OffroadNewsReporter

iKamper’s Latest & Greatest Signature Expandable Hardshell RTT When it comes to premium rooftop tents, few names carry the reputation that iKamper does. Their Skycamp lineup has become a benchmark... The post The New iKamper Skycamp 4.0 Rooftop Tent – First Look! appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

The bed rack, roof rack, and storage pros at Leitner Designs have debuted a new ACS ROOF platform rack for the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX 550. Sharp-eyed attendees at Overland Expo West may have noticed a few exhibitor rigs sporting this new offering from Leitner, but now it’s available for everyone. The Leitner Designs ACS ROOF rack is engineered to the highest standards, thoroughly tested in rugged conditions, and is ready to handle any terrain the rig can cross. The ACS ROOF platform rack is incredibly engineered, and it’s packed full of details that help it stand out. For starters, it uses the widest load bars available, measuring in at 4 inches wide, and these are attached via Grade 10.9 fasteners mounted in the tensile configuration. Even this small detail makes a huge difference in the overall strength of the rack. In short, tensile configuration involves forces pulling a material apart along its central axis, causing it to elongate. In contrast, shear configuration involves forces acting parallel to the material’s surface, forcing internal layers to slide or twist past one another. This means that every piece of hardware that Leitner Designs used in these racks is providing significantly more strength than the alternative. The load bars also feature two T-slots per bar for tons of mounting options. READ MORE: Don’t Miss These Show Specials at Overland Expo Mountain West That’s not even close to the end of the lengths the Leitner team has gone to make sure this rack can stand up to the travels expected from the Land Cruiser nameplate. The rack gets its structural integrity from the external frame versus the bars, and that means it’s easy to move the bars to better balance weight or for tricky mounting solutions. The ACS ROOF also includes toothed channels along the external frame to lock the bars in place with Leitner’s custom Torx bolts. “People waited years for these trucks,” said Leitner Designs Founder and Chief Designer Bernhard Leitner. “They didn’t wait that long to bolt stamped metal to the roof. The ACS ROOF is the only rack that matches the Land Cruiser’s strength and the Lexus’s refinement.” The ACS ROOF is rated at 1,000 lbs of static capacity, 500 lbs on-road dynamic, and 250 lbs off-road dynamic. Leitner Designs tests all of their gear on a loop that leaves from their shop in Corona, California, and traverses hundreds of miles of off-road. This is how you know you can trust the gear to stand up to life on the trail. For additional storage, we suggest pairing the GearPOD ROOF with the ACS ROOF. Leitner’s GearPOD lineup has made our Best of Expo Gear list, and they’re some of the most secure, customizable, and easy-to-access roof boxes we’ve come across. We were excited to check out the early release of this rack at Overland Expo, and we’re excited to see it out on the trails. The ACS ROOF is available for the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and the Lexus GX 550 for $1,950. LEARN MORE View the full article

Incredibly Capable Off-Road & Surprisingly Comfortable On Road If there’s one thing that immediately comes to mind when thinking about Ironman 4×4, it’s probably suspension. While they have a huge... The post Ironman 4×4 IM2.5 Suspension Lift Kit For 5th Gen 4Runner – Review appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

Industry First: A Portable Fridge/Freezer With 3-Way Access I just tested the ICECO VL45 Plus, and the front door access is an absolute win for builds that require it. No... The post ICECO VL45 Plus Review: Front Door Access Changes Everything! appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

From Rocky Climbs To Winter Roads, 6,000+ Miles Tested After putting roughly 10,000 (over 6k miles) kilometers on the new Falken Wildpeak A/T4W, I finally have a solid sense of... The post Falken WildPeak A/T4W Tires – Long Term (6K+ Mile) Review appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

