It's always a pleasure to see my native habitat through the eyes of someone that has never experienced it before. The beauty, the quirks, the weather - things easily taken for granted. Looking forward to watching the rest of the series through your eyes and perspective!
GoRogue84 I was definitely shocked seeing Kate's face as I get to see similar stuff every day and sadly have taken it for granted. Makes me appreciate my home a lot more
I envy you guys, I live in Florida. Now I will never complain about the beautiful weather, but I will say there is not much scenery. Seems like the upper mid west is wide open big sky country with mountains and valleys to give perspective. Florida is more "hey look, more trees". But, I will also say, I am Native and have no plans to move anywhere else. Florida is and will always be HOME SWEET HOME.
@4xoverland I have to say I just found this serious of yours tonight. I grew up in Oregon, in the Willamette Valley, south of Portland and moved to Northern Arizona (red rock country) and this series is really filling my homesick :D Thanks for putting all the hard work in to make such great content!
Most of us in the US work so much that we just go "camping" on the weekends. Many people love their motorhome's, toy haulers and off road toys so staying in one place and exploring that area is not an issue. For a lot of us Overlanding requires extended time off work to do it properly.
Most American full time jobs start with 2 weeks vacation, maybe 3 if you''re lucky. When I was in Germany I had 6 weeks, plus comp time if you work over 40 hours a week and about 2x the holidays.
Martin Devine: That would be nice. I work for a very small company so I have no vacation time. If I want time off I save for months in advance to pay for it.
The contrast in scenery between Washington State and your previous trips through Namibia and Botswana is mind blowing. Both epic in their beauty yet so completely different. What a beautiful planet we inhabit.
As someone who spent their whole life living here in Washington, I found this video to be genuinely refreshing. Watching someones experience as they travel through the PNW for the first time
Interesting concept for a video series. I am from USA and believe that I have been "overlanding" all my life, but have only noticed the term being used in the US in the past 3-4 years. I make videos about my current overland trip in Central America and have therefore been paying more attention to the "overlanding culture" in the US and elsewhere. My understanding is that at it's base, overlanding is simply traveling by land. Some people say you must have a vehicle (no walking or cyclists) and that you must camp. Some people take it further to say you must do some 4x4 driving (no motorcycles or 2wd) And some folks say you have to drive offroad a certain distance or camp for longer than x period of time (no easy weekend trips). You can see the different opinions in all these other comments. Interesting topic. Thanks for the vid
I wish 4 wheeling and overlanding was more open in America. Most of our roads are paved and towns are very close together in comparison to Africa or Australia. Another problem is most of our land (especially east coast) is bought up and marked off by the owners. What is left is either impassable wood land or is owned by the government for nature reserves or state parks. And the parks cringe at the thought of a vehicle driving on anything but the road. We are left with private owned adventure parks, which are very few because the land expense and environmental restrictions are so immense. And eventually the suburbs close in on those parks and shut them down. I have resorted to riding state park paths that are either fire trails or paths to boat ramps, you don't get far and most are closed off but it's better than nothing for a short adventure. Thank you for coming to explore our country and meet with us. I must say your joy is contagious even Kate shares your adventurous joyful spirit. Maybe I need to "go west young man" lol.
You see our problem in AUS is that our tracks are being closed.. All of the greenies who never even venture out of their coffee shops are getting traction in politics and finding dull reasons to close the tracks.
I have the same setup as the truck. Ram 1500 with Decked drawers and Bedslide. I also have the Leitner's active cargo system. Almost two years with this setup and I still love it. It's also incredibly light.
Fantastic insight into a very beautiful part of the world. You and Kate lucked out with your talented fellow campers not only the site which was bordering on ridiculous in the best possible way. Looking forward to future posts. Thankyou once again.
I look forward to your next video in this series. Having grown up in southeastern washington and central oregon I have been exposed to what I now know to be overlanding my entire life. Now that I have left the western united states for the eastern US I long for it more and more, this series looks to promise somewhat of a homecoming for me as I am almost certain you will have traveled many of the trails I did years ago.
Excellent start to this North American adventure Andrew! Can't wait for more. And your friends' rendition of "Dance Me to the End of Love" is worthy of a cover... Very nicely done :)
Welcome to my backyard. Looks like you two had an acceptable time in the Northwest. I've been able to go to the Overland Expo the past 4-years, but had to miss it this year. Great videos - very beautiful and informative.
Desert Logic Overlanding is nice because it allows us to disconnect from the world to recharge but still having the conveniences at our fingertips. I remember camping as a kid... I would just sleep on the ground close to the fire in my sleeping bag.
Yes, and it was done at times with a station wagon, a 2 wheel drive truck or a motorcycle. Sometimes hunting or fishing were involved but not always. Some had Jeeps others used Volkswagens. Remember all the stories about the Beatnik writers and the Hippies on the road? Anyone remember Wally Byam the founder of Airstream? Look at his life starting out helping his grandfather run a pack train. His taking of a group from Cape Town to Narobi in 1959 was quite an overland trip. Corvairs crossing the Darien in 1962. The Expedicion de las Americas in 1978- 1979 with Mark Smith that got me interested in Jeeps and long distance travel. They used brand new CJ's with none of todays equipment and comforts. My travel was mostly gravel and forest roads. The new movement began in the early 2000s. I went to an outdoor sports activities event at the Prescott Valley fair grounds in 03 or 04. Where the US failed is it took forever for the industry to wake up to it. Australia was way ahead of the curve. There has been a battle with the back packing industry to snobbery on camping with a vehicle and on the other end, the monster truck. The rest of us quietly carried on making do with what was available. Not being part of the "off road" community who industry favors because they break parts every trip out so sell a lot of parts. There is also the problem in America of having even 2 weeks in a row off work for vacation much less a month or greater. Truthfully I hope it doesn't catch on to much or the back country will be lousy with people, most not having a clue.
