Overlanding and Offroad articles

Quick Facts: Topic: Best off-road GPS app picks for iOS and Android Apps covered: 9 (onX Offroad, Gaia GPS, Trails Offroad, onX Hunt, RV LIFE, NPS, Avenza, CalTopo, Organic Maps) Platforms: Every pick runs on both iPhone and Android Best overall: onX Offroad Best free option: Organic Maps Best...

Choosing between steel vs aluminum overland trailers shapes every trip you take into the backcountry. For years I have overlanded out of California, and the frame under my gear has always mattered more to me than the badge on the tailgate. Similarly, both metals build capable rigs. However, they...

Quick Facts: Lineup: 2026 Toyota Tacoma, eight trims, three built for the dirt Off-road trims ranked: TRD Off-Road, Trailhunter, TRD Pro Engine: 2.4L turbo four, with an i-FORCE MAX hybrid option Hybrid output: 326 hp and 465 lb-ft (Trailhunter rated at 323 hp) Max towing: up to 6,500 lbs ...

Quick Facts: Topic: Living in a tent long term from a vehicle-supported basecamp Trip length: 2 to 6 weeks, or a full season in one spot Shelter type: Heavy-duty synthetic canvas wall or bell tent Skill level: Beginner to intermediate Time to build camp: A few hours for the...

Quick Facts: Topic: Free dispersed camping in Utah Spots covered: 12 (redrock desert and alpine forest) Land managers: BLM and U.S. Forest Service Typical cost: $0 (a few areas need a free permit) Stay limit: 14 days; 16 in some BLM and forest units Vehicle needed: Stock SUV to...

Quick Facts: Models returning: Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Overland Model year: 2027 Engine: 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo, 324 hp, 332 lb-ft Trailhawk ground clearance: 11.4 inches (best-in-class) Max towing: 6,200 pounds (best-in-class) Trailhawk tires: 30.5-inch Goodyear Territory All-Terrain Protection: Six high-strength steel skid plates Built at: Detroit Assembly Complex...

Quick Facts: Product: Mammoth Overland XLE (Xtinction Level Escape) Dry Weight: 4,500 lb Max Gross Weight: 5,200 lb Tongue Weight: 400 lb Dimensions: 18'4" long, 7'4" wide, 9'6" tall Power: 1,200Ah battery, 400W solar, portable generator Tires: 33" HD terrain on forged aluminum wheels Price: $123,994 base Best for:...

Quick Facts: Topic: Fire restrictions for camping and overlanding Region: 10 Western US states 2026 outlook: Above-normal wildfire risk, May through August (NIFC) Acres burned by early May: 1.85 million, nearly double the 10-year average Drought coverage: About 63% of the US as of May 1, 2026 Where to...

Quick Facts: Topic: Free dispersed camping in Colorado Spots covered: 12 (river benches, slickrock, and alpine passes) Land managers: BLM and U.S. Forest Service Typical cost: $0 (some busy corridors use free numbered sites) Stay limit: 14 days on most land; 16 in the San Juan National Forest Vehicle...

Quick Facts: Vehicles: 2027 Jeep Wrangler Sarge (two-door and four-door) and Jeep Gladiator Sarge Series: Eighth release in the Twelve 4 Twelve Wrangler program Inspiration: The 1941 Willys MB military scout vehicle Signature color: '41 Green olive-drab, first offered in 2020 Base trims: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Willys Wheels...