The Scout was venturing deep into forests, climbing over mountain passes, and adventuring to the far corners of the United States long before overlanding became mainstream. They were simple but dependable and used to ferry fishing boats, to reach remote trails, and to camp. And as outdoor recreation surged in the 1970s, the Scout became…
Category Archives: 4WD
50 States 50 Trails with INEOS Grenadier and onX
After more than two decades photographing and directing work in the outdoors, I’ve become selective. Not because I don’t enjoy the work, but because I’ve spent enough time in wild places to know the difference between manufacturing adventure and actually living it. The truck has never interested me nearly as much as where it takes…
Summertime Essentials to Help Beat the Heat
Last summer was a true test of man, machine, and miniature dog. We left our base in Mexico in the spring, pointed the Land Rover north, and spent six months exploring the US and Northern Mexico. It was an odyssey of sweat and perseverance, lived entirely from our trusty Land Rover, with no air-conditioning in…
2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT: Mega Speed, Mega Compromises
Overlanders are a specific breed. We look for very specific non-negotiable features in a truck, and go-fast has never been at the top of the list. We want power, sure, but we also want fuel economy, comfort, a high payload rating, and reliability. The 2027 Ram 1500 TRX SRT—yes, they brought back the Street and…
Six Years of Solo Adventure Travel with @hifromashley
Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady interviews Ashley from Hi From Ashley about her six-year solo journey, including overlanding the Americas in a Toyota Tacoma. Motivated by personal loss and injury, Ashley transitioned from corporate healthcare to a life of slow travel. She reflects on the challenges of traveling with her dog, Porter, through international…
We Tested the Best 12-volt Fridge/Freezers. Here’s What We Found.
East Africa is known for many things, and nearly all of them are the stuff of overlanding dreams. But a few could be classified as nightmares, principally the endless dance with roadblocks, police checkpoints, and military convoys. At times, that includes determined efforts to separate the traveler from their cash. As a result, I would…
Chuckles Garage’s 1953 Ford “Nuke Van” Transforms a Cold War Relic into a Modern Overland Camper
Many years ago, an octogenarian English friend of mine—who remains fitter than many people half his age, suggested buying an armored Land Rover for overland travel. At the time, I dismissed the idea. Armored vehicles are heavy, expensive to maintain, and hardly ideal for crossing continents where fuel economy and payload matter. However, after several…
Editor’s Choice: The Best Rigs of Overland Expo PNW 2026
Overland Expo never disappoints when it comes to showcasing an incredible variety of expedition vehicles. From compact motorcycles and classic 4WDs to purpose-built campers and six-figure expedition trucks, there is something to inspire every kind of traveler. As international overlanders, however, we are naturally drawn to practical, thoughtfully designed vehicles that we could genuinely imagine…
Jeep Recon EV Finally on Sale
After years of teasers, delays, shifting launch dates, and questions about whether it would ever reach production, the Jeep Recon has finally gone on sale in the United States. Jeep’s first purpose built electric off-road SUV is now available to order, marking a major milestone not only for the brand but also for the future…
Overland News of the Week, July 3, 2026
Tune Outdoors Introduces Custom Interior Systems Tune Outdoor has announced Tune Interior Systems, a new lineup of lightweight, modular, and customizable interior configurations. Constructed with advanced materials that balance strength, weight, and longevity. The systems are designed specifically for the Tune M1/M1L platforms and seamlessly integrate with the company’s existing design features. This creates a…
The Northwest Overland Rally: Where the Overland Tribe Gathers
The Northwest Overland Rally (NWOR) is special. I knew that to be true the first time I attended back in 2015. Before then, and for the following 10 years, the event was run by Ray Hyland and his family—his wife, Marianne, and sons, Seamus, Declan, and Liam—who brought decades of intercontinental overland travel experience to…
Optima OrangeTop QH6 Lithium Battery :: Field Tested
The best thing you can say about a starter battery is that you never have to say anything about it at all; it should simply work every time you turn the key. An even better one doubles as an auxiliary power source. At just 21 pounds, the OrangeTop QH6 LiFePO₄ dual-purpose power unit punches above its…
Jaguar Land Rover Considers U.S.-Built Defender Based on Stellantis Platform
The global automotive industry is facing mounting pressure from several directions simultaneously. Manufacturers must contend with intense competition from both established brands and a growing number of Chinese automakers, many of which are entering international markets with competitively priced vehicles and rapidly advancing technology. At the same time, tariffs and shifting trade policies have increased…
Honda Element Returning to Battle Bronco Sport
The unassuming Honda Element has always occupied a unique place in the overland world. When it first arrived for the 2003 model year, its boxy styling, washable interior, clamshell side doors, and practical layout divided opinions. Some buyers loved its unconventional appearance while others struggled to embrace it. Over time, however, the Element developed a…
Overlanding West Virginia with Jason Specht
Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady talks with Jason Specht of Mountain State Overland at historic Camp Cheat about his origins in scouting and gear preparedness. They compare overlanding in the East versus the West, highlighting narrower trails and multi-sport integration. Specht shares route highlights like Canaan Loop and the TransAmerica Trail, emphasizing responsible travel…
Ford Racing to Provide Financial Support to Privateer Rebelle Rally Teams
Photo by Regine Trias Ford Racing is expanding its support for this year’s privateer Rebelle Rally teams through the newly branded Ford Raptor Route program. Open to teams competing in Ford vehicles in the 4×4 Class (with X-Cross® entries considered on a case-by-case basis), Ford Raptor Route provides financial assistance and exclusive team gear to…
Forest Service Launches New Recreation Mobile App
The United States Forest Service has launched a brand new mobile app that the agency says provides the most complete and accurate collection of Forest Service recreation sites that has ever been made available to the public. The announcement came as a surprise to some given the recent wide-spread budget cuts and general reduction of…
Icon 4×4 Reimagines the Classic Chevrolet C10 as a Modern Silverado-Based Pickup
My good friend Kade is the proud owner of a 1984 Ford pickup, and it is the coolest thing I have ever driven, apart from my Defender that is. The Ford is a bit rough around the edges, but the patina is perfect, and the ride is as sweet as it can be, given the…
Ford Planning More Bronco Models
Following a milestone month where Bronco sales surpassed Jeep Wrangler sales for the first time since the model’s return in 2020, Ford is making it clear that the Bronco story is only just beginning. Top Ford executives have been quoted saying many more Bronco variants are on the way. Speaking recently about the future of the…
Tundra TRD Hammer to Challenge Raptor
Toyota has spent years building a reputation for durability, reliability, and long term ownership value. What it has not traditionally been known for is building high performance desert trucks. That may soon change with the rumored arrival of the 2027 Toyota Tundra TRD Hammer, likely a direct competitor to the wildly successful F-150 Raptor. The…