Best Sunglasses For Overlanding Adventures

sunglasses, sunnies, polarized sunglasses,

Sunglasses are an essential but often overlooked item of gear. As overland adventurers we all spend long hours in the rig concentrating on the often brightly lit trail ahead of us. Combine that with days spent in harsh outdoor conditions and often many of us suffer eye fatigue and or the dreaded trail headache. In this Mag 7 article, we take a look a 7 brands that combine great styling with next level optics technology.

### In full disclosure, TAP was provided these products for free, but does not accept payment for the review or make any commission from sales that maybe as a result of this article ####

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Gatorz:

Marauder – Sunburst Mirror Polarized

GATORZ, SUNGLASSES, SUNNIES, OVERLANDING,

Precision CNC Machined Aluminum Frame
Stainless Steel Rivets Bond 4 Hinges to Frame
Durable Cerakote and Anodized Coatings
100+ Point Measurement Quality Check
Lens: Gray base that reduces bright light and enhances color perception. Best for sunny days and everyday use. Visible light transmission (VLT) -15%
Frame: Black Cerakote with black logo
Made in the USA with a lifetime frame warranty

MSRP: $225 BUY HERE

Trail Thoughts:

These aluminum framed sunglasses with their rubberized nose pieces provided solid and comfortable all round coverage. The frame is a medium to large fit. The grey base polarized lens with its sunburst mirror coating is certainly a statement and may not be for everyone. Luckily this glass comes in multiple alternative lens colors. Personally for us, the quality of the frame and lens soon overwhelmed any thoughts about the bright color scheme.

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SPY:

Helm Tech – Blue Spectra Mirror Polarized

Equipped with easily removable side shields that stay secured to the frame even when folded, so you can block out the sun and haters all at once
Hidden sweat channels in both the nose pads and inner temples keep you cool when the heat is on
Comfortable rubber nose pads provide a secure fit no matter how hard you sweat
SPY+’s revolutionary therapeutic Happy™ lens tech is scientifically tuned to boost mood and alertness while enhancing color and contrast, providing a truly life-changing visual experience
ARC® (Accurate Radius Curvature) polycarbonate lenses are tapered to follow the natural curvature of the eye, providing crystal-clear distortion-free vision while reducing eyestrain
Constructed from Grilamid®, a lightweight frame material ideal for everyday wear due to its strength and flexibility
Smooth and sturdy screw hinges
100% UV protection reduces eye fatigue and long-term sun damage
Frame measures 57-18-143

Trail Thoughts:

The frame was comfortable and lightweight and were easy to wear for long periods at a time. The addition of the removable side shields provided excellent all round coverage. The shields were easy to apply and rigid when in place, however, from a real world POV, they would be very easy to misplace. The frame comfortably fits medium to large heads. The HappyTM grey/green polarized lens with dark blue mirror coating was easy on the eye for all day use. We were certainly happy all day, but that might be because we were overlanding in the desert and not related to the lens 😉

MSRP: $200 BUY HERE

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COSTA:

Kailano – Gray Polorized Glass

Costa, sunglasses, sunnies, overlanding,

Premium Polarized 580 glass lenses
100% UV protection
Scratch resistant and durable
Absorbs harmful high-energy blue light (HEV)
Large lens front designed to fit average sized head

Trail Thoughts:

The moment you pick these up you feel the build quality and with care they’ll probably last for years. The frame is most suited for small to medium faces and the styling could certainly be unisex. The grey polarized glass lens enhanced tones and cut glare very effectively. Costa has a reputation for fishing and ocean use and we would have liked to have tested them around a lake or river to truly experience the optics quality of the glass lens.

