OVR Magazine - Your Guide to Overlanding, Off-Road Vehicles & Outdoor Recreation
Vehicle Features
Building the Ultimate Family Overlander: A Supercharged Tacoma
When a growing family demanded more space, Alex Pak transformed his 2023 Toyota Tacoma into a supercharged overland machine. With King suspension, a Four Wheel Camper, and countless thoughtful upgrades, this truck balances family duties with serious off-road capability—proving you don’t have to choose between practicality and adventure.
Article
Essential Winter Travel Tips for Cold-Weather Road Trips
From tire selection to emergency gear, learn how to properly prepare your vehicle for winter travel in freezing conditions. These cold-weather road trip essentials could make the difference between a smooth journey and a dangerous breakdown when temperatures plummet.
Get the latest breakdown of overland vehicle industry news
YETI Skala Hiking Pack Enters Serious Backpacking Territory
YETI officially enters the serious backpacking arena with the Skala Hiking Pack, a premium lineup designed to challenge legacy brands. Available in four capacities from 32L to 60L, the Skala features lightweight Guardcore Nylon construction, innovative RipZip access, and thoughtful design elements built for demanding backcountry miles.
Globe Trekker’s E-ZERO Subframe Transforms Ford E-Series Vans
Globe Trekker’s new E-ZERO Zero Torsion subframe transforms Ford E350/E450 chassis into serious overland rigs. The patented design allows 22 degrees of frame twist for off-road articulation while protecting the camper body—finally unlocking the E-Series’ expedition potential with lightweight composite construction and customizable configurations.
MID Wheels by RAYS Unveils S5 Vector, R12 Howitzer
RAYS has expanded its MID Wheels catalog with two new Nitro Power designs. The S5 Vector and R12 Howitzer offer fresh styling options across multiple sizes and bolt patterns, catering to overlanders and off-road enthusiasts seeking quality Japanese-engineered wheels for their adventure rigs.
K&N Engineering Expands Performance Diesel Product Lineup
K&N Engineering has expanded its Performance Diesel product line with NextGen Air Intake Systems and Dryflow replacement air filters engineered for modern diesel pickups. The new systems deliver up to 23 horsepower and 40 lb.-ft. of torque gains while improving towing performance—no tune required.
RotopaX RototraX Recovery Boards Use Existing Container Mounts
RotopaX has entered the recovery equipment market with RototraX Traction Boards that share the same mounting footprint as their 4-gallon containers. The design eliminates the need for separate mounting plates, saving critical space on roof racks and bed racks while integrating seamlessly into existing RotopaX setups.
MID by RAYS Unveils D8 Off-Road Wheels for 4×4s
MID Wheels by RAYS introduces the D8, a cast monoblock off-road wheel engineered with a reversely curved dish face that creates visual depth and delivers a commanding presence for 4×4 vehicles. Available in 18×9J sizing with Barrel Black and Black Clear/MC finishes, the D8 emphasizes surface strength and rugged character for serious off-road enthusiasts.
Trips & Trails
Trips & Trails
ROAD TRIP: From The Desert To The Mountains: Driving San Bernardino National Forest’s Burns Canyon Road
”It’s also a popular place for drivers to shakedown their newly built rides or for those who want to try out their latest mods in a less extreme environment. It was the perfect place for us to take our recently acquired OVR project vehicle, a 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser, to ...
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OVR: Outdoor Vehicle Recreation - Project LC100: First Trail Run In Our Budget Toyota Land Cruiser
”A 300,000-mile LC100 is not going to come with a warranty so be aware that going the budget route is not without its risks.”
Exploring Eastern Oregon’s Hidden Gems Via Overland Adventure
A Memorial Day weekend expedition through Eastern Oregon’s Owyhee Canyonlands reveals dramatic rock formations, remote hot springs, and pristine wilderness accessible only by capable 4x4 vehicles.
Conquering the TransAmerica Trail’s Challenging Central Route in a Subaru Crosstrek
The middle section of the TransAmerica Trail delivers relentless weather challenges, treacherous clay hills, and technical obstacles that test both vehicle and driver across five states.
Honest industry reviews on the gear you care about
Building the Ultimate Family Overlander: A Supercharged Tacoma
When a growing family demanded more space, Alex Pak transformed his 2023 Toyota Tacoma into a supercharged overland machine. With King suspension, a Four Wheel Camper, and countless thoughtful upgrades, this truck balances family duties with serious off-road capability—proving you don’t have to choose between practicality and adventure.
Honda Debuts Base Station Prototype Compact Travel Trailer
Honda enters the travel trailer market with the Base Station Prototype—a lightweight, modular towable designed for crossovers and compact SUVs. With pop-up headroom, solar power, and flexible sleeping for up to four, it lowers the barrier to vehicle-based camping for adventurers who don’t drive full-size trucks.
First Drive: All-New 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness is Bigger, More Capable, and has a Polarizing Design
Subaru’s redesigned Outback Wilderness trades wagon styling for SUV presence while significantly upgrading off-road capability. We tested the polarizing seventh-generation model on California trails to see if enhanced ground clearance, aluminum underbody protection, and advanced tech justify the controversial new look.
First Drive: 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport, A Trail-Ready Daily Driver
Is the 2026 Honda Passport Trailsport a legitimate adventure SUV or just another soft-roader? We spent a week testing it on daily commutes, dirt roads, and mountain trails to find out where this spacious, tech-equipped two-row fits in the off-road-capable vehicle landscape.
