Aired Down NorthWest - Winter 2023

Iwasn'tborninIdaho.Ihaven’tevenlivedhereverylong.Butfromthefirsttimemy husbandandIvisited,itfeltlikehome.Asitturnsout,myfamilydrovethroughCoeur D’AleneontheirwayoutWest.Ironically,theycouldnotfindhousingsotheykept going,settlinginCaliforniawhereIwasbornafewshortyearslater.MytheoryisI wasmeanttobeanIdahoanfromthestart. Thiswinterissueismylovelettertothe GreatStateofIdaho,theingenuityandresourcefulnessofthesmallbusinessesin ourOverlandCommunity,andtheinspiringstoriesofthepeoplethatstartedthem.

Thanksforreading!

RebeccaZ.

What’s Inside

A Vision So Vivid: Idaho Overland Adventures

Born from Exploration: 121 Degrees West Cooking With Maximum Efficiency: Partner Steel Co

Reader’s Rig

From the Garage to the World: Yankum Ropes

A Passion Project: On Top Adventures

Overlanding Replaced Backpacking: Talus Expedition Gear

Fabricating for the New and the Old: Datin Metal Fab Engineering for Change: Delta Vehicle Systems

Creation is Inspiration: Arcane Outdoor Development

Wellness in the Woods

Winter Overlanding for Beginners

From LandCruisers to Overland: Selkirk Off-Road

First Date in the Owyhees: Owyhee Off Road

Impact Report - Idaho Overland Association

Women’s Fireside Chat Off the Back

A Vision So Vivid

By Brianne Jackson, President & Co-Founder Idaho Overland Adventures ● Garden City

Haveyouevertakenacompleteleapoffaith?Or,believeinsomethingsostronglythat you could see it clear as day?This is how my husband, Joe, and I felt when we started toying with the idea of starting our own business. And not just any business, a “unicorn” business so different from any other we had seen or heard of. ‘Idaho Overland Adventures’ is the creation of an outdoor adventure-loving couple. We wanted to make it easy for folks to get out into nature, travel around and explore, or simplyfindaquietcampsiteoutofthewaywithaconvenientset-upavailabletothem.

How did we come up with the concept? I believe the time we spent together as a coupleandthecareersweheldthroughoutourlivespreparedusforthistransition.We had similar interests as couples tend to do, and our time spent together revolved aroundoutdoorandoff-roadactivities.

Our “Adventure” started in our early 20’s. We began our young adult lives together in pursuit of adventure through Joe’s Professional Watercraft Racing travels and community. We would travel to the different race stops and camp in our van by the lakes during race weekends. We traveled to Lake Havasu Arizona for World Finals twice.Itwasalwaysthetwoofus.Heraced,andIwashis“pitcrew”.

Experiences like these throughout our lives have made Joe and I realize that we make a great team. During our years together we have lived in six different cities and two states.

We have always loved the outdoors as individuals and together as a couple. Joe had grown up in a family where camping, overlanding, flying, off-roading, and Baja racing were regular occurrences. I grew up camping in a tent, car, or back of a pick-up truck everychanceIgot.

We treasure these memories as some of our happiest growing up. Most of us find some peace when experiencing nature. One can feel a welcoming disconnect in the great outdoors accompanied by a sense of self-reliance. Whenever we would leave homeforarace,orroadtrip,Iwouldalwayscomment,“it'sanAdventure”.

Early in our relationship, we found a story about the Wescotts and their adventures following the turtle migration. The Wescott’s Turtle Expedition vehicles were beyond inspirational.

Joe and I wanted to build an expedition vehicle and travel as far as we could for as long as we could. We had a dream, but nothing solid. We were not rich, and we were not journalists or scientists. We had no idea where to start, or how wewouldmakemoneytotravel.

As we grew up, we still had dreams, but our priorities changed, and we decided to start a new kind of adventure. We were ready to expand on the family we had become to each other over the past decade. We were married in 2010, had our first child at the beginning of 2012, andoursecondattheendof2015.

We vowed that our children would grow up knowing outdoor activities and would not be sitting indoors in front of the TV or on video games and devices allday.Wewantedtogivethema sense ofadventure.

By this point, our lives and careers had evolved. I was a credit manager at a jewelry store and had worked there full-time for several years. The holidays were always difficult working retail because I was away from the family more, which was especially hard during the Christmas season with young children.

Joe had become a pilot and started flying for an airline just a month after our second child was born. Our new life had come with its share of challenges. We lived in California, but Joe was based in Chicago. He lived there and wouldvisithomeonceeveryotherweek if he could. This was hard on all of us. I was like a single parent most of the week, and he was missing out on watchinghiskidsgrowup.

Flash forward a couple of years, and we had the opportunity to move to Idaho. The airline opened a base in Boise, so we packed up our family and moved in 2017. I was now a stay-at-home mom, and we had no other family in Idaho. Our entire support system was back in California, but we knew we had made therightmove.

Although we were alone in a new state, we fell in love with Idaho immediately and began exploring every chance we got. Our outings consisted of long exploratory drives, camping trips, fishing, and tubing. We were limited only by our gear and Joe’s work schedule, which had him away four daysaweek.

During 2020 and the pandemic, our family’s life was disrupted, like many others. Joe was home from the airline for several months. I was home with kids as usual, but now school was remote learning, and had become a home-school teacher, along with all my otherduties.