MSRP: $242 BUY HERE

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BOLLE:

Temper – Light Grey Polarized

Bolle, sunglasses, sunnies, overlanding,

Volt Grey Lens uses AI to deliver a 30% richer color experience and 15% visible light transmission
High quality polarized lens: High contrast vision and improved depth perception
Thermogrip thermoplastic rubber designed for extra grip at strategic touch points
Sized for medium large faces
Classic large rectangular frame

Trail Thoughts:

This wrap around frame with its rubberized nose and ear pieces provided a solid and comfortable fit. The frame size is suitable for medium to large faces. The grey base polarized lens with its sky blue coating provided a noticeably clear and crisp view. In the very bright conditions we experienced, we would have liked this to have been slightly toned down. That said, when driving in alternating bright to shady conditions, this lens performed fantastically.

MSRP: $150 BUY HERE

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ROKA:

Phantom – Titanium Polarized

Matt gunmetal titanium frame
C3 Optics Ranger polarized lens
Designed to shield against full bright sunlight with a 17% light transmission
Enhances green, brown and red colors
Fingerprint resistant
Light weight with no pressure points
No slip GEKO pads
2 year warranty

Trail Thoughts:

Iconic lifestyle styling with an ultra lightweight titanium frame. This frame fits medium to large faces and after a while you forgot you were wearing them. In our opinion, this sunglass is most suited to road trips rather than dusty desert trails. The Ranger polarized lens was excellent and enhanced the desert colors.

MSRP: $310 BUY HERE

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TIFOSI:

Swank XL – Brown Fade Polarized

LENS TECHNOLOGY – Shatterproof polycarbonate lenses with UVA / UVB protection from harmful UV Rays
ULTRA LIGHT FRAME – Only 26 grams made of Grilamid TR90, durable and lightweight for all day comfort.
FRAME TECHNOLOGY – Frame features integrated hinge which never pulls hair, hydrophilic nose pads for increased gripping, and Tifosi Glide technology allows the frame to slide on comfortably and provide a no-slip fit
FIT – Medium – XL (looking for smaller size, try Swank)

Trail Thoughts:

At a price point considerably less than the other brands in the review, we were surprised at how well they performed. Yes, the frame feels lighter and less sturdy, but the lens quality was good and certainly stepped up to the plate in the harsh desert conditions. The bronze lens provided a warm and eye soothing view of the desert. If you’re hard on sunglasses and price is your main concern, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them as a solid performer.

MSRP: $54.95 BUY HERE

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ZEAL:

Hondo – Polarized

Polarized lens
Ellume Bio-Plastic Lens
Proflex
Z-resin Bio Plastic Frame
RX Ready RX
See Grass
Asian fit compatible
Barrel Hinge
Scratch reistant hardcoat

Trail Thoughts:

The frame is made of recycled plastic and grass fibers and has a solid and durable feel. The built in rubberized nose pieces were comfortable when wearing for extended periods, however we felt the flat faced and angular styling didn’t provide as much coverage as we would have liked. The fit is suitable for medium faces. The copper base lens with blue mirror coating provided a warm toned view and was relaxing in the harsh light of the desert.

MSRP: $179 BUY HERE

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Recommendations:

Adventure and high activity: We felt that the Gatorz Marauder comes out top in this category, with its solid frame construction, wrap around total coverage styling and excellent lens quality.

Lifestyle styling: Here’s where the ROKA Phantom with its iconic aviator styling wins hands down. With its beautiful green base lens and weightless titanium frame, we wouldn’t hesitate to grab these for long road trips.

Conclusions:

This sunglass test was performed in the Anza Borrego Desert over a 4 day period in typical harsh desert light conditions. We were not careful in how we handled the sunnies; throwing them on the rigs dashboard, accidentally dropping them on the ground and generally trying to give them a real world experience. All brands performed well and each lens was relaxing on the eye, but with noticeably different visibly light tones based on their base optic color. Grey provides a crisp and crystal clear look, where green, brown and rose base colors, gave a warmth to the view. Obviously high quality sunglasses don’t come cheap and if you’re hard on your gear, a lower priced brand might be what you’re looking for. That said, higher priced options generally have solid frames and fantastic lens quality and if looked after will last for year.

