Overlanders find their sanctuary in the heart of nature’s embrace, where the crisp air mingles with the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of wildlife create a symphony. As the seasons change, so does the call of adventure, beckoning us to explore the great outdoors armed with the latest and most reliable gear. In this comprehensive overlanding gear guide, we embark on a journey to discover the essential tools that elevate our outdoor experiences to new heights. From cutting-edge camping equipment that seamlessly blends technology with nature, to rugged yet stylish hiking apparel designed to withstand the elements, our guide is a compass pointing towards the optimal gear for every adventure enthusiast. Gear up and get ready to immerse yourself in the world of outdoor exploration where function meets fashion, and the wild becomes your playground.
We hope you love the overlanding gear we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Off-roading gear and equipment
Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell
Photo: BAMACAR
No more wrestling with tangled canvas in the wind. The Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell is built to last, too. High-quality ABS plastic and aluminum alloy construction stand strong against the elements, whether you’re facing torrential downpours or blustery winds.
Spacious enough for two or three adventurers (depending on the model), the Naturnest offers a cozy haven under the stars. A thick mattress ensures a restful slumber, while mesh windows and vents keep the air flowing and condensation at bay. And to add a touch of luxury, many models come equipped with bonus features like an LED light strip, a rooftop luggage rack, and even a dedicated shoe bag.
Of course, every adventurer knows there’s no free lunch. While lighter than some other hardshell tents, the Naturnest still packs a punch in the weight department. And let’s be honest, a quality tent like this comes with a price tag to match. Finally, remember that its bulkier size demands ample storage space on your roof rack. But if you’re a serious overlander who plans to spend ample time on the road, the investment will pay itself back within the first month.
If these minor considerations don’t dampen your outdoor spirit, the Naturnest Rooftop Tent Hard Shell might just be your perfect camping companion. Its blend of convenience, durability, and affordability makes it ideal for weekend getaways and epic overland adventures alike. So pack your bags, strap on your boots, and let the Naturnest be your gateway to unforgettable experiences under the open sky.
Price: $1,299
Jackery solar generators
Photo: Jackery
Jackery, a titan in portable power and solar solutions, has unleashed two impressive additions to its arsenal: the Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro and the Jackery 1000 Plus. Each packs a punch in its own way, catering to diverse needs. Let’s break down their strengths to help you choose your perfect power partner.
Jackery Explorer 3000 Pro: Home Backup Hero
Imagine a portable power station that could run your entire house during a blackout. That’s the Explorer 3000 Pro in a nutshell. Its monstrous 3024Wh capacity and 3000W AC output can handle most home appliances, keeping your fridge humming, TV shining, and microwave popping popcorn even when the grid goes kaput.
This beast harnesses the sun’s power like a champ, thanks to advanced IBC technology that maximizes solar absorption and boasts a sleek, sophisticated look. And when the sun sets, fear not. You can recharge from 0 percent to 100 percent in a mere 2.5 hours via AC or car charging, ensuring you’re always prepped for the unexpected.
But the Explorer 3000 Pro’s hunger for power doesn’t stop there. This expandable powerhouse can connect with up to three additional battery packs, swelling its capacity to a jaw-dropping 9072Wh, enough to provide days of off-grid living or extended home backup during prolonged outages.
Price: $2,799
Jackery 1000 Plus: Versatile Adventurer
Don’t be fooled by the “Plus” in its name. The Jackery 1000 Plus packs a serious punch of its own. This champion of compact power boasts a 1264Wh capacity and a class-leading 2000W output, making it capable of powering 99 percent of your devices, from laptops and smartphones to drones and projectors.
But its potential doesn’t stop there. This jack-of-all-trades adventurer can expand its capacity up to 5kWh, making it equally at home powering campgrounds, festivals, or even providing emergency backup your house.
And like its big brother, the 1000 Plus embraces the sun’s energy with gusto. It recharges from 0 percent to 100 percent in just eight hours via solar panels. Say goodbye to hunting for outlets in the wilderness. But this versatile wonder isn’t limited to solar. You can also top it up with AC or car charging, ensuring you’re never caught off guard with a drained battery.
