When we read about Darién Gap expeditions, we tend to focus on the immense undertaking of the crossing from a four-wheel-drive perspective. But for Colonel John Blashford-Snell, the expedition leader responsible for the first crossing of the Darién Gap with a team of Range Rovers in 1971-72, the mission also focused on plants, animals, and…
Principles of Overlanding: Anthropology and the Overlander’s Code
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady talks to Dr. Bryon Bass about the principles of overlanding and the Overlander’s Code, created as a supplement to resources like Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace. They discuss the importance of respecting unique cultures and taking responsibility for one’s actions while traveling. Dr….
The Top 10 Overlanding Game Changers
Significant engineering and communication advancements have transformed domestic and international overlanding in the past few decades. These innovations have made the process safer, easier, and more connected than ever, promoting a lower cost of travel and the ability to work remotely in a vehicle from anywhere on the planet. Factory Overland Vehicles Original equipment manufacturers…
Dean Poulopoulos of Overland N’Explore on Overlanding Greece
Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with Overland N’Explore owner and founder Dean Poulopoulos. In this episode, they discuss differences between the European and American overland markets, give tips on overlanding Greece, and discuss how Dean went from working in the maritime industry to starting his own overland outfitter business…
Vancouver Island: A Rover and a Reset in the Best Place on Earth
It was the end of summer, and the sun hung over the far end of Muchalat Lake a bit later than it would in a month from now, but not as late as it had the month before. I was sitting on a log on the beach overlooking the water about 15 kilometers from Gold…
Dometic Inflatable Shelters :: Field Tested
In North America, inflatable tents are still a novelty (they have been de rigueur in Europe for some time now) and seem to teeter on the edge of gimmickry. We decided it was time to put one through its paces, and Dometic volunteered to send one of their TRT 140 Air inflatable roof tents along…
Ride On: The Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmets
The world of helmets has evolved a long way since the leather head wraps people once wore. We are now in a time where the helmet not only provides a layer of safety but also forms a cocoon of warmth and weather protection like never before. Selecting the motorcycle helmet right for you is like…
Principles of Overlanding: Traveling the Pan-American Highway on a Budget
Join hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott on the Overland Journal Podcast as they discuss budget travel and how you can explore the Pan-American Highway for under $25,000, including the cost of a vehicle. Hear practical tips on gear, vehicle selection, and budget as we share inspiring stories of fellow travelers who have completed their…
Can AI Plan a Better Overland Trip?
Photography by Richard Giordano. The likeness of our 2008 Tundra and OEV camper in Bosnia (lead image) was generated using OpenAI’s DALL·E, which creates images from text descriptions. Nestled within Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Dinaric Alps, Orlovačko Lake is so clear the surrounding mountains are mirrored in its waters. The glacial lake, home to brown and…
Klim Krios Pro Helmet :: Field Tested
Photography by Jason Spafford Venturing full-time into off-road realms on a KTM 500 and swapping my modular helmet for the Klim Krios Pro felt natural. In my sixth year of long-distance adventure riding, I put the Krios Pro through its paces, charting dirt trails across Baja and the American West. Crafted from a resilient handlaid…
Are Bush Planes Your Next Over Lander?
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady is joined by Dave Harriton from American Expedition Vehicles, an engineering and product design expert and a passionate backcountry flyer. The discussion delves into the world of bush planes, particularly tandem planes, and the similarities to overlanding. Dave shares his journey into flying, from…
Braai Essentials: A Barbeque Master’s Tools of the Trade
Cooking over an open fire and coals has been an essential element of human evolution ever since Homo erectus earned the ability to harness and manage fire. Sitting beside the flames and grilling a meal is something that we, as overland travelers, do more than most modern humans, and it is an important part of…
The Explorers Club: Not Just for Scientists
Photography by Chris Collard Housed in a New York City building on East 70th Street lies the headquarters of the Explorers Club. Home to the Kon-Tiki globe, the Apollo 11 moon flag, and thousands of archival volumes, artifacts, and maps gathered since the club’s inception in 1904, the society’s mission remains “to explore by all…
Clay and Rachelle Croft of XOverland on the Adventure of Travel, Life, and Love
Join host Scott Brady on the Overland Journal Podcast as he converses with Clay and Rachelle Croft, the dynamic duo behind the XOverland brand. Known for their extensive global travels and mastery of overlanding, Scott delves into their incredible adventures, the intricacies of their life, marriage, and maintaining family values amidst success. This episode offers…
Tire Repair Essentials
While most travelers envision their first field repair as a bent tie rod or a punctured oil pan, the most common malady is a damaged tire. The correct tire repair equipment can reduce the need to bring a second spare tire or even use your primary spare. Repairing the tire quickly and efficiently is the…
The Best Tie-down Straps for Overlanding
Traveling safely isn’t just about navigating challenging terrain—it’s also about ensuring your gear is secure throughout the journey. The NHTSA and CPSC report that unsecured loads alone are responsible for nearly as many US deaths on-road as all off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation-related fatalities.¹𝄒² Remote wilderness travel usually involves some highway miles to get there. That…
Jessica Mans on the Past, Present, and Future of iOverlander
Jessica Mans is a co-founder of iOverlander and co-author of several e-books and the Life Remotely blog. In this episode from the field, Jessica and Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano discuss Jessica’s experiences traveling the Pan-American Highway with her husband and brother over a decade ago, how the trip sparked the beginnings of iOverlander,…
Nod to the Nordic: Winter Gear Straight From the North Atlantic
Photography by Richard Giordano Polar nights, deep fjords, the Arctic tundra, midnight sun, and boreal forests filled with silver birch and lichen form the Nordic playground, where people pride themselves on spending time outdoors in all seasons. The culturally learned rhythm of frilufstliv or free-air life aptly sums up the Nordic community’s connection with nature….
Atlas Throttle Lock :: Field Tested
Photography by Jason Spafford As a full-time rider, the battle of thumb-wrestling my throttle during long rides prompted seeking a solution. Enter the Atlas throttle lock mounted on my lively KTM, poised to be my throttle hand’s personal aide. Activated with a button tap, the Atlas holds the throttle in place, granting my hand respite…
TruckHouse Redefines Light Weight and Capable Expedition Campers
Join hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott as they sit down with renowned engineers Dave Harriton from American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) and Matt Linder from TruckHouse. In this episode, they explore the creation of the TruckHouse BCR, an ultra-light, highly capable expedition vehicle. The conversation dives into the importance of a lightweight camper, the innovative…