Join Scott Brady and Matt Scott as they talk to David and Ellie, the adventurous couple behind Yak Overland, on this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast. Discover the incredible stories from their journeys through Central Asia and the Pan-American Highway in their trusty 1997 Land Rover Defender 110. They share their experiences at overlanding…
The Brown Bird & Co. Skafta Land Rover Defender Campervan is Ready to Make Dreams Come True, In Style
For the last two decades, I have been telling anyone who would listen that the nearest to perfect overland vehicle for an adventurous couple is the Classic Land Rover Defender Hardtop. With three doors and a cavernous interior, this old Landy will take you there, bring you back, and ensure that you have the space…
Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede 2025
It was mid-July 2020 when Ford announced the revitalization of the beloved Bronco. Since then, over half a million Broncos have been released into the wild, and consumer enthusiasm is fueling a growing schedule of annual events. This past July, Expedition Portal attended the 3rd annual Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede to visit with the…
2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer: A Refined Family Hauler with Two Impressive Powertrain Options
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer introduces a new phase of sophistication, capability, and accessibility for Jeep’s full-size SUV lineup. With a refreshed exterior, expanded powertrain options—including what Jeep describes as “America’s first range-extended electric vehicle (REEV)” (a claim open to debate, given the earlier Chevrolet Volt and BMW i3 REx)—and a simplified model structure under…
INEOS Grenadier Oktoberfest: The Largest Gathering Yet
The dust was still hanging in the air when we pulled into Moab’s rodeo stadium. Ahead of us were row after row of Grenadiers and Quartermasters—bone-stock, lightly kitted, and fully built. We’d just made the thousand-mile sprint from North Idaho to be here, and this was the moment we realized it was worth it: the…
The Lidu RV Aquila 360 is Innovative and Lightweight
The Aquila 360 trailer is not what you expect to see here on Expedition Portal, but it has made the cut as it is something that we could imagine traveling with, as a basecamp for exploration. Sure, the trailer does not have the ground clearance or rugged features that usually appeal to us, but it…
First Drive :: 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness
Subaru is rolling out a raft of updated and refreshed models for the 2026 model year. The Japanese manufacturer took the wraps off a redesigned Outback and Outback Wilderness earlier this year (to mixed reviews of its aggressive styling), and the 2026 Crosstrek gets a hybrid version that addresses nearly all the shortcomings of the…
First Drive :: 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
In southern Washington state near the slopes of the recently dormant (in geological terms, at least) Mt. Adams volcano, there is a seemingly endless network of old logging roads. They criss-cross over the boundaries of the Yakama Indian Reservation to the east and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to the west. Logging roads always seem…
Are New or Old Overland Vehicles Better for Travel?
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady sits down with overlanding experts Dan Grec, theroadchoseme, and Graeme Bell to discuss whether new or old vehicles are better for long-distance travel. They explore the reliability, safety, and financial aspects of each option while sharing personal experiences from their extraordinary journeys. The episode…
Overland News of the Week
KC Hilites Has Debuted the Platform One Modular Roof Rack System The Platform One Roof Rack by KC Hilites is a hybrid modular rack system designed to combine clean aesthetics with utility. It features precision-cut aluminum rails and a slotted platform to support gear, while built-in channels simplify integration of KC’s lighting and power systems….
Proof of Concept: The TruckHouse Takes on Pearl Pass
Pearl Pass has always carried a reputation. In Colorado, it’s shorthand for something stubborn, something reckless, something earned. The road was first cut in the 1880s when Aspen was a silver boomtown and Crested Butte still a rough mining camp. Mules and men scratched their way across the Elk Mountains, hauling ore and supplies along…
Off-Road Inspiration and New Skills with Micah Weber from Overlandunderbudget
Join host Matt Scott and guest host Jillian Rebekah on the Overland Journal Podcast as they dive into an insightful conversation with Micah from OverlandUnderBudget. In this episode, Micah shares his passion for inspiring people to explore the outdoors affordably. Learn about his adventures at a recent event, where he introduced newcomers to welding through…
Iconic Rebelle Rally Locations to Incorporate into Your Next Overland Trip
Lead photo by Nicole Dreon In one week’s time, over 60 teams will gather in Mammoth Lakes, California, to begin the 10th edition of the Rebelle Rally. The rally route—which leads competitors through eight days of off-road navigation using maps, compasses, and roadbooks to locate checkpoints throughout the deserts of Nevada and California—is completely confidential….
Ural Motorcycles Unveils Ural 500 Sidecar Model for Broader Appeal
Ural Motorcycles has unveiled its latest sidecar motorcycle, the Ural 500, designed to make the sidecar experience more approachable for a wider audience. Unlike the brand’s earlier models, which earned a loyal following among adventure motorcycling enthusiasts worldwide, this new release appears to be aimed at riders seeking a broader blend of usability and accessibility….
Overland News of the Week
Join onX Offroad This Weekend for a National Public Lands Day Celebration This Saturday, September 27, onX Offroad will mobilize 21 Offroad Trail Guides and employees to celebrate National Public Lands Day. As part of the celebration, onX will release 21 waypoints across the country, where Trail Guides will offer map tips and route guidance,…
Exploring the Wilderness: An Interview with Tony Crooke from GME
Join Scott Brady in this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast as he chats with Tony Crooke, a legend in the Australian overland community and the marketing manager for GME. They discuss Tony’s passion for the outdoors, bushwalking, and the importance of nature in everyday life. The conversation spans various topics, including the Australian landscape,…
The Rescue Truck: A 2024 Ford F-350 Built to Save Lives in King County
When King County Search and Rescue (KCSARA), a nonprofit organization that has served Washington State since 1965, heads out on a four-wheel-drive rescue mission, the circumstances are rarely predictable. The team of volunteers must be prepared for any eventuality. KCSARA brings together nine independent member units under one umbrella, creating a coordinated network of motorized…
2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness :: What Do You Want to Know?
This week we have the opportunity to test drive the 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness for the first time. This is an important car for Subaru, as the Forester from year to year usually vies with the Outback for the top sales spot in their lineup. With big changes in both style and price for the…
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness: A Small and Mighty Approach to Adventure Vehicles
My wife, fellow writer Mercedes Lilienthal, and I decided to run the TransAmerica Trail (TAT) in June of 2025. The TAT spans from Nags Head, North Carolina, to Port Orford, Oregon, and employs as much dirt as possible. We considered a host of vehicles for the trip. The route was originally intended for adventure touring…
The Santa Barbara Series: A Vintage Land Rover Event
Key Event Details What: Classic Series and Defender Land Rovers, limited to pre-2005 vehicles (surely a Puma Defender will slip in) Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025 Time: 09:00-11:00 (main event) Where: Chase Palm Park (right next to the beach) in Santa Barbara, California Vehicle registration: $150 (to campaign your truck; includes a large swag bag,…