@@57WillysCJ We're already there. In fact, the wonderful long distance backpackers have discovered the Pacific Crest Trail. They create big bonfires on dry, super windy days, and are genuinely surprised when they burn down vast stretches in the Sierras. When I target shoot in the High Desert at established shooting ranges, tourists in brand new 50kUSD 4WD's roll up and call the cops. Instead of worrying about me, MAYBE tourists could stop creating new illegal dirt roads, littering, and lying to feds (BLM agent looked disgusted and split after watching us shooting safely).
Your right, we don't do much over landing here. A lot has to do with us who live in the East. There just isn't that much open space that isn't privately owned. I'm so glad your here. Wow, you did find a great spot for camping on that first night.
Fantastic! Enjoyed watching this while camped in the Arizona mountains as I spend my 90th consecutive night in the Jeep. Andrew, it was a pleasure running into you guys at Starbucks in Flagstaff, of all places. Thanks for being such an inspiration.
I love all things outdoors especially if it involves using my truck to get there. Every Fall I go out for 30-45 days and have to say it’s the best part of every year. Also, my friends used to give me a hard time because I keep in my truck at all times everything 2 people would need to be out for 2 weeks straight. Until we happen to be on the wrong side of a mountain pass that was shut down due to a snowstorm! Man were they glad that I had all that stuff lol. Basically we camped out for 3 days and didn’t suffer a bit. It’s one of our best memories and now my friends brag about their buddy with his “Overland” rig.
Well you guys represented USA overlanding pretty well. Vehicle choice, location, mods. Sleeping in our cars (not full on rigs) and skiing the glacier on the volcano was the shit growing up.
If you thought that Cabela's was big, if you ever make it to the central US, stop at the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, MO. I *think* its the biggest outdoor store in the country. The US certainly does it big.
I really like the the distinction between 4wheel driving and overlanding. great video, can't wait for the rest of the videos. I have the poor man's GX470, a 4th gen 4runner with the same motor
Refreshing and always enjoyable to watch!I appreciated the quick and clear explanation of 4x4 v overland. I love 4x4 here in the US and backpacking so we will see how overlanding works out :)
Andrew, It was great having you and Kate join us for the night. Having a fire in the teepee was definitely awesome. But there was a lot of smoke the first few nights because we didn't know what we were doing. It was kind of like sleeping in a smoke lodge. Turns out it was also too noisy for Micah (harmonica player) because of the snoring from me and Dustin.
When I heard you were coming to Seattle as your first stop, it made me wish I still lived there so I could meet up with you and show you overlanding from the perspective of someone who built vehicles to explore the far reaches of Washington State. Snoqualmie Falls is what you were looking at. Looking forward to your videos as you are pretty much touring my old stomping grounds on the west coast. Rainforests, mountains, beaches, deserts....so much out west to see.
After watching all of those videos from Africa and Australia, it's a treat to see you in my own "back yard", Andrew. Between watching yourself and Ronny Dahl, I have a serious itch to get myself to Australia and experience Cape York- it's become a mission on the list of things I "need" to do in this life. I think it's an interesting concept that "overlanding" as opposed to 4x4'ing is something new here in the States. We call it "camping", or in extreme cases, "commuting" and we've been doing it since long before we invented the 4-wheel drive vehicle (you're welcome). In my own case, I enjoy camping throughout the entire year- with the right gear I especially enjoy those Coast Range, Cascade and Rocky Mountain Winters- and commute once a month, year-round, no matter the conditions, from SW Washington to NW Montana, which is 650 miles of some of the potentially roughest country and weather one can travel through. Thanks for all of the wonderful videos and the shared knowledge!
Thanks for introducing the GX series, I had no idea that these are dressed up LC Prados until recently watching this series. I’m planning to get a GX460 in a few years. I’ve seen many of these at the country clubs and golf courses in my area driven by middle aged folks who look wealthy. I think I could get a used, low mileage well cared for GX460 and add some basic modifications like a lift, all terrain tires, sliders and a roof rack and it would make a comfortable daily driver, but a capable off-road sleeper. Can’t wait! What’s the difference between the Prado 120 and Prado 150?
Have you ever considered making a video with expedition overland team. I would be very keen to hear how they approach overlanding compared to South Africa, Europe or Australia.
We just bought a Gx470 for my wife and got back from 4 days in south central Utah with our kids. Its not going to be built up like my 80 series land cruiser but sure pulled the trailer a lot better. I will be watching along to see what kind of trouble you can get into with the V8 Prado. Hopefully you fall in love with that v8 purr as I did.
I thought the same thing initially, but thinking back to the conversation I had with her, I think it's just the anticipation of this trip finally changed to a reality.
I thought Kate was going to put her hands up to her ears when the harmonica started it's whining drawl, but perhaps out of respect for foreign culture withdrew at the last minute ;) :D
It's been a very cold wet year so far! This is not typical over on the east side of the cascades. I hope you enjoy your stay and maybe I'll see you when you pass by!
Love your videos and the wisdom they provide and have your book. Glad to see you visited my home town and liked it. Great trip, enjoyed the whole thing. I did the entire obdr back in 2000 before the term overlanding was used so I think your conclusion is accurate. :)
In the 80s it was a club that was called Tread Lightly and it was overlanding in a nut shell. They were in all the 4x4 magazines and were pretty large at the time.
