The 2026 Avants Portland Weird and Wacky Car Show
I’m not sure there’s a better place to have a “Weird and Wacky” car show than Portland, Oregon. The “Keep Portland Weird” vibe was alive and well at the 2026…
Gear Garage: Putting the Women’s Cotopaxi Impermeo 3L Hooded Shell Jacket to the Test
Some people think any rain jacket is a good rain jacket. But are they equal after a year or a few of consistent use? My husband, Andy Lilienthal, and I…
The BFGoodrich ‘Performance Driving Guide’ Aims To Make You A Better Track-Day Driver
Tire manufacturer, BFGoodrich, knows a thing or two about performance driving. In fact, they’ve recently written about it. The Performance Driving Guide, written with author Ross Bentley, who wrote the…
2026 Dakar Rally: Stage 3 Racing in Full Effect
The 2026 Dakar Rally and Stage 3 was insane. The coverage of my last day in Saudi Arabia starts with a follow-the-leader driving exercise (with stock Defenders) in the desert…
Finding Suzuki Jimny Wheels in North America Isn’t Easy
Nothing changes the look of a vehicle more than a set of custom wheels and tires. Our JDM 1998 Suzuki Jimny Wide came with aftermarket steel wheels. They’re all business,…
Defender Rally Team Sweeps the Stage 2 Stock Class Podium of the 2026 Dakar Rally
Our very own Mercedes Lilienthal is sharing in-person 2026 Dakar Rally and Defender happenings! She caught a variety of racers in action during Stage 2 as they headed towards the…
An Insider’s Look at the Defender Rally Team Bivouac Area at the 2026 Dakar Rally
I got a special insider’s look at the Defender Rally Team bivouac area at the 2026 Dakar Rally, after I arrived in Saudi Arabia. Support semis carried driver gear, tires,…
Reviewed: Decathlon Simond 500 Extend 40-60L Duffel Bag
Whether it’s a backpack, a duffel, or something in between, we’re constantly looking for bags that fit our travel-centric lifestyle. Simond (formerly Forclaz) is a sub-brand under the Decathlon company.…
The Ultimate Cross-Country Road Trip Checklist for Older Vehicles
We are no strangers to taking older 1980s and 1990s vehicles on long road trips. Whether it was our former 1989 Mitsubishi Delica Star Wagon (L300), our 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero…
Arcade Belts Offer A Comfortable, Durable, Lightweight Option For Adventure Travelers
Embarrassingly, I’ve left for multiple trips forgetting a belt for my pants. This led me to need to buy a belt on the road or at an airport more times…
Guest Posts
America’s Deadliest Roads and Stories Behind Them
The deadliest roads in America claimed more lives in 2022 than any year since 2007, with the U.S. reaching a fatality rate of 1.37 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. This paints a sobering picture of road safety across the nation. Among the most dangerous highways in America, Interstate…
Driving Older Vehicles Comes With Responsibilities Many Ignore
Driving older vehicles offers charm and character, but it also comes with responsibilities many drivers tend to overlook. Unlike newer models, aging cars demand closer attention to safety, maintenance, and overall roadworthiness to prevent avoidable risks. Neglecting these aspects can impact not just the driver, but others sharing the road…
How Modern SUVs Are Raising the Bar for Road Safety
Sport utility vehicles have evolved into some of the safest machines on the road today. What began as a category built for durability and off-road performance now stands at the forefront of automotive safety innovation. This shift comes at a time when broader road safety trends are showing measurable progress.…