In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott welcome Chris Walker, professional trainer, explorer, and head of Tirion Safety. Chris has trained everyone from oil crews in Alberta to expedition drivers across Europe and Canada. The conversation delves into the real-world differences between commercial and recreational 4WD training—and what…
Rock N Road 4×4 Expedition Bonnet Bag :: Field Tested
When it comes to maximizing storage on a 4WD vehicle, we tend to think we’ve explored every option. But there’s one often-overlooked space that deserves attention—the bonnet. And this is where Brad from Rock N Road 4×4 comes in. Specializing in custom gear solutions for Special Forces, tactical units, rescue teams, and Dakar race vehicles, Brad’s products…
Women’s-Only Off-Road Class Is a Go for XOverland’s Big Thing Event
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, as the featured “Big Thing” overland weekend concludes, the XOverland Ranch is offering a women-only technical training course—a dedicated space designed to build driving confidence, refine recovery techniques, and foster genuine connection among women who share a passion for adventure. Hosted at the picturesque XOverland Ranch near Three Forks, Montana,…
Scott Brady’s Overlanding 101: Travel Simple, Travel Far
“Scott Brady has spent decades traveling the world by vehicle. Now, he’s distilled much of that experience into a compact, accessible, and deeply thoughtful reference guide: Overlanding 101. It’s not just a how-to—it’s a why-to. And it’s probably the best book on overland travel you’ll find, but then again, Scott taught me most of what’s…
Beyond the Human Context: Protecting the Invisible in Kyrgyzstan
In 2017, my girlfriend, Caroline, and I bought a 1990s ex-ambulance Mercedes-Benz 609D in Berlin. With only 40,000 kilometers on the clock, it was in great shape and ready for adventure. Despite our limited resources, we managed to convert it into our off-grid home under the sweltering southern Spain sun. Without a garage, we did…
Living Legend Kingsley Holgate: The Man, the Beard, the Cause
Photography by Kingsley Holgate Foundation Kingsley Holgate is one of my heroes, having completed 41 expeditions (and counting), all after turning 50 years old. Explorations include reaching the geographic center of Africa, which had never been done before, and circumnavigating Africa, as close to the coastline as they could, which is something that was a…
Mike Pfeiffer of Last Line of Defense on Practical Readiness
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Matt Scott converses with Mike Pfeiffer from the Last Line of Defense about practical readiness and overlanding. Mike shares insights from his life as an “army brat,” his experiences traveling and living in various states, and his journey into off-roading and overlanding. The conversation highlights the…
1966 Land Rover Series 2a Marshall Ambulance :: Feature Vehicle
The namesake of British explorer Ernest Shackleton is suitably the stuff of legends. This wheeled Sir Shackleton, who we’ll call “Shack” for brevity’s sake, is a 1966 Land Rover Series 2a Marshall ambulance. But we’ve already entered a shrouded realm of mythology. Though Shack’s registration papers designate his build year as 1968, the error in…
The Best Mid-sized Trucks for Global Travel
The best overland vehicles are constantly morphing with consumer interests and regulatory pressures, but there has never been a better time to choose your next adventure machine. With the growing popularity of overlanding, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have doubled down on suitable models, and in the case of Ineos, an entirely new car company has…
Overland Journal Podcast Episode #239: What is the Overland Collective?
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, I am joined by Scott Brady and Clay and Rachelle Croft to discuss the creation of the Overland Collective and the acquisition of Overland Journal and Expedition Portal. The episode dives into the lead-up and backstory behind the acquisition, what Overland Journal, Expedition Portal, and XOverland viewers and…
From Fear to Fascination: Overlanding the United States-Mexico Border
I sat down and took a deep breath, desperately trying to clear my nerves. Our Zoom call gave a soft chime as parents and teachers logged on one by one. It’s not every day that a high school would consider supporting and helping pay for a month-long overland trip, much less an expedition consisting of…
May Overland News :: The Big Thing, New Project Vehicles, and Tariffs
Join hosts Scott Brady and Brian McVickers for the May edition of the Overland Journal Podcast. In this episode, they cover May overland news, including Overland Expo in Southern California, new products and projects, and exciting updates from the XOverland Ranch. Scott and Brian also delve into industry trends, the impact of tariffs, and upcoming…
Ethiopia: Breathing the Air of our Ancestors
Of the gladest moments in human life, methinks is the departure upon a distant journey to unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of habit, the leaden weight of Routine, the cloak of many cares, and the Slavery of Home, man feels once more happy. The blood flows with the fast circulation…
Doug and Stephanie Hackney’s Inspirational Overland Adventures
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Scott Brady hosts special guests Doug and Stephanie Hackney, who share their incredible journey from high-powered careers to full-time explorers. They dive into their motivations behind choosing travel over material comforts, the challenges and rewards of overland adventures, and the importance of adaptability. The conversation also touches…
Redarc Manager Alpha75 and Rogue TVMS :: Field Tested
For the last five years, our 1990 Toyota Pickup has utilized a Redarc BCDC1225D as its DC-to-DC charger and solar charge controller. The BCDC’s diminutive size makes it an ideal choice for small battery banks in small vehicles. But, as electrical loads grow, battery capacity must keep up, and charger power output must follow. Redarc’s…
Andrew Comrie-Picard on the Power of Self-Belief and the Transglobal Car Expedition
Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano is joined by Canadian race car driver, X Games athlete, stuntman, and Baja 1000 champion Andrew Comrie-Picard in this episode, which touches on his childhood in Alberta, Canada, and how his love for driving challenges launched his automotive career. The conversation continues with an in-depth look at Comrie-Picard’s latest…
Teren Clothing :: Field Tested
As a dirtbagger with a full-time job, I’m always looking for clothing that’s as comfortable in the office as it is in the backcountry. Teren Design’s Daily Driver line outfits me perfectly for both environments. Subtlety is the word that first comes to mind when you see a Teren shirt. From afar, the pattern may…
Arctic Trucks Founder Emil Grímsson on the Challenges of Polar Exploration
Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as sits down with Arctic Trucks CEO Emil Grímsson to discuss the origin of Arctic Trucks Iceland and how he turned the “Top Gear Polar Special” into a career of polar exploration. Grímsson touches on his role during the Transglobal Car Expedition, the world’s first wheeled surface navigation…
Scott Brady’s Overlanding 101 Aims to Guide a New Generation of Vehicle-Based Adventurers
With the growing popularity of overland travel, a new field guide promises to help beginners and intermediate explorers navigate the fundamentals of vehicle-based adventure. Overlanding 101: A Field Guide to Vehicle-Based Adventure Travel will be released through Adams Media on May 20, 2025. Written by Scott Brady, a seasoned global traveler and the publisher of…
Overland Journal Podcast :: Leave No Trace and Winnebago on Reducing Travel Impact
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Scott Brady engages with Mark Nevils from Winnebago and Brice Esplin from Leave No Trace to discuss the importance of responsible outdoor ethics, sustainable travel, and the impact of vehicle-based camping. They explore the principles of Leave No Trace, the significance of durable surfaces, and the role…