As more overland details of the new Land Cruiser 250  emerge, we are even more excited by the prospect of the model. It is clear that Toyota is taking performance seriously, but it is also good to dig into their “all in on overlanding” mantra these past few years. Let’s deep dive into the recently released specifications and compare them…

There is a sublime campsite a few miles east of the South African town of Swellendam. The camp is called Umshanti and is nestled between the mountains and a large dam brimming with large, tasty fish. We have camped there many times over the years and visited again a short while ago. Just off the N2 national highway, and at…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 189 Overland Journal Podcast host Scott Brady and Overland International’s Brian McVickers discuss the new Lexus GX550, Ford Ranger, and Ford Ranger Raptor, as well as the Ducati DessertX Rally. Additional conversation includes Scott’s latest from his Africa crossing, new Eezi-Awn products, and more. Special thanks to our sponsor this week, Kuat Racks and their new…

The first vehicle I ever lusted after was a 4Runner. I was around 12 years old and on the way to the Colorado River in the back of a red 4Runner, riding in the back seat through the heat of the desert. The sharpest memory was of the gauge cluster on the dash, complete with altimeter and clinometer—I was awestruck…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 188 Scott Brady and Overland Journal Archaeology Senior Editor Bryon Bass discuss their recent trip through Kenya and into Ethiopia. As part of the crossing of Africa with the Ineos Grenadier, the team shares their insights on the challenges with temporarily importing the vehicle into Ethiopia and the required bureaucracy process. Their conversation also shifts to…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 187 In episode 187 of the Overland Journal Podcast, Host Scott Brady interviews The Landy Expedition’s Chloe and Harry on their trip around Africa with their Land Rover Defender with AluCab camper. They share the lessons on saving for the trip, when to leave, and how to travel well as a couple. Special thanks to our sponsors…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 182 Note: This episode of the Overland Journal Podcast aired on February 8, 2024 In episode 182 of the Overland Journal Podcast Host Scott Brady interviews Melanie Rohr from TerraByte on actionable considerations for solo travel, important adjustments to our cybersecurity posture, and the deep reward of giving back to the communities we visit. Melanie shares…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 185 Last summer, I had the privilege of enjoying three weeks behind the wheel of a 2018 Ford F-150 Raptor during my long-term review of the Tune M1 camper. As someone who is used to traveling in a Land Rover with a wheezy four-cylinder turbo-diesel, planning all my passes and resigning myself to endless hours of…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 184 Scott Brady interviews Jay Shapiro, a technologist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who has become a global citizen. Jay and his family have lived in Singapore, the USA, Canada, Mexico, India, and now Kenya on their overland journey of discovery. Jay and his wife Alice also operate numerous not-for-profit organizations providing support to millions around the world….

I’m always on the lookout for overland-equipped rigs at affordable prices and today’s 2002 Nissan Frontier 4×4 with 190,000 miles is a great example. The owner is transparent about any issues, but what’s clear above all else is that this vehicle has been well-maintained; with a little TLC, it would make a turnkey truck for adventure. At $13,500 OBO it…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 183 Scott Brady interviews Bruce Turner of Overlanding with Bruce about his recommendations for hiring a Toyota Hilux to explore Southern Africa and his decades-long experiences traveling the African continent by Land Rover. In particular, Scott and Bruce discuss modern Land Rover Defenders and Bruce’s experience using these vehicles in remote and rugged conditions, often without…

The Land Rover Freelander is not exactly the first of the venerable British brand’s 4x4s that leap to mind if you’re planning a long overland journey or competing in a rally raid. However, Solihull’s first stab at a unibody SUV in the late 1990s was relatively advanced compared to its competition, despite lacking a low-range transfer case or locking differentials….

Goose Gear Announces New Products for Ineos Grenadier In this week’s overland news, our very own Scott Brady is Crossing the African Continent in the Ineos Grenadier and has so far reported that it has exceeded his expectations. Goose Gear similarly understands the vehicle’s significance and potential and has subsequently revealed a lineup of products to further upfit the Grenadier…

People tend to fall into two—if you’ll pardon the expression—camps when it comes to cooking on backcountry adventures. There are those of us who see it as the penultimate drudgery, a distraction from what we really want to be doing on our overland expeditions, and a source of never-ending dishes that must be cleaned. Others relish mealtimes, packing exotic ingredients,…

In the realm of modern overland exploration, South Africa boasts two notable, gray-bearded figures who have significantly contributed to the field. The first is Kingsley Holgate, a revered English and Zulu-speaking adventurer (soon to be interviewed by our publisher, Scott Brady), known for his extensive travels across Africa with Land Rovers, his dedication to improving the lives of Africans, and…

We’ve showcased a number of premium expedition builds recently, including this $325,000 Adventurer Manufacturing Overlander, $299,000 Kokopelli Overland Expo Build, and $375,000 2015 EarthRoamer XV-LT. These drool-worthy vehicles offer all the luxuries of home while venturing off-grid and are priced accordingly. Today’s offering has similarly been built by a professional outfitter (Autarky 4×4 Expedition Vehicles) but is significantly cheaper at $150,000…

The Swiss Peak Evolution team recently set a new world record for the highest elevation achieved in a solar-powered electric vehicle by driving up to 21,325 feet (6,500 meters). The current land vehicle altitude record is held by French race driver Romain Dumas (three-time 24-hour Le Mans winner), driving an off-road adapted Porsche 911 powered by the 443 horsepower, 3.0…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 176 Earlier this year, we published an article that garnered a lot of attention both on Expedition Portal and in our social media feeds. Author Mac Kirkpatrick explained how he was legally able to increase the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of his Toyota Tacoma in the state of Pennsylvania. Of course, anytime you modify your…

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 175 Did you know that Expedition Portal articles about overland, expedition, and off-road trailers are among the most popular on the website? It’s one of the hottest segments in the overland industry—from tiny teardrops to massive multi-axle toy haulers, there have been incredible leaps in technology across the board in the hitched-up world. In fact, there…

Torbjorn Pedersen has done something remarkable. After ten years of some of the most grueling travel imaginable, he has successfully visited every country on earth—never once stepping foot on an airplane. The Dane’s advice for would-be globetrotters looking to recreate his feat? “Don’t do it.” From a brush with death at the hands of wayward soldiers in Cameroon to spending…