Going Off the Beaten Path? This Is the Gear to Get You There—and Back

For all the focus on tech-based navigation tools, you’ll also always want to bring a good old-fashioned compass. And for one good reason: It will never run out of batteries or need satellite signals to work.

Turn any hatchback into a home with Luno’s custom fit inflatable mattresses.

At just over 80 pounds sans bedding, the SuperLight tent solves the problem of vehicle roll through corners, and prevents the top-heaviness of other, weightier solutions. At 50 inches by 90 inches, the sleeping platform fits two adults comfortably. Available options include an extending ladder and bedding. Just like the beefier solution, the SuperLight pops up and down in an instant. The platform enclosure allows you to stash your bedding during transportation.

This stackable system locks shut–and stays shut–thanks to hinges that swing down for travel. It’s great for packing in essential cooking gear that doesn’t need refrigeration.

Cell service suffers in the wilderness. That’s a good thing–you can focus on nature–but also perilous if you’re injured or just want to stay an extra day and prevent mom from entering full-on panic mode. This satellite capable device links up with your phone to send SMS messages, ping your location to folks at home, and if needed broadcast an SOS alert.

This cooking system packs up tight enough to warrant use on a backpacking trip. But we’ve come to depend on it everywhere, thanks to the speed with which it cooks everything from eggs to fried rice. The baffles on the adjustable base unit distribute heat evenly to the pot above, and the detachable handle helps you wrangle both pots alike. It’s become an absolute go-to for our outdoor culinary missions.

Powering your devices off the grid means going solar; your car’s battery can’t do it all. That’s why this fold-out solution is so smart: Deploy it when you’re posted up, charging up a power station (sold separately) that can output enough amperage to run even blenders and small fridges.

Those small green propane containers have become the standard for weekend campers. But they’re difficult and inefficient to recycle. This reusable tank sits between its discardable siblings and the larger 20-lb tanks commonly used for barbecue grills. It’ll keep you grilling for weeks, and the carrying case helps it keep cozy during transport. You’ll save nearly 500 of those green canisters from the landfill.

Getting stuck in sand, snow, and mud can thwart even the burliest of four-wheel-drive systems. That’s why these combination shovels/grip pads are the perfect solution. Mount them to the outside of your whip and then pop them off in a pinch.

Long-lasting coolers are great for a day or two. But what if you’re REALLY getting off the grid? This powered cooler uses less juice than a 60W lightbulb but can keep your perishables on ice via the 12/24V cigarette lighter outlet in your car. What’s more, an active monitoring system ensures you won’t sap your ride’s battery when it’s running low.