By Will Marshal
Photos Barry J Holmes
It is really easy to get lost in the dazzling shininess of new overlanding gear. And with all the options out there, it’s important to remember all you ever *really* need can fit inside of a Rubbermaid Action Packer in the back of your vehicle. We are all about making sure that you have the tools and knowledge needed to get out and explore, and most times less is more – so let’s take a look at some of the best small gear available now or on the horizon.
Why We Love It: Designed for medium-to-small format overland vehicles.
Maxtrax dominates the traction board game and they are expanding their lineup with a new compact design. Measuring in at a pint-size 25” and maintaining their stacking ability, the Mini is the perfect solution for smaller Subaru style overland vehicles. You can throw these in the back of your vehicle if space is tight, or even underneath a seat for that “D’OH!” moment you did not plan on. Constructed of the same bomb-proof thermo-nylon formula that their full-size brothers are, they will stand up to the test of time. Available soon. Keep an eye on the Maxtrax website for launch dates.Why We Love It: Hits the venn diagram bullseye for cost/size/badass design.
Sea to Summit makes some of the finest outdoor gear on the market, and has a longstanding tradition of not compromising on quality by taking shortcuts. The Alpha cookware series is the culmination of decades of research and learning put into application. Pots are equipped with a strainer lid to make draining pain free, and there is a patent pending pivoting handle that locks pot and lid in place for secure transport. Touch points are constructed of a high temperature silicone as a burn barrier, and small details like the ability to rest a lid securely on the side of the pot are indicators to how much thought was put behind the design. Each set is ultra compact using a Russian nesting doll method making the kit a space efficiency dream.
With a 2 person set priced at $89.95 and a full 4 person kit at $119.95, you can’t go wrong. Be on the lookout for the Sigma Series stainless steel version coming in 2019. Why We Love It: Backpack that fits in your glove compartment for when you want to explore on foot (and actually fits back into its pouch).
Have you ever been someplace and cursed yourself up and down for not bringing a backpack with you? Sea to Summit has got your back (so to speak) with the Ultra-sil daypack. Weighing in at a measly 2.5oz, this backpack fits into its own little pouch and can be secured to your keys, pocket, belt, dog, child – anything you can dream of. It is just darn tiny, and when you pull it out, it can carry quite a bit of stuff for you (20L worth, to be exact), with ease. Thinking about the holidays already? Talk about a stocking stuffer.
Get yours here for $32.95Why We Love It: Unique storage and organization for mission critical items. Stash, grab and GO.If on your tenth birthday you were given an Army surplus strike-anywhere match tube, what would you do with it? This is how VSSL was born. VSSL Founder Todd Weimer was enamored with the construction of this little tube as a kid. As he followed his love of the outdoors and the Canadian bush, Todd would take the idea of that match tube and transform pieces of PVC pipe by stuffing them with survival goods. These PVC prototypes ultimately became the foundation of what VSSL makes today.
Each VSSL tube is milled from aluminum tube stock, and contains a multitude of different gear, from survival goods to things that just make camping a little more “at home”. Each tube measures in at nine inches long, and two inches in diameter, and weighs in at just under a pound. Featuring models ranging from First aid, Flasks, Survival, Zombie and an upcoming miniature camp stove – there is a plethora of different options. Our personal favorite is the survival model, which contains supplies like an emergency candle, first aid, razor blade, wire saw, fishing gear, purification tablets and a lot more.The most important thing contained in the survival VSSL is the list of priorities for a survival situation. Priorities are often the first thing to be forgotten about in a high-stress situation,and this cheat sheet will be the biggest tool for getting yourself on track and safe.
How ridiculously awesome is VSSL? Look at it this way – SUUNTO is one of the largest manufacturers of compasses and wayfinding gear in the world, and has partnered with VSSL to integrate one of their premium compasses into the lid of a VSSL tube. This is the first time in 80 years that SUUNTO has cross branded with another company.
