Gear I Trust
After years of overlanding, filming, and camping with my family, I’ve learned one simple truth — not all gear is created equal. This page is where I share the products I actually use and trust on every trip. From recovery tools and camping essentials to the camera gear that captures it all, this is the stuff that’s proven itself in real-world adventure.
Some of these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Every item here is something I personally own, use, and recommend.
Off-Road & Recovery Gear
When it comes to overlanding, recovery gear isn’t optional — it’s essential. I’ve learned the hard way that being prepared makes all the difference between a smooth trip and a long hike out. These are the tools I keep in my Tacoma for every adventure — built to handle mud, snow, and sand, and tested on countless trails.
🛞 Tire & Air Management
1. ARB Twin Air Compressor with Portable Case (CKMTP12)
The gold standard in off-road air systems. Portable, fast, and reliable enough to power air tools or inflate tires in minutes. Comes pre-mounted in a heavy-duty carry case with an air hose and accessories.
👉 [Shop ARB Twin Compressor →]
2. ARB Digital Tire Inflator Gauge
Durable, precise, and easy to read even in dusty or wet conditions. A must-have for dialing in exact PSI before hitting the trail.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
3. ALL-TOP Adjustable Auto-Stop Tire Deflator Valve Kit (10–30 PSI)
Budget-friendly yet highly rated. Automatic stop function prevents over-deflation and saves time — includes four deflators and five valve caps.
👉 [View on Amazon →]
4. Boulder Tools Heavy-Duty Tire Repair Kit
Comprehensive and trail-ready. Comes with everything you need — plugs, patches, and tools — to fix punctures fast and get rolling again.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
5. GlueTread Off-Road Tire Sidewall Repair Kit
Reinforced patch system for sidewall cuts and gashes. Field-tested and trusted by overlanders, off-roaders, and YouTubers alike.
👉 [View on Amazon →]
⚙️ Recovery & Extraction
6. ARB Premium Recovery Kit
A complete, high-quality recovery bundle with straps, tree savers, bow shackles, and gloves — all packed in a durable ARB bag. Reliable, simple, and built to last.
👉 [Shop ARB Recovery Kit →]
7. Warn EVO 10-S Winch (Synthetic Rope)
Dependable, waterproof, and strong enough for serious recovery situations. Perfect size and power for midsize trucks like the Tacoma.
👉 [Shop Warn Winch →]
8. Factor 55 UltraHook with Rope Guard & Fairlead
One of the safest and most advanced winch hooks available. Eliminates metal-on-metal contact and makes every recovery smoother and safer.
👉 [Check Price →]
9. ASR Offroad 7/16” Synthetic Winch Rope
Lightweight, safer than steel, and incredibly strong. Trusted by experienced off-roaders and overland creators across the U.S.
👉 [View ASR Rope on Amazon →]
10. GearAmerica 7/8” Soft Shackles (Set of 2)
Ultra-strong and easy to use — a safer alternative to metal D-rings. Made from high-strength synthetic rope with impressive breaking strength.
👉 [Shop Soft Shackles →]
11. Safe Jack “Hi-Lift Stabilizing Kit” (Amazon)
Compact and smart design that adds safety and stability to any Hi-Lift or bottle jack setup. Ideal for tire changes or recovery work on uneven ground.
👉 [View on Amazon →]
🔧 Trail Tools & Repairs
12. BoxoUSA Off-Road Tool Bag
A premium, vehicle-specific tool kit that’s compact, well-organized, and built for real trail repairs. Designed with off-roaders and Tacomas in mind.
👉 [Shop Boxo Tool Bag →]
13. GearWrench 232-Piece Mechanics Tool Set
A well-rounded, high-quality mechanics set perfect for suspension, engine, or electrical repairs — both on and off the trail.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
14. Milwaukee M18 Cordless Impact Wrench
Compact, powerful, and reliable — perfect for quick tire changes or loosening stubborn hardware in the field.
👉 [Shop Milwaukee Impact →]
15. Dewalt 20V Air Compressor & Inflator
A compact backup inflator and portable air tool. Ideal for topping off tires or quick emergency air-ups.
👉 [View Dewalt Inflator →]
🧭 Recovery Boards & Essentials
16. MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards
The original and still the best self-recovery boards on the market. Trusted worldwide for sand, snow, and mud recoveries.
👉 [Shop MAXTRAX Boards →]
17. Rhino USA Kinetic Recovery Rope
Smooth, safe recoveries with built-in stretch for controlled tugs. A solid choice for soft terrain and group recoveries.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
18. Hi-Lift X-TREME Jack (48”)
A must-have for serious off-roaders. Durable, versatile, and ready for lifting, winching, or clamping in recovery scenarios.
