Before the Corona Virus put the state of Michigan and most other states on a draconian lock-down, my son and I decided to test our navigation skills and plan a bug-out route from our home to a predetermined location in the FJ Cruiser. First off, I’m not an end of the world prepper per-se but […]
Overland Camping
New Gear | Pinnacle Pro Stove from GSI Outdoors
Every time I exit the Colorado Convention Center after attending Outdoor Retailer, there are a few new items that really impress me. Something revolutionary or an item to make life better in the outdoors. An item I must get my hands on for one reason or another. This winter, one of those items is a […]
The 10 Commandments of Modifying an Overland Vehicle
Here is a great article originally posted on Expedition Portal by Scott Brady / September 23rd, 2019. Scott goes into the nitty gritty of what works and what doesn’t when building an Overland vehicle. Keeping things as light and simple as possible are the key takeaways. However, most of us new to Overlanding are guilty of breaking […]
DMOS Mount for the Alpha Series Shovel | Keeping your Overland rig organized
This past winter I reviewed the Alpha 2 shovel from the DMOS Collective. After a winter to remember, I can unequivocally state that the Alpha Series shovel was a clear winner. Tired of buying those flimsy Walmart shovels that crack in the cold? Bent and broken handers? It’s time to put those days behind […]
Vehicle Maintenance | Changing the Engine Oil on the FJ Cruiser
I know what you’re thinking after reading the title. What the hell does changing your oil have to do with gear? Well, having the right tools to make a messy job easier involves some gear. But with all the convenient quick lube shops, why would anyone want to crawl under a vehicle to change their […]
iKamper Skycamp Mini: A Game Changing Rooftop Tent
They are going to be displaying their brand new Skycamp Mini rooftop tent at the SHOT Show Pop-Up Preview on Wednesday, Jan 22. Head up to the 5th floor of the Palazzo Ballroom and you won’t be able to miss this amazing new rooftop tent, right in the center of the room (check out the attachments for the details). […]
2011 FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Overland Rig walk-around
For the last 3 years we’ve been using a full size Toyota Tundra work truck for Overland travel. After some deliberation, we decided it’s time to invest in a dedicated Overland Rig. Since we’ve had such fantastic luck with the Tundra from a mechanical standpoint, we decided to look within the same family for continued […]
Overland Essentials: FLUX Rechargeable LED Light and Power Station
There’s no such thing as too much light. I like to see what I’m doing at all times. This is why I’ve added several auxiliary lights to my Overland rigs and have several work lights in my garage. One item that has proven to be a versatile addition to my Overland set-up is the FLUX […]
A new Overland Vehicle for The Gear Bunker?
Overland Travel It was around three years ago that I was originally introduced to Overlanding. After a trip to Outdoor Retailer, Tepui was kind enough to send roof top tent for us to demo for the summer. So I mounted it atop my 2007 Tundra and our new adventure began. In 2018, I finally sold […]
Keewenaw Overland Adventure Retreat | KOAR
For the past two years, Overlanders from all over the United States descend on a remote patch of rock jutting into Lake Superiors stormy waters. That rock is located in Michigans Upper Peninsula and is commonly known as the Keewenaw Peninsula. And the annual get together is the Keewenaw Overland Adventure Retreat or KOAR. This […]
Overland Expo East | 2019
Overland Expo is a biannual gathering of vehicle based travelers and adventurers from all over the world. Twice a year, the journey to Expo West in the spring and Expo East in the fall takes place. Currently residing in Northern Michigan, I made the 12 hour trip Southeast to Infinity Downs in Arrington Virginia, the […]
The Road to Overland Expo East via the Daniel Boone National Forest
After attending last years Overland Expo in North Carolina, I couldn’t wait to return. This year, there was a change of venue to Arrington, Virginia and an earlier calendar date. Like most road trips, I tend to map out the more conventional and fastest route from my home in Northern Michigan. This year, I looked […]
Protecting the Toyota Tundra with Victory 4×4 Strike Rock Sliders
I’m in a bit of a conundrum with my Toyota Tundra. It’s the vehicle I use for daily operations while running my construction company. It’s also my Overland rig. As much as I want to push it’s limits while exploring, I’m not ready to beat it up. I have to find the balance between dragging […]
Keeping clean with the Helio Pressure Shower from Nemo Equipment
Cleanliness while camping As soon as you leave the comfort and convenience of civilized life behind, you’ll realize that several tasks we take for granted are more difficult in the woods. Personal hygiene is one such task. Take away running water, sinks, toilets and showers and you’ll see what I mean. While spending time in […]