TAV and Enduro Build Ultimate Land Cruiser Expedition Camper
Tactical Applications Vehicles and Enduro Campers have collaborated to create the ultimate Land Cruiser 200 Series expedition vehicle. Starting with a 2021 Heritage Edition, this American-built camper conversion combines TAV’s long-travel suspension expertise with Enduro’s lightweight composite construction, resulting in a 7,460-pound luxury overland machine priced around $350,000.
First Drive: the All-New Seventh-Generation 2026 Subaru Outback is Bolder, Boxier, and Ready for Adventure
Subaru’s all-new seventh-generation 2026 Outback debuts with controversial styling that’s dividing enthusiasts. We tested the redesigned wagon in Sedona’s rugged terrain to see if the bold changes deliver on capability and comfort, or if loyal fans should stick with older models.
Experiencing Bronco Off-Roadeo Tennessee
Experience Bronco Off-Roadeo Tennessee is the latest hands-on driving adventure for Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport owners. Learn off-road skills, recovery techniques, and vehicle features while navigating the scenic Smoky Mountains.
Pushing Beyond Boundaries: Piloting Can-Am Maverick X3s for International Female Ride Day
It’s about pushing beyond boundaries and trying something different. I put myself out there recently and drove a 2024 Can-Am Maverick X3 RS in the Sonoran Desert to help celebrate the 18th-annual International Female Ride Day, held May 4, 2024.
OVR Adventures: Death Valley, Black Rock Desert, Mono Lake, Mojave, and Grand Canyon: Parashant National Monument
Four Points Adventures is permitted to guide trips in Death Valley, Mojave National Preserve, Black Rock Desert, the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and the Inyo National Forest.
When You Got To Go, You Got To Go: A Look At An Overlanding Restroom Setup
Explore how a portable overland restroom setup adds comfort, privacy, and convenience while helping you follow Leave No Trace principles on every trip.
Cold Weather Camping Tips: Stay Warm with Just a Tent and a Backpack
Master cold weather camping with our guide to layering, campsite selection, and winter survival tips. Stay warm, dry, and safe on your next outdoor adventure.
iKamper’s CAMPOUT is Back for 2024
CAMPOUT—iKamper’s annual community celebration—is shaping up to be another weekend of great food, offroading, live music and sleeping under the stars.
Make Pizza Anywhere with Solo Stove’s Propane Powered Pi Prime Oven
Cook perfect pizzas outdoors with Solo Stove’s Pi Prime. This compact, durable propane oven is ideal for camping, tailgating, and backyard adventures.
KINTO’s Unveils FORIS Enameled Tableware for Home & Camp
KINTO USA has launched FORIS, an all-new enameled stainless steel tableware collection blending your home kitchen essentials with your outdoor adventures.
Full Windsor Magware: Tested, Tough, and Magnetic
Discover the Full Windsor Magware Magnetic Bowls, Plates, and Cutlery Double Set—durable, lightweight, and perfect for overlanding. Read our full review on its stackable design, high-quality materials, and real-world performance in the wild.
Gear
Vehicle Gear
Thule Motion 3 L Rooftop Cargo Carrier Review
Swedish brand Thule’s Motion 3 L rooftop cargo box combines sleek aerodynamic design with practical functionality. We put it through its paces over 1,300 miles of rally roads and highway driving to see how this 16-cubic-foot carrier performs.
Outdoor Gear
Cold Weather Gear Guide: Winter Jackets and Sleeping Bags Tested
From sub-zero Arctic expeditions to mild winter adventures, we tested premium cold-weather gear from Fjällräven, Cotopaxi, Decathlon, and Sea to Summit. These down jackets and sleeping bags delivered warmth, comfort, and reliability when temperatures plummeted and windchills reached double-digits below zero.
Vehicle Gear
Cargo Hold: Outfitting Rhino Rack’s Pioneer Platform
We installed a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform on our Jeep Wrangler 392 and loaded it with versatile accessories from Leitner Designs, RotopaX, and more. After 500 off-road miles, here’s how this modular system transformed our overlanding setup.
Vehicle Gear
Firestone Destination X/T Survives 1,200-Mile Oregon Shakedown
First impressions suggested a mild-mannered all-terrain, but Firestone’s Destination X/T proved surprisingly capable across 1,200 miles of pavement, embedded rock, volcanic debris, and spring-thaw mud in Eastern Oregon. Initial results show improved fuel economy and confident off-road performance, though long-term evaluation continues.
Camping Gear
Kakadu BlockOut Cot Tent 1P: Solo Camping Simplified
After nine months and 20+ nights testing the Kakadu BlockOut Cot Tent 1P, we’ve found a three-season solo shelter that packs compact, sets up in seconds, and delivers genuine sleeping comfort—finally solving the storage issues that plagued our previous cot tent.
Vehicle Gear
Thule Outset Hitch-Mount Tent Debuts
Thule’s newest hitch-mounted tent system caught our attention at SEMA 2025. The Outset represents a shift toward modular, quick-deploy camping solutions that prioritize versatility over permanent rooftop installations. We break down the specs, features, and what makes this $4,700 tent worth considering.
Thule Motion 3 L Rooftop Cargo Carrier Review
Cold Weather Gear Guide: Winter Jackets and Sleeping Bags Tested
Cargo Hold: Outfitting Rhino Rack’s Pioneer Platform
Firestone Destination X/T Survives 1,200-Mile Oregon Shakedown
Kakadu BlockOut Cot Tent 1P: Solo Camping Simplified
Thule Outset Hitch-Mount Tent Debuts