,000-$5,500.
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