Innehållsförteckning för Spring 2020 från Overland Journal

Garmin has been at the forefront of vehicle-based GPS systems for over two decades, and it shows in their latest flagship range, the Drive series, available in 5- or 7-inch screen sizes. The touch screen is bright and responsive and automatically dims to a high-contrast night mode to preserve night vision. Garmin’s mature route-finding algorithms make turn-by-turn navigation a snap. The remarkable feature of this compact and durable unit is the flexibility provided by the micro SD card slot. The free Open Street Maps can be legally converted for the Garmin, opening up a world of possibilities. These maps are extremely accurate and detailed, containing not only all roads but also walking tracks, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, campgrounds, rivers, lakes, mountains, and borders—to name a few categories. I…

I bought my first rooftop tent 10 years ago, a used Howling Moon with a tan cover, weather-worn canvas walls, and a folding floor made of wood. At the time, I thought it was the pinnacle of camping technology, but it was actually a relic. Its bulky design had already been roaming the African and Australian continents unchanged for decades before arriving on American soil. These days, RTTs need to be slimmer, lighter, and more versatile than ever before if they wish to compete, and that’s precisely what Roofnest was aiming for when they produced the Falcon. At just 7 inches thick, the Falcon XL is one of the thinnest tents on the market, which translates to a smaller impact on your fuel economy, a greater chance of fitting into…

The idea of selling every worldly possession and buying an expedition camper is the goal of many over-landers, and it is easy to daydream of living full-time on the road from the comfort of a yacht on wheels. Many have done it, often for decades at a time. However, there are so many options to consider and manufacturers to vet, that it is easy to be overwhelmed by the available choices and miss the most fundamental principles of camper ownership. Expedition campers can be viewed as excessive or even a liability to use for remote overland travel. However, realities in the field have not proven this to be the case. In 2009, I drove to the Darién Gap in a small Jeep-based camper called the EarthRoamer XV-JP, and it performed…

EarthRoamer (ER) is one of the longest-running domestic overland camper manufacturers; the initial prototype was designed and commissioned by CEO Bill Swails in 1998. Bill has been an overlander, traveler, and photographer for decades, even while working as an engineer and executive in the aerospace and telecom industries. Exceedingly popular, and complete with a star-studded owner roster, it is their attention to reliability and continuous improvement that distinguishes the company. They build only one or two models at a time and gain the economy of scale and quality that comes from focus. EarthRoamers are impressively luxurious (lots of leather, granite, and stainless steel), but also have genuine travel chops. I have tested them in conditions varying from the jungles of Nicaragua to the switchbacks of Mosquito Pass. Additionally, I know…

As with any review, the findings reflect a combination of the evaluator’s preferences and the empirical data. Long gone are the days of globally-serviceable (new) Mitsubishi FG and Mercedes Unimogs that were sold in nearly every country and could consume high-sulfur diesel like a 12-year-old kid drinks cola. Yes, those vehicles can be found used, and should still be considered for those with around-the-world aspirations. Otherwise, the limitations of modern expedition campers need to be accepted, and I recognize that most buyers will travel in North America, with short forays into Mexico. During my years as a firefighter in the US Air Force, I spent a substantial amount of time driving commercial-rated vehicles and LMTV- and FMTV-based crash and brush fire trucks. The larger the vehicle, the more limited it…

In our Gear 2016 issue, we examined some watches that could be used for adventurous pursuits. Here, we take a look at several options that are purposefully built for exploration and travel and have the pedigree and field hours to back them up. They are iconic or modern yet classically influenced designs, which are generally unassuming. With one exception, the Casio G-Shock, all have automatic movements. These are enduring timepieces you could take on a six-month trip around South America, where ultra-light packing and mechanical reliance is vital, and daily dependence on charging isn’t optimal or desired. Some of the watches exhibit battle scars. Most have non-stock bands, frayed from extensive use. A few have modifications to the case, crystal, hands, or dial. For some, having a purposeful, classic field…

