Photography by Leander Nardin Looking back on a decade of full-time, vehicle-based travel, my most beloved nights camping in the United States have taken place beneath a forest canopy. With limited exceptions, public forest land is open for overland exploration. National forests contain maintained trail networks, established campgrounds, and vast dispersed camping opportunities. Access to…
Renogy 12.8V Super Slim Solid State Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery :: Field Tested
Lithium batteries are evolving rapidly, resulting in tumbling prices and new products every few months. At the forefront of consumer lithium batteries for over a decade, Renogy continues to iterate on well-proven solutions, pushing the envelope of what is possible. Its latest super-slim solid-state battery provides 104 amp-hours of energy in a tough metal enclosure…
Featherweight Gifts for Your Over-GVWR Champion
Groaning springs, nose in the air, the struggle to the top of the next hill, always bringing up the rear, thirsty at the pump—we all know that traveler in our lives who could use some gear that lightens the load. Whether on two wheels or four, reducing avoirdupois reaps many benefits, not least safety. As a vehicle’s mass…
10 Holiday Gifts for the Overlander Who Has it All
Photo by Richard Giordano We often assume that someone who “has it all” owns every desirable item—whether toys, vehicles, accessories, or other overland gear and gadgets. But as the holiday season approaches, it may be worth widening that definition. Some overlanders have everything they need and want nothing more; others “have it all” simply because…
Do It for the Kids Gift Guide
Every year, non-overlander children open their presents under the tree to find gifts that are, for the most part, useless for the rest of the year. Overlander kids are different—they live lives of exploration and deserve gifts that help fill a year with fun and adventure. I don’t remember 99 percent of the gifts I…
Building Your Adventure: Goose Gear’s Journey from Ideas to Interiors
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Matt Scott sits down with Brian Fulton from Goose Gear. They dive deep into converting vehicle interiors into livable spaces, discussing various types of setups for different vehicles. Brian talks about his latest project with the Grenadier, sharing insights and lessons learned along the way. They…
Overland News of the Week
Cover image by Drew Martin BFGoodrich Launches 12 Additional All-Terrain T/A KO3 Tire Sizes The rolling launch of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires continues, with 95 out of 100 sizes now available, with more to follow in 2026. The KO3s were designed with improved wear performance, increased gravel road durability, and effective snow traction while…
Wild Land Has Launched the Double Decker Wingman Camping System in the US
A new modular camping system from Wild Land, identified as the “Automatic Liftable Pickup Truck Mate – High Cap with Camping Deck” (model name: Wingman), is now available in the US for pickup-truck platforms. According to the manufacturer, the system features a double-layer, liftable structure with automatic operation and is engineered for straightforward installation on a…
The Best-Laid Plans: Overlanders Share Their Trip-Planning Tips
Cover photo by Chris Cordes In 1997, Russell Harris and Shaun Fenton embarked on a random journey guided only by a pair of green dice. The Diceman series aired on British cable television until 2002, and by then, Harris and Fenton had traveled 18,000 miles from Iceland to Poland, the USA, Greenland, and Germany, rolling…
Toyota Showcases Four Outdoor-Inspired Builds at SEMA 2025
Toyota never disappoints, consistently delivering vehicles that strike a balance between innovation, reliability, and thoughtful design—meeting evolving customer needs while staying true to its reputation for quality and dependability. At the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Toyota is highlighting its versatility and engineering depth with four distinct concept vehicles designed to explore the intersection…
SEMA 2025 :: Innovation, Heritage, and Performance Unite in Las Vegas
The 2025 SEMA Show gathers the world’s leading automotive brands and innovators to unveil groundbreaking products and visionary builds that celebrate both engineering excellence and creative design. We’ve reached out to PR partners and industry friends to highlight what we believe will be some of the most exciting displays at this year’s event. As overland…
Embracing Remote Adventures: Life in a Sprinter Van with Kathy and Peter Holcombe
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Matt Scott hosts Peter and Kathy Holcombe from FamaGogo, exploring their 11-year, full-time travel journey. From their early days in a Honda Civic to their current adventures in a Sprinter van, the Holcombes share their experiences traversing the Pan-American Highway, kayaking in Ecuador, facing vehicle breakdowns in…
Overlanding with Purpose: Remote Journeys with TrailRecon
Join Matt Scott and Scott Brady on the Overland Journal Podcast as they sit down with Brad Kowitz from TrailRecon. They discuss his remarkable career transition from the US Navy to creating noteworthy content in the technical four-wheel-drive world. Delve into topics such as expedition planning, vehicle builds, medical preparedness in remote travel, and the…
Auriga Explorer Unveils Compact Off-Road Expedition Vehicle with Expandable Living Module
Auriga Explorer, a German startup founded in 2023, has announced the upcoming launch and production phase of an expedition vehicle that blends compact proportions with genuine off-road capability and the comfort of a self-contained living space. The design stands out in an increasingly crowded segment, relying on the expansion of its pop-top, drop sides, and…
The Brown Bird & Co. Skafta Land Rover Defender Campervan is Ready to Make Dreams Come True, In Style
For the last two decades, I have been telling anyone who would listen that the nearest to perfect overland vehicle for an adventurous couple is the Classic Land Rover Defender Hardtop. With three doors and a cavernous interior, this old Landy will take you there, bring you back, and ensure that you have the space…
All in Good Time: Rugged Field Watches to Keep You on Schedule and in Style
A watch is an indispensable tool when traveling or venturing into the wilderness, and today’s market is filled with quality options, reflecting a variety of designs, features, and price points to appeal to a range of interests. The criteria for inclusion in this review were simplicity, ruggedness, and functionality. Most models have a commando motif…
Overland News of the Week
KC Hilites Has Debuted the Platform One Modular Roof Rack System The Platform One Roof Rack by KC Hilites is a hybrid modular rack system designed to combine clean aesthetics with utility. It features precision-cut aluminum rails and a slotted platform to support gear, while built-in channels simplify integration of KC’s lighting and power systems….
GOSO Cookware Gourmet Two-pan Set :: Field Tested
Built of carbon steel in Wisconsin, Brent Firkser’s Kickstarter-funded GOSO frying pans can take a beating, work on all cooktop types (from induction to campfire), are non-toxic, and are lighter than cast iron. At 2.6 pounds, the 10-inch pan weighs the same as the stainless steel home kitchen pan it replaces. The two-pan set comes…
Off-Road Inspiration and New Skills with Micah Weber from Overlandunderbudget
Join host Matt Scott and guest host Jillian Rebekah on the Overland Journal Podcast as they dive into an insightful conversation with Micah from OverlandUnderBudget. In this episode, Micah shares his passion for inspiring people to explore the outdoors affordably. Learn about his adventures at a recent event, where he introduced newcomers to welding through…
Iconic Rebelle Rally Locations to Incorporate into Your Next Overland Trip
Lead photo by Nicole Dreon In one week’s time, over 60 teams will gather in Mammoth Lakes, California, to begin the 10th edition of the Rebelle Rally. The rally route—which leads competitors through eight days of off-road navigation using maps, compasses, and roadbooks to locate checkpoints throughout the deserts of Nevada and California—is completely confidential….