Many consider the “Long Jeep” Wrangler LJ Unlimited to be a unicorn. A limited number of LJs were produced between 2004 and 2006, and most of the well-cared-for ones have been snatched up due to their sought-after inline 6-cylinder engine, long wheelbase, and small size. The owner of this LJ has transformed the vehicle into an overland machine that has…

Mario Rigby is an athlete, entrepreneur, business owner, and eco-adventurer dreaming up and pursuing human-powered expeditions across the globe. His most recent adventure, the Caicos Challenge, saw him run, cycle, kayak, and swim his way across the Turks and Caicos archipelago, raising awareness and funds in support of sustainable tourism and ocean health along the way. But the Caicos Challenge…

What I’ve learned over the past seven years of moto camping and long-distance riding is that you pretty much pack the same amount of gear for three days as for three months: tools, camping stuff, rain gear, off-bike clothing, first aid kit, camera, etc. As for food, you can only fit a few days’ worth at a time, anyway, so…

Since Covid struck, the word “holiday” has become triggering for most of us. Once a cause for celebration, it’s now code for cancellations, PCR tests, face masks, and a lengthy quarantine. However, what if the next trip made up for all this? What if you signed up for the Sahara Banger Rally? Why on earth would you want to relax…

These days the Land Rover Defender is best known for navigating London’s W1 postcode, but that wasn’t always the case. I remember a time when the Defender was the vehicle of choice for hardcore expeditions, and none were more iconic than the those featured in the Camel Trophy. These events pitted the Defender against some of the toughest environments on…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #52 Interviewing Hourless Life on overlanding around the globe as a family Summary: Scott Brady interviews Brittany and Eric Highland about the joys of traveling for years as a family, including giving birth to their son while on the road. They discuss migrating from an RV to a Jeep Wrangler, and ultimately deciding on…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #51 Interviewing Paul May, Land Cruiser Owner and Overland OG Summary: Matt Scott and Scott Brady interview longtime overland OG Paul May. Paul has been working in the overland market for two decades, and has assembled deep insights into travel and vehicle preparation. His vehicles have included a 40, 60, 100, and 200. This…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #50 What is the best Overland Expedition Camper? Summary: Matt Scott and Scott Brady discuss the best integrated expedition campers for the North American market, including the EarthCruiser, EarthRoamer, Nimbl, and others. We also review considerations and specifications of what makes a great camper, van, and truck unit. This podcast is supported in part…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #49 Interviewing Sterling Noren, film maker and adventure motorcyclist Summary: Scott Brady interviews prolific motorcycle traveler and around-the-world adventurer Sterling Noren. Sterling’s films have covered the Backcountry Discovery Routes, crossings of the Silk Road, and more. This podcast is supported in part by: Red Oxx Bags iKamper Guest Bio: Sterling Noren I film motorcycle…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #48 Discussing the Grenadier with Greg Clark, VP of Ineos Automotive Summary: Scott Brady and Matt Scott discuss the merits of the new Grenadier, acknowledging the strengths of the platform for global travel, and the positive influence of Ineos CEO (and adventurer) Sir Radcliffe on the design. We also include audio of our interview…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #46 Interview with Maggie McDermut, Land Cruiser owner and adventurer Summary: Scott Brady interviews Maggie McDermut about her thoughts on outdoor stewardship, the importance of overland training, and the value of solo travel. Maggie also shares numerous insights on traveling in Alaska, vehicle preparation for her BJ70 Land Cruiser, and lessons learned as a…

Dakota Grizzly strives to create durable clothing fit for adventure and “have embarked on countless expeditions to the furthest corners of the world in search of the highest quality materials.” Furthermore, the company states, “We weren’t born craftsmen. We were born explorers,” and in my experience, the best products in any sector are born out of real-world experience. I had…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #45 Interview with Bryon Bass, Explorer, Archaeologist, Vintner, and Overlander Summary: Scott Brady interviews Bryon Bass for the second time, diving deeper into every day carry (EDC), keeping yourself out of trouble on the road, tools, and watches. We also explore Bryon’s passion for wine, watches, and Toyotas, including his 300,000 mile Tacoma and…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #44 Interview with Amanda Winther and Matt Swartz on living remotely, taking to the winds, and doing good as they go. Summary: Scott Brady interviews Amanda and Matt about their three years living on the road, learning to pursue their creative professions, and doing more with less. They also share their newfound love of…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #43 Interview with David Soza: polymath, engineer, and wanderer. Summary: Scott Brady discusses with David Soza the merits of light weight and minimalism, along with the essential design considerations for expedition campers. They also do a deep dive on critical Tacoma modifications for strength and durability. David shares his experiences living remote and off…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #42 Interviewing Mauricio Escobar on Overlanding in Colombia Summary: For this field interview, Scott Brady interviews Micho Escobar of Elephant Expeditions about overland travel in Colombia, riding BMW GS through the jungles, and the journey we all take towards adventure.   This podcast is supported in part by: Red Oxx Luggage Host Bios:  Scott…

  Show Notes for Podcast Episode #41 Interview with Sinuhe Xavier, Filmmaker, Photographer, and Global Traveler Summary: Matt and Scott interview Sinuhe Xavier, award winning cinematographer, commercial director, and photographer. Sinuhe shares his insights on traveling the globe on a motorcycle and in a 4WD as a lifelong learner. Sinuhe shares his insights on photography, Land Rovers, the Utah Traverse,…

If there’s been one ride that both completely broke me and reaffirmed that bikepacking completes me, it was Iceland. Home to some of the planet’s most active volcanoes, Europe’s largest glacier (Vatnajökull Glacier), geysers, stunning mountains, rugged coastlines, trolls and elves (yep), and, of course, the Icelandic Highlands. This country has gained a legendary reputation for adventure cycling over the…

From scrublands to high mountain forests, the Idaho BDR challenges motorcycles, riders, and gear.       After purchasing a BMW F 800 GS in 2009, I quickly sourced a set of expensive aluminum panniers, thinking that’s what you had to use on a GS. Victims of their own mass and structure, combined with progress in the textile world—namely waterproof…

Above: We made every effort to test each platform thoroughly, with evaluations occurring on five continents and over thousands of miles. While technical terrain performance is the most compelling (like testing the Defender in Namibia as shown), it is but one of six categories we scored. Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2021 Issue.   There…