HEST Foamy Wide – Trail Tested

Contributor

Hest, hEST FOAMY, fOAMY WIDE, memory foam, cowboy camp,

The HEST Foamy Wide Mattress: An in-field review from roving contributor, Mike Holland.

### In full disclosure, TAP was provided these products for free, but does not accept payment for the review or make any commission from sales that maybe as a result of this article ####

Sleep is a wonderous and an important asset when traveling and overlanding. I know that I need a good night’s rest so that I am energized for the day’s adventures. Without it, traveling and adventuring outdoors leaves one tired and exhausted. Today, many sleeping systems are available. I have tried many of them. But over the last year or so, I wanted to move away from sleep systems reliant on an air mattress. They can be comfortable, but also a challenge to inflate and, when a leak exists, to determine origination and how to repair it. With that in mind, I decided to try the HEST Foamy Wide mattress.

The mattress measures 30 inches by 78 inches; two of them can be linked as one mattress, slightly smaller than queen size. The mattress is comprised of two layers: 1. the top layer is a temperature resilient foam that contours to the body and 2. the bottom layer provides support and pressure point relief. The mattress has an R-Value of 8.8, which provides needed insultation in cold sleeping environments. Two compression straps allow for the rolled mattress to be stored. The cover on the mattress can be easily removed and washed after an adventure. Now, I needed to try it out in the field.

I decided this past fall, to meet a few friends in Canyon Country to view the eclipse this past fall since southern Utah was going to be a prime viewing location. We found a beautiful site on the slickrock with tremendous views in all directions. I set the HEST mattress on the slickrock and found an ideal spot to “cowboy camp” under the stars. The night was cool and windless. A sea of stars overhead lulled me to sleep.

The sun peaked just above the horizon and warmed my face. I squinted my eyes to adjust to the bright, natural light. However, it was just too bright, so I retreated into the blackness of my sleeping bag for just a few more minutes of rest. As I laid there, I wondered: was it really morning? Had I slept thru the entire night? I unzipped my bag and stretched to face the dawn of a stellar day in Canyon Country of southern Utah.

The HEST mattress provided an excellent night’s sleep. The foam felt remarkably comfortable and warm. The mattress offered excellent support while sleeping on my back or side. The memory foam contoured to my body, which resulted in the mattress form fitting to me. It reminded me of sleeping on a high-quality mattress at home. Before we set our cameras to capture the solar eclipse, I quickly rolled the mattress, cinched the straps, clipped the buckles, and tossed it in the back of my Land Cruiser.

If in the market for a sleeping system, give HEST mattresses a look. They come in different variations for a variety of applications such as roof top tents, pickup trucks, and campers. I clipped two of the mattresses together and used them in a Four Wheel Camper bed—phenomenal! Sleep is critically important to energize you for what adventure presents itself. Get rested. Get revived. Adventure on.

The Good:

A solid and oh so comfortable sleep mattress.

The Caution:

The sleep system rolls into a 24” by 30” roll. An important point for the space conscious adventurer.

Featured Writer: Mike Holland
Instagram: DesertRush

CHECK OUT: Get-North – Overlanding in the Canadian Rockies – Mike Holland

California Overland Adventure And Power Sports Show

Andy Palmer

If you love overland adventure or are simply wanting to see what it’s all about, then the 2024 California Overland Adventure and Power Sports Show is for you. TAP will be there walking the show (March 16-17th Fairplex in Pomona, CA) to see what’s new and hope to bump into you in the aisles.

March 16-17th Fairplex in Pomona, CA

For your Exclusive TAP Readership Show Discount CLICK HERE

Screen Shot 2024 01 11 at 2.59.29 PM.png

Overland Adventure
This category of the show will showcase products and brands in Overlanding, RVs and Adventure Vehicles, Travel & Lifestyle, Outdoor Gear, and Tools of the Trade.

Outdoor Adventure Travel & Lifestyle
Outdoor Adventure experiences are a driving force for Californians. A great blend of brands at the show will feature Camping & Hiking Equipment, Cycling Products, Performance Apparel, Wellness Companies, Resort Destinations, Fitness, Outdoor Adventure Clubs & Organizations, Safety Equipment,and more.

