Show Notes for podcast 157 Tom Sheppard on the Nobility of Wilderness, Crossing the Sahara, and Overlanding the Deserts. Summary: Scott Brady interviews the legendary Tom Sheppard, an icon of overlanding, and one of the most accomplished desert explorers in history. With overland projects and many solo, remote region, off-tracks Sahara expeditions to his name, Tom also led the eight-man, first…

It’s a rare product that changes everything about the way you travel. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Pro did just that in ways that continually surprise me.  I spent six months building out (well, overseeing the build of) my 2018 Ram Promaster, which is outfitted with three stellar 100ah batteries from the Utah Company Lion Energy and a whole host…

Editor’s Note: This sailing article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2023 Issue. Lead photo by Bryan Danger. Bumfuzzle | Pat, Ali, Ouest, and Lowe Schulte Photography courtesy of Bumfuzzle “Neither of us had ever sailed or had a boat. We were just Midwestern kids from Minnesota,” Pat Schulte says of the moment he and his wife, Ali, decided…

Show notes for Episode #156 Wes Siler on Travel, Hunting, and the Case for the Ford Ranger Summary: Scott Brady interviews Wes Siler on his lessons learned hunting, backpacking, and overlanding around the globe. Wes has built a reputation for hard-hitting and deep-dive editorial about important topics that affect all strata of outdoor enthusiasts. Wes also shares his lessons building…

Tanya Ritchie-Hicks and her son were casually perusing the internet when they spotted a lemon-hued 1981 W123 Mercedes-Benz car for sale. Tanya hated yellow cars, and this one was particularly hideous. But it had a diesel engine, and it was cheap, so they went for it. Later, as Tanya’s son drove the Mercedes through the gates of her home in…

It’s worth remembering that most of the first motor vehicles were electric. In the late nineteenth century, electrification was the hot technology, and forward-thinking engineers (like Ferdinand Porsche) were betting on batteries to drive humanity into the future. These were not energy-dense or range-efficient machines by any measure, but it’s interesting to think about where we might be today if…

Adventure takes many forms, from climbing mountains to crossing continents to the limits of adhesion through a mountain chicane. On Expedition Portal, we have covered all manner of human and vehicular exploration, which now includes the thrill of grand touring.  Grand touring originated from the Italian phrase Gran Turismo, which was subsequently abbreviated to the ubiquitous GT. In the same…

Editor’s Note: This Washington Backcountry Discovery Route article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2023 Issue.  Photography by Kris Newsom Perched on the edge of the Lion Rock escarpment in Washington’s central Cascades, I leaned back in my chair and watched the molten sun drip behind Mount Stuart’s jagged silhouette. Behind me, a clicking camera pierced the warm breeze…

Editor’s Note: This article on overland toilet solutions was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2023 Issue.  When you announce your intention to travel by vehicle, an audience of loved ones and acquaintances will immediately become very curious. Not necessarily about border crossings or why you’ve decided to venture beyond a comfortable, predictable, and stable day-to-day life. No, they want…

Show notes for episode #153 with Chris Cordes Principles of Overlanding: Navigation Summary: Scott Brady and Chris Cordes discuss navigation tools and solutions for remote travel, including the importance of fundamentals like the paper map and compass. Additional topics include GPS units vs. Apps, and some of the key learnings and insights around digital navigation applications.  Guest Bio: Chris…

Riding a motorcycle on a curated route for a few hours, as I did recently at the 2023 Honda XR150L launch, is an exciting introduction to a machine. Having one in your own garage is motorcycle heaven. Suddenly that run to the store requires a detour over a favorite twisty road—for the fourth time that week—and errands that should take…

After a long, hard day in the saddle, all we want to do is to pitch our tent within the grassy compound of a random farmyard, but our host is having none of that. “This my house!” says Krystof in broken English, pointing proudly to his nondescript house behind us with a rusted pitchfork. “You stay here this night.” We…

Helinox HDB Collection If you’re looking for stylish and luxurious packable furniture for your outdoor adventure, then take a peek at the HDB Collection. A variety of chairs, chef tables, and high cots will ensure a comfortable vacation when camping, glamping, or some time away at the vacation home. The HDB Collection is comprised of lightweight DAC aluminum resin hubs…

Show notes for episode #152 Overland Journal is Crossing the African Continent with the Ineos Grenadier  Summary: Few places on the planet resonate with the adventurer like the African continent, from the vibrant cultures to the ancient civilizations, megafauna, and some of the most remote and inspiring landscapes on earth. At Overland Journal, we have been fortunate to circumnavigate…

We have a vast array of rigs posted to our forum daily so it takes a build decidedly unique to stand out. There’s a monumental difference between adding big tires and a lift and meticulously planning each modification from the ground up. Today’s 2019 GMC Canyon Denali is one such rig where no expense has been spared and the end…

The wait is over: Honda’s 2023 XR150L dual-sport motorcycle has hit American shores. Honda introduced the friendly, inexpensive dual-sport at a late-June press launch in Solvang, California. Expedition Portal was there to ride the XR and report on it. Honda Comes Through with the XR150L First announced back in March, this beginner-friendly bike is aimed at making motorcycling more accessible…

Show Notes for Podcast 151: Mac MacKenney on Leading Expeditions and Breaking Records Summary Scott Brady interviews Mac MacKenney, overland expedition leader and Guinness world record holder. Mac started life with dreams of being a pilot and joining the Royal Air Force, overcoming incredible odds to accomplish the goal. As a veteran overcoming PTSD, Mac found his calling in leading…

The Rebelle Rally stands as the inaugural off-road navigation rally raid exclusively designed for women in the United States, growing in strength year after year and merging a passion for driving with the near-unique trial of accurate navigation. Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), recognizing the growing relevance and impact of the rally, has reaffirmed its support for the event. For…

Show notes for Episode 150 Clay Croft on the new Expedition Overland Africa expedition, and lessons from the Nordic series. Summary: Matt Scott and Scott Brady interview Clay Croft of Expedition Overland, diving deep into their lessons learned from traveling Europe, the Faroe Islands, and Iceland. Clay also announces the newest XO expedition- Africa!  Guest Bio: Clay Croft has been…

In a recent ruling, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has instructed auto manufacturers to ignore a 2020 Massachusetts right to repair statute that allows third-party repair facilities and owners access to vehicle data that automakers claim is proprietary to themselves and dealers only. In a letter to manufacturers obtained by Reuters, federal regulators argue that bad actors could…