Oh this is easy.... Overlanding is where you wrap your kitted vehicle to market your group, buy a drone, create a patch to trade/sell, and pimp the entire thing out on Instagram hoping that sponsors will notice you and give you free stuff if you mention their name 50 times a day. ;P
And I must add; industrialists finally figured out a way to get rich people into the back country but first and foremost get them to buy into an over priced market of vehicle add-ons, job well done....And yes I'm jealous.
Andrew, it might be because of your editing skills, or because of the guys skills playing their instruments or maybe because the drone is now flying, from minute 15:20 it is art! Nic
I always called it "car camping" or "weekend warriors" . I live in the northwest on the Olympic Peninsula with over 2,800 miles of dirt logging roads, problem is, very, very few actually go anywhere, most are dead ends for logging operations. To really get away you need a backpack and hit the single-track trails
Wow, I was quite suprised that they chose my home state. I lived in Oregon all my life, I live south of portland. It's definitely a gorgeous area but like he said, overlanding is dead here.
Hi Andrew, if this is a taste of things to come in the rest of this series, then I can't wait! Bloody brilliant! :) Love the music around the campfire! (Sony A7S2??) Kate is awesome too!! :)
Just saw this video, but noticed you hit up the evergreen air and space museum. I'm lucky enough to live 45 minutes from it, but it sure is a fantastic collection!
Love these videos. Hope you enjoyed your stay and got to enjoy some good food in Seattle! As far as "overlanding" goes...I would say that we American's have been doing this pretty much forever. Only the terminology is new. "Truck camping" is a less sexy term- but it also refers to staying in remote locations, accessible by 4x4, for extended periods of time. It is different than "wheelin" or "mudding" or "rock crawling" because the point is exploration- not just going over obstacles. Americans invented "overlanding" shortly after we invented the Jeep...we just call it by a different name.
People are so sensitive here in the US! Yes, overlanding has existed here for decades in the shadows but it hasn’t been a mainstream portal for adventure until recent years. This captures that well. Similar to adventure touring for motorcycling. Yes people have been touring bikes for nearly a century but now there’s 30 models specifically aimed at ADV. great series.
Those camera shots at 2:44 to 2:47 is from you riding on the Alaskan Way Viaduct which is not there anymore. It was torn down and replaced with a tunnel. Shame as it provided lovely views when you're on the top of it. The bottom tier wasn't half bad either.
wow now i'm jealous :D ... what a beautiful place and music and everything. i honestly think north america is one of the best places to do overlanding...all these different and beautiful landscapes. thank you Andrew for this video... i'm excited for the next episode(s?) :)
I’m 73. My wife, Sally, is 65. We have lived in Iowa, Utah, Michigan and Maine. Sally has “always” wanted to visit Australia but..... Or travel here in the U.S. of A is of the low-budget variety--almost entirely in 4-cyl 4WD rigs. We take a tent--sometimes more than one when our children were in their teens--or sometimes, after our children were grown, we have slept in our vehicle. We have gone on picnic trips, camping trips, wildlife-watching trips and sometimes just exploring, often many miles from the nearest paved roads. We seldom stay in hotels or motels and even less often eat in restaurants. Where ground fires are permitted, we use only wood that is dead and down for our campfires. Where that isn’t an option, we use a propane camp stove. River rafting in Maine is big business. Maine law prohibits anyone from being paid as a river-rafting guide (whether the boats used are rafts, canoes or kayaks) except persons who are certified by the state of Maine as Maine river guides. Yesterday was Father’s Day and ONE COMPANY in Maine accommodated their numerous customers yesterday with 108 rafts! Our daughter, Heidi, wanted to give our grandson, Anthony, the gift of a river-rafting trip for his birthday. By waiting until today, she was able to get what she was satisfied was a “discount” rate for herself, Anthony, Sally and two of Anthony’s friends. I didn’t go on this particular trip. Sally came close to hitting a moose on the road on the way to a river in northwest Maine. They stayed overnight last night in cabins near the river, then floated the river today--about eight miles in four hours. They are back home now--safe and sound. Sally said the scenery was spectacular. As much as we might enjoy overlanding in other parts of the world, it would take several lifetimes to see the natural wonders of the United States. Many of them are as spectacular as the places you have been so far. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Looks like a great time. Perhaps with our extensive interstate system, Americans grew up taking "road trips" more so than an authentic "overland" experience like folks in less developed countries?
Yup. Even our unpaved roads are (often) maintained well enough that a normal passenger car won't have any issues. Walmart and McDonald's are never far away. If your goal is to drive a long time without seeing other people, you won't be taking an efficient route.
J Dawg haha thats good, but i see the truth behind it. which is why ita funny in the first place. big fancy suspension, big tires, fancy bumpers and million dollar rooftop tents on your favorite 4x4.
Haha. Well, I only say it because I was headed down that road until I realized my own dream overland Tacoma build wasn't only what EVERY OTHER dude was building, but it was also completely contrary to my own philosophy of purpose and modularity. The last thing I want is to turn my 4000lb truck into a 6500lb truck.
Mostly in the last 3 years in Canada, I would say Canada has more wildland and real overland routes that are truly long drives with no pavement. I started an overlanding club in Calgary 3 years ago. Alberta has some great loop routes, but British Columbia has more and better scenery, also some great overlanding routes with side route options. Unfortunately, we don't get the fantastic Toyota Land Cruiser rigs that Australia or SA get to import. We can import a 15 year old Landcruiser 100 but we don't get them new here. Best we can do is the FJ Cruiser, Tacoma, or 4Runner (all gas not diesel option).