Power Sports
Californians are passionate about their power sports. The power sports segment of the show features a wide range of power-oriented categories including ATVs, Off-Road Vehicles, Motorcycle Brands, Custom Cars, Car Clubs, Water Sports Products, E-Bikes, and Accessory Categories.

For an Exclusive TAP Readership Show Discount CLICK HERE

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Check out other Overland Events in 2024 HERE

Arctic Trucks – Behind The Wheel

Andy Palmer

Arctic Trucks, Ford Super Duty, Expedition trucks, Adventure Rigs, Overlanding, Overland, off-road,

The “Behind the Wheel” series is an up close and personal look at authentic brands in the exciting world of Overlanding and Vehicle Supported Adventure. Today we’re sitting down with Kyle Leeds, Director of Sales and Business Development for Arctic Trucks, North America.

Kyle, great to chat with you today. I’m sure many of the TAP readers have already drooled at images of Arctic Trucks in Iceland. For those few who maybe don’t know the brand, give us an introduction to Arctic Trucks.

Glad to be speaking with you Andy! Arctic Trucks was founded in 1990 in Iceland to offer the local off-road community high quality products to suit the often-challenging terrain and climate. Since its founding, Arctic Trucks grew into primarily full vehicle builds supporting nearly every segment of the commercial and enthusiast off-road market. We now have manufacturing locations in 10 countries and have over 15,000 vehicles on the road, ranging from expedition rigs converted to 6-wheel drive with 44” tires, to upfits designed for the daily commute. A few of our more notable highlights include taking the first wheeled vehicle to the Magnetic North Pole (a Toyota Hilux AT38 – featured on BBC’s Top Gear), utilizing the capabilities of a Toyota Hilux AT44 for the Antarctica & Greenland crossings with Expedition7, and most recently supporting the Pole to Pole EV expedition in which a Nissan Ariya EV – upfitted with 39” tires by Arctic Trucks – drove from the Magnetic North Pole to the South Pole.

So Arctic Trucks is now launching in the US. Tell us about how this came about and why?

Launching in North America has been a desire of Arctic Trucks for years – it was always a juggling match of having the right vehicle and upfit at the right time. Much of our product portfolio has been based on platforms not available in North America, such as Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max. As our global customer base grew, we received more inquiries for solutions with greater carrying capacities than existing products, the perfect jumping off point to leverage a domestic full-size truck for North America. While R&D was underway, we established our US headquarters Cheyenne, Wyoming and by November 2022, we were building our first trucks in this facility.

What rig platforms are you’re choosing for the US market and why?

We launched with perhaps the most versatile platform ever produced by Arctic Trucks – the Ford Super Duty AT44, available in both 4×4 and 6×6 configurations. These trucks are massively capable. They’re equipped with our 44” Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires, a radial winter tire co-developed between Nokian and Arctic Trucks. The trucks debuted to the public in early 2023, supporting the Pole to Pole EV Expedition in the Canadian Arctic. They departed from Cheyenne, Wyoming and drove all the way to the Magnetic North Pole and back, a journey spanning roughly 7,000 miles over an array of terrain – highway, rock fields, deep snow, even ice roads. The versatility of these trucks is second to none and we can configure each build to suit the environment they’ll operate in – we have multiple tire options, suspension enhancements such as linked air suspension systems, central tire inflation, etc. In addition to Super Duty’s, we have several new and exciting applications coming in 2024 geared for a more recreation-focused audience.

Will the feature spec be a global spec or more specific to the US consumer?

It depends on the vehicle and nature of the upfit – most of our efforts are aimed at producing functional products for the US and Canada, but there are certainly instances where an upfit could apply globally or design efforts for one platform can be carried to another. For example, some might be aware of the Toyota Prado upfits by Arctic Trucks that are quite popular in areas of Europe. We don’t have the Prado in the US, but we do have the Lexus GX 460 which is on the same LC 150 platform.

