Gear Up & Go: Head Off Prepared, Come Back Ready to Go Again
Whether you're planning your first overland run or dialling in a setup that handles everything from a weekend in the Cederberg to a week in the Kgalagadi, your power and cooling system is the backbone of the whole operation. From the Addo to the Baviaans — or just riding out loadshedding at home — the right gear makes all the difference. Here's what we've put together at MAL, and why each piece earns its spot in the kit.
Keep It Cold, Keep It Going
Nothing kills the mood of a bush trip faster than warm drinks and spoiled food. The right fridge isn't a luxury — it's the centrepiece of a self-sufficient setup.
The National Luna NL40 Smart Fridge/Freezer is built for exactly this. Stainless steel construction that can take a knock, a compressor that pushes temperatures down to -30°C, and a low enough power draw to keep your battery happy on long stretches. Bluetooth control means you're adjusting settings without getting out of the vehicle, and the dual USB ports earn their keep every single day. Add the protection jacket and stop worrying about dust, thorns, and whatever the trail throws at it.
Power: Store It, Charge It, Use It
A solid power system has three jobs: store energy efficiently, replenish it from every available source, and deliver it cleanly when you need it.
The Freedom Won 12.8V 100Ah Lithium Battery is built locally and built right. At around 13kg, it's light enough to make you reconsider how you load the vehicle. Fast charging, a 2000+ cycle lifespan, and an IP56 rating mean it handles tough conditions without complaint. This is the battery you buy once and stop thinking about.
Paired with the CTEK D250SE Dual-Input Smart Charger, you're topping up from your alternator while you drive and from your solar panel while you're stopped at camp — simultaneously, with no manual switching. It manages inputs intelligently and keeps your lithium battery in optimal condition throughout.
Silent Power, Anywhere
Sometimes you want power without the noise, the fumes, or the complication of a generator. The Rentech PPS750 Portable Lithium Power Station delivers 750W of clean, silent output in a unit you can carry anywhere. Run devices, appliances, and essentials without a sound — whether you're deep in the bush or sitting out loadshedding on the couch.
Pair it with the PV 100W Foldable Solar Panel and you've got a self-sufficient setup that keeps topping up wherever the sun shines. Unfold it at camp, plug it into the PPS750, and let the sun do the work while you're out exploring. No permanent mounting, no complications.
The One You'll Be Glad You Packed
The JumpsPower GT2 Jump Starter puts 12V and 2000A of cranking power in your centre console — enough to start big petrol or diesel engines when everything else fails. Fast USB-C charging and a built-in torch round it out. It's the piece of kit you hope you never need and will be extremely relieved you have.
The Extras Worth Adding
A few supporting pieces that don't get the headlines but absolutely earn their place:
- National Luna 2m DC Power Lead — a clean, direct hookup for your fridge, no fuss.
- Battery Manager DIY Kit — keeps tabs on your system's state of charge so you always know what you're working with.
- Slide-Lid Plastic Battery Box — a weatherproof home for your Freedom Won, properly housed in your setup.
Click here to view our full outdoor range of products.
Can't find what you're after? Get in touch with the MAL team and we'll do our best to source exactly what you need. We know the kit, we know the conditions, and we want your setup to work when it matters.