Not all road trips are created the same. Two people can follow the exact same route through British Columbia and Alberta and come away with completely different experiences. Why? Because the best trips aren’t defined by where you go. They’re defined by how you travel. Before choosing destinations, routes, or even activities, there’s a more important question to ask: What kind of traveler are you? Understanding your adventure style is the difference between a trip that feels good — and one that feels exactly right. Adrenaline Seeker You’re here for movement, energy, and moments that get your heart rate up. This is the trip where days are full and varied mountain biking in the morning, rafting in the afternoon, and something new the next day. You’re drawn to places where terrain, elevation, and access create constant opportunity. You don’t mind early starts or full days. In fact, that’s part of the appeal. Best fit: Whistler, Golden, Kananaskis, the Kootenays Trip style: Active, high-energy, experience-packed The Slow Explorer You’re not trying to see everything, you’re trying to feel where you are. Longer stays, fewer stops, and time to settle into a place matter more than ticking off highlights. You notice the details: the quiet in the morning, the change in light, the rhythm of a place. For you, travel is about depth, not distance. Best fit: Northern Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Kootenays, Wells Gray, Northern BC Trip style: Unhurried, immersive, intentional The Family Connector This trip is about shared moments. It’s less about covering ground and more about creating experiences that everyone can enjoy easy hikes, lakeside afternoons, wildlife sightings, and places where logistics feel simple and smooth. Balance is key. Enough activity to keep things engaging, enough downtime to relax. Best fit: Okanagan Valley, Vancouver Island South, Banff, Shuswap Trip style: Balanced, accessible, memory-focused The Icon Chaser You’ve seen the photos and you want to experience them for yourself. Turquoise lakes, dramatic peaks, coastal sunsets, this trip is built around the places that define Western Canada. There’s a sense of momentum, moving between major highlights while still making time to enjoy them. Done well, it’s not rushed. It’s just well-paced. Best fit: Banff & Lake Louise, Icefields Parkway, Tofino, Sea to Sky Trip style: High-impact, visually driven, well-structured The Hidden Gem Seeker You’re less interested in the obvious and more interested in what’s just beyond it. Quieter regions, alternative routes, and places that don’t always make the top lists. You value space, authenticity, and the feeling of discovering somewhere that still feels a little under the radar. This is where local knowledge makes all the difference. Best fit: Similkameen Valley, Cariboo & Chilcotin, Wells Gray, Northern Vancouver Island Trip style: Off-the-beaten-path, exploratory, unique The Coastal Drifter Ocean air, slower days, and a rhythm shaped by tides rather than schedules. This style is about movement but in a softer way. Ferry crossings, coastal drives, time on the water, and destinations that feel slightly removed from the mainland pace, small local coffee shops, farm shops and micro breweries. It’s not about doing less. It’s about doing things differently. Best fit: Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound Trip style: Fluid, scenic, relaxed The “Bit of Everything” Traveler Most people don’t fit neatly into one category. You might want a few iconic stops, some quieter moments, and a couple of active days mixed in. The challenge isn’t finding options, it’s combining them in a way that actually works. This is where trips can either feel perfectly balanced… or slightly disjointed. Best fit: A well-designed multi-region route Trip style: Blended, dynamic, needs thoughtful planning Why This Matters More Than You Think When a trip doesn’t quite land, it’s rarely because of the destinations. It’s usually because the style of the trip doesn’t match the traveler. Too fast. Too slow. Too busy. Not enough depth. When your route aligns with your natural way of traveling, everything starts to click: Where FarOut Comes In Most travelers are a mix of styles. The real value isn’t identifying your type, it’s knowing how to design a route that reflects it. That’s what we do, we take how you like to travel, combine it with where you want to go, and build something that feels cohesive from start to finish. Because the goal isn’t just to plan a road trip. It’s to create one that feels like it was built specifically for you. The post What’s Your Adventure Style? appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article

