Editor’s Note: This border crossing article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2023 Issue. Words by Chris Simon, in collaboration with Richie and Abigail Gubler. Overland border crossings are exciting, unpredictable, and stressful. No matter where you are in the world, things can go unexpectedly wrong at official border checkpoints. This article tells the story…
Worldschooling and Overland Travel
Editor’s Note: This Worldschooling article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2023 Issue. Lead photo by Korey and Anna Hart Worldschooling is a style of education that recognizes the value of children traveling to international destinations where they can be immersed in other cultures, acquiring knowledge through a hands-on approach. Proponents believe engaging all five…
Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss This Summer
AMERICAN NORTHWEST Northwest Overland Rally When: June 15-18, 2023 Where: Leavenworth, WA 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 event is intimate and…
OGT Offers Four Off Road Trailer Options, With an Optional Suspension Upgrade
Off Grid Trailers (OGT) offers a quiver of four innovative trailers designed for adventure seekers and nature lovers who yearn for a more intimate connection with the great outdoors while hauling the outdoor essentials. These trailers not only provide shelter but should significantly enhance the outdoor experience with their unique features and design. The Pando…
Five Things to Know About Overlanding the UK
The UK is an absolute riot to drive through. Twisty, narrow roads bordered by mossy stone walls lead to lush glens filled with bluebells, quaint towns whispering of a captivating past, and seaside coves that stretch for miles. Charmingly, it’s impossible to escape the bahs of baby sheep in the spring. Whether you’re passionate about…
Overland Expo West Returns to Flagstaff, May 19-21
Like the proverbial swallows to Capistrano, overlanders will be returning to Flagstaff, Arizona, for the 2023 edition of Overland Expo West, May 19-21. Ticket prices range from $490 for the full, weekend-long Overland Experience pass to just $20 for a one-day pass on Sunday. Held again at the sprawling Fort Tuthill County Park, you can…
Meal Planning for Overlanding: Tips for Preparing Delicious and Nutritious Meals
“We all eat, and it would be a sad waste of opportunity to eat badly.” –Anna Thomas “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well if one has not dined well.” –Virginia Woolf There are two comforts that I refuse to give up when on the road: my down duvets and regular gratifying meals (and…
Overlanding Europe? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Schengen Zone.
Whether you’re a history buff, espresso fanatic, art lover, off-road adventurer (or a combination of the above), there are many compelling reasons to tour the European continent by vehicle. For North Americans, shorter driving distances and a wide variety of foods, languages, and scenery make the region a particularly rewarding travel destination. Or, perhaps you’re…
The Cold Start Off-Road Riding Clinic Returns to Baja California This May
Back for its second run, and with a focus on ADV 101 skills, the Cold Start Off-Road Riding Clinic and Culinary Experience will take place from May 5 to 11, 2023, in Baja, California. Leaving from Ensenada, the 5-day ride hugs the coast to San Quintin and includes workshops on packing and planning for a…
What You Need to Know About Water Sourcing, Filtration, and Storage
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2023 Issue. Camped beside a road in Ivory Coast, I filtered soupy rainwater from an old plastic barrel. I trusted my system but had to wonder—was the hard-working filter up to the task of removing chemicals, bacteria, and viruses? Was I hydrating my family with…
Touratech-USA Presents: Riding Solo AZ to BC
Touratech-USA Announces a New Sterling Noren Film Grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy the ride. Sterling Noren is about to take you to Canada as no one else has. The noted filmmaker and adventure traveler has teamed with Touratech-USA on another off-pavement motorcycle travel film. Riding Solo AZ to BC follows the 2020 release…
Honda Unveils Two New 2023 Dual-Sports
Honda’s dual-sport theme for 2023 appears to be accessibility. They’re showing off two new models with low seat heights to tempt new riders, smaller riders, or those who just like to have their feet flat on the ground. Small, Light, Easy to Ride Honda’s introduction of the new XR150L dual-sport is big news for small…
Moto Monday :: The Most Important Motorcycle Accessory is Training
While farkle (functional sparkle) is all the rage for adventure motorcyclists, the most essential purchase after safety gear should be rider training. Yes, I said the first. The reality of adventure riding is that physical risks are significant, and most accidents or injuries can be avoided or minimized by improving the rider’s skills. It is…
BMW International GS Trophy 2024
Trophy Time in Africa BMW Motorrad returns the GS Trophy competition to its African roots for 2024, this time in rugged Namibia. It will be the 9th running of the biennial event, which was last held in Albania, as reported by Heather Lea. There will be 22 teams from across the planet, with a total…
Overland Medicine: Over-the-Counter Field Pharmacy
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Winter 2022 Issue. Travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle affords rapid access to the middle of nowhere, which is a potential mecca of peace and tranquility until said vehicle breaks down, or its jockey becomes ill. As an emergency and wilderness medicine physician, I’ve been trained to identify…
Overland Driving 101
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Winter 2022 Issue. One of the most misunderstood aspects of overlanding is how it differs from off-roading in general. While the two are related, they are far from the same discipline of the genre. This misconception is often seen in the grocery store parking lot when…
Emerald Acquires Lodestone Events, Producers of the Overland Expo Series
The growth of the Overland market segment seems unstoppable and continues to attract the attention of motor vehicle, aftermarket parts, and accessory manufacturers, as well as consumer event specialists who aim to connect producers and consumers. Emerald Expositions LLC recently announced the acquisition of consumer event specialists Lodestone Events, the producers of the long-running and…
Are You Rescue Ready?
You’re out in the backcountry, enjoying your time in the back of beyond. Suddenly, there’s an emergency, and you need to use your two-way communications device to call for help. What do you say? Most travelers and outdoor enthusiasts know the importance of being able to communicate at all times—even in the backcountry. A two-way…
Women in Moto :: What Challenges You?
We asked some prominent, active female riders about what challenges they face in a male-dominated industry. We also asked them to share the more advantageous aspects of being a female rider. Here is what they had to say: Katrina Corcoran, Motorcycle Adventurer, Digital Creator, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Challenge The biggest challenge I faced…
Exped Field Tested:: Mega Mat, Widget Pump, Mega Pillow
Exped Mega Mat 10 LXW Exped’s Mega mat hit the car camping scene in 2011, raising the bar for sleep comfort to a superior level with its plush, perfect-density, open-cell polyurethane foam—or so I’d been told by numerous co-workers and friends. I’ve used many sleep mats over the years but found a happy place with…