American Overlander - by Venture2Roam
By Venture2Roam
This channel follows our overland adventures, our approach to primitive camping, Jeep Wrangler upgrades (and fixes), reviews of the gear we use, and of the amazing rigs and equipment we meet along the way.
We give our honest opinion on equipment and gear, share any hard learned lessons and tips we've picked up along the way, and highlight the overlanding community we love so much.
Subscribe to get feel good stories and content.
American Overlander - by Venture2RoamMar 18, 2024
Camping with TOTAL STRANGERS in the Desert
My Camping Setup:
Intrepid Rooftop Tent: https://geni.us/IntrepidGeo (Best Design I’ve Seen)
Roofnest Rooftop Tent: https://geni.us/Roofnesttents (Most luxurious I’ve Seen)
Topoak Rooftop Tent: https://geni.us/TopOakTent (BEST VALUE I’ve Seen)
Roofnest LiteWing Awning: https://geni.us/RoofnestLiteWing
AllPowers External Battery: https://geni.us/AllPowers
Vevor Diesel Heater: https://s.vevor.com/bfQymJ (VVPRO to save 5%)
TrailRax Side Rack: https://geni.us/TrailRax1
Jeep JL Drawer System: https://bit.ly/3rNx7y0
Exped Mega Mat: https://geni.us/ExpedMega
Iceco Refrigerators: https://geni.us/icecoAPL55
My Rig Modifications:
PROTECTION: MetalCloak UnderCloak: https://bit.ly/3OOmO5o
SUSPENSION: MetalClaok Suspension: https://bit.ly/3OOmO5o
TIRES: Nitto Recon Grapplers: https://bit.ly/46BC1g3
Intrepid Camp Gear: https://bit.ly/46znmSR
Epic Adventure Outfitters: https://bit.ly/3OTftQZ
Outback Adventures: https://bit.ly/44qmApO
Baja Designs: https://bit.ly/3stuIIN
TrailRax: https://bit.ly/3R17rs2
Cafe Mule Coffee: https://bit.ly/46fdGgy Discount Code: ROAM
GlueTread: https://bit.ly/3Q9u1h2 Venture2Roam10
SHW Offroad: https://bit.ly/3rNx7y0
Fist Fights on the Trail? We Talk About Our Boulder Basin Experience
My Camping Setup:
Intrepid Rooftop Tent: https://geni.us/IntrepidGeo (Best Design I’ve Seen)
Roofnest Rooftop Tent: https://geni.us/Roofnesttents (Most luxurious I’ve Seen)
Topoak Rooftop Tent: https://geni.us/TopOakTent (BEST VALUE I’ve Seen)
Roofnest LiteWing Awning: https://geni.us/RoofnestLiteWing
AllPowers External Battery: https://geni.us/AllPowers
Vevor Diesel Heater: https://s.vevor.com/bfQymJ (VVPRO to save 5%)
TrailRax Side Rack: https://geni.us/TrailRax1
Jeep JL Drawer System: https://bit.ly/3rNx7y0
Exped Mega Mat: https://geni.us/ExpedMega
My Rig Modifications:
PROTECTION: MetalCloak UnderCloak: https://bit.ly/3OOmO5o
SUSPENSION: MetalClaok Suspension: https://bit.ly/3OOmO5o
TIRES: Nitto Recon Grapplers: https://bit.ly/46BC1g3
More Awesome Stuff!
Epic Adventure Outfitters: https://bit.ly/3OTftQZ
Outback Adventures: https://bit.ly/44qmApO
Baja Designs: https://bit.ly/3stuIIN
TrailRax: https://bit.ly/3R17rs2
Cafe Mule Coffee: https://bit.ly/46fdGgy Discount Code: ROAM
GlueTread: https://bit.ly/3Q9u1h2 Venture2Roam10
SHW Offroad: https://bit.ly/3rNx7y0
A 3 Day Overlanding Party - Our Time at Overland Expo PNW in Bend
We talk about the crazy, amazing, frenetic energy of Overland Expo PNW in Bend.
To get up to 50% off a subscription to Magic Mind (our episode sponsor) go to: https://www.magicmind.co/overlander and use code: OVERLANDER20
Finishing Our Most Ambitious Trip Ever
We finish recounting our overlanding trip across Oregon, as we attempt to build a new Overlanding Route for all of you to enjoy.
To get up to 50% off a subscription to Magic Mind (our episode sponsor) go to: https://www.magicmind.co/overlander and use code: OVERLANDER20
The Most Ambitious Overland Trip to Date
We talk about making a new overlanding route across Oregon.