👉 [View Hi-Lift Jack →]
19. TRED Pro Recovery Boards (Alternative to MAXTRAX)
High-quality traction boards featuring aggressive tread and a rugged design for demanding terrain.
👉 [Shop TRED Pro Boards →]
🏁 Final Thoughts
Reliable recovery gear isn’t about looking cool on the trail — it’s about getting home safe. Every piece of gear on this list has been tested in real conditions across California, Nevada, and the Eastern Sierra. Whether you’re airing down for traction or pulling a buddy out of a snowbank, this setup keeps you ready for anything.
⛺ Camping Gear That Works
Family camping is at the heart of Alpine Tactics — and the right gear keeps it fun instead of frustrating. From a warm night’s sleep to an easy morning coffee, this is the gear that’s earned its place at camp. Simple, durable, and designed for real outdoor families who’d rather spend time exploring than setting up camp.
1. Jetboil Genesis Basecamp Stove
A compact, high-performance two-burner system that’s perfect for cooking family meals on the trail.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
2. Ignik FireCan Deluxe (Propane Fire Pit)
A portable propane fire pit that delivers real campfire warmth and ambiance without the smoke or restrictions.
👉 [Shop Ignik FireCan →]
3. Fiskars X27 Splitting Axe
Durable, well-balanced, and built to handle firewood prep with ease.
👉 [View on Amazon →]
4. Fiskars X7 Hatchet
Lightweight, razor-sharp, and perfect for kindling or small wood tasks around camp.
👉 [Check Price →]
5. Roam Adventure Co. Camp Chair
Rugged, comfortable, and built to last — ideal for long nights around the fire.
👉 [Shop Roam Chair →]
6. Kelty Big Dipper Kids Sleeping Bag
Adjustable-length sleeping bag that grows with your child and keeps them cozy year-round.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
7. Teton Sports -35°F Sleeping Bag
Heavy-duty winter sleeping bag that delivers serious warmth for cold-weather camping.
👉 [Shop Teton Bag →]
8. HCalory Diesel Heater
Reliable, off-grid heating solution that keeps your tent or overland rig warm on frosty nights.
👉 [View on Amazon →]
9. Outask Telescoping Camping Light
A multi-function LED light that transforms from lantern to tripod spotlight in seconds.
👉 [Check Price →]
10. Black Diamond Spot 400-R Rechargeable Headlamp
Compact, waterproof, and bright enough for any late-night camp setup.
👉 [Shop Black Diamond →]
11. Front Runner Camp Table Kit
Stainless-steel camp table that mounts under your roof rack for quick access. Slides out instantly when it’s time to cook or eat.
👉 [Shop Front Runner Table →]
12. MSR Alpine Deluxe Cook Set
Durable stainless-steel pots and pans built for serious overland cooking.
👉 [View MSR Cook Set →]
13. YETI Rambler Mug & Pour-Over Set
Brew coffee anywhere with this rugged, insulated combo designed for mornings at camp.
👉 [Check Price →]
14. SetPower RV45S 45L Fridge/Freezer
Efficient 12V fridge that keeps your food and drinks cold even on multi-day trips.
👉 [Shop SetPower Fridge →]
15. Sea to Summit Comfort Plus Sleeping Pad
Double-layer air pad offering premium comfort and insulation for a great night’s rest.
👉 [View Sea to Summit Pad →]
16. EcoFlow River 2 Max Portable Power Station
Compact power solution for charging lights, cameras, and gear off-grid.
👉 [Check Price →]
17. Garmin inReach Mini 2
Compact satellite communicator for two-way messaging and SOS when you’re off the grid.
👉 [Shop Garmin inReach →]
18. OnX Offroad App
Trail mapping and GPS navigation built for overlanders who love discovering new routes.
👉 [Try OnX Offroad →]
19. Blue Ridge Overland Gear Tool Bag
Tough, modular bag for keeping tools organized and accessible.
👉 [Shop Blue Ridge Gear →]
🏕️ Final Thoughts
The best camping gear doesn’t overcomplicate things — it makes them easier. Everything here has earned its place through years of real-world use across the Sierras and the Southwest. Whether it’s a weekend campout with the kids or a remote overland trip, this is the setup that keeps our family comfortable, fed, and ready for the next adventure.
🎥 Camera Gear I Use for Filmmaking
Every trip tells a story — and these are the tools that help me capture it. My camera setup has to handle dust, rain, and bumpy roads while still delivering cinematic footage. Whether you’re filming your first adventure or just documenting family trips, here’s the gear I rely on to bring each story to life.
