Overland Journal Summer 2024

ROW 1 @_poudredescampette_ Snorkeling this morning, taking advantage of the calm sea to get behind the reef (translated from French). Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico. @sotallrightnow Where else in the world can you experience all of this? Botswana is definitely the right spot for a nice blend of a motorcycle and safari adventure.  @overland.n.explore That mind-blowing blue! Throwback to our Kireas Lakes [island of Evia] trip. Yes, the water actually looks like that because of minerals flowing to it from nearby mines, so sadly, you can’t swim in the lake. ROW 2 @lifeofshack Surf check. @alvetoexpedition These are some of the last photos [taken on] the north coast of the Persian Gulf as we say goodbye to Iran, the incredible country that hosted us for the past three and a half…

JOE FLEMING A born-and-raised American, Joe is a US Army veteran who has been living in South Africa since 2014. After connecting with local motorcycle enthusiasts, he started organizing local rides and long weekend events and has found his niche of hosting international riders throughout Southern Africa on motorcycle adventures (not tours) with Bonafide Moto Co. No matter the challenge along the way, Joe and his team look after riders and always ensure everyone arrives at camp at the end of the day. Over the last 10 years, Joe has fallen in love with this part of the world. He identifies as a South African and has a mission to share Africa with other adventurers from around the globe. @sotallrightnow GARY AND MONIKA WESCOTT Gary and Monika Wescott have spent…

Entering the Moroccan souk is a fire-hose to the senses, the smell of cinnamon, cumin, and harissa filling the air, and wood smoke and scooter exhaust burning the eyes. The sounds of Arabic, interrupted by banging steel and honking horns, make the entire scene a wonder. I had arrived in Marrakech early to spend time in the medina and explore the history of this famed Red City. The city is rich in antiquity and is surrounded by overlanding paradise, which made Morocco the perfect location to test the new Ducati DesertX Rally. The DesertX was presented as a concept bike at EICMA in 2019, receiving immediate media praise and consumer demand. In the summer of 2022, I tested the debut model and was impressed by the rideability and suitability for…

Layering is the secret to dressing effectively for extreme cold weather, and being able to regulate your body temperature is critical. An overland journey to cold climates means that most of the day will be spent within a vehicle with occasional dashes into the elements for fuel stops or photo opportunities. A good base layer should be comfortable in a heated vehicle and for short or long forays into the cold while maintaining your core temperature. I found that Triple Aught Design’s 100 percent merino-wool Praetorian Hoodie and Overlord Sweater were a winning combination to keep my upper body toasty and comfortable. Designed for versatile use in a range of environments, they reflect a blend of historical inspiration and modern functionality, suitable for working through the day (combined with a…

PRAETORIAN HOODIE | $228 The Praetorian hoodie, inspired by the history of the Roman Empire’s elite Praetorian Guard, is designed for adaptable leaders who assume roles of responsibility. Made in Italy from 100 percent Australian merino wool, the hoodie offers an active fit and is Woolmark and RWS-certified. Its extra fine, 19-micron fabric ensures a comfortable, luxurious feel,​ and its unique aero hood design, reinforced elbows, and thumb-hole cuffs provide additional protection and functionality. The full front coil zipper and YKK zippers ensure durability and ease of use. The two hand-patch pockets and a Napoleon pocket offer practical storage options; the only slight criticism I have is of the size of the chest pocket, as it is barely large enough to store a wallet. However, the hand-patch pockets accommodate even large…

Overland travel can impose an array of demands on equipment, making it challenging to find gear that is both versatile and excels across conditions. As a traveler who journeys from the tropics to the Arctic and coasts to mountains, a sleep system that is comfortable in most of those environments is my Holy Grail, and the quest to find it ended with the Feathered Friends. FLICKER 20° SLEEPING BAG | $439 The premise is simple: an ultralight down quilt that transforms into a mummy sleeping bag. In warm conditions, you can lay the Flicker completely flat (the wide version is big enough to cover two close friends). In cooler conditions, you can cinch the footbox and neck with drawstrings and zip the bag into an efficient mummy or any permutation in…