OVR Magazine - Your Guide to Overlanding, Off-Road Vehicles & Outdoor Recreation
Vehicle Features
Modified 2022 Subaru Crosstrek: Breaking Every Stock Promise
We promised to keep our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek mostly stock—just exhaust, wheels, and lights. Four years later, it sports a lift, skid plates, roof rack, hitch-mounted spare, and a long list of broken promises that made it better.
Vehicle Features
Students Build Custom Subaru Forester for 10,000-Mile Arctic Rally
High school automotive enthusiasts are building a custom 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness for the Lilienthals’ 10,000-mile Arctic adventure. The ZenSpeed club members, working under Rally Innovations’ guidance, are outfitting the Forester with premium aftermarket upgrades to tackle the Alcan 5000 Rally and the brutal roads from Alaska to Oregon.
Get the latest breakdown of overland vehicle industry news
SIKRE Launches Rugged American-Made Roof Boxes on Kickstarter
Utah-based SIKRE debuts two American-made roof storage boxes engineered to outlast traditional options. The Kickstarter campaign offers the REIKA 17 and RAMR 11 models with reinforced polymer construction, double-lock security, and modular L-Track interiors at early-bird pricing.
VOLK RACING TE37XT M-SPEC Now Available for INEOS GRENADIER
RAYS Wheels expands its acclaimed TE37XT M-SPEC lineup with new fitment options for the INEOS GRENADIER. The simplified forged wheel design maintains the legendary TE37 performance while offering a more subtle aesthetic for overlanders.
BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A+ Balances Daily Comfort, Weekend Capability
BFGoodrich’s new Trail-Terrain T/A+ tire targets everyday adventurers with 25% improved wear, 10% better wet traction, and enhanced rolling resistance. Designed for SUVs, CUVs, and light trucks, it balances on-road comfort with light off-pavement capability.
AEV 4-Inch DualSport RT Suspension Now Available for JL Wrangler
After months of anticipation, AEV’s 4-inch DualSport RT Suspension System for the JL Wrangler 4-Door is finally available. The engineered system delivers confident on-road handling and serious off-road capability with support for up to 39-inch tires.
REDARC’s RedVision Essentials Display Makes Battery Monitoring Simple
REDARC’s new RedVision Essentials Display is a hardwired battery monitor that shows power status at a glance—no phone required. Built for overlanders, off-road enthusiasts, and anyone running auxiliary power, it delivers real-time charge levels, LED indicators, and optional Bluetooth connectivity in a simple 2-inch install.
Method Race Wheels Launches Heavy-Duty 305-HD Trailer Wheel
Method Race Wheels debuts the 305-HD Trailer wheel, engineered with A356 aluminum construction and load ratings up to 4,500 pounds. The heavy-duty wheel brings Method’s signature 12-window design to trailers hauling UTVs, boats, and campers, backed by a lifetime structural warranty.
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
Modified 2022 Subaru Crosstrek: Breaking Every Stock Promise
We promised to keep our 2022 Subaru Crosstrek mostly stock—just exhaust, wheels, and lights. Four years later, it sports a lift, skid plates, roof rack, hitch-mounted spare, and a long list of broken promises that made it better.
Students Build Custom Subaru Forester for 10,000-Mile Arctic Rally
High school automotive enthusiasts are building a custom 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness for the Lilienthals’ 10,000-mile Arctic adventure. The ZenSpeed club members, working under Rally Innovations’ guidance, are outfitting the Forester with premium aftermarket upgrades to tackle the Alcan 5000 Rally and the brutal roads from Alaska to Oregon.
Two Rigs, One Adventure: A Tacoma and 4Runner Built for Life on the Road
Jaffline Liau and Brandon Hegg take #couplegoals to another level—exploring remote trails in tandem, each behind the wheel of their own meticulously built Toyota. Her 2020 Tacoma and his 2017 4Runner aren’t just rigs; they’re fully capable homes on wheels that reflect their shared passion for independence and adventure.
Ford and Filson Unveil 2027 Bronco Filson Edition
Ford partners with Filson to create the 2027 Bronco Filson edition, a premium off-road SUV that combines proven Sasquatch package capability with heritage-inspired materials, refined cabin comfort, and modular gear storage designed for extended backcountry adventures.
2027 Ram 1500 Rumble Bee SRT Targets 170 MPH
Ram resurrects the legendary Rumble Bee nameplate with three high-performance variants, including a 777-horsepower supercharged SRT model targeting 170 mph—potentially the fastest production truck ever made. The lineup marks the return of Hemi power and SRT performance to the 1500 platform.
Vangilinan: A Family Transit Build Tested by Setbacks
When John Pangilinan’s SEMA-bound Ford Transit was totaled en route to completion, most would have quit. Instead, he rebuilt from scratch—creating a family adventure van that proves the journey matters as much as the destination.
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.
Hankook Tire Hosts CAMP Dynapro Experience at Overland Expo
Hankook Tire hosted select attendees at the CAMP Dynapro Experience during Overland Expo West 2026, offering four days of group camping, education, trail running, and fireside conversations with industry experts including OVR Magazine’s editorial team.
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.
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
Pelican CRATE Series Launches With The Mounting Company’s Quick-Release Mounting System
Pelican’s new CRATE series introduces a fully modular cargo ecosystem with IP67-rated cases and configurable exteriors. Paired with The Mounting Company’s aircraft-grade quick-release mounts, the system delivers tool-free access and secure deployment for overlanders who demand durability.
Review
Pro Eagle Kratos: The Ultimate Three-Ton Off-Road Jack
Factory jacks can’t handle lifted, overweight rigs. Pro Eagle’s new Kratos three-ton off-road shop jack was purpose-built from the ground up to be the most capable backcountry lifting solution available, with quarter-inch aluminum construction, massive non-pneumatic wheels, and 28 inches of lift capacity.
Camping Gear
Napier Sportz SUV Tent Model 82000 Review
The Napier Sportz SUV Tent Model 82000 attaches directly to your vehicle’s cargo area, creating a 9-by-9-foot sheltered living space with standing height. We tested it with a Toyota Land Cruiser to see how it performs as an integrated campsite solution.
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.
Pelican CRATE Series Launches With The Mounting Company’s Quick-Release Mounting System
Pro Eagle Kratos: The Ultimate Three-Ton Off-Road Jack
Napier Sportz SUV Tent Model 82000 Review
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