Hello to everyone who is in search of gift ideas for their overlanding friends and family 👋🏼 Conrad here, the founder of Craze Outdoors, and I've got a fantastic lineup of Christmas gift ideas tailored specifically for our overlanding buddies and fam.
As someone who has been in the outdoor gear business for over 3 years and has personally interacted with hundreds of overlanders, I am confident in recommending the perfect gifts for adventurists on the road. I have listened to their needs and wants, gaining valuable experience and insights along the way. Rest assured that the gift ideas I have curated are tailored specifically for overlanders, ensuring that they will make their off-road journeys even more epic.
Good Headlamp
A good headlamp is essential for providing hands-free illumination during nighttime activities and in low-light conditions. Whether setting up camp, cooking meals, or making emergency repairs on your vehicle, a headlamp keeps your hands free for whatever life throws at you!
 
The Fenix HM71R is my go-to for overland expeditions. Not only does the HM71R pack a punch with a 230m beam distance at 2700 lumens, the light can be detached and used as a right-angle flashlight! With a magnetic base, you can stick it to your vehicle or trailer for greater versatility. With a battery life of up to 400 hours, the HM71R is one of our most popular headlamps for a good reason!
RotoTrax Vehicle Recovery Boards
Vehicle recovery boards are an essential and reliable tool for getting unstuck in off-road situations. When mud, sand, or snow brings you down - you’ll want to reach for a recovery board!
 
The RotoTrax Vehicle Recovery Boards are a great tool to help get the job done. The RotoTrax recovery boards are made by RotoPax, who you know from their series of fuel and water storage containers. Fully compatible with the RotoPax mounting kits - RotoTrax are a great addition to your vehicle recovery kit.
MondoKing Sleeping Pad
As a coffee drinker, I’ve only recently found out that coffee doesn’t fix all of life’s problems (who would have knew?). It turns out that a good night’s sleep really makes a difference!
The Therm-A-Rest Mondoking strikes the perfect balance between camping comfortably and minimizing the amount of weight / space of my sleep system. With 4.25 inches of self-inflating foam, the MondoKing will keep you warm and comfortable in any condition or season. Sleeping in a rooftop tent or off-grid trailer doesn’t have to suck! Say goodbye to back pain 👋🏼
Garmin InReach
I highly recommend the Garmin InReach Mini 2 for overlanding. It is the perfect device to keep home with you when you're off the grid, providing peace of mind for every adventure without weighing you down. With global satellite coverage, you can stay connected even in areas where cellphones can't reach. In case of an emergency, you can send an interactive SOS message to emergency services. Run into an issue on the trail? Send a messaged to loved ones back home. It's a must-have item for any overlander seeking safety and connectivity during their journeys.
AlpenGlow 500
While headlamps are handy for “getting things done”, they’re not ideal for hanging out at camp (nobody likes a flashlight beam to the eyes). That’s where the AlpenGlow 500 comes in! The AlpenGlow 500 provides up to 500 lumens of bright, white light, making it ideal for illuminating campsites, cooking areas, or any other nighttime activities. It features multiple lighting modes (including a multi-colour “party” mode), and a rechargeable battery, ensuring that you always have reliable light on your journeys.
RotoPax Fuel Canister
RotoPax fuel canisters are a must-have when heading off the beaten path. RotoPax fuel canisters are designed to be durable and leak-proof, ensuring that the fuel remains secure during rugged off-road adventures. They are also compatible with RotoPax mounting kits, allowing for easy and secure attachment to your vehicle. With plenty of sizes and configurations, you’ll find a RotoPax for any adventure!
The 2nd generation, 2 gallon gas container is my go-to when heading out to the Crownland.
Gerber MultiTool
A good multi-tool can make all the world of difference when out in the backcountry - you never know what you’ll need to fix or macgyver! That’s where the Multi-Plier 600 steps in.
The Gerber Multi-Plier 600 is a handy tool because it combines multiple functions into one compact and portable device. It features various tools such as pliers, wire cutters, screwdrivers, a saw, and a bottle opener, making it versatile for various tasks and situations. Whether you need to fix equipment, make adjustments, or open a bottle, the Gerber Multi-Plier 600 has you covered. Its durable construction and ergonomic design ensure that it can withstand rugged outdoor conditions and provide a comfortable grip. With its wide range of functionalities, it's a valuable tool for any outdoor enthusiast or overlander!
Adventure Medical First Aid Kit Mountain Series - Explorer
Accidents happen, which is why it’s critical to have a first aid kit handy when out on the trail. The Explorer kit has everything you need to treat injuries in the backcountry. As a former lifeguard, the Explorer kit strikes a nice balance between the essentials (gauze, bandages, gloves) and the nice-to-haves (Moleskin, Antibiotic Ointment, Wound Closure Strips). It even includes a copy of “Wilderness & Travel Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide”, a great resource for backcountry first aid.
Geyser Shower
What is the worst thing to smell in a hot car during summer?
You might be tempted to answer rotten eggs, wet dogs, or skunk’s spray. If so, you haven’t had to experience a truck full of hot & sweaty campers who haven’t showered in 4 days. This is a fact.
Now it doesn’t have to be this way. First, there’s wet wipes. While wet wipes are effective in a pinch, a Geyser Portable Shower System is a significant upgrade. With a Geyser, you can enjoy a hot shower in under 3L of water. With multiple sponge options - you can have one to scrub, one to wipe away leftover grub, and one clean your hub (or whatever gear needs a rise!).
Dometic Water Jug & Faucet
Now I’m a fan of whatever makes my life easier on the trail. The Dometic Water Jug and (optional) water faucet do just that. The 11L Dometic Water Jug offers a secure way to store and transport water while in the vehicle - a big step up from the old Culligan water jugs I used to use! The jug itself is very sturdy, and survived being thrown around in the back of a UHaul trailer on the way to the Alberta Overland Adventure Expo. Combine this with the Dometic Water Tap, and you have on-demand water without all the plumbing and hassle!
Power stations
Portable power stations have been a game-changer when it comes to exploring further into the backcountry. These quiet powerhouses have kept my fridge cold, phone & headlamp charged, along with all the other devices.
When it comes to overlanding, I recommend taking a look at the EcoFlow Delta 2 or the Jackery 1000 plus. Both power stations have enough power to get you thorough the weekend with a small fridge / freezer, alongside charging your phone and other small devices. Not only can they power your essentials, both the Delta 2 and the 1000 Plus are compact and can fit into any rig!
For longer trips or heavier use, you’ll want to check out the EcoFlow Delta Max or Jackery 2000 Pro.
Portable coolers
An electric portable cooler is probably one of the best investments that you can make to enhance your overland trip. With an electric cooler, you don’t have to run back into town to grab ice! Not to mention, no more soggy food (I’ve made this mistake once or twice myself).
With that, the Dometic CFX3 55 is seriously the coolest gift you can grab! (no pun intended). This electric cooler has its own ice maker, so you can have ice for your drinks in just a few hours, with no worries about the temperature inside. It can even go as low as -7°F! And get this, it uses less power than a 60W light bulb. So you can keep your food fresh without draining your power supply. It's super easy to use with its user-friendly interface and you can even control the temperature with the CFX3 App. Trust me, your favorite overlander will love this cooler for their epic adventures!
For longer trips, or for larger groups, the Dometic CFX3-75 Dual Zone cooler is the way to go. It has dual compartments that can be set to different temperatures, allowing you to have two car fridges, two car freezers, or a combination of both. With temperatures as low as -7°F and energy-efficient operation, it can be powered by AC, DC, or solar. Built for rugged outdoor travel, it features lightweight fender frames, strong aluminum alloy handles, and a user-friendly phone app for easy temperature adjustments.
Camp Chair
A sturdy & comfortable camp chair is a fantastic gift for overlanders. After all, you’ve worked hard to arrive to your destination!
For ultimate comfort, I’d recommend taking a look at the Kuma Off Grid Chair. The type of chair you’d hear your dad rave about, the Kuma offers superior back support and comfort for even the most critical campers.
Running tight on space? The Klymit Low Back Chair or the Eureka Tagalong Lite offers compact performance without compromising on comfort! You’d be surprised how versatile these chairs are. Not only are they great for overlanding, they are also handy for sports games, campfires, and much more!
Jetboil BaseCamp System
Cooking while camping is a delightful experience that brings out the joy of preparing delicious meals. For some reason - food always tastes better outside!
You may have heard some rave reviews about the JetBoil BaseCamp System (for good reason!). Its compact and portable design makes it easy to pack and transport, while its high-performance capabilities ensure efficient cooking even in rugged outdoor conditions. With its fast boil time and fuel efficiency, the Jetboil BaseCamp System allows overlanders to quickly prepare hot meals and beverages on the go, saving time and resources. Whether you're camping in a rooftop tent or setting up a temporary campsite, this versatile cooking system provides convenience and reliability, making it a must-have for any overlanding journey!
Kuma Table
With its innovative design, the Kuma Big Bear Roll Up Table is a must-have for any outdoor adventure. Don't be fooled by its compact size, as it still offers plenty of table space to meet all your needs. I’m most impressed by the table’s strength - our Kuma Bear Table holds up our heavy EcoFlow & Jackery display with ease! Trust me, this table is a game-changer for your outdoor excursions.
Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a practical and thoughtful gift for overlanders. Lightweight and compact, sleeping bags are easy to pack and carry, and minimize the footprint of your sleep system. Whether camping in a rooftop tent or setting up a tent on the ground, a sleeping bag offers a consistent and cozy sleeping space. If you're uncertain about how to select a sleeping bag, you can refer to the video I created where I explain how to choose a sleeping bag.
What’s my go-to sleeping bag for overlanding? Well, that would have to be the Klymit Cottonwood Sleeping Bag. This thing is SO comfortable. It’s quite a thick bag, and feels more like a weighted blanket than a traditional sleeping bag. The extra cushioning and insulation from the ground helps to keep you warm, and feels more like a mattress!
Conclusion
Overall, when choosing gifts for overlanders, it's important to consider gear that is not only practical but also versatile. I can promise you that these thoughtful gifts will make Christmas extra special for your loved ones. After all, you’re not just gifting gear - you’re gifting a ticket to adventure.
-Conrad