We were spending more time together and learning how to be this new version of our family. We started spending more time outdoors, camping and fishing. Our family trips were becoming more adventurous but also somewhat cumbersome with our growing collection ofgearandequipment.

My husband and I continuously tried to create a solution to our camping calamity.Withthekidsgettingbigger,we kept acquiring more equipment; a larger tent, cots, a field kitchen, and a toilet! We would spend what would seem like a whole day planning and packing the truck.

Then, we would get to the campsite where we were looking at a couple of hoursofset-up,enjoyonefullcampday, and finally spend the last day packing everything up again. Not to mention coming home to unpack all the gear and cleaneverything.

We wanted an easier way to get into the Great Outdoors with less stress and less set-up, so we designed an Overland Vehicle with everything needed for a successful overland excursion. But then we thought, “I bet people would rent these!” Why not outfit an entire fleet of Overlanders and share the user-friendly, “plug and play” mentality, for more familieslikeus?Sowedid!

We sat at the kitchen table and began making phone calls and writing up a businessplan.Wegathered information, suppliers, and assembled documents, and built a fleet of overland rental vehicles.

All of our energy and life savings went into this project. Our vision was so vivid. We knew we could make a fantasticproductthatenablespeopleto get back outdoors with ease and reconnect with loved ones in the peacefulsettingofthewilderness.

As Idaho Overland Adventures started picking up steam, we started witnessing that renters were able to leave their gear behind and make memories sooner! Having all the camping gear mounted and packed on a modern vehicle gave our clients something we as a family had always wanted, an adventure instead of a labor-intensivecampingtrip.

Our first season was spectacular and the feedback we received from clients was positive. Local clients that rent from us find our product convenient because they don’t need to break out and pack up their own equipment or discover they needed to repair or upgradetheirgear.

“All of our energy and life savings went into this project.Ourvisionwassovivid.”

Some plan to build an overland rig for themselves and want to experience what’s on board our Rigs first. Others pick our brains on what we consider important components for adventure vehicles.

Most of our clients fly in from other states and find our product perfect for light travel because we provide everything they need including access to one of the best adventure states in thenation,Idaho.

We have repeat clients, both local and out-of-state, from our first and second seasons in business. “The TN Guys”, from Tennessee obviously, have visited us multiple times in the past two years. They have probably traveled the longest distance in the shortest amount of time! On each trip, they traveled for roughly 5 days through Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming,andUtah.

Recently, a couple that rented from us are from Africa and traveled through Northern Idaho on mainly dirt roads while camping at dispersed campsites forover11days.

Both sets of clients, and many others, have been kind enough to share their pictures and videos of their adventures with us as a family member would after a vacation. Some have been posted on our website and some have been made into videos to share on our YouTube Channel.

In 2022, we acquired permitting to offer Overland Tours on the Boise National Forest. Now we enjoy taking couples and groups on a 4-Day/3-Night, All-Inclusive, Guided Overland Tours through some of the most majestic landscapesIdahohastooffer.On these tours, we educate guests on proper overland vehicle operation, back-country driving, radio communications, camping etiquette, and much more as we traverse through Idaho'sbeautifulwilderness.

The tours are also getting tremendous feedback, as our clients are thrilled to be part of an adventure while driving one of our overland vehicles. Impressed with the remarkable scenery, and grateful for the opportunity to reconnect on these extraordinary trips they tend to keep comingbackformore.

We built this small family business from our passion for travel and spending quality time with our loved ones. Our mission has always been to provide our clients with a safeandunforgettabletrip. Wearegenuinelyexcitedfortheclientsthatrentfromus toGo-Overland.

It warms our hearts every time people come back with smiles and stories. It is a sense of achievement and overwhelming reward to know that we provided such a unique adventure and the “vehicle” for creating lifelong memories. It’s never too late toGo-Overland!

IdahoOverlandAdventures.com

Twitter: IdahoOverland

YouTube: IdahoOverlandAdventures

Facebook: IdahoOverlandAdventures

Instagram:IdahoOverlandAdventures

Born From Exploration

Ben Weaver & Dan Velloth ● 121 Degrees West ● Coeur d'Alene

Ben Weaver and Dan Velloth, founders of 121 Degree West, have been exploring Idaho, Washington and Oregon for years. The idea for a roof top tent that could withstand the tough conditions of the Northwest started in 2016. Within three years, 121 Degrees West was born, named for the longitude running along the Cascade MountainRange.

They offer a large 3-4 person soft sided roof top tent made with high quality material andzippers.DiodeDynamicsteamedupwith121DegreeWestandoffersaseriesof lights and replacement bulbs on their website. Future products include hard shell roof top tents and awnings which are in development. Look for 121 Degree West at

121 Degrees West tents are made from the highest quality material and zippers.

Cooking With Maximum Efficiency

Jaime Agado, President ● Partner Steel Co Inc ● Pocatello

ThePartnerFamilystartedtheircustomsteelfabricationandwholesalebusinessin 1947inPocatello.HarveyPartner,asontooneofthebrothers,tookoverthe businessandwasanavidrafter.Hegrewtiredofluggingaroundheavystovesand cookwareonraftingtripsuntilhisfriendsconvincedhimtobuildsomethingbetter. Harveydesignedthefirstburnerinhisbackyard,focusedonfuelefficiency.The Dutchovensandgriddlescamelater,buildingouttheCookPartnerLine.Theall aluminumstovesmaximizeefficiencyusinghighpressureandlowvolume.Every pieceishandTIGweldedinPocatello.AsJaimeAgado,PresidentofPartnerSteel said,“AlotofAmericanhandstoucheachstove.”