Specialized Bikes is calling the new S-Works Levo 4 X “the birth of Electric Overland.” Do you agree? Like everything else, overlanding is changing, and one of the bigger shifts is that more and more backcountry travelers are looking at electric vehicles. And that trend is not limited to just the four-wheeled adventure rigs. Plenty of overlanders carry a bike with them; more and more of these bikes are e-bikes in recent years. Again, with extended range, less sweating, and arguably more fun, e-bikes have become immensely popular for recreation, commuting, and exploration in the last few years. Now, bicycle industry giant Specialized has debuted the S-Works Levo 4 X, an eMTB like no other, specifically geared towards extended off-road travel with racks for gear and more impressive features. They’re calling it “the birth of electric overland.” Do you agree? At first glance, the Levo 4 X looks like a capable full-suspension mountain bike, albeit with some very interesting racks on it. Full suspension bikes have been around for decades, and some adventurous bikepackers even use them for extended trips in rough terrain, but the Levo 4 X brings more to the table. It’s purpose-built for supporting extended self-sufficient trips. The front and rear racks have a combined carrying capacity of nearly 50 lbs. Which is more than enough for camping gear, food, and water. Check out Specialized’s video below to see the Levo 4 X in action. A powerful 850-watt motor with 111 Nm of torque is designed to help riders get through tough challenges, and the 840Wh battery is ready for prolonged adventures, providing four to five hours of riding range on electric power. That translates to 30-45 miles depending on the terrain and the weight of the rider plus gear. There’s also an optional 280Wh Range Extender that bumps total onboard capacity up to 1,120Wh. The S-Works Levo 4 X isn’t a one-size-fits-all eMTB. The MicroTune Assist systems available through the Specialized App let the rider fine-tune the Eco, Trail, and Turbo modes available on the bike so that the right balance between range and electric assist can be dialed in on the fly. Photo by Specialized Bikes Photo by Specialized Bikes Photo by Specialized Bikes Photo by Specialized Bikes Of course, the bike boasts more performance features beyond the electric bits. It’s rocking what the bike world affectionately calls a mullet wheel setup with a 29-inch front tire and 27.5 inc in the back. This offers a good balance between the roll-over capability of the larger size while providing better geometry for a nimble ride on tight trails. The GENIE suspension shared with other high-end full-suspension bikes is fully adjustable. It makes sure the bike doesn’t bottom out, even when loaded with gear, and provides a comfortable ride even at high speeds over rocky trails. Beyond the trail, the Levo 4 X could replace an automobile for plenty of rides when they’re headed to work, the grocery store, or even down to the beach with their surfboard. The combination of range, cargo room, and performance provides heaps of functionality across many use cases. For overlanders, this bike opens up a lot of options. With the kind of range you could explore away from your main rig and base camp, even for an overnight trip. It’s capable of scouting even the toughest terrain, and in a pinch, if your rig is stuck or broken down, this new offering from Specialized could get you back to civilization. If you’re torn between exploring on two wheels or four, this could be a great addition to your loadout so you can get the wind on your face while putting down some trail miles without fully committing to an adventure moto. The S-Works Levo 4 X is available for $11,999, and if you’re looking for other options, the Levo range provides capable eMTBs across a variety of price points. View the full article

The R1 Packs Anywhere, Burns Hot, and is Built to Take a Beating The HOWL R1 is built around a few core principles: big flame without the bulk, and durable... The post Howl Campfires R1 Review: Compact Propane Fire Pit, Built Like a Tank & Cranks Serious Heat appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

