It is the unsung hero of expedition travel, an essential piece of kit that any mindful backcountry regular carries. If they don’t, they should. It is often fitted to a roof rack and left to the elements, or bolted to a bumper, only to be augured into the mud and snow, or sandblasted by desert winds. In short, it is the forsaken recipient of abuse and neglect. Until, that is, the moment it is needed. Released from its chains, bolts, or bungee cord incarceration, it receives a few hard knocks against terra firma to shake off its “rough spell” on your bumper, then a squirt of WD-40 and a few cycles of its handle. Without retort, it stands rigidly and steps up to whatever hell you’ve tasked it with—say, lifting…