I work at a small shop in Kamloops (the hub of British Columbia) called Baja North. We outfit trucks with suspension upgrades and off road accessories, if you are considering building a truck to survive the Canadian wilderness we can get the job done. Feel free to PM me for more contact information. I am an employee not a business owner/manager.
I've done a fair bit driving across Canada in a Wrangler last year: totally worth it! Please let us know when you're visiting and if you need any information/routes/help planning.
Andrew, I enjoy your videos. I think some of your observations on overlanding in the US are valid. In most of the lower 48, you are never really more than a few hours away from some form of civilization. That's just the nature of having so much built up infrastructure in this country. I do think overlanding and four wheeling in general has been around in the US in some form or fashion for quite some time now. It wasn't until recently that people called it overlanding; a lot of people used to refer to it as car camping, four wheeling, ect. and many still do. I also think the hardcore 4x4 rockcrawling culture has had a bigger following, and likely still does, than outright overlanding (and I realize some people don't see much, if any, difference between the two). All that said, the Pacific Northwest is as good a place as any to go explore the wilderness and remote roads that the US has to offer. If you have the opportunity to come back, I would also suggest visiting Alaska and Canada; in those areas, you can find some very remote areas to explore by vehicle or foot and access some very beautiful country. I've been on a trip up through Ontario, CA and was amazed by how many remote logging/forestry roads they have up there on government land (which they refer to as Crown land). I think there are areas that are well worth a visit in that province and in the others, and I hope to see journalists, like yourself, make your way to those areas to explore and create content about. Good luck with your work!
Just add something different here, good to see you had a jeep along for the ride. West Australia, 70 Kim's south on the coast. Work that one out Andrew. Enjoy your stay and travels. Best regards
Props to the dudes who setup the teepee! That's straight up bitching! I can tell you from experience that a teepee is in fact WAY more comfortable than any tent I've ever slept in.
Looks like a fun trip, I can't wait to see the rest. I think overlanding (like you do in Africa and Australia) isn't as popular in the US because of how developed our country is. I could literally hop in my car right now, and with nothing but a credit card and smartphone drive to any city in the continental US without issue. I would guess that in summer, a normal passenger car could traverse 95% of the marked routes in the US. A stock pickup truck could do 99%. I've seen mountain passes where an "off-road" vehicle is required (but usually no-where near what people think they need); and there are always alternative routes that are usually faster. To me, "overlanding" is about getting to the destination safely. We call driving around on maintained roads for a long time a road-trip! I have my own version of "overlanding" I do. Replace the truck with a Subaru WRX, and replace the off-roading with spirited drives on twisty mountain roads. I drive to the Rockies (from Iowa), and spend a week or two car camping, driving on twisty roads, hiking, and photographing landscapes.
I miss the NW. Grew up in Portland, and you need to visit Lake Chelan, WA, and go up the lake to Stehekin! You will not regret it! Ask for my mom. They live up there. :)
"Just bought a Zippo, got hit on by a Mexican...and now I'm at the Space Needle." Yeah, that's a pretty authentic Northwest experience, right there.
All I was thinking was: "You sure it wasn't a Peurto Rican?"
Jimmy Any person from the Spanish speaking part of the American Continent is a Mexican in the States.😝
Hahahah. True.
Well, according to the Aussies they are.
Justin Walters check out the main (first) comment, that guy is from the states.
It's always a pleasure to see my native habitat through the eyes of someone that has never experienced it before. The beauty, the quirks, the weather - things easily taken for granted. Looking forward to watching the rest of the series through your eyes and perspective!
I feel the same way when I am with people who have never traversed remote Africa before. We take far too much for granted.
GoRogue84 I was definitely shocked seeing Kate's face as I get to see similar stuff every day and sadly have taken it for granted. Makes me appreciate my home a lot more
I moved from Texas to Eastern Africa last year and I have to say that I took everything for granted in the states.
I envy you guys, I live in Florida. Now I will never complain about the beautiful weather, but I will say there is not much scenery. Seems like the upper mid west is wide open big sky country with mountains and valleys to give perspective. Florida is more "hey look, more trees". But, I will also say, I am Native and have no plans to move anywhere else. Florida is and will always be HOME SWEET HOME.
@4xoverland I have to say I just found this serious of yours tonight. I grew up in Oregon, in the Willamette Valley, south of Portland and moved to Northern Arizona (red rock country) and this series is really filling my homesick :D Thanks for putting all the hard work in to make such great content!
Most of us in the US work so much that we just go "camping" on the weekends. Many people love their motorhome's, toy haulers and off road toys so staying in one place and exploring that area is not an issue. For a lot of us Overlanding requires extended time off work to do it properly.
JohnReviewer112 lol
Other issue is that somebody owns everything and will shoot your ass for exploring their land lol
Most American full time jobs start with 2 weeks vacation, maybe 3 if you''re lucky. When I was in Germany I had 6 weeks, plus comp time if you work over 40 hours a week and about 2x the holidays.
JohnReviewer112: obviously not, Andrew asked why the US is behind in Overlanding so as an American I explained my point of view.
Martin Devine: That would be nice. I work for a very small company so I have no vacation time. If I want time off I save for months in advance to pay for it.
The contrast in scenery between Washington State and your previous trips through Namibia and Botswana is mind blowing. Both epic in their beauty yet so completely different. What a beautiful planet we inhabit.
As someone who spent their whole life living here in Washington, I found this video to be genuinely refreshing. Watching someones experience as they travel through the PNW for the first time
Interesting concept for a video series. I am from USA and believe that I have been "overlanding" all my life, but have only noticed the term being used in the US in the past 3-4 years.
