I included the Turtleback Expedition Series overland trailer in our Best Overland Trailers of 2020 guide last year, where it received my editor’s choice selection in the category of minimalist overland trailers. But thanks to their use of industry-leading equipment, and due to the fact that Turtleback designs, builds, and tests their trailers in the…
Overland Classifieds :: 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel Eco Diesel Turnkey Overland Build
Chances are good that you’ve seen this awesome 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel Eco Diesel overland build on Instagram before. The owner, John Kingston, aka @roaminglost on Instagram, is one of the hosts of the Our Landers Podcast and a familiar face in the overland space. This Ram overland project took Kingston approximately 1.5 years to…
Video of the Week: Off Grid Trailers KVR Overland Expedition
In this video of the week, we join the Off Grid Trailers team and Overland Training Canada as they explore the historic Kettle Valley Railway in British Columbia. This iconic railroad route through Southwestern BC abounds with spectacular scenery, history, and culture. It was a perfect opportunity for the team to hit the trails, have…
Featured Campervan Upfitter :: Field Van
Offering custom campervan builds in Fresno, California, and Reno, Nevada, Field Van is a family-owned upfitter comprised of 75 skilled employees who have completed over 5000 campervan builds. Across their entire crew they have a combined 500+ years of experience working on recreational vehicles, so rest assured, they know what they are doing. Field Van…
Destination: Santa Cruz Glamping Treehouse Cabin
Photos courtesy of Glamping Hub Santa Cruz, California, is one of those destinations that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Located just south of San Jose and the San Francisco peninsula, Santa Cruz is characterized by a moderate coastal climate, towering redwood trees, and laid-back West-coast culture. There are plenty of rentals available for…
Overland News of the Week
Toyo Trunk Shape Toolbox T-190 SV In the ongoing search for vehicle organization solutions, the Japanese-made T-190 SV steel toolbox from Toyo is a lightweight and sturdy option that stacks nicely within larger gear containers. These simple metal boxes are pressed from a single piece of steel which means that they have a clean, seamless…
Overland Classifieds :: 1995 Jeep Cherokee XJ
Like hair scrunchies and acid-wash jeans, classic ’90s vehicles have become increasingly sought after by millennials looking to return to the influences of their youth. These “modern classics” are basic yet functional but include contemporary touches to make them reliable and comfortable. This 1995 Jeep Cherokee XJ is no exception. In good condition and with…
Apply for Overland Expo’s 2021 Overland Experience Scholarship Program
If you’ve been listening to the Overland Journal Podcast, you might have enjoyed Scott Brady’s interview with Land Cruiser owner and adventurer Maggie McDermut, who discusses the importance of overland training, and how the Overland Expo education series helped her prepare for a three-month solo trip through Alaska and northwest Canada. Fortunately, for those planning…
Observation Skills: Did You See That?
As overlanders and remote explorers, we often find ourselves in unfamiliar territory, which tends to make us more aware of our surroundings. As a result, one of the most critical skill sets for us is observation. Looking is seeing with your eyes. Observing is seeing in detail, listening to sounds, watching interactions and movements, applying…
Overland Classifieds :: 1983 Mercedes 1222 4×4 Doka Fire Truck
Building an overland vehicle often starts with a vision. A glimpse into the future, into what could be rather than what is at present, and an opportunity to create something out of the ordinary. Will this 1983 Mercedes 1222 Ex-German fire truck create that vision for you? If not, perhaps the conversions built by Fabian…
Destination: Ashley’s Western Saloon, Tetonia, Idaho
Photos courtesy of AirBnb Here’s a chance to live out your western frontier dreams and sleep in a rustic saloon on the western side of the Teton mountain range. Ashley’s one-bedroom saloon is located on a 10-acre property in Tetonia, Idaho, just north of the town of Driggs. Her property features a stream as…
Leaning Into A Weakness
For years I’ve been going on adventures where someone else other than myself has provided the route that the group will be using. Rarely have I ever been the one to plan a route as it’s not been a strength of mine and I was happy to pass on that responsibility. When it comes to…
REDARC wants to kit out your overlanding rig with $20K in gear
Consider this your notice: REDARC is giving two lucky winners $20K in prizes this summer with their Power Your Wild giveaway. What is Power Your Wild? Well, in a nutshell, REDARC will be giving the two grand prize winners full vehicle fit-outs including REDARC off-grid power systems as well as gear from ARB, all professionally…
Work Sharp Quest: Find $1000’s in free gear hidden across the US this summer
Work Sharp Tools, purveyors of blade sharpening and honing equipment, have announced an intriguing challenge for you adventurous types this summer. It’s a real-world scavenger hunt that takes place across the US called the Work Sharp Quest. In a nutshell, Work Sharp has hidden 40 waterproof Yeti cases, each filled with approximately $1000 in outdoor…
Field Tested: Wild Zora
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue. Freeze-dried backpacking meals are an exceptionally convenient way to eat in the backcountry. They are lightweight, simple to prepare, and don’t need refrigeration. Freeze-dried meals have also gotten pretty tasty due to increased consumer demand. However, one thing that manufacturers of…
Field Tested: Melanzana Micro Grid Hoodie
Editor’s note: This article was originally posted in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue. The Micro Grid hoodie from outdoor clothing manufacturer Melanzana has developed a cult following over the past decade and a half. Perhaps it’s because this synthetic hooded pullover achieves the perfect balance of comfort and technical performance or because its two-tone…
High Country Adventure at the 54th Annual Sierra Trek
If you have been itching to get back on the trail for a high-country family adventure, Sierra Trek is your ticket to ride. What began in 1967 as a weekend Jeep trip and BBQ now features a dozen guided four-wheel drive and ATV/UTV trips ranging from historical tours through the Gold Country to a traverse…
Field Tested: Suunto 9 Baro
Editor’s note: This article was originally posted in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue. Finnish company Suunto has been in the game for over 80 years, making compasses, watches, and dive computers. I owned their Vector, the first outdoor, sports-focused wristwatch that incorporated an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer in one chunky housing. For me,…
Field Tested: Nomad Grill and Smoker
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue. There is nothing better than a satisfying meal after a day of adventure in the backcountry, and it needn’t consist of hotdogs and Kraft singles on white bread. Enter the Nomad, the low-mess solution to smoking and grilling. As travelers, we…
Overland News of the Week
Calyx Institute Membership + Alcatel LTE Hotspot Whether you work remotely or just like to have access to the internet while you travel, the Calyx institute has one of the most affordable solutions out there. By becoming a member at the contributor level ($500/first year, $400/year after), you’ll receive a 4G hotspot device (5G is…