To get up to 50% off a subscription to Magic Mind (our episode sponsor) go to: https://www.magicmind.co/overlander and use code: OVERLANDER20
Overland Trailer Expert Loren from XGRiD Campers Talks All Things Trailers with us
Chris's WILD Birthday Surprise - We talk about the Secret I Kept from him for Months!
I surprised Chris with a new GameChanger suspension from MetalCloak. he and I recount exactly what was happening behind the scenes.
To get up to 50% off a subscription to Magic Mind (our episode sponsor) go to: https://www.magicmind.co/overlander and use code: OVERLANDER20
How NOT to Build a Diesel Heater Box
We have spent way too much time building diesel heater boxes and it's comical how many dumb mistakes we made..do they actually work?
SAVE 50% on MAGIC MIND:
https://www.magicmind.co/overlander
Enter Code:
OVERLANDER20
#overland #jeepwrangler #offroad #overlandpodcast
Buying New Vs. Keeping Your Old Rig
www.wheeledlyfe.com
We talk about the struggle between deciding to keep your existing rig that may be getting old and long in the tooth vs. buying a new rig with all the new fancy doo dads and gadgets. Will also digs into his recent test driving experiences with certain rigs before making his decision on what his new rig will be.
What is Rocklanding? We Review our Trip to Boulder Basin, Idaho.
www.wheeledlyfe.com
We review our trip to boulder basin Idaho and talk about what this term "Rocklanding" means...and there's also the usual nonsensical banter that may anger a few Canadians on this episode!
Major Overlanding Plans for 2023!!!! Where Should we Go???
Will and Chris discuss our quickly approaching Overlanding plans for 2023. We also discuss Will's intent to buy a new Overlanding rig this year..which rig should he get???
Sponsors:
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
https://factor55.com/
Wizarding Sticks and Pet Graves in Camp | We Finish the Idaho BDR with Rob from Revere Overland
Brought to you by www.wheeledlyfe.com
Rob, Chris, and Will recount the rest of their Idaho BDR trip.
Rob from REVERE OVERLAND Joins to Talk More Idaho BDR
Chris and I are joined by Rob from Revere Overland to continue our conversation about the 14 day Idaho BDR journey we had this past summer. This is part 1 of a 2 part discussion with Rob, who brings additional insight and humor to the conversation.
Sponsor:
www.WheeledLyfe.com
Squeezing Family into the Idaho BDR
We Had a Deer Stalking Us...
Chris and Will recount day 2 and 3 of the BDR when things got a little chaotic with deer stalkers, gas shortages, and other surprises on the trail.
THANKSGIVING From HAWAII - LIVE Recording with Kate and Frontier State Overland
We got caught by a storm in our Cabana and decided to record a podcast on the things we are thankful for in this Overlanding Life. We have fun choosing a thing or two that we think has made a big difference in our outdoor pursuits. From our families to yours..Happy Thanksgiving!
The Story Till Now Joins us to Answer YOUR Questions!
Shaun joins Chris and I to answer questions you all submitted!!! This is a really fun conversation with someone who is out there going on adventures and posting videos about it EVERY WEEK OF THE YEAR! Shaun brings a mountain of overlanding experience and perspective to our show as we do in-depth on many subjects.
Our Biggest Trip Yet. Idaho BDR Section 1
S2 E1 Where Did We Gooooo?????? Let's Talk about a Summer of Adventure
Chris and Will talk about their summer of Overlanding...starting with their Overland Trip to Bend for Overland Expo Pacific Northwest. This is a ton of fun to recap and dive deeper into for anyone thinking of overlanding to Bend or attending an Overland Expo!
S1 EP 27: Wheeled Lyfe Interview: The Founders of one of my Favorite New Clothing Brands
Will chats with Joel and Noel who founded Wheeled Lyfe as they were getting married, combining their families, and navigating the COVID 19 Pandemic. You'll hear how they started, what the brand is all about, and yes...you'll hear about their rig and how they go off-road!
S1 EP26 - 1,200 Miles of Dirt in Idaho - We talk about our upcoming Idaho BDR Trip!
We chat with Chris from Frontier State Overland about our upcoming trip from the bottom to the top of Idaho all on dirt roads. This epic 1,200 mile journey is a bucket list item for Chris and I..and we share what it is, how we're thinking about it, some stories we'll investigate along the way, and the gear we plan on using.
S1 EP25 The Trail Chasers Crew!
A few weeks ago Cody and the gang over at the Trailchasers Podcast had me on their show. We had so much fun hanging out that I invited them to come over to my neck of the woods and continue the conversation. We hear from Cody, Matt, and Jose about how they started, group runs and meetups, how they approach podcasting, and some very hilarious stories. I may have laughed more than I talked on this one.