I make videos about my current overland trip in Central America and have therefore been paying more attention to the "overlanding culture" in the US and elsewhere.
My understanding is that at it's base, overlanding is simply traveling by land. Some people say you must have a vehicle (no walking or cyclists) and that you must camp. Some people take it further to say you must do some 4x4 driving (no motorcycles or 2wd) And some folks say you have to drive offroad a certain distance or camp for longer than x period of time (no easy weekend trips).
You can see the different opinions in all these other comments. Interesting topic. Thanks for the vid
bingo
I wish 4 wheeling and overlanding was more open in America. Most of our roads are paved and towns are very close together in comparison to Africa or Australia.
Another problem is most of our land (especially east coast) is bought up and marked off by the owners. What is left is either impassable wood land or is owned by the government for nature reserves or state parks. And the parks cringe at the thought of a vehicle driving on anything but the road.
We are left with private owned adventure parks, which are very few because the land expense and environmental restrictions are so immense. And eventually the suburbs close in on those parks and shut them down.
I have resorted to riding state park paths that are either fire trails or paths to boat ramps, you don't get far and most are closed off but it's better than nothing for a short adventure.
Thank you for coming to explore our country and meet with us. I must say your joy is contagious even Kate shares your adventurous joyful spirit. Maybe I need to "go west young man" lol.
You see our problem in AUS is that our tracks are being closed.. All of the greenies who never even venture out of their coffee shops are getting traction in politics and finding dull reasons to close the tracks.
I have the same setup as the truck. Ram 1500 with Decked drawers and Bedslide. I also have the Leitner's active cargo system. Almost two years with this setup and I still love it. It's also incredibly light.
Fantastic insight into a very beautiful part of the world. You and Kate lucked out with your talented fellow campers not only the site which was bordering on ridiculous in the best possible way. Looking forward to future posts. Thankyou once again.
That was a nice song, with nice people and great trucks in this quarantine night (april 2020 - greetings from Peru)
I look forward to your next video in this series. Having grown up in southeastern washington and central oregon I have been exposed to what I now know to be overlanding my entire life. Now that I have left the western united states for the eastern US I long for it more and more, this series looks to promise somewhat of a homecoming for me as I am almost certain you will have traveled many of the trails I did years ago.
Excellent start to this North American adventure Andrew! Can't wait for more. And your friends' rendition of "Dance Me to the End of Love" is worthy of a cover... Very nicely done :)
Welcome to my backyard. Looks like you two had an acceptable time in the Northwest. I've been able to go to the Overland Expo the past 4-years, but had to miss it this year. Great videos - very beautiful and informative.
I'm personally obsessed with overland and get out as much as possible. Great video look forward to watching the rest of them
"Overlanding" is just a term city people came up with for how country folks in America have been vacationing since the 1800's.
Yes. The wait is over.
We've had "Overlanding" in the US for decades, only back then it was called "camping".
Desert Logic Overlanding is nice because it allows us to disconnect from the world to recharge but still having the conveniences at our fingertips. I remember camping as a kid... I would just sleep on the ground close to the fire in my sleeping bag.
I used to "overland" in and out of my bass boat! Spent many a night sleeping and cooking on the 7' casting deck! Loved it because it was so peaceful!
Yes, and it was done at times with a station wagon, a 2 wheel drive truck or a motorcycle. Sometimes hunting or fishing were involved but not always. Some had Jeeps others used Volkswagens. Remember all the stories about the Beatnik writers and the Hippies on the road? Anyone remember Wally Byam the founder of Airstream? Look at his life starting out helping his grandfather run a pack train. His taking of a group from Cape Town to Narobi in 1959 was quite an overland trip. Corvairs crossing the Darien in 1962. The Expedicion de las Americas in 1978- 1979 with Mark Smith that got me interested in Jeeps and long distance travel. They used brand new CJ's with none of todays equipment and comforts. My travel was mostly gravel and forest roads. The new movement began in the early 2000s. I went to an outdoor sports activities event at the Prescott Valley fair grounds in 03 or 04. Where the US failed is it took forever for the industry to wake up to it. Australia was way ahead of the curve. There has been a battle with the back packing industry to snobbery on camping with a vehicle and on the other end, the monster truck. The rest of us quietly carried on making do with what was available. Not being part of the "off road" community who industry favors because they break parts every trip out so sell a lot of parts. There is also the problem in America of having even 2 weeks in a row off work for vacation much less a month or greater. Truthfully I hope it doesn't catch on to much or the back country will be lousy with people, most not having a clue.
@@57WillysCJ We're already there. In fact, the wonderful long distance backpackers have discovered the Pacific Crest Trail. They create big bonfires on dry, super windy days, and are genuinely surprised when they burn down vast stretches in the Sierras. When I target shoot in the High Desert at established shooting ranges, tourists in brand new 50kUSD 4WD's roll up and call the cops.
Instead of worrying about me, MAYBE tourists could stop creating new illegal dirt roads, littering, and lying to feds (BLM agent looked disgusted and split after watching us shooting safely).
Your right, we don't do much over landing here. A lot has to do with us who live in the East. There just isn't that much open space that isn't privately owned. I'm so glad your here. Wow, you did find a great spot for camping on that first night.
Reaching for perfection, and finding it! I live in Oceanshores, Wa. I can understand your vision. Thank you.
