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Traveling to remote destinations offers a unique opportunity to unplug from the everyday hustle and truly immerse yourself in nature....View the full article

In the realm of car camping and overlanding, the buzz around harnessing the power of the sun is real. Solar panels offer a tantalizing...View the full article

Fifteen years later we still get these emails. “The Overland Expo is great, but we miss the first ones!” “The Expo is still fun, but the camaraderie isn’t there any more.” “Lots more stuff to look at and buy, but less community spirit.” Of course Roseann and I were thrilled—and more than a bit stunned—at the success of the event she started in 2009. In fact it eventually became just too big for her to manage, and its very success hindered our own travels, which was not the plan . . . Now we are

Ever since we bought our 2014 Tundra, it has exhibited a slight pull to the right, despite the fact that the used-car dealer from whom we bought it claimed to have performed an alignment. Taking it in to a professional alignment shop was one of those tasks that are just so easy to put off—like for three years? A few months ago I installed a complete parabolic suspension on our FJ40. After such a swap it’s smart to have an alignment done. Especially important is checking for caster, which will c

We were early and enthusiastic adopters of the portable 12V fridge concept—first with the classic and dependable Engel, later a series of ARB models, and a superb National Luna model that rides permanently in our 70-series Troop Carrier. I wouldn’t want to travel without one, and I’d certainly never go back to the giant Coleman ice chests and the inevitable three-day slurry in the bottom as 20 pounds of ice melts its way into everything not hermetically sealed. Day trips and picnics are a differ

From time to time, overlanding takes you beyond the trail. A well-rounded journey often includes veering off track to the nearest peak, dropping in for a family visit out of state, or popping into a brewery with friends. While we don’t always need to dress to impress, it doesn’t hurt to choose clothing items that are comfortable, evoke confidence, and can handle the rigors of the road. Since what we wear is an important part of what we do at XOVERLAND, we’ve rounded up our go-to pieces of Vertx

This past weekend, we opened the doors of the XOVERLAND Ranch for the first-ever Freeze Your Fenders Off Campout, and what an unforgettable experience it was! The temperatures plummeted to a chilly -11°F, but that didn’t stop our crew of overlanders from embracing the cold and making the most of the winter wonderland. People traveled from near and far, some driving over 12 hours through harsh conditions, just to be a part of this special event. The cold didn’t deter the fun—we had blazing campfi

Exploring the Northern Florida Adventure Trail: My Overlanding Experience The Florida Adventure Trail (F.A.T.) is quickly becoming a must-do overlanding route for off-road enthusiasts across the country. Known for its mix of terrains, hidden campsites, and unforgettable views, the F.A.T. offers a true adventure for those looking to explore the Sunshine State’s more rugged side. In my latest overlanding trip, I had the chance to explore a portion of the trail, starting on the northwest side o

Is Baja safe? After two months exploring, we felt secure, welcomed by locals, and had smooth military checkpoints. Here's our experience!View the full article

First Exploration Quarterly Field Camp – Arizona, USA – April 5–8, 2025 at the beautiful and private Aravaipa Canyon Ranch. Registration is open. Space will be limited.

Growing up in southern Arizona, I learned very early on how vital water is in the desert. When my friend Bruce and I first began hiking up into the Catalina Mountains, neither of us yet eight years old, we carried ours in surplus metal GI canteens, which along with their canvas covers and three-inch-wide M36 belts probably weighed as much as the water inside. I remember distinctly the one time we miscalculated when trying a “short cut” summer climb over a ridge separating Sabino and Bear canyons

People love drama. Even when it’s not real. Owners of vehicles made by manufacturers that compete with Toyota especially love drama if it involves reliability issues with Toyotas. I remember when some first-generation Tacomas developed issues with leaking head gaskets. The howls among Ford, Chevy, and, especially, Land Rover owners reached shrill octaves: “SEE? SEE?” Ironically, the fact that Toyota’s reputation for building dependable vehicles is based on rock-solid real-world evidence is what

The tiny hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) is England’s only native dormouse. Just three inches long and under an ounce in weight, it used to be common, especially in southern England, in forests with a dense understory of hazel, ivy, and honeysuckle, which allows the mice to climb into the thickets to nest in safety. But the population of hazel dormice has plummeted in recent years, mainly through the loss and fragmentation of woodland and hedgerows. One possible habitat for them is th

While overlanding offers a unique blend of adventure and freedom, nothing can derail the thrill faster than digging through a disorganized mess. Assigning a designated place for each piece of kit leads to a quicker camp setup and teardown and more efficient meal preparation. This allows you to spend more time enjoying a laugh with friends, sitting around a crackling campfire, or choosing a lengthy off-road trail, all while conserving energy and focus for the journey ahead. You likely know by no

The rain hasn’t let up for days. It drums against the roof of our fire truck, a rhythmic reminder of the challenges we signed up for. Two...View the full article