Price: $1,199
ARB E-Z Deflator Kit
Photo: ARB
For off-road adventurers, venturing into the wild often means battling rough terrain and adapting to ever-changing landscapes. One crucial aspect of tackling these challenges is tire pressure control, and that’s where the ARB E-Z Deflator Kit shines. Say goodbye to tedious, time-consuming tire deflation rituals. This nifty kit lets you quickly and effortlessly air down your tires, whether you’re facing sand dunes, muddy bogs, or rocky climbs. Improved traction and reduced risk of wheel and tire damage become your reward, setting you free to fully embrace the off-road experience.
Built to withstand the harshest elements, the ARB E-Z Deflator boasts a robust construction of corrosion-resistant brass and stainless steel. Its user-friendly design makes it a breeze to operate, even with gloves on. No more fumbling with intricate mechanisms — precision pressure control is just a twist away. The integrated gauge ensures accuracy within one psi, allowing you to fine-tune your tire pressure with confidence. And for those seeking even faster deflation, the patented design delivers exceptional airflow, getting you ready for the next obstacle in no time.
To top it off, the kit comes with a protective case that keeps your trusty deflator safe and sound when not in action. Two models are available: the standard ARB505 and the ARB510 with an extended hose for easier access to all four tires, catering to your specific needs.
Investing in the ARB E-Z Deflator Kit is not just about convenience; it’s about peace of mind and preparedness. By optimizing your tire pressure for the terrain, you minimize the risk of punctures and safeguard your expensive wheels and tires.
Price: $56
Hi-Lift Jack and BUNKER INDUST Off-Road Traction Boards with Jack Base
Photo: Hi-Lift, Bunker Indust
Getting stuck in mud, sand, or snow is a rite of passage. But with the Hi-Lift Jack and the BUNKER INDUST Off-Road Traction Boards with Jack Base, these temporary setbacks can be overcome with ease and confidence.
The robust Hi-Lift Jack is designed for heavy rescue, extrication, shoring, forcible entry, and other similar emergencies. It has the ability to lift a vehicle from its frame, which can be crucial when dealing with difficult terrains, and has the potential to be used as a hand winch or come-along. Although the Hi-Lift is a great all-round multifunctional piece of kit, you might consider coupling it with this jack base when overlanding.
The BUNKER INDUST traction boards, crafted from high-quality automotive-grade polypropylene, are built to handle the harshest terrains. Their interlocked diamond array provides exceptional flexibility, allowing them to bend up to 120 degrees without cracking, even under the weight of your vehicle.
But what truly sets these traction boards apart is the unique jack base feature. This integrated platform in the center of each board doubles as a solid, stable base for your off-road jack. No more messing around with separate jack bases or searching for stable ground — simply place the board under your tire and jack away, knowing you have a secure foundation. This innovative design eliminates the need for additional equipment and streamlines the recovery process. Plus, the jack base elevates your vehicle slightly, further enhancing traction and making it easier to get unstuck.
Beyond jack functionality, the BUNKER INDUST traction boards excel in their core purpose: providing grip. The aggressive cross-shaped teeth bite into mud, sand, and snow, creating a path for your tires to regain traction and propel you forward.
Price: From $87.99
Buy Now — Bunker Off-Road Traction Boards
KC HiLiTES 500 Gravity G4 Clear LED Fog Lights
Photo: KC Hilites
Investing in secured fog lights for your vehicle can significantly improve your safety and comfort during an overlanding trip. It’s not just fog that they assist with. The lights improve visibility in mist, rain, snow, dust, or any other harsh weather conditions. Their beam is wide and low, reducing the amount of light reflected into your eyes by particles in the air. The wide angle of fog lights can also help illuminate the sides of the road or trail, making it easier to spot potential hazards, such as wildlife, pedestrians, or obstacles, that might be outside the range of your regular headlights.
And even if the weather is clear, fog lights can serve as backup lighting in case your main headlights fail, and they can also double up as additional illumination on particularly dark trails or at campsites.
