OVR Magazine - Your Guide to Overlanding, Off-Road Vehicles & Outdoor Recreation
Vehicle Gear
Küat Pivot XD Transforms Your Hitch Into Versatile Gear Platform
Küat’s premium engineering expertise expands beyond bike racks with the Pivot XD—a heavy-duty swing-away hitch system that handles full-size spares up to 37 inches, bike racks, and modular MOLLE accessories. We tested the 350-pound-capacity carrier to see if it delivers the quality overlanders demand.
Food, Beverages, Cooking
Three New Camp Coffee Solutions Tested in the Field
We tested three new camp coffee solutions: the AeroPress Go Plus with vacuum-insulated tumbler, Sea To Summit’s ultralight collapsible pour over, and Jetboil’s Flash 1.0 boiling system. Each brings something different to backcountry brewing, from increased capacity to minimal packability.
Get the latest breakdown of overland vehicle industry news
HEIMPLANET Inflatable Shelters Revolutionize Overland Camp Setup
HEIMPLANET’s inflatable tent technology eliminates the weight penalties of roof-top tents while delivering expedition-grade reliability. Using a patented Diamond Grid airframe, these shelters deploy in under 30 seconds and lower your vehicle’s center of gravity for improved trail performance.
iKamper Skycamp 4.0 Refines Flagship Rooftop Tent Series
iKamper’s latest Skycamp 4.0 series introduces a redesigned rooftop tent lineup with expanded interior space, improved weather resistance, and new Duo, Trio, and Quad configurations—all without increasing the exterior footprint.
Ford Owners Get Free Year of onX Navigation Apps
Ford has partnered with onX to give owners of 2017 and newer vehicles a free year of Elite memberships across multiple navigation platforms, including off-road, hunting, backcountry, and fishing apps with offline mapping and trail data.
Baja Designs Unveils Squadron 2.0 LED Light Pod
Baja Designs has launched the Squadron 2.0, a completely redesigned LED light pod that delivers up to 73% more reach than its predecessor. Available in Sport and Pro configurations with next-generation optics, selectable RGB backlighting, and improved uService components, the Squadron 2.0 raises the bar for compact off-road lighting performance.
onX Offroad Launches Real-Time Location Sharing Feature
onX Offroad has rolled out Location Sharing, a new feature that lets trail groups monitor each other’s real-time positions without constant check-ins or radio calls. The update aims to keep dispersed riders connected and moving efficiently across varying terrain.
Pro Eagle Launches Off Road Jack Stand 2.0
Pro Eagle’s Off Road Jack Stand 2.0 addresses user feedback with a lower minimum height, improved stability features, and enhanced compatibility across midsize trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps for more reliable trail-side repairs.
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.”
Conquering the TransAmerica Trail’s Western Frontier in a Subaru
The western half of the TransAmerica Trail delivered the ultimate test: 12,000-foot mountain passes, wildfire smoke, sinkholes, and triple-digit heat. Follow the final 14 days of a couple’s coast-to-coast journey as their modified Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness battles extreme elevation, desolate terrain, and nature’s fury from Oklahoma to Oregon’s Pacific shore.
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.
Honest industry reviews on the gear you care about
Outside Van Overnight: A Month Across California’s Desert
We spent nearly a month living in Outside Van’s Overnight build, from the chaos of King of the Hammers to Death Valley’s isolation. Over 2,405 miles, we discovered what makes vanlife work—and where this 144” Meredes-Benz Sprinter-based platform fits in the overland landscape.
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.
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.
The Quieter Side of King of the Hammers: Inside the OVR Outpost
In its second year, the OVR Outpost established itself as a distinct gathering space within Hammertown’s high-octane atmosphere—offering community, conversation, and connection three miles north of the action during King of the Hammers week.
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.
Three New Camp Coffee Solutions Tested in the Field
We tested three new camp coffee solutions: the AeroPress Go Plus with vacuum-insulated tumbler, Sea To Summit’s ultralight collapsible pour over, and Jetboil’s Flash 1.0 boiling system. Each brings something different to backcountry brewing, from increased capacity to minimal packability.
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.
Gear
Vehicle Gear
Küat Pivot XD Transforms Your Hitch Into Versatile Gear Platform
Küat’s premium engineering expertise expands beyond bike racks with the Pivot XD—a heavy-duty swing-away hitch system that handles full-size spares up to 37 inches, bike racks, and modular MOLLE accessories. We tested the 350-pound-capacity carrier to see if it delivers the quality overlanders demand.
Bags & Pocket Gear
heat it Smartphone Dongle Uses Heat Technology for Instant Bug Bite Relief
A German-made smartphone dongle called ‘heat it’ uses concentrated heat therapy to provide instant relief from mosquito bites and insect stings. We tested it across 7,100 miles on the TransAmerica Trail—and it works.
Vehicle Gear
Campworks Co. NS-1 Brings All-Electric Power to Off-Grid Adventures
Colorado-based Campworks Co. is revolutionizing off-grid exploration with the NS-1, an all-electric trailer that eliminates propane entirely. Powered by Navico systems delivering up to 9000W output and 12kWh storage, this innovative camper even includes an integrated EV charger—turning your basecamp into a mobile power grid for vehicles and emergency home backup alike.
Vehicle Gear
BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 Review: Evolution of an Icon
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 is the successor to the wildly popular KO2, promising better wear, improved gravel durability, and enhanced snow traction. After 3,000 miles of testing the BFGoodrich KO3 through mud, snow, and rough terrain, we evaluate whether this latest all-terrain tire lives up to its legendary predecessor and if the KO3 is worth upgrading from the KO2. KO3 improves on KO2 with better wet traction and durability.
Vehicle Gear
Blue Ridge Overland Gear Brings Order to Chaos
Cheap vehicle organizers sag, shift, and frustrate. Blue Ridge Overland Gear’s MOLLE system delivers laser-cut precision, premium Cordura construction, and modular organization that transforms truck interiors into accessible, stable command centers built to outlast your rig.
Bags & Pocket Gear
Nocs Provisions Field Issue Binocular vs. Zero Tube Monocular
Both the Nocs Field Issue 10×32 Binocular and Zero Tube 10×25 Monocular deliver waterproof, fogproof performance with premium optics. The real question: Do you prioritize comfort for extended glassing sessions or ultralight portability for fast-moving adventures?
Küat Pivot XD Transforms Your Hitch Into Versatile Gear Platform
heat it Smartphone Dongle Uses Heat Technology for Instant Bug Bite Relief
Campworks Co. NS-1 Brings All-Electric Power to Off-Grid Adventures
BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 Review: Evolution of an Icon
Blue Ridge Overland Gear Brings Order to Chaos
Nocs Provisions Field Issue Binocular vs. Zero Tube Monocular