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…
GOSO Cookware Gourmet Two-pan Set :: Field Tested
Built of carbon steel in Wisconsin, Brent Firkser’s Kickstarter-funded GOSO frying pans can take a beating, work on all cooktop types (from induction to campfire), are non-toxic, and are lighter than cast iron. At 2.6 pounds, the 10-inch pan weighs the same as the stainless steel home kitchen pan it replaces. The two-pan set comes…
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….
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,…
Overlanding Africa: Countries, Cultures, and Insights with Expedition Rove
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott are joined by Mary Hannah Hardcastle and Andy Ellis, from Expedition Rove. They share their incredible journey of overlanding across Africa, including their experiences with the new Land Rover Defender 2020. They discuss the challenges and highlights of navigating the West…
Expedition One Introduces New Accessory Line for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
As of the end of August 2025, Toyota had sold roughly 58,000 units of the 2025 4Runner in the United States, with 13,423 of those sold in August alone. Its popularity places it alongside other well-regarded off-road vehicles such as the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. Given this strong demand, it is unsurprising that aftermarket…
The View from the Passenger’s Seat :: Taylor Pawley on the Rebelle Rally and the Navigator’s Life
Taylor Pawley has racked up some serious hardware as a navigator in the Rebelle Rally over the years, including a second-place overall in 2020 and first-place overall in 2019 with her driver for the upcoming 2025 event, Rachelle Croft. But co-drivers might be the most unsung people in motorsport—toiling for hours behind the scenes to…
2026 Toyota Land Cruiser: Heritage Roots and Modern Engineering
Toyota has confirmed that the 2026 Land Cruiser will arrive in U.S. dealerships in fall 2025 with a starting MSRP of $57,200, as per Toyota. Whether dealer pricing will reflect manufacturer pricing is yet to be seen and is unlikely. Your best bet is to compare offers, be ready to walk away, and wait—or travel—for…
Field Tested :: Bōte Inflatable Camp Furniture
Bōte is a rapidly growing company that specializes in inflatable and portable watercraft, especially stand-up paddle boards and kayaks, as well as other hybrid-style boats and skiffs. In recent years, they’ve expanded their inflatable technology to other gear segments, especially camp furniture. It may seem gimmicky at first glance, but inflatables are coming into their…
Alphavan Unveils German-Manufactured Premium Campervan with Moderate Off-Road Prowess and Digital Integration
Alphavan, a campervan specialist based in the Allgäu region of southern Germany, has introduced a premium mobile living solution that combines moderate off-road capability, digital connectivity, and a lightweight design. Crafted entirely within the country, the company describes its creation as “progressive premium” and the result of a deep engineering heritage encompassing mechanical engineering, computer…
Mastering Off-Road Techniques: Throttle, Eyes, and Strategy with Emily Miller
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, hosts Matt Scott and Scott Brady welcome Emily Miller, a notable figure in the off-roading community and the founder of the Rebelle Rally. The conversation dives into the details of the Rebelle Rally, discussing its origins, format, and the unique challenges it presents. Miller shares insights from…