When will we see Arctic Trucks hit the trails in the US and tell us about your roll out launch strategy? Will you guys be attending any shows?

2023 was our first full year of building vehicles for North America, most of which were AT44 4×4 and 6×6’s delivered to commercial users in Canada and Alaska. We did make a soft appearance at Overland Expo West in 2023, displaying an F-150 AT44 prototype in the Comeup Winch booth. We also had a Super Duty 6×6 equipped with a Total Composites camper – the same one that ventured to the Magnetic North Pole – subtly parked far away from the action in the camping areas. It was really fun to see the reactions and excitement from fans of the brand. This year, we have a dedicated booth at Overland Expo West where we will have a variety of new products on display. There are a few commercial and defense focused shows we’ll be exhibiting at as well.

TC AT44, Arctic Trucks, Ford Super Duty, Expedition trucks, Adventure Rigs, Overlanding, Overland, off-road,

What’s been the greatest challenge to date for Arctic Trucks entering the US?

It’s difficult to pick only one! Though Arctic Trucks is known by many die-hard fans, we’re relatively unknown in North America broadly speaking. For our AT44’s, much of our efforts have been towards demonstrating our alternative to existing snow-capable equipment such as tracked and belted vehicles. Iceland and other European countries have already adopted our vehicles for services such as Search and Rescue and remote infrastructure maintenance; the challenge is to educate customers in North America that there is a simpler, more cost effective, and more efficient option. Expanding our portfolio to introduce products that customers are asking for is always a challenge too, particularly when there is so much built-up anticipation from seeing all kinds of Arctic Trucks vehicles abroad over the years. We’re trying for sure, but it will take time for us to build out our product offerings to the extent we’d like. We have a small, yet passionate team that lives and breathes this stuff, working hand-in-hand with our Icelandic and other global counterparts to bring these products to fruition. We have an exciting year ahead of us for certain.

HEART OF STONE NETFLIX, Arctic Trucks, Ford Super Duty, Expedition trucks, Adventure Rigs, Overlanding, Overland, off-road,

Where can an interested consumer see your platforms and with the size of the States, do you intend to work with dealer partners?

Given the nature of our current and planned product portfolio – which varies from commercial-oriented work trucks to less extreme 4×4 vehicle upgrades – we’ll have different types of distribution channels. Currently, we have two terrific partners in Canada who are Arctic Trucks Authorized dealers distributing Super Duty AT44’s primarily to commercial clients – Whitehorse Motors in Whitehorse, YT and Aurora Ford in Yellowknife, NT. Alongside the AT44s, some of our new products coming to market in 2024 are intended for the 4×4 enthusiast crowd, or someone seeking a highly capable year-round overlanding vehicle.

We do have some new Ford-based products on the horizon, including the Ford Lightning, which we’ve been having a lot of fun testing on up to 39” tires. In addition to Ford, there are other Toyota-based upfits in the works which we hope will put a smile on the face of many existing fans. I can’t specify much more at this point but be sure to keep an eye out in early mid 2024 for new product announcements.

Ford Lightning AT39, Arctic Trucks, Ford Super Duty, Expedition trucks, Adventure Rigs, Overlanding, Overland, off-road,

As a passionate overlander yourself, what’s been your favorite trip you’ve taken and finally, what’s it like to drive an AT44 in the wilds of Iceland?

I’ve been fortunate to have taken quite a few memorable trips over the years, but perhaps unsurprisingly, Iceland is quite the place to explore. Even before my affiliation with Arctic Trucks, I’ve been back time and time again over the span of several years. The first time experiencing the full capabilities of an AT44 up on the Eyjafjallajökull glacier was probably the most memorable. There was around 3-4 feet of fresh snow atop several feet of hard packed snow and the AT44’s could cruise effortlessly due to the floatation provided by the 44” Nokians. Quite unique to be on top of a glacier looking out over beaches and the ocean. You don’t necessarily need to be in a supremely capable vehicle to have a good time either – lots of exploring in the highlands can be accomplished with a modest 4×4 vehicle, and the amazing scenery seems endless. Plus, the northern lights! It’s hard to beat.

