We’ve just finished building our (new to us), 2019 Subaru Outback and it will act as the second TAP Media Rig, alongside our 4Runner. Over the years we’ve built up a Tundra, Tacoma, JKU’s and a 4Runner and this is a new step towards the middle ground of vehicle supported adventure. Every vehicle has its purpose and our Subaru is positioned to tackle long road trips, dirt roads and support light outdoor activity focused adventures. The TAP 4Runner will tackle the rough stuff. Well of course we couldn’t leave it stock, so here’s what we’ve done to it and a quick first impression of the overland gear added.
Suspension and Lift:
We’re using Ironman4x4 suspension on our 4Runner so we were stoked to discover that they specialize in a suspension kit for the Subaru Outback We went with the All Terrain Suspension (ATS) kit with Spec C heavy duty coils in the rear, to deal with heavy loads. The kit gives the Subaru a 2″ lift and an impressive 10.7″ of ground clearance.
The Subaru Outback in stock format drives exceptionally well on the road, so I’m not going to lie, I was a little apprehensive to make changes. However, I knew we wanted to increase the rigs capability off road, so I reluctantly pulled the trigger on the lift install. My first impressions are positive, although as expected it has stiffened the rig and is less comfortable on long freeway drives. The Subaru is also fitted with Eyesight Technology and as mentioned in the Ironman install guide, this now needs to be recalibrated. I have turned off the Driver Assist, until this is done. Bottom line, the lift has changed the feel of the rig on the road, so decide what you’re ultimately looking for before installing. For us, the increased off-road performance is important and on a recent trip to Moab, the rig excelled on the muddy and snowy dirt trails, easily soaking up the rough terrain. It is also still comfortable on the highway.
Wheels and Tires:
The next obvious modification was to change out the wheels and tires. We went with the light weight and killer looking Method Race Wheels 502 Rally Matt Black (17×8.0| 5×114.3mm |+38mm/6.10″) and Falken Wild Peak A/T Trail (245/65R17). On the advice of Falken, we went with the A/T Trail, as opposed to All-Terrains. They are slightly less aggressive, so keep road noise low, while still giving plenty of grip on dirt. Again, on our recent 1800 mile road trip to Moab, they proved an excellent choice both off and on road.
We’ve definitely crammed as large a shoe as possible into the new space and do get a slight amount of rubbing in the front, while in reverse full lock. Checking it out, it seems to be rubbing slightly on the inside of the mudflap, so slight trimming should easily fix the issue.
Spare Tire Carrier:
With the increase in size of the wheel/tire combo (245, up from 225), the spare is now too big to fit in the original trunk spare tire space. That said, we’ve added the RiG’d Supply Ultraswing tire carrier. It’s a very simple install, easily fitting/locking into the 2″ hitch receiver. Unfortunately our Subi did not come with an existing 4-pin trailer wiring harness, so I had to install one fromCURT (Amazon.com). I then installed a RiG’d license plate light kit that hooks up to to the 4-pin. This is a 30 min job and very easy. (Youtube is amazing! LOL)
Finally, we also added a drop down table to the UltraSwing which we have already found pretty darn useful.
We’re incredibly impressed with the RiG’d Supply Ultraswing. It has excellent rigidity both on and off-road with absolutely no rattles! Definitely a product that truly lives up to it’s marketing and we highly recommended it! The only downside to date, is that the rear camera is now blocked and beeps loudly at us when we are reversing. A Garmin wireless Backup Camera install seems to be on the cards.
Roof Accessories:
The final addition was a Thule Canyon XT Basket for carrying items like recovery boards and shovel. This rack will come and go as and when we test out various Roof Top Tents. As expected there is some wind noise at speeds on the freeway, but the rack is solid without movement and rattles off-road.
Overall Impression:
As stated, our Subaru Outback has been built for light overland adventure, with a high percentage of road use, compared to dirt. That said, we don’t intend to add body armor or other non-essential weight to the rig. Our intention was to build a capable and comfortable front country adventure rig and overall we are impressed and pleased with the finished build.