JaimedrivesanLX450,fullyoutfitted,andseesthefutureoftheCookPartnerLine aligningwellwiththeOverlandCommunity.Adventuretrailersarebeingbuiltaround thecooksystemsandmanyrigsfeaturedattheOverlandExposhavePartnerStoves incorporated.CatchthemnextattheDutchOvenCookOffinRiggins!

Reader’s Rig

Larry Richard ● 2004 Lexus Gx 470 ● Pocatello

240kmiles

CvtRTT

FoxWing270awning

PrinsuRoofRack

Renogysolarpanel

CBIrearbumperwithswingoutcarrier

CBIrocksliders

CoastalOffroadfrontbumper

SmittyBuiltwinch

CBIfullskids

FUEL18inwheels

NittoGrapplers

VisionXditchlights

ARBdualcompressor

IceCo60Lfridge

BisonGearflipdowntable

BisonGearuppershelf

Andmyflyrodisalwaysintheback

Instagram: big_man_on_campin

From the Garage to the World

Alan

Clawson ● Yankum Ropes ● Burley

AlanClawsonandhiswifeAndreawereoffroadingalotandgettingstuckalmostas often.Theyrecognizedtheimportanceofbeingpreparedandabletogetthemselves outoftheIdahobackcountry.TheideaforYankumRopesstartedasadistribution companyin2018andby2020theyweremanufacturingandbraidingtheirown cordage,bringingtheirideaforthebestrecoverygear“fromthegaragetotheworld.”

AlanandhisbusinesspartnerJadeSchenk,arecommittedtocreatingthebest recoverygearandprovidingthebestcustomerserviceintheindustry.Yankum Ropesdonatesaportionofeachpurchasetocharitiestheyhavepersonallyvetted outandoffersdiscountstomilitary,firstrespondersandteachers.Youcanseetheir ropesused,mostfamously,onMatt’sOff-RoadRecoveryandTheDieselBrothers.

Yankum.com

Instagram: Yankum_Ropes

Facebook: YankumRopes

YouTube: @YankumRopes

A Passion Project

Jeff & Cynde Clark ● On Top Adventures ● Idaho Falls

Jeff Clark has been camping his whole life, starting where he grew up in North Carolina and 27 years later when he met his wife Cynde in Cheyenne Wyoming. Cynde is from Idaho so it’s nosurprisetheyeventuallymovedback here. They purchased their first roof top tent in 2017 and by June 2020, knew this was a passion they wanted tosharewiththecommunity.

Jeff and Cynde started On Top Adventures and partnered with 23Zero. They rent a 1500 sq ft space at the Idaho Innovation Center, a business incubator in Idaho Falls, where they sell products from all the big letters in overlanding. Along with 23Zero tents, you can find DMOS shovels, GSI camping gear, ALP generators, ARB recovery gear and CBI bumpers and bedracks.

Part of this passion project includes a love for coffee that lead to a single farm sourced Columbian bean lovingly calledHappyAssCoffee.

Cynde hand knits hats and makes camp soaps. The future of On Top Adventures will include a leather and canvas shop to make overlanding goods like firewood carriers, overnight bags, gear pouches and tool rolls, including one for your fireside cocktail tools.

Jeff and Cynde also host free monthly events at their shop. Check out the 4Runner gathering coming up February 16.

Overlanding Replaced Backpacking

Dan Sunderland ● Talus Expedition Gear ● Boise

Dan and his younger brother Will grew up in the outdoors of Ouray Colorado. Being avid backpackers, they understood the importance of carrying everything needed for extended trips in the backcountry in the most efficient way possible. Each suffering devastating ankle injuries caused them to hang up their backpacks and start thinking of how else they could get to places where other people couldn’t go. Dan hadanoldtruckwithasinglepersoncampingsetupandthatgotthemthinkinghow overlanding would replace backpacking. It’s the same concept, packing everything neededforextendedtripsinthebackcountryasefficientlyaspossible.

TalusAdventureGear(talusisthenameoftheanklebonetheybothbroke)launched in 2019, and James, long time friend and fabricator, became a business partner in 2020. May of 2021 saw the opening of their retail shop in Boise, just recently expandedforatotalof7300sqfeet.

Talus specializes in electrical upgrades, fabricating custom campers, drawer systems, and bed racks along with selling a full line from all the top brands of tents, awnings, recovery, cooking and camping gear. Dan, James and newest addition Dustin, will talk you through your build, problem solving for any vehicle, budget and level of experience. I have first hand experience working with this crew and can say they have the patience of saints. Dan has talked me through so many iterations of my rig, which sits in his shop as I’m writing this, getting electrical and solar sorted out.

The future of Talus Expedition Gear will include a larger retail space so customers can touch and feel the products, climb in the tents and sit in the chairs. They are working on a full production drawer system in addition to the custom systems they do now. The new larger shop space also opens them up to more van builds, specializinginelectricalupgradesandretrofittingoldervanswithnewproducts.

Talus is hosting their first meet up of the year on February 25th starting at 10am. Be sure to check out the taco truck across the street! You can also find them at the Idaho Sportsman Show, The Great Northwest 4x4 Show, Overland Expos West and PNW, Teton Overland Show, NW Overland Rally and Panhandle Overland Rally, either asvendorsorattendees.

