Overlanding and Offroad articles

Quick Verdict: The 23Zero Peregrine PRO 270 (approximately $1,095) is the best 270 degree awning for overlanding, delivering 127 sq ft of freestanding shade with a sub-60-second deploy time. For overlanders on a tighter budget, the OVS Nomadic 270 LTE (approximately $350) provides solid 270-degree coverage at one-third the...

  Quick Verdict: A complete off-road lighting setup uses five lighting zones: forward driving, peripheral/cornering, fog/dust, scene/camp, and undercarriage. Start with a combo-beam LED light bar on your bumper for forward coverage (Zone 3), add ditch lights on the A-pillars for peripheral visibility (Zone 2), and finish with rock lights...

Quick Verdict: Leave no trace camping is the single most important practice keeping your favorite public lands open. Since 2020, the BLM has closed over 317 miles of backcountry routes near Moab and restricted 15,087 acres near Zion, specifically because of trash, human waste, and overuse. Following the 7...

Quick Verdict: Knowing how to pick a safe campsite separates a great night under the stars from a dangerous situation. This 9-point campsite safety checklist covers the campsite hazards most backcountry campers overlook: widow-makers, flash flood zones, fire clearances, and Leave No Trace waste management. Follow it every time...

Quick Verdict: The wall tent vs bell tent decision comes down to how you camp. Wall tents deliver 30-40% more usable floor space per square foot because of their vertical sidewalls, and they handle wood stove heating more efficiently for extended backcountry stays. Bell tents set up in 15-20...

Quick Verdict: Gas prices 2026 have surged to $3.98 nationally for regular unleaded and $5.37 for diesel, the highest levels in four years. The Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure triggered a 33% spike in three weeks, adding nearly $1 per gallon across the country. For truck and...

Quick Verdict: Amber vs white off-road lights is a question of physics, not preference. Amber (2,700K-3,000K) cuts through dust, fog, and snow with 590-625nm wavelengths too long to scatter off airborne particles. White (5,000K-6,500K) delivers 10-15% more raw lumens, making it superior on clear nights at speed. The smartest...

Quick Verdict: A safe water crossing starts before you reach the water. Check the depth on foot, know your vehicle's safe depth (30 inches for the Gladiator Rubicon, roughly 20 inches for the Colorado ZR2), select 4-Low 2nd gear, and maintain a steady bow wave. I've crossed dozens of...

Quick Verdict: The Flagpole Buddy Mini Starlink Flat Mount is the best starlink mini magnetic mount for overlanding trucks with textured or grooved roofs. Four magnets deliver 100 lbs of combined holding force, and the low-profile flat design keeps your Starlink Mini locked to your roof at highway speeds....

Sand Driving Techniques: The Complete 4WD Guide Quick Verdict: Successful sand driving techniques come down to three fundamentals: air down your tires to 15-18 PSI (or 12-15 PSI in soft dunes), maintain steady momentum without spinning, and select the right 4WD mode for the conditions. I've tested these principles across...