Toyota Launches New Generation Australian HiLux The latest generation HilLux has landed in Australia, promising improved driveability, enhanced interior technology and comfort, and an exterior design spearheaded by Toyota Design Australia. The 2026 Hilux is available in cab-chassis and pickup configurations, with 4×4 or 4×2 drivelines, and in single-, extra-, and double-cab body styles. Upgrades…
For the Minimalist Who Fancies Luxury :: Gift Guide
I’ll preface this guide by reminding one and all that the greatest gifts cannot be bought. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. So, during this festive season, check in with loved ones and make time away from your devices to be present. With that out of the way, who’s going to buy me…
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…
CompoCloset Cuddy Lite Composting Toilet :: Field Tested
Photography by Richard Giordano It was during a European road trip that Richard Peter and his partner, Erica Pugh, realized their composting toilet could be so much better. Peter sketched out various designs, prioritizing a longer drop zone, more effective solids and liquids separation, increased portability, and a unit that was easier to clean. In…
Field Tested :: Hipcamp and The Dyrt
Times have certainly changed. When many of us first began overlanding, there were few tools to help locate a suitable campsite, and long driving days often ended early so we could scout the surrounding area for a safe place to spend the night. The arrival of iOverlander eased much of that burden—and, some would argue,…
Overland Conservation: Forests
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…
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…