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I always keep my eye out for interesting—or alarming—vehicles. Recently, while waiting to pick up some steel in Tucson to weld gates for our new place, I noticed this Wrangler mounted with what looked like an . . . let’s just say impractical . . . combination of large-diameter wheels and low-profile mud terrain tires. Sure enough, the aftermarket wheels were 20 inches in diameter—at least two inches too large for a Wrangler (the Rubicon comes with 17-inch wheels)—and mounted with Gladiator Comp mud-terrain tires in size 35 x 12.50. That tire has an aspect ratio of 60—that is, the sidewall is only 60 percent as tall as the width of the tire—which leaves insufficient sidewall (in my opinion) to allow adequate airing down while leaving enough sidewall height to protect the rim. My preferred minimum aspect ratio is at least 70, and both our Land Cruisers are mounted with tires that have an aspect ratio of 85. If the owner had wanted 35-inch-tall tires for his Wrangler he could have found the same diameter tire to fit a far more practical 17-inch-diameter wheel. These wheels—complete with the obligatory faux beadlock bolts—were also quite wide for the tire, further inviting damage and also making re-seating a bead in the field difficult if it becomes necessary. That is, if this vehicle is actually used on trails. Perhaps it is, and the owner is simply unfamiliar with the advisable ratio of sidewall to tread, and was seduced by the large-diameter rims. But it’s also possible the vehicle never sees a dirt trail and the rims are all for show—in which case suffering the noise and ride of a mud-terrain tire makes zero sense. That, however, wasn’t the worst part. While snapping a photo of the tire size I noticed the tire’s load range. Wait. What? Load range F ???!!! Load range F refers to a tire with a 12-ply rating, substantially more heavy duty than the load range E tires found on most 3/4 and even 1-ton trucks. A load range F tire has a load index of 125, meaning it’s rated to carry 3,638 pounds. Per tire. At a recommended 80 psi. This set of tires could carry this Wrangler with another two Wranglers stacked on top of it. Such a tire is absurdly, comically Too Much Tire for a Jeep Wrangler. I can’t even imagine what the ride is like in this thing—compounded by the fact that a Gladiator Comp tire in this size weighs 75 pounds each, not including the rim. I hope the owner realizes soon that this was an unwise combination that severely hampers the capability and comfort of his otherwise excellent Wrangler, and gets some advice from a knowledgeable tire shop. View the full article

Why I Chose This Combo Shackle/Fairlead For My Winch Setup There’s something about knocking out a clean, functional upgrade during your kids’ nap time that just hits different. Between daily... The post C4 Fabrication Winch Fairlead With Closed Shackle – Install & Review appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

Easy Bolt-On High Volume Air Inflation/Deflation Valve Stem If you’ve been looking for a faster way to inflate and deflate your tires, Power Tank’s Monster Valves are worth considering. Monster... The post Power Tank Monster Valves: Non-Drill Bolt-On Install & Fitment Kit Overview appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

Storyteller Overland has partnered with The Jessi Combs Foundation to launch the Trailblazer Tour Van to honor the legacy of Jessi Combs. This fiery red Storyteller Beast Mode van was built as a mobile platform for outreach, education, and inspiration. This project is meant to further Jessi Combs’ legacy and support the next generation of women entering the skilled trades. The van will be driven by Jessi Combs Foundation scholarship recipients as they travel nationwide, visiting communities connected to Combs’ life and mission. Along the way, they’ll help deliver hands-on educational experiences and represent the foundation’s work to expand opportunities for women in manufacturing, welding, and other trades. READ MORE: Don’t miss these exclusive specials at Overland Expo West “Jessi is our modern-day ‘Rosie the Riveter’; proof that grit, skill, and determination have no boundaries,” said Dana Wilke, co-founder & executive director of The Jessi Combs Foundation. “When you see the polka dots on this van, they’re more than decoration, they’re a declaration representing the trailblazing women of the past, present, and future inspired by Jessi. We’re incredibly grateful to Storyteller Overland for supporting this mission and enabling our scholarship trailblazers to be the face of our mission out in the world in one of the coolest overland vehicles on the road today.” The partnership also includes a presence at major industry gatherings, including the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the SEMA Show, where the organizations plan to highlight women in the trades and connect scholarship recipients with industry professionals and the broader adventure community. Be sure to keep an eye out as the JCF scholarship recipients make their way across the country. View the full article

