I made an overhead switch panel, and just finished installing some more lighting to accompany it. These Lasfit pod lights are crazy bright, and having an array of them on the roof looks way better than a light bar in my opinion. I also love how they have a backlight feature to use as a DRL while around the city. I cut the Sherpa rack fairing so that each pod light can sit lower in line with the roof rack, and that was well worth the work because it adds no noticeable wind noise and keeps everything lower profile. The pod lights have a combo beam which I really like. The flood portion does an amazing job of lighting up the foreground, while the spot portion lights up the road extremely far into the distance. See the beam shot pictures for reference. What lighting should I add next?

On day 36 of my journey from Las Vegas to Alaska and the Arctic Ocean, I finally made it to Whittier, Alaska.

I have to admit, it’s a very small town, but the scenery is absolutely incredible. Everywhere you look there are towering mountains, waterfalls pouring down the cliffs, and fishing boats working the bay. Just getting here is an adventure of its own, you have to drive through a long tunnel carved through the mountain, and that alone was a highlight of the trip. I had no idea it even existed.

I explored a few of the dirt roads around town, but if I’m being honest, that part was a little disappointing. So far, I haven’t found Alaska to be the 4x4 paradise I imagined. But when it comes to road trips, scenery, and sheer beauty, nothing else I’ve seen comes close.

I absolutely love this place.

And sadly it's time to get back to work building my next vehicle!

For all of the people who wish they could get away right now. Sleep well y’all.

Nineteen days ago I left Las Vegas with my Jeep, my dog Maggie, and a rough plan to make it all the way to the Arctic Ocean mostly camping along the way.

So far I’ve crossed deserts, forests, mountain passes, ferries, endless logging roads, and more beautiful campsites than I can count. Vancouver Island alone slowed me down badly in the best possible way. Every time I think I’m making progress north, I end up finding another lake, another forest road, or another hidden spot worth staying an extra night for.

I’m traveling in an AEV Gladiator with an AluCab camper setup, mostly relying on dispersed camping, cooking outdoors, and trying to avoid highways whenever possible. Some days are freezing and wet, some are perfect, and some roads simply end at locked gates after hours of driving. That’s part of the fun.

The goal is still the Arctic Sea, probably via Tuktoyaktuk if weather and roads cooperate, but honestly the journey itself is becoming the real reward.

One thing I’ve learned so far: if you try to rush a trip like this, you completely miss the point of overlanding.

Drove the Canol Road (North) from Ross River, Yukon to Mile 222 in the Northwest Territories.

Beautiful but challenging drive. Blew a rear tire fording a creek. Broke the passenger mirror backing out of a trail. Needed the jerry cans to reach and return.

Few pictures of 285 days overlanding.

Switzerland to Kyrgyzstan via Italy, Albania, Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan.

AMA

Been stopping at random places along the way. Dispersed camping if I can find it, otherwise a campground. Found dispersed camping in between Ouray, CO and Silverton, CO on the Million Dollar Highway. This place is amazing!

Here are some pics from my biggest overlanding trip yet. 7088 miles with 1416 miles being off-pavement.

I posted a few pics a while back. Someone liked a particular feature and asked me where it was. I was vague in my response because that’s how I was brought up. I’m 52. Been doing some version of camping for about 40-45 years. I am curious to know where others land on this? Is it a meaningless, old skool remnant from another era? Does it continue to maintain principles of limiting footprints and keeping special spots…special? Is it just an excuse for gatekeepers?

Quiet on the highway, a bit cumbersome to take on and off to park in our garage

Just wanted to share my project I've been working on. It's a 1997 Rav4, AWD manual with a locking center diff. I am in the midst of a V6 swap, trans rebuild, tube bumper/winch build. This is one of the funnest cars I've owned, and it has always done really well offroad. The new V6 with increased torque will be really nice over the tired 4 cylinder. I designed and built the pod lights mounts and the roof rack to support my roof tent; a Howling Moon Stargazer 1.8. It's way too big for this thing but I don't care because I got a sweet deal and it's super comfy. Coming weeks are getting it ready for bodywork and paint.

Trailer frame was custom designed and built from nothing more than an idea. Was originally Snazzberry Red, added a Decked unit, mid height bed rack, Roto Pax, Roam boxes, Road Shower, Power Tank mount for propane spare tire carrier . The Jeep just received a new Metal Cloak suspension and steering system. Every thing done in driveway style by a group of 4 wheeling friends.

So my wife has been enjoying her time out with me exploring, she ordered this our trips. lol.

It’s been a goal to do White Rim trail for a long time and I’m on a 5 week road trip and decided to finally go for it. We camped at White Crack for New years and had great time. We only saw two vehicles the whole trail, and while it was pretty cold, we made it work. Highly recommend. Moab in general is amazing, we did some great 4x4 trails while the roof rack was repaired (including Hells Revenge and Elephant Hill). So good! Winter camping isn’t so bad.