Here’s six easy overland trails to explore in California. If you’re just getting into off-road adventure with your rig, these will inspire you to get further into the lifestyle. These easy overland trails range between Mountains and the Desert, to give you a solid idea of the overlanding life.
This is an easy 28.3 mile out and back trail, with the first 10.2 miles being paved. It is located east of Bishop at 7,200ft-11,400. The trail is usually open April – November, but this can vary due to weather conditions. It is also home of The Methuselah Grove and the Bristlecone Pines (oldest living trees in the world). The off-road portion is easy but bumpy and we don’t recommend street tires, for fear of puncture.
The Titus Canyon Trail is a gem, traversing 25.4 miles one way between 200ft-5,300. This easy overland trail is generally graded with some areas containing small imbedded rocks. The Canyon can experience flash flooding, so check with weather forecast and visitor center if unsure – 760-786-2331 (As of December 2022, the trail is currently closed due to summer monsoon flooding)
TheButtermilk Country Loop trail is approximately 18 miles long and is situated below the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. The trail is composed of a loop with several legal side roads to explore both on foot and in your off-road vehicle. There are also a variety of primitive overland campsites on the marked national forest side roads. Its elevation ranges from 5,500 to 9,172ft.
This is a 11.5 mile scenic tour overland route. You can pick up a trail guide at the trailhead. It’s a fascinating geological and anthropological area that contains evidence of inhabitation dating back to 9000 B.C. You will see some spectacular rock formations that are so iconically “Joshua Tree National Park”, in their “modern art” look. Elevation ranges from 3300ft to 4600 ft and the best time to go is October through May. Avoid the trail if wet or snowy.
This is an extremely popular and scenic easy overland trail that can be traversed by passenger vehicle (Subaru perfection). Movie Flat trail runs through the Alabama Hills Recreation Area along a low range of hills on the west side of the Owens Valley. The road’s popularity stems from the rocky boulder-strewn hillsides that have served as the setting for movies, commercials and TV series. Elevation range is 3800ft to 5000ft and the east season is Fall to Spring (in dry weather).
An easy overland trails, but sandy 8 mile out and back trail, located in Anza Borrego State Park. The trail ends at the very popular Fonts Point view over the regions badlands. A short and often crowded trail, but well worth the excursion to see the sunset from the point. The best time to go is between late October and early May. The elevation ranges from 717ft-1250.
For a comprehensive list of Californian Overland Trails, CHECK HERE
It’s that time of year again when we serve up The Adventure Portal’s2022 Overlanding Holiday Gift Guide ideas for you. We want your off roadadventures to be the best they can be, so we have assembled all the best trail and camping gear ideas for you or that special someone who loves the outdoors. Everything fromcommunication devices to Coolers, it’s all here. Check out the fantastic products below that we feel deserve to be in your Overlanding kit next year!
If you are planning a shorter overland trip – perhaps just a few days – we recommend you check out our passive (non-powered) coolers. Equipped with extremely effective insulation, these portable ice chests will keep your groceries, fish, bait, wild game and other perishables fresh for several days – depending on use and weather conditions.
Enjoy longer-lasting ice on your next camping, fishing or overland trip – our Patrol ice chest keeps ice frozen for days. Its tough construction places no limits on adventure. Now available in the fresh Ocean blue color.
With 50 Watts of power, the MXT575 is the most powerful GMRS radio allowed by law. With this power, outdoor adventurers will be able to take their explorations to new levels. Not only does the MXT575 increase radio range, it also brings unbeatable voice clarity to ensure crisp and clear communication.
One of the MXT575’s most popular features is the Fully-Integrated Control Microphone. With all the controls on the microphone you can stash the radio unit away. The MXT575 brings power to adventure without crowding the dashboard.
With the addition of NOAA Weather Scan, the MXT575 gives outdoor adventurers peace of mind. This weather technology keeps overland adventurers alert in the chance severe weather rolls in unexpectedly, giving them the time they need to react.