Even though I have been on tour for the past few months for my day job, there are certain events I am taking time off for. This is one of them. The annual Bald Mountain Jeep Trail cleanup project with the Virginia Four-Wheel-Drive Association has been one of my favorite events of the year. Going […]View the full article

We have just wrapped up the final issue of Volume 2—and it has some wonderful content we had much joy in creating and curating. A peek inside this all-digital edition: Overland: 2,000 Miles in a 50-year-old Truck Equipped: Classic Safari Fly-Camp Skills: The Art of Survival Classic Kit: The Alaskan Camper Cartographia: John C. Frémont Makers: Bayntun-Rivière, Bookbinders Field Arts Share: Sarah Reid Field Arts: How to Make Paint from Plants Field Arts Book: Werner’s Nomenclature of Colours Arts & Letters: Who Needs a Road? Visit our EQ home page to learn about subscriptions, starting at $39 for all-digital, including all past issues. View the full article

Dometic is taking a different approach to experiential marketing this spring, launching a Los Angeles-based campaign that gives consumers direct access to the outdoors with no planning required. Starting today, April 14, the outdoor tech company will offer a limited number of fully equipped off-road vehicles for free 36-hour getaways, positioning the initiative as a frictionless way for city dwellers to step away from daily routines and into nature. The program centers around a small fleet of premium rigs sourced from brands like Lexus, Toyota, and Ford. Each vehicle comes preloaded with Dometic’s full range of gear, including sleeping systems, portable power, cooking equipment, and hydration solutions. Also included is the brand’s CFX5 electric cooler, stocked with chef-prepared meals designed to elevate the outdoor experience beyond typical camp fare. READ MORE: Level Up with Overland Expo Training at PNW Participants won’t need to map routes or secure campsites ahead of time. Each trip includes a reserved campsite in Joshua Tree, along with a curated guide of activities and access to 24/7 support. The idea, according to the company, is to remove the common barriers such as gear, logistics, and planning, that often prevent people from getting outside. Los Angeles serves as a strategic launch point. The city consistently ranks among the most congested in the U.S., with drivers losing an average of 83 hours to traffic annually. For Dometic, that statistic highlights a broader tension between urban living and the growing demand for outdoor experiences. The campaign will run through April 24, with 17 trips available via an online entry system. While limited in scale, the initiative reflects a larger shift in how outdoor brands are connecting with consumers by moving beyond product storytelling and into fully integrated, real-world experiences. For those interested in participating more information can be found dometic.com/thiswayout. View the full article

It should come as no surprise to anyone who has attended an Overland Expo that the overlanding community is a tight-knit group with friendships that span years, miles, and social media. Recently, at Overland Expo SoCal, we caught up with Nolen Yapp. Nolen has been a part of our team; he’s currently working with the passionate Land Rover experts at Classic Overland, and before all of that, he was no stranger to overland trips far and wide. Read on to learn more about his story. OE: Thanks for taking the time to catch up with us, Nolen! We really appreciate it. Before we dive into your experience with Overland Expo and your current role, why don’t you tell us a bit about your history with overlanding?  NY: Cars have been my passion for as long as I can remember. Early on, motorsports, automotive history, and building cars became my world. By high school, I was deep into BMWs and Subarus. I restored an ’86 BMW E30 (with my quality YouTube mechanic certification), got into autocross and time attack, and turned my Subaru WRX daily driver into what I thought was a track car.  The turning point came when I was attending Kansas State , and my WRX lost its life, totaled in a freak flash flood. That forced me to step back and rethink what I actually wanted out of a vehicle.  At the same time, I’ve always had a strong creative side, especially in photography and videography. I was really drawn to the imagery behind Camel Trophy, that raw, in-the-moment storytelling. Photographers like Nick Dimbleby showed me how to create captivating imagery where the car is the center of the story. Others , like Jimmy Chin, shaped how I capture outdoor adventure. Both are incredible storytellers who inspire my visual lens.  