Amongst the overland community, Panama has been nicknamed the funnel or bottleneck. For some, it is the end of a journey; to others, it is only the gateway to South America. As Central America squeezes into a rapidly approaching dead end, the route options and stops along the way seem to disappear—or rather, people have by now given up searching for them. Panama’s narrow profile boasts an all too easy highway running its entire length. And more often than not, we hear the same story: that the excitement of what lies beyond (either north or south) has sped the journey through Panama, robbing the unsuspecting traveller of the hidden beauty just beyond the blacktop. Volcanoes, waterfalls, and wildlife come to mind when thinking about Panama’s neighbor, Costa Rica. As for…

In lieu of brown bears or galloping wildebeests (which are scarce in the UK this time of year), Tom Sheppard chases down planes and automobiles to show us how to better use a telephoto lens. See it, nail it, pan it—click. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Is it a crocodile snout briefly appearing out of a vast, smooth sheet of muddy water? Or a majestic condor against a vast blue Patagonian sky? What do they have in common? They are all likely targets for a long telephoto lens—with a narrow angle of view. But first, you have to locate your distant subjects with this tiny viewing frame; then you may, smooth and steady, have to pan them. And you’ve got to be darn quick about both. Visually,…

The Sony autofocus in AF-C mode (yours, too?) will focus on the nearest object within the expanded focus area you need. As you pan a moving vehicle, the image of the vehicle, relative to the line of sight, is of a rotating object (right). The nearest part of that object will thus change as you pan—the AF picking up first on the front corner of the car, then—if the aspect has a high contrast (bold van graphics, for example), select the side view. As the car moves away, it will focus on the rear end. Selecting multi-exposure (continuous shooting) before you start the pan means the software does not have to keep on repeating the startup and focus point selection after (a hurried and likely imprecise) half-press of the shutter…

The Land Cruiser is nearly synonymous with overland travel, being far and away the most common model for remote or foreign journeys. Its success in this regard has been the ideal blending of reliability, capability, and capacity. From NGOs in Africa to cattle stations in Australia, the venerable Land Cruiser has driven humanity forward. As a way to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the model, Toyota has released a Heritage Edition for 2020. And while most consumers view this low-volume premium SUV as a luxury vehicle, it is actually the quality of construction and robustness of components that drive most of the cost, this platform being produced on the same manufacturing line as the 70 Series. Mr. Koyari called this vehicle “the strongest Land Cruiser we have ever made,” during…

For over two decades, All Terrain Warriors (ATW) has constructed composite campers in Australia and developed a reputation for both quality and well-engineered solutions. This commitment is further reinforced by the fact that Sports-mobile West selected the Alpha as their medium-duty truck solution of choice. As with most of the companies in this review, ATW has a niche, garnering broad accolades within Australia. They specialize in commercial and tourism industry conversions to the Mitsubishi Fuso cab chassis. As a result, they have extensive experience with body-mounting systems, single-rear-wheel conversions, and suspension design proven across millions of miles of commercial use. The ATW Alpha Camper conversion was developed over two years of engineering and testing, with a foundation of self-sufficiency and durability. They use infused vinyl ester panels for a strong…

“Have you driven something like this before?” I wanted to tell the handler of this beautiful azure blue 1967 Nissan Patrol that I had, indeed, driven many older vehicles. But the truth is, in my years as an automotive writer, I’ve spent a lot of time in cars with advanced creature comforts like air conditioning and fuel injection. “She’s a bit finicky, “ he continued, “and don’t over-rev it, or she’ll throw a rod.” Immediately, I began frantically looking for a tachometer so I could see how many revs I was using. Right, there wasn’t one. What’s the worst that could happen? My anxiety was at an all-time high as I put the 3-speed manual into first gear to set off down the trail. You see, this wasn’t just a…

