Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2019 i Overland Journal

At Overland Journal, we have become believers in quality traction boards. In 2018, we tested most of the options on the market and awarded the MaxTrax MKII with our Editor’s Choice award. For 2019, Brad McCarthy and his team have released the newest version of their popular tracks, the Extreme, which is dimensionally the same as the standard MKII but includes several durability enhancements. Key features start with the 88 user-replaceable aluminum teeth and continue with reinforced ramps on both ends, which greatly improve durability under aggressive conditions and repeated use, particularly with any wheelspin. (SB) $449/PAIR | MAXTRAXUS.COM PROS Most durable and serviceable nylon recovery board Less affected by wheelspin than any other nylon board Improved spanning and ramping rigidity Broken teeth can be swapped out with a Torx…

I remember my first time driving a Nissan Patrol, a white, thoroughly abused model from the late 1960s that was a permanent fixture on my aunt and uncle’s ranch. Complete with Brahma bull stickers on the doors, it did everything from check fenceline to pull a massive stock trailer. It was durable in a way I had never imagined possible and is just one example of Nissan’s storied history of manufacturing robust backcountry vehicles. In November of 2018, I had the opportunity to drive the company’s latest models in their global lineup—in the world’s largest sandbox. NAVARA AT32 The first model that caught my attention, and ultimately my affection amongst all reviewed was the Navara AT32 pickup. It’s a corporate blending of the off-highway expertise of Arctic Trucks (AT) with…

It can sometimes be difficult to appreciate the nuances in coverage between various awnings, but when viewed from above the differences become clear. The Alu-Cab, Eezi-Awn, and Rhino-Rack share a common folding pattern that utilizes a single set of armatures making them quick to stow and deploy, but also providing less protection from the sun or rain. The Darche and Bundutec, on the other hand, gain a considerable increase in square footage by using a second armature which folds forward toward the hood. The cost is that they require an additional step during setup and breakdown, adding complexity.…

The Darche awning was the wild card in our test. We had virtually no experience with the product, or indeed the brand as a whole. Like the Bundutec, the Darche was also designed to fit a wide variety of applications, but their installation process didn’t require hours of work and pinpoint accuracy to complete. The universal mounting brackets were expertly crafted with clean welds and a solid powder coat, and incorporated details like a slight rise near the joint to accommodate the edge of your roof rack. The cover even had convenient Velcro openings through which to slide the hardware into the track. These touches showed how much thought went into development. The bag is made from laminated 600 GSM PVC which looked and felt great. However, it was apparent…

Just five years ago, the selection of 270 awnings available in North America was scant, yet their popularity soon spurred a manufacturing race that led to more options and innovations than ever before. This rapid expansion has made it hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. Our evaluation revealed that unlike many products we review, the price and features of 270 awnings didn’t always correlate with quality or ease of use. Small nuances like zipper choice or bag size could make large impacts on practicality, leveling the playing field between the most affordable and most expensive awnings in the test. I had originally suspected that selecting an Editor’s Choice Award would be the most difficult part of the evaluation; it turns out that the Value Award posed a far…

It’s important to have field pants that cover the middle ground. We’re not talking about waxed über-cotton kit, cutting-edge combat trousers, or dedicated snow and ice outerwear. Here, we examine some of the best everyday wear trousers that are not too tactical or technical. We didn’t delve into post-wash drying times, wicking après field, shrinkage specifications, or zipper versus button fly performance. Naturally, we couldn’t cover all brands or models. Most of these trousers will thrive as a field pant and after-trail dinner attire—a dual purpose travel and field destination pant. They may have various pockets, but not the billowing military-issue type, and can be worn in Egypt, Colombia, or down to the local tavern. A few hidden pockets are fine, but not so many necessitating a personal pat down…

Regular readers may recall that I have spent a great deal of my flexible time as an amateur poisonous snake wrangler and own a Ford F250 that was purpose-built for this task. I know this will come as a shock to many, but I’m considering giving it up. The snake milking, that is, not the F250. At least not yet. More on that later. For now, let’s think about how we spend our precious free time. Are our choices worthy? I’m a huge fan of the British/Indian hunter and writer, Edward James Corbett, and his most certainly were. Gentleman Jim was the son of British parents and grew up in rural India. Please forgive the unearned familiarity (although after reading and rereading all of his first editions I do sort…

Eastern Utah and Western Colorado encompass some of the most beloved off-pavement trails and backcountry terrain in all of North America. Moab, specifically, draws in thousands of visitors each year, stunning them with secluded escapes amidst serene landscapes, but times are changing. Thanks to increases in exposure and therefore traffic, many of the places used to escape the crowds are now inundated with them, detracting from the private experiences we seek and accelerating wear on the environment. As part of local efforts to relieve traffic and expose visitors to different sights, simultaneously increasing tourism to the towns of Nucla and Naturita, a new trail was developed from Moab, Utah, to Montrose, Colorado. A 160-mile route winds over red rock, through aspen groves, along the edges of sheer cliffs, and across…