S1 E24 Our NEW Roof Top Tents
Chris (Frontier State Overland) and Will talk about their new Roof Top Tent purchases. Chris went from a ground tent to a hardshell hybrid OVS Bushveld tent, and Will went from a Smittybilt Overlander XL softshell roof top tent to a Desert Armor Tank XL, which has a aluminum shell. They talk about their buying experiences, the pros and cons of the tents, how what you see online isn't always what you get, and how their Overlanding set ups have changed as result of the new tents, and in Will's case, also a new awning.
S1 EP 23 THE OVERLAND LADY - An interview with Monique Song
S1 EP 22 Ozark Overland Adventures Part 2 - This conversation was really fun!
This this part 2 of my convo with Matt and Cara from Ozark Overland Adventures, we go deep on many subjects including their rigs, what they do when people recognize them, and even how Youtube inspired Cara to Cross Stitch!! It's more fun with OOA.
S1 EP 21 Ozark Overland Adventures - Chatting with Matt and Cara Part 1
Will sits down with Matt and Cara from Ozark Overland Adventures and they talk about how they met, how thy got started overlanding, how they started a Youtube channel, and soooo much more. We talked about so many things we had to split it up into two parts!!!
S1 EP 20 GROUND TENT vs RTT - With All Things Overlanding
S1 EP19 Overlanding Storage: Fixed vs Removable Vehicle Storage with ALL THINGS OVERLANDING
Will Fletch (All Things Overlanding) talk about the pros and cons of different types of Overlandin storage options. Will has opted to go with a removable storage solution, while Fletch as created a built in drawer system. The two of them duke it out for which approach is bes.
S1 EP 18 We Chat with Rob from REVERE OVERLAND
This this week's episode Chris and I sit down with Rob from Revere Overland. We talk about so many things!! We cover his rigs, new and old, life as a full-time Youtuber, his favorite places to overland, his upcoming travel plans, and so much more.
S1 EP17 Overlanding in British Columbia - Interview with Gee from BC
Will sits down with Gari Cortes from the Youtube Channel Gee from BC and they talk about how he got in to Overlanding, what its like to Overland in BC, things he's got planned for 2022, and much more.
S1 EP16 LADIES Perspective on Overlanding - KATE interviews Elsje from Frontier State Overland
So it turns out Kate is a fantastic podcaster, as evidenced by this really great interview with Elsje from Frontier State Overland. This episode will give you a female perspective on what is important to bring on a trip, the aspects of overlanding they like the most, and even some insights into how traveling together forms stronger friendships.
S1 EP15 An 8 Year Old's (Almost nine) Perspective on Overlanding
Meet my 8 (almost 9) year old daughter Adella. Adella has been on more overlanding trips than a lot of adults. Over the years she's picked up some strong opinions on Overlanding. This was such a great interview because I wound up learning more about her perspective that we'll incorporate into future trips. This is a great episode for anyone who overlands with kids, or for kids who overland with their parents.
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know Kate and I, you'll know we're suckers for startups, and love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason we are including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. We have no affiliate relationship and are not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent).
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
S1 EP14 KATE Joins us for Overland Food Planning and Prep
Kate and I discuss our approach to eating on the trail, where we go big, where we skimp, how we plan, what gear we use, and all of the tips and tricks we've picked up over the years. This is a really fun conversation with some good memories of great meals, and some very practical advice.
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know Kate and I, you'll know we're suckers for startups, and love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason we are including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. We have no affiliate relationship and are not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent).
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
S1 EP13 NEW FORD BRONCO RAPTOR VS. JEEP 392 WRANGLER - Overlanding Comparison with Frontier State Overland
Chris, from Frontier State Overland, and I compare the newly released Ford Bronco Raptor to the Jeep 392 Wrangler as overlanding vehicles. There is still a lot to learn about the new Bronco Raptor, but from what we've seen so far, it's going to give Jeep a run for its money as the best stock off-road SUV. We have a lot of fun digging into these two rigs and comparing where each manufacturer invested their time and attention, and we then related it to what it means for those of use who are overlanding.
S1 EP12 Overland Rig Loyalty - Why Do We Form Brand Tribes (With Frontier State Overland)
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know Kate and I, you'll know we're suckers for startups, and love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason we are including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. We have no affiliate relationship and are not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent).
wheeledlyfe.com/
S1 EP11 What do Kids think of Overlanding? An Interview with my Six Year Old Son
Meet Emerson, my six year old son who has been on more Overlanding Trips than most adults. I wanted to sit down in an honest interview with him to get his perspective on Overlanding. We talk about Gear, tips, and general advice for both kids and parents.
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know Kate and I, you'll know we're suckers for startups, and love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason we are including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. We have no affiliate relationship and are not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent).