If you reside in one of over a hundred eligible countries, a visa is not required to enter Panama. You will need a passport valid for a minimum of three months after your entry date. A quick online search is recommended before planning your trip to ensure you do not require a visa. embassyofpanama.org The dry season in Panama spans from mid-December through mid-April, making this an ideal time to visit. During the wet season, Panama has a tropical maritime climate, hot and humid. The amount of rainfall can vary greatly between the Pacific and Caribbean sides, with the Caribbean receiving much more precipitation. The temperature remains the same throughout the year, with an average daily high of around 30°C. There is no shortage of hotels and guest houses to…

Traveling lacks predictability. Even writing that causes me heart palpitations and a cold sweat. I like certainty and the ability to plan. I have lists—oh, the number of lists I write every day. Travel seems incompatible with some of my more particular quirks, but there’s one part of it that overrides my need for predictability: I love the constant pressure to think on my feet and come up with instant and creative solutions to unanticipated problems. This need for problem-solving is good for the brain. The Mayo Clinic’s research has found that lifelong learning and thinking games can help prevent cognitive decline later in life. So when I’m on the road and straining my brain to come up with a fix—it’s probably beneficial for me, too. In fact, anyone traveling,…

After six years of traveling full-time in our camper van, we have learned several lessons. One of the most crucial to our wellbeing is that the food we make should be easy, fast, simple, and healthy. Sourcing local ingredients and following a recipe is rewarding, but sometimes you want to break the rules, improvise, and spice it up a bit. Mediterranean food culture runs in our blood, lending a passion toward rich ingredients and full flavors. So, it should come as no surprise that we devised a camping version of the Persian classic khoresh bādemjān. Blending fresh veggies typical of Mediterranean cuisine along with a touch of Arabic spices results in a delicious savory dish. This stew is an ideal hot and filling supper for cold nights, or after a…

Not long ago, my family decided to spend a week with some relatives at Lake Powell. It’s a week that my kids love because they can spend time with their cousins (on my wife’s side), but I do not like it because it means being trapped on a houseboat (albeit, a very nice houseboat) with my in-laws for a week. My wife’s family is very accommodating and very quiet—perhaps one step above catatonic—but I love them, and they take good care of my kids. Inserting me into that scenario year after year was like hiring Led Zeppelin to do a gig at a nursing home: neither party really wants it. So, I stayed home. It was the week of July 4, which meant it was the time of year to…

Last summer, Garmin released the first GPS unit designed specifically with the overland community in mind. Appropriately named the Overlander, it touts features like a rugged dustproof case, preloaded offline maps of North and South America, offline databases from iOverlander and Ultimate Public Campgrounds, InReach integration, and offline turn-by-turn navigation. The Overlander is one of the most enjoyable GPS devices I have ever used. The menus are easy to navigate, the screen is bright enough to see during the day, and the magnetic charging mount makes pulling the device on and off the windshield a snap. Because the topo maps and campground databases are preloaded, you don’t have to worry if you have the right map regions downloaded for your destination. I liked the optional forward-facing trail and backup cameras,…

Founded in the mid-1970s by a husband and wife team working from their California home, Pelican products have since grown to range from ruggedized shipping cases and ancillary scuba equipment to outdoor scene lighting and more. The company also expanded overseas with numerous manufacturing, distribution, and subsidiary business concerns. Undeniably, Pelican’s Protector Case is their most recognized item. The original polypropylene cases, with their signature pressure equalization valve, stout handles, and an O-ring between the lid and case, are arguably the industry’s gold standard. Water and dust resistant, it’s hard to imagine either entering once a Pelican is sealed. If a water crossing is deeper than anticipated, a colleague leaves the case outside overnight, or an unexpected sandstorm kicks up, Pelican Protectors will keep gear dry and dust-free. I’ve used…

