Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2021 Issue. Photography by Richard Giordano We’re parked in a dry riverbed within the Ghost Public Land Use Area of Alberta, Canada, where Marcus and Julie Tuck have kindly opened their home to us for the evening. A chill autumn wind howls outside, but we’re…
Field Tested :: Planar Diesel Air Heater 2D-HA-PU5-(TR) Truck Kit
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2021 Issue. As the wind howls across a frozen lake, our 1990 Toyota Pickup sways back and forth. It’s winter in the Rocky Mountains, and the snow falling sideways from the dark grey sky is proving it. We hop into our Go Fast Camper, battered…
BioLite Headlamp 200
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2021 Issue. As overlanders, we often think of multi-purpose function, compact size, durability, and comfort when it comes to our rigs. BioLite incorporated each quality into this headlamp, and it has earned a place in my seat-back system. The device is so comfortable that I…
Lizard Skin Insulation
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Fall 2021 Issue. Few things are more frustrating than starting a build in the back of your classic vehicle (in my case, a Land Cruiser) and discovering a plethora of rust. It’s even more irksome when you realize the cheap butyl mat installed by the…
Losing Her Heart to Africa :: Interview with Modern Explorer Lilli Mixich
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2021 Issue. Bell-bottoms and platform shoes are en vogue. Bee Gees’ disco hits top the music charts while Grease is the must-see film of the summer. Stephen King publishes The Stand, Cold War tensions will continue for another 13 years, and the Berlin Wall…
The Global Run Project
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2021 Issue. My wife, Claire, and I are digital nomads traveling the Pan-American Highway in our Ram 3500 with XPCamper. We are keen runners and no strangers to endurance sports, with six Ironman World Championship qualifications between us. Claire is a family physician, and…
Sea Eagle FastTrack Angler
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Summer 2021 Issue. If you are overlanding near water, one of the healthiest and fun things you can do is fish for dinner every morning; it’s also a great way to save money. While casting a lure from shore can be productive, there is nothing…
7 of the Best Overland Camp Tables
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Winter 2021 Issue. When I venture into the great outdoors in search of nature’s simplicity, there are many items that I am eager to leave at home, like my laptop, cellphone, and internet connection. But one thing that I’ve come to consider essential gear…
Risk Management for Overland Travelers
Editor’s note: This article is supplemental to “Risk Management,” featured in the Gear 2022 issue of Overland Journal Those planning their first overland adventure often ask, “What do I absolutely need to go on an overland trip and stay safe?” Trip preparedness must be included as part of your pre-trip planning, so it’s a great…
Dryad Cookery Titanium Spatula, Leather Skillet Handle Cover
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Winter 2021 Issue. When I think about ways to add enjoyment to my cooking experience, it’s nearly always about a new recipe or a fresh set of knives. Maybe even some new pans, but a spatula was never on the list. Earlier this year,…
The Best Overland Fridge Freezers
Editors Note: This article originally ran in the print version of Overland Journal, Winter 2021 Issue Coolest of the Cool | Testing the latest fridge-freezers to their limits. Having interviewed hundreds of overlanders, we often ask what their favorite piece of kit is, and almost sheepishly, many reply “my fridge.” The reasons vary, like making…
More Power To You: Hands-on Test of Leading Off-grid Power Solutions
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s 2021 Fall issue. For vehicle-bound travelers, storing and utilizing power when you are away from the electrical grid can be a daunting task. Many travelers spend significant time learning the skills to design and install off-grid electrical systems in their rigs. But not everyone…
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…
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…
Publisher’s Project: Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Editor’s note: This article was originally posted in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue. Opening image is from a movie production, closed course. We always recommend wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle, but also acknowledge that helmet laws vary by state and country. There is such joy in simplicity, distilling a pursuit down to its…
Project Vehicle: Lexus GX 470
Editor’s note: This article was originally posted in Overland Journal’s Spring 2021 Issue. Traditionally, the best SUV platforms in North America have been restricted to the Land Cruiser offerings, and to a lesser extent, the 4Runner, G-Wagen, and Land Rover wagons. In 2003, Lexus released the GX model in North America, Russia, and other limited…
Motorcycle Soft Luggage
From scrublands to high mountain forests, the Idaho BDR challenges motorcycles, riders, and gear. Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2021 Issue. After purchasing a BMW F 800 GS in 2009, I quickly sourced a set of expensive aluminum panniers, thinking that’s what you had to use on…
One Way or Another
Midnight on 7 August 2008, Steve Burgess and Dan Richards in their Land Rover Defender 110 double-cab are just two miles away from the Alaskan coastline and a place in the record books. Photography By Mac Mackenny Aand Steve Burgess Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2021 Issue. The…
Overland SUV of the Year
Above: We made every effort to test each platform thoroughly, with evaluations occurring on five continents and over thousands of miles. While technical terrain performance is the most compelling (like testing the Defender in Namibia as shown), it is but one of six categories we scored. Editor’s note: This article was originally published in Overland…