KC HiLiTES specializes in manufacturing high-quality off-road lighting solutions. The 500 Gravity G4 Clear LED Fog Light set dramatically increases short-range and ground visibility. They are powered by KC’s patented Gravity® Reflective Diode (GRD) and optical reflectors, delivering an impressive beam distance of 245 meters. To put that into perspective, that’s longer than two football pitches. They are ideal for long, off-road journeys. The sealed magnesium housing and polycarbonate lens make them virtually impermeable to water or dust. They are also a breeze to install. Being a direct plug-and-play upgrade for many vehicle models, they can be securely mounted without much hassle.
Price: $347.19
WARN Medium-Duty Winch Accessory Kit
Photo: WARN
When the primary objective of a journey like this is to tackle rough terrains, steep inclines, and tricky obstacles, you need to be prepared for getting into a bit of trouble. One of the essential tools that can make the difference between a successful trip and getting stranded in the middle of nowhere is a winch kit. Its primary use is for vehicle recovery. And if you’re a seasoned off-roader, you’ll know only too well how common it is for vehicles to get stuck. It’s also a great tool to help pull your vehicle up and over slippery surfaces or obstacles. It can even be used for moving fallen trees, hauling supplies, or even as a makeshift hoist.
The WARN 88900 Medium-Duty Winch Accessory Kit is a comprehensive set designed for winch capacities suitable for trucks, Jeeps, and SUVs. The all-in-one kit includes a range of useful accessories packed in a sturdy gear bag for easy storage and transportation. It comes with a snatch block with a maximum capacity of 20,000 lbs, which increases the pulling power of the winch and allows for different pulling angles. A recovery strap and a tree trunk protector, two 3/4 inch D-shackles, and a pair of gloves to protect your hands while handling the winch cable are also included.
Price: $228.99
TAC9ER Heavy Duty Folding Shovel
Photo: TAC9ER
A shovel isn’t just a tool for digging. It can also be used for a heap load of other tasks, like cutting through roots or branches, clearing a path, creating a fire pit, or even as a makeshift paddle. When camping, it’s your go-to for leveling ground for your tent, digging a trench for water runoff, or even creating a latrine. And in an emergency, if your vehicle gets stuck in mud, snow, or sand, a shovel can be an invaluable bit of kit.
It’s worth looking into a heavy-weight, durable, folding shovel. They are designed to be compact and lightweight, making them easy to store and carry. This means it won’t take up much room in your vehicle, but will be there when you need it.
The TAC9ER Collapsible E-Tool shovel is one of the better models on the market. Its tri-fold design makes it less bulky than others. When folded, it measures 9.5 inches. It’s constructed from carbon steel to withstand heavy-duty entrenching and digging jobs and features a serrated blade (that can double up as a saw) and a threaded lock system for added functionality. It also comes in a sturdy hard-side carrying case, which can be attached to a backpack or belt.
Price: $29.99
ROAM Adventure Co. Rooftop Awnings
Photo: ROAM
Organizing and maximizing space in and around your vehicle is one of the most important things you can do to have an enjoyable and comfortable overlanding experience. A rooftop awning is the easiest way to increase storage and space efficiency. It can double up as a versatile option for shelter for your stove if the elements are not in your favor. They are also known for their convenience in terms of setup and stowing away. When taking a break from the road, you can quickly assemble this and relax while cooking or sitting out under cover.
ROAM Adventure Co. offers a range of rooftop awnings that are designed to provide shelter and relief from the elements, whether it’s the sweltering sun or wet weather. They are constructed from durable waterproof polyurethane-coated polycotton rip-stop canvas. There are several models available, with different widths to choose from to suit your needs.
This version has an aluminum frame with height-adjustable legs, so it can be customized to your vehicle. The universal mounting kit comes equipped with stainless L-brackets, hardware, and sandwich plates and will fit a variety of roof racks. That said, it’s also worth considering inquiring about an awning mount kit straight from your rack manufacturer to ensure a perfect fit. It comes in two colors, black and forest green. And, the best part? The set-up is a breeze and takes minutes.
Price: $339
Personal safety overlanding gear
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Photo: Garmin
When cell coverage is unreliable or non-existent, having a backup satellite communication device is essential. It has multiple uses. Most importantly, you can send distress signals with your GPS location details to emergency services, even in areas without mobile network coverage. You can also keep in touch with your team, family, or friends and share your location, route, and any changes in your plans. Many come with built-in navigation features and real-time weather updates.