Oh, I remember the first time I got stuck in the dirt. But the very first time I found a vehicle unmovable was the night my dad gave me my car when I got my license. I wrecked that Honda Accord within two minutes of taking the wheel, attempting to make my way to the Baskin Robbins on Ventura Boulevard in Los Angeles. It is all a bit foggy, though the memory of excessive speed, being 17 years old, and water being present in a turn comes to mind. Just like wrecking that Honda in a New York minute, I desperately wanted to blame the universe and countless other excuses for my later misadventure. The truth is, we get stuck because sometimes we just screw up. But I have started…

Machined from 6AL4V Grade 5 titanium, the same used in medical and marine applications, the Maratac Peanut XL lighter by CountyComm is a high-quality piece of field and survival gear. The Peanut XL’s advantages over the Split Pea and Peanut sizes are not only the larger, easier to manipulate flint wheel but also the exceptional fuel capacity. The XL is 2.75 inches in length, with a .75-inch diameter. It’s waterproof, and the housing’s O- ring also prevents the cap from inadvertently loosening. The removable flint wheel and fuel cell unit is solid brass. Spare flints and O-rings stash between the fuel wadding and felt. Zippo or Ronsonol lighter fluid (naphthalene) is the requisite fuel but white gas (Coleman fuel) for camp stoves also works. Stick to these fuels. With the…

We all know the standard brake controller, a massive appendage mounted below the dash that bruises the driver’s knee with regularity. There had to be a better way, and I found just that product on my last trip to Australia. The Tow-Pro Elite is the only controller that has a mode specifically for off-pavement use. A three-axis accelerometer feeds the unit’s algorithms to provide an inertia-sensing “proportioning mode” and a “user-controlled mode” which apply manually set and consistent braking for the dirt (the most notable potential scenario is in a steep descent). Changing modes requires a button and brake press sequence that may be difficult to remember with intermittent use. It works with 9-32 volt systems and installs with only a small dial visible on the dash. $202 | REDARCELECTRONICS.COM…

With only two hours before sundown, a choice had to be made: we could sleep here next to the river, or attempt the arduous climb back up the steep trail leading out of the canyon. Not wanting to risk getting caught in the dark—or worse yet, dropping the bike after an already exhausting day on a trail resembling a goat’s path more than a road—we decided to stay. This was not our intended plan, but there we were at the bottom of the Chicamocha Canyon in rural Colombia with no bridge to cross the river. Thankfully, this is a frequently encountered scenario for us, and one we are mentally well prepared for. Our evening would now be spent listening to the rushing water while we rested for the night. For…

Eezi-Awn has been producing high-quality overland gear for more than 36 years. Their approach of using proven designs and materials has given them loyal customers the world over, but with recent advances in awning and tent technology, we were curious to see how the Bat would stack up. Installation was among the easiest in the test thanks to Eezi-Awn’s integrated rear track system and Front Runner’s specific brackets, which only require basic hand tools to bolt on in a matter of minutes. Once installed, we were able to open the awning up and get our first good look at the quality. As we had suspected, the fit and finish of the components was superb, with a tidy and professional presentation on every corner, edge, and surface. The fabric had no…

“What do you mean the boat is late? How late?” A combination of mechanical delays, bad weather, and agent apathy meant that our 1954 Land Rover (Series 1, 86-inch station wagon) was going to arrive a month late in the UK. This set the tone for two things that happened over and over on our trip: every time we put our truck on a boat or in a container, it seemed to get lost or delayed; and surprisingly, Facebook came to our rescue in the form of various Land Rover enthusiasts and groups looking to help us. With the truck delayed, we posted on Facebook, asking if anyone in England happened to have a vehicle we could borrow for four weeks. A couple of days later, Pete West, a friend-of-a-friend-of-a-friend…

Prior to witnessing the Serengeti migration for the first time, I thought I had more of an understanding of what it entailed. I had dreamt about seeing this phenomenal sight for many years, only to realize the scale of how it all threaded together was far more impressive than I had imagined. This vast ecosystem, known to the Maasai people as “the land of endless plains,” covers approximately 30,000 square kilometers and is one of the oldest on the planet. It has a staggering diversity of plants, wildlife, and insects as well as being home to the largest terrestrial mammal migration in the world. The ancient route of the wildebeest follows a clockwise cycle with three vital aspects: feeding, breeding, and the weather. It is an epic journey they undertake…

“Welcome to the unarmed forces,” is a slogan at Combat Flip Flops, a company founded by a group of former US Army Special Operations soldiers. In addition to flip-flops, the company sells clothing and accessories, all made in Afghanistan, Laos, and Colombia. Their model is simple: by manufacturing products in post-conflict countries, jobs are created and livelihoods improved, so that a country can transition onto a path of peace and economic prosperity. The company grew out of cofounder Matthew “Griff” Griffin’s and his partners’ experiences at the forefront of war. Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq in the US Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment, the world’s most elite infantry unit, Griff was in direct combat with Al-Qaida and other enemies. He also witnessed how civilians suffered. After a while, he grew disillusioned…