The MXT575’s radio unit also includes a USB-C charging port for the fastest charge time on devices like walkie talkies, tablets, and cellphones. Other features include eight repeater channels, split tone repeater capabilities, and 142 privacy codes to minimize unwanted interactions. The MXT575 operates on both narrow and wide bands.
When you’re off-grid and on an overlanding or offroad trip, you can trust Midland to keep you connected.
The USB Mood Setter tent light string with built-in dimmer from 23 Zero is designed to set the mood and create the perfect atmosphere in your rooftop tent or under your awning. It has 32 feet of high-efficiency LED lights on a coated copper string making set up easy and you can leave them inside the tent. It is 5V USB Powered (battery not included). It has a low power draw (less than 1-5W). It comes with its own storage bag and weighs only 2 oz. IP65 rated to withstand rain and dust and has up to 350 lumens of adjustable light with in-line cable DIMMER switch.
The outdoor and overland camp kitchen “mise en place”–everything in order and in one place. A convenient set of kitchen tools that make cooking in the outdoors a breeze. Easily bring the Campfire Prep Set with you on any excursion as it all rolls neatly together in a compact package.
Includes a knife, grater, and wooden cooking spoons and utensils, conveniently rolled in a durable wrap
12cm stainless steel knife has a flexible blade suitable for chopping, slicing, and filleting
Stainless steel grater doubles as a zester, to take your outdoor culinary skills to new heights
Traditional spoon, oversized fork and flat edged scraper fit all your cooking needs and are safe to use with nonstick pans
PU-coated G1000 cover wrap serves as an additional space to prepare and place food on, includes a pocket for other small accessories, and is coated on the inside for easy cleaning
When finished cooking, simply roll everything up for safe and secure storage and transport
The Seeker 3 L is a durable, ultra-light hydration storage system for all your overland or off road camping, backpacking and multi day adventures. A weather-resistant pour handle, and two side lash points for hanging or pack attachment make it the perfect backcountry tool. The leakproof, tethered cap is compatible with most 42mm threaded filters so you can filter more water in the backcountry. You can freeze it to use as an ice pack or pack it away in its included stuff sack and keep it in your camp kit for your go-to filter bag.
SJK’s Roadhouse Screen Tarp will have you overlanding like a pro with vehicular based shelter for all your off-road adventures. We’ve improved on the livability of the Roadhouse Tarp by adding the protection of convertible mesh sidewalls. Leave the mesh down to keep the bugs at bay or roll it up to let the breeze through. We’ve incorporated a unique attachment system that easily connects to most Jeeps, trucks, or SUV’s. Includes 2 heavy duty 96” tall steel “awning” poles, 10” super-duty steel stakes, and heavy duty reflective guylines to keep things in place when weather moves in. Carry bag included.
The BroncoRailTM for the new Ford® Bronco is the market leading and lowest profile device mounting system on the market. Utilizing the proven Series 55TM rail system the entire BroncoRailTM comprises just 4 components and 4 fasteners, while opening up the entire 67 Designs portfolio of carbon fiber arms, holders for phones, tablets, GPS, radio and electronics controllers. Made in the USA.
The “Tire Table” uses your overland vehicle or off road trailer tire as its main support, making it a stable and flat work surface regardless of the ground conditions. It has an expanded metal surface allowing crumbs and spills to fall right through and will not be blown over by the wind. It can also be leveled on the tire even if your vehicle is not level.
When every inch of space in your rig matters, having a table that takes up very little space is important. The slim design is 1.5” thick and the legs are stored neatly under the table using push buttons to release them. It can also be strapped to your rack or even to the rear spare tire.
The Tire Tables are so versatile since they can be used on any tire including a rear spare tire. The combination of its stability and strength allows you to use it for all of your adventure needs. From a barbeque to a tool bench or a remote work location, the Tire Table will become one of your favorite overland and off-road items.
