Summer is in full swing, and so is the adventure. This month, we're celebrating the people who make our community stronger—from the volunteers improving Wisconsin's OHMV trails to the enthusiasts exploring new roads, campsites, and waterways across the Midwest. We celebrate the 250 anniversary of this awesome country, and get ideas on how to get kids excited about being good stewards of the outdoor spaces and how you can help to Leave it Better this summer with our new challenge.
Inside, you'll find stories of travel inspiration, and a look ahead to an exciting lineup of Northology events this fall. Thank you for reading, supporting our partners, and being part of a community that believes in protecting the places we love to explore.
See you on the trail!
Cindy
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Front cover, Back Cover: Cindy Pope
This year, America celebrates 250 years since a small group of ordinary people did something extra-ordinary. They challenged the most powerful empire in the world, risked their fortunes, their reputations, and often their lives, all because they believed that freedom was worth fighting for.
I think about that sometimes when I turn the key and point my truck toward a dirt road, and often when I am awestruck by a sweeping vista in eastern Oregon, a mountain summit in Idaho or a deep, dense forest clearing by a little lake in Wisconsin or the upper peninsula of Michigan.
As overlanders, we spend a lot of time talking about gear, destinations, vehicle builds, and maps. We obsess over the next trail, the next campsite, and the next adventure. But every once in a while, it's worth stepping back and asking a simple question: why is this lifestyle even possible?
One of the greatest privileges of being an American is the ability to travel this incredible country with very few barriers. We can leave home on a Friday afternoon and cross multiple state lines without checkpoints. We can explore towering mountains, endless deserts, dense forests, rolling plains, and rugged coastlines—all without ever needing a passport. I look at the size of this country, the diversity of cultures across state lines and laugh at the “elite” overlanders who proclaim that only by crossing international borders can one truly say they have been “overlanding.” You know who you are, I am not amused.
Even more remarkable is that millions of acres of public land belong not to a king, a corporation, or a privileged few, but to the American people. National forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, state forests, wildlife areas, and countless public roads and trails invite us to discover places that previous generations had the wisdom to preserve.
That isn't normal everywhere. Many travelers around the world face limited public access, fewer opportunities for dispersed camping, or restrictions that make spontaneous adventure far more difficult. Every country has its own history, culture, and way of managing its natural resources, but as Americans, we sometimes forget just how fortunate we are. The freedom to wander is a gift.
Like every gift, it comes with responsibility. As overlanders, we are among the most visible ambassadors for public land. Every piece of trash we pack out, every trail we help maintain, and every volunteer day we attend helps ensure these opportunities remain available for the next family heading down that same forest road.
I've always believed overlanding is about far more than driving, it's about discovering our country, it's about meeting people whose lives look different from our own, it's about learning the history of the places we explore. It's about realizing that America is far bigger, more beautiful, and more diverse than anything we could ever understand by simply scrolling through headlines.
One of the greatest gifts of travel is the closer you get to America, the more you appreciate it. As we approach our nation's 250th birthday, I hope we do more than hang a flag or watch a parade (FYI- you can see Grandpa Buzz in the White Lake, WI 4 of July Parade on Saturday, shameless plug...) I hope we get outside. I hope we introduce our family to the places that make this country special. I hope we visit the small towns, the forgotten monuments, the scenic byways, the national forests, and the quiet campsites where the stars still outnumber the streetlights. th
Most of all, I hope we remember why those opportunities exist. The men and women who founded this nation were far from perfect, but they possessed extraordinary courage. They believed that ordinary people should have the right to govern themselves instead of living under tyranny. They saw a nation where liberty wasn't granted by a ruler but recognized as something inherent to every person. That vision has endured for two and a half centuries because generation after generation has chosen to preserve it.
Freedom isn't something we inherit once and forget about. Like our trails, our public lands, and our communities, it requires stewardship. It asks something of us. As overlanders, we understand stewardship better than most. We know that trails stay open because people volunteer. Campsites remain clean because someone cared enough to leave them better than they found them. Public lands endure because we value them enough to protect them.
