Winter and I don’t have the best relationship. Growing up in Virginia, snow days were rare treats that had more to do with sitting inside drinking hot chocolate than playing in the snow. When we did venture out, the temperature never dropped far below 32°F, so sledding and snowball fights kept us warm enough to…
Field Tested :: 1Up Super Duty
For a painfully long period of time, the best way to haul a mountain bike from garage to trailhead was painfully inadequate, either via a janky trunk-mounted rack that strapped flimsily to the back of a car and took several minutes to attach and secure or roof racks that required burly backs and shoulders that…
Overland News of the Week
Warn Industries Announces Release of New Zeon XP Winch Lineup In this week’s Overland News of the Week we feature, Warn’s Zeon XP winch lineup, engineered in Clackamas, Oregon, which will be available starting December 12, 2024, incorporates feature upgrades to meet demanding recovery needs. With models offering 10,000-, 12,000-, and 14,000-pound capacities, these winches…
Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl: Field Tested
While traveling Alaska’s Dalton Highway with friends, I stopped to take in the beautiful scenery and do some fly fishing. Alas, the river contained no fish, but fortunately, I was still able to employ my favorite fly to snag a real keeper: a single, Kevlar-lined, gauntlet-sporting chainsaw glove. Catch-and-release is not my style, and thus,…
California To Ban The Sale And Use Of Single-Use Propane Cylinders, For Good Reason
California has become the first state to ban the sale of single-use propane cylinders. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1280 into law, which mandates that all one-pound propane canisters sold in California must be refillable or reusable beginning January 1, 2028. The bill, introduced by Senator John Laird of Santa Cruz, is designed to…
Hasselblad X2D 100C :: Field Tested
When NASA needed a camera to capture Apollo 11’s landing on the moon, they trusted one brand—Hasselblad. Chances are you and I will never get to traverse the Sea of Tranquility or crawl out of a lunar crater, but that shouldn’t stop us from wanting to immortalize our own history in the making. Like the…
Colfax Design Works Q.D. Camera Strap :: Field Tested
Colfax Design Works (CDW) has set a new standard with its latest Q.D. camera strap. Built with rugged 1-inch MIL-SPEC nylon tubular webbing and equipped with the proprietary anti-binding CDW Quick Disconnect swivels, this strap is the epitome of versatility and durability. The intuitive design features a push-top button on the swivel that allows for…
Thinking Outside the Box: The Story Behind STEP 22
In this installment of the Expedition Portal series on brands that inspire us, Senior Editor Ashley Giordano profiles adventure travel gear manufacturer STEP 22. I recently found out, thanks to STEP 22 owner and founder Adam Wood, that the company’s name is an acronym for Storage Transportation Exploration Protection. There couldn’t be a more on-point…
In the Bag: Reliable Dry Bags to Keep Your Gear Safe
Whether you’re an intrepid overlander exploring remote locations, an avid adventurer seeking the thrill of whitewater rafting, or a beachgoer looking to keep your valuables safe from sand and surf, dry bags have become an indispensable companion for outdoor enthusiasts. Unsurprisingly, these versatile, waterproof wonders have revolutionized how we protect our gear from the elements….
KC Hilites Unveils the Solar Charge Hub: Portable Power for Any Adventure
KC Hilites Solar Charge Hub is a portable, weather-sealed solar charging system designed to power 12-volt battery setups in off-grid environments. This system seems perfect for those who require a rugged and simple solar charging system that offers flexibility and performance in an off-road environment. It may also be perfect for overlanders who outfit their…
Overland News of the Week
AeroPress Premium Coffee Maker The AeroPress Premium takes the coffee maker we know and love to the next level. The latest iteration utilizes the same 3-in-1 brew technology to provide a smooth, rich, grit-free coffee but now incorporates premium materials such as handmade double-wall borosilicate glass, stainless steel, and anodized aluminum. I’ve been using an…
Gregory Knocks it Out the Park with Duffels, Case, and Backpacks :: Field Tested
Gregory Mountain Products specializes in designing and manufacturing backpacks, travel bags, and outdoor gear. Founded in 1977 by Wayne Gregory, the brand is known for its focus on comfort, durability, and innovative design. Gregory’s products are built to support outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of packs for hiking, backpacking, and travel. The company emphasizes ergonomic…
Chris Scott’s Trans Morocco Trail Self-Guided Route Has Launched
A new adventure travel route, the Trans Morocco Trail, has launched, offering explorers the chance to experience Morocco’s diverse landscapes through a 3,000-kilometer self-guided route. The trail runs from the Mediterranean port of Nador to Cap Draa on the Atlantic coast and is free to download. The route is designed for independent cyclists, motorcyclists, and…
Bikepacking Gear That Got Me Through the Wolf’s Lair
I generally plan two longer rides per year in spring and autumn. You avoid the crowds, summer prices, and generally enjoy the best temperatures for cycling (at least here in Europe). In typical Jack fashion, I crammed 2023 to bursting with a February kayaking trip in Bavaria, a March road trip around Slovenia, and then…
Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Snow Peak Field Barista Coffee Grinder
Photography by Richard Giordano, Lead photo courtesy of Bellman Bellman CX25P Stovetop Espresso and Steamer I have used moka pots in the past with the hope they would deliver the espresso I desired, but that was never the case. This Bellman, on the other hand, produces a flavor and texture very similar to a full…
Overland News of the Week
Pakmule Launches the Motomule Moto Hauler In this week’s, Overland News of the Week, we introduce Pakmule’s Motomule. A motorbike is a great overlanding accessory, but hauling bikes has always been a challenge. The Pakmule Motomule is an innovative hitch-mounted moto hauler designed for the easy loading and transport of dirt bikes and light adventure…
Rons Bikes, Large Fabio Chest – the Ultimate Bikepacking Bag? :: Field Tested
Ron’s Bikes is owned by the one-and-only Ronnie “Ultranicus” Romance, aka UltraRomance. I had the pleasure of interviewing Ronnie and learnt the company was originally called Poppi’s Pizza and Public Restroom. He explained: “In the early days, we were on the road so much that these bags often took months to ship, which made being…
The Overlanding Code to Happiness
Lead photograph by Joanie Pépin Despite becoming more materially affluent over the past four decades, those living in developed countries have not experienced the happiness boost expected from modern materialism. Since the 1940s, we’ve upgraded significantly, installing showers and bathtubs, microwaves, dishwashers, and big-screen color televisions—purchasing twice as many vehicles per person, and adding boats and…
Feralosophy: A Ladies-Only Overlanding Experience is Coming This October
(feral-os-o-phy) (noun): In a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication. Belief or doctrine. The Ozarks regularly appear on Expedition Portal and in Overland Journal for good reason. Overlanders frequent the forested mountains that stretch across five states, taking in springs, rushing waterfalls, lakes, caverns, and other karstic landforms. Add some off-pavement trails,…
Reza Pakravan :: Modern Explorer
Photography by Kevin Merrey and Mark Game It was 70 days into Reza Pakravan’s bicycle expedition from Norway to South Africa before he cracked. His body weak with a recent bout of malaria and severe food poisoning, Reza and his expedition partner, Steven Pawley, slogged through the Kenyan desert in 40°C temperatures, out of water…