Whether you're an off-road enthusiast, a weekend adventurer, or simply someone who wants to be prepared for the unexpected, having the right vehicle recovery gear can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a serious situation. In this post, we’ll walk you through the essentials you should carry in your vehicle, a ranked list of tools from most to least important, and a starter kit recommendation for those just beginning to build their recovery setup.

Overlanding, Vehicle-based adventure travel—has seen a surge in popularity as more people seek to explore the great outdoors. While social media may be flooded with high-end, fully built-out rigs, the good news is you don’t need a $100,000 setup to start your Overlanding journey. With the right plan, vehicle choice, and gear, you can build a capable and reliable overland vehicle on a budget. 

Recent staffing cuts across federal land management agencies, including the Forest Service, National Park Service (NPS), and Bureau of Land Management (BLM), have led to over 5,000 layoffs, jeopardizing the quality and accessibility of outdoor recreation. Parks like San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, despite record visitation, face severe staffing shortages, while California’s Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite parks struggle with reduced services and operational challenges. The crisis extends to visitor safety, facility maintenance, and economic stability in communities reliant on public lands. While the NPS plans to hire seasonal workers, the loss of experienced staff continues to strain park operations, raising concerns about the future of public land management.

Cooking in the great outdoors is one of the best parts of camping and overlanding. Whether you're out for a weekend getaway or an extended off-road expedition, having the right cooking setup can make meals easy, delicious, and efficient. Here’s a look at some of the best methods for cooking while camping, along with their pros and cons.

Overlanding. This word has so many meanings. But people have been “overlanding” for longer than the term has been around. YouTube has turned it into a commodity with influencers making it seem like you have to spend all this money on all the gear to get out there and have fun. 

When it comes down to it, overlanding is just vehicle-based travel. It’s about venturing beyond paved roads, embracing self-sufficiency, and discovering new places. If you’re looking for more adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and the freedom to roam, overlanding might be your next journey. 

Why Wrapping Your Vehicle is a Smart Investment

Thinking about changing up your car’s look, protecting its paint, or even using it as a rolling advertisement? Vehicle wrapping isn’t just a stylish trend—it’s a practical and cost-effective way to enhance your ride. But like any decision, it comes with both advantages and considerations.

Selecting the best tire for your overlanding adventures is essential for ensuring safety, performance, and reliability on a variety of terrains. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming, but don't worry! Here's a friendly and straightforward guide to help you weigh the pros and cons of each choice and find the perfect fit for your journey.

The first thing we want to say is; that the TAV SPEC stage system is not a good, better, best approach to building vehicles.

When it comes to outfitting a vehicle for off-road adventures, every component plays a critical role in ensuring optimal performance across a variety of terrains. The TAV Spec Stage System is designed with this in mind, combining carefully selected parts to support and control the load of your vehicle, no matter where your journey takes you.

Expedition travel. Many factors can play into a successful trip, but planning the correct amount of food, water, and fuel are some of the most pivotal. In the backcountry, getting stuck without enough fuel can lead to bad results.

TAV started with a dream, a Land Cruiser FJ40, and a whole lot of faith.  Building vehicles has always been a passion of Walt’s.  Growing up and thumbing through National Geographic magazines, admiring the vehicles and the geography put a spark in Walt that is still there today.