Our freedoms deserve the same care. On this July 4th, when you air down your tires, unfold your camp chair, or watch the sun set from some forgotten ridge, take a moment to appreciate just how remarkable that opportunity really is. Wave the flag, thank those who came before us and leave the trail better than you found it.
Then keep exploring this extraordinary country—not because it's perfect, but because it's ours to know, to appreciate, and to protect. Here's to 250 years of American liberty, and to the adventures that freedom continues to make possible. God bless America.
-Cindy Pope
TERRAIN
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THE TRAIL REVIVAL PROJECT COMES TO WISCONSIN AND BRINGS VOLUNTEERS TOGETHER TO PROTECT THE FUTURE OF OFF-ROADING
WISCONSIN PUBLIC TRAILS WORK DAY
The best trail rides don't always involve lockers, lift kits, or technical obstacles. Sometimes they're measured in spooled out winch lines, bar oil, wood chips, trash bags, bug spray and a group of volunteers willing to add real work to a day of fun in the woods.
That was exactly the spirit behind the 2026 Trail Revival Project in Wisconsin, where OnX Offroad and Toyota partnered with 4Lakes 4Wheelers and Northology Adventures to improve the Langlade County West Evergreen OHMV Trail System while bringing the off-road community together for a weekend of camping, education, and giving back. The event was part of the nationwide Trail Revival Project, which supports local clubs and land managers working to preserve motorized access across the country.
THE SCOPE OF THE WORK
The weekend centered around Hamburger Hill, one of the signature challenge trails within Langlade County's fledgling OHMV trail system Volunteers rolled up their sleeves, rigged up winch lines, and positioned their trucks to keep the heavy equipment in place while installing water bars. Other volunteers brushed trails, picked up trash, installed signs and placed gravel in low-lying areas to prevent erosion.
These improvements may not be glamorous, but they are exactly the kind of work that keeps trails open while protecting the surrounding forest from unnecessary damage
None of it would have been possible without the leadership of 4Lakes 4Wheelers The club has invested countless volunteer hours into developing and maintaining Wisconsin's first dedicated county OHMV trail system, and Trail Revival was another example of what happens when passionate volunteers work alongside supportive partners.
MAKING A WEEKEND OF IT
The weekend began Friday evening at Bear Paw Outdoor Adventure Resort, where campers settled in, caught up with old friends, and enjoyed pizza and drinks on the deck Jim Baker of 4Lakes 4Wheelers gave an early intro of the work to be done, and went into depth on questions about the trail system and purpose of the work Cody Brauner from Langlade County Forestry was on hand to answer questions and talk about the county’s plans for future trail development Before heading to the campfire, Cindy Pope from Northology Adventures gave away door prizes from comms partner MidlandUSA & others.
Saturday started early with a convoy from camp to the meetup at the Sherry Road Trailhead to receive safety briefings, sign waivers, and divide into work crews. Throughout the day, teams spread out to Hamburger Hill and the trail system, tackling projects and picking up trash.
Lunch on the trail, provided by Slap Bang Bagel courtesy of OnX Offroad and Toyota, gave everyone a chance to recharge before heading back to work for the afternoon. The wraps and cookies were delicious!
Back at camp that evening, the mood shifted from hard work to celebration Volunteers gathered for a burger bar wonderfully executed and served by KitchensBrew, again provided by OnX and Toyota. Stories were shared from the day's projects, and reflected on why events like Trail Revival matter. Door prizes were given away, marshmallows were toasted and a new group of campers were introduced to the Bite The Bag game Yes, that game may have resulted in more limping and groaning the next morning than the trail work did. You had to be there, it was so much fun!