TalusGear.com Instagram: talusgear

Facebook: talusexpeditiongear YouTube: @talusgear

Fabricating for the New and the Old

Ed Datin ● Datin Metal Fabrication ● Weiser

Ed Datin has owned a fabrication shop of some kind since 1994. He and his wife Patricia moved to Idaho 14 years ago. Originally into desert racers and rock crawlers, he made his way to Toyota axle swaps and by 2017 was building 12” and 16” racks for Colorados and Tacomas. In 2018, he designed and built a rack that fit overSoftopper’scanvascage,whichquicklybecameabestseller.

Datin Fab also offers a series of accessories like shock skids, molle panels, and awning brackets. Keeping up with constant vehicle model changes, Ed stays busy modifyinghisrackstofitnewTundras,Colorados,Tacomas,FrontiersandTitans. He is also looking back at older models that have become popular again and retrofitting partsforthoseenthusiasts.ThefutureofDatinFabwilllikelyincludecontributions to #vanlife as he is building small parts for Sprinters now and sees bigger builds on the horizon.

YoumayrecognizetheGladiator inthepicturesfromyourstruly. Thecleanonesarefrominstallday, July2021.

Engineering for Change

Dave Schenker & Patrick Johnston ● Delta Vehicle Systems ● Garden City

Dave Schenker and business partner Patrick Johnston met at Boise State University, both mechanical engineering students and early members of Boise State’s Venture College. They worked together in the student club Greenspeed, where they built the world's fastest vegetable oil powered vehicle and piloted it to multiple records over 200 mphattheBonnevilleSaltFlats.

In 2010, they filed for a 501c3, creating Greenspeed Research. Greenspeed’s mission is to create learning opportunities for STEM and renewable energy through hands-on learning.The high school Solar Go-Kart Challenge created opportunities for students to convert gas powered go carts to solar power and compete against each other on the Boise State campus. Patrick built a CNC machine for his senior project, which they still have in their shop now. Parts of a diesel powered trophy truck sit on a shelf to be revisitedsometimeinthefuture.TheLandspeedtruckwillberacedagainaswell.

Their ingenuity led to the start up of Versus in 2014, an engineering consulting and product design firm. They had their hands in countless projects from all over, many of which they saw from “napkin to market”. In 2018, Dave and Patrick started Delta Vehicle Systems, building out their own line of products for 80 and 100 series Land Cruisers.

They built out a shop in Garden City, giving them enough room to house two CNC machines, two lathe machines, a robot welder and a newly purchased, giant, laser cutting machine. Production can now be handled from raw material to nearly finished product,withonlypowdercoatingbeingoutsourced.

With the space in their new shop, Dave sees service and installation on the horizon for Delta Vehicle Systems as well, including top-to-bottom frame-off specialized builds, diesel conversions, and custom suspension work. They plan to expand into more models and vehicles and increase their line of universal products like a secure jerry can holder.

Daveshowedmeaproofofconceptrooftoptentmadeofaluminumthatisunlike anythingI’veseen.Inmyhour-longvisitforthisinterview,Iwasimpressedbyalotof things.Ingenuityisnotabigenoughword.ButwhatimpressedmemostwasDave andPatrick’scommitmenttotheirfamiliesandthecrewtheyhavecreatedatDelta VehicleSystemswithtwofulltimeweldersandaparttimeassembler.Itwouldbe easytogetcaughtupintheworkbutitseemsthesetwohavecreatedsomething biggerandbetter.

You can catch up with the team at Cruise Moab in April and Overland Expo PNW in July.

DeltaVS.com

Instagram: deltavehiclesystems

Facebook: deltavehiclesystems

YouTube: @deltavehiclesystems6289

Photocreditforthisandoppositepage:MarkOliver

Creation is Inspiration

By Kelton Anderson ● Arcane Outdoor Development ● Homedale

Most people strive to find something that defines them, something to call their own, something they created. Seven years of fabrication, building other people’s designs, influenced my owncreation.

Overlanding, outdoorsmanship, and love of all things nature, I decided to build something that would improve my life outdoors. I needed a way to secure all my gear as well as mount tools and stillhavefullaccesstomytruckbed.

Looking through existing designs I saw one major flaw; I bring four wheelers hunting and a bed rack restricts the height I can load in my truck. Everything until now has been fixed in place or unsupported without the top rack. This influenced a modular rack where the side panels are independently supported without the top portion, enablinghigherloads.

The first rack was made out of scraps, was a rather heavy design but guaranteed not to fail. Made entirely out of steel, including a back gate and a headache rack, it was bulky but functioned very well. I put this design through the ringer camping, hunting and on countless mountain excursions. I quickly fell in love with the the ability to stack firewood without ratchet straps, load up at the local hardware store to do home renovations, and hauling gear to a camp spot, but wantedmoremountingcapabilities.

The Mark II was sleek, almost a third of the weight and had more mounting options. It quickly became everything I was looking for in a bed rack but still didn’tfeelperfected.

At this point, I had the Mark II on my truck for a year and not a single fault. It’ssturdy,lightweight,andstrongbut it still felt like there could be more done to clean it up. At the time I couldn’t placemyfingeronit.

So I used it. Day in and day out I put more and more weight, stuffed it full and went on even more rough roads. Trying to get this design to failunsuccessfully.The only thing I wanted toimprovewastheassemblyprocess.I began to take notes. Little napkin sketches here and there and digital prototypes. I finally found what I was lookingforandtheMarkIIIwasborn.