Features:
Available in Steel and Aluminum – Powdered Coated
Stable and level regardless of the ground conditions
Retractable leg for extra support
Standard Size – 23”W X 29”L – fit on tires from 25” to 46” tall
Large Size – 28”W x 33.5”L – fit on tires from 33” to 46” tall
Steel: weighs 13 pounds to 16 pound
Aluminum: weighs 5.5 pounds to 8 pounds
MSRP: $139.95 – $209.95 BUY HERE(20% Off – Use Code ADVENTUREPORTAL- Limited time offer through 12/20/20)
Completely reissued for the States using local ingredient and measurement conventions, it’s got all the charm of an Aussie outback larrikin without the need for pesky metric conversions on the fly or wondering where the heck you get coriander from. The food is indulgently good, too. With a healthy disdain for convention, you can enjoy Not Crap Nachos, Kentucky Fried Parmi (Harry’s take on a classic Aussie pub meal) or slow-cooked beef ribs, all cooked over an open flame. There’s even a handful of campfire-inspired cocktails and heaps of information on how to get the best from fire when cooking.
There have been some great camping and overlanding focussed cookbooks published over the years, but Fire To Fork is genuinely good camping food from a highly entertaining cook. If you don’t already subscribe to his YouTube channel, you’re missing out. If you want to eat better food at camp, nothing will help more than this book.
MSRP: $29.95 BUY HERE We’ll plant a tree for each copy sold.
Like our sun hats, this all-season technical Sun Shirt was designed for the performance needs of outdoor athletes and overland or off road adventurers all over the world.
The Aquaterra Crew neck is engineered & built with sun protection, function, and durability in mind, featuring our hand protection system. No more sun burns on the top of your hands! Also, truly amphibious, these technical tops work as well in the water as on land. Offering features consistent with Shelta core values and innovation goals.
UPF 50+ UV protection, the highest rating given. Blocks 98% of UVA/UVB radiation.
Loose comfort fit
Moisture Wicking
Sleeves with thumb hole & finger loop for multiple hand protection options
Sleeves with thumb hole & finger loop to keep sleeve in place
Silicone Gel palm print for non-slip grip
Zippered back hip stash pocket
Drop tail for more lower back sun protection
Reflective chevron back logo for visibility
Board short attachment loop
Back locker loop to attach Shelta chin cord system.
Side comfort panels with arm pit mesh fabric for ventilation
Ragland sleeves with flat-lock seams for arm movement and to prevent chafing
This remote Overland trip road was planned to test an Escapade Backcountry Trailerand we were determined to push it hard, to see if it lived up to its name. The off road trip was a 7-day, 1356-mile adventure into remote areas of southern Utah. The full review of the trailer is linked at the end of this article.
Our first true remote overland destination was Alstrom Point, on the cliff edge, high above Lake Powell. The trail to the point is 25 miles along a dirt road from Big Water and the final mile is the only time you really need high clearance and perhaps 4High. This being said, weather conditions in this area can change rapidly and the dusty offroad trails, have a reputation for turning to vehicle sucking mud when it rains.
Alstrom Point
The gods were on our side, and we found the perfect overland campsite right on the edge of the cliff overlook. As always, the desert winds howled for 24 hours and despite the original plan to stay for two days in this amazing area, we decided to move on. Last year, we experienced the same conditions and were blown around in our Roof Top Tent. This year, we certainly appreciated the comfort and warmth of being inside an enclosed trailer.
Alstrom Point Trail
Day 3 was to be our long-distance day, as our plan was to traverse 70+ miles across various backcountry trails up into the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Quickly leaving the Glen Canyon Rec Area, the dirt road climbs the Kelly Gradeto the top of Kaiparowitz Plateau at 6500ft. This road is a 5-mile-long, 1,200-foot grade with numerous switchbacks and steep drop offs. Although not technically difficult when dry, it is steep and narrow and we’d have been in some trouble, if we’d met rigs coming the other way. Once reaching the summit, you can gaze upon Page and Lake Powell to the south and Navajo Mountain in the far distance to the east.