Thanks for spending the time with us today, Kyle. Can’t wait to get a test drive in one of the Arctic Trucks!

The Winnebago EKKO Sprinter

Andy Palmer

EKKO Sprinter, winnebago, RV, class c, overland, overlanding,

Winnebago pushed the boundaries of adventure travel – again. The popular off-grid Winnebago EKKO Transit is now joined by the new off-road ready Winnebago EKKO Sprinter.

Built on the rugged Mercedes-Benz® Sprinter all-wheel-drive chassis with elevated ground clearance, remote areas are more accessible. A 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission provides the power you need, and standard all-terrain tires make low-traction terrain easier to navigate.

The EKKO Sprinter is not only taller, but at 170″ the EKKO Sprinter wheelbase is 18″ longer overall than the EKKO Transit. The result is more room for a truly enviable basecamp.

Inside, the EKKO Sprinter’s living area is amazingly versatile. The multifunctional lounge can shift to 4 different modes. There’s passenger seating for two with a pull-up table. Need a workspace? Go standard configuration – with the lounge and folding table extension working together. Want to kick back with your crew? Swiveling cab seats plus the two side sofas and the adjustable table create an inviting U-shaped dining space for up to 5. Then in sleep mode, the living space converts to create a third bed.

In the bedroom area, recharge with two side by side 80” long twin/flex beds that are now 4” longer than in the EKKO Transit and include storage underneath. The beds can also be combined to create one larger bed. Add the optional pop up, and the sleeping capacity rises to 5.

The flexible galley in the EKKO Sprinter has bragging rights, too. In addition to the new microwave/convection oven, a portable single-burner induction cooktop gives the option to cook outdoors. Clean up and preparation are a breeze thanks to a large galley sink bowl. And deep-access drawers give you ample storage and organization.

The latest Class C model also features the same unique dry-wet bath found in the original EKKO Transit. Its unique pivoting wall keeps the cassette-style toilet, medicine cabinet, and mirror out of the way when the shower is in use.

Ready to talk boondocking? 520W solar panels, a 320Ah Lithionics® lithium battery bank (with option to upgrade to 630Ah) and a 2500W LP generator come standard for your off-grid power supply. And impressive holding tanks include a 50-gallon freshwater reservoir plus a 51-gallon gray water tank. A Truma® water heater and furnace are also standard.

Just like its predecessor, the EKKO Sprinter is built for extended-season camping, with all-season insulation in the roof, walls, and floors. Exterior compartments are also insulated with a heated gear garage that can easily fit two bikes. And to ensure colder temperatures don’t hold you back, the holding tanks and water lines are located inside the vehicle.

When you’re on the road, you’ll enjoy the latest Sprinter tech features, including the Mercedes MBUX® infotainment system. Onboard navigation keeps you on track and Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM keep you connected. Driver assistance features like a digital rearview mirror, active lane keeping assist and DISTRONIC PLUS® adaptive cruise control keep your journeys stress free.

So, if you’re craving the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want, the new off-grid, off-road EKKO Sprinter is the Class C camper for you.

To Learn More CLICK HERE

This is a sponsored article. TAP does not receive any commission from sales resulting from this feature.

CHECK OUT A journey and evolution into our Winnebago EKKO

Overland Adventure Tours – Off-Road Safety Academy

Andy Palmer

off-road safety academy, overland tours, adventure tours, overlanding, overland,

From Baja beaches to Death Valley canyons, Bob Wohlers, Owner and Tour Guide of Off-Road Safety Academy has you covered.

Let’s dive right in.

