Overland Journal Winter 2011

Magnificent I wanted to say thank you for the issues of Overland Journal that you sent to me in a care package. I gave a few to my colleagues, and then I took the rest down to the Pat Tillman USO at Bagram Airfield. The troops there were very thankful to have them... they were all snatched up within a few minutes! We’re not used to getting such a high quality publication while deployed, so this was a real treat. On a personal note, thanks for the magnificent publication. Your team continues to inspire and educate. I have enjoyed overland travel for years, and Overland Journal only makes me thirst for more. It’s very tragic that Afghanistan is in the state it is. It would be an overlander’s dream to ride around…

John Blashford-Snell As one of the most seasoned and respected explorers, the former Royal Engineer Colonel John Blashford-Snell has organized over 100 expeditions. He led the first descent of the Blue Nile and the navigation of virtually all the 2,700 miles of the Congo, as well as the first complete crossing of the Darien Gap by vehicle. Under the patronage of Prince Charles, he led the global expedition Operations Drake and Raleigh for young people of 30 nations named. He is closely involved in helping the disadvantaged young, holds many of the top awards for exploration, and has twice been decorated for his work. He is President of the Scientific Exploration Society, the Just a Drop water charity, and a pioneer of innovative means of transport. Jon Solberg Dr. Solberg is an emergency…

I received a call the other day from a manufacturer and importer of overland gear. The topic of the call was regarding an upcoming gear review and his company’s participation. Our initial correspondence had been via email and initiated from Overland Journal’s interest in reviewing one of his products—it went like this. “We simply have concerns that any review of products that we manufacture or import may not be objectively reviewed… we have to assume good intentions on your part, but can’t take a chance… as one other person called it ‘The good old boys club in Prescott’.” My first reaction, I’m embarrassed to say, was to be insulted and a little ticked; and then there were a few not-so-nice words drafted in a retaliatory email. (By the way, NEVER write this…

Field Notes Original 3-Pack $10 Looking for a durable compact notepad? Field Notes offers some great options. Available in plain, ruled, or graph paper, each has 48 pages and measures 3.5 by 5.5 inches; about the same size as your passport (their Original series). Not keen on the natural look? Other colors are available, including a special U.S. States series. All Field Notes products are made in the U.S.A. with durable materials. The rugged 3-staple, saddle-stitch binding will help keep this notebook intact while crammed into a pocket or bouncing around in your luggage. (JE) fieldnotesbrand.com, 312-243-1107 PacSafe 20L Travel Safe $90 So you’ve locked up your precious valuables inside your vehicle while you step inside a border immigration office. But what’s to stop a thief from a quick smash-and-grab to get at…

My first experience behind the wheel of a Jeep was in 1985. I was on the Rubicon with a friend, he in his 1978 CJ5 and I was driving my three-year-old Toyota Hilux. After a day of friendly jabs at each other’s steeds, we decided to trade vehicles for a while. Slipping in behind the wheel, my first impressions were surprisingly positive (considering the tongue lashing I’d been giving him). The seat felt like, well, a seat; high above the floorboard and positioned to deliver an excellent view over the real estate beyond the windshield. With the doors removed, I admittedly felt a little naked at first; however, I quickly came to appreciate the feeling of control. Just a slight lean to the driver’s side provided a direct line of…

When Overland Journal received the invitation to attend the launch of Land Rover’s newest vehicle, the Evoque, my first thoughts were “Hmm, no transfer case,” and “I’m not sure.” I let the idea sit for a while, thought about the Land Rover brand and what it stands for, then about the current automotive manufacturing environment. I called back and accepted. The Evoque is the lightest and most fuel efficient Land Rover to date; and adheres to the breed’s uncompromising position on premium craftsmanship, luxury and performance. Its new turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder produces 240 horsepower and is a work of engineering art. I was thoroughly impressed with the performance of the motor and positive feeling from the six-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle incorporates most of Land Rover’s proprietary systems such as…