Maintaining the same basic concept and design, I added more mounting locations, even on the underside of the top rack for roof mounted accessories, and perfected some fabrication processes. This rack, including the headache rack and the optional back gate,iscompletelymodular.

Thetoprackcanberemoved,leavingthe side panels independent. It allows for a taller load, such as a four-wheeler, while still keeping essentials mounted on the sides. It fits virtually every small sized truck, such as the Tacoma or Colorado, and can be built for a full size truck. This rackwillholditsown.

Being a lone fabricator I back my work. Every weld I do is personal and if one fails at any point I’m more than happy to repair for no extra charge. I take pride in my work and it shows in the product as this is my creation. This is the thing that is uniquely mine and defines who I am. With this said my only hope is that otherslovethisrackasmuchasIhave!

Instagram: aodoutdoors

Facebook: aodoutdoors

Wellness in the Woods

AThreePartSeriesByChrisB.

Two days later I repacked the cornflower color Jeep Wrangler JK Sport named Deep Blue and made my way back out to the backcountry. This time, feeling better with rest, having a clearer head not to forget anything, and a clear weather forecast not to worry aboutdestructiononthehomefront.

The forest teaches not only to listen to intuition but to act swiftly at a moment’s notice and make calculated changes in those plans. In the forest, there are so many unpredictable forces keeping one on the toes explaining why the common theme in fairy tales finds themmysteriousaswellasdangerous.

Arriving back where I left off on the up anddownnarrowdirtroad,Ifeltdizzyat times even driving slowly, metaphorically lost in the sea of green looking for one tree in particular. Most would say it is a shrub, the blue elderberry (Sambucus cerulea) is what I washunting.

Used by the Native tribes of North America and conquering Spaniards, both of which I claim heritage, it has become a commercially recognized berry for bodily immune boosting. Elderberry in a variety of form can now be found more recently on the shelf in coldandfluremedies.

There are three types of elderberries in North America and black is the most common.Thatistheonefoundandused in most products. Red elderberry dominates the east coast. Any variety of the elderberry should not be consumed uncooked for safety reasons as copious quantities contain toxins that can make one sick. When in doubt consult an herbal medicine book or class before foraging and eating anything from the wild.

On the first trip attempt, towards the end before turning back, I actually came across one blue elderberry shrub on the left side of the road just suspended there lonesomeonitsown.

The sun was setting and yet I could not collect the berries hanging just out of reach as the shrub grew off a steep cliff followingtheriver.

It was as if it was there saying “Ah ha! You found me but cannot have me.” Disappointed on top of sick feeling it was at that moment I turned and traveled the night home. And it was that place I found myself stopping to resume mysearch.

AsIsaid,Ihavetraveledthisroad before, but never from this direction. The first time I went up the interstate another 30 miles and drove from west, south, to east. Here I was traveling east to west foranunfamiliarperspective.

Before coming up on the lonely blue elderberry tree I pulled into a camp spot along the trickling small but decently wide river hidden in the dark crown of pines. I hesitated to call this “the” spot for night as the curious drive in me wanted to continue on, usually anxious forwhatisaroundthenextcorner.

I encouraged myself to slow down and started having another look around. My first steps took me up the road to talk to the hanging berry tree. I barely got out of the thick before I noticed someone placed about 20 Zen stone piles around the area. People have been stacking them for centuries unrelated across cultures, and recognizable how they are piledup.Thismustbeaspecialplacefor someone I thought, excited about a hint ofmagicenergyintheair.

Taking a few photos of them I continued about 50 feet up then standing under the bright sunlight I stared at the unreachable perfect berry bush. Bush, tree, shrub I use these terms interchangeably for story diversity as the ‘medicine giver’ grows up from many thin trunks breaking away into hanging branches, sometimes expanding quite tallorwide.

With weaved basket in hand, I decided to collect other beneficial weeds in abundanceallaround.

Admiring the bright blue berries I said to the tree, “now you can’t be the only one.” Then I asked, “Which way are your friends?”

Ifeltimmediatelylikethetreetoldme to keep going so I took about one hundred steps when I saw a turn-out on the road tomyright.WhatInoticedfirstwasvery tall mullein kings and queens filled with clusters of their royal yellow baby flowersinbloom.

Underneath and surrounding them were shorter feathery wisps of GoldenRod (Solidago), and within the rods even more yellow flower clusters of St John’s Wort(Hypericumperforatum).

A closer inspection I found close to the ground were the purple tops of Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), dancing with red (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (Trifolium repens). Mesmerized by the kaleidoscope of colors I took note to collect some for tea on the way back frommyunknowndestination.

I nearly missed the giant tree. I went to step away from the turnout, when I suddenly stopped mid-step and tearfully admired the unique almost tropical looking leaves of the blue elderberry shrub.

I felt bewildered by it. It was growing behind a small spruce in plain sight. Amazed at my luck for again it was the only one, I whispered “thank you” to the forest realizing all one needs is pure intention and positivity in the heart to manifestwhatonewants.

Rushing back to my Jeep I grabbed a pair of foraging scissors to carefully cut the stems. There were so many ripe berry groups hanging from the end of each branch, I was filled with gratitude that I would have enough to last the wintermakingteas,tinctures,andjams. I skillfully trimmed away, also noticing beneath the shrub there were some bright pink rose hips waiting to be added to my basket for after dinner tea. I was delighted and humbled to have this sudden surplus of healing plants at my dusty feet and dirty fingertips so close to where I stopped and started my adventure.

