China’s modern automotive industry faces a challenge that has little to do with engineering and everything to do with perception. For decades, Chinese-made products were often associated with low-cost manufacturing, mass production, and inconsistent quality. During that same period, many Western companies shifted production to China in pursuit of lower costs, helping accelerate the development…
Category Archives: Adventure
Volkswagen Expands the ID. Buzz Lineup for 2027 With New Tourer Camping-oriented Model
Volkswagen has announced the return of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz for the 2027 model year after a brief hiatus in 2026, introducing a revised trim structure and a new camping-focused Tourer variant aimed at buyers seeking a more versatile electric van experience. While the retro-inspired ID. Buzz has already attracted considerable attention for its design…
Graeme Esarey on Expedition Sailing
On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Scott Brady and Brian McVickers interview Graham Esarey about his expedition sailing life, focusing on his team’s 2024 Northwest Passage crossing aboard the Dog Bark, a converted 60-foot Open 60. Graham detailed navigating heavy Arctic ice, spotting polar bears, and receiving a rare icebreaker escort that turned…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Herman and Candelaria Zapp on 22 Years of Worldwide Travel in a 1928 Graham-Paige
On this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Ashley Giordano welcomes Argentinian overlanders Herman and Candelaria Zapp to discuss the life lessons learned during 22 years of travel in a 1928 Graham Paige car. In this episode, Herman and Candelaria speak about the generosity of strangers and the overlander mindset that “problems” are merely…
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…
Ozarks BDR-X Launches as a 480-Mile Adventure Loop Through Arkansas Backcountry
Arkansas is, in my humble opinion, underrated as an adventure destination, but those who know know it has a lot to offer across the seasons. The Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR) has officially introduced the Ozarks BDR-X, a new 480-mile loop designed to showcase the rugged terrain and scenic diversity of northwest Arkansas. The route, which…
Beyond the Rif: What to Eat, Do, and Buy in Morocco
Photography by Richard Giordano Meandering over a pathway embedded with mussel shells, I follow Mohamed along the coastal cliffs of the Atlantic. As we pass hand-carved caves hidden behind blue doors, fishermen stand atop the rocks, patiently waiting for the day’s catch. My guide, Mohamed Akhmisse, runs a Moroccan homestay experience from a fishing village…
ARI Motors Unveils 458 Pro Camper, Germany’s Smallest Electric Motorhome
Anyone who has traveled through Europe in a camper will know that vehicles larger than a van can quickly become impractical on narrow, cobbled streets and confined urban lanes. For those content with modest speeds, limited range, and a compact living area, the 458 Pro Camper presents a workable solution. Would it suit overland travel?…
Buyers’ Guide to Micro Campers and Trailers
The Quinta Lala campsite in Cusco, Peru, is something of an informal summit for the global overland tribe. On any given morning, a traveler will find an eclectic lineup of expedition vehicles scattered across the sloping green lawn, just a stone’s throw from the ancient walls of Sacsayhuamán. After the first coffee of the day,…
British Army Retires Entire Land Rover Fleet After Seven Decades of Service
Initial Auctions Will Be Held in the UK Later This Month I raised my children in a Land Rover Defender. Literally. They saw the world through flat glass, perched on a bench seat designed more for short-distance travel than long-term comfort. The only people who have likely spent as much time in a Defender—aside from…
2027 Toyota Land Cruiser :: An Evolution Rather than a Revolution
The current-generation Land Cruiser was introduced only recently, and as a result, the 2027 model carries over the same core architecture, hybrid powertrain, and overall design. There are no major mechanical changes reported, with updates largely limited to minor refinements in trim offerings, equipment packaging, and availability. In practical terms, both model years deliver the…
onX and Toyota Expand Trail Revival Project with 24 Nationwide Restoration Events in 2026
The trails we all love and treasure are in constant need of preservation and maintenance so that we, and future generations, can continue to enjoy this precious outdoor resource. To this end, onX, the leader in digital navigation technology, has announced the expansion of its Trail Revival Project in partnership with Toyota for a second…
Invader Viator: South African Brand Expands Its Premium Off-Road Camper Line
We recently published a Pop-top and Expandable Living Buyers’ Guide, which provided a useful opportunity to review the market and assess the range of available camper trailers, along with their features, strengths, and compromises. That exercise reinforced my view that a pop-top remains one of the most effective solutions for long-distance overland travel, offering a…
Year Two of The Big Thing Is On!
After a massively successful inaugural year in 2025, Overland Collective’s The Big Thing is back at the XOverland Ranch for a second go. Situated on 500 acres in Montana’s Yellowstone Country, this community-focused event will again feature world-class trainers providing hands-on instruction in areas like expedition prep, recovery, overland cookery, and out on the test…
H-D Reveals 2026 Pan America 1250 Limited
Harley-Davidson’s Pan America 1250 Limited edition for 2026 is ready to explore the outback right from the showroom. That first ride could take you anywhere, just toss your kit into the 120-liter set of aluminum luggage and hit the road. Motation A bike this tricked out will naturally be a little heavy, even with the…