Fantastic! Enjoyed watching this while camped in the Arizona mountains as I spend my 90th consecutive night in the Jeep. Andrew, it was a pleasure running into you guys at Starbucks in Flagstaff, of all places. Thanks for being such an inspiration.
just very nice, the tips, the landscape. and the essence of it....finishing the day around the fire talking and playing some good old songs. Thank you
I love all things outdoors especially if it involves using my truck to get there. Every Fall I go out for 30-45 days and have to say it’s the best part of every year. Also, my friends used to give me a hard time because I keep in my truck at all times everything 2 people would need to be out for 2 weeks straight. Until we happen to be on the wrong side of a mountain pass that was shut down due to a snowstorm! Man were they glad that I had all that stuff lol. Basically we camped out for 3 days and didn’t suffer a bit. It’s one of our best memories and now my friends brag about their buddy with his “Overland” rig.
Well you guys represented USA overlanding pretty well. Vehicle choice, location, mods.
Sleeping in our cars (not full on rigs) and skiing the glacier on the volcano was the shit growing up.
If you thought that Cabela's was big, if you ever make it to the central US, stop at the Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, MO. I *think* its the biggest outdoor store in the country. The US certainly does it big.
Love the editing in that fire camp song with Kate.
Good to meet you at Mule, Andrew. I hope to make it to Namibia someday to film those long, boring (and yet serene), tracks you have shown us.
I really like the the distinction between 4wheel driving and overlanding. great video, can't wait for the rest of the videos. I have the poor man's GX470, a 4th gen 4runner with the same motor
Playing guitar at the fire with the overland trucks? Wow that's beautiful.
Wow, that dude can sing!
I have a decked system in my Ram and use it for overlanding and it’s awesome. Cheers from Seattle’s northern neighbour, Vancouver Canada.
Refreshing and always enjoyable to watch!I appreciated the quick and clear explanation of 4x4 v overland. I love 4x4 here in the US and backpacking so we will see how overlanding works out :)
Andrew, It was great having you and Kate join us for the night. Having a fire in the teepee was definitely awesome. But there was a lot of smoke the first few nights because we didn't know what we were doing. It was kind of like sleeping in a smoke lodge. Turns out it was also too noisy for Micah (harmonica player) because of the snoring from me and Dustin.
Awesome Mr. White. Looking forward to this series.
You have successfully made me homesick Andrew.
Great stuff Andrew and I am really looking forward to the rest of the episodes. Well done taking you daughter too she is doing a fine job.
When I heard you were coming to Seattle as your first stop, it made me wish I still lived there so I could meet up with you and show you overlanding from the perspective of someone who built vehicles to explore the far reaches of Washington State. Snoqualmie Falls is what you were looking at. Looking forward to your videos as you are pretty much touring my old stomping grounds on the west coast. Rainforests, mountains, beaches, deserts....so much out west to see.
Good description of overlanding, which I have really never done, simply because in eastern USA, it's so hard to find a place.
neat rendition of "dance me to the end of love"
Exceptional!
They could stick that on Google Play and get some sales...
After watching all of those videos from Africa and Australia, it's a treat to see you in my own "back yard", Andrew. Between watching yourself and Ronny Dahl, I have a serious itch to get myself to Australia and experience Cape York- it's become a mission on the list of things I "need" to do in this life. I think it's an interesting concept that "overlanding" as opposed to 4x4'ing is something new here in the States. We call it "camping", or in extreme cases, "commuting" and we've been doing it since long before we invented the 4-wheel drive vehicle (you're welcome). In my own case, I enjoy camping throughout the entire year- with the right gear I especially enjoy those Coast Range, Cascade and Rocky Mountain Winters- and commute once a month, year-round, no matter the conditions, from SW Washington to NW Montana, which is 650 miles of some of the potentially roughest country and weather one can travel through. Thanks for all of the wonderful videos and the shared knowledge!
Thanks for introducing the GX series, I had no idea that these are dressed up LC Prados until recently watching this series. I’m planning to get a GX460 in a few years. I’ve seen many of these at the country clubs and golf courses in my area driven by middle aged folks who look wealthy. I think I could get a used, low mileage well cared for GX460 and add some basic modifications like a lift, all terrain tires, sliders and a roof rack and it would make a comfortable daily driver, but a capable off-road sleeper. Can’t wait! What’s the difference between the Prado 120 and Prado 150?
amazing. the landscape leaves me in awe.
Have you ever considered making a video with expedition overland team. I would be very keen to hear how they approach overlanding compared to South Africa, Europe or Australia.
We just bought a Gx470 for my wife and got back from 4 days in south central Utah with our kids. Its not going to be built up like my 80 series land cruiser but sure pulled the trailer a lot better. I will be watching along to see what kind of trouble you can get into with the V8 Prado. Hopefully you fall in love with that v8 purr as I did.
All these negative vibes are harshing my mellow. Just let people enjoy what they want. Andrew: superb short film! Can't wait for more. Bravo!
Superb video Andrew! Was it just me or was Kate's heart melting by the campfire over the guitar play, and singing?
I thought the same thing initially, but thinking back to the conversation I had with her, I think it's just the anticipation of this trip finally changed to a reality.
It truly looked like a magical moment. Looked like every worry was gone in that moment.
I thought Kate was going to put her hands up to her ears when the harmonica started it's whining drawl, but perhaps out of respect for foreign culture withdrew at the last minute ;) :D
It's been a very cold wet year so far! This is not typical over on the east side of the cascades. I hope you enjoy your stay and maybe I'll see you when you pass by!
That I think was your best video ever. I absolutely loved it!
Love your videos and the wisdom they provide and have your book. Glad to see you visited my home town and liked it. Great trip, enjoyed the whole thing. I did the entire obdr back in 2000 before the term overlanding was used so I think your conclusion is accurate. :)
kate is really funny, i hope we could see more of her on the channel !
