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The Benchmade Bugout has long been a favorite among overlanders thanks to its lightweight design, dependable AXIS Lock, and ability to disappear into a pocket until needed. For 2026, Benchmade has taken that proven formula and pushed it further with the new Bugout Vapyr 534BK. Designed to be lighter, thinner, and more durable than the original, the Vapyr is aimed squarely at those who appreciate premium gear that performs without adding unnecessary weight. At the heart of the Vapyr is a 3.25

Building the Ultimate DANA Jeep Gladiator   Have you ever felt the need to get away? Not like just a little away, like to the top of a mountain where no one could ever get to away?  When this awesome collaboration started with Spicer Parts and Expedition Vehicle Outfitters an off road and overland shop in Michigan started that was our mission. We set out to build a Jeep Gladiator using an Ultimate Dana Axle and drive shaft package that would meet any challenge head on, including 8ft of snow!

We get a lot of comments like: “You guys are living the dream.” And in many ways, we are. We get to explore wild places, spend more time...View the full article

The Benchmade Bugout has long been a favorite among overlanders thanks to its lightweight design, dependable AXIS Lock, and ability to disappear into a pocket until needed. For 2026, Benchmade has taken that proven formula and pushed it further with the new Bugout Vapyr 534BK. Designed to be lighter, thinner, and more durable than the original, the Vapyr is aimed squarely at those who appreciate premium gear that performs without adding unnecessary weight. At the heart of the Vapyr is a 3.25

Building the Ultimate DANA New Ford Bronco With the New Ford Bronco has made a huge splash in the off road market in 2021, Expedition Vehicle Outfitters an off road and overland specialty shop located in Michigan is excited to collaborate with Dana Incorporated to modify and upgrade the New Ford Bronco to create a great off road vehicle. Expedition Vehicle Outfitters knows Ford is no stranger to the off road scene, but we with Dana wanted to welcome Ford back to the dirt, sand and mud by pul

I think we’re officially in “insult to injury” territory, or at least I am because ARB just teased a whole suite of awesome accessories for the yet-to-be-released Kia Tasman. Now, just in review, this pint-sized truck will be available with some cool off-road/utility options straight from the factory, including a four-door cab with a six-foot bed, a tray bed, crawl control, 9.5 inches of ground clearance, and a locking rear differential. However, it doesn’t seem likely that this offering from Ki

KEY TAKEAWAYS Start with roof racks, recovery gear, and a basic sleep system – these three categories handle 80% of overlanding scenarios and integrate with your vehicle's existing capabilities. Essential items include traction boards, recovery straps, a quality sleeping bag rated for your region

Expedition Vehicle Outfitters Chosen to Modify New Ford Bronco Expedition Vehicle Outfitters has become a well known leader throughout the country in the building and consulting of off road projects and adventure vehicles. That experience and reputation lead to being called on by Dana Incorporated to be one of the first in the country to heavily modify a New 2021 Ford Bronco for off road and adventure use. The New 2021 Ford Bronco has been designed to be a great off road platform with modular

A few vehicles from films seem to stick out to enthusiasts and the general audience more than others. The Delorean, a host of cars that 007 has driven, and at least if you’re a fan of Spielberg and/or dinosaurs, the Explorers and Wranglers from the Jurassic Park series. The characters getting their first introductions to the brachiosaurus via the 1992 Wrangler YJs is an iconic scene that now lives on via memes across the internet. Of course, there’s also the classic chase scene with the Tyrannos

There’s a reason some road trips feel effortless, while others feel rushed, overpacked, or slightly underwhelming. It’s not about how far you drive. It’s not even about where you go. It’s about how the journey is designed. At FarOut Wilderness, we’ve seen firsthand that the best trips aren’t built by adding more stops, they’re shaped by understanding flow, pacing, and what you actually want to get out of the experience. Because in places like British Columbia and Alberta, the reality is sim

Expedition Vehicle Outfitters is an experienced and licensed full service overland and off road shop located in Michigan. Expedition specializes in building the best performing vehicles for our clients, Expedition has received National and International attention for many of our vehicle builds. We create the adventure vehicle, you create the memories. THE GUIDE TO OVERLANDING COMMUNICATION & RADIOS Using your truck for overlanding and trail riding is always an incredible experience but m

The Venn diagram of those who liked Tetris growing up and overlanding as adults finally has some clarify of that middle cross-over space, thanks to Dometic’s latest launch: a new line of stackable, modular coolers and accessories designed specifically for car camping and overlanding. Lovers of organization and overlanding, this launch is specifically for you. Read on to learn more about the Dometic Recon Series. The Recon Series was developed as a whole new ecosystem, one designed to

