The Big Thing Overland Training courses is where you gain the knowledge and confidence you need for your next big adventure. From recovery techniques and navigation skills to cooking on the trail and setting up power systems, our expert-led classes cover a wide range of essential overlanding topics. Whether you’re just starting or a seasoned…
Drive It Like You Mean It: Lessons from the Commercial and Recreational 4WD Worlds
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott welcome Chris Walker, professional trainer, explorer, and head of Tirion Safety. Chris has trained everyone from oil crews in Alberta to expedition drivers across Europe and Canada. The conversation delves into the real-world differences between commercial and recreational 4WD training—and what…
Women’s-Only Off-Road Class Is a Go for XOverland’s Big Thing Event
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, as the featured “Big Thing” overland weekend concludes, the XOverland Ranch is offering a women-only technical training course—a dedicated space designed to build driving confidence, refine recovery techniques, and foster genuine connection among women who share a passion for adventure. Hosted at the picturesque XOverland Ranch near Three Forks, Montana,…
The Big Thing :: An Ultimate Overland Event
As the overland community grows, it is more important than ever to provide opportunities for training, connection, and shared stories of adventure. At Expedition Portal, we could not be more excited for The Big Thing overland event coming to Bozeman, Montana, at the XOVERLAND Ranch. Now that Expedition Portal is part of the Overland Collective,…
Scott Brady’s Overlanding 101: Travel Simple, Travel Far
“Scott Brady has spent decades traveling the world by vehicle. Now, he’s distilled much of that experience into a compact, accessible, and deeply thoughtful reference guide: Overlanding 101. It’s not just a how-to—it’s a why-to. And it’s probably the best book on overland travel you’ll find, but then again, Scott taught me most of what’s…
Tanner Johnson on Building and Maintaining Expedition Vehicles
In this episode, Overland Journal Podcast hosts Scott Brady and Matt Scott discuss the intricacies of building and maintaining effective expedition vehicles with Tanner Johnson from Expedition Overland. Tanner shares his extensive experience in wiring, handling vehicle weight, and suspension setups to improve performance in the field. We delve into sustainable power solutions, including the…
Mike Pfeiffer of Last Line of Defense on Practical Readiness
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Matt Scott converses with Mike Pfeiffer from the Last Line of Defense about practical readiness and overlanding. Mike shares insights from his life as an “army brat,” his experiences traveling and living in various states, and his journey into off-roading and overlanding. The conversation highlights the…
Principles of Overlanding: Intentional Vehicle Modifications
Join hosts Matt Scott and Scott Brady in this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast as they dive deep into the principles of modifying your overland vehicle with intention. Matt and Scott discuss the importance of thoughtful upgrades, the dangers of over-complication, and how to build a vehicle that meets your specific use case without…
The Best Mid-sized Trucks for Global Travel
The best overland vehicles are constantly morphing with consumer interests and regulatory pressures, but there has never been a better time to choose your next adventure machine. With the growing popularity of overlanding, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have doubled down on suitable models, and in the case of Ineos, an entirely new car company has…
The Big Thing is Here, and We Are Stoked!
The team at XOVERLAND has announced The Big Thing, and it stands to upend overland events as we know them. Scheduled for July 10-13 in “Yellowstone country” of Montana, the expo will focus on premium instruction, experienced presenters, and quality brands. The entire Expedition Portal and Overland Journal team plans to attend, provide training, and…
Arctic Trucks Founder Emil Grímsson on the Challenges of Polar Exploration
Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as sits down with Arctic Trucks CEO Emil Grímsson to discuss the origin of Arctic Trucks Iceland and how he turned the “Top Gear Polar Special” into a career of polar exploration. Grímsson touches on his role during the Transglobal Car Expedition, the world’s first wheeled surface navigation…
Overland Expo SoCal Set a New Benchmark
With Overland Expo West on the horizon, we thought now was a good time to look back at the recent Overland Expo SoCal that opened its doors to the public on March 15-16 in Costa Mesa, California. The event immediately set a new benchmark for inaugural events in the overlanding world, drawing more than 19,000…
Scott Brady’s Overlanding 101 Aims to Guide a New Generation of Vehicle-Based Adventurers
With the growing popularity of overland travel, a new field guide promises to help beginners and intermediate explorers navigate the fundamentals of vehicle-based adventure. Overlanding 101: A Field Guide to Vehicle-Based Adventure Travel will be released through Adams Media on May 20, 2025. Written by Scott Brady, a seasoned global traveler and the publisher of…
Overland Journal Podcast :: Leave No Trace and Winnebago on Reducing Travel Impact
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, Scott Brady engages with Mark Nevils from Winnebago and Brice Esplin from Leave No Trace to discuss the importance of responsible outdoor ethics, sustainable travel, and the impact of vehicle-based camping. They explore the principles of Leave No Trace, the significance of durable surfaces, and the role…
Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss This Spring
AMERICAN WEST Desert Adventure Rally When April 8-13, 2025 | Where Bisbee, Arizona Combining scenic backcountry riding, evening entertainment, and catered meals with Southern Arizona’s striking landscapes and scenery, the Desert Adventure Rally is a week of ADV fun. Curated GPS tracks will be given for self-guided day rides fueled by Morning Bivouac coffee, while…
Principles of Overlanding: Anthropology and the Overlander’s Code
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, host Scott Brady talks to Dr. Bryon Bass about the principles of overlanding and the Overlander’s Code, created as a supplement to resources like Tread Lightly and Leave No Trace. They discuss the importance of respecting unique cultures and taking responsibility for one’s actions while traveling. Dr….
Is the Rebelle Rally the Ultimate Overland Training Event?
Lead photo by Tim Sutton The scene is a familiar one: a golden desert sunrise, a cup of steaming coffee in hand, and a game of vehicle Tetris to prepare for the day ahead. Cold, stiff fingers are gradually warmed by the sun, eagerly grasping maps, hauling duffel bags, and closing zippers. A sense of…
Bikepacking Crete :: Top 10 Gear Picks
I grit my teeth and take a few more steps. Sweat drips down my nose as my heart pounds. Progress is measured in feet, not miles, on these ascents. The goats make it look so easy. Occasionally, a shepherd will pass in a beat-up Toyota Hilux; a simple nod is sufficient. It may be December,…
Ride On: The Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmets
The world of helmets has evolved a long way since the leather head wraps people once wore. We are now in a time where the helmet not only provides a layer of safety but also forms a cocoon of warmth and weather protection like never before. Selecting the motorcycle helmet right for you is like…
Emily Miller’s TEDx Talk on Navigation, Resilience, and Leadership to Debut on Women’s Day
Emily Miller, a trailblazer in off-road racing, rally instruction, and sports marketing who we profiled as a Living Legend in 2022, is set to release a TEDx talk on March 8th in honor of International Women’s Day. Miller, best known as the founder and director of the Rebelle Rally, the longest competitive off-road rally in…