Yak Overland :: Exploring the World in a Land Rover Defender

Join Scott Brady and Matt Scott as they talk to David and Ellie, the adventurous couple behind Yak Overland, on this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast. Discover the incredible stories from their journeys through Central Asia and the Pan-American Highway in their trusty 1997 Land Rover Defender 110. They share their experiences at overlanding events, navigating different terrains, and the warmth and hospitality they encountered from locals around the world. Don’t miss their insights, stories, and future travel plans, including a potential trip to Alaska.

Overland Journal Podcast Episode 262

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Guest Bios:

Ellie and David are the overlanding couple behind the social media account Yak Overland, traveling the world in their Land Rover Defender named “Yak.” As of 2025, they are driving from Argentina to Alaska via the Pan-American Highway. But in the past, they have explored much of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. And prior to their full-time overlanding trips, they backpacked through countries like Cuba and spent time in Kenya. Ellie and David aim to show that overlanding is accessible to everyone, and emphasize that a limited budget or expensive gear shouldn’t be a barrier to hitting the road. In fact, on their Central Asia trip, they didn’t even use a fridge. Keep up with Yak Overland adventures on their YouTube channel.

Yak Overland gets some build updates to travel the Americas BUDGET DIY OVERLAND BUILD + Shipping our 27-year-old Land Rover to SOUTH AMERICA

Host Bios:

Scott Brady

Scott is the executive publisher and co-founder of Expedition Portal and Overland Journal and is often credited with popularizing overlanding in North America. His travels by 4WD and adventure motorcycle span all seven continents and include three circumnavigations of the globe. His polar expeditions include two vehicle crossings of Antarctica and the first long-axis crossing of Greenland. @scott.a.brady

Matt Scott

Matt is a leading expert in automotive adventure. He has extensively explored the world’s most remote places by 4WD and is considered an industry authority on overland travel. He is the only American to ever become an editor of a major Australian 4WD publication and has over 15 years of competitive auto racing experience. @mattexplore

Listen more: Are New or Old Overland Vehicles Better for Travel?

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