From car camping to off-roading, these overlanding gifts are sure to be a hit with the road-tripping camper in your life. Check out these gifts for off-roaders.
It’s hard to beat the fun of heading off the beaten path and discovering the perfect campsite. Whether that special someone has a drool-worthy 4×4 adventure rig or is simply looking to up their car camping game, this list has you covered. We’ve spent years on the road — in vans, motorcycles, and custom-built camper trucks — and thoroughly put this gear to test.
From camping basics to off-road-specific gifts, this is some of our favorite overlanding gear.
Popular Overlanding Gear & Gifts
ZOLEO Satellite Communicator
ZOLEO is an app-based relay between your phone and contacts that communicates nuanced messages (and emojis). It uses Wi-Fi or cellular service when it can, and then switches to sat-comm mode to support text messages or even emails. There are also SOS and check-in functions for sharing your location with others. Bonus: There’s a promo available on service plans after Nov. 16, 2020!
Sponsored by Zoleo
Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel
Keep the good times rolling with this packable and portable solar panel. High-efficiency ETFE material is durable and allows for 23% higher light transmission — which means faster charging. Legs pop out for easy setup at the campsite. And it folds in two for space-saving storage. Having a mobile solar panel means you can easily move it around to maximize sunlight and solar gain.
Use the two USB outputs to directly charge devices or pair the panel with the Jackery Explorer 500 for a fully contained charging station.
Helux E75L Dual Zone Powered Cooler
Long camping trips, van life, and overlanding call for powered coolers. This 75L model can maintain temps for 3 days using its lithium battery. Its lid opens from both sides and has cupholders and a food rack. Charge it via AC, DC, or solar power. Take note: This product has limited inventory.
Sponsored by Helux
NEMO Helio Pressure Shower
Stay fresh even when camping for days on end. The NEMO Helio Pressure Shower is a simple but invaluable camp tool. It uses a foot pump to provide pressurized water flow, and the black reservoir warms water in the sun. The 7-foot hose easily reaches whether you’re taking a quick rinse or cleaning your bike after a muddy trail ride.
With a 2.9-gallon capacity, it offers up 5-7 minutes of pressurized flow after a full pump. We’ve been testing for nearly a year, and it’s still working flawlessly. It’s great for camp showers, hosing off sandy feet, and quickly tackling camp dishes.
Kammok Swiftlet Hammock Stand
Say so long to the hassle of finding the perfect tree pairing. With the Kammok Swiftlet, you can set up the hammock anywhere you please. Quick-release buttons allow for easy, tool-free setup and takedown. And the included carrying bag is great for transporting. It can convert to a space-saving “chair mode,” works will all Kammok hammocks, and has a 400-pound weight capacity.
Throw in a Kammok Roo, and you’ll be lounging in no time.
YETI Trailhead Camp Chair
Anyone looking for a camp chair with unmatched sturdiness and comfort will appreciate the Trailhead. The FlexGrid fabric manages to be both supportive and incredibly comfortable. And it folds up easily and surprisingly compact for how heavy-duty it feels. The included carrying bag makes transporting a breeze.
The extra-wide feet make it supremely un-tippable, and the cupholder can easily switch to either side. Or, if you’re looking for something lighter or smaller, try the Helinox Sunset Chair.
Rhino USA Folding Shovel
Whether heading off road, driving in winter conditions, or road-tripping into the unknown, this foldable shovel is ready for adventure. It clocks in at 23 inches long when deployed and folds up to a compact 9 x 6 inches for easy storage. It weighs 2 pounds, and the powder-coated carbon steel is built to last.
It comes with a pick and storage bag. Plus it has a lifetime warranty. And at less than 25 bucks, it’s a worthy “just-in-case” piece of gear.
ALPS Mountaineering Park Table
Once you camp with a good table, it’s hard to ever go back. The ALPS Mountaineering Park Table checks all the important boxes: light, packable, and sturdy. It weighs in at 9 pounds and offers 28 square inches of surface space.
Looking for something that packs even smaller? Check out the Square Junction Table. It has a roll top for maximum portability without sacrificing usability. And if you’re looking for a truly beautiful (and functional!) option, the TRAVELCHAIR Kanpai Bamboo Table can’t be beat.
ARB ARB505 E-Z Deflator Kit
It’s always a good sign when it’s time to air down your tires — it means the rocky, bumpy fun stuff is right around the corner. This deflator is a must-have for anyone who regularly leaves the pavement. It easily removes the valve core for rapid deflation. And the attached gauge makes measuring psi a cinch.
For the ultimate off-road gift, throw in the VIAIR 85P Compressor so they can quickly air up when it’s time to cruise home.
RAM Mount
Keep it hands-free with the ever-useful RAM Mount. The suction cup allows for easy mounting, and the socket design means you can quickly find the perfect angle. The spring-loaded holder grabs phones of varying sizes. It’s great for navigating, pumping the tunes, or hands-free calling.
If the traveler in your life is using a tablet for navigation or maps, check out the larger RAM X-Grip Universal.
Midland 50-Channel Waterproof Walkie-Talkies
Walkie-talkies are not only great for group communication and safety — they’re also downright fun. This set from Midland offers the perfect balance of utility without breaking the bank. These two-way radios have 50 channels, along with a channel for scanning for general activity. The 36-mile range keeps you covered during travel. And you can even scan NOAA for weather alerts.
This set is a great option for both overlanding and general emergency preparedness.
LuminAID PackLite Max Phone Charger Lantern
Light up camp and charge your phone with this powerful, inflatable lantern. Five light output settings allow for customization, and with a max output of 150 lumens, you’ll be able to easily illuminate camp. It deflates for easy packing and weighs just 8.6 ounces.
The adjustable strap makes for easy hanging. And the lithium battery recharges by solar and can power the lantern on low for 45 hours or charge up a phone in a pinch.
RIGd UltraSwing Hitch Carrier Multi-Fit
Tested by: Kurt Barclay, Audience Development
If you’re running larger than stock tires or venturing off the pavement, a full-size spare is key. But most SUVs and trucks don’t have enough room in the stock spare location to fit oversized tires. Enter the RIGd UltraSwing.
This swingout hitch carrier combines a spare-tire carrier and swing-away receiver for bike racks or other hitch-mounted accessories. Store spare fuel and recovery equipment, or opt for the fold-down camp table for a quick trailside lunch. The UltraSwing Multi-Fit will work on a wide range of vehicles, from Tacomas to Crosstreks and everything in between.
I’ve only had it for a month, but I’ve been very impressed with how solid it is. The anti-wobble mechanism keeps movement to a minimum, even on rough roads. I’ve enjoyed having access to the tailgate on my Tacoma by simply swinging the wheel and rack out of the way. I’m looking forward to continuing to test the UltraSwing on summer dirt adventures.
