Photography by Richard Giordano and Scott Brady The XOverland team has always dreamed big. Their ambitious expeditions and world-class cinematography have resulted in 75 inspiring episodes spanning six continents, telling stories that have changed the lives of countless overlanders. Along the way, they have also changed the lives of their expedition team members by doing…
Category Archives: Four Wheel Drive
Overland News of the Week, March 27th, 2026
iKamper Launches Skycamp 4.0 Rooftop Tent Series iKamper has introduced the Skycamp 4.0 series, the latest evolution of its flagship rooftop tent platform, featuring a refined design that improves interior space while maintaining a compact external footprint. The updated lineup includes duo, trio, and quad configurations, expanding fitment across mid-size SUVs, crossovers, wagons, and truck…
Consumer Reports Lists Toyota Most Reliable. Again.
When it comes to overland travel, be it across a state, country, a continent or around the entire globe, vehicle reliability isn’t just a talking point, it’s the foundation of every remote mile traveled. According to the latest data from Consumer Reports released in December 2025, the brands most trusted to get you home again…
Jeep Celebrates 60th Easter Jeep Safari With New Concepts, Community Initiatives, and Expanded Consumer Experiences
The Jeep brand is preparing for a prominent presence at the 60th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, scheduled to run from March 28 through April 5, 2026. Marking both a milestone anniversary for the event and the brand’s 85th year, Jeep plans to showcase a range of concept vehicles, consumer engagement programs, and…
Speak Fluent Machine: Preventing and Dealing With a Breakdown
Our friends Chris and Erin Ratay have been traveling for decades. They hold a Guinness World Record for the longest motorcycle journey as a team and, a few years ago, bought a Defender in South Africa and drove it to Europe. Chris has a no-nonsense approach to dealing with vehicle maintenance and breakdowns, and he…
10 Lessons Learned Traveling in an XOVERLAND Toyota
At Expedition Portal, we have been longtime friends with the XOverland crew, and in 2025, we joined forces, which also gave me the opportunity to finally travel in one of their expedition Toyotas. I have always loved how they look, with all the latest cool products and stunning graphics packages. But how would they work…
Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss This Spring (2026)
AMERICAN WEST Desert Adventure Rally When: April 7-12, 2026 | Where: Bisbee, Arizona Combining scenic backcountry riding, evening entertainment, and catered meals with Southern Arizona’s striking landscapes and scenery, the Desert Adventure Rally is a week of ADV fun. Curated GPS tracks will be given for self-guided day rides fueled by Morning Bivouac coffee, while…
Lessons Learned from Global Expeditions with Clay Croft
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady and his travel partner Clay Croft record from the field in the Central Republic of Congo. They discuss some of their most memorable adventures, including travels through South America and Alaska, and the unique lessons learned from their worldwide expeditions. Clay shares insights on vehicle…
Photography 101: Turn Your Landscapes Into Dreamscapes
My headlamp cut the pre-dawn gloom, illuminating the lowland marsh as I hopscotched from grass tuft to grass tuft, avoiding an ankle-soaking plunge along the shoulder of the Río Serrano. It was 4:00 a.m., and the March autumn sun still slumbered behind the Andes. I found the opening to the riverbank I’d scouted the night…
2026 Overland Expo Southern California Recap
Overland Expo Southern California 2026: Event Highlights and Gear Trends This was my first time at the Southern California Overland Expo, and wow! The crowd was huge, but it was the curiosity and enthusiasm of the attendees that stood out most. A much more youthful crowd (not necessarily in age), and many had kids in…
Acela Dispatcher 4×4: Compact Utility Platform with Overland Potential
For several years, attention has focused on the IMV 0, Toyota’s long-anticipated entry-level work truck, widely regarded as a platform with strong overland potential. Despite early enthusiasm, the model has so far been limited largely to markets in Southeast Asia, leaving many observers uncertain whether it will ever reach North America. In the meantime, a…
Storyteller Launches The Grenadier Micro Camper
Storyteller has spent nearly a decade building its reputation as one of the most respected and comprehensive overland vehicle manufacturers on the planet. Their lineup includes the ubiquitous van conversions, massive expedition campers (formerly GXV), and now their first micro camper. For the base vehicle, they chose the INEOS Grenadier, then incorporated their extensive camper…
Overland News of the Week, March 13th, 2026
Jetboil’s New TrailCook Systems Help Deliver the Perfect Flame The TrailCook 1.2- and 2-liter stove systems are engineered with a new, integrated self-centering pot support and advanced regulator valves, delivering precise simmer control, fast ignition, and incremental heat adjustment crucial for elevated camp cooking. The TrailCook systems feature Jetboil’s re-engineered ignition, which is now integrated…
Rivian Launches RAD, an Adventure Department to Push the Limits of Electric Off-Road Performance
Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has formally introduced the Rivian Adventure Department (RAD, such a cool acronym), a new internal division focused on testing the limits of the company’s vehicles through extreme exploration, performance development, and real-world adventure use. The initiative brings together engineers, designers, and experienced drivers, with the goal of translating demanding field experience…
John Balsdon and Grenadier Take on the West Africa Driving Record
West Africa is one of the great cross-continent challenges for overlanders, combining at least 15 countries, more than 30 border crossings, and an endless sea of bureaucracy. Just the sticker visas and eVisas alone have been enough to cause travelers to tuck tail and drive back north to Europe. Almost two months ago, my phone…
The Golden Age of Overland SUVs Has Arrived
As vehicle-based travelers, we have entered a renaissance for overland vehicles, with capability, capacity (towing in particular), and comfort reaching new heights. The best overland vehicles are constantly morphing with consumer interests and regulatory pressures, but there has never been a better time to choose your next adventure machine. With the growing popularity of overlanding,…
Australia’s Tekton Lightweight CX-Series Composite Camper Canopy Revolutionizes the Overland Pickup Platform
Tekton Expedition Vehicles, based east of Melbourne, has introduced the CX-Series, a composite camper canopy designed to transform pickup trucks and utility vehicles into compact expedition platforms. Developed as part of the company’s expanding lineup of off-road travel equipment, the CX-Series aims to address common challenges associated with traditional touring canopies, including weight, thermal inefficiency,…
Mohab to Sponsor Overland Expo SoCal 2026 Ahead of Spring Launch
A relatively new overland adventure gear and mobile habitat company, Mohab (formerly imCamper), has announced it will sponsor Overland Expo SoCal 2026, scheduled to take place on March 14-15, 2026, at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. The sponsorship comes ahead of the company’s planned North American launch later in the…
Ram Confirms Return of Midsized Pickup with the Nameplate You Expect
After more than a decade away from the midsize pickup segment, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis has officially confirmed its return with the revival of a familiar name: the Ram Dakota. Slated to debut in 2027 and reach dealerships shortly afterward as a 2028 model, the Dakota will mark Ram’s first entry into the highly competitive…
Custom 1989 Toyota Corolla GT-S “AWDROLA” Set to Compete in 2026 Mint 400 Gambler/Hooptie-X Class
A project that began as a digital concept shared on Instagram has developed into a sanctioned desert race entry. Randy Wimenta and co-driver Will Wimenta are preparing to compete in the 2026 Mint 400 in the Gambler/Hooptie-X Modified class, campaigning a custom-built 1989 Toyota Corolla GT-S known as AWDROLA that we featured on Expedition Portal…