TREAD November - December 2021

Since becoming editor of Tread, I’ve had the privilege of meeting some extraordinary people—people with whom I never would have crossed paths had I still been a middle school science teacher. Some travel the globe in vehicles or on a motorbike. Some build unique and extraordinary vehicles (such as an overlanding ambulance). Some use their backgrounds to educate others. Almost everyone leaves me thinking about the possibilities of future adventures and inspire thoughts of what I can accomplish in my lifetime. Many of those people have served in the military. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve developed a great admiration for, and a connection to, those who have served. While this wasn’t even a thought in my social circles growing up, I realize why I, too, might never have felt comfortable…

01. BDS / TOYOTA TUNDRA 3” COILOVER LIFT KIT BDS offers next-level performance while maintaining on-road handling and factory suspension geometry with 3-inch coilover systems for the Toyota Tundra. These kits use Fox 2.0 Performance Series IFP coilovers for a bolt-in upgrade to the factory strut assemblies for improved damper performance across all terrains. The kit also includes a pair of BDS performance series upper control arms, a set of heavy-duty shackles, grade-8 installation hardware and more. It allows clearance for 33-inch tires under 2WD and 4WD Tundras. MSRP: $2,389 bds-suspension.com 02. PPE / ENGINE OIL PAN 3.6L JK The PPE Cast Aluminum Oil Pan is your best choice for increased strength and lower oil temps. Thick cast aluminum is superior to stamped steel for cooling engine oil.…

01. ALTRA/LONE PEAK ALL-WTHR MID Pack up and head out with Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid. This ground-stomper is through-hike-ready, with an eVent weather-resistant bootie construction, a grippy DuraTread outsole and a soft, yet responsive, Altra Ego midsole. From day hikes to through-hikes and everything in between, the Lone Peak All-Wthr Mid is ready to take you wherever you want to go. MSRP: $170 altrarunning.com 02. LIVSN/FLEX CANVAS PANTS These pants look clean and are capable of doing more without looking tactical. Livsn thoughtfully integrated features such as a gusseted crotch, articulated knees, zippered security pockets, discrete EDC pockets, roll-up leg system, ventilation and reinforcements at all stress points. Available in Brown, Caramel, Black and Olive (shown). MSRP: $99 livsndesigns.com 03. BRANON FAMILY MAPLE ORCHARDS/MAPLE TO GO! Can’t…

It’s never a bad time to pick up a new set of aftermarket wheels. They look good and can provide improved performance, facilitate bigger tire sizing, provide custom offset options and enhance the trail toughness of your rig. Choosing the right set depends on your intended use, styling preference and application. Here, we’ve gathered some of the most in-demand wheels currently on the market for you to check out. No matter which set you choose, it’s sure to upgrade your ride’s looks and ability. BLACK RHINO WHEELS / RAPID The all-new Black Rhino Rapid Rotary Forged/RF lightweight truck wheels offer weights starting at 22 pounds per wheel, while they’re still engineered and tested for heavy off-road use. They’re available in Matte Midnight Blue, Matte Brushed Gunmetal, Matte Bronze and Matte…

When’s the time to update your pocket blade? How about ... right now? Your pocketknife is one of the most useful tools that you carry daily, so having the latest and greatest design at your disposal is a good idea in our book. In the latest roundup, we have an innovative collection, including one that has easily interchangeable blades and another that you can custom order to your own specs. 01. CRKT/ PIET BLUE WITH D2 BLADE CLOSED LENGTH: 3.76” OPEN LENGTH: 6.44” BLADE LENGTH: 2.69" BLADE MATERIAL: D2 HANDLE MATERIAL: Glass-reinforced nylon WEIGHT: 2.5 ounces MSRP: $55 crkt.com 02. HAVALON/ REDI CLOSED LENGTH: 4.25” OPEN LENGTH: 7” BLADE LENGTH: 3" BLADE MATERIAL: AUS-8 HANDLE MATERIAL: ABS polymer NOTE: Includes two blades that are quickly changeable.…

LENGTH: 23” FRONT & REAR TRACK: 9.8” WHEELBASE: 12.8” GROUND CLEARANCE: 3.14” BATTERIES: NIMH (4-7 cell) or LiPo (2s-3s) URL: traxxas.com O1 DRIVELINE LOCKING DIFFERENTIALS. Just as with your full-sized rig, the 1:10-scale Bronco’s front and rear differentials can be locked and unlocked, according to the terrain you drive it on. Leave them unlocked when the going is smooth, and lock them down when tackling tricky, technical trails. TRANSMISSION. Moving from one crawling section to another? Select “high gear” to get there quickly. Once you’re ready to crawl, hit the rocker switch on your transmitter to engage “low gear” for extra torque and power to crawl the rocks. PORTAL AXLES. To provide additional ground clearance, the TRX-4 is equipped with portal axles that lift the differential “pumpkin” up high.…