ADVMoto strives to deliver honest opinions on the latest in bikes, moto gear, camping accessories, and electronics. As we wrap up another memorable year, we reflect on the wonderful places we’ve traveled, excellent bikes we’ve ridden, and the coolest products we’ve tested. Here’s a recap of some of our favorite reviews in 2018.

Gear and Apparel:

• KLIM Artemis Women’s Suit –

Here’s a women’s suit that looks just as good as it performs. The KLIM Artemis was specifically built for the female form, and highly endorsed by world traveler – Lisa Morris. The suit features a GORE-TEX two-layer shell to ensure waterproofness and Karbonite ripstop for abrasion resistance. KLIM offers several, more affordable options, but the Artemis is easily one of the safest and most versatile female adventure suits on the market. MSRP: Jacket (Small–2X)—$699.99 | Pants (Regular 4–16/Tall 6–12)—$549.99–$569.99

• Rev’It! Sand 3 Adventure Suit –

The Rev'It! Sand 3 is one of the most versatile adventure suits on the market, featuring separate waterproof and thermal liners that are easy to remove. The SEEFLEX CE Level 2-rated armor is lightweight, comfortable, and they provide excellent impact resistance. The PWR | Shell (500D and 600D) is stratigically constructed into abrasion zones, and Rev'It! thoughtfully installed mounting points for a neck brace for even more protection. We also like that the Sand 3 is casually styled compared to many ADV suits and we highly recommend the matching gloves as well. MSRP: Jacket $499 | Pants $359.99 | Gloves $109.99 

• Vemar Kona Dual Sport Helmet -

Bang for the buck, the Vemar Kona Dual Sport Helmet is hard to beat. It comes with all the features we’ve known to come on these types of helmets, including a sun shield, pinlock visor, and it’s compatibility with goggles. The Kona comes with a whopping Five-Year Warranty and comes in solid colors or with graphics. MSRP: Solid - $159 | Graphics - $169 

Motorcycle Luggage:

• Mosko Moto Nomad Tank Bag –

When these were first announced they were hard to get. And for good reason - the Mosko Moto Nomad holds just the right amount of accessories that you’d ever want in a tank bag, plus a 1.8L Platypus Hoser hydration bladder. There are so many little features on this bag that make it one of our favorite luggage items of the year. It can convert into a backpack, offers six layers of vertical storage and has a three-column MOLLE panel to attach even more accessories. MSRP: $220.00

• DrySpec H35 Hard Cases –

Could the DrySpec H35 be the most durable hard luggage option on the market? To test them, Twisted Throttle ran over the H35 with a Jeep and it retained its form and functionality. They're made of proprietary resin co-polymer that is mil-spec and submersible. Able to hold 35L each, these panniers will work on SW-Motech mounting systems using A-Lock Adapters. The H35 can also be used as a rear top case. MSRP: H35 Pair $698 | A-Lock Adapter Pair $114

• Rocky Creek Designs Motopressor Mini Pump –

We know this isn’t luggage, but it’s certainly something you won’t want to leave home without. The Motopressor Mini Pump is arguably the best air pump for motorcycle travel, based on size, weight, and ease of usability. Weighing in at a feathery 18oz, the compact Mini Pump can fit in even the smallest tank bags and comes with several options to power the unit from your battery. An even smaller version is available, but we prefer the Mini Pump because of its ample power output and its robust, enclosed design. The affordable price means you can keep one on each of your bikes. MSRP: $58.95 

Motorcycle Upgrades:

• Rottweiler KTM 1190R Stage 4 Intake Kit –

The Stage 4 Intake Kit by Rottweiler dramatically smoothed the slow-speed throttle response and increased power output of our KTM 1190R. It also fixes a common problem of dust getting past the airbox on earlier models. The kit comes with a Power Commander V and we had Rottweiler program two air/fuel ratio maps – one for power and one for economy. For those seeking even more power, Rottweiler also offers a Stage 5 Kit with a Dynojet Auto Tuner – designed to optimize power throughout the entire rev range. MSRP: $799

• DENALI DR1 2.0 TriOptic LED Lights –

The DENALI DR1 2.0 LED auxiliary lights are the most powerful and versatile lights we’ve tested this year. Users are able to modulate the lighting output via a DataDim controller or a three-position switch. This durable kit was a prime option for our project XR650L that is continually thrashed until it’s crashed, holding up to harsh conditions, but never leaving us in the dark. MSRP: Set $375 

Tires:

• Metzeler Karoo Street –

Easily one of our favorite tires ever produced, the Metzeler Karoo Streets, check the boxes for many adventure motorcyclists. ADVMoto Publisher, Carl Parker, flew to Sicily, Italy to test these tires on and off road, in dirt, mud, and sand. The Karoo Streets are 70/30 (road/dirt) tires and use a high silica compound, making them extra sticky in wet or dry conditions. MSRP: Front from $105 | Rear from $180 

• Bridgestone BATTLAX Adventure A41 –

ADVMoto travelled to Morocco to test the new Adventure BATTLAX A41 – an adventure touring tire designed to handle rough roads and hard packed dirt. These are a great choice for those who rack up “high-speed” tarmac miles on their larger ADV bikes. The A41s use a 3LC compound on both front and rear tires that provide exceptional feel and traction, especially in wet conditions. A wide range of sizes are available (9 fronts and 11 rears), including sizes for common ADV bikes including Honda Africa Twin, Suzuki V-Strom 650/1000, and BMW R1200GS. MSRP: Front $155 - $231 | Rear $202 – 285

Check out Bridgestone's new BATTLAX Adventurecross AX41 Tires in the video below! Available early 2019.