READ MORE: Level Up with Overland Expo Training at PNW Then COVID hit, and living in Oregon at the time, everything shut down. Adventure behind the wheel is what I live and breathe, and to keep the automotive adventures going, really, the only places that were accessible were BLM land and national forests. Cars and Coffee and track events were closed or canceled. If I wanted to keep driving, I’d need to take the road less traveled. That was the outlet , and that’s what changed everything.  This shift forced me to experience cars differently. It wasn’t about lap times or modifications anymore; it was about where a vehicle could take you. It honestly felt like rediscovering cars all over again, like hearing your favorite song for the first time.  I started building out a rig piece by piece, gear that supported getting out there, and over time, it naturally turned into an overland setup. It wasn’t a planned transition from track builds; it was just the evolution of trying to stay behind the wheel.  OE: Before your current role, you were actually on the other side of Overland Expo as a team member. Did your tenure as event videographer provide any insight or surprises as to what happens at each Overland Expo?  NY: I first attended Overland Expo as an attendee with my friends, celebrating a successful week-long trip in Canyonlands on the iconic White Rim Road. The next year, we submitted a documentary covering the trip that was an official selection at the Overland Expo PNW Film Festival. Then I booked with the team as an event videographer for Overland Expo SoCal. I was thrilled to meet the crew and move to the professional side, coming from being a spectator, truly a dream come true. This experience showed me the “soul” side of Overland Expo; everyone is there because they love it – the overlanding community, the products, the adventure. It’s not a big corporate machine. It’s a tight-knit team delivering a massive event. Having worked on the corporate side of Microsoft and BMW, I know how many people it can take to achieve an event even half the size of what Overland Expo is. What I learned is that passion and professionalism in this community run deep, and that’s why it works so well.  Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp But being a videographer or photographer here isn’t like shooting any event. You can’t come in as an off-the-shelf wedding shooter. You have to love the vehicles, the terrain, and the adventure. It’s like being a driver. If you don’t know the terrain, you can’t tell the story. For me, it was an honor because I wasn’t just documenting it. I was part of the same passion. I was capturing the people, their builds, and their journeys.  READ MORE: Meet Your Favorite Creators at Overland Expo West OE: What can you tell us about your current role at Classic Overland?   NY: I lead operations and brand at Classic Overland, so I’m responsible for both how our vehicles are built and how we present ourselves as an organization. On the operations side, I oversee each build from concept through delivery, making sure every decision aligns with the end vision.  Our Signature Series is a full body-off restoration taken down to the nuts and bolts, rebuilt with modern powertrains and engine swaps, so the vehicle feels as good to drive as it does to look at. The Warthog Series is more purpose-driven, focused on simplicity, durability, and accessibility for first-time Defender buyers.  Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp Photo courtesy of Nolen Yapp On the brand side, I make sure everything we do reflects that philosophy. We’re not building showpieces. We’re building vehicles meant to be driven and kept. My role is to make sure that the standard is consistent across the product and the experience. If you want to follow along with the builds, events, and everything behind the scenes, you can find me on Instagram at @yapping_about_cars.  OE: Classic Overland builds some truly incredible and unique trucks, and it’s always amazing to see the detail, fit, and finish in those builds. Undoubtedly, it’s a team effort with lots of moving parts. What’s the process like when those builds come together?  NY: Every build starts with a clear vision, and from there, my role is to keep everything moving in that direction. I’m coordinating across sourcing, engineering, fabrication, and assembly to make sure nothing drifts from the original intent.  Because each vehicle is highly customized, the process is not linear. There are constant adjustments with parts, timelines, and execution, so a big part of what I do is making decisions in real time without losing sight of the end result. Our clients and their vision are at the heart of all we do.  It’s a complex process, but the goal is simple. When the vehicle is finished, it should feel cohesive, intentional, and exactly how it was meant to come together from day one.  OE: We have to ask, what’s your most memorable overland trip to date, and likewise, what’s your bucket list trip or destination?  NY: My most memorable trip would be when Layne, my now wife, and I celebrated our engagement in Iceland. We road tripped through the country in a Land Rover Defender 110 at the tail end of winter with my best man and her maid of honor.  