Winter Overlanding for Beginners

By Jesse Malarsie

This is my first winter in the overlanding world, so I have been excited to try out my roof top tent to see how well I do when the temperature plummets. I have not been camping in the snow since I was a teenager, so basically I was starting all over. Over the years I have developed the lovely ability to be cold at just about any time so I have been slightly nervous on how to stay warm. Even during snowboarding and snowremovalIgetprettycoldsoIbroughtalotofstuffwithme. Thesearemykeytakeaways!

Beflexible. We searched for 4 hours for a place to camp. We severely underestimated the number of snowmobiles that would be out and already set up for camp. So after two canyons we found a spot for the night. We decided it was a great research trip because we learned that a lot of roads arenotopenduringthewinter.Andthat other recreational minded people will be out and looking for spots as well. So if you are able to figure out info before heading out, I encourage that but sometimes you won’t know until you areoutthere.

Shoes&Socks. One of the hard lessons I learned was that my snow boots were not adequate for winter camping. So socks were key to keep my feet warm. Helpful tidbit: make sure you find the right thickness, blend, and style for you. Therearemanyoptions!

Baselayers. They are a godsend. I switched to fresh base layers before bed so they were dry and ready to keep me warm that night. I took some new base layers to try out and compare with thebrandInormallyuse.

Midlayer. Andagoodouterlayer.I think most people in this community know how to dress for colder weather but I need to put this on here. I am a vest person so I have a trusty down vest with me at all times to add to my layers.

Accessories. Gloves, beanies, ear warmers, neck gaiters, etc. I had two types of gloves. My snowboarding mittens for hanging out when I didn’t need to use my hands much and a lighter pair for food prep and activities. Due to wintery breezes and chilly morning I opted to wear a neck gaiter which I highly recommend! For those who have cold feet and hands, take the warming packets! I had them in my boots and coat pockets and eventually transferred them to my sleepingbagforalittlemorewarmth.

Now let’s talk about food! Food is fuel and in winter camping, what you eat can help immensely in making sure your body is staying warm. Look for high energy foods (granola, cheese, nuts, etc) and foods with calories and fat content. And yes, the warmer the better! If you like chili this is a great timetocookthatup!

I ended up using dehydrated food because I wanted to make this trip easier on myself. My partner chose hotdogs and chili for his meal and packet oatmeals for breakfast. I definitely want to up my food game but I am still deciding what cooking gear I wouldliketoget.

Pack all the snacks! You’re burning more calories out in the cold so make sure you have some energy and calorie boosting snacks at hand. I just love to snacksothisisagivenforme.

Water. One of the issues we had was keeping our water storage from freezing. The insulated bottles we had did a fantastic job, so I definitely recommend investing in some good insulated products. If you can, sleep with your water bottle close to you. I’ve also heard that if you put salt in the water it can help but I have not tried this.

Sleeping gear. It was trial run with my new sleeping bag (rated to 15 degrees F) and I believe it is going to work out. It’s very comfortable and I believe that an “issue” I have had will be worked out once I find the right layers for myself to wear while sleeping. My issue was my feet getting cold but this is normal for me anytime. I woke up cocooned in my bag and it was great. The inside of my tent was frosted (we did leave windows open for ventilation) but my bag stayed warm and dry. My sleeping bag has liner on the ends to prevent moisture from seepingin.

Campfires. Do it! Whether you are using wood or propane, do yourself a favor and have a fire.This may seem like a no brainer but I have to put it on here. We bundled up in our winter gear, correction I bundled up (my boyfriend has the warmest body temp of anyone I know), and sat around the fire that night. It was great! I prefer to rotisserie myself by the fire to stay warm. Until I get a propane tank attached to my truck I will be going old school and lugging around bundles of wood for our fires. Totally worth it though.

I do not have the insulation layer for my tent. Still debating that purchase but I think we will be good without it. I know alotofpeopleuseheatersofsomesort so that may be an option in the future. Now, sleeping pads. Yes, my tent has the padding it came with but I decided totryoutsomeofmysleepingpads.On top of the tent pad I put a closed cell sleeping pad and on top of that I put my cold rated inflatable pad. It was very comfy and I am glad I brought the extra layerstosleepon!

Have fun! We choose to do this because we either love it or we’re crazy but either way still look for the enjoyment in winter overlanding/ camping. I’m excited to get back out and try some new things. I find this whole process an adventure in itself so the trying, researching, going back to the drawing board, and trying again is excitingforme.

You can build out your vehicle the way you want, travel (when and where) you would like. Maybe reading this article is the closest thing you will get to winter overlandingandthatistotallyfine!

We brought snowshoes with us and were open to the idea of a hike but ended up socializing and just hanging out. Sometimes we stay active when out and other times we just need that mental reset and chill around the fire or campsite. I’ve learned to plan for things but go with how I feel in the moment once we’re out. I am an outdoor photographer so I am generally toting mycameraaround.

I know there are a ton of tips and tricks out there and please feel free to share them with me! I believe it is very helpful to be teachable in this community as there is so much to learn or see and when someone is willing to share, it is time to be a sponge. I wish you all the bestonyouradventures!

My Gear:

Truck:FordF-150

Rack:RCI

RoofTopTent:iKamper3.0

Lights:DiodeDynamics

SleepingBag:NEMODisco15Women’s

SleepingPad:NEMOSwitchback(closedcell)andSeatoSummitEtherLightXT Extreme-Women’spad

FreezeDriedFood:PeakRefuel

Cooking:MSRPocketRocket2.0

Baselayers:REICo-opMidweighttopandbottom,REICo-opMerino185top

Socks:SmartwoolWomen’sMountaineerClassicEditionMaximumCushionCrew weremygoto’s.IalsolikeStancesnowboardingandBurtonsnowboardingsocks.