Camp On Baja Beaches Adventure Tour – April 25th – May 2nd:

baja, overlanding baja, beach camping, overland, overlanding,

This seven-night, eight-day tour begins in Calexico, California and ends in Tecate, Mexico. The tour’s route is mostly on pavement and some magnificent 4WD off- roading through exceptionally scenic desert landscapes. You will visit San Felipe, Bahia San Luis Gonzaga, and Bahia de Los Angeles on the Sea of Cortez side. The tour off-roads to the furthest north stone mission in Baja, then crosses the peninsula to Hwy 1 and travels through Catavina, Punta Banda, and Ensenada. Camping during this tour is on gorgeous remote beaches.

Cost: $1600 Per Vehicle (as many passenger as you can legally carry)

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Baja’s Hidden Heart Adventure Tour – December 12th – 20th:

Hidden Baja, baja tours, overlanding baja, overlanding, overland,

This eight-night, nine-day adventure tour features a new and exciting route through Baja. You will be off-roading along the Sea of Cortez, the Pacific Coast, and through the middle of the Baja Peninsula. You will encounter wondrous landscapes, stunning ocean campsites, and relaxed evening campfires. The tour includes a Gray Whale encounter in the famous Scammon’s Lagoon using a certified boat operator near the wonderful town of Guerrero Negro. During our inland wanderings, we will visit a famous Baja cave paintings area. New radiocarbon techniques dates these paintings back 11,000 years, roughly the same time as the end of the first ice age. The paintings are called the oldest on the continent.

Baja overland tours, adventure baja, overlanding, overland,

Cost: $1700 Per Vehicle (as many passenger as you can legally carry) Cost includes one four-hour Gray Whale encounter. Additional encounters are $60 per additional person.)

General Requirements for a Baja Tour:

Any 4WD vehicle that is set up for self-contained overlanding and remote-style camping is welcome on the tours. All participants will need a valid passport that is not set to expire 180 days or less prior to entering Mexico.

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DEATH VALLEY OVERLAND ADVENTURE TOUR – June 6th – 9th:

death valley overland tour, death valley, overlanding, overland,

Death Valley is iconic, fabulously scenic and remote. Three days and three nights of overlanding exploring the largest National Park in the lower 48 States. Over 80- percent of this beautiful park can’t be seen from the pavement – you have to venture off-road. Off-Road Safety Academy takes you to the best sights. Sand dunes, canyons, hot springs, playas, craters, mines, and high-altitude trails are all part of this adventure tour. This tour visits Saline Valley, Hunter Mountain, Hidden Valley, Tea Kettle Junction, Racetrack, and Ubehebe Crater.

This is an overlanding-style tour for 4WD vehicles only. You must be self- contained and self-reliant as we camp at a different remote location each night.

Cost: $650 Per Vehicle (as many passenger as you can legally carry)

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DEATH VALLEY BASECAMP ADVENTURE TOUR – October 31st – November 3rd

death valley overland, overlanding, overland, death valley tours,

This Death Valley adventure is for those who either: 1) Tow their 4WD behind a motorhome or truck, 2) Like to basecamp (meaning camp in the same location each night), and/or 3) Like the challenge of a more difficult off-road trail. Unlike Off-Road Safety Academy’s overlanding-style adventure tours, the trails traveled on this tour are a bit more challenging. There will be some rock crawling on this tour so short wheelbase vehicles are preferred. Front and rear frame-mounted recovery points, a small suspension lift, larger than stock tires, a rear axle locker (or Electronic Traction Control), and rock rails are required.

The tour route includes visiting several remote backcountry miner’s cabins, including a visit to Barker Ranch where Charles Manson was apprehended by law enforcement. History at its best!

Cost: $650 Per Vehicle (as many passenger as you can legally carry)

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Bob Wohlers – Off-Road Safety Academy

Concerned about going to Baja? Worried about Death Valley? No need! Journey with someone that:

Teaches off-roading full time – will give you 4WD instruction on the tour
Has written popular books on 4WD driving.
Is a Wilderness First Aid Instructor and brings an AED on the tour
Knows Baja intimately (My first trip to Baja was in 1969 during high school!)
Has a degree in biology and knows Baja flora and fauna
Takes you to the most scenic camping sites
Has satellite emergency communication and contacts should vehicle problems or illnesses and injuries arise
Is a TreadLightly Master Tread Trainer
Is fully invested in making YOUR adventure fun, exciting, and comfortable

bob whalers, off-road safety academy, overland, overlanding, baja, death valley,

For more information about the tours and the 4WD courses offered by Off-Road Safety Academy go HERE.