One of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was that trail stewardship doesn't belong to someone else Every person who purchases a permit, joins a cleanup, reports trail damage, or volunteers for a workday becomes part of the solution. As off-road recreation continues to grow, so does the responsibility to care for the places we enjoy. Programs like the Trail Revival Project demonstrate that our community is willing to do exactly that
When land managers see dedicated volunteers showing up with shovels, chainsaws, and wheelbarrows instead of simply asking for more places to drive, it changes the conversation. It builds trust. It opens doors. And it helps ensure that future trail systems won't just be imagined they'll become reality The Wisconsin Trail Revival Project wasn't simply about moving rocks or cutting trees or picking up couches and pallets in the woods It was about proving that the off-road community is willing to earn its place on public lands. If this weekend was any indication, the future of motorized recreation in Wisconsin is in good hands
NORTHOLOGY ADVENTURES EVENT NEWS
KEWEENAW OVERLAND ADVENTURE RETREAT
September 17-20, Trails End Campground, Copper Harbor, MI
MAKER’S OUTPOST
NEW! MAKER’S OUTPOST
EXHIBITORS AND PARTNERS
TITLE SPONSOR
ChiTown 4x4
EXHIBITORS
The Maker's Outpost showcases local artists and makers creating goods inspired by the Keweenaw and the overlanding lifestyle. Discover handcrafted gear, accessories, adventure-inspired artwork, locally made goods, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes that celebrate the rugged beauty and rich history of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Located in the vendor village at Trails End.
WISCONSIN FALL 4X4 FEST
October 2-4, River Forest Campground, White Lake, WI
Celebrate fall in the Northwoods at the Wisconsin Fall 4x4 Fest! Spend the weekend camping, exploring the Langlade County West Evergreen OHMV Trail System, enjoying fall colors, great food, raffles, educational programming, and connecting with fellow off-road enthusiasts. Best of all, the event helps support the Wolf River Fire Department, making it truly a weekend of adventure with a purpose.
We are so grateful for those who support this event and this community! Here is the latest list of supporters and exhibitors-
NEW AT KID’S KOARNER
All Dogs Offroad Coop
Black Rhino Wheels
C&J Adventure Supply
JCR Offroad
Northology Adventures
Northstar Overlanding
Redridge Industries
TrailBuilt Off-Road
Up North Supply Co
Victory 4x4
SUPPORT PARTNERS
All Roads Taken
MidlandUSA
MOORE Expo
OnX Offroad
TRAILBUILT RETURNS AS TITLE SPONSOR
We're excited to welcome TrailBuilt back as the Title Sponsor of Wisconsin Fall 4x4 Fest! Their continued support of the off-road community helps make this event possible, and we're proud to partner with a company that shares our passion for responsible recreation, great trails, and bringing enthusiasts together. We are especially excited to work with a local, Wisconsin company and help get the word out about their commitment to be involved in this event and this community!
FOURTH OF JULY SALE
Use code USA25 for $25 off your Fest Pass. And don’t wait to book your camping or cabin when you get your Fest Pass- they are going fast!
RECOVERY CLINIC
The Recovery Clinic at Wisconsin Fall 4x4 Fest is a great opportunity to build confidence and learn safe, effective vehicle recovery techniques. The session will cover essential equipment, best practices, and real-world recovery scenarios to help you be prepared when the trail gets challenging.
We're excited to welcome Cassandra Letcher to the Kids' KOARner team. Cassandra has put together a variety of games & activities for the kids and every young adventurer gets a special swag bag to kick off their KOAR experience. Melissa Wisniewski of Sticks and Stones Adventures will lead the Kids' KOARner educational sessions, offering interactive, hands-on experiences that help families build outdoor skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for nature together.
TACO TRUCK ONSITE
Captain Matt's Kraken is serving up fresh Lake Superior white fish tacos at the Trails End Campground. Open Noon to 5:00 Wednesday-Sunday
OVERLAND THE RED
October 15-18, Callie’s Lake and Campground, Stanton, KY
Experience one of the country's premier overlanding destinations at Overland the Red presented by Dan Cummins Auto. Set in Kentucky's breathtaking Red River Gorge, this three-day gathering brings together overlanders for camping, trail rides, educational sessions, vendors, evening programming, and unforgettable adventures on and off the trail. The Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway will be the beneficiary of our fundraising efforts and we are thrilled to support the ongoing trail expansion efforts across Kentucky.
FOURTH OF JULY SALE
Use code USA25 for $25 off your OTR Pass. This includes rustic or electric campsites. Don’t miss out on the best sale of the year!