Camping:

• Hilleberg Keron 3 Tent –

No one builds tents like Hilleberg, and we were fortunate enough to test their excellent Keron 3, which is essentially a tent within a tent. The inner module can be removed, leaving the standalone outer shell as a shelter. At nine pounds, it certainly isn’t the lightest option on the market, but if you’re looking for a pop-up shelter that can withstand snow, heavy rain or snow, this is your most reliable option. MSRP: $1,010 | Footprint $98

• Big Agnes Thunderhead SL 30 Sleeping Bag –

The oh-so-cozy Thunderhead SL30 by Big Agnes has been a welcome addition to our camping kit. This zipper-less sleeping bag is made of down, which Big Agnes calls Downtek – an insulation that is designed to repel moisture. The Thunderhead SL30 features an oversized draft collar that wraps around its user to seal in heat, and a widened hip and foot area – something toss-n-turners would appreciate. We’ve always been pleased with the quality and performance of Big Agnes products, and the Thunderhead SL30 is no exception. MSRP: $249.95 - $269.95

Media:

• Desert Camera Documentary - 

ADVMoto worked with Bastian Brusecke, to bring this incredible documentary stateside, and now you can watch it on our YouTube channel for FREE! Desert Camera follows the infamous Africa Eco Race, diving into the daily lives and struggles as a rally documenarian. Ride along with Bastian and his crew as they photograph the details and extreme moments that take place at one of Africa's most demanding races. The documentary is split into five chapters, so you can enjoy each episode individually, or binge watch them all at once! 75% of ad revenue from these videos goes directly to support Bastian, Motoventure, and Rally Cool Photography. MSRP: FREE!

• Lone Rider - 

Easily our favorite book of the year, Lone Rider by Elspeth Beard receives a FIVE STAR review from ADVMoto's Senior Editor, Paul H. Smith. "Although each and every overlander has a unique story to tell, some are distinctly more worthy than others. This is one..." says Paul. "The fact that it took Elspeth so long to document her unique journey is an indication of just how profoundly the experience must have affected her life. Perhaps for reasons that only those who've made similar attempts can fully comprehend." Elspeth is the first British woman to motorcycle around the world by motorcycle, and her story is nothing short of incredible. MSRP: Hardcover ~ $10 | Kindle ~ $5

Motorcycles:

• Small Bike – Royal Enfield Himalayan 

The Royal Enfield Himalayan is our favorite small displacement ADV we’ve tested this year, checking many boxes of what a dual-sport touring bike should be. For only $4,499, you get a tractor-like 411cc fuel injected engine, up to 8” of suspension travel, four gallons of fuel capacity, and a relatively low seat height. The Himalayan is agile on the street and capable in the dirt. This is a no-frills motorcycle combining classic looks with a touch of modern technology. MSRP: $4,499

• Small Bike Runner-up: Kawasaki Versys-X 300

We know, this is a 2017 bike, but we didn’t get our long term test unit until this year. We were surprised when we first rode the Versys-X 300 at Kawasaki’s launch event, but completely fell in love with it after putting a few thousand miles on it. “The high-revving parallel-twin engine is my favorite feature of the bike,” says Andrew Nguyen, ADVMoto Web Editor. “Winding it out on twisty roads reminds me of how much fun I had doing track days on Ninja 250s. It’s an awesome first bike for new ADV’ers, weekend travelers, or even budget-conscious daily commuters.” With the recent announcement of the KLR 650 being discontinued, could we expect a Versys-X 650 from Team Green in the near future? MSRP: $5,400

• Medium Bike – 2018 Tiger 800 XCA

New and exciting mid-sized ADV bikes are on the horizon, but our pick for this category in 2018 has to go to the Triumph Tiger 800 XCA. It’s full of character, thanks to its punchy 94hp, 3-cylinder motor, off-road focused WP suspension, and top-shelf electronics. For many, the current iteration of the Tiger is a wise option for on-road comfort and off-road performance and if we had to pick one bike to tour the world, the Triumph Tiger 800 XCA would be towards the top of our list. MSRP: $14,450 - $15,850 

• Large Bike – KTM 1290S

If you want the most dynamic adventure tourer on the market, the KTM 1290S  is be for you! Living up to their slogan “Ready-to-Race”,  KTM tuned the 1301cc V-twin engine for performance, and acceleration on the 1290S feels much like a superbike. The bike comes with tons of electronic features that long distance travelers will appreciate, providing smiles for miles. We couldn’t think of anyone better to test this bike than Baja Rally’s very own, Scotty Breauxman, who fell in love with the bike’s capabilities on and off-road. MSRP: $18,499

• Scrambler – Desert Sled

Make no mistake, the Desert Sled is vastly different from Ducati’s other Scramblers. Featuring 9.4 inches of suspension travel, Pirelli Scorpion Rally ST tires, and a reinforced frame, the Desert Sled is made for off-road riding. The air-cooled 803cc L-Twin desmo engine provides lots of low-end torque and stays linear throughout the rev-range. The Desert Sled may not be an ADV bike in the traditional sense, but it looks great, sounds mean, goes fast and holds enough gas to get to and from your weekend excursion. MSRP: $11,395

We've got lots of gear and several bikes we're currently testing, so be sure to stay tuned. Did you pick up something this year that you’re excited about? Be sure to let us know what it is and why you like it in the comments section below! For more reviews, check out our print magazine and the review sections of our website.

Many thanks to our sponsors, partners, and of course, YOU - the best community in motorcycling. Happy New Years everyone! -- Team ADVMoto