TREAD November/December 2023

EDITOR'S LETTER Often asked by those first learning about the hobby, I still hear the question asked today: So, what exactly is overlanding? By definition from Oxford Languages, overlanding simply means “to travel a long distance over land.” Most resources online will add in that overlanding is self-reliant adventure travel through remote areas where the journey is more important than the destination. It’s pretty safe to say there are many ways to interpret that definition, with the most important takeaway that the journey is the emphasis. I’d also toss into the definition hat, that it could include remote camping, where one needs 4WD to get to a camp spot. As many of us in the U.S. are weekend warriors, we may not have the time to get out for longer…

01. TUFF STUFF OVERLAND/ PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSOR Stay prepared on the road with the all-new Tuff Air Portable Air Compressor. Rugged and compact, the Tuff Air is the perfect accessory to take for every adventure. With a 5.65CFM air intake and heavy duty 12V motor, this little machine has a duty cycle of 40 min at 40 psi. An anti-vibration base keeps everything rattle-free, while a 10-foot insulated power cord with heavy duty alligator clips ensures its durability. Includes a 26-foot coiled hose, 150 psi pressure gauge, storage bag, and nozzle adapters for different inflatables. MSRP: $159.99 tuffstuffoverland.com 02. REDARC/ ALPHA 150 LITHIUM BATTERY This 150Ah lithium battery is used to power your off-grid electronic needs, whether that’s your fridge, lights, cameras, or other electronic devices. The Alpha150 offers unrivaled…

01. PIRANI/INSULATED TUMBLER Designed to make convenience less wasteful and help put a stop to the 500 billion disposable cups wasted around the world each year, this insulated tumbler keeps your drink cool and the planet safe. Skinny-Wall Triple Insulation™ and stainless steel, make it like the classic red solo cup and your favorite insulated cup had a baby, keeping your bev of choice ice cold for 12+ hours, hot for up to 6, with no sweat… literally. MSRP: $25.95 pirani.life 02. ARC’TERYX/SABRE SV JACKET Durable and stormproof, this jacket is an outer shell made for demanding terrain and severe conditions. Breathable GORETEX PRO with Most Rugged Technology and hardwearing 100% recycled N100D face fabric combine for ultra-durable weather protection. The brand’s longest jacket, it provides additional coverage, and the…

MAYHEM WHEELS/ COMPASS The Mayhem Matte Black Compass Wheel features twelve spokes and a stepped lip, which adds to the aggressive look and offset of the wheel. The inner lip contains simulated bolts as well as small milled windows attached to the lip with the bolts, giving the wheel a sleek overall look. A Matte Black finish is enhanced by the silver simulated bolts along the inner ring. Durable cast aluminum in a 1-piece construction gives the Compass the rugged ability to tackle any terrain. mayhemwheels.com KMC WHEELS/ KM552 IMS This cast version of the KMC’s popular Impact forged beadlock wheel offers a simulated beadlock with drains in the ring. Available in 17-inch size for 5- and 6-lug applications, the wheel also comes in multiple colorways, including Machined Silver with…

01. LT WRIGHT/NEXT GEN Overall Length: 7.5”Blade Length: 3”Blade Material: A2Handle Material: MicartaWeight: 4.8 ozMSRP: $156.00 ltwrightknives.com 02. SOG/PROVIDER FX Overall length: 8.1”Blade length: 3.75”Blade material: CRYO 154CmHandle material: GRNWeight: 5 oz MSRP: $149.99 sogknives.com 03. SPARTAN/SPARTAN-HARSEY FIGHTER Overall length: 11.5”Blade length: 6.125”Blade material: 1095 Cro-VanHandle material: Black injection moldedWeight: 11.8 oz MSRP: $195.00 spartanbladesusa.com 04. TOPS KNIVES/ARMADO 6.5 Overall length: 12.0”Blade length: 7.75”Blade material: 1095 RC 56-58Handle material: Tan Canvas MicartaWeight: 14 oz MSRP: TBD topsknives.com…

In the previous Backcountry Skills, we delved into tire CPR 101, reviewing techniques and equipment for repairing basic punctures, broken valve stems, and how to dismount a tire from its wheel. But what do you do if a commie rock, branch, or whale bone slashes a gash in your sidewall? This issue recently landed front and center during a run guide for Sierra Trek on the Fordyce Creek Trail, a route that surpasses the Rubicon in technical challenges. Most participants were running 38- to 40-inch tires, didn’t carry a spare, and one of them had a run-in with the aforementioned foe. This month we are diving deep into our bag of tricks and exploring ways to bring an ostensibly dead tire back to life, albeit temporarily, and get you off…