Photography by Coen Wubbels It’s pitch dark when we wake up. For minutes, complete silence surrounds us—until the coffee maker starts gurgling. I pour two mugs of steaming hot liquid to warm us up and fill the thermos for the road. Our 26-year-old Toyota Starlet is ready to go, loaded with a hundred of our…
Overland News of the Week
Adventure Ready Norden 901 Expedition Motorcycle The Norden 901 Expedition is a long-distance, off-road motorcycle powered by an 889 cc parallel-twin engine paired with a six-speed gearbox and a power-assist slipper clutch, all housed on a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame. What sets it apart from the standard Norden 901 is the various factory-installed technical upgrades…
The New 2027 Ram Power Wagon Diesel for Full-Size Overlanding
Christmas came early for me, opening up the embargoed press packet from Ram and reading an unexpected and thrilling piece of news. The Power Wagon, the most capable full-size truck produced, will now be available with a diesel drivetrain. Seriously! A Cummins-powered ¾ ton truck with front and rear lockers, a swaybar disconnect, 1,075 lb…
Step 22 Soft Cases :: Field Tested
On our first overland trip 12 years ago, we packed our belongings in used Rubbermaid containers and assorted soft bags we found around the house. In a constant state of disarray, a baseline level of stress was involved when searching for parts, tools, cords, or other essentials. It took almost a decade to realize that…
Jacob Delacruz Explores the Smoky Mountains with Hankook Tires
In the heart of Tennessee’s rugged landscape, Jacob Delacruz embarked on an exhilarating off-road journey up Hall Top Road in the Smoky Mountains. The destination was just south of the French Broad River, reached by navigating challenging bypasses and enjoying the breathtaking views that opened up along the way. This adventure was not just a…
We Tested Six Overland Truck Campers. Here’s What We Found.
Early memories are so formative, often defining and informing the path of our lives. My dad taught me the importance of doing what you love with the people you love, and truck campers have been synonymous with that aim since their commercial debut in the early 1950s. I still remember a cold morning camping in…
Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion 2025 :: Hankook Dynapro MT Mud Terrain Tire
The Versatility and Advantages of Mud Tires in Overlanding Mud tires, specifically designed for aggressive off-road driving, are a staple for overlanding enthusiasts. During the Jeep Invasion event, Scott Brady from Expedition Portal, alongside Olivia Flatt from the Hankook product training team, recently discussed the attributes and applications of mud tires like the Hankook Dynapro…
Overland News of the Week
Toyota Launches New Generation Australian HiLux The latest generation HilLux has landed in Australia, promising improved driveability, enhanced interior technology and comfort, and an exterior design spearheaded by Toyota Design Australia. The 2026 Hilux is available in cab-chassis and pickup configurations, with 4×4 or 4×2 drivelines, and in single-, extra-, and double-cab body styles. Upgrades…
Land Rover Classic Defender V8 Now Available with Defender Octa Color and Trim Options
A few months ago, a wealthy individual with a head full of champagne bubbles—and possibly not much else—decided that $430,000 was a perfectly reasonable sum to pay for a nuts-and-bolts rebuild of a 1980s Santana Land Rover. The irresistible Spanish-built Land Rover (arguably the least desirable flavor) even came with a cute little camper trailer…
For the Minimalist Who Fancies Luxury :: Gift Guide
I’ll preface this guide by reminding one and all that the greatest gifts cannot be bought. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. So, during this festive season, check in with loved ones and make time away from your devices to be present. With that out of the way, who’s going to buy me…
The All-New, All-Electric 2026 Subaru Trailseeker is Fast and Capable
Subaru posted an outstanding performance in 2024, with US sales approaching 700,000 units. The brand recorded its strongest results in Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire, followed by Connecticut, Colorado, Oregon, Montana, Alaska, Washington State, and Massachusetts. In these regions, Subaru’s all-wheel-drive, outdoors-oriented models consistently lead demand, a trend that is hard to miss for anyone…
Featherweight Gifts for Your Over-GVWR Champion
Groaning springs, nose in the air, the struggle to the top of the next hill, always bringing up the rear, thirsty at the pump—we all know that traveler in our lives who could use some gear that lightens the load. Whether on two wheels or four, reducing avoirdupois reaps many benefits, not least safety. As a vehicle’s mass…
Jeep Introduces Wrangler Whitecap as the Second Model in Its Twelve 4 Twelve 85th-Anniversary Series
The Jeep brand has unveiled the Wrangler Whitecap, the second limited-run model in its yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve program, marking 85 years of continuous off-road production. Presented as a limited-run model, the vehicle is offered exclusively as an upgrade package for the Sahara and Rubicon Wrangler trims. Revealed in December from Auburn Hills, Michigan, the…
Are Modern or Older Vehicles Best for Overland Travel?
The age-old question of which vehicle is best for overland travel is a hot topic. Some prefer a brand-new vehicle with low mileage, modern tech, and ultimate comfort; others swear by their tried-and-true (hopefully) trusty vehicle they’ve owned for a long time, one they know how to service and repair, and one that, typically (but…
10 Holiday Gifts for the Overlander Who Has it All
Photo by Richard Giordano We often assume that someone who “has it all” owns every desirable item—whether toys, vehicles, accessories, or other overland gear and gadgets. But as the holiday season approaches, it may be worth widening that definition. Some overlanders have everything they need and want nothing more; others “have it all” simply because…
Do It for the Kids Gift Guide
Every year, non-overlander children open their presents under the tree to find gifts that are, for the most part, useless for the rest of the year. Overlander kids are different—they live lives of exploration and deserve gifts that help fill a year with fun and adventure. I don’t remember 99 percent of the gifts I…
CompoCloset Cuddy Lite Composting Toilet :: Field Tested
Photography by Richard Giordano It was during a European road trip that Richard Peter and his partner, Erica Pugh, realized their composting toilet could be so much better. Peter sketched out various designs, prioritizing a longer drop zone, more effective solids and liquids separation, increased portability, and a unit that was easier to clean. In…
First Drive :: 2026 Subaru Outback
Near the summit of 7,800-foot Mingus Mountain in central Arizona is one of the country’s most well-known paragliding launch pads. From a dizzying precipice near a stand of communications towers, pilots from the Arizona Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (AZHPA) run for a few very meaningful steps down a grassy slope before launching themselves into…
Field Tested :: Hipcamp and The Dyrt
Times have certainly changed. When many of us first began overlanding, there were few tools to help locate a suitable campsite, and long driving days often ended early so we could scout the surrounding area for a safe place to spend the night. The arrival of iOverlander eased much of that burden—and, some would argue,…
The EarthRoamer Journey: Past, Present, and Future with CEO Scot Allen
Join host Matt Scott in a captivating episode of the Overland Journal Podcast as he chats with EarthRoamer CEO Scot Allen. Recorded at EarthRoamer HQ in Denver, this episode delves deep into the company’s evolution, including the innovative changes Scot has spearheaded since joining in 2021. Explore the fascinating history of EarthRoamer, the cutting-edge technology…