Show notes for episode 51 Summary: Scott and Matt interview overland OG Paul May. Paul has been working in the industry for two decades and is the owner of Equipt Expedition Outfitters based in Salt Lake City, Utah. A Land Cruiser aficionado who has owned a 40, 60, 100, and 200 series, Paul has embarked…
Leave No Trace—Outdoor Ethics for Riders, Overlanders, and Other Land Users
I was camping in eastern Washington a month ago. We had a gorgeous spot right on a river and plenty of space for three vehicles and six dirt bikes. On arrival, I jumped out of the truck and headed into some trees to relieve my water-filled bladder. Walking a few feet away from camp, I…
Ballistol Oil
A few blissful years ago, I stood near Lake Bodensee, which borders Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, helping a meticulous German man called Olaf attach a folding bracket and stainless steel sand ladders to my Land Rover. He worked diligently and took pride in his work; the bracket and sand ladders had been designed and manufactured…
Pepper Cook – Book Bike Brew
This is the first in a series of interviews with seasoned bikepackers from all over the world. Pepper Cook is a Salsa Cycles rider, EMT (emergency medical technician), founder of the Worldwide Spoon Exchange, and all-round legend based in Alaska. I’ve been fortunate to spend time with her in Iceland and lucky enough to call…
Vasque Breeze LT NTX-Mid
Vasque, “inspired by history, driven by innovation,” is the brainchild of William Sweasy. After travelling to Europe in 1964, he realised a hiking craze was sweeping the continent and returned home “determined to create purpose-built trail boots to mobilize Americans outdoors.” In the decades that followed, Vasque steadily built a reputation for durable mountain footwear,…
Overland News of the Week
USWE CORE 16 & 25-liter Dual Sport Daypack USWE Sports is a Swedish backpack company that was founded by a group of dirtbike riders. Their idea was straightforward: design a backpack that doesn’t bounce around when you are participating in action sports, like riding dirtbikes, trail running, mountain biking, skiing, or anything else that involves…
ACR Electronics Bivy Stick Satellite Communication Device and App
If you’re someone who enjoys venturing into the backcountry, then your safety should be a primary consideration, and the ability to share your location and alert emergency services in the event of an accident is crucial. In the past, I’ve been a fan of SPOT Satellite Communication Devices (generally alongside a second “burner” mobile phone,…
Lectric Bikes Folding XP 2.0 Goes 28mph with 45+ Mile Range
For travelers who are on the road consistently (both weekend warriors and full-timers), having an auxiliary method of transportation like an e-bike can be a fun and valuable addition to your setup. For instance, using an e-bike to scout the trail ahead before committing to hauling your trailer down that new road could potentially save…
Overland News of the Week
Trestle Aeropress K-cup Adapter Let me ask you a question: are you really an overlander if you haven’t added aftermarket parts to your Aeropress? The Trestle Aeropress K-cup adaptor allows you to utilize K-cup coffee pods with your trusty coffee syringe. Advantages? Well, to start, K-cups are pre-portioned and pre-ground which makes measuring or adjusting…
Leatherman, The Bond
I’ll be refraining from gratuitously quoting Bond movies throughout this piece; that would be immature. Leatherman, akin to a much-loved secret agent, “likes to do some things the old-fashioned way” (definitely not taken from Skyfall), and their latest offering is inspired by the company’s very first multi-tool, the PST. Those of you who’ve read my…
MSR Guardian Gravity Purifier
MSR is a company synonymous with quality backcountry gear, and their latest offering, the Guardian Gravity purifier (GGP), is no different. I actually shared my friend’s older MSR water purifier during my bikepacking ride through the Spanish Sierra Nevada, and I was really impressed. On the bike, hiking or overlanding, it’s remarkable how quickly you…
Salsa 2021 Cutthroat
The Cutthroat is Salsa’s Tour Divide inspired drop-bar bike, and the latest model brings to market a more compliant fork, a wide range of drivetrain compatibility, a direct-mount frame pack, and more accessory mounts than ever. This is a bike focused on covering big distances with speed and comfort. So, what are the highlights? The…
Overland News of the Week
AEV Jack Base for Jeep Wrangler JL or Gladiator AEV’s jack base for Wrangler JL or Gladiator provides an additional 3.5 inches of height for the factory JL or Gladiator scissor jack. This lets users easily change tires as large as 37 inches with their factory jack. In addition to providing extra height and being…
Club Ride Apparel
Growing up, I owned very little cycling-specific clothing, other than a helmet and mitts. I spent most weekends on the bike making “sick” jumps, racing friends around the block, or on family rides in a pair of old Converse, generic shorts (jeans in the winter), and a band tee. I needed clothes that were suited…
Diamondback Amplifies Spring 2021 Lineup with New Ebike Collection
Diamondback Bicycles has unveiled a new electric bike category to their Spring 2021 collection. The four new pavement ebikes incorporate “reliable components, commuter-ready details, and Bosch high-performance motors to efficiently get riders to their destinations.” The new models will be accompanied by the brand’s “Get Amped” campaign, which pays homage to the electric guitar and…
Nemo Spoon Bags
One key issue with most ultra-lightweight sleeping bags is they’re super snug and, if you’re a larger build or broad-shouldered, they don’t allow for much movement besides lying on your back. Well, Nemo has come to the rescue with a range of Spoon bags that provide enough space for side sleepers! According to Nemo, “Seventy…
Overland News of the Week
Osprey Talon Pro 30 The comfort of Osprey’s backpacks is well known amongst outdoor enthusiasts, and their new Talon Pro 30 brings that comfort to the world of ultralight backpacking. A lightweight wire frame and injection-molded framesheet provide support for this 30-liter pack. Osprey lists a recommended maximum payload of 15-25 pounds for comfortable carying….
Tribit StormBox Micro and FlyBuds NC
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I can’t remember a time when our house was silent growing up, whether we were listening to Radio Caroline, the pirate radio station that inspired the film The Boat That Rocked, or my dad’s records. As a young kid, I was first drawn to the…
Osprey New Bike Lumbar Packs
I have a confession, for I have sinned. Only when I got my hands on the Car Sick Designs “The Time Traveller” in 2019 did I realise hip packs are the ultimate cycling accessory, whether for weekend trails, extended bikepacking trips, or general life. It makes perfect sense: resting conveniently on your hips for all-day…
Why Choose Bikepacking for Your Next Overlanding Trip?
It’s a common misconception that overlanding is restricted to the world of internal combustion when in reality, it more broadly refers to self-reliant travel to remote destinations or to “travel a long distance over land.” As someone who lives in an overlanding truck and loves vehicle exploration, I thought it would be interesting to discuss…