Kelly Grade Summit
Continuing along the slow going, but beautiful Smoky Mountain Trail (we clocked 25 miles in 2.5 hrs.), we eventually diverted east to find the head of Left-Hand Colett Canyon Trailthat connects Smoky Mountain and Hole in the Wall Trails. Left hand Collett is a 12-mile, one way canyon trail with an elevation change of 1312ft. Certainly towing the Escapade Backcountry Trailer through here could have been problematic due to the canyon’s narrowness and potential for washouts. However, the offroad trail was worth the risk, as it served up a mixture of remote beauty, incredible rock formations and just enough technicality to truly test the trailer.
Left Hand Collett Trail
At the end of this 7-hour day in the southern Utah backcountry, we had traversed 70+ miles through beautiful and remote terrain and amazingly realized we had not seen a soul. A Vehicle Supported Adventure like this, doesn’t get much better!
Going Deep in S Utah
After 4 days overlanding in the desert, it was time to head up into the mountains of The Dixie National Forest. Despite finding the 38-mile Hells Backbone Trail impassable, we did discover the perfect campsite in amongst the pines, next to a small babbling brook. So perfect in fact, we stayed for two nights to soak in the mountain beauty and slow down. Off Road camping at 8200ft in early April, we had night temperatures down to 23 degrees, but again we were comfy and warm in the trailer.
Camping in The Dixie National Forest
As trips go, this was one of the best, a true overland experience through remote southern UT. A mixture of terrain, both in geography and difficulty, put the Escapade Backcountry Trailer through its paces. It performed admirably, cementing it’s right to be labeled as a Backcountry Edition.
For a full rundown on the Escapade Backcountry Trailer, CLICK HERE
For more Overlanding and Vehicle Supported Adventure Trips, CLICK HERE
We have both spent several years living on the east coast, so our bar for fall foliage is high. We have taken a few overland van trips focused on finding fall colors, enjoying the flexibility of not having to plan ahead and being able to adjust based on the unpredictability of leaves changing. This past fall, we stumbled upon some of the best fall colors we’ve seen yet. We ended a summer trip in Alaska with a few days around Denali, catching the park in one of the last couple weeks of the season. The restaurants, lodging, and services around the park entrance completely shut down in mid-September, and when we were there early in the month most places had already shuttered for the season. We are used to September being a summer month, and while we knew to be prepared for early cold temperatures and snow, the fall colors still took us by surprise.
We spent a couple days hiking just outside Denali National Park, where you can still get a view of Denali on a clear day. There are many free offroad camping spots on public land a few minutes drive from the park entrance, which provide a quieter alternative to the park campgrounds and excellent views.
Another advantage to visiting Alaska in the fall is the chance to see the northern lights. The long summer days in Alaska mean lots of time for hiking, but also mean short nights with not very dark skies. Starting in August, less daylight means darker night skies, which are better for viewing the northern lights. In addition, the northern lights are more active around the spring and autumn equinox, making September and October prime time for good shows. The University of Alaska Fairbankspublishes an aurora forecast, which we checked frequently to make sure we didn’t miss anything. Our over land camp spot outside Denali provided a good vantage point for viewing the night sky, largely unobstructed by trees.
The one road in Denali National Park is 89 miles long. The majority of the road is only open to tour buses or park shuttles for backpackers and campers. The first 15 miles of the road is open to private vehicles, although parking is limited and most of the best views of Denali are farther into the park. We spent a day stopping at off road pullouts along the road to look for wildlife and doing a few short hikes.
The main way to drive farther into the park is to camp at one of the campgrounds along the park road. We were able to get a last minute reservation for Teklanika River Campground at Mile 29, which is the farthest into the park you can camp in your own vehicle. The campground has fifty-three sites and no amenities beyond water spigots and pit toilets. With nightly temperatures below freezing, we were grateful for our diesel heater and plenty of battery life to make hot meals and drinks.
There are few established trails in Denali, so we spent our days walking along the nearly empty park road, with short side trips to explore. While we did not see as much wildlife as we hoped, the sunny weather and views kept us happy.