It wasn’t our first time traveling behind the wheel, but it was one of the most spontaneous trips we’ve ever taken. We planned it on the fly after watching The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and ended up chasing a lot of the filming locations. That meant long days on the road, pulling off wherever something caught our eye, and planning some special only there activities like hiking in ice caves on a volcano and snorkeling in the continental rift. It was one of those trips where you stop overthinking and just go.  Iceland has a way of stripping everything back. You’re driving through landscapes that don’t feel real, volcanic terrain, frozen waterfalls, and steam rising out of the ground. In winter, it’s quiet and raw, and every mile feels intentional.  We rented the Defender through ISAK 4×4, which is pretty surreal looking back. They’ve since become a brand partner of Classic Overland, and at the time, I never would have expected that our paths would cross again in that way.  That trip was the first time I really saw how driving, storytelling, and exploration could all come together into something bigger.  Looking ahead, my bucket list is a documentary expedition through Alaska in a Defender. The documentary concept is called “Driven by Adventure: Northern Wild,” and the goal is to capture one of the last untouched wildlife corridors left in North America before it changes for good.  A lot of that inspiration comes from XOverland and creators like Bound For Nowhere, especially the way they approach long-form, immersive storytelling. I’d want to start by taking the ferry from Washington up to Alaska, letting that transition set the tone for the entire journey and allowing the route itself to shape the story as much as the destination.  It would follow an overland journey from tidewater to tundra with Layne and our two dogs, Bruno and Lilly. Documenting not just the landscapes, but the wildlife and the people who depend on that land. Bears, remote communities, and the reality of what it means to live alongside a wilderness that is slowly disappearing. I’d want to develop it through a grant program with National Geographic and tell it in a way that feels real and honest.  On the other end of the spectrum, a dream trip for Layne and me would be Australia. Something built around an event like the Birdsville Big Red Bash, then extending into time spent out in the bush, even volunteering at Sleepy Burrows Wombat Sanctuary while traveling in a Defender. It’s a completely different kind of experience, but still rooted in the same idea of getting behind the wheel and letting the journey shape everything.  Because at the end of the day, the Defender is the poster child for that kind of experience, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.  View the full article

Six Months Daily Driving & Overlanding – Overall Performance When prioritizing mods, installing a rear bumper is easy to put off… that is, until you come off a ledge a... The post Ironman 4×4 Raid Rear Bumper For 5th Gen 4Runner – Review appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

Nissan is gearing up to roll out what might be its most dialed midsize truck yet, the Premcar-built Navara PRO-4X Warrior. And yeah, as you probably already figured, it’s not coming to the U.S. Which somehow makes it even more appealing. Unveiled alongside the all-new D27 Navara, this Warrior concept is less about flashy show truck vibes and more about what overlanders actually care about. Real upgrades. Real usability. The kind of stuff you’d spec out yourself if you were building a rig from scratch. At its core, the concept builds off the PRO-4X platform but pushes things further with a proper suspension lift, wider stance, and 32-inch all-terrain tires. It’s the kind of setup that immediately signals better clearance, more stability on uneven terrain, and less compromise when the pavement ends. READ MORE: The Ultimate Basecamp: Camping at Overland Expo West 2026 Where this truck really connects with the overland crowd is in the details. There’s a full protection package with a redesigned bull bar, underbody armor, recovery points, and a usable 3,500kg tow rating. It’s not just about looking tough in a parking lot. It’s built with the expectation that it’ll see remote trails, long highway stretches, and everything in between. Premcar’s influence is a big part of that. Over the past several years, they’ve been refining what a factory-enhanced truck should feel like in real-world conditions. Think balanced suspension tuning for both daily driving and loaded trips, not just stiff springs and oversized tires. That experience shows up here in a way that feels purpose-built instead of overdone. Visually, the lava red accents and Warrior branding give it a distinct identity, but nothing feels excessive. It still leans into a clean, functional aesthetic. For those of us in the U.S., this is another reminder of the kind of midsize trucks we don’t get. A factory-backed, warranty-friendly build that’s already sorted for dirt, load, and distance. Nissan says more details are coming as the new Navara launches in 2026, but for now, this concept is enough to get people outside the U.S. pretty excited… and the rest of us a little jealous. View the full article