Grab their First Aid Kit here or check out www.vsslgear.com for the full line up.What’s your favorite small gear? Let us know in the comments below, and head over to the Overland Bound forums to do your own research and join the conversation. Outfit & Explore!
Additional contributions by Corrie Murguia
Thanks for the article and it's interesting to see how gear is evolving. Our focus in the past was backpacking so all our camping gear is as light and compact as we could afford to make it.
I've been trying to apply that same focus on lightweight bang-for-the-buck in the overlanding but the use needs of the equipment make it a big more difficult 🙂
Cool
Im trying to figure out a use for a shorter maxx trac. I carry 2 as it is and have wished for 4. Most of the time when I've had to use them, I need to get a little ground speed before hitting the surface again. The smaller ones look like I would just end up back where I started. Ive used mine in mud, snow and sand.
I understand the small footprint for storage idea but, in my opinion some things shouldn't be made smaller.
They would look cool on a small vehicle roof rack though.
Scott
Cool stuff. It's amazing how things advance to be stronger and lighter.
Finally after 20 plus years I broke down and bought a set of TREDs three years ago. Previously I used all the other tools aboard to extract myself. I'll admit, digging out is a lot of work, at my age, so I when I use them I'm grateful for the labor saving device that they are. Short ones? I don't see the sense in them so it may be another 20 or so years until I do.
[QUOTE="MOAK, post: 273430, member: 1615"]Finally after 20 plus years I broke down and bought a set of TREDs three years ago. Previously I used all the other tools aboard to extract myself. I'll admit, digging out is a lot of work, at my age, so I when I use them I'm grateful for the labor saving device that they are. Short ones? I don't see the sense in them so it may be another 20 or so years until I do.[/QUOTE]
A long time ago, I carried two pieces of Marston mat. I wish we had something small and light then.
Scott
Funny how age makes us smarter!
Great article! I’m always Interested in minimizing with good quality gear
I’m considering the small maxtrax for my Jeep TJ. Space is extremely limited and I always like the idea of carrying traction boards but could never justify carrying 4 foot ones…this may be the answer! Hopefully half the size means half the cost too.
I saw a video by Sir William on YouTube about ActionTrax. I liked the story of them. I have never owned Maxtrax and do not deny they look like they work really well. However I ordered up some of these due to the story.
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This Very helpful article
[QUOTE="Stepsride, post: 281067, member: 7115"]I saw a video by Sir William Goes on YouTube about ActionTrax. I liked the story of them. I have never owned Maxtrax and do not deny they look like they work really well. However I ordered up some of these due to the story.
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I've seen that video and agree. I have had those in my Amazon cart for a few days now. I still wish these were available https://anchormtnoverland.com/collections/recovery/products/amo-anchor-mats
150$ for their carry bag, seriously?
I have successfully avoided purchasing MaxTrax or similar for many years, relying on other means to extricate myself. However in the mud at Overland Expo last fall, the tire tracks into the camping area became so deep I could NOT get my front tires to steer out of the deep valley. Finally a good Samaritan arrived with his MaxTrax and I “walked” right out, eezy peezy. I bought two of them the next day.
Similarly one can often get by w/o a winch; hey it’s easy to justify avoiding the expense, weight, etc, BUT when occasionally you definitely do you need one, you REALLY need one since depending on the circumstances, and there really are no other options in some circumstances.
When it comes time that you need MaxTrax or similar I think short ones are “cutsey” but size does matter in most situations when you need a MaxTrax.
P.S. I probably should have purchased 4 of them!
Not sure I get short MaxTrax but I do get the smaller and lighter is better mindset. As a former backpacker who only does car camping now, I still try to keep that backpacking mindset and keep my gear simple and light where practical.
These seem a little silly and small. Sometimes a couple extra inches is what it takes to get er’ over the hill. A couple extra inches of traction can make a big difference.