overlanding - MojaveOverland

The Overlanding YouTube Channels Actually Worth Your Time

Oct 11, 2026

Sixteen overlanding YouTube channels we actually watch, sorted by what you’ll get out of them: desert destinations, big trips, and life on the road.

Trip Planning

King of the Hammers — What Off-Road Racing Culture Looks Like Up Close

Oct 4, 2026

Four straight years at King of the Hammers, seen through an overlanding lens: the history, the Ultra4 machines, Hammertown, and where to camp for Everyman Challenge Friday and Race of Kings Saturday.

Gear

The Swagman Roll Poncho — Why I Never Camp Without It

Sep 13, 2026

I got into camp in the dark, wet, mid-30s, wind cutting straight through whatever I had on. I slipped on the Swagman Roll, threw a heavy poncho over the top … Continue reading “The Swagman Roll Poncho — Why I Never Camp Without It”

Vehicle Prep

Choosing the Right Tires for Desert Terrain — What Works in the Mojave

Sep 6, 2026

Tire selection for desert running comes down to a handful of factors that most tire guides gloss over — heat buildup, aired-down performance on sand and rock, and sidewall durability on lava and sharp shale. Here’s how we think about it.

Ghost Towns

Historic Mining Trails and Ghost Towns of the Mojave — What’s Still Out There

Aug 23, 2026

The Mojave corridor was ripped open for silver, gold, borax, and copper between the 1860s and 1930s. Most of the towns that grew up around those strikes are gone. What’s left is worth the drive — if you know where to look and what you’re looking at.

Mojave Desert

Astrophotography from Desert Camp — Shooting the Night Sky With What You Already Have

Aug 16, 2026

Phone astrophotography doesn’t require a telescope. You need a dark enough sky, a way to hold the camera still, and about ten minutes of patience while the exposure runs. Most … Continue reading “Astrophotography from Desert Camp — Shooting the Night Sky With What You Already Have”

Knowledge & Skills

How to Find Places to Camp — The Map Tools and Sources We Actually Use

Jul 26, 2026

We don’t rely on one app. Here’s the actual stack we run to find campsites and trails — OnX Offroad, Google Earth, a tablet mounted on the dash, and the one visual clue that beats every app: the fire ring.

Trail Reports

Hamilton, NV — Three Days in White Pine Range Wilderness Country

Jul 19, 2026

Cherry Creek to Preston, NV — three days, two rigs, 125.9 trail miles through the ghost towns of Treasure City and Hamilton, deep in White Pine Range Wilderness country.

Gear

The Sleep Setup I’ve Stopped Questioning: Crashpad Stealth Swag Review

Jun 28, 2026

Five years ago I bought a Crashpad Stealth Swag on a whim. I’ve since run it through rain on the Mojave Road, cold nights in the high country, and warm river camps. Here’s what I’ve actually learned.