Photo Credits to Radventures Elevate Your Rockies Experience with Banff Tours That Escape the Ordinary There’s something special about experiencing Banff with people who truly love it here. The mountains feel bigger, the lakes look brighter, and even the busiest destinations somehow feel more personal. That’s exactly what Radventures does so well. At FarOut Wilderness, we’re intentional about the partners we recommend. Radventures stands out because they don’t just offer Banff tours — they create experiences that help travellers slow down, connect with the landscape, and see the Rockies in a way that feels meaningful. Whether you’re visiting in peak summer or deep winter, they know how to elevate your experience and show you a side of Banff that escapes the ordinary. Who is Radventures? Radventures is a locally owned Banff tour company built around thoughtful, small-group adventures. Their guides are passionate locals who know the rhythms of the mountains — when the light is best, where wildlife tends to move, and how to time visits to iconic locations so they feel calm rather than crowded. They offer a wide range of activities in Banff across all four seasons, from legendary alpine lakes to frozen waterfalls and winter cycling adventures. What makes them different isn’t just where they go, but how they do it. Their tours are relaxed without feeling slow, informative without feeling scripted, and adventurous without being overwhelming. Why We Love Partnering With Them Our philosophy at FarOut Wilderness has always been about helping travellers experience the Canadian Rockies in a deeper, more intentional way. Radventures shares that mindset completely. They focus on small groups, authentic storytelling, and carefully planned itineraries that avoid peak crowds whenever possible. That means you’re not rushing from stop to stop or competing for space at the lakefront. You actually get to take it in. They’re also one of the best outdoor activities for families in the region. With tours suitable for kids as young as eight on many experiences, they make it easy for families to explore safely and confidently. For couples, solo travellers, and road trippers, they provide an effortless way to turn a scenic stop into a standout memory. If you’re figuring out how to plan the best Canada road trip, adding a Radventures tour into your itinerary is one of the smartest decisions you can make. Want to elevate your experience? Book a tour now Book Button – link https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/radventurescanada/?ref=asn&schedule-uuid=c9f69334-139b-4cdd-b7d3-a6b3675925af&asn=faroutwildernessltd&full-items=yes&flow=731641 Our Favourite Banff Summer Tours Summer in Banff is iconic for a reason. Turquoise lakes, wildlife sightings, long alpine days — it’s everything people imagine when they think about a Canada road trip. The Best of Banff National Park Adventure is the ultimate introduction. This full-day experience visits Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, along with lesser-known local favourites that most visitors miss. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without the stress of parking, planning, or navigating peak-season traffic. For anyone mapping out things to do on a Canada road trip through the Rockies, this tour checks all the boxes. For something a little more atmospheric, the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Adventure is unforgettable. Visiting these iconic lakes during golden hour completely transforms the experience. The light softens, the crowds thin, and wildlife becomes more active. It feels peaceful and immersive in a way that midday visits rarely do. If you prefer something active, the Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure is an incredibly fun way to explore. With e-bike assistance, riders of all ability levels can cruise scenic pathways, discover hidden viewpoints, and cover more ground without exhaustion. It’s one of the most unique activities in Banff and a great way to elevate your experience beyond the typical sightseeing stops. Our Favourite Banff Winter Tours Winter in the Rockies feels like stepping into another world. Snow-covered peaks, frozen waterfalls, and quiet forests create a completely different atmosphere — and Radventures embraces it fully. The Icefields Parkway and Ice Bubbles of Abraham Lake tour is easily one of the most spectacular winter experiences in the region. Driving along the Icefields Parkway alone is worth the trip, but stepping onto Abraham Lake to see the famous ice bubbles beneath your feet is something you won’t forget. For winter road trippers looking for extraordinary things to do on a Canada road trip, this