There are a few models on the market, but by far the most reliable and top-performing are those by Garmin. In particular, the award-winning inReach Mini 2. It rises above Garmin’s Messenger device by a narrow margin for its lightweight and navigational attributes.
The inReach Mini 2 can remotely control sending and receiving messages, start and stop tracking, and trigger an interactive SOS to a 24/7 staffed emergency response coordination center (although an active satellite subscription is required for this feature). Despite its small size, this machine is tough, durable, impact-resistant, and water-rated to IPX7 (meaning it can be submerged in water up to one meter for 30 minutes without any damage). This model does not feature maps, but it does allow you to see your route and breadcrumb trail, which can be incredibly useful for anyone needing to know if they are on or off their intended journey. Its rechargeable lithium battery gives you up to 14 days of power and up to 30 days in low-power mode. You can also access detailed weather updates, get support in planning your trips, create preset messages in case of an emergency, and more.
Price: $400
Black Diamond Equipment Astro 300-R Headlamp
Photo: Black Diamond
A decent headlamp is an essential piece of kit. It’s one of those products you need to pour over reviews and make sure you find quality in the over-saturated market. One of the better brands is Black Diamond. The range of headlamps are performance-driven and reliable, making them a firm favorite with outdoor enthusiasts.
If your trip involves nighttime activities or moving through areas with low light conditions, which it undoubtedly will, you’ll need a rechargeable headlamp. It will allow you to keep both hands free for setting up a camp, cooking, reading maps, or during emergency situations.
The Black Diamond Equipment Astro 300-R Headlamp provides a maximum output of 300 lumens, which is ample light for navigating in the dark or performing tasks in your vehicle or at a campsite after sunset. It’s compact, lightweight, and comfortable with a recycled adjustable elastic headband. The Astro 300-R also has dual-fuel capability. It can be powered either by AAA alkaline batteries or charged via a micro-USB port. This flexibility can be a lifesaver on overnight trips, as it gives you the option to use disposable batteries if you’re unable to get to a power source to recharge. You can also choose between flood beam, full strength, and dimming settings, which conserves battery life when full brightness is not required.
Price: $39.95
BioLite Sunlight 100, Portable Solar Light
Photo: Amazon
Environmentally friendly, portable solar lights are lightweight and ensure you can generate electricity in remote areas and keep essential devices powered up throughout your trip.
The BioLite Sunlight 100 is pocket-sized, making it highly compact and convenient to carry around. It features dimmable white and red night vision settings, the latter being vital if you enjoy stargazing. The integrated sundial and kickstand support the built-in solar panel to find direct sunlight for efficient charging. When fully charged (which requires around seven hours of sunlight), it has 50 hour run time. Similar to a head touch, you can use the light hands-free. With its convenient hanging clip, you can attach the light to your belt, tent, or inside your vehicle.
If you’re traveling in winter, especially in the northern hemisphere, and have concerns about limited daylight, you can opt to charge via the micro USB lead. This takes around two hours and can be done via your vehicle during driving time.
Price: $39.95
BioLite Portable Campstove Topper
Photo: BioLite
This grill attachment is made for the BioLite CampStove 2 (see the below entry) and turns it into a wood-fired grill. It has a durable steel grate that can cook up to four burgers or six hot dogs. The grill also has high and medium temperature zones, so you can cook your food to perfection. Users really like this product, giving it an average rating of 4.53 out of five on Amazon.
The BioLite CampStove Portable Tabletop Grill is made of stainless steel and weighs 1.88 pounds. It folds flat for easy packing and includes a plastic travel cover that doubles as a plate or cutting board.
The grill is easy to use. Just attach it to your BioLite CampStove 2, add some wood, and start cooking. The BioLite CampStove Portable Tabletop Grill is a great way to cook food outdoors, and it’s also a great way to add some smoky flavor to your food. If you’re looking for a portable, wood-fired grill, the BioLite CampStove Portable Tabletop Grill is a great option. It’s well-made and it cooks food to perfection.