Great video!The Northwest USA is my backyard so this is pretty cool to see it from your perspective.
Amazing work,really looking forward to the next one!!!
In the 80s it was a club that was called Tread Lightly and it was overlanding in a nut shell. They were in all the 4x4 magazines and were pretty large at the time.
Tread lightly is still an organization. A lot of Jeep owners are members, especially since fca offers discounted prices for fca vehicles for members.
Good video as always Andrew, and great filming/editing too.
Oh this is easy.... Overlanding is where you wrap your kitted vehicle to market your group, buy a drone, create a patch to trade/sell, and pimp the entire thing out on Instagram hoping that sponsors will notice you and give you free stuff if you mention their name 50 times a day. ;P
First State Overland nailed it
Hahaha! So true. 😁👍
And I must add; industrialists finally figured out a way to get rich people into the back country but first and foremost get them to buy into an over priced market of vehicle add-ons, job well done....And yes I'm jealous.
Andrew, it might be because of your editing skills, or because of the guys skills playing their instruments or maybe because the drone is now flying, from minute 15:20 it is art! Nic
That Sir was a great film looking forward to the next one...thanks for sharing
Awesome series this is going to be!
Happy to see change on Kate's face before and after the song... :)
excellent. thank you for this video. cant wait to start overlanding proper
I always called it "car camping"
or "weekend warriors" . I live in the northwest on the Olympic Peninsula with over 2,800 miles of dirt logging roads, problem is, very, very few actually go anywhere, most are dead ends for logging operations. To really get away you need a backpack and hit the single-track trails
As usual, a great video Mr Andrew. I'm a huge fan. Greetings from Brazil.
Enjoyed this excellent story, thank you.
Wow, I was quite suprised that they chose my home state. I lived in Oregon all my life, I live south of portland. It's definitely a gorgeous area but like he said, overlanding is dead here.
At 16:34 - did you hit that tree? I guess we'll find out if we don't see any additional drone footage this trip...
You have to do more videos with Kate, she is hilarious!!
Hi Andrew, if this is a taste of things to come in the rest of this series, then I can't wait! Bloody brilliant! :) Love the music around the campfire! (Sony A7S2??) Kate is awesome too!! :)
Andrew love the videos, I look forward to your videos.
Just saw this video, but noticed you hit up the evergreen air and space museum. I'm lucky enough to live 45 minutes from it, but it sure is a fantastic collection!
Love these videos. Hope you enjoyed your stay and got to enjoy some good food in Seattle! As far as "overlanding" goes...I would say that we American's have been doing this pretty much forever. Only the terminology is new. "Truck camping" is a less sexy term- but it also refers to staying in remote locations, accessible by 4x4, for extended periods of time. It is different than "wheelin" or "mudding" or "rock crawling" because the point is exploration- not just going over obstacles. Americans invented "overlanding" shortly after we invented the Jeep...we just call it by a different name.
once again just awesomework
People are so sensitive here in the US! Yes, overlanding has existed here for decades in the shadows but it hasn’t been a mainstream portal for adventure until recent years. This captures that well. Similar to adventure touring for motorcycling. Yes people have been touring bikes for nearly a century but now there’s 30 models specifically aimed at ADV. great series.
Those camera shots at 2:44 to 2:47 is from you riding on the Alaskan Way Viaduct which is not there anymore. It was torn down and replaced with a tunnel. Shame as it provided lovely views when you're on the top of it. The bottom tier wasn't half bad either.
Great video mate. Camp fire guitar song was wicked!
wow now i'm jealous :D ... what a beautiful place and music and everything. i honestly think north america is one of the best places to do overlanding...all these different and beautiful landscapes. thank you Andrew for this video... i'm excited for the next episode(s?) :)
I’m 73. My wife, Sally, is 65. We have lived in Iowa, Utah, Michigan and Maine. Sally has “always” wanted to visit Australia but.....
Or travel here in the U.S. of A is of the low-budget variety--almost entirely in 4-cyl 4WD rigs. We take a tent--sometimes more than one when our children were in their teens--or sometimes, after our children were grown, we have slept in our vehicle. We have gone on picnic trips, camping trips, wildlife-watching trips and sometimes just exploring, often many miles from the nearest paved roads. We seldom stay in hotels or motels and even less often eat in restaurants. Where ground fires are permitted, we use only wood that is dead and down for our campfires. Where that isn’t an option, we use a propane camp stove.
River rafting in Maine is big business. Maine law prohibits anyone from being paid as a river-rafting guide (whether the boats used are rafts, canoes or kayaks) except persons who are certified by the state of Maine as Maine river guides.
Yesterday was Father’s Day and ONE COMPANY in Maine accommodated their numerous customers yesterday with 108 rafts!
Our daughter, Heidi, wanted to give our grandson, Anthony, the gift of a river-rafting trip for his birthday. By waiting until today, she was able to get what she was satisfied was a “discount” rate for herself, Anthony, Sally and two of Anthony’s friends. I didn’t go on this particular trip. Sally came close to hitting a moose on the road on the way to a river in northwest Maine. They stayed overnight last night in cabins near the river, then floated the river today--about eight miles in four hours.
They are back home now--safe and sound. Sally said the scenery was spectacular.
As much as we might enjoy overlanding in other parts of the world, it would take several lifetimes to see the natural wonders of the United States. Many of them are as spectacular as the places you have been so far. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Looks like a great time. Perhaps with our extensive interstate system, Americans grew up taking "road trips" more so than an authentic "overland" experience like folks in less developed countries?