It’s 0630 hours, June 6, 2019. Dawn turns to day on Omaha Beach. A fiery sun pierces a wash of watercolor clouds as it ascends. I stood on the wet sand just below the sleepy fishing village of Vierville-sur-Mer, where three-quarters of a century ago, thousands of men slogged ashore and were met by a hurricane of German firepower. Suffering massive casualties, it took the men, some of them still in their teens, the entire day to wear down the Germans in their fortified bunkers and take the beachhead. Operation Overlord had begun. By the end of the day on June 6, 1944, approximately 160,000 American, British, Canadian, and French troops landed on the beaches in Normandy, France, or were dropped from airplanes behind enemy lines and breached the walls…

Acela Truck Company of Montana works with several North American and European camper manufacturers to create the ideal solution for the buyer’s needs. Acela specializes in the purchase of newer A1 Class 6-8 trucks with either 4x4 or 4x6 configurations. The A1 variant provides CAN-bus integration with the factory engine management. Acela has collaborated with several companies to design and integrate various campers with the Monterra chassis dimensions and the vehicles’ electrical, fuel, and body systems. One of the biggest issues with most overland vehicles is payload, but there are ways to solve it, such as utilizing an LMTV. The capacity of even the 4WD version is impressive, with a payload range of 8,999-17,139 pounds. That is more payload than 10 Jeep Gladiators, all while boasting 40-degree approach and departure…

My partner, Coen, was determined not to go. “Machu Picchu is such a tourist trap,” he argued. He most certainly isn’t the only traveler to feel this way; many wonder whether the high entrance fee and expensive train are worth paying to see some Inca ruins, of which there are hundreds in Peru. I, on the other hand, was in denial. Machu Picchu was important to me. The site was related to my childhood dreams and the feeling of that first itch of wanting to travel. I remember sitting in my room, doing homework while listening to the transistor radio on my desk that stood against a wall papered in green with orange and purple circles. It was the late seventies, and I must have been 10 or 12 years…

Yampa Bench Road is an 18-mile route that runs along a flat “bench” above the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument. Traveling this route through the southeast boundary of the monument, we took our time, allowing for the classic Colorado afternoon thunderstorms to roll in. As the rain started and stopped, too moody to make up its mind, we joked about how most of our trips involve surrendering to Mother Nature in some regard. Content and protected from the elements by our truck, we continued down the winding dirt road. The landscape is high desert, with seas of petrified trees, grasses, and bushes that are especially lush and green—at least after the particularly wet spring. The free-range livestock roaming the monument looked to be flourishing, with a large number of…

Everything I knew about towing a trailer told me we were screwed. The ledge was too tall to roll over, our speed was too high to swerve, and our angle of approach was a perfect offset to flip the trailer. Even if we miraculously managed to stay upright over the jump, the dip and mud pit on the other side would surely finish the job. I had only a split second to look at Dan, the driver, and mutter an expletive before his 200-Series Land Cruiser struck the edge. The vehicle launched into the air with a shudder, throwing my stomach up into my throat; I found my gaze pinned to the trailer in the rearview. Half a moment later, the Brüder’s front left tire struck, and I held my…

As a child, there were a few things I “knew” about what lay beyond the borders of Texas. In the States, the Southeast was a land of sugary sand beaches and muggy afternoons; the Northeast was home to big cities, cold weather, and lots of trees; while the Midwest was filled with corn, and well, more corn. The West, though, that was a place of legends—home to Arizona’s immense canyons, Colorado’s raging rivers, California’s vast deserts. Extending into Canada and beyond were mountains so majestic in British Columbia and Alaska that they defied comprehension. With such childhood perceptions, I suppose it’s no surprise that when I finally left Texas, I spent the next decade exploring the western side of North America without the slightest interest in turning my sights back…

No, they weren’t all like this. The critical component is the ability to pan smoothly to give the autofocus a chance. This is helped by the controllable, damped action of the 502. Good background blur versus a sharp target object is decided by the shutter speed, with exposure mode set on S. Vehicle (wildebeest) shots. Levelled horizontal panning. AF-C and L (continuous shoot, low speed, 2.5 frames per second) is a good setup to give the autofocus a chance.…