Overland Journal Podcast Episode 193 Host Scott Brady returns with Overland Journal Archaeology Senior Editor Bryon Bass to wrap up the African leg of Scott’s journey with the Ineos Grenadier across Africa. In this episode, they cover all the harrowing details of getting stuck at the border for three days between Ethiopia and Djibouti, the smallest and one of the…

Feature Image Courtesy of The Journal of Lost Time AMERICAN NORTHWEST Northwest Overland Rally When: June 20-23, 2024 Where: Leavenworth, Washington The Northwest Overland Rally caters to keeners curious about anything from winching to photography, off-pavement driving skills, or seasoning your cast-iron pot. Join a wine-tasting, whiskey-sharing, or happy hour session before the evening’s lively campfire presentation and raffle. The…

Something changed inside of us when we had our first kid. In hindsight, they were those typical feelings that come with becoming new parents. Excitement, trepidation, fear, joy, hope,  and every other emotion you knew was there but didn’t know could arrive all at once. People said after having a baby we are going to need a bigger home with…

Images: Finn Joseph, Jason Spafford, and Joel Paez Venturing into the heart of Death Valley’s Panamint Springs, the beginner-friendly Noobs Rally from March 20 to 24 welcomed a diverse crowd of dual-sport, dirt-riding, and adventure enthusiasts for fun-forging camaraderie and skill-building. Hosted annually by Joel Paez (NSFW), the community gathering marked its 17th year in “denoobing less experienced riders.” While the Rally…

I have a lot of respect for off-the-shelf overland rigs and campers and they certainly have their benefits. However, it’s the self-builds, one-of-ones, that really get me excited. These vehicles are as unique as their owners and are oftentimes the culmination of years of blood, sweat, tears, and an obscene amount of money. Cue today’s 2000 Ford F-250, showcasing a…

Yamaha takes seriously their responsibility to inform all motorized recreational vehicle (MRV) users of where they are welcome to ride, and where they aren’t. In doing so, they partner with non-profit organizations to prevent and mitigate damage to public lands. The company’s goal is to keep those lands accessible. Yamaha Heads to the Hills Yamaha’s latest effort took place in…

Storyteller Overland Acquires Taxa Outdoors In this week’s overland news, adventure lifestyle and adventure van manufacturer Storyteller Overland has acquired camping habitat and overlanding utility trailer brand Taxa Outdoors. Entrepreneur and former Global Brand President for Harley-Davidson Neil Grimmer will serve as the chief strategy officer of Storyteller Overland and CEO at Taxa. “With the support of Storyteller, Taxa Outdoors…

In our continually shifting legislative landscape, America’s public lands often end up as an all-too-convenient political football for policymakers on both sides of the aisle. There’s no denying that there is an incredibly large range of stakeholders when it comes to our public lands, from staunch preservationists to those who seek full government divestment, and plenty of folks in between….

Three Mexican nationals, two males and a female, have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Australian brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad. This development follows the discovery of three bodies (there are recent reports of a fourth body being found) at the base of a cliff in the La Bocana area of…

If living organisms could write a letter to humans, what would they say? I imagine the message from thousand-year-old bristlecone pines, sequoias, and baobabs would be lengthy (and likely not on paper), while a bird’s eye perspective could be enlightening. But what about the areas we’ve long deemed lifeless, the deserts and dry places? After all, “the middle of nowhere”…

For years, I have dreamed of building an overland camp where people could come to relax and reconnect, a break from the road in the middle of an adventure across continents. My dreams are small compared to that of the Merus team. The Merus Adventure Park, nestled in the heart of Palo Duro Canyon in Texas, the second largest canyon…

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…

Travel is supposed to be fun, and everyone has their interpretation of a joyful adventure. In the past decade, vehicle manufacturers have begun blurring the lines between performance, luxury, grand touring, and overlanding with a new crop of ultra overlanders. Why test these extreme vehicles at all? The strongest impetus is the overwhelming popularity of the platforms and the increasing…

We have not covered Kia with any regularity on Expedition Portal or in Overland Journal. It’s not a manufacturer that has much of a legacy in the 4WD world, but if you cast your mind back to the turn of the century, you may remember the tiny first-generation Kia Sportage (1993-2002) and its successor, the first-gen Sorento (2002-2009). Both of…

AltRider Center Stand AltRider’s motto could easily be, “find a need and fill it.” From a Ténéré 700 perspective, they’ve created better crash bars, an adjustable kick stand, three-position lowering links, and several other key items. Their latest effort for the Ténéré is an all-aluminum center stand. The OEM stand on my T7 is fully functional for getting the bike…

It’s hard to know where to start with this rig. I spent an hour listening to the owner share his inspiring journey and the painstaking work that went into every aspect of this build. To fully appreciate this Jeep, it’s better to understand the final form as the culmination of a story rather than simply an amalgamation of premium parts….

Photography by Etienne Musslin When we decide to leave on a trip—whether it’s 200 kilometers, around the globe, or somewhere in between—vehicle choice is often something we dive into headfirst. Maybe your trusty steed is parked in your driveway, or perhaps you’ve spent countless hours (and dollars) building a one-of-a-kind contraption with all the amenities. Whatever it may be, obsessions…

Back in the Saddle (continued from Part 1) A locally sourced breakfast at the Cuyama Buckhorn prepped us for a long day in the saddle. Back on 166, we made tracks for Cerro Noroeste Road to start a 2,000-foot climb to the enclave of Pine Mountain Club. The small bikes were willing, but taxed. With throttles pegged, the TW’s extra…

Small bike adventure touring may sound cringeworthy to some riders, but that’s how I began exploring the backcountry while in high school. Schlepping my camping gear in a Kelty frame pack was an adventure in itself. Many years and miles later, and with Honda’s XR150L test bike in my garage, I was curious to see if I could relive the…

This week, we’ll be getting our hands on the 2024 Kia Sorento X-Pro for a first drive. The X-Pro trim is Kia’s version of an off-road and adventure-oriented package for the three-row SUV, and it features 17-inch wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain rubber, a locking center differential, a revised skid plate, and a roof rack. Also new is the exterior…