Editor’s Note: This Toyota FJ62 article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2023 Issue. Photography by Richard Giordano Few can say they’ve purchased a vehicle from the Saudi royal family; even fewer own a Land Cruiser as meticulously spotless as off-road and automotive shop owner Luai Alsheheli’s. “This 60-Series Land Cruiser was one of many that…
Land Rover 75th Diamond Jubilee, June 14-18, 2023
Land Rover celebrates 75th Diamond Jubilee, and while my own Defender is only a touch over 30 years old, sometimes it feels like it’s 75. No matter—three-quarters of a century of off-road adventure is something worth celebrating for this segment-defining brand. The Association of North American Land Rover Clubs (ANARC) is holding its 75th Diamond…
Field Tested :: Renogy DCC30S Solar Charge Controller
Editor’s Note: This Fieldsheer article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2023 Issue. Dual-isolated batteries have been a fixture of overland vehicles for decades, and in recent years, the price of solar and lithium batteries has dropped enough to become the go-to choice. Correctly isolating batteries is essential to preserve the vehicle starting battery, and keeping batteries…
Off Highway Van Unveils the Spur Camper Van
Off Highway Van (OHV), a prominent camper van designer and manufacturer based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has unveiled the Spur. This new camper van model simplifies the van life experience by providing essential amenities without the burden of unnecessary extras. Conceptualized for adventurers who value ease and practicality, the Spur is designed to offer…
Mammoth Overland Unveils ELE Off-Road Trailer, Designed for Ultimate Survival in Extreme Conditions
Are you a prepper with an unshakable conviction that the end is nigh but still want to get out there and enjoy nature while the Four Horsemen streak across the sky? Are you a danger tourist looking to explore war-torn territories or spend a season living among the grizzlies, or do you live in and…
Overland News of the Week
The Overland Embassy, Transportation for Motorcycles over the Darién Gap The Overland Embassy (located in Parque Lefevre, Panama City) is offering shipping and airfreight transportation for motorcycles. The airfreight option takes just three days from “drop off to drive off” in Bogotá, Colombia. Alternatively, you can opt for the shared container option, which is significantly…
Arksen Unveils Range of Overland Vehicles
Arksen, better known for constructing top-tier exploration and adventure marine vessels, has made landfall by introducing a series of overland vehicles. With Arksen Overland, the company aims to apply its technical prowess and engineering expertise in developing an array of specialized overland vehicles, broadening its presence in the adventure and exploration sectors beyond maritime offerings….
The All New 2024 Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor
Ford has announced an all-new lineup of Rangers. The new 2024 Ford Ranger isn’t just offering new color options and random accessories. Ford did its work and talked with current Ranger owners and consumer groups around the world to ask and learn what they wanted to see in the next evolution of the model. I’ve…
Feature Vehicle :: 2005 Toyota Tundra from Basil’s Garage
Photos: Basil Lynch The first generation Tundra marked a turning point in Toyota’s evolution as an automobile manufacturer. In fact, you could say that when this North America-only full-size truck hit the market in 1999, Toyota was actively reinventing itself. In the process, it permanently altered the landscape for big pickups in the US. Although…
Ignik Grows Product Line, Launches Tank Accessories
We love practical, multi-purpose gear which is well-designed and constructed to survive harsh environments and heavy use. Ignik, the outdoor brand headquartered on Bainbridge Island, Washington, is set to expand its product offerings with the introduction of propane tank accessories; the company has unveiled the 20-pound Tank Case/Seat and 20-pound Tank Tote, designed to facilitate…
Six Months of International Travel with Starlink
“Stay calm; call 911!” I instructed Luisa as I carefully brought the Nimbl to a stop on the icy road deep within the Yukon. The van lay wedged in the snow on its roof, the wheels spinning in the air like a stranded, upended tortoise’s legs. I jumped out to assist my inverted convoy mate…
Video of the Week :: Sonoran Rovers and Artisan Arjuna Steen Create a Defender Masterpiece
If you are a fan of surgical carpentry and workmanship, the Classic Land Rover Defender, and impeccable filmmaking, then this is the video for you. Titled “Exquisite Land Rover Defender Camper Build – Start to Finish – Crafted in Southern Arizona,” the film highlights a joint effort between Sonoran Rovers and skilled artisan Arjuna Steen….
Field Tested :: Men’s Danner Mountain 600 Boots
There are two types of people in this world; I like to call them the Bright Oranges and The Dark Blues. I am a Dark Blue. The Bright Oranges are social, outgoing, and eager for interaction. The Dark Blues are quiet, understated, and dream of a winter cabin alone. Your clothing reflects who you are,…
Featured Vehicle :: Jerry the Defender 110
Camping on our favorite isolated Mexican beach, we heard the distant clunky rumble of a Tdi Land Rover, a unique sound pleasing to an enthusiast’s ear. Eventually, a white, right-hand drive Defender trundled into view, effortlessly rolling over the deep, white beach sand and loose, round stones. The young, mustachioed driver returned a friendly wave…
A Shift-Your-Own Option Will Be Available on the 2024 Toyota Tacoma
Toyota continues a steady drip of teasers ahead of the official launch of the 2024 Tacoma (the launch date itself remains a mystery). In addition to portable Bluetooth tunes, a Trailhunter trim package, and hybrid drive, the Big T announced this week that its class-leading mid-size truck will also come with a manual transmission option…
Video :: Preserving and Exploring the East Mojave Heritage Trail
Long-time denizens of Expedition Portal certainly will know our old friend and frequent contributor, Chris Cordes. Now with onX Maps, Chris has turned his passion for off-road exploration into a career helping others find their own way to unknown places. One such place is the American Southwest’s Mojave Desert. A sprawling patchwork of diverse landscapes,…
Video of the Week :: Restoration of a Land Rover Defender 90
A few precious videos on YouTube have inspired millions with a simple premise – an impressive project performed in a desirable setting, silent except for the impact of various tools (such wonderful ASMR!). In a digital world where creators clamber for attention by showing too much skin or having bombastic personalities, it is refreshing to…
Overland News of the Week
Gerber Gear Launches More Than Ready Camp Essentials As part of its More Than Ready campaign, Gerber Gear has released a wide range of multi-tools, knives, axes, and other camp essentials for 2023. Lightweight items like the Stake Out and Armbar Scout multi-tools feature a plain edge blade, bottle opener, and scissors in a compact…
Meal Planning for Overlanding: Tips for Preparing Delicious and Nutritious Meals
“We all eat, and it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly.” –Anna Thomas “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” –Virginia Woolf There are two comforts that I refuse to give up when on the road: my down duvets and regular gratifying meals (and…
The Sprocket is a Lightweight Off Road Trailer With DIY Potential
As a long-term, full-time overland traveler, I am forever challenged by the need for more space in my vehicle for the essential (and nonessential) gear that I love. I also wholly appreciate the idea of a base camp as we often camp for extended periods (a week or more) in one place and, though only…