When I was growing up, our camp meals included Ball Park Franks, bologna sandwiches (always with potato chips, for crunch), and cheeseburgers. There’s nothing wrong with any of those selections, but that stuff can get old fast, and unlike in my younger years, health is a little more important to me now. There’s also the inner foodie in me that enjoys some of the finer choices in life and finding that balance on and off the trail can sometimes be a challenge. There’s no reason to skimp on preparing healthy and delicious meals while camping though, especially when it’s so easy. I saw a friend of mine cook this dish up for lunch one afternoon. I had never thought to bring fish, or lobster for that matter, camping and I…

The MyFAK Basic is 4 x 7 x 8 inches, contained in a heavy-duty, 600-denier soft case, and accessed through two large, easy-to-pull zippers. It has a limited quantity of consumables to treat minor injuries, scrapes, and sunburns and would make a good bug-out or backpacking kit—the Mylar blanket is a nice touch. But travelers with a vehicle’s payload at their disposal owe it to themselves to carry a kit with more robust capability. For those traveling beyond the reach of traditional emergency medical services, you’ll want something that also includes a full-sized SAM splint, a full-sized elastic bandage, an oral or nasal airway, and more than two packets of Tylenol. MyMedic does have more complete choices suitable for backcountry travel, and kits are available in four sizes from wallet…

Vehicles like the BMW GS, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Mercedes Benz Unimog are often a reflection of the sum of their parts, and represent idyllic intangibles of legacy, brand commitment, and fervent consumer loyalty. In the case of the BMW GSA, I am often asked not only why the motorcycle is so special, but why I think it is so special. An element of bias certainly exists for me, with some of it for defensible reasons, and others not so much. My bias is primarily leveraged by extensive experience with the GS. I have ridden these bikes for over a decade and on four continents, spent months living off them, bashed them off of Utah slickrock, and even experienced significant life-changing introspection while gripping the bars of these Teutonic twins.…

As I tightened the last bolt of the awning’s mounting bracket, I smiled, envisioning how the scene would unfold. Soon I would be sitting on some remote sandy beach, the waves lapping on the shore while I sipped a cold drink beneath the unfurled shade. My travel companion would congratulate me on my wise investment, and we would spend the afternoon relaxing in the breeze while other poor souls baked in the tropical sun. After a few hours of relaxation, I would fold the awning away in moments, leaving it neatly packed until it was needed once more. Things did not go according to plan. What actually occurred was a mixture of bad choices, unsavory language, and what appeared to be a scene from the movie Twister. In other words,…

Bundutec has been making innovative off-pavement products like electric-powered rooftop tents for years in the Australian market, but they’ve only recently made their way to North America. After testing their Bundutop tent, we were excited to try out their medium-sized 270 awning. The Bundu L was designed to fit as many applications as possible by using generic hardware and brackets, which has its advantages, but also made the Bundutec the most difficult to install. The process required a total of 16 holes to be drilled without guidance or templates: four in each of the two T brackets, four in the roof rack, and four in the awning itself. You also need to punch four holes in the bag, but that seems like a cakewalk after the drilling. There are plenty…

Few Overland vehicles can be justifiably called legends. Even fewer survive 60 years and keep on overlanding—especially having returned from the dead. One such example is the Series One Land Rover called Oxford, one half of the vehicles used in the 1955 Oxford and Cambridge Far Eastern Expedition which drove from Hyde Park in London through 18,000 miles of jungle, mud, and desert to Singapore. The tale of this expedition is well-known and can be read in Tim Slessor’s excellent book First Overland. When the expedition was completed, the two Land Rovers were sold, and the human participants returned to everyday life. Cambridge sadly has, until now, been lost in the sands of history, but Oxford had a more colourful life. On returning to the UK, she was lent to…

Lesotho’s smooth rolling hills and intermittent rocky crags, and the way each mountain’s many shades of green reflect a sheen onto the unfettered landscape will leave you breathless. Meeting Lesotho’s people, who are warm and quietly affectionate individuals with a great sense of grace and pride, will create memories you won’t soon forget. Perhaps it is this purity that makes this destination such a gift to the open-hearted traveller. Or maybe it’s Lesotho’s way of leading your inner explorer back in time, enabling the rediscovery of a fading existence that many in the West yearn for. My two-week trip covered all three of the country’s terrains. Two-thirds of Lesotho is covered by an unpopulated mountainous region, which is then bordered by a zone of foothills where crop farming and herding…

In preparation for your journeys, you will no doubt visit REI or Cape Union Mart or Decathlon or whichever “outdoor adventure” retailer has the market share in your country. There you will be seduced by a vast array of products, each seemingly essential and equally desirable. Water filters, solar torches, fire starters, carabiners, deep Arctic sleeping bags, inflatable pillows, collapsible cooking equipment, solar ovens, sporks, and Frisbee plates will all tempt you. Chances are you already have a decent collection of gear sitting at home, a collection which you started assembling when you were 11 years old. Do yourself a favour: resist the temptation to buy new equipment which is not absolutely necessary and keep the money in your pocket. If you have doubts whether you will use it, you…