The cost of new 4WDs seems to increase exponentially with the latest offerings from the likes of Lexus exceeding $100,000. Not to mention that most of us will then want to modify and outfit the vehicle for travel, which oftentimes isn’t cheap. This has had a knock-on impact on used 4WDs as more people look to the pre-owned market. Fortunately,…

In recent years, hard-shell rooftop tents (RTTs) have gained significant popularity, and there are compelling reasons for this despite their generally higher cost compared to soft-shell models. While both have their respective pros and cons, hard-shell tents are generally more durable, streamlined, and practical for specific applications. The practicality of a rooftop tent is evident not only in its ease…

When I first laid eyes (digitally) on Yakima’s new EXO system, I was a skeptic. The modular setup certainly seemed groundbreaking, a dual-platform design that could carry all sorts of gear configurations, hauling bicycles, a camp kitchen, and a storage box on two levels mounted to a hitch rack. The company has, of course, run EXO through a gauntlet of…

I was sure I’d never have to pay any attention to rooftop tents. Why devote precious cargo-hauling space to a place to sleep when ground tents take up such a small footprint inside of a car and can be set up in minutes? Plus, I had a built-out camper van with a comfortable bed in it and a teardrop trailer…

In this age of hyperbuilt and overcomplicated overland vehicle builds, it is all too easy to forget that, above all else, your build should be affordable, practical, and straightforward. The rooftop tent (RTT) is not a new invention; we have all seen the images of overland vehicles built in the early 20th century equipped with basic but sturdy canvas rooftop…

Occasionally, a rig is posted to our forum that has my jaw agape, palms sweaty, and in today’s instance, I may have even let out an audible “ooooooo.” Sure, overland rigs should first and foremost be practical, but there’s something to be said for a build that you never get tired of staring at. I’d make the argument that if…

It’s barely perceptible at first, the shortening of the days. You might notice it here and there in the background—the colder, darker mornings, a shift in the angle of the sunlight, unconsciously scooting a little closer to the campfire. Fall is my favorite time to explore off-grid. Most of the crowds from the peak travel season have dissipated, the trails…

Rigs, rigs, rigs. Overland Expo was founded as an educational event where travelers from all over the world could gather and share their experiences, knowledge, and skills with like-minded adventurers. But let’s be honest—we also love Expo for the largest number of the most diverse rigs you can find concentrated in one place. If ogling builds is your jam, you…

AMERICAN NORTHWEST Descend on Bend When: Sept 1-4, 2023 Where: Oregon Outback This family-friendly overland event near Pinnacles National Park is accessible to all vehicles, including motorcycles and rental cars. Live music, a daily maker’s market, and morning yoga are some of the highlights, while the event website sold me on its “coffee and affogato offerings.” Luxury amenities include porta…

Barbara Toy’s In Search of Sheba Returns to Print with Introduction by Lois Pryce Barbara Toy, famous for her solo overland travels by Land Rover in North Africa, Arabia, and beyond, set off in 1959 to drive from Libya to Ethiopia. The result: her travel memoir, In Search of Sheba. Thanks to the persistence and passion of several Toy fans…

Editor’s Note: This GMC AT4 Sierra article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2023 Issue.  For our first full-size project vehicle, we selected a half-ton GMC with their AT4 (all-terrain 4WD) package. The base Sierra is known for its quality of assembly, overall driver comfort, and 60,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty. In recent years, GM has been taking overlanding by storm,…

Show Notes #149 Four Wheeled Nomad on the Pros and Cons of Four Wheels Versus Two Summary: Overlanders of the Year Lisa Morris and Jason Spafford compare traveling by motorcycle and Toyota Hilux in this podcast from the field. Host Ashley Giordano learns more about the couple’s moto journey along the Pan-American Highway and the rigors of overlanding through Iceland…

 The Overland Embassy, Transportation for Motorcycles over the Darién Gap The Overland Embassy (located in Parque Lefevre, Panama City) is offering shipping and airfreight transportation for motorcycles. The airfreight option takes just three days from “drop off to drive off” in Bogotá, Colombia. Alternatively, you can opt for the shared container option, which is significantly cheaper, takes around 10-14 days,…

The Tacoma remains the mid-size truck to beat despite fierce competition from the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, and GMC Canyon. It begs the question: Why does the Tacoma still dominate the category? After all, it’s not the most powerful or well-equipped, nor does it have the best payload. In short, the success of…

It seemed fitting to feature a Tacoma as I embark on another 8-month international trip in my decrepit 1986 Volkswagen T3 Syncro. I’ve often made the point that the best overland vehicles are those that you can count on to provide the maximum experience. In other words, a rig like mine is charismatic but costs a lot to run and…

If you’re looking for a do-it-all 4WD with unrivaled build quality and reliability, then the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road should be a top contender. It features a 4.0-liter V6 motor that’s not the most economical choice, but it is durable. The optional TRD Off-Road Package ensures this vehicle is at home on the commute and backcountry trails. Additionally, the popularity…

The 4Runner is frequently featured in the top 20 best-selling 4WDs in the US, and that’s no surprise. It’s a Toyota, which means class-leading build quality and bulletproof reliability in a vehicle that’s just as comfortable on the daily commute as it is navigating backcountry trails. The vast majority of us can’t afford to run a daily driver and a…

By Matt Swartz and Scott Brady  Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Winter 2022 Issue.  Few vehicles offer the overland traveler versatility, utility, and flexibility like a pickup truck. But that doesn’t mean it’s the perfect platform. Pickup trucks are kind of like a blank canvas, offering loads of potential in the way of payload, hauling capability,…

Show Notes for Podcast #116 Ferenc and Evelin of Overland Site on Rallying, the Silk Road, and Overlanding China in a 2006 Prado Summary: Hungarian overlanders Ferenc and Evelin traveled from Budapest to Singapore for four years in their 2006 Land Cruiser Prado. In this podcast from the field, senior editor Ashley Giordano learns about multi-country rallies, tips for traveling…

Show notes for podcast #115 Amanda Zito on Embracing a Life of Adventure and Facing Anxiety Along the Way Summary: Scott Brady interviews the inspiring Amanda Zito, solo adventure motorcycle traveler that has embraced the road less traveled. Amanda shares her process of facing anxiety and the challenges of finding her way through the wilderness of life.   Guest Bio:…