Can a leaf-sprung vehicle be endowed with the ride and compliance of a coil-sprung vehicle? After installing a set of Terrain Tamer parabolic spring on our 1973 FJ40 Land Cruiser, I’d answer that question with: Close. Astonishingly close. Just one anecdote—when I first took Roseann for a ride after the installation, we’d not even got off our neighborhood byway onto a main street before she said, “Wow.” First, if you’re not familiar with the concept, please read this, then this. But, briefly, a p

Why would anyone mount mud-terrain tires on a vehicle that rarely leaves the Sonoran Desert? Several people asked me that question, after I switched from the all-terrain tires I’d run for a decade or more on my 1973 FJ40, to a set of Firestone Destination M/T2s (after also considering the company’s Destination X/T, which has an all-terrain-oriented tread pattern). My answer surprised some of them, who teasingly assumed I’d gone for the butch looks. And there’s no denying that the MTs look just r

Number 3 is at the printer and will be mailing out in mid- and late-January. And we are really pleased with the content. It’s packed full of adventure, equipment, history, field arts, and much more. And there is a slight nautical theme as well. Below is a sneak-preview of some of the content. A reminder of our publication schedule: July (print issue with digital version) October (all-online content) January (print issue with digital version) April (all-online content) If you subscribe now,

2024 in Review: A Year of Unforgettable Adventures As 2024 comes to a close, we can’t help but reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Peak Overland. This year was filled with thrilling journeys, remarkable guests, and some moments of adventure that we’ll be talking about for years to come. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights that made 2024 so special: Love and Adventure: A Proposal on the Trail One of the most heartwarming moments this year was when a couple chose one of

Looking to grab some gear for your next adventure? Use code “XOVERLAND” for 20% off at checkout at vertx.com. Overlanding takes you off the beaten path into areas where the weather can shift without warning—from scorching heat to cold and everything in between. If you’re not properly equipped, a sudden storm, an unexpected drop in temperature, or a sweltering afternoon can throw a wrench in your plans. Whether trekking through the mountains, navigating deserts, or exploring forests, the right l

Installing the Naturnest 270 Awning: Overland Overhaul Episode 5 If you’re an off-road enthusiast or overlanding adventurer, you know the importance of comfort and versatility when setting up camp. One piece of gear that can elevate your setup is the Naturnest 270 Awning, offering 172 square feet of shade and protection. In Episode 5 of my Overland Overhaul series, I installed this impressive awning on my Jeep, and I’m here to break down the process for you in this blog. Why Choose the N

Embark on a wild journey with a family living full-time on the road in a retired firetruck. View the full article

From practical gear that makes trail life easier to tech and accessories that elevate every journey, this list is packed with options for any budget. Whether you’re shopping for a thoughtful gift under $100 or something more extravagant, there’s something for every overlander—beginners and seasoned explorers alike. Let’s dive into the best picks for those who live for adventure, exploration, and the open road! Under $100 XOVERLAND Legacy Bundle $59.00 Perfect for the holiday season! The Leg

Milestones were first used by the Roman Empire on their empire spanning network of roads. As the saying goes, “All roads in Europe lead to Rome.” That’s not rhetoric or hyperbole. The vast majority of modern highways and core roads in Europe were first laid out more than 2,000 years ago. In modern times milestones […]View the full article

Growing up in an Italian household, I grasped the importance of simplicity in cooking. The focus should be on the quality of the ingr...View the full article

Let me start off by saying I 100% unequivocally despise social media ads. I hate how social networks have devolved into captive marketing platforms. I hate it. I really do. So when I say I got suckered into a social media ad and that I actually like the product, ugh. It pains me to have […]View the full article

I’ve always been drawn to natural flora and fauna so it was an easy yes to admiring nature at Lankester Botanical Gardens on our Orosi Loop. The Jardin Botanico Lankester was founded in the 1940s when the British naturalist Charles Lankester expressed interest in the cultivation of epiphytic plants in Costa Rica. Although an amateur botanist, Charles dedicated his life to a private garden on his estate. The gardens flourished under his care and study and after his death,

For the second time in just as many years I did not teach a single class at Overland Expo East (go ahead and gasp). Last year didn’t leave me with much choice. For those that don’t know, on the first weekend of 2023 I was hit by a car leaving me on the sidelines for […]View the full article

The Best of Both Worlds: Anthem Liberty Wheels & 37” Kenda Klever Tires for My Jeep Wrangler When it comes to off-roading, the right wheel and tire package can make all the difference. Whether you’re cruising the streets or tackling extreme trails, having a setup that can handle the best of both worlds is key. That’s why I recently upgraded my Jeep Wrangler, swapping out the 17” stock wheels with 35” Kenda Klever tires for a brand-new set of 20” Anthem Liberty wheels wrapped in 37” K

When planning our trip to Costa Rica, I knew one highlight for me would be a couple of days touring the Orosi Valley. This lush valley set only two hours from the capital features a small town surrounded by adventure. As we crested the hills towards this tranquil town lovingly positioned in a scenic valley I knew I was in love. The lush hillsides were ablaze with the orange-red flowers of the Coral Trees that grow randomly where coffee is grown. The town of Orosi is easily walkable w