is a must. The Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure is another winter favourite. Walking through towering canyon walls lined with shimmering icicles feels almost surreal. It’s accessible enough for families yet dramatic enough to impress seasoned travellers. It’s easily one of the best outdoor activities for families visiting Banff in winter. Even in the colder months, the Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure remains a standout. Riding across packed snow with wide tires and electric assist makes winter exploration surprisingly approachable. It’s fun, different, and a reminder that adventure doesn’t stop when the temperature drops. How Radventures Elevates a Canada Road Trip Banff is often a highlight of any Canada road trip, but planning can be overwhelming. Parking at Moraine Lake, navigating the Icefields Parkway, understanding wildlife safety, and timing visits properly all require local knowledge. Radventures takes that stress away. Their tours allow you to focus on the experience rather than logistics. Whether you’re travelling from Calgary, continuing on to Jasper, or building a Rockies-focused itinerary, their options fit naturally into a well-planned road trip. If you’re wondering how to plan the best Canada road trip, the answer isn’t just about where you go. It’s about how you experience those places. Choosing guided Banff tours with local experts can completely transform your time in the mountains. Elevate Your Experience in Any Season Banff is extraordinary on its own, but the right guide can turn a beautiful destination into something unforgettable. That’s why Radventures remains one of FarOut Wilderness’s most trusted partners. They combine local expertise, thoughtful pacing, and genuine passion for the Rockies in a way that consistently delivers. Whether you’re visiting in peak summer or deep winter, looking for classic highlights or unique activities in Banff, Radventures helps you escape the ordinary and truly elevate your experience. If Banff is on your Canada road trip itinerary, this is the kind of guide that makes all the difference. The post Partner Spotlight: Radventures appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article

One of the best parts of travelling by car or camper is flexibility. You are not locked into rigid schedules. You can linger longer, take the scenic detour, or add in that unforgettable experience you did not know you needed. If you are planning a Vancouver Island to Calgary road trip, you are already in for an incredible journey from rugged coastlines and wildlife rich waters to glacier fed lakes and towering Rocky Mountain peaks. There are countless experiences that can elevate your itinerary depending on your pace and travel style. Here are a few of our favourite activity add ons that work beautifully for travellers, adventure seekers and families alike. 1) Whale Watching on Vancouver Island Vancouver Island is one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild. Whether you are travelling with kids, exploring as a couple, or adventuring solo, a whale watching tour is an unforgettable addition to your road trip. 2) Campbell River Whale Watching Often overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbours, Campbell River is the unsung hero of Vancouver Island’s whale watching scene. Our trusted partner, Campbell River Whale Watching, runs unforgettable excursions into the rich waters of Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait, prime habitat for humpbacks, orcas, dolphins, sea lions and bald eagles. Why we love them: They are family run and deeply connected to the community Their boats are safe and stable in varying conditions They have a strong conservation ethic and educational focus Wildlife sightings are frequent and the waters are less crowded For adventure travellers, Campbell River makes an excellent basecamp. You will find beautiful camping options nearby like Elk Falls Provincial Park and Sayward Forest, perfect for post tour hikes, riverside evenings and campfire meals. If you are travelling with FarOut Wilderness, we can help coordinate your Campbell River Whale Watching experience directly with your rental, making it a seamless addition to your itinerary. 3) Eagle Wing Tours in Victoria Victoria is one of the most accessible whale watching departure points on Vancouver Island. If you are arriving via ferry or exploring the southern island, this is a natural stop. Eagle Wing Tours explores the Salish Sea, home to resident and transient orcas, humpback whales, porpoises and sea lions. Their tours combine deep wildlife knowledge with a strong conservation commitment. Their vessels are comfortable and family friendly, making them a great choice for travellers of all ages. After your tour, Victoria offers plenty to enjoy including the walkable Inner Harbour, historic architecture, gardens and a vibrant local food scene. Several well positioned campgrounds make it easy to stay nearby with your camper. 