The National Park Service is reporting that sometime in recent weeks, joyriders drove a 4WD vehicle across the protected and fragile Eureka Valley Dunes in the Northwest corner of Death Valley National Park. The dunes are home to a number of endangered plant species, and the Park Service discourages visitors from sandboarding or even traversing…
Overlanding Legend Chris Collard Joins the ORMHOF Board of Directors
In December 2024, at the annual meeting of the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame (ORMHOF), former Overland Journal Editor-in-Chief Chris Collard was unanimously voted to join the ORMHOF Board of Directors. This position comes with a three-year term, during which Collard will work alongside 16 other board members who volunteer their time and expertise to…
Gerber Overland Bundle – Field Tested
There are a few products that I have been missing in my overland arsenal for a while now: a good shovel, a collapsible saw, and a portable knife that is not an EDC or pocket knife. I have tried many versions of each of these products over the years and have, more often than not,…
Grounded Introduces the T1 Electric Trike and Trailer
A decade ago, we met an elderly couple in Patagonia traveling in a topless 1920s Model T Ford. When asked why travel in such a peculiar vehicle, their answer was a simple, “Why not?”. The ancient Model T was slow and thirsty, and, naturally, spare parts were nearly impossible to find along the route. Such…
Making a Splash: The Story Behind Guzzle H2O
In this installment of the Expedition Portal series on brands that inspire us, Senior Editor Ashley Giordano profiles water filtration and purification manufacturer Guzzle H2O. After witnessing the amount of garbage created from single-use plastic bottles during international sailing regattas, professional sailor Sean “Doogie” Couvreux took to Facebook. “The garbage situation was ridiculous,” he says….
4WD Gift Guide
Presented by Nitto Tires, and the Terra Grappler G3 Despite significant challenges, 2024 has been a great overlanding year for me. I have had the opportunity to use a couple of vehicles to explore Southern Africa and North America while attending a few trade shows. The following 4WD Gift Guide features some of the…
Holiday Gift Guide
Presented by Nitto Tire and the all-new Terra Grappler G3 The festive season is upon us, and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather with family and friends—and perhaps drop a few hints about those Christmas gifts you’ve been eyeing! Getting out into nature is a great way to spend time with loved ones….
15 Black Friday Gifts for the Overlander in Your Life
Presented by Slinky Stove, the Collapsible Smokeless Fire Pit While Black Friday traditionally takes place on the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States, many retailers are offering discounts now and will continue to do so throughout the holiday season. The coming weeks may be an opportune time for shopping before the onslaught of tinsel,…
Down-feather Apparel for Full-body Warmth :: Best of Breed
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…