Yup. Even our unpaved roads are (often) maintained well enough that a normal passenger car won't have any issues. Walmart and McDonald's are never far away. If your goal is to drive a long time without seeing other people, you won't be taking an efficient route.
Cool video! Focus on the experience you desire and not the vehicle, get started!
Amamzing! Can't wait to see more
Overlanding in the USA in a nutshell: Build race truck, Put rooftop tent on it. Call it an overlanding rig. Go camping in Utah.
J Dawg haha thats good, but i see the truth behind it. which is why ita funny in the first place. big fancy suspension, big tires, fancy bumpers and million dollar rooftop tents on your favorite 4x4.
Haha. Well, I only say it because I was headed down that road until I realized my own dream overland Tacoma build wasn't only what EVERY OTHER dude was building, but it was also completely contrary to my own philosophy of purpose and modularity. The last thing I want is to turn my 4000lb truck into a 6500lb truck.
Some of the rigs these days, yes. It's like a contest.
what river did you camp by?
This is my third overland trip in the US. And what I have learnt is that what you have said is what most people think. But the reality is different.
let's see. What keeps me from the overlanding trip that takes weeks to months? Vacation time/PTO. I recall overlanding term/groups back in mid 90s
Good video, Thanks for sharing ✌
Mostly in the last 3 years in Canada, I would say Canada has more wildland and real overland routes that are truly long drives with no pavement. I started an overlanding club in Calgary 3 years ago. Alberta has some great loop routes, but British Columbia has more and better scenery, also some great overlanding routes with side route options. Unfortunately, we don't get the fantastic Toyota Land Cruiser rigs that Australia or SA get to import. We can import a 15 year old Landcruiser 100 but we don't get them new here. Best we can do is the FJ Cruiser, Tacoma, or 4Runner (all gas not diesel option).
Canada is on my short bucket list for the North American continent. I want to build my own truck for my expeditions there.
I work at a small shop in Kamloops (the hub of British Columbia) called Baja North. We outfit trucks with suspension upgrades and off road accessories, if you are considering building a truck to survive the Canadian wilderness we can get the job done. Feel free to PM me for more contact information. I am an employee not a business owner/manager.
I've done a fair bit driving across Canada in a Wrangler last year: totally worth it! Please let us know when you're visiting and if you need any information/routes/help planning.
what we need is availability of smaller diesel powered 4x4. not Dodge 3500 Laramie size
Barry R. Brown.. I live in Calgary and own a 97 Pajero. Interested in the OVERLAND Club you started..
Best wishes on your overlanding adventure!
I worked at that same cabela's in that exact men's department when my son was born. No joke.....
Awesome series.
Andrew, I enjoy your videos. I think some of your observations on overlanding in the US are valid. In most of the lower 48, you are never really more than a few hours away from some form of civilization. That's just the nature of having so much built up infrastructure in this country. I do think overlanding and four wheeling in general has been around in the US in some form or fashion for quite some time now. It wasn't until recently that people called it overlanding; a lot of people used to refer to it as car camping, four wheeling, ect. and many still do. I also think the hardcore 4x4 rockcrawling culture has had a bigger following, and likely still does, than outright overlanding (and I realize some people don't see much, if any, difference between the two).
All that said, the Pacific Northwest is as good a place as any to go explore the wilderness and remote roads that the US has to offer. If you have the opportunity to come back, I would also suggest visiting Alaska and Canada; in those areas, you can find some very remote areas to explore by vehicle or foot and access some very beautiful country. I've been on a trip up through Ontario, CA and was amazed by how many remote logging/forestry roads they have up there on government land (which they refer to as Crown land). I think there are areas that are well worth a visit in that province and in the others, and I hope to see journalists, like yourself, make your way to those areas to explore and create content about.
Good luck with your work!
Great Andrew I really Love Your videos. Greetings from Portugal.
really enjoyed this video!!!
Curious how you take a ferry south then end up in the cascades which are east?
Just add something different here, good to see you had a jeep along for the ride. West Australia, 70 Kim's south on the coast. Work that one out Andrew. Enjoy your stay and travels. Best regards
Bob Hunter piece of shit Fiat Jeep 😂
Great episode!
it was great to meet you at Mule Expedition Outfitters in Seattle.
I lived in Seattle. Pacific Northwest is lovely
Ignore all the haters and keep up the good work.
Stellar footage👏🏻👏🏻😎🤘
Anyone know where the spot is at 13:27? Thanks guys.
Isn't VanLife and Roadtripping the same as Overlanding?
Props to the dudes who setup the teepee! That's straight up bitching! I can tell you from experience that a teepee is in fact WAY more comfortable than any tent I've ever slept in.
Looks like a fun trip, I can't wait to see the rest.
I think overlanding (like you do in Africa and Australia) isn't as popular in the US because of how developed our country is. I could literally hop in my car right now, and with nothing but a credit card and smartphone drive to any city in the continental US without issue. I would guess that in summer, a normal passenger car could traverse 95% of the marked routes in the US. A stock pickup truck could do 99%. I've seen mountain passes where an "off-road" vehicle is required (but usually no-where near what people think they need); and there are always alternative routes that are usually faster. To me, "overlanding" is about getting to the destination safely. We call driving around on maintained roads for a long time a road-trip!
I have my own version of "overlanding" I do. Replace the truck with a Subaru WRX, and replace the off-roading with spirited drives on twisty mountain roads. I drive to the Rockies (from Iowa), and spend a week or two car camping, driving on twisty roads, hiking, and photographing landscapes.
I miss the NW. Grew up in Portland, and you need to visit Lake Chelan, WA, and go up the lake to Stehekin! You will not regret it! Ask for my mom. They live up there. :)