If you wheel a 2nd or 3rd Gen Toyota Tacoma hard, you already know the problem. The truck looks decent until you crawl underneath and stare at that factory transmission crossmember hanging down like an anchor. The frame sits up nice and high, then right in the middle Toyota gave us a big low point that loves to drag on rocks, get smashed, and stop forward progress exactly when you do not want it to. That is the exact issue the O2 Fabrication Tacoma Flat Belly Kit was designed to solve. The who

The Importance of First Aid and Medical Training on the Trail. Author Justin Sturgill is an active outdoors enthusiast and experienced first responder. Follow him and his families adventures at @misplaced_overland. Let’s dive into how important overland first aid is on the trail. LINK TO @misplaced_overland As a medical first responder for years I have taken all kinds of classes on medical scenerios that could or could not happen in the field. Some have proven to be useful and others, thankfu

The power solution experts at Overland Solar have a new special edition product that can keep you charged up in the backcountry while also supporting a great cause. The Safari Edition of the Bugout 130 Portable Solar Charger is the fifth version of Overland Solar’s popular folding solar panel. The exterior is covered in XPac laminate fabric that’s lighter weight but also stronger than the previous nylon version. The Maxion Gen III solar cells are known for their high efficiency, even under less

Key Takeaways Factory-trained technicians understand manufacturer-specific torque specs, bolt patterns, and integration points that general mechanics often miss, preventing costly rework and safety issues. Specialized offroad shops use dealer-level diagnostics to p

The Full Scoop of the Alpine Loop Written by: Heather Rose Blakeman, Featured Explorer from Colorado and Outdoor Athlete. Be sure to find more great information at her website below. CHECK OUT HEATHER’S WEBSITE Technically speaking and geographically located, the Alpine Loop in Western Colorado is a 65 mile trek connecting the towns of Ouray, Silverton, and Lake City. However, I am a Telluride girl through and through, so I am about to talk to you all about wrapping Telluride and Ophir righ

Why An Upgrade To 4.88 Gears Is Important For The Avid Overlander When it comes to off-roading in a 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner, one of the most impactful upgrades—beyond tires... The post Revolution Gear & Axle 4.88 Gears For 5th Gen 4Runner – Review appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

The R1 Packs Anywhere, Burns Hot, and is Built to Take a Beating The HOWL R1 is built around a few core principles: big flame without the bulk, and durable... The post Howl Campfires R1 Review: Compact Propane Fire Pit, Built Like a Tank & Cranks Serious Heat appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

Featured Explorer! Kris Kinsey We were able to sit down with one of our Featured Explorers Kris Kinsey, Kris is a great photographer with a passion for adventure on both 2 & 4 wheels. It is always inspiring to see Kris’s take on many areas of Michigan through the lens of his camera. Let’s find out what inspires Kris to adventure and travel throughout Michigan. SIGN UP FOR THE ADVENTURE NEWSLETTER Expedition: Kris what are your social accounts so people can follow along on your adventure

Why Every Serious Off-Roader Should Consider Adding One The 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner is a solid off-road platform, and if you’re lucky enough to have a Trail, TRD Off-Road, or... The post Eaton Front E-Locker For 5th Gen 4Runner – Review appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

If you’ve checked in at a recent Overland Expo, there’s a great chance that Arvin Monarrez helped you get settled into camping or even your exhibitor spot. Arvin welcomes thousands of members of the Overland Expo community with a warm smile to kick off the weekend. We’re continuing our Community Spotlight series, and this week we’re taking some time to share Arvin’s passion for overlanding, good gear, and great trips. OE: Tell us a bit more about yourself. What are you up to when you are

Michigan Overland Winter Trip with New Holland Overland This article was written by Justin & Michelle from @misplaced_overland. They drive a well equipped for overlanding Toyota Tundra. Be sure to check them out on Instagram and YouTube.  We began following Jeremy over at New Holland Overland about a year ago after discovering some of his great products online. As it turns out he also plans weekend overland trips in the Michigan forests testing and developing the products he sells and buil

Built Just Right — Not Too Much, Not Too Little Some of you know me from previous articles. And while I may have taken the long way around in building... The post Nitrocharger Plus: Why It’s The Ideal Lift Kit For The Everyday 4Runner Adventurer appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and let’s be honest. Dad probably doesn’t need another tie, coffee mug, or novelty T-shirt. What he really wants is more time outside, more campfires, more trail miles, and maybe a few pieces of gear that make the next adventure even better. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned overlander, a weekend camper, or the dad who’s always planning the next trip, we’ve rounded up ten gift ideas across a variety of price points that can improve life on th