4) Grizzly Bear Tours During the Fall Salmon Run If your road trip falls between late August and October, consider timing part of your Vancouver Island stay around the salmon run. This is when grizzly bears gather along remote rivers to feed, creating one of the most powerful wildlife experiences in British Columbia. Guided grizzly tours, often accessed by boat or floatplane from Campbell River and surrounding coastal communities, offer safe and respectful viewing opportunities led by experienced naturalists. For families with older children and adventure focused travellers, this is a bucket list experience that adds incredible depth to your road trip. 5) Radventures Tours Radventures is a locally owned Banff tour company built around carefully curated small group adventures. Their passionate local guides understand the rhythms of the Rockies from timing visits to avoid peak crowds to knowing where wildlife is most active. They offer experiences across all four seasons. What makes them different is not just where they go but how they do it. Their tours are relaxed without feeling slow, informative without feeling scripted and adventurous without being overwhelming. For RV travellers navigating busy summer corridors like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, having logistics handled for you can completely change your experience. At FarOut Wilderness, we are intentional about the partners we recommend. Radventures stands out because they do not just offer Banff tours. They create thoughtful small group experiences that help travellers slow down, connect with the landscape and see the Rockies in a more meaningful way. Our Favourite Banff Summer Tours Best of Banff National Park Adventure – A full-day tour visiting Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and a few lesser-known local favourites. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the highlights without the stress of parking, planning, or peak-season traffic. Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Adventure – Experience these iconic lakes during golden hour when the light softens, crowds thin, and wildlife becomes more active. Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure – Explore scenic pathways and hidden viewpoints with e-bike assist, making it accessible for riders of varying ability levels and families with kids 8+. Our Favourite Banff Winter Tours Icefields Parkway & Ice Bubbles of Abraham Lake – A spectacular winter journey along the Icefields Parkway ending at Abraham Lake to see the famous frozen methane ice bubbles. Johnston Canyon Frozen Falls Adventure – Walk through dramatic canyon walls filled with shimmering icicles. Accessible for families yet impressive for seasoned travellers. Electric Fat Biking Banff Adventure – Ride packed snow trails on wide-tire e-bikes, making winter exploration in Banff surprisingly easy and fun. Book a Radventures Tour Here 6) Summer at McGillivray Pass Lodge If you are looking to to have a couple nights truly off the grid in a remote alpine hut, Whitecap Alpine’s McGillivray Pass Lodge is a perfect way to blend true backcountry bliss with the comforts of our campers or a hotel. Built in 1972, the lodge blends rustic charm with thoughtful amenities and accommodates groups of up to 15 guests, making it ideal for multi-family road trips or RV travellers seeking a mountain base. Amenities include hot showers, a sauna, a wood-burning fireplace, heated outhouses, a fully equipped kitchen, Wi-Fi, and plenty of outlets. The Main Lodge features a cozy lounge and dining area, while additional sleeping spaces include the Woodhall Sleeping Lodge, Rivendell Sleeping Lodge, and two heated yurts. Your stay also includes hot breakfasts, packed lunches for daily adventures, afternoon après, and hearty dinners prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s a great way to spend a night or two in the midst of a longer overland trip! Final Thoughts A Vancouver Island to Calgary road trip is already extraordinary. The right activity add ons turn a scenic drive into a deeply memorable adventure. Whether it’s watching orcas surface beside your boat, witnessing grizzlies during the salmon run, cycling beneath towering peaks in Banff or retreating to a mountain lodge for chef prepared meals, there are countless ways to personalize your journey. These are simply a few of our favourites. The beauty of a 4×4 travel is that your road trip can evolve with your energy, interests and family dynamics. Add what excites you. Slow down when it feels right. Create a journey that reflects your version of adventure. The post Best Activity Add-Ons for a Vancouver Island to Calgary Road Trip appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article

Deep Dive On KC’s Premium, Modular Light Bars There’s a moment with any lighting upgrade where specs stop mattering and a straightforward question takes over: Is my lighting capable of... The post KC HiLiTES FLEX ERA 40” Light Bar Review – Is It Worth The Price? appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