Gloves:KombimittensandColumbiaformylightergloves

Boots(thatworked):SalomonQUEST4D2GTXandTevareEMBERslips

From LandCruisers to Overland

Joe Muldoon ● Selkirk Off-Road, The Landcruiser Shop, Panhandle Overland Rally Sandpoint

JoeSelkirkhasbeeninvolvedinmanybuildsovertheyears.Hegotstarted12years agowithTheLandCruiserShopandlaterexpandedhisservicestoallvehiclesat SelkirkOff-Road.TheyareanauthorizeddealerforAlu-CabandMitsAlloyforthe InlandNW.Joe’sshopsinstalleverythingfrombumpers,tosuspension,gears, lockers,solar,roofracksandallthingsoverlandbuildrelated.Theyhaveafull fabricationshop,paintshopandupholsteryshop.

Joealsoputsontheannual PanhandleOverlandRally. Keepaneyeoutfor2023 datesandinformationcoming soon.

selkirkoffroad.com

Facebook:selkirkoffroad

Instagram:selkirkoffroadllc thelandcruisershop.com

Facebook:thelandcruisershop panhandleoverlandrally.com

Facebook:PanhandleOverlandRally

Instagram:panhandleoverlandrally

First Date in the Owhyees

By Lisa & Klint Breeding ● Owyhee Off Road ● Boise

Owyhee Off Road started in 2020 as a family-owned off road accessories company located in Boise. We strive to blur the lines of off road and overlanding. We have beenoffroadingforovertwentyfiveyears,includingourfirstdateinOwyhees.

We make it a point to only carry high quality, dependable products that the manufacturers will stand behind. We believe in our products, and you can always find them on our own vehicles. We wanted to give people new to off roading and overlanding a place to start. We do the research and can offer options for any budget andskilllevel.

Some brands we carry include Moose Knuckle Off Road, Hit It Throttle Controllers and Medical Gear Outfitters. Owhyee Off Road is an online shop for now, but in the future we plan on having a brick and mortar shop for installation and retail. We pride ourselves on honesty and integrity. We give it to you straight and will tell you the goodthebadandtheuglyofproducts.

owyheeoffroad.com

Facebook: owyheeoffroad

Instagram: owyheeoffroad

YouTube: @owyheeoffroadadventures8131

Impact Report - City of Rocks National Reserve

By Alexandria Lewis ● Idaho Overland Association ● Idaho Falls

Where:CityofRocksNationalReserve-Almo,Idaho

Who:MembersoftheIdahoOverlandAssociation

When:January20-22nd2023

MembersoftheIdahoOverlandAssociationbravedtheirfirstwintercampof2023 completingaserviceprojectatCityofRocksNationalReserveinAlmo,Idaho.Fora fewattendees,thiswastheirfirstwintercampever!Wealsohadtheopportunityof snowshoeingatPinnaclePass,whichisaccessiblebyrangeronly.Theweekendwas spentlearningaboutthehistoryofthearea,snowshoeing,clearingpaths,andoverall enjoyingthecompanyofotheroutdoorenthusiasts.

"Parkrangershaveyear-rounddutiestokeeppublicrecreationareasoperational, whileworkingtopreservethehistoryandlandtheycover.Itcanbemuchmore difficultforthemtokeepupinthewintermonthswhenweatherandtravelconditions makeeverytasktakelonger.AsaserviceprojectinJanuary2023,wetraveledtothe CityofRocksNationalReservetoseehowwecouldhelp.Justbeforeourarrivalthey receivedseveralmoreinchesofsnow,whichputourplansofclearingdebrisfrom populartrailsoutofreach.Instead,wewereabletosnowshoeintoseveraldayuse andovernightareastoclearwalkingpathstorestroomsandpicnicareasforother visitorstouse.Theparkkeepsrestroomsopenforthosewhoventuretothis beautifulareaanytimeoftheyear.

Bycreatingeasieraccesstothesefacilities,itmakesthejobofkeepingthemclean andstockedeasierforthestaffandmakesiteasierforfolks,especiallywithkids,to gettotheserestareas.Wealsoclearedoffpicnictablesandfireringstomakeit safertowalkaroundandenjoytimerelaxinginthescenicsurroundings.Thiswill improvetheexperienceforworkersandvisitorsalike.Andwhilemoresnowwill inevitablyhitthearea,it'simportanttorememberthateverylittlebitofefforthelps manyenjoytheoutdoors.

Manyhandsmakelightworkandwecanallhelpouteverywherewego.Thisapplies tonotonlysnowremoval,buttrashpickup,trailmaintenance,andgeneralrespect for ourpubliclands.WethanktherangersatCityofRocksfortheirfriendlinessandall oftheirwork.Gocheckitout!"-JacobLewis

"We'veallbeenthere. WeloadupthefamilyforapleasantdayattheParkor Reserve,packapicnic,throwinsomewoodforabitofafire,drivetotheDestination, andfindit'scoveredwithsnowsodeepthekidscan'tgettothepicnictable,thatthe tableiscoveredinsnow,andthefireringsareimpossiblyburied. We'veallbeen there.

