Exped Mega Mat 10 LXW Exped’s Mega mat hit the car camping scene in 2011, raising the bar for sleep comfort to a superior level with its plush, perfect-density, open-cell polyurethane foam—or so I’d been told by numerous co-workers and friends. I’ve used many sleep mats over the years but found a happy place with…
Category Archives: 4WD
Feature Vehicle :: Carey Lando’s Subaru Outback
We first met Carey at Overland Expo in Flagstaff, and we were immediately impressed by her friendly confidence, sense of humor, and broad, ready smile. Carey is no weekend warrior; this mother of two is a regular of the Rebelle Rally and an explorer who travels the US extensively. Carey knows the Western USA like…
Nissan e-4ORCE System: A Revolution in All-Wheel-Drive Electrified Technology
Nissan recently introduced the state-of-the-art e-4ORCE technology into the European market, and the technology will debut in the Nissan X-Trail and Ariya compact crossover SUV. e-4ORCE is touted as a new and unique all-wheel-drive system specifically engineered for electric and electrified vehicles to offer confident and reassuring performance in all conditions. Essentially, the system will…
2022 Overlanders of the Year :: Lisa Morris and Jason Spafford of Four Wheeled Nomad
Our list of candidates for 2022 included many worthy travelers, all mixing it up in a world that has been decidedly shaken rather than stirred these past few years. Ultimately, we chose long-time travelers Lisa Morris and Jason Spafford for their propensity to embrace change and create adventure no matter their whereabouts. Formerly known as…
Video Crossing the Devil :: The First EV Crossing of the Longest Trail in the USA
Feature Vehicle :: Projeto Mundo Cão’s 2000 Land Rover Defender 110
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2022 Issue. A flash of insight can be triggered by nearly anything. A conversation with a stranger, a blog post, photograph, or film comes to mind. But sometimes, inspiration strikes when you least expect it. For Brazilian overlanders Sergio Medeiros and Eleni Alvejan, an object…
Is the Hennessey Mammoth 1000 TRX Overland Edition Overpowered? Perhaps Not
How important is a surplus of engine power for overland travel? Well, it depends; how much power do you really need as you explore your chosen terrain? For overland travel in the Global South, you will generally only find a few roads where you can unleash all your pent-up horses and cruise at North American…
Feature Vehicle: Randy Wimenta’s 1989 Toyota Corolla “AWDROLA”
We all have two distinct choices in life–do nothing or do something. Many are content to binge-watch TV shows and doom scroll until their retina melt, while others get busy learning, designing, building, and creating. Randy Wimenta, the Marketing Activation Manager at KC Hilites, is a hands-on, gearhead kind of guy; he chose to get…
The Alpha CAMP EV Collaboration Concept is Lit
If you have yet to visit the Alpha Motor Corporation website or YouTube channel, you are in for a treat. Any gearhead with a love of classic vehicles will find creator Edward Lee’s ’70s- and ’80s-inspired electric concept vehicles irresistible. He blends muscular and sleek lines with a minimalist and modern twist, incorporating new technology…
Modern Explorer :: Baptiste Gissinger
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2022 Issue. Baptiste Gissinger tells me he grew up on a farm in France, but I’m not so sure. I (not so) secretly think he’s a Viking sent back from Valhalla to teach us overlanders a thing or two. At 15 years old, I spent…
Thanksgiving Overland Gift Guide (2022)
As the holiday season quickly approaches, now is the time to brainstorm gift ideas for your friends, family, and loved ones. The Expedition Portal team has put together this list of overland gifts for the adventure motorcyclist, bikepacker, 4WD enthusiast, overlander, and those who love experiences over things. From memberships to camp kitchen gear, you’re…
Feature Vehicle :: Eva zu Beck’s 2006 Land Rover Defender 110
Video creator Eva zu Beck admits she began traveling by vehicle for a change of pace. At times, a hectic YouTube travel schedule saw her bouncing from Turkey to Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan, and while this was exciting, it was also draining. “I craved the freedom that comes with being able to roam anywhere by…
Wedgetail 22 Slide-On Camper
With time and experience, we all eventually develop a style of travel and preference for a vehicle that suits that style of travel best. What suits me as a full-time, 4WD-experienced international traveler with a family and pets will not necessarily appeal to an active and adventurous young couple who road trip and run trails…
The Nissan Nismo Off-Road Frontier V8 Concept Showcases A Purpose Built Accessory Range
Nissan Motorsports International, aka Nismo, is a division of Nissan Motorsports & Customizing, historically focused on motorsport and performance-oriented car models for Nissan since 1984. Nissan Off-Road has a legacy of off-road competition, from the Dakar Rally to the Baja 1000, which has inspired the development of a line of Nismo-branded off-road products designed to…
78 Days in an Indian Ashram
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,…