If you’re looking to dive into van life but want to test the waters first, the newest option from Sandy Vans is for you. The recently launched Superhero Rental Fleet from Sandy Vans offers fully-equipped luxury adventure vans for rent through our friends at Outdoorsy. This San Diego fleet offers four vans offering a variety of features to suit any traveler. Rental costs range from $225 to $600 per night. No matter which van you choose, you’ll get a cozy sleeping area, a full kitchen setup, plenty of storage, and the signature high-end finishes and practical designs that Sandy Vans are known for. Better yet, Sandy Vans will apply the rental fees to the cost of a custom van if you decide to take the next step and invest in an adventure van of your own. Sandy Vans offers even more customization through their builds, with vans ranging from the utilitarian to the luxurious, so you can end up with the rig that suits your life and adventures. READ MORE: 9 Must Have Items for Overland Expo SoCal “Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or considering a custom build, the Sandy Vans rental fleet lets you truly feel what van life is like before committing to ownership,” said CEO, Alan Mondus. “It’s an opportunity to live the adventure, fall in love with the lifestyle, and take that next step toward building your dream van.” If you’re looking to grab a van sooner than later, Sandy Vans also offers some ready-to-roll models on their site, but don’t delay. These tend to get snatched up quickly. If you’re heading to Overland Expo SoCal in a few short weeks, be sure to stop by the Sandy Vans booth to check out these awesome rigs in person. Grab a great discount on Overland Expo SoCal tickets until March 1! BUY TICKETS View the full article

The rain is starting to let up (well, occasionally), the days are getting longer, and the urge to head into the mountains is getting harder to ignore. Spring is officially on the horizon, and at Overland Outfitters, that means it’s time for our favorite event of the year. Clear your calendars for Saturday, March 28th from 12-4pm. We’re opening up the shop in Surrey for our annual Spring Kick-Off & Garage Sale, and this year is shaping up to be our biggest one yet. What is the Spring Kick-Off? If you’ve attended or seen our videos from previous years, you know the vibe. It’s not just a sale; it’s a gathering. It’s about getting the rigs together, talking shop, meeting the people behind the brands you love, and of course scoring some incredible deals. The Garage Sale & Community Gear Swap This is the heart of the event. We’re doing a massive warehouse clear-out with exclusive, in-person-only discounts on top brands. But it isn't just our gear. We want you to clear out your garage, too. Have an old set of recovery boards taking up space? Upgraded your lighting and have the old pods sitting on a shelf? The Gear Swap is your chance to bring your used gear, swap with others, or sell it to a fellow enthusiast. It’s the perfect way to fund your next upgrade while helping someone else get their rig trail-ready. Meet the Pros We aren't just clearing out the warehouse; we’re bringing in the experts. We have a heavy-hitting lineup of partners joining us this year to answer your technical questions and show off the latest tech. Confirmed Booths include: ARB: The legends of off-road durability. Bilstein: The gold standard in suspension. Wheel Pros: Representing a massive family of brands including Morimoto, Mickey Thompson, LOGIQ Air Suspension, Falcon Shocks, and more. YotaTune: The experts in Toyota performance. Wild Wrap: For all your aesthetic and protection needs. Thousands of $$$ in Prizes & Giveaways It wouldn't be a Kick-Off without a massive pile of prizes. We’ve already confirmed well over $2,000 worth of giveaways from some of our favorite names 🤑: Milwaukee Tools YotaTune Monster Energy ARB ...and we’re just getting started. We’ll be adding more prizes to the pile as we get closer to the date! Not in the Lower Mainland? While we’d love to see you at the shop, we haven't forgotten about our friends outside the Vancouver area. We will have a selection of exclusive deals running online throughout the day, so you can still gear up for spring from wherever you are. Save the Date: When: Saturday, March 28th Where: Overland Outfitters Shop - 18436 96 Ave #110, Surrey, BC What: Gear Swap, Partner Booths, Big Sales, Food, and Prizes. Keep an eye on this post and our social media as we’ll be updating this page with a full schedule of events and more confirmed partners as we get closer to the big day. ☝️See you here on March 28th! TLDR: Overland Outfitters Annual Spring Kick-Off and Garage Sale Date: March 28, 2026 Time: 12:00 – 4:00 PM PDT Location: 104-19232 38 Ave, Surrey, BC Current Prize Value: $2,000+ Confirmed Partners: Bilstein, ARB, Morimoto, Mickey Thompson, LOGIQ, Falcon, YotaTune, Wild Wrap Confirmed Prize Donors: Milwaukee, YotaTune, Monster Energy, ARB View the full article