Each year this award goes to someone who captured the greatest sense of adventure and inspiration for the community in the previous year. This year we can happily bestow that upon Austin

In some ways motorcycles are the ideal overlanding platform. They’re inexpensive, sip fuel, can get through stalled traffic, or down the narrowest trail. In my experience, they’re two to three times faster over rough roads than 4x4s. And, as this beautiful video shows, they even work for very long distance travel. Between 2010 and 2012 Alex Chacon, a recent BioMed…

Pre modified for overlanding fun

Answering the most important questions first

Not available from the factory, but a potent exploration weapon nonetheless 

KTM Zweiradcenter Bernhardt in Germany has performed an impressive conversion the to KTM 450 EXC, a factory dual-sport motorcycle with a considerably bias towards short-distance technical dirt travel.  The interesting result of Zweiradcenter’s modifications is a motorcycle better suited to long distance, remote exploration, with expeditions into the Sahara, the Road of Bones and even the Trans-America Trail all coming to mind. The concept of this platform has considerable appeal, combining the athletic performance of the 450 with additional range and greater rider comfort. The brakes are bigger, a rally computer has been fitted, along with 37L of fuel.  The complete modification list is impressive, but additional oil capacity or improvements to the service intervals seems to be absent from the line-up.  I could easily see strapping a Giant Loop bag to the back and ripping up the Skeleton Coast. Zweiradcenter Website

Cerocahui to El Fuerte on the Old Road

Introducing Stories from the Vault

Does experience matter?

You might not agree with our conclusions, but they are based on over 200 years of combined experience…

The overland market is growing at a rapid pace, which is providing for innovation and a wide range of new products.  As a result, the team at Expedition Portal has started an industry award, Gear of the Year for multiple categories (each featured in a different article) and based upon their price point, with a winner for over $100 and…

Land Cruisers are classic and authentic, and have always placed an emphasis on durability and capability over luxury and domestic ‘functionality’.

Jonathan Hanson takes an in depth look at several of the best compressors

Bumpers for Expedition Travel

This modification was completed in preparation for our 2004 Sierra Madre Mexico expedition, which required a fuel range of 320 miles, with 270 miles off-highway.

There is still time to register for the last Overland Rally of the year being held in Hollister, California – where it all began one year ago.

Light weight and compact storage dimensions.

Tire Selection for Expedition Travel

I have found through the years that a freezer/fridge is an essential comfort accessory for vehicle dependent expedition travel.  While traveling in Mexico it can be difficult to find ice, and food is often spoiled, or damage from the water that has collected in the cooler.  For a minor weight penalty (over a traditional cooler with sufficient ice), a 120/12v…

Why Coil-Overs on an Expedition Vehicle?

Abstract Review

Deaver Spring Manufacturing, Custom 10 Leaf Pack   Sierra Madre of Mexico       Full military wrap and tapered ends   Just the thickness of the springs adds an inch over stock height     Statistics Deaver Springs: Total Number of Leaves: 10Total Arch to Top of Leaf Packs: 10.5″Pack Thickness: 2.5″Eye Bolt Center to Center: 53″Center Bolt to…

Toyota Tacoma Demello Rock Sliders       Fully welded .120 wall 1.75″ tubing   .25″ plates and gussets     Rock Slider Benefits Rocker Protection is one of the most critical modifications to be added to a vehicle intended for challenging terrain. Properly designed rocker panel protection provides several benefits in addition to guarding the body panels from rocks….

The Extreme Outback Tire Repair Kit   Tire puncture, 2006 Outback Challenge.  Photo: Nathan Hindman   Tire Repair in the Field Without exception, the most common vehicle failure concerns the tires.  They are constantly (or nearly so) in contact with the road or a trail surface, which includes rocks, sticks, and numerous other sharp objects that can compromise the carcass…