While most visitors likely come to Denali with the intent to see the mountain, it is only visible about one out of every three days. When we visited Denali earlier in the summer, the mountain stayed largely hidden for most of the week in clouds and overcast skies. On our last day in Denali, we got up early to leave the campground and drive out of the park. We found a great pullout to watch the sunrise and enjoy the view of Denali. The size of the mountain is hard to comprehend – the summit is at 20,310 feet! We can’t wait to visit Denali again, and will definitely plan our trip for the fall to enjoy the foliage, northern lights, and fewer crowds.
For more Gnar Wagon Adventure Van stories CHECK HERE
For more Overland and Off-road trip stories CHECK HERE
It’s 4pm and we’ve just rolled into our offroad camp in our Nimbl Expedition Vehicle. A beautiful clearing surrounded by pines up at 7000 ft, overlooking a stunning valley below. We had been skunked earlier in the day looking for an overland campsite next to the east Walker River. So, we decided to head south to a secret spot we knew was almost guaranteed to be free from human activity. I am here with Rick Saez from The Outdoor Business Podcast, and for the next three days we’ll be fly fishing at various spots on the Eastern Sierra. I’ve been loaned the Nimbl Expedition Vehicles show rig to support this Vehicle Supported Adventure, so this obviously is going to be a tough assignment.
With two days and 1,000 plus miles of freeway driving behind me, I am ready for a beer and a relaxing evening. As the sun slips behind the Sierra, the temperature drops rapidly, and we soon break out the jackets and the propane fire. The area has just been subjected to fire restrictions, so ground fires are a no go. Beer turns to Bourbon and laughter turns to sleep, as the night closes and I go to bed in anticipation of the river tomorrow.
Daylight seems to always come all too quickly, and I wake to the yip yipping of the locals. After a quick coffee, we break camp, jump in the Nimbl Expedition Vehicle and head down to the valley. We’re only 20 miles or so away from the Upper Owens River, and soon we’re thigh deep in the cool alpine run off. It’s early June, so the river is still running peacefully. The Owens River is approximately 183 miles long. It drains into and through the Owens Valley, an arid basin between the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada and the western faces of the Inyo and White Mountains.
Rick is the expert Flyfisher and living in Bishop allows him to fish these holes on a regular basis. I grew up lake and ocean fishing as a kid, but this is my first-time casting flies. It’s fair to say my fly-fishing knowledge is watching A River Runs Through It.
Our perception of time stands still and it’s easy to lose yourself watching dragonflies skim the surface and a lone pelican drift downstream. Reality unfortunately bites (unlike the fish) and it’s time to head north again. We’ll be leaving California and crossing into Nevada to the east Walker River. This river is an approximately 90 miles long, and a tributary of the Walker River, in eastern California and western Nevada. It drains part of the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in the watershed of Walker Lakein the Great Basin.
This time we’ve done some better research and have called ahead to the local fly shop in Bridgeport. Apparently, there’s some gated private land where you’re allowed to overland camp directly next to the river. This could be epic if I can get the Nimbl Expedition Vehicle close. It’s a Ford 550 platform, with 43” tires and has the camper on a flatbed, so small tree lined spaces aren’t exactly it’s friend. The Nimbl is a fantastic rig for this style of Vehicle Supported Adventure. It’s not only extremely functional but also provides a rugged elegance to the camping experience. Having spent the last 4 years in a JKU and RTT, this is a different style of adventure.
We easily find the gate, and a dirt trail that leads a half mile to the East Walker River. We’re in luck! At the end of the dirt there’s plenty of space to park the camper right next to the rushing water.
As I said, Epic!
Time passes slowly and the next two days we spend fishing, drinking, telling stories of big trout, and watching the river’s birdlife acrobatically chase insects.
This is Vehicle Supported Adventure at it’s best!
For a review of the Nimbl Expedition Vehicle CHECK HERE
For more Overland and Off Road Adventures, CHECK HERE
