Mercedes Lilienthal
As a contributor for The New York Times and several automotive outlets, I create award-winning content involving vehicular adventure travel, the automotive industry, and inspiring women in it. My husband and I own three customized right-hand-drive turbo-diesel 4x4 Mitsubishis: a Delica Space Gear and two Gen 2 Pajeros. We also own a modified daily driver. A dual citizen of the United States and Germany, my work includes writing, photography, and various PR/marketing services. Follow me: Facebook @crankshaftculture and @mercedeslilienthal, Instagram @crankshaftculture and @mercedes_lilienthal, and Twitter @crankshaftcult and @writerwithgrit.
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Outdoor GearThe Latest Arc’teryx Jackets: His-and-Hers Alpha SV Jackets and Cerium Hoodys
Living in the Pacific Northwest and traveling to tons of far-flung remote places has taught me that wearing durable gear is critical, especially when it comes to rainproof and windproof wares. Which companies are the best? Would Canadian-based Arc’teryx jackets make the cut?
Start HereLeave No Trace: How to Tread Lightly
There are important “tread lightly” principles overlanders and campers should adhere to treat surrounding areas (and people) with respect to preserve the environment and the planet for years to come.
Buyer's GuideWinter Gear Round-Up: 5 Cold-Weather Clothing and Camping Items Reviewed
We review 5 of the latest cold-weather clothing and camp gear that can keep you enjoying your time with Old Man Winter.
EventsRebelle Renegades: What Does a Day in the Life of a Rallier Look Like?
What happens when you put 65 two-women teams together and toss them into the desert to fend for themselves? Welcome to the Rebelle Rally.
ReviewMatador’s Seg28 Backpack: Field Tested and Approved
We tested one of Matador’s newest releases, the Seg28 Backpack, to see if it stands up to the abuse of your next adventure.
ReviewInergy Flex 1500 Power Station: Versatile, Powerful, and Convenient for Overland Travel and Camping
We test and evaluate if the Inergy Flex 1500 Power Station solar generator / battery bank should be considered a worthy bit of kit in your overlanding arsenal of gear.
Vehicle FeaturesThe TrailSport Trifecta: How Honda Handled The 2023 Rebelle Rally
How did the three Honda-powered teams fare at the 2023 Rebelle Rally? Read on to find out!
NewsConfirmed: The Lilienthals are Driving an INEOS Grenadier in the 2024 Alcan 5000 Rally!
OVR got the insider scoop: We’re driving an INEOS Grenadier in the 2024 Alcan 5000 Rally!
Camping GearCawood Guy Line Anchors: the Best Product You Never Knew You Needed
Sometimes the best products are the ones least noticed. Gear that gets the job done no matter where you are in the world—they simply work every time.
First LookFIRST DRIVE: Subaru’s Smallest SUV Gets a Big Personality Upgrade: 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has many ruggedized off-road features versus the standard Crosstrek.
NewsINEOS Automotive Dealerships Announced for the INEOS Grenadier
INEOS Automotive, the promising new automaker that makes the INEOS Grenadier 4x4, a new utilitarian off-roader, has just announced its first 18 U.S. dealerships.
Vehicle FeaturesHonda’s Heritage: Honda Pilot TrailSport to Compete in the 2023 Rebelle Rally
Celebrating 20 years in production and newly designed for 2023, the fourth-generation Honda Pilot is the largest and most powerful Honda SUV ever produced.
ReviewTrail Tested: Women’s Hoka Challenger 7s
Trail Tested: Women’s Hoka Challenger 7s, when a running shoe just isn’t enough and a hiking boot is simply too much
ReviewReviewed: 3 Peak Design’s Pro Camera Gear Tested On the Road
This small, lightweight aluminum and stainless-steel clip affixes onto belts, or backpack straps
Buyer's GuideThe Best Gear of the 2023 Overland Expo Pacific Northwest Show
While our “best-gear” list could fill a book, we chose 10 great products that caught our eye (in no particular order)
Start HereBasic AWD Upgrades: Making Your AWD Vehicle Even More Capable
How We Modified Our Already Capable All-Wheel-Drive 2022 Subaru Crosstrek to Perform Above and Beyond
DIY/How ToCAM Mobility: an Elite Off-Road Military Training Program Expands Into the Civilian World of Overlanding
CAM has taught critical off-road driving, vehicle recovery, navigation, and field repair skills to elite special forces and military personnel throughout the world.
Vehicle Features2023 Moab’s Easter Jeep Safari: Jeep Unleashes Seven Concept 4x4s of Distinction
This high-horsepower concept combines a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine echoes of its origin, Jeep’s first convertible, compact truck.
News2023 Chicago Auto Show: Latest Trucks, SUVs, AWDs, Overlanding & Offroading Rigs
After hunkering down due to the COVID pandemic, the 2023 Chicago Auto Show is back in full force. It started over a century ago, in 1901. The Windy City’s auto show is the largest in North America and has returned to Chicago’s McCormick Place again—for its 115th year.
VehiclesFIRST DRIVE: The Sophisticated and Adventurous 2023 KIA Telluride Softroader
The 2023 Kia Telluride Continues to Impress us as a Competent and Cophisticated Adventurer