Price: $59.95
BioLite CampStove 2+
The BioLite CampStove 2+ is an innovative camp stove that’s as versatile as it is convenient. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual picnicker, this stove has something to offer.
First and foremost, the CampStove 2+ is fueled by nature. Wood, twigs, pellets, or even charcoal — it doesn’t matter what you have on hand, this stove can turn it into crackling flames and useful energy. No more lugging around heavy gas canisters. But the CampStove 2+ is more than just a firebox. It’s also a power station, thanks to its built-in thermoelectric generator. As the fire burns, the CampStove 2+ converts that heat into electricity, letting you charge your phone, headlamp, GPS, or any other USB-powered device you bring along. Say goodbye to dead batteries in the wilderness.
And speaking of the wilderness, the CampStove 2+ is designed with nature in mind. Its patented combustion technology creates a vortex of air that burns fuel more efficiently and completely, resulting in smokeless flames. This means less harmful emissions for you and a happier planet.
But don’t let the eco-friendly features fool you, the CampStove 2+ is a culinary powerhouse too. It can boil a liter of water in just 4.5 minutes, making it perfect for a quick cup of coffee or a hearty camp meal. And with its easy-to-use design, even novice campers can whip up delicious dishes over the open fire.
Finally, the CampStove 2+ is surprisingly portable. When folded down, it’s no bigger than a 32-ounce water bottle, making it easy to stash in your backpack and take on any adventure.
So, if you’re looking for a camp stove that’s as functional as it is fun, the BioLite CampStove 2+ is worth checking out.
Price: $249.95
Geyser Portable Shower, Cleaning Kit, and Electric Heater
Photo: Geyser
As overlanding trips can stretch for days or weeks, the basics need to be covered. Packing a portable shower gives you the luxury of bathing wherever and whenever you want. This is particularly important if you’re planning on going to remote areas where there are no facilities. And you can even use it to rinse down your boots, gear, vehicle, dishes, or your pet.
There’s quite a spectrum of models and price points on the market. Quality ranges quite significantly too. You seem to either have to give up pressure for heat — or vice versa. One of the better electric-powered options is Geyser’s portable shower. The only downside to this is that you need to be close to a power outlet or your vehicle’s outlet, which might not be suitable for all. That said, you’re not relying on sunlight for solar, so you can take a hot shower any time of day and at any time of year. This reliability is a godsend when you’re factoring in a multitude of other necessities on a multi-day trip.
One of its primary features is the built-in heater, which efficiently warms water in 15 — 45 minutes. Or, if you’d like to speed up the process you can mix two parts cold with one part boiling water and you’ll have a hot shower in five minutes. And despite housing a heater, the unit weighs only 7.9 lbs when empty and 14.6 lbs when full. It also uses ten times less water than most other models on the market, making it a sustainable choice for environments where water conservation is crucial.
Price: $349.95
YETI Tundra 65 Hard Cooler
Photo: YETI
A decent hard cooler will set you back and can add to your load. If you want quality and durability, there’s no real way around that. What you get in return is an ice-cold beverage and fresh produce after a long day of driving — and that’s a non-negotiable luxury.
YETI’s coolers have been designed to perform in the most extreme conditions. They range in size and design, but for more rugged multi-day adventures, you want to check out their most versatile bad boy, the Tundra 65 Hard Cooler.
One of the most notable features is its rugged rotomolded construction, which is virtually indestructible and significantly increases ice retention. This means your food and drinks stay colder for longer — essential when in the wilderness for extended periods. It also has a generous capacity, so you can afford to stock up on goods and shop less often. Unlike many other coolers that end up with cracked corners, caved-in lids, and busted hinges after a few outdoor trips, the Tundra’s handles are made from military-grade polyester ropes, it has non-slip feet and a heavy-duty hinge system. You don’t need to worry about leakage either, and it’s pretty quick and easy to drain and clean.
Price: $375
onX Pro Subscription
onX Pro map screenshot
No matter your outdoor recreation activities of choice, a good GPS mapping app is key to successful routing. onX Pro is a subscription-based service that tracks where you are, shows nearby trails and routes, and even breaks down land ownership surrounding your location so you know if you’re on public land or not (eek — trespassing). The app originated for hunters but has evolved in recent years to include dedicated layering and tools for hiking, biking, skiing, off-roading, fishing, and more. There isn’t a more thorough GPS mapping app available.
