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Designed for Marines, Used by Overlanders: The Story Behind Shower Pouch

In 2012, Mike Houston’s father, a retired Navy officer stationed in Afghanistan, shared stories of his travels between forward operating bases with the Marines. Among the many anecdotes, one recurring theme was the pervasive stench they endured inside their transport vehicles. Hygiene was a top priority for soldiers, and baby wipes were the go-to solution…

Full Power: The Wescotts’ Turtle V Gets a Solar and Electrical Upgrade for its Next Adventure

Think back to 1972. Some of you may remember when The Turtle Expedition, Unltd. was exploring the backroads of Mexico and Central America in our trusty 1967 109 Land Rover. At that time, we had one battery, and its functions were to start the 6-cylinder gas engine (that choked on Mexican Pemex Nova regular), turn on…

The Overlanding Couples’ Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Husband and wife team Graeme and Luisa Bell have put their heads together to come up with a few Valentine’s gifts for all you lovers out there. As a couple who have been together for close to a squillion years, we do not celebrate Valentine’s Day with roses, expensive meals, and lacy underpants. Instead, as…

The Best Remote Communications for Overlanders

The historian Hellanicus recorded the first reference to letter writing, a handwritten note sent in 500 BCE from the Persian Queen Atossa, mother of Xerxes and the Achaemenid Empire (Roberts, 1843). There is little doubt that messages were sent across longer distances in earlier times, but they are lost in the sands. The process changed…

Hard-Shell Rooftop Tents :: Buyers Guide

In recent years, hard-shell rooftop tents (RTTs) have gained significant popularity, and there are compelling reasons for this despite their generally higher cost compared to soft-shell models. While both have their respective pros and cons, hard-shell tents are generally more durable, streamlined, and practical for specific applications. The practicality of a rooftop tent is evident…

Jackery Debuts Solar Rooftop Tent Prototype at CES 2024

At CES 2024, Jackery, commonly known for its expertise in solar generators and portable power stations, unveiled its solar rooftop tent. This groundbreaking product is anticipated to inspire numerous imitations due to its innovative design and functionality. Nimesh Patel from Jackery introduced the solar RTT as a unique fusion of comfort and technology. Equipped with…

Overland News of the Week

Overland Home Launches Overland International’s co-owner and designer Stephanie Brady has launched a new business called Overland Home. Overland Home aims to provide beautiful, unique, and well-designed products from artisans around the globe with a focus on natural materials and time-honored techniques. All artisans sourced from are paid fair wages, which means when you purchase…

On the Rocks: Outdoor Barware for the Happiest of Happy Hours

Lead photo by Richard Giordano I view cocktail-making as a gesture of love. There’s care involved: slicing citrus, preparing ingredients, sourcing ice cubes, shaking or stirring. Time, a precious commodity, is also required. Your personal preferences are attended to. Two shots or one? Too sweet or not enough? The casual mixologist, often a friend or…

Boxio Portable Sink and Toilet :: Field Tested

Photography by Richard Giordano Boxio Portable Camping Sink Established in Germany, Boxio manufactures stackable toilets and sinks made from recycled plastics. Inspiration struck while founder Arvid was building a tiny house for his family. Composting toilets in Europe were expensive and complicated, so with the help of his co-founders and a couple of engineers, a…

Oregon Trail'R DoDrop Alpha

DoDrop Alpha Adventure Trailer :: Field Tested

Adventuresome outdoor enthusiasts set on exploring the more remote parts of North America while keeping their ecological footprint as small as possible, will find the Oregon Trail’R DoDrop Alpha (DDA) off-road teardrop a nice step up from tent camping. The DDA’s small footprint, minimalistic design, robust build, and light weight make it an ideal companion…

Escapod Topo 2 Overland Trailer :: Field Tested

Teardrop trailers are old-school cool, with a lineage that dates back to the DIY plans of the 1930s. The trailer style has remained popular ever since, and for a good reason—they just work. The teardrop perfectly balances compact dimensions, sleep-inside comfort, and timeless style. Most small trailers use a rooftop tent for sleeping, but it…

Cozy His and Hers Sweaters from Royal Robbins :: Field Tested

Photography by Richard Giordano Heritage brand Royal Robbins was founded in 1968 by American rock-climbing pioneers Royal and Liz Robbins. Together, they tested unclimbed routes in the Yosemite Valley, Royal specializing in big-wall ascents throughout the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, while Liz was the first woman to climb the face of Half Dome in 1967….

25 Black Friday Gifts for the Overlander in Your Life

Presented by Nitto Tire Now that Halloween ghosts have been replaced by twinkling reds, greens, and golds, it’s time to start thinking about the fast-approaching holiday season. Luckily, the Expedition Portal team has been busy amalgamating our favorite gear picks just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. While Associate Editor Steve Edwards has…

Overland News of the Week

Wrangler Introduces All Terrain Gear In Overland News of the Week, we’re excited to introduce a new line from Wrangler. Dipping their well-known toes into the overland market, the Wrangler brand recently unveiled an extension of its outdoor clothing range, namely All Terrain Gear (ATG) by Wrangler, a selection of state-of-the-art outdoor garments. Featuring everyday…

Portable Power Stations :: Buyer’s Guide

Portable power stations, also known as portable generators or battery packs, are becoming increasingly popular for travel and RV use, especially when conventional power sources are unavailable. They are also superior to gas-guzzling generators that generate unwelcome noise pollution and require propane or gasoline to run. Portable power stations offer a dependable and practical supply…

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