📷 Main Camera Setup
1. Sony A6700 Mirrorless Camera (APS-C)
My main adventure camera — compact, lightweight, and powerful. The A6700 delivers incredible image quality, fast autofocus, and solid IBIS, making it perfect for handheld travel filmmaking.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
2. Sony A7S III Full-Frame Camera
My go-to for cinematic b-roll, low light scenes, and higher-end brand projects. Known for its dynamic range and color science, the A7S III is a powerhouse for outdoor creators.
👉 [Shop Sony A7S III →]
3. SmallRig Cage & Top Handle Kit (for Sony A6700/A7S III)
Adds protection and mounting options for lights, mics, and monitors — essential for rugged shooting environments.
👉 [Shop SmallRig Kit →]
🔭 Lenses I Trust in the Field
4. Viltrox 16mm f/2.8
A sharp, compact wide-angle lens perfect for scenic shots, landscapes, and in-cab filming.
👉 [View on Amazon →]
5. Sony 11mm f/1.8
Ultra-wide with beautiful depth and low-light performance — my go-to for campsite footage and cinematic sky shots.
👉 [Check Price →]
6. Tamron 17–70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
The most versatile lens in my kit. From interviews to landscapes, this lens covers it all with great stabilization and image quality.
👉 [Shop Tamron Lens →]
7. Sony 50mm f/1.8
Classic, lightweight, and perfect for storytelling close-ups and interviews around camp.
👉 [Check Price →]
8. HOYA Variable ND Filter Set
Reliable and color-accurate filters that protect your lenses and keep footage properly exposed in bright conditions.
👉 [Shop HOYA Filters →]
🪶 Action & Aerial Gear
9. DJI Action 4 Camera
My everyday adventure cam — waterproof, stabilized, and crisp in 4K. Perfect for mounting on vehicles, tripods, or helmets.
👉 [Shop DJI Action 4 →]
10. DJI Air 3S Drone
A compact powerhouse with dual cameras, incredible dynamic range, and extended flight time — ideal for cinematic aerials in rugged terrain.
👉 [Check Price →]
11. PGYTECH ND Filter Set for DJI Air 3S
Essential for getting smooth, cinematic drone footage in bright outdoor light.
👉 [Shop PGYTECH Filters →]
12. Ulanzi Action Camera Magnetic Mount Kit
Strong, flexible mounts for quick camera placement on vehicles, tents, or metal surfaces.
👉 [View Mount Kit →]
🎤 Audio Gear
13. DJI Mic Kit (Dual Wireless System)
Reliable, compact, and crystal-clear audio. Perfect for interviews or vlogging outdoors, even in windy conditions.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
14. Sony ECM-B1M Shotgun Mic
Mounts directly to the hot shoe — clean, directional audio without cables. Great for on-the-go shooting or when I need a low-profile setup.
👉 [Shop Sony Mic →]
15. Rycote Windjammer for Sony ECM-B1M
Tiny accessory, big difference. Keeps your audio clean in windy mountain passes or desert gusts.
👉 [View Windjammer →]
🧰 Accessories That Make Filming Easier
16. Peak Design Travel Tripod (Carbon Fiber)
Lightweight, compact, and rock solid — it’s the tripod that actually fits in your pack.
👉 [Shop Peak Design Tripod →]
17. Ulanzi Falcam F38 Quick Release System
Seamlessly switch cameras between tripod, gimbal, and vehicle mounts in seconds.
👉 [Check Price →]
18. Rode Lavalier II Mic (Backup)
Compact lav mic with professional audio quality — pairs perfectly with the DJI or Sony mic systems.
👉 [Shop Rode Lavalier →]
19. SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB V90 SD Cards
Fast, reliable, and rugged — built for 4K and high-frame-rate shooting in the field.
👉 [Check Price on Amazon →]
20. Peak Design Capture Clip V3
Keeps your camera secure and instantly accessible on your pack strap or belt while hiking or exploring.
👉 [Shop Capture Clip →]
🎞️ Final Thoughts
My camera gear isn’t about chasing specs — it’s about dependability. Everything on this list has been tested on real trips: dust storms in Death Valley, freezing mornings in the Sierra, and long family adventures on the road. Whether you’re filming your first video or refining your craft, this setup will help you tell your story with clarity and confidence.
I’ve broken a lot of gear over the years, but what’s left on this list are the things that earned a permanent place in my kit. My goal isn’t to sell you anything — it’s to help you spend less time guessing and more time exploring.
If you grab something through these links, thank you — your support helps me keep creating new videos, testing new gear, and sharing more of this outdoor lifestyle we love.