The app can be used to locate everything from 4×4 trails to campsites, and can include weather info and the ability to see what users who have recently visited the area have to say about where you’re headed. Track elevation gain, parking locations, and trailhead information in real-time, and share with other users on the fly. One of the best features of onX is that you can save your tracked adventures and organize them into folders, making it easy to identify where you’ve been and use that info in future route planning.
onX Pro stepped up its game for backcountry skiers this season, with dedicated touring overlays and the ability to chart potential avalanche trigger points and runout zones via the new ATES layer. GPS mapping apps are in no short supply, but onX leads innovation in potentially life-saving features that are easy to learn, understand, and take value from.
Price:: $29.99 — $99.99 per year, depending on subscription level
Camping overlanding gear
Marmot Trestles 15-degree sleeping bag
Photo: Marmot
When camping in non-summer weather, you want to be sure you’ll be warm. Matador’s gear editor has used his Marmot Trestles 15-degree sleeping bag for everything from basic overlanding and camping trips to overnight winter ski tours without issue. It’s warm, easy to crawl into in the dark, and easy to stuff a liner into if you plan to camp in temperatures below 15 degrees.
The mummy design conforms to your body shape and with the SpiraFil high-loft insulation, you won’t feel the chill overnight even if it gets windy outside your sleeping quarters. Among the coolest features of this sleeping bag is the locking YKK two-way zipper and compression stuff sack, which gives you a place to put your wallet, phone, and other important (but small) objects so you always know where they are when you have camp set up. The bag is designed as a fall/winter bag, but is equally good in summer at high elevation and can be unzipped to taste if you find yourself sweating overnight.
Price: $119
Therm-a-Rest Prolite Apex Sleeping Pad
Photo: Therm-a-Rest
For overlanders seeking a reliable sleeping pad that prioritizes both comfort and warmth, the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Apex stands out as a top contender. Its innovative StrataCore construction is the key to its success, strategically layering thermal foam amidst air pockets to deliver exceptional insulation with an impressive R-value of 3.8. This translates to toasty nights throughout three-season adventures, whether nestled amidst crisp autumn leaves or under a starlit spring sky.
Measuring a comfortable two inches thick, the ProLite Apex cradles your body with supportive cushioning, ensuring restful slumber even on uneven terrain. Inflating and deflating are a breeze thanks to the intuitive WingLock valve, boasting an airflow rate three times faster than traditional designs. Plus, weighing in at just one pound and packing down to a compact size, this pad effortlessly joins your backpacking expedition without adding unnecessary bulk. Durability is another area where the ProLite Apex shines. Constructed with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, it’s built to withstand the rigors of the trail, promising reliable comfort for countless adventures to come.
Price: $144.95
Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow
Photo: Wise Owl Outfitters
Ditch the lumpy camp pillows and restless nights. The Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Pillow promises sweet dreams wherever you roam. This little marvel packs a surprising punch, offering plush comfort and impressive versatility for travelers, campers, and anyone seeking a cozy upgrade on the go. Imagine sinking into a four-inch haven of memory foam, crafted to cradle your head and neck in supportive bliss. Whether you’re a side sleeper seeking snuggles or a back sleeper yearning for alignment, this pillow promises to lull you into a restful slumber. But its talents extend far beyond the campsite.
This versatile wonder transforms from camping companion to travel hero. Use it in your hammock, airplane seat, car ride, or even as a lumbar support pillow on long journeys. Its compact size and included waterproof storage bag make it a breeze to pack and carry, ensuring comfort never gets left behind.
This travel-friendly gem’s memory foam compresses down to fit snugly in your backpack or carry-on, becoming a lightweight dream for adventurers. Plus, it fluffs back up in a flash, ready to welcome your weary head at any destination. Convenience is another feather in its cap. Toss it in the washing machine for effortless cleaning, and enjoy the gentle touch of the soft micro-suede cover against your skin.
Price: $24.99