HATERS TAKE NOTE
WHY THE LANGLADE COUNTY OHMV TRAILS ARE A WIN FOR THE ENTIRE MIDWEST OFF-ROAD COMMUNITY
BY CINDY POPE / PHOTOS BY JILL CARR
When the Langlade County West Evergreen OHMV Trail System officially opened, it marked something far bigger than the addition of another place to wheel. It represented a shift in how Wisconsin and hopefully the Midwest can secure the future of legal four-wheel recreation
For decades, full-size 4x4 enthusiasts in the Midwest have watched opportunities disappear. Roads close. Access changes Land managers face competing interests from multiple recreation groups, and without a dedicated voice, full-size vehicles are often the first to lose ground.
Langlade County chose a different path Instead of allowing these trails to remain an unofficial riding area with uncertain long-term access, the county partnered with 4 Lakes 4 Wheelers to create a managed, sustainable OHMV system built specifically for Jeeps, trucks, and other full-size off-road vehicles The result is 22 miles of legal trails including more than seven miles of dedicated challenge terrain ranging from technical rock crawls to steep hill climbs designed using environmentally sustainable trail practices and managed for future growth This wasn't an overnight decision; it was the product of more than three years of planning and collaboration.
"THE PERMITS ARE TOO EXPENSIVE."
This is probably the most common complaint.The annual permit costs $60 per rig and driver $50 for the vehicle permit and $10 for the operator permit. Is that really expensive?
Consider what we routinely pay elsewhere Tigerton OHV Park charges roughly $35 per vehicle for a single day of riding. Two visits there already exceed the cost of an entire season in Langlade Many privately operated off-road parks across the Midwest charge even more for weekend access, often before camping fees are added
With Langlade, your permit isn't buying one day. It's helping fund an entire recreation program That money supports trail main-tenance, signage, insurance, environmental stewardship, enforcement, and, maybe most importantly, the continued existence and future expansion of a legal trail system dedicated to full-size vehicles. That's not an admission fee. It's an investment in a vision.
"THERE ARE ONLY 22 MILES."
It's easy to focus on the number without considering what those miles represent. These aren't simply forest roads. The system includes trails ranging from easy scenic routes to highly technical obstacles, with over seven miles dedicated to serious challenge terrain.
More importantly, this is the foundation not the finish line Every successful project starts somewhere The first miles establish credibility and demonstrate demand, responsible use, economic impact, and community support Those are the things county officials need before they can justify expanding a program. When enthusiasts embrace the system, purchase permits, volunteer, and use the trails
responsibly, the strongest argument for additional mileage becomes simple: "Look how successful this has been." Complaining that the system isn't already larger doesn't help build it, supporting it does.
"WE USED TO DRIVE THERE FOR FREE."
“Free" never meant "guaranteed " Unofficial use exists only until it doesn't. According to Jim Baker with 4Lakes 4Wheelers, without an official program, those same areas could just as easily have been closed entirely or prioritized for other recreational uses. Equestrian trails, ATV systems, snowmobile routes, hiking, hunting, dog sledding, and countless other public land interests all compete for limited space and funding. Jim has been logging and tracking trails in Wisconsin for more than 25 years and notes that this community has lost over 50% of the riding areas in that time. The new OHMV program gives full-size off-road enthusiasts something they've rarely had in Wisconsin: a legitimate seat at the table
The permit system is proof that our community is willing to contribute financially to maintaining the resource we enjoy. It creates accountability, generates maintenance funding, and gives county leaders a reason to continue supporting and expanding the program That's a much stronger position than simply hoping nobody decides to close an unofficial trail or convert it to other uses.
THINK BIGGER
The Langlade County OHMV Trails are bigger than one weekend of wheeling, they're proof that counties are willing to work with responsible off-road organizations to create legal opportunities for full-size vehicles.And that's exactly the model our community has been asking for
If this program succeeds, other counties notice. If permit sales are strong, businesses benefit, volunteers stay engaged, and users respect the resource, it becomes much easier for another county board to say, "Maybe we should do this too."
That's how trail systems grow and how access expands. That's how we ensure the next generation has somewhere to wheel Instead of asking, "Why should I pay for something I used to do for free?" maybe the better question is: "What is it worth to finally have legal, protected, purpose-built trails that are ours?" Because the biggest threat to off-road recreation isn't paying $60 a year. It's assuming someone else will protect access while we complain from the sidelines.
AM I CRAZY FOR OVERