The ghosts and goblins have receded to their resting places, pumpkin spice delights warm mugs (and hearts), and Mom and Pop Turkey warn their little gobblers of the impending doom November brings. That’s right; the holiday season is upon us, and presents will pile beneath Christmas trees sooner than you think.
To help you secure the perfect gift for the overlander in your life this year, I’ve decided to highlight a few of my favorite goodies in this overlander Christmas gift guide. Check it out, and remember to enjoy the adventure of the holidays with those you love most!
Vector OffRoad Quilt
Even the most hardcore survivalist knows the value of staying warm in the great outdoors. For us glampers, campers, and overland enthusiasts, it’s a little less about survival and more about comfort and coziness. A solid sleeping bag or camping quilt can take frigid conditions and turn them into memorable nights full of warmth.
Enter the Vector OffRoad Roof Top Tent Down Quilt. This OVERSIZED KING quilt can take you and your entire family and transform you into a piping hot burrito of epic proportions. I won’t get into the technical specifications here (you can find them on Vector’s site), but I will say this—you will be hard-pressed to find a better blanket, period. It’s so good, Hanna and I have used it in our house. Oh, and it packs down small enough to shove under your front seat. Get one. Now.
onX Offroad
Ever since the one time I’m pretty sure I teleported as I tried to navigate my way through Orlando in the middle of the night, I’ve been wary of getting lost. With onX Offroad, the chances of getting turned around are next to none, barring the intervention of aliens or the supernatural (I think I have to mention that for legal reasons?).
With the explore feature, you can find new trails anywhere in the country and sort them by the vehicle you’ll be taking. You can then download the maps and use them in the wilderness where *gasp* cell service doesn’t reach. It’s a staple of our travels, especially with its integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
We the People Joggers
Camp comfort is key to fully immersing yourself in the moment. After all, who wants to sit around a fire, stars overhead and s’mores in hand, still wearing their jeans and hiking boots? No, thank you! Give me something soft, breathable, and just warm enough to sustain me as the night grows chilly.
Joggers seem to be the perfect solution. Functional yet comfortable, right? The problem is they seldom stand a chance against the gear you carry when in the backcountry. Phones, keys, firearms, flashlights, and so on tend to populate my pockets, and joggers simply aren’t up to the task. Like, they literally won’t stay up. You get it.
The We the People Guardian Carry Joggers are the ultimate solution to comfortable camp wear. They take the jogger format, throw in some bonus pockets, then (here’s where things get interesting) add internal belt loops and a slimline gun belt. It’s simple yet brilliant. Bonus points, too, for being entirely made in America—from the cotton to the finished product.
Tactilian Vehicle Magnets
If your vehicle isn’t a drivable billboard for all the companies you love and passions you pursue, are you really an overlander? Regardless of your opinion, the answer is “no.” Then again, slapping stickers on your rig is a recipe for disaster. They wash out in the sun, leave sticky residue behind, and are just a touch too permanent for my taste (commitment, gross).
Great news; there’s a non-permanent, moveable, reusable solution—magnets! Tactilian makes vehicle magnets with a focus on patriotism (‘Merica, heck yeah). If your vehicle is one of them new-fangled machines made of aluminum, Tactilian even offers adhesive options so you can join the star-spangled party.
Handcrafted Wallet
The best place to put your government-issued control measures and cash is in something you purchase with your hard-earned dollars. That’s right; a handcrafted Horween leather wallet made by yours truly. I’m not averse to shameless plugs, and this is exactly that.
I took up leathercrafting when we were all banned from the outdoors in 2020. Since then, I’ve done a handful of limited runs of little handmade goodies I’ve crafted. For the 2022 holiday season, I’ve made 10 of these slim front-pocket wallets. Grab one before they’re gone, then watch it patina over the years like only real leather can.
American-Made Adventure Shoes
Last year, I discovered an incredible shoe made right here in the United States. Better still, it’s a veteran-owned company—double the points from me!
Woobies Shoes are a do-it-all kind of shoe. They’re incredibly durable and even more comfortable. I’ve been wearing my first pair since last Christmas, and they have endured everything I’ve thrown at them. From playing in the creek to squatting hundreds of pounds to playing basketball on the asphalt, my Woobies have taken a beating and kept on kicking.
Invictus Off Road MOLLE Seat Covers
Adding interior storage to your overland rig or child transport unit is a valiant endeavor. Whether it’s making first-aid gear readily available or securing emergency snacks for hungry little heathens, you can’t go wrong by opting for organizational systems that utilize what would otherwise be dead space.
The Invictus Off Road Hybrid MOLLE Panels transform the back of any vehicle seat into a MOLLE-compatible wall of wonder. Constructed of semi-rigid thermal plastic composite, these panels are bombproof while providing the structure necessary to bear the weight of your gear. The dual-layered Cordura fabric that covers the internal structure provides a nice-to-the-touch aesthetic look, complementing your rig and protecting your seat backs. These panels are truly a must-have for any adventure or everyday vehicle!
Oh, and you can save yourself a bit of cash by using my discount code (RITW)!
American-Made Beanie
It’s around this time of year that I begin to transition my wardrobe, and by that, I mean I trade my trucker hat for a beanie. If you, too, want to keep your ears toasty, why not cover them with a minimalist, high-quality American-made beanie?
This is my last shameless plug, I promise. These beanies are also made by me—mostly. The beanies themselves are made in America. I then did a work-trade with a friend in exchange for laser-etched leather patches. Then, I (and my generous mother—yes, really) sewed the patches onto the beanie. Pretty rad, right?
The Gift of Giving
Surprising loved ones with thoughtful gifts is a heartwarming and fulfilling Christmas tradition—one that Hanna and I poor a shocking amount of effort into. We also partake in another holiday practice each year, and I strongly encourage you to do the same. I’m talking about donating to charity.
I recommend doing a bit of research and finding a charity that is trustworthy and changing people’s lives in a way that aligns with your passions. If you were to ask for my charity of choice, however, I would point you to one in particular—Christ’s Starfish Foundation.
This is a charity with which I have personally worked and donated to for over a decade. All of the money collected goes directly to sick children and their families—no one involved takes a penny, let alone a salary. Christ’s Starfish Foundation works directly with social workers within the hospital to determine needs and screen requests. Every Christmas, this foundation puts together massive gift bags for children who have to spend Christmas in the hospital. I’ve had the honor of participating in this first-hand and can tell you it is a truly inspiring, life-changing experience for the children and their families.
There you have it, my Christmas gift guide for overlanders. I hope you found it helpful, and more importantly, I hope you have a holiday season filled with joy!
-RW
*Disclaimer: Some of the links included are affiliate links. In other words, I may earn a small commission (and you might get a nice discount) if you purchase something with that link. For more on our partners, including discount codes, take a gander.*