Christophe Noel, Author at Expedition Portal

First Ride: Kawasaki Versys X 300

When news of Kawasaki’s Versys X 300 started to circulate, many people thought it was just another also-ran in a growing category of diminutive motorcycles aimed at new or fair weather riders. Others thought it might be the KLR’s replacement, which are big shoes to fill. After spending a few days atop the Versys X…

Camper and Trailer, Gear, Tools, Recovery and Safety, Uncategorized

American Overlander: Gerber Center-Drive with Bit Set

I’m not sure how it happened, but I’ve become somewhat of a multi-tool nerd. I think it started while evaluating tools for an extensive review for the Fall 2016 issue of Overland Journal. In that roundup I tested Gerber’s Multi-Plier 600 Basic and was impressed with its ease of use, thoughtful selection of functions, and…

A black and white photo of a classic, boxy Overlander vehicle with a canvas top, round headlights, and rugged tires, parked on a gravel area.

Featured Vehicles, Four Wheel Drive

4×4 Legends: Toyota Land Cruiser, From Sakichi to Series 20

On an average year, Toyota sells roughly ten million automobiles worldwide culminating in a gross sales digit registering in the hundreds of billions of dollars. It is a mind bending exercise to fathom the scale of the global Toyota empire, and equally difficult to comprehend how and when it all began. Just as the flashpoint…

Electronics, Gear

Field Tested: Goal Zero Yeti 400 Lithium

A tale of two Yetis. How well does the new Lithium powered Yeti 400 improve on its popular predecessor?

A white overland vehicle with a rooftop tent and canopy is parked in a dry, grassy landscape at sunset. Overlanding gear, including a table and chairs, is set up nearby under scattered trees.

Four Wheel Drive, Gear

Head to Head: Roof Top or Ground Tent

Which is better, the roof top tent or the ground tent?

A neatly made double sleeping bag with a yellow lining lies on the floor inside a spacious, brown and white Overlander camping tent. The tent walls and floor are clean, and natural light is streaming in.

Camping, Gear, Uncategorized

Field Tested: Nemo Equipment Symphony Luxury Duo Sleep System

Nemo’s super sleeper is the most comfortable bush bunk we have ever tested.

Apparel, Gear

American Overlander: C.C. Filson

It is one of the most influential dates in modern history, but one easily forgotten. The day was August 16, 1896 when in the far flung wilds of the Canadian Yukon George Carmack, his wife Kate, and her brother Skookum Jim found massive gold nuggets along the banks of Rabbit Creek. It was a discovery…

A campfire burns in a metal fire pit near a pile of firewood, with a camping chair and tent set up among trees—a perfect Overlander setup for enjoying the great outdoors in true overlanding style.

Camping, Gear

Field Tested: Solo Stove Bonfire

Several times a year I’m contacted by an upstart company asking if I can help promote their Kickstarter campaign. My canned answer, delivered sometimes abruptly, is always––no thanks. I’ve learned my lesson featuring projects which not only failed to achieve their fundraising goals, but effectively robbed people of their hard won cash. That doesn’t mean…

An orange, boxy Overlander SUV with black trim and large wheels is parked indoors. Palm tree shadows and a faint mountain mural are visible on the wall in the background.

Four Wheel Drive, News

Toyota’s Adventure Mobile for the Future, the FT-4X Concept

Automakers have to overcome a host of challenges to stay relevant in an ever changing marketplace. One of the smaller hurdles is navigating the crowd of eye-rollers like me every time a far fetched concept car is presented to the public. This is not to say I don’t fully appreciate and understand the purpose of a…

A person wearing a helmet and backpack rides a mountain bike along a dirt trail in John's Canyon, surrounded by rocky hills and sparse desert vegetation—a thrilling retreat into rugged wilderness.

Adventure, Outdoor

Beyond the Truck: Defeat and Retreat in John’s Canyon

When my headlamp flickered one last time and everything went inky black, I wouldn’t say I panicked, but I was definitely not stoked. I stood in the darkness and looked up, the edges of the canyon walls made visible only by an outline of twinkling stars. With no moon, it was damn dark. I plucked…

A silver Jeep Wrangler Overlander with black wheels is shown from the rear side angle. The vehicle’s roof and doors are removed, revealing red seat belts, an exposed interior, and a spare tire mounted on the back.

Uncategorized

Rumor Mill: More Renderings of the 2018 Wrangler Surface

I don’t want to sound like a pedant, but automotive news often pushes the boundaries of good journalism. I liken it to celebrity rumor rags and the unabashed pursuit of attention getting. As we knew they would, leaks have started to emerge pertaining to the highly anticipated 2018 Jeep Wrangler. Before I proceed, I would…

Close-up of a Nordic Pocket Saw—ideal for Overlanding—with a red strap, metal chain saw teeth, and black carrying pouch, resting on a dark, textured wooden surface.

Camping, Gear, Tools, Recovery and Safety

Field Tested: Nordic Pocket Saw

The power of a chainsaw in your back pocket.

An overlander with a large backpack crouches on rocky ground, capturing a photo of a black helicopter landing by small buildings, with tall, snow-capped mountains and cloudy skies in the background.

Adventure, Photography, Uncategorized

Adventure Photographer: Shooting Images Worth Publishing

For the modern story teller, particularly those hoping to get published, the ability to convey events equally well in prose and pixels is no easy task. While some nail the word making, they may struggle to capture the photos necessary to get their story on the printed page. As editors and aggregators of content, we…

An orange Sea to Summit duffel bag sits on grass and dry twigs outside a tent at a campsite, field tested near a Solo Stove Bonfire fire pit.

Camping, Gear, Luggage and Storage, Uncategorized

Field Tested: Sea to Summit 90L Duffle

Australia’s premium gear maker jumps into the expedition duffle game.

A white overland SUV with mud splatters is parked on grassy terrain, featuring a rooftop tent and ladder. Tall pine trees and a scenic landscape with hills and forests set the perfect backdrop for an adventurous overlanding escape.

Camping, Four Wheel Drive, Gear, Gear

Buyer’s Guide: Hard Shell Roof Top Tents

This article was updated on 06 December 2023 The roof top tent has become an omni-present fixture 0f the overlanding world. As such, we have published dozens of reviews and op-eds espousing the benefits of truck-top sleeping as well as comparative thoughts on soft-sided tents versus their hard shelled counterparts. Without rehashing that debate yet again, let’s…

A black CRKT folding knife with a textured handle and partially serrated blade rests on a tan fabric surface—perfect for any Overlander’s gear setup.

Gear, Tools, Recovery and Safety

Field Tested: Ruger Go-N-Heavy Compact

There are two types of guys in the world. There are knife guys, and there are guys with knives. I tend to fall in the latter group and while I love to geek out on gear, I don’t pretend to possess the acumen of a genuine blade guru. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a…

A wooden table outdoors holds a camping stove with a steaming pot, mugs, coffee packets, a kettle, and various food and drink items—perfect for an overlanding adventure set against a backdrop of vibrant greenery.