A few years ago, our overnight compound in West Africa was infiltrated by armed men who beat the staff and briefly interrogated me. After shots rang out and before the intruders reached us, I moved my family into a room and had my wife and son barricade the door while I slipped into the shadows…
Graeme Bell Archive, Page 2
2027 Nissan Frontier Sport Expands the Mid-Size Truck’s Off-Road Appeal
Nissan has unveiled the 2027 Frontier Sport, a new package designed to bridge the gap between the everyday-oriented SV trim and the more trail-focused Pro-X and Pro-4X models. The update gives the midsize pickup a tougher appearance and a handful of practical off-road upgrades while retaining the Frontier’s straightforward formula of naturally aspirated V6 power…
INEOS Automotive and onX Offroad Launch 50 States, 50 Trails Initiative Across America
What could be more enjoyable than driving a convoy of INEOS Grenadier vehicles across the United States, connecting one off-road trail to the next? In the lead-up to America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, INEOS Automotive has announced a new partnership with onX Offroad that aims to highlight some of the country’s most notable off-road routes…
INEOS Fusilier Delayed Until 2028 as Brand Refines Its Compact 4WD Strategy
When INEOS Automotive unveiled the Fusilier in early 2024, the smaller electrified 4WD appeared poised to become a significant step forward for the young manufacturer. Positioned below the Grenadier and Quartermaster, the Fusilier promised to combine the rugged design language and utility-focused philosophy of the brand with a more compact platform and an electrified drivetrain….
Winnebago Launches the Arka, a Purpose-Built Off-Grid Adventure Truck
Winnebago Industries has introduced the new Arka, an overland-focused adventure truck that signals the company’s continued push into the growing off-grid and backcountry travel market. The Arka is generating considerable buzz across social media, with many quick to compare it to vehicles like the EarthCruiser. While there are certainly similarities in concept, the two platforms…
Backcountry Discovery Routes Expands Northeast Riding Opportunities with Adirondacks BDR-X
Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has announced the release of the trailer for its latest project, the Adirondacks BDR-X, a new loop-style adventure motorcycle route through New York’s Adirondack Park. The route, which officially launches on May 28 during the Americade Rally in Lake George, New York, represents another expansion of the organization’s growing BDR-X network…
Overland News of the Week, May 8th, 2026
The New Thule Widesky Rooftop Tent Is a Looker The Thule Widesky is an attractive two-person hardshell rooftop tent designed to balance quick setup with improved comfort in camp. Its gas-strut-assisted design allows the tent to deploy in seconds, while a durable aluminum shell and recycled fabric construction provide weather resistance and longevity. Inside, a…
AEV Confirms Summer Production for Ford FXL Upfit Package
American Expedition Vehicles has confirmed that production of its Ford FXL upfit package will begin in summer 2026, marking a notable expansion of the company’s long-standing collaboration with Ford Motor Company. The announcement signals AEV’s continued focus on delivering turnkey overland-ready vehicles that combine factory-backed engineering with aftermarket capability, a formula that has previously proven…
Three Wheels, Two Continents: Reliant Robin Completes Whacky Record-Breaking Journey from London to Cape Town
British automotive engineering has produced some of the most capable and desirable vehicles ever built, from the Land Rover Series and Range Rover, along with icons such as the Mini, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar sports cars, and Aston Martin DB5. It has also, however, given the world the Reliant Robin—a car more often associated with comedy…
KTM Expands Its Electric Off-Road Lineup with the 2027 Freeride E
Last week, a short video circulated of two riders celebrating the completion of their overland builds by spinning up their electric dirt bikes on front-mounted trays bolted to their trucks. It was a slightly absurd moment, but also a revealing one. Electric bikes are increasingly finding their way onto overland vehicles, not as novelties, but…
iCaur V27 Hybrid SUV: Chery’s Range-Extended Off-Roader Targets Global Markets
China is pushing assertively into a global automotive industry long dominated by manufacturers from the West and Japan. That progress has been rapid, but it has also drawn scrutiny, particularly around design similarities and, at times, questions of intellectual property. The iCaur, for example, carries visual cues reminiscent of a Toyota Land Cruiser. Whether this…
Nissan Revives Terrano Nameplate with Electrified Off-Road Concept at Auto China 2026
Nissan has used the 2026 Auto China show in Beijing to reintroduce one of its historic SUV nameplates, unveiling the new Terrano PHEV Concept as part of a broader push into electrified vehicles. The reappearance of the Terrano badge signals a shift in strategy for the Japanese automaker, blending heritage off-road design with modern hybrid…
Fly and Drive South Africa
For the last few years, my wife, Luisa, and I have been contemplating our future as overland travelers. In the past, we have almost exclusively shipped our vehicle to different continents. However, we have realized that shorter, more intense journeys—where we forego the expense and bureaucracy of shipping and instead use the money saved to…
Greenlander Sherpa: Natural Fiber Construction Meets Modern Expedition Travel
Almost a decade ago, I left my Defender parked up and headed out for a morning walk across the plateau above the sandstone spires of Cappadocia, Turkey. The night before, we had sat beside a small campfire, sipping wine and watching a white camper on the far side of the valley search for a place…
Defender Trophy 2026: Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Adventure as brand strategy. Is Land Rover merely selling a vehicle, or is it rebuilding the mythology of the Defender for a new generation? At its core, the Defender Trophy is a global, multi-stage adventure competition designed to reinforce the Defender’s identity—not just as a machine, but as a cultural icon rooted in decades of…
CFMoto 1000MT-X Expected to Arrive in the US as 2027 Ibex 950
CFMoto, the Chinese motorcycle brand, is currently navigating the same skepticism and sideways glances that Japanese manufacturers faced in the West during the 1970s. It is a familiar pattern. Not long ago, I was sitting with a friend from the motorcycle industry, a committed two-stroke Husqvarna enthusiast, and mentioned that I was considering the CFMoto…
Jaguar Land Rover Recalls over 170,000 US Vehicles Following Drive Power Loss Risk
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has announced a significant recall affecting more than 170,000 vehicles in the United States, following concerns over a defect that could lead to a sudden loss of drive power. The recall, disclosed on April 23, 2026, was reported by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and represents one of…
The North Face Launches Universal Collection, Redefining Accessible Outdoor Gear for Everyone
Here at Expedition Portal, we have long celebrated individuals who push beyond perceived limits, and figures such as Kirk Williams, Channing Cash, and Heike and Toshi (click the links to read their amazing stories) serve as clear examples. Their journeys highlight not only resilience and determination but also the additional challenges faced when preparing for…
Dometic Launches Free Gear-Equipped Getaways to Reconnect Urban Dwellers with the Outdoors
Global outdoor technology company Dometic has launched a new experiential initiative to help urban residents reconnect with nature. The program, launching in Los Angeles, offers a series of 17 fully equipped, 36-hour outdoor getaways designed to remove the barriers that often prevent people from spending time outdoors. The concept is straightforward. Participants enter a draw…
Freelander Concept 97 Signals Return of a Familiar Name as a High-Tech Electric SUV
Back in the early 2000s, my father-in-law—encouraged by my enthusiasm for Land Rovers—decided to buy one for himself. He settled on a Freelander, which would not have been my first choice. While it was a stylish and comfortable vehicle, old Andre was less than satisfied, both with the car and, by extension, with me for…