There’s a reason some road trips feel effortless, while others feel rushed, overpacked, or slightly underwhelming. It’s not about how far you drive. It’s not even about where you go. It’s about how the journey is designed. At FarOut Wilderness, we’ve seen firsthand that the best trips aren’t built by adding more stops, they’re shaped by understanding flow, pacing, and what you actually want to get out of the experience. Because in places like British Columbia and Alberta, the reality is simple: A “2-hour drive” can turn into a full day. A random stop can become the highlight of your trip. And the places you didn’t plan for often end up being the most memorable. Why Most Road Trips Miss the Mark Most people start planning the same way: Pick the well known ‘must-see’ destinations Map the fastest route between them Fill in the gaps as they go On paper, it works. But once you’re on the road, things shift: Distances feel longer than expected Popular stops are busier than imagined The pace doesn’t quite match your energy What’s missing isn’t information, it’s intentional design. The FarOut Approach We approach road trips differently. Instead of starting with “Where do you want to go?”, we begin with a more important question: How do you want this trip to feel? From there, we explore: How you like to travel What your ideal days look like What you want to get out of the experience What Do You Want to Get Out of the Trip? This is often the most overlooked part of planning, and the most important. Take a moment to step back and reflect: What is the purpose of this trip? Is it about connection, time together as a couple, with friends, or as a family? Is it about slowing down and disconnecting from the pace of everyday life? Is it about reflection, space, and quiet moments? Or is it about seeing and doing as much as possible in the time you have? There’s no right or wrong answer. But being clear on this changes everything. Because when you understand what you want from the experience, the route, pacing, and places begin to align naturally. You’re no longer just moving between well-known locations, you’re building a journey that actually supports the kind of experience you’re looking for. Beyond the Checklist It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to see the “top” places. If that’s your goal, we 100% support that and can give you the right route to be able to do that. But the most meaningful trips aren’t always about ticking off highlights, they’re about how deeply you experience the places you choose. For some, that means moving quickly and seeing as much as possible. For others, it means slowing down, staying longer, and immersing yourself in fewer places. Both are valid. What matters is that the trip reflects your priorities, not someone else’s version of a perfect route. A Personal Note For me when I am planning an itinerary, it often comes back to depth over volume. We tend to gravitate toward quieter, more remote places where you can slow down enough to notice the details. The shift in light at the end of the day. The stillness of a lake in the morning. The feeling of being somewhere that doesn’t feel crowded or rushed. I love to take the place in, the sights, smells, what feelings come up when I am there. That doesn’t mean avoiding the iconic locations, it means approaching them differently, and balancing them with places that allow you to breathe a little. Because in the end, the goal isn’t just to see a place. It’s to experience it in a way that stays with you long after the trip is over. British Columbia & Alberta: More Than Just the Highlights Most people think of Banff, Jasper, or Tofino and for good reason. They’re incredible. But they’re only part of the picture. What makes this part of Canada so special is the diversity of experience within a single trip: Coastal drives where mountains rise straight out of the ocean Quiet interior regions filled with lakes, wineries, and open space Remote areas where wildlife encounters feel genuinely wild Mountain corridors that rival anywhere in the world The challenge isn’t finding great places. It’s knowing how to connect them in a way that actually works. The Hidden Layer: Flow This is the part most people don’t see when they look at a map. Why one route feels smooth and another feels exhausting. Flow is everything: When to move on and when to stay longer When to drive and when to stop early How each day connects to the next It’s subtle. But it changes everything. FarOut’s Road Trip Guide We created our road trip guide to give you a glimpse into how we think about travel. Not just where to go but how to build a trip that actually works. Inside, you’ll find: A breakdown of regions across BC and Alberta Guidance on pacing, planning, and flexibility Curated pairings of activities and destinations A simple framework to start shaping your own route It’s designed to help you get started and to avoid some of the common mistakes that can quietly impact a trip. Hit the link below to get access to our Road Trip Guide, its free! https://faroutwilderness.com/road-trip-guide/ And If You Want It Done Right Most travelers reach a point where they’ve got a rough idea: A few regions they want to visit A sense of how long they have A list of experiences they don’t want to miss That’s usually where we step in. We take that foundation and refine it into something seamless: A fully customized route Thoughtful pacing from start to finish Local insight that only comes from experience Ongoing support while you’re actually on the road Because the goal isn’t just to plan a trip. It’s to make sure every day of it feels exactly how you hoped it would. Key Travel Considerations Before diving into routes and destinations, there are a few fundamentals that can quietly shape your entire trip. Season Matters More Than You Think British Columbia and Alberta offer completely different experiences depending on when you travel. Summer brings accessibility and long days, shoulder seasons offer fewer crowds and more contrast, and winter transforms the landscape entirely. The “best” time isn’t universal, it depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Time vs. Distance Travel here isn’t measured in kilometers, it’s measured in time and experience. A short drive can quickly become a full day once you factor in scenery, stops, and conditions. Building in space, rather than maximizing distance, almost always leads to a better trip. Packing for Variability Conditions can change quickly, particularly in mountain regions. Being prepared for both warm and cooler weather, often within the same day, allows you to stay flexible and continue exploring without disruption. Preparation Creates Freedom Having the right basics in place, fuel planning, food, navigation, and a few key essentials, gives you the confidence to adapt as you go. The goal isn’t to over-plan, but to create the kind of foundation that allows for spontaneity without stress. The post The Difference Between a Good Road Trip and an Unforgettable One appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article

