“That’s it. That must be it. Thank you, Rocco!” I almost screamed through the telephone as I concluded my call. Halfway across the globe, in the Netherlands, it wasn’t even dark yet but here, in South Korea, it was close to midnight. I still saw a light in Changwoo’s office, so I ran downstairs to…
OVERLAND ROUTES – Big Bend National Park
They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and standing in the heart of Big Bend National Park you’d sure believe it. It’s a land of burning sunsets, soaring mesas, and enchanting vistas that sprawl toward the horizon until meeting softly with the deep blue of the West Texas sky. A place of simplicity and…
Overland Routes: Northern Arizona Traverse
Picture Arizona in your mind; imagine traveling the back roads and observing its landscapes. What do you see? For many people, it’s a sprawling desert dotted with cacti—a place of desolation where sunbaked sands cover endless miles of countryside. But this state has a secret, one that you’ll discover if you venture into the forested…
The Overland Minimalist
You are overlanding to the remote reaches of the planet, so who do you choose as a companion? Bear Grylls or Ray Mears? Sure, Bear would be a constant source of action and excitement, and dinner will always be interesting, if not always palatable, but I would choose the chubby guy as a companion. He…
The State of Overlanding: Preservation, Treading Lightly, and the Instagram Influx
In 2018, environmentalism, conservation, and preservation are common terms. Most of us are aware of the damage society has inflicted on the natural treasures we love, and, in turn, we make conscious efforts to save these wonders. But it wasn’t always so. Back in the late sixties, pollution was rampant, lake and rivers were treated…
Cold Weather Camping With Kids
This past month Texas was shocked to its core from a winter storm that left us reeling. Yes, the state shuts down when any cold, inclement weather hits us square in the flip-flops, but you can’t ignore an opportunity to beat the summer heat and explore the backcountry. Winter camping alone demands special attention, but…
Tail Lamp: Camp Fear
Anxiety is not a word often associated with overlanding, but if you are adventurous enough to test the limit of your courage, you will experience your fair share of angst. I am not merely referring to the pre-departure turmoil (particularly the intercontinental let’s sell it all and see what happens journey) but more specifically, the…
Five Overland Resolutions for Your New Year
With the beginning of the new year, you’re bound to hear plenty of talk concerning resolutions. People will be hitting the gyms, kicking bad habits, and posting lists of goals and dreams on their refrigerator doors. We think this season of positive change is a beautiful thing, which is why we’ve decided to join in…
From the ExPo Vault: The Best of the Best – Sporks
We answer the question few dare to even ask: Which spork reigns supreme?
Field Report: Overland Experts Training
Here at Expedition Portal, we talk a lot about how to make your four-wheel drive more capable and reliable for the road ahead. After all, these vehicles are often our only way into and out of the remote locations we love, so it makes sense that we’d want to purchase parts that help them perform…
How to properly align your lights
There’s a reason that auxiliary lights are used on expedition vehicles around the world, and it isn’t because they look cool. Well, not entirely at least. A high quality set of lights allows drivers to see obstacles and animals ahead of them before they become a problem, and that can be the difference between a safe…
What’s in your winch bag? The basic gear you should be carrying
The other day I ran into the proud owner of a well-built four-wheel drive. Eager to talk shop, he began to list a few of the numerous pieces of equipment he had installed on his new vehicle. The list included 37-inch tires, aftermarket wheels, a 4-inch lift, lights, a roof rack, a front bumper, and…
Overlanding Skills: How to Pitch a Tent
Although every tent is slightly different, there are some common techniques for properly pitching a modern portable shelter. Do it poorly and you risk damaging the tent itself, or enduring a less than comfortable night’s sleep. I travel with people with extensive backcountry experience, yet see them making basic mistakes all too often. Most people would…
Head to Head: Mud or All-Terrain Tires
Big lugs or little knobbies. Which is best for you. We address some of the basics.
Travel Tip: How to Maintain Your Zippers
Never deal with a stuck zipper again
Women’s Travel Fest
The Women’s Travel Festival is coming up March 3-5 in New Orleans
Overland Skills: Knowing When to Turn Around
It’s not a defeat if you live to travel another day.
Overland Skills: Going Solo
Whether you go by way of truck, motorcycle, or even on foot, going alone takes careful planning.
Camp Champ
A chuck box of the luxury nature
Travel tip: Mixing Engine Oil
Can you mix different motor oils without damaging the engine?