SEMA was quite the surprise this year, with overlanding taking center stage in the South Hall, and the Overland Experience presentations often having standing room only. And it wasn’t just about roof tents, there were also some genuinely interesting and innovative products on display, and more than a few thoughtful and functional project vehicles. Here…
UBCO Announces Five New Products for 2020
Overland News We have been using 4th-generation UBCO electric adventure bikes in the field for several months, having fun (er, testing), using them for everything from commuting to backcountry scouting trips. What we originally thought would be a compliment to an overland trailer or expedition camper for scouting forays and trips to the market has…
SEMA Overland Day 2
The overland theme continues into the South Hall for our coverage of 2019 SEMA day two. The Gladiator was certainly a darling of the show, but Tacomas and Colorados also filled the halls. One theme that was encouraging is a general trend towards functionality, with many of the parts reflecting better durability, improved coatings,…
SEMA Show Day 1 :: The Overland Experience Area
13 years ago, when Expedition Portal first displayed a vehicle at the SEMA show, there was only three purpose-built overland vehicles in attendance: The Turtle Expedition Ford, UJoint Offroad’s E350, and our 2004 Tacoma. Times have certainly changed and you cannot walk 10 feet without bumping into a roof tent or a snorkel. Even SEMA…
SEMA to Feature Exploring Elements GX460
I’ve been eyeing up a Lexus overland GX460 as my next build for a few years now. I sold my big custom composite Dodge camper creation, the EEXP, in May of 2018, as I didn’t need a full-time, on-the-road house anymore. Since then, I’ve been traveling by adventure motorcycle, my 2006 KTM 950 Adventure, lots…
Ford and ARB Join Forces on the Ranger
The new Ford Ranger is developing speed in the aftermarket, and not just because of that sweet little EcoBoost turbocharged motor. It seems like every week, a new partner is announced, from the Yakima project vehicles to this co-development of off-road accessories with ARB. Most overlanders are aware of the ARB brand and their legendary…
Ram 1500 Off The Grid Overland Concept
Overlanding continues to permeate the automotive and outdoor landscape, now with vehicle manufacturers preparing purpose-built overland concept vehicles. The latest coming from Fiat Chrysler with the Ram 1500 Rebel Off the Grid (OTG). Mopar even incorporated swaths of Overland Journal’s definition of overlanding in their latest press release “Unlike traditional ‘four-wheeling,’ in overlanding the journey…
The onX Off-Road GPS App Shows You Where to Explore
Knowing Where You Can Legally Overland is Half the Battle There are times that even 36 hours of adventure seems impossible to schedule, the realities of daily life, family, and work responsibilities compounding. Sometimes just a few hours is all we have, or as a side trip during a work obligation. While it will be…
Overland Expo is Coming to Colorado! :: Overland News
In an exciting piece of news, Overland Expo has announced its new event in Loveland. Colorado: The Mountain West Overland Expo, scheduled for August 28-30. This is now the third venue in the series, along with the West and East shows. Since 2009, we have watched the Overland Expo grow in scale and influence, the…
One Headlamp to Rule Them All?
We received a Headspin convertible lighting system test unit the day I left for the Altar Desert in Mexico, so what better place to beat up a new product and evaluate its performance than in the largest sandbox in North America? Pros Fully comprehensive kit Easy charging via USB or wall outlet Quick change between…
The Jeep Gladiator Camper
There is no denying the fervent popularity of the new Jeep Gladiator. Given the 5-foot bed and increased payload, the platform is ripe for the perfect camper solutions. While it would be easy to install a rack and roof tent, the opportunity to build-out a complete, weather-tight camping habitat is what really makes sense for…
Peugeot’s Boxer 4×4 Van Concept
While Peugeots are not sold in America (currently), they have been a favorite for European travelers for decades. The brand itself has been in existence since 1810, during the reign of Napoleon. Some of their first products were coffee mills and bicycles, both products that overlanders can certainly appreciate. And this week, they introduced an…
AT Overland Launches Their New Tray Bed and Composite Boxes
Innovation can bring so many benefits to the consumer and the industry, driving excitement and addressing the needs of the vehicle traveler. As one of the companies that helped launch overlanding in the USA nearly 20 years ago, Adventure Trailers (AT Overland) has built a reputation of designing and producing quality overland accessories, campers, and…
The New Toyota 4Runner Venture Edition
The current Toyota 4Runner has been a runaway success, and continues to sell in significant volume each year. This not only speaks to the evergreen appeal of the model, but also to the general consumer appetite for a body-on-frame SUV. The 4Runner is both honest and capable at the same time, yet somehow achieves a…
The Last Manual Transmission 4x4s
Is this the beginning of the end for the manual transmission in North America? Some of us just enjoy rowing our own gears. Others may call the manual transmission legacy technology, or even more accurately, a millennial anti-theft device. The reality is that automatic transmissions have surpassed the manual in not only sales, but in…
The New Defender Takes On the World
(Editor’s Note: Expedition Portal was fortunate to actually see the Defender in person a month ago, sit in it, and explore every corner of the finished vehicle. These are our thoughts having experienced it in the flesh.) Today is a significant moment for North American overland travelers, as Land Rover launches the new Defender to…
Rescuing a Range Rover Classic :: Video of the Day
Few have the patience for this amount of love… but things of beauty are worth rescuing. This video is mesmerizing to watch, and we have a cocktail to recommend while you kick back in your favorite chair and take it all in. The Expedition Portal Gin & Tonic 1 Generous Shot of Hendricks Gin Half…
National Luna Releases Their Best Fridge Yet
It is often joked that the first thing a new overlander should by is a Land Cruiser 80 Series, and the next thing should be a fridge. In reality, there are few camp accessories that transform an overland trip more than a fridge, the ability to cool drinks, keep meat for weeks, or even make…
15% Off Overland Expo East :: Promo Code
The Overland Expo is one of the most exciting events of the year, a chance to reconnect with friends, listen to stories of adventure, and explore the newest products for overlanding. While the west show has been huge in recent years, the east event is also growing, and now changing venues to Arrington, Virginia and…
The Destination Frontier
Why not start with a mic drop? The Nissan Frontier is not only one of the best options for overlanding, but it is also a runaway value. Nissan built a concept Frontier specifically for overland travel, and outfitted it with some of the best accessories on the market.