We spend a lot of time in remote and developed campsites around America, often peering with interest through the window of our compact Land Rover Defender camper at the many ways Americans choose to travel. Everything from humble tents to enormous fifth wheels is represented, with tents generally farther off the beaten track and fifth…
Graeme Bell Archive
Ford’s Frostwarden Bronco Showcases a 1,200-Plus-Horsepower Megazilla V8
How much power is too much for off-road driving? The answer depends on the terrain, the driver, and the task at hand. Set practical considerations aside, however, and there is a certain appeal to squeezing as much power as possible from an engine, particularly when the plan involves throwing snow rather than conserving fuel. Ford…
Steve Irwin’s V8 LandCruiser Troopy Heads for Terrain Tamer’s California Display
Likely to tug at the heartstrings of classic Land Cruiser enthusiasts and fans of the late Steve Irwin, the conservationist’s former 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser HJ47 Troop Carrier will be displayed at Terrain Tamer’s North American distribution center in Stockton, California, after the 2026 SEMA Show. The Australian four-wheel-drive parts company acquired the vehicle through…
Toyota Fits Five Snowhunter Concepts With Tracks for SEMA 2026
Toyota has announced five tracked Snowhunter concepts for the 2026 SEMA Show, applying a winter exploration theme to the Tundra, Tacoma, 4Runner, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. Practicality may be a secondary consideration, but that is often the case with concept vehicles. They provide an exercise in creativity, demonstrate what is possible, gauge public interest, showcase…
Desert Dreams and Dirt Roads: Meet Jeep’s Scrambler SRT Concept
My first impression of the Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept came from a fleeting glance at the thumbnail accompanying Jeep’s official press release. “Is that a new Rambo Lambo (LM002)?” I asked myself. The resemblance is passing but clear: flat body panels, a pointed nose, and an aggressive stance, with an obvious retro influence in the…
Kawasaki Announces 2027 KLE650 ABS, Starting at $8,799
Recently, we reported on Kawasaki’s 2027 KLR650 ABS, a motorcycle with a long history of global adventure travel and a dedicated following. Now Kawasaki has announced the 2027 KLE650 ABS and KLE650 SE ABS, introducing a 649 cc parallel-twin adventure motorcycle with standard electronic cruise control, traction control, and selectable ABS. Compared with the enduring…
OV Routes: Coronado Borderlands Arizona Traverse
The city of Nogales, Arizona, has long been our preferred border crossing as we make our way down, or up, from our base in central Mexico. Yes, the Baja route south is far more fun, but it is too easy to get stuck for a month, as you soon convince yourself that just one more…
Overland News of the Week, October 23, 2026
Jeep Named Official 4×4 of Moab Jeep and the City of Moab have announced a two-year partnership covering trail stewardship, community funding, and local events. Approved by Moab City Council and beginning in October 2026, the agreement names Jeep the city’s Official 4×4. Jeep will provide annual funding, sponsor events, and support trail maintenance intended…
Modern Buggy’s Hopper Mini XL Offers a Larger Lightweight Camping Platform
My son is in the market for a lightweight trailer that he can turn into a VR and gaming pad when he is not exploring trails on his ATV. Modern Buggy’s 2027 Hopper Mini XL caught my eye because it combines a compact camping trailer with an outdoor galley and an optional rooftop tent, providing…
Kawasaki Adds $7,699 KLR650 DF ABS to Its 2027 Adventure Lineup
The Kawasaki KLR is, in the world of adventure vehicles, akin to the classic Land Rover Defender: widely loved, capable, simple, and iconic. Kawasaki seems to take an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach to the KLR, and the latest addition follows that philosophy. The company has expanded its 2027 KLR650 lineup with…
2027 BMW F 450 GS Brings Twin-cylinder Adventure Riding to a $6,995 Platform
BMW Motorrad has confirmed US pricing and launch timing for the 2027 F 450 GS, with dealer arrivals expected in the first quarter of 2027. Starting at $6,995 before destination charges, the 420 cc parallel-twin brings a smaller-displacement option to the GS family while retaining electronic rider aids and equipment associated with BMW’s larger adventure…
Patriot Campers Introduces a Lighter, Lower-Priced Gen 3 X1
Patriot Campers has introduced the Gen 3 X1 off-road camper trailer, positioning it as a return to the company’s roots: a trailer built for exploration with fewer “unnecessary necessities.” The new model combines structural aluminum construction, revised suspension, and an integrated tent, with a listed tare weight of 895 kilograms (1,973 pounds). For overland travelers,…
Ford Bronco Basecamp Combines Extended-range Electric Drive with Integrated Camping Features for Australasia
In a sign of what may be heading to the US market, Ford has confirmed that the Bronco Basecamp will reach Australia and New Zealand from mid-2027, combining an extended-range electric powertrain with integrated sleeping accommodations, a tailgate table, and power for campsite appliances. The five-seat, all-wheel-drive SUV expands the Bronco family with a vehicle…
Defender Wolf Series II Debuts as Reports Point to a US-built Defender Pickup
I recently spent a weekend surrounded by—and driving—the “new” Defender. While I appreciate the luster and luxury of these vehicles, I’m most drawn to their form and function. My own old Defender is beaten and bruised, carrying the scars of countless adventures while continuing to support my dreams. Wouldn’t a basic, rough-and-ready Defender be exactly…
2027 KTM 690 Rally Brings Rally-Raid Design to a Long-distance Adventure Platform
KTM has introduced the 2027 KTM 690 Rally, a single-cylinder adventure motorcycle developed for long-distance travel and technical off-road riding. Drawing visual and functional inspiration from the company’s rally-raid competition machines, the 690 Rally combines substantial fuel capacity, adjustable suspension, off-road electronics, and narrow bodywork intended to improve rider control. However, questions remain about how…
Overland News of the Week, September 11, 2026
KC Hilites Platform One Roof Rack for Full-Size and HD Trucks KC Hilites has expanded its Platform One roof-rack system to fit full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks. The low-profile platform uses proprietary aluminum extrusions and precision-formed steel components, combining a broad cargo surface with multiple mounting points for overland equipment. Its modular design lets owners…
2026 Jeep Recon Brings Trail Rated Capability to an All-Electric Platform
“Nobody wants this.” I read that comment from a respected voice on an Instagram post after a fellow journalist shared his time with the new Jeep Recon EV, which was revealed to select media in Healdsburg, California, in early September. That statement has been bugging me all week. Why would people not want a vehicle…
Motsmann Engineering Introduces the 2027 Outranger Fiberglass Off-Road Camper
The ultimate long-term overland vehicle, in my admittedly biased opinion, is a classic Defender with a galvanized chassis beneath its aluminum body. Lightweight and resistant to rot and corrosion, it is the kind of vehicle that can last for decades while continuing to serve faithfully. And who does not love the Defender’s boxy profile? Motsmann…
Defender Dakar Translates Rally-Raid Engineering Into a Road-Legal 4×4
The “new” Defender has faced controversy since its launch, having been given the nearly impossible task of replacing a legend. Critics (myself included) argued that it was too modern, relied on too many electronic control units, and would never prove as dependable or capable as the classic model. My experience with the L663, however, has…
2027 CFMoto Ibex 950 Brings 112 Horsepower and Long-range Equipment to the Adventure Market
CFMoto has officially confirmed the 2027 Ibex 950 for the United States, introducing a larger and more powerful flagship to its expanding adventure motorcycle range. Having owned and traveled with an Ibex 450 for the past few months, I have been impressed by its build quality, practicality, and performance both on and off pavement. That…