Overlanding and Offroad articles

If you’ve built out your truck for overlanding, camping, or just hauling gear without the constant game of Tetris in your bed, you already know one thing: not all racks are created equal. The right setup can completely change how you use your truck, turning it from “barely enough...

Quick Verdict: After 18+ months of overlanding trips, the HEST Foamy Wide remains the most comfortable camping mattress I have tested. Its R-value of 8.8 handles freezing Sierra nights, and the zero-inflation setup takes 30 seconds. At $379, it costs more than self-inflating alternatives, but the durability and comfort...

Quick Verdict: The Breeo X Series 19 (~$499) is the best Breeo fire pit for overlanders who want a smokeless campfire with serious cooking potential. Pair it with the Outpost Grill 19 (~$150) for open-fire grilling at camp or on the trail. If you want the full cooking system,...

Quick Verdict: After years of running CB radios on overlanding trips across the Southwest, the Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB ($193) is the best CB radio for most overlanders. It delivers SSB for extended range, NOAA weather alerts, and a 7-color display, all backed by thousands of Amazon reviews at...

Last updated: March 2026 | 7 min read In This Article What Is Battle of the Branches? Six Branches, One Competition Civilian Battle Buddies The Route: Five Days, Four States A Visual Tour of the Southwest Authentic Challenge, No Manufactured Drama Military Values on Display Final Thoughts   What Is Battle of...

Quick Verdict: The ICECO APL55 is a 55-liter dual-zone portable fridge with a SECOP compressor, Bluetooth app control, and USB charging ports on both ends. At $959, the ICECO APL55 costs roughly $240 less than the Dometic CFX3 55IM and $500+ less than the ARB Elements 60L. It draws...

Quick Verdict: After testing cots on overlanding trips for the past several years, the Byer of Maine Easy Cot XL ($149) is the one I keep reaching for. It sets up in seconds with zero assembly, sleeps wide at 31 inches, and holds 330 lbs without sagging. If you...

Do You Need a Portable Fridge for Car Camping? (Cooler vs 12V Fridge Compared) Quick Verdict: A portable fridge for car camping is worth the investment if you camp more than 8-10 weekends per year. At roughly $5-$10 in ice per trip, a traditional cooler costs $80-$150 per season in...

Quick Verdict: A proper truck bed camping setup costs between $3,000 and $5,000 for a complete, comfortable rig. The Freedom Camper ($3,299 base) is the lightest hard-sided option at 180 lbs, fits trucks from the Ford Maverick to the F-Series, and keeps the interior warm down to 20°F. The...

Quick Verdict: The best inflatable tent for camping in 2026 depends on your budget, group size, and camping style. Prices in this roundup range from $700 to $6,800 across eight air tents from six manufacturers. Setup times run 1-5 minutes with a pump, compared to 15-30 minutes for pole...