As the world to regains normalcy here in 2021, I wanted to compile a list of my favorite adventure accounts, vehicle based travelers, and educational profiles within our community that inspire me and will hopefully push you to do more on the road.
1. Venture4wd
Photo: Chris Shontz
Recently scrolling Youtube, I discovered Venture4wd, a solo traveler by the name of Chris Shontz. Traveling and filming his adventures in his Jeep JK with Ursa Minor pop top, I’ve come to love and appreciate Chris’ simple lifestyle along with his creative film style as travels around remote areas exploring and sharing the countless lessons he’s learned through life on the road.
2. Overland Journal Podcast
Photo: Overland Journal
The past year I dove into the Overland Journal Podcast which was launched late 2019. Overland Journal Podcast is hosted by Scott Brady and Matt Scott, both industry professionals with a passion for vehicles and international travel. Featuring guests from around the industry and world, the podcast is inspiring with stories of those who have years of travel and expertise under their belts. The podcast tackles everything from payload to proper recoveries in the ‘Principles Of Overlanding’ series which has given me constant food for thought as I build and use my personal vehicle for travels.
3. Be Old Later
Photo: BeOldLater
In May of 2018, Candice and Jordan embarked on their journey across the Pan-American Highway in their 1997 Mitsubishi Delica L400. As some of the raddest, and I mean RADDEST travelers on the internet, it’s hard not to be stoked when you see Candice and Jordan’s pure stoke throughout their travels. Owning maybe the coolest and most unique L400 in the world, I fell in love with Be Old Later rather quickly as I’m a Mitsubishi enthusiast. I mean, how could you not love this little van and amazing couple exploring some of the wildest places across North and South America.
PS. They make awesome art via their website linked below.
4. Expedition Overland
Photo: Expedition Overland
Like many others in the community, I found my way into “overlanding” through the cinematic multiyear Pan-American series by Expedition Overland. Clay and Rachelle Croft done an amazing job assembling positive teams of travelers to conquer and highlight routes to the public which has grown the community greatly. XO has also done a fantastic job with their educational video series such as ‘Proven: Expedition Overland’s Gear & Tactics’.
www.youtube.com/c/ExpeditionOverland
5. The Road Chose Me - Dan Grec
Photo: The Road Chose Me
Dan Grec, another member of the community to complete Pan-American Highway has created phenomenal Youtube videos revolving around the many overlooked topics involved in travel such as border crossings, vehicle shipping, and outfitting a vehicle properly and minimally for long term travel. Along with an awesome Youtube channel, Dan has also written multiple books and guides on his travels which are packed full of helpful information.
www.youtube.com/c/TheRoadChoseMe
6 .GDayJambo - Cody Cox & Olivia Stoken
Photo: Caleb Wallace
Cody and Olivia purchased their 70 Series Toyota Troop Carrier in 2019 to help them accomplish big goals of travel. I became good friends with Cody and Olivia in early 2020 and was fortunate enough to do multiple trips with them throughout the course of the year. Cody’s attention to detail speaks for itself as he takes on projects and learns throughout the entire process while tackling them one by one. Fully embracing the challenges of classic vehicle ownership, I appreciate their mindset and attitude regarding their approach to doing more with less. I’m lucky to call Cody and Olivia friends as they are a constant source of inspiration through their writing and travels.
7. 4xOverland - How To Drive A 4x4 Off-Road
Photo: 4xOverland
Amidst a discussion one day, good friend Cody Cox mentioned and recommended an old video produced by Andrew St.Pierre White covering every aspect of operating a 4x4. Being an avid 4x4 owner, I didn’t think much of it until I gave the video a watch. The full length film covers nearly every scenario one may ever encounter in their fourbie along with each scenario being walked through in almost every type of 4wd one could drive. I highly recommend watching this as it is packed with so much we often forget when behind the wheel.
8. 4WD 24/7
Photo: 4WD 24/7
There’s not much to say but “wow” every time I watch an episode of 4WD 24/7 on Youtube. This group of Australian’s conquers some of the hardest tracks down under in amazingly beautiful locations. Featuring tough tracks, camp cooking, and vehicle tutorials it doesn’t get much better than this with Graham and Shauno.
9. GonDirtin’ - Karissa & Linnbergh
Photo: GonDirtin’
Last but not least, GonDirtin’. As fellow Montero owners, Karissa and Linnbergh have created by far some of the most inspiring content on the internet. From their amazing cooking outdoors, the unreal imagery from their travels, and beautifully written words, they are a huge inspiration to many.