TheIdahoOverlandAssociationbravedthesnowandthecoldatCityofRocks,inthe middleofJanuary,toopenupthepathstothetables,cleanthemoff,anddigoutthe firerings. Wealsoopenedupthepathstothepittoiletstomakethatjourneyeasier forboththerecreatingpublicandtheparkemployeeswhoservicethem. Althoughit washardworkwedidNOTforgettohavefun!"-GrizzWard

Women’s Fireside Chat

By Jesse Malarsie

Thehustleandbustleoflifecanoftendrownouttheneedtotaketimeforourselves. Aswomenwetendtoracethroughlifeandtrytocheckalltheboxesandpush ourselvestoexhaustion;mentallyandphysically.Wemayfeelwehavetoprove ourselvesatwork,atschool,athome.Wefeeltheweightofexpectationsand makingsureeveryonewehaveresponsibilityforistakencareof.Andtimeandtime againwepushourownneedsanddesirestotheback.

Formanywomenbeingoutdoorsprovidesasolace,apeace,anescape.Oftenthisis morethanjustatriporoutingtobeamongstnatureandprettyscenery.Itisaplace tobreathedeepandfindamuchneededpeace.Itisamomenttocalmthemindand easethetensionsthatlifecanbring.Themountainsordesertoroceandonotcare aboutdeadlinesorprojects.Theydon’tholdexpectationsofclimbingtheladderat workorsocially.Theydon’tcareifyoudidn’tcookdinnerallweekforyourfamilyorif yougotanAonyourtest.Natureexistsandinvitesustoexistalso.Toletgofora whileandcomebacktoamorerejuvenatedstate.

Now,manyfinddifferentwaysofaccomplishingthis.Tosomeitiswalkingalonga trail,toothersitisflyingdownthemountainonabike,othersfindsolaceinbeingon thelakeorridingatrailonadirtbikeordrivingadustypathinthemiddleof nowhere.Howeveryoufindyourselfinthegreatoutdoors,thatisyourpeace.Your reset.Andwhenthishappenswecanfeeldeeperandbemoreintunewith ourselves.

Iliketothinkofthisaspurejoy.Beinthatmomentandrelisheverybitofit. Personally,thetripsIgoonandtheactivitiesIdooutdoorshelpfuelmefor“regular” life.IholdtighttothejoyIfeelanditencouragesmewhenIgettoocaughtupinday todaythings.These momentsoutsidearespecialtome;andwhileIcantakeallthe photosandposttosocialmedia,itwillneverfullyconveythedeepsatisfactionand happinessthatisinmysoul.

OFFTHE BACKBYDAVIDZEMLA

Random babblings of an overland curmudgeon

WifesaysCurmudgeonsubheadfits,sohereweare,butdoyouknowwhereallyour stuffis?Sure,theshovelmountedonyourrackisobvious,asisthetowstrapand the tractionboardsthathavebeenusedoncetofreeyourneighbor'scarfromhismuddy yard,butsupposeyourwatertanktookarockhitandisnowdribblingprecious fluids.DoyouknowwherethattubeofJBWeldis?Couldyouquicklyfindtherepair kitforyourtentafteranerranttreebranchdecidedtoaddaventilationholeduringa rainstorm?Doyouknowwhichofyourcolorcodedtotescurrentlyholdsthattrailer wheelbearingyousocleverlypurchasedthreeyearsago?

Wearearguablysomeofthemostpreparedcampersontheplanet,wecarryaround rescueequipmentthatoftenrivalsasmallfiredepartment,butwhatweoftenfailto achieveisamapofitslocation.

You’reprobablythinking“WellDaveit’seasyenoughforyoutocritiquemyoverland shitshow,howaboutsomeconstructiveinputtohelpmemakeitbetter?”

Thoughtyou’dneverask.Firstthing,takethattoolkitandspreaditoutoveraclutter freetable.Zipties,ducttapeandmaybesomeelectricaltapebouncingaroundin there?There’sthatwheelbearingohlook,yoursocketsethasthreeblankspaces. Stockthiskitproperly,thereisnolongerascenariothatexcludesMetricorSAE tools,buthere’swhatmakesitmoreusable.alistofwhatisinthisjumbledbox (kudostoyoutoolrollguys).Thelistdoesnotneedtoincludethebasictool,but shouldcoverreplacementparts,specialtools,maybeeventhereplacementbatteries forthatwaterheater(yeh,remembertheDbatteriesitaskedforwhenyousetitup?)

Youtrailerguys,buildatotespecifictoyourtowable.That’swherethewheelbearing shouldbealongwithasparehitchpin,lugnuts,atentrepairkitandanythingelse thatyoudeemfailableonyourbugoutrig.Throwsometapeontheinsideofthelid andwritedowneverythingthat’sinthere.Thatway,inafewyearswhenyoufinally needthatwatertankhose,youknowifyouhaveitandexactlywhereitis.

Thisonehassavedmyassmorethanafewtimes,whenthattaperollrunsoutorthe screwdriverbreaksflingingitselfacrossyourtailgateknockingyour10mmsocket intothelake,dropyourselfanoteinyourphone.CallitCampingSuppliesandreview itbeforeyouheadoutforeverytrip.NothingworsethanknowingyouhavethatJB Weldinyourtoolboxonlytorealizeyouuseditallonthelasttripandnowyourlife givingwatersupplyhassurreptitiouslyreturnedtomothernature.

Rantover,seeyouonthetrailandhonestlyareyouguysreallyusingtractionboards?

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