Check out the trip TAP took with Bob to The North Rim HERE

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Marauder – Sunburst Mirror Polarized

MSRP: $225 BUY HERE

Trail Thoughts:

Helm Tech – Blue Spectra Mirror Polarized

Trail Thoughts:

MSRP: $200 BUY HERE

Kailano – Gray Polorized Glass

Trail Thoughts:

MSRP: $242 BUY HERE

Temper – Light Grey Polarized

Trail Thoughts:

MSRP: $150 BUY HERE

Phantom – Titanium Polarized

Trail Thoughts:

MSRP: $310 BUY HERE

Swank XL – Brown Fade Polarized

Trail Thoughts:

MSRP: $54.95 BUY HERE

Hondo – Polarized

Trail Thoughts:

MSRP: $179 BUY HERE

Recommendations:

Conclusions:

The Good:

The Caution:

Featured Writer: Mike HollandInstagram: DesertRush

CHECK OUT: Get-North – Overlanding in the Canadian Rockies – Mike Holland

March 16-17th Fairplex in Pomona, CA

For your Exclusive TAP Readership Show Discount CLICK HERE

For an Exclusive TAP Readership Show Discount CLICK HERE

Check out other Overland Events in 2024 HERE

Kyle, great to chat with you today. I’m sure many of the TAP readers have already drooled at images of Arctic Trucks in Iceland. For those few who maybe don’t know the brand, give us an introduction to Arctic Trucks.

So Arctic Trucks is now launching in the US. Tell us about how this came about and why?

What rig platforms are you’re choosing for the US market and why?

Will the feature spec be a global spec or more specific to the US consumer?

When will we see Arctic Trucks hit the trails in the US and tell us about your roll out launch strategy? Will you guys be attending any shows?

What’s been the greatest challenge to date for Arctic Trucks entering the US?

Where can an interested consumer see your platforms and with the size of the States, do you intend to work with dealer partners?

As a passionate overlander yourself, what’s been your favorite trip you’ve taken and finally, what’s it like to drive an AT44 in the wilds of Iceland?

Thanks for spending the time with us today, Kyle. Can’t wait to get a test drive in one of the Arctic Trucks!

To Learn More CLICK HERE

This is a sponsored article. TAP does not receive any commission from sales resulting from this feature.

CHECK OUT A journey and evolution into our Winnebago EKKO

Camp On Baja Beaches Adventure Tour – April 25th – May 2nd:

Cost: $1600 Per Vehicle (as many passenger as you can legally carry)

To Sign Up CLICK HERE:

Baja’s Hidden Heart Adventure Tour – December 12th – 20th:

Cost: $1700 Per Vehicle (as many passenger as you can legally carry) Cost includes one four-hour Gray Whale encounter. Additional encounters are $60 per additional person.)

To Sign Up CLICK HERE:

General Requirements for a Baja Tour:

DEATH VALLEY OVERLAND ADVENTURE TOUR – June 6th – 9th:

Cost: $650 Per Vehicle (as many passenger as you can legally carry)

To Sign Up CLICK HERE:

DEATH VALLEY BASECAMP ADVENTURE TOUR – October 31st – November 3rd

Cost: $650 Per Vehicle (as many passenger as you can legally carry)

To Sign Up CLICK HERE:

Bob Wohlers – Off-Road Safety Academy

For more information about the tours and the 4WD courses offered by Off-Road Safety Academy go HERE.

Check out the trip TAP took with Bob to The North Rim HERE

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Featured Writer: Mike Holland
Instagram: DesertRush