The Benchmade Bugout has long been a favorite among overlanders thanks to its lightweight design, dependable AXIS Lock, and ability to disappear into a pocket until needed. For 2026, Benchmade has taken that proven formula and pushed it further with the new Bugout Vapyr 534BK. Designed to be lighter, thinner, and more durable than the original, the Vapyr is aimed squarely at those who appreciate premium gear that performs without adding unnecessary weight. At the heart of the Vapyr is a 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut drop-point blade finished in black Cerakote. MagnaCut has quickly become one of the most sought-after blade steels on the market thanks to its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Whether you’re cutting paracord around camp, preparing food on the trail, or tackling everyday tasks, the steel is designed to stay sharp longer while standing up to wet and demanding environments. photo by Benchmade photo by Benchmade photo by Benchmade photo by Benchmade The biggest change comes in the construction. Benchmade replaced the traditional liner system with a linerless 6061-T6 aluminum chassis, creating a knife that is approximately 33 percent thinner than a standard Bugout while weighing just 1.72 ounces. The result is a remarkably slim profile that virtually disappears in a pocket, pack strap pouch, or vehicle organizer. Finished in black with subtle Taiga Green accents on the thumb studs and backspacer, the Vapyr delivers a refined, understated look that feels right at home in an overland kit. While its $375 price tag places it firmly in premium territory, the combination of MagnaCut steel, ultralight construction, and Benchmade’s proven design makes it one of the most advanced Bugout models to date. For overlanders looking to upgrade their everyday carry setup, the Bugout Vapyr is a compelling blend of packability, performance, and durability. View the full article

Feature Packed & Meticulously Designed, Unique Slide Out Table Mount The scene opens to an off-road meet. As the camera pans around to show rig after rig, kitted out with... The post Bison Gear OX PRO Roof Rack For 5th Gen 4Runner – Install & Review appeared first on Trail4R.com - 5th Gen 4Runner Mods. View the full article

Every year, thousands of campers set alarms, refresh reservation pages, and hope for the best when Parks Canada opens bookings for Canada’s most sought-after destinations. And every year, many people end up disappointed. If you missed out on a campsite in Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay, Pacific Rim, or another popular destination, don’t panic. A fully booked campground doesn’t mean your BC adventure is cancelled. In fact, some of the province’s most memorable outdoor experiences happen well beyond the busiest national parks. Why National Park Reservations Are So Competitive National parks across Western Canada continue to experience record demand. Popular campgrounds in Banff and Jasper often sell out within minutes of reservations opening. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve on Vancouver Island sees similar demand, especially during peak summer months. Family camping loops, oceanfront sites, and RV-friendly campgrounds are typically claimed first. The result? Many travellers assume they’re out of options. Fortunately, Western Canada is home to hundreds of provincial parks, recreation sites, forestry campgrounds, and wilderness camping opportunities that offer exceptional experiences without the reservation stress. Alternative #1: Explore Camping Options nearby Alternatives in the Rockies If you’re exploring the Rockies, these are a few great nearby alternatives: Mount Robson Provincial Park, Wells Gray Provincial Park, Height of the Rockies Provincial Park and more. These destinations offer mountain scenery, hiking, wildlife viewing, and significantly fewer crowds. East of Banff, Canmore is also a great base camp for adventures, as you can explore the stunning Kannanaskis region, and venture into Banff for a couple of day trips. The town of Golden BC is also a great spot, giving easy access to Glacier and Yoho National Parks. Pacific Rim Alternatives If you were looking to explore the rugged Vancouver Island Coastline, there are a couple great alternatives to Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park. Consider the Juan De Fuca Provincial Park, and Cape Scott Provincial Park for similar rugged coastline adventures. If you had your heart set on a Tofino surfing adventure, consider Ucluelet as another option as a basecamp. Several private campgrounds are available much later into the season than the National Park campgrounds. Alternative #2: Use First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds Many travellers overlook first-come, first-served (FCFS) camping options, yet they remain one of the best ways to secure a campsite during summer. If you’re heading toward the Rockies, some of the most scenic first-come, first-served camping in Western Canada can be found along Alberta’s legendary Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper. While many visitors focus on reservable campgrounds in Banff and Jasper, several campgrounds along Highway 93 operate on a first-come, first-served basis and offer incredible mountain scenery, glacier views, and easy access to some of the Rockies’ best hiking trails. Popular options include Mosquito Creek, Waterfowl Lakes, and Wilcox Creek campgrounds. Waterfowl Lakes is particularly sought after thanks to its turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain backdrop, and central location along the Parkway, while Wilcox Creek places campers just minutes from the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. The key to success is arriving early. During July and August, many of these campgrounds fill by late morning or early afternoon, especially on weekends. Having a few backup options mapped out ahead of time can make all the difference. Waterfowl Lakes, Mosquito Creek, and Wilcox Creek are among the most popular first-come, first-served choices, so flexibility is essential during peak season. Alternative #3: Looking Beyond Traditional Campgrounds For travellers who want an authentic wilderness experience away from the crowds, overlanding and supported backcountry adventures can provide another path forward. FarOut Wilderness specializes in helping adventurers access more remote camping experiences across British Columbia and Alberta’s backcountry. Rather than competing for crowded campground reservations, guests can explore lesser-known wilderness areas, alpine environments, and remote landscapes that many visitors never see. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day backcountry experience, a basecamp, or simply a different way to experience Canada’s’s outdoors, stepping beyond traditional campground reservations can open up an entirely new side of the country. Take the Guesswork Out of Planning Your BC Adventure Missing out on a national park reservation doesn’t have to derail your trip. In fact, one of the biggest challenges is often figuring out where to go instead. With thousands of campgrounds, recreation sites, provincial parks, and backcountry opportunities across British Columbia, it can be difficult to know which destinations are worth visiting and where you’re most likely to find available campsites. That’s where FarOut Wilderness comes in. Every rental includes complimentary trip planning and itinerary-building services designed to help you make the most of your time in BC. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly road trip, a mountain adventure, a coastal getaway, or a remote backcountry escape, we’ll help you discover scenic routes, hidden gems, lesser-known campgrounds, and unforgettable experiences that many visitors miss. If Plan A didn’t work out, don’t worry. With the right local knowledge, your backup plan can end up being even better than the trip you originally had in mind. The post What to Do If You Didn’t Get a National Park Reservation in Canada appeared first on Far Out Wilderness. View the full article

Ford has teamed up with Filson to introduce the first-ever Bronco Filson, a new limited-run SUV that blends the Bronco’s off-road capability with Filson’s heritage in durable outdoor gear. Built on the Bronco’s proven platform, the Filson edition comes standard with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 and the Sasquatch package, including 35-inch tires, locking differentials, and Fox shocks. Trail-focused features like Trail Turn Assist and multiple G.O.A.T. Modes reinforce its backcountry intent. Inside, the focus shifts to material quality and utility. The cabin features quilted leather, rugged woven fabrics, and Filson-inspired storage, including removable saddlebag-style door pockets and modular cargo bags designed for gear-heavy travel. Ford also refined the experience for longer trips, adding improved cabin insulation, ventilated front seats, and upgraded tech, creating what it says is the quietest Bronco yet. photo by Ford Motor Company A limited First Edition will launch with exclusive styling details and serialized badging, with orders expected to open this fall ahead of showroom arrivals early next year. Alongside the vehicle, a limited-edition Bronco x Filson collection will be available starting June 4 through Filson stores and Filson.com. For more information or to sign up for updates, customers can visit Ford.com or Filson.com. View the full article

Within the Overland Expo community, we’ve met some amazing folks, and in a new series, we’re highlighting those individuals with great stories to tell. They love their rigs, they love the lifestyle, and we want to share their passion with our audience. Our first installment features Nolen Yapp, Overland Expo team member turned exhibitor. Today we’re sharing our chat with Cynthia Scheidau. Cynthia is a full-time overlander and often shares her knowledge with courses at Overland Expos. Before the weekend ever kicks off, Cynthia also lends a hand with exhibitor move-in, swag bags, and more. OE: Thanks for taking some time to chat with us! For starters, can you tell us a bit about yourself? Hobbies, travels, etc. CS: I have been traveling full-time in our DIY overland build since November 2025. I am never one to shy away from a DIY project. I’ve remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, refurbished and built furniture, installed and fixed plumbing and appliances, removed popcorn ceilings, installed molding, carpet, tile, hardwood, etc. So, building a tiny home on wheels was not something far outside my wheelhouse. I’m not afraid to get dirty, but love getting mani-pedis and enjoying a spa day. My love language is cooking delicious meals or crafting cocktails for others to enjoy. I have traveled all over the US, Canada, Europe, and Central America. From backcountry camping to staying in luxury resorts, I love it all. My favorite part of traveling is meeting and connecting with people. OE: That’s great. Sounds like you stay busy. How did you initially become involved in Overland Expo? CS: My hubby, Rodger, first attended West in 2023 after learning about it from friends. After coming home, he said I’d love it. We booked tickets for PNW. After PNW, I put together a few classes to teach at East. We missed the 2025 season due to kids graduating high school and college and building out our full-time rig. We are excited to teach and showcase our rig in the 2026 season. READ MORE: Booth Parties, Bingo, and More at Overland Expo PNW OE: And, how have you seen it change over the years? CS: Through teaching, participating in round tables, and being in DIY, we have come to make more meaningful connections year after year. OE: Obviously we all have at least a bit of a gearhead mentality here at Overland Expo. Tell us about your overlanding vehicle(s)! CS: Our first overlanding vehicle was a Honda Odyssey with a rooftop box stuffed with sleeping bags, pads, and a tent. We had a small camp stove, gallon jugs of water, and freeze-dried food. Next, we had a Land Cruiser. Over the years, that grew into a customized SmittyBilt Scout, and two rooftop tents. Our current rig is a 2003 Stewart and Stevenson M1083 with a DIY habitat with approximately 168 square feet of indoor living space. Photo by Cyndee Schneidau Photo by Cyndee Schneidau Photo by Cyndee Schneidau OE: What is one piece of gear you cannot live without? CS: My husband. He can fix anything. OE: When you’re not at an event, do you have a favorite spot to get away from it all? CS: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but our recent trip to Valley of the Gods, Utah was incredibly relaxing. OE: Do you all have any exciting plans for upcoming trips? CS: Next we’re heading to Overland Expo PNW and then Overland Expo Mountain West. After that we have a trip to Ireland and Scotland, followed by another trip to Overland Expo East. In 2027, after Overland Expo West, we will travel to Tuktoyaktuk, BC, and Alaska. OE: What led you to begin overlanding, and what keeps you on the road? CS: Being curious about the trails less traveled, and there’s so much yet to discover. OE: And lastly, tell us your favorite expo memory? CS: My favorite Expo memory was East 2024. We met a young man named Carson, who made knives that were works of art. Our son just started forging knives himself. When Wyatt approached Carson’s booth and shared that he makes knives too, Carson took the time to chat. We invited Carson and his wife, Ashley, to our camp for dinner that night. We sat around a fire and chatted and laughed late into the night. View the full article

A new player in the outdoor and mobility space is stepping into the spotlight. Aboard, a Southern California–based startup redefining modern mobile living, will formally launch at Outside Days in Denver, Colorado, beginning May 29 and continuing through the festival weekend. The debut will give attendees an early look at the company’s first product and a broader vision for how people live and travel on the move. Aboard is positioning itself beyond the traditional RV space, introducing what it describes as a new category of mobility. Its first product is an extended-range electric (EREV) travel trailer engineered more like a vehicle than a conventional towable. Built as a fully integrated platform, the trailer combines energy, mobility, and living into a single system. The approach delivers a quieter electric experience with built-in energy independence, vehicle-level towing assistance, and automated comfort features, all supported by automotive-grade manufacturing including high-precision stamped body and door systems. The company’s debut comes alongside a key milestone. Aboard recently closed its Pre-Series A financing round, bringing total funding to $13 million. The round was led by Ondine Capital and Llama Ventures and will support the next phase of growth, including final product validation and refinements as the trailer moves toward mass production. The investment signals confidence in Aboard’s holistic approach, which aims to simplify and elevate the travel experience through a system designed for ease of use while maintaining a modern, yet familiar feel. READ MORE: Booth Parties, Bingo, and More at Overland Expo PNW Inside, the Aboard Travel Trailer blends residential thinking with compact design. A fully equipped kitchen, flexible sleeping configurations for up to four, and a mudroom-style bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower access reflect a focus on practical, everyday usability. Large panoramic windows and floor-to-ceiling glazing create an open, airy interior, while integrated storage and multi-use spaces allow the layout to adapt to different types of travel. At the core of the platform is a hybrid-electric energy system offering more than 200 kWh of onboard capacity and up to seven days of off-grid capability. A 45 kW auxiliary drive assists with towing and maneuvering, while features like remote control via app, automatic leveling, and integrated camera systems bring a vehicle-like experience to trailer ownership. Aboard will make its public debut at Outside Days, where attendees can tour the trailer, meet the team, and explore available configurations, which are expected to start at $80,000. More than a product reveal, the launch is an introduction to a broader idea. Aboard is not just building a trailer; it is rethinking how people move, live, and connect with the outdoors, offering a fully integrated mobile living system designed for modern travel. View the full article