TREAD September - October 2020

first steps

As we tumble into fall, people are still doing their best to get away from home and seek solace. Personally, I’ve found peace and sanity from the current, interesting climate with short getaways and time with Mother Nature. I’ve also started a new project: building a Lexus GX 460. And like with most things, starting something new comes with challenges and requires time, but the rewards are usually worth it. Perhaps you also recently started a new hobby, like camping or cooking or photography, or dove deeper into one that existed. If you’ve been thinking of starting something new, my advice: Go for it! What do you have to lose? I live and promote the thought that anyone can do anything they set their mind to. Some people have natural talents…

rock ’n’ roll

One major way to update the look and feel of your ride, whether it’s brand new, off the showroom floor, or if it has seen its fair share of trails, is to swap out its wheels for ones that are more capable and better looking than your stock rollers. Aftermarket wheels can really set the tone for not only the look of your rig, but how it handles on and off road, as well. Which of the new wheels shown here capture your interest? CALI OFF-ROAD/PARADOX 9113 The latest wheel from Cali Off-Road features an extraordinary multi-window design and ultra-deep lip technology. It is made for direct bolt applications for precision vehicle fitments. The Paradox is available in gloss black with milled spokes, polished with milled spokes, and brushed with clear gloss…

out fitted

01. ARMORLITE/FULL VEHICLE KIT—JK FOUR-DOOR Armorlite provides an entirely new level of durability, style, and performance in a complete replacement flooring system for the Jeep Wrangler. It is easy to install, easy to clean, enables draining of the floor area, provides sure footing, and substantially reduces cabin heat and noise. The product line includes front and rear flooring, cargo mat, and drain plugs, and is available separately or as a full kit. Available now for JK, additional models will arrive later this year. MSRP: $729 goarmorlite.com 02. GO RHINO/SRM400 The SRM400 is Go Rhino’s latest convertible rack innovation featuring basket styling with removable front and rear plates for long loads, mounting lights, and more. With a full 50-inch width, choose from 48-, 58-, and 68-inch lengths with crossbar U-bolt kit included. Easy, quick assembly,…

gear box

O1. HYDRO FLASK/32-OUNCE LIGHTWEIGHT WIDE MOUTH TRAIL SERIES This generously sized, 32-ounce Lightweight Trail Series bottle made by Hydro Flask is 25 percent lighter than their other 32-ounce bottles, thanks to an innovative stainless steel design. The bottle delivers the same cold retention characteristics but at a noticeably lighter weight. MSRP: $50 hydroflask.com O2. OSPREY/ARCHEON 25 MEN’S Stylish and versatile, the Archeon 25 technical pack features a roll-top closure and a clean silhouette that is just right for your everyday activities or your next day hike. Quality crafted with durable recycled fabrics, this pack was created to cross over between trail and every day without abandoning Osprey's quality and comfort. MSRP: $190 osprey.com O3. LEATHERMAN/SIGNAL AQUA Perfect for your next adventure in the wild or even working on your truck in your garage, the Signal combines 19…

made the cut

Swapping out your pocketknife every so often, especially when you have particular tasks in mind, is a prudent move. As well rounded as a knife may be, not all knives can fill every role you need them for. If you know you’re headed out to the wilderness you may opt for a stronger, thicker-bladed knife. If you’re working in the office, a smaller, discrete folder may be in order. We take a look at a wide variety of blades that can fit your needs. Each one is very capable, only your mission will dictate which ones you choose. 01. LEATHERMAN /FREE K2 Closed Length: 4.5 in. Open Length: 8 in. Blade Length: 3.3 in. Blade Material: 420HC stainless Handle Material: Synthetic Weight: 4.9 oz. MSRP: $80 leatherman.com 02. KERSHAW /BARRICADE Closed Length: 5 in. Open Length: 8.5 in. Blade Length: 3.5 in. Blade…

an intelligent ride

Adventurers can’t help but heed to the call of the wild, whether on four wheels, two wheels, or even on their own two feet. As long as there’s someplace to wander, the consummate explorer will push forward. For those looking for the ultimate expression of freedom, the adventure motorcycle ’20 Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT beckons. The Suzuki V-Strom 1050XT is the latest generation adventure moto that incorporates elements of both Suzuki’s legendary DR-Z Dakar racer and their larger DualSport DR-Big. The V-Strom is designed to take riders from civilized roads to wild back trails for uninterrupted performance no matter where they end up. One look at it and you’ll see that Suzuki’s characteristic beak design is carried over while being updated to feature a more aggressive and bolder design for this new-generation V-Strom.…