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
Subscribe on Youtube: youtube.com/venture2roam
Connect on Instagram: instagram.com/venture2roam
Connect on Facebook: facebook.com/venture2roam
S1 EP10 Best Overland Routes of 2021 with Frontier State Overland
Will and Chris (Frontier State Overland) talk about their favorite routes and trips from 2021. They cover Hells Canyon, the Owyhees, the Boise River, Jarbidge Nevada and more. Listen in to hear them agree and disagree on what made for great overlanding in 2021.
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know Kate and I, you'll know we're suckers for startups, and love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason we are including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. We have no affiliate relationship and are not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent).
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
S1 EP9 Kate FINALLY Joins and We Tell Our Story
Why haven't you heard from Kate yet??? Well, she's a busy woman...but we finally got her in the studio to record a session on how we both fell in love with Overlanding and connecting to the outdoors. This was a really fun episode to record because we got to walk down memory lane together. We'll definitely be doing more of these together in the future.
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know Kate and I, you'll know we're suckers for startups, and love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason we are including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. We have no affiliate relationship and are not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent).
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
S1E P8 The SOUTHLANDER Jeep JK Build with Matt Brodie from Simply Must Go (Part 2)
Chris, from Frontier State Overland, and myself continue our conversation with Matt Brodie from the youtube channel Simply Must Go. We do a deep dive into his new (to him) Jeep JK he's calling "The SouthLander" and talk about what mods are the most important for someone just starting to build their rig for Overlanding.
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know me, you'll know I'm a sucker for startups, and I love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason I'm including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. I have no affiliate relationship and am not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent me).
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
S1 EP7 Jurassic Park Jeep Replica Build with Matt Brodie from Simply Must Go (Part 1)
Chris from Frontier State Overland joins me to chat with Matt Brodie from the Youtube Channel, Simply Must Go. We talk to Matt about his channel and about his Jurassic Park Build on his Jeep YJ. Our convo with Matt went on so long, this is part 1 of 2. In part 2 we talk about his new (to him) Jeep JK build and how he might modify it for Overlanding.
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know me, you'll know I'm a sucker for startups, and I love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason I'm including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. I have no affiliate relationship and am not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent me).
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
S1 EP 6 We Crashed Our Overlanding Trailer! What to do Now???
Will chats with Chris from Frontier State Overland about a recent youtube video posted to Venture2Roam that show the wreck of our beautiful 1940s Bantam Trailer resto-mod project. There were so many comments on social media about it, we wanted to make a podcast to dig in deeper to some of the questions and suggestions we've been reading.
S1 EP5 Overlanding Tire Size 35s vs. 37s with Chris from Frontier State Overland
Will is joined again by Chris from Frontier State Overland who is about to make a major purchase for his Overlanding Jeep...new tires! We hash out whether or not he should get 35s or 37s.
The folks over at Wheeled Lyfe, sent us a hat and sweatshirt. If you know me, you'll know I'm a sucker for startups, and I love watching new companies make their mark. For that reason I'm including a link to their apparel website, which has some pretty cool designs for folks who are into the off-road/overlanding lifestyle. I have no affiliate relationship and am not sponsored by them (other than the cool hat/sweatshirt they sent me).
https://wheeledlyfe.com/
S1EP4 How We Got Started Overlanding - With Chris from Frontier State Overland
My best buddy Chris and I chat about how we got into overlanding, including details on the first where I landed in the Emergency Room. We discuss the draw of the lifestyle as well as discuss a major upcoming trip we're planning together.
S1EP3 What Makes the Best Overlanding Rig? - With All Things Overlanding
Will and Fletch from All Things Overlanding chat about what makes the best Overlandig Vehicle? Not all Overlanding Vehicles are created thsame! Will drives a Jeep Wrangler JKU, and Fletch drives a Nissan Xterra. They also comment on durability, load capacity, comfort, and other aspects of the current options out there.
S1EP2 The Dumbest Mistakes We've Made Overlanding - With All Things Overlanding
We talk about some of our dumbest mistakes overlanding. Will and Fletch from All Things Overlanding continue this collaborative Vlog/Podcast series, sharing their most embarrassing stories of when they have not been at their best. We cover everything from toilet use, to brake pads on fire! Tune in to watch us have a genuinely good time discussing our mistakes overlanding. Some of our gear and mods are listed below. We participate in Amazon Affiliate program so any purchase made from the links below helps our channel make money to continue creating content for you!
S1EP1 Overlanding Gear we Love and Hate - With All Things Overlanding
Jason Fletcher from All Things Overlanding Joins us as we discuss the gear we can't live without right now, and the gear we no longer use.