After 20-odd years of journeying together, Jase and I hit a curious crossroads. Our former lives of dive-guiding, motorcycling, and 4WD overlanding continued to amass in a Russian doll. Until, that is, we consciously decided to press pause on seeking stimulus from the physical world, turning inwards to pursue a different kind of journey to…
2021 Ford Bronco SEMA Build Features the Work of Over 125 Female Volunteers
The SEMA Businesswomen’s Network (SBN) unveiled an all-female Bronco build at this year’s SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. More than 125 female volunteers from all facets of the industry worked on the build, including its unveiling. Volunteers were of various cultural backgrounds, representing both US coasts and Canada, and included veterans, students, mother-daughter and…
Emergency SOS via Satellite Now Available on the iPhone 14 Lineup in the US and Canada
Apple recently announced that the groundbreaking Emergency SOS satellite safety service is now available to customers in North America, specifically the US and Canada. The service is available on all iPhone 14 models; the advanced technology enables users to message with emergency services while outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. Additionally, users can now open…
Overland Routes: The Trail of Kings
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2022 Issue. Arizona may be known for saguaro cactus, but it is also 26 percent timberland, and Humphreys Peak rises 12,633 feet into the southwest skyline. From the precipitous enclave of Jerome, and the start of this Overland Route, Humphreys Peak looms in the distance….
SEMA Gear of 2022
Smartop Truck Bed Covers Smartop Platform (originally from South Africa) secured the runner-up award for the Best New Van/Pickup/SUV product as a first-time attendee and newcomer to the US market. This truck bed cover is made from aluminum with built-in anchoring T-slots that can hold up to 550 pounds. You can secure jerry cans and…
The Pilot TrailSport is the Most Off-Road Capable Honda SUV Ever
Honda may not be the first name that comes to mind when we think of overland vehicles, but there is a lot to be said for and expected from a motor company with a reputation for consistently producing solid, reliable vehicles. While Honda vehicles may not have the off-piste chops of cousins Toyota or Nissan,…
Overland News of the Week
Roark Launches Women’s Apparel Collection Adventure lifestyle brand Roark has announced the release of its long-anticipated women’s apparel collection, which will launch at Roark retail stores and online at roark.com. Tailored by travel and inspired by the female journey, Roark’s women’s line will include flannels, jackets, pants, printed wovens, fleece, and graphic tees for autumn,…
The First Ever Jeep Branded Addax Trailer Launched at SEMA, and It Is a Winner
We have all been there—too much gear and not enough space. The use of a trailer is a controversial solution and a hotly debated topic on forums and around the campfire; some swear by them, and others would rather have less stuff. A trailer is an excellent solution for overlanders who go off-road or travel…
Porsche 911 Dakar :: The Safari Build Goes Mainstream
The “Safari build” has been a staple in the aftermarket Porsche restomod world for a while, but it’s a different story when the legendary manufacturer decides to make one of its own. Say hello to the Porsche 911 Dakar. Porsche has been teasing a lifted, off-tarmac 992 platform 911 for a little while now, and…
The ARB Intensity IQ Driving Light :: One Light to Rule Them All
While one of the golden rules of overland travel is “Never Drive at Night,” it is unavoidable that you may eventually find yourself driving through the night to catch the last ferry, or were held up due to roadworks or an accident, or you may be surprised that the remote trail through the Moroccan mountains…
Jeep, Ram, and Dodge Brands Dominate SEMA Awards
The Dodge, Jeep, and Ram brands have earned top honors at the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas, beating the competition thanks to votes from show exhibitors who had the honor of choosing the top trend-setting vehicles that represent the best business opportunities in the automotive aftermarket. The SEMA awards were…
Field Tested :: Decked D-Bag
I have used a few bags in my day, as I am sure we all have, since they are a necessary piece of gear for pursuing outdoor life. Taking a quick tour of my garage will immediately give away my bag-hoarding problem and reveal that I have more devices to carry more crap than any…
Stream2Sea Sunscreen And Bodycare Products: Sunscreen, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Lotion, and Lip Balm That Won’t Harm Waterways
Stream2Sea creates sunscreen and other hair and body care products that are safe for waterways. Many companies claim to make environmentally safe sunscreens, natural shampoos, and more. Stream2Sea also makes this claim but backs up its assertions with testing. Stream2Sea has the only products proven safe for simple nematodes (C. elegans), freshwater fish, saltwater fish,…
The Electromod Jeep CJ Surge Concept May Save Your Classic 4×4
Debuting at SEMA 2022 today, the Jeep CJ Surge concept is custom designed and engineered to explore an efficient battery-electric propulsion system for classic Jeep models. With the recent launch of the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) Jeep Avenger at the Paris Auto Show, Jeep made clear its intention to soon have all new Jeeps running on electricity. It…
The Ram 1500 Backcountry X Concept Is All Work and All Play
Debuting this week at SEMA, the attractive and practical Ram Backcountry X Concept is designed with crossover appeal for a driver who needs both a week-long work truck and an off-the-clock adventure machine. We predict this vehicle will likely be a massive hit in the overland market. Before focusing on the ingenious load system, let’s…
The Redtail Skyloft is the Perfect Wedge Tent for a Specific User
$20,000. That is the elephant in the room, so we might as well throw a mouse at it first. That’s a lot of greenbacks; I bought my entire Defender in excellent working condition for less than half of that 13 years ago. Twenty thousand dollars (the unconfirmed price for the Skyloft) is the equivalent of…
Overland News of the Week
Special Edition Beast28 Helium Ultralight Frame Pack I remember backpacking with my first frame pack 30 years ago. It weighed almost more than the sum of its contents, was extremely cumbersome, and I would almost topple over when hoisting it onto my back. Granted, I may have packed too much stuff, but the Beast28 Helium…
Cool Vehicles of the 2022 Rebelle Rally
Photography by Richard Giordano, Nicole Dreon, Regine Trias, and Tim Sutton There is a special time just before the Rebelle Rally begins, before more than 50 teams take off from the start line, arrive at the first base camp, and prior to the highly anticipated finale in California’s Imperial sand dunes. Competitors gradually trickle into…
The Bushwakka Kamelback Is Ready to Take on the World
With the exorbitant cost of overland vehicles these days, it may be tempting to consider a DIY project. In reality, building a camper is an expensive, technically challenging, and time-consuming project; we know this first-hand. Whatever the initial budget for the build of your camper, that amount will need to be doubled, then likely increased…
New Zealand Overlanders Detained in Iran Released
Topher Richwhite and Bridget Thackwray, known as Expedition Earth, disappeared in July along with their Jeep Gladiator shortly after they arrived in Iran on an around-the-world expedition. Very little is known about the circumstances of their detention, but as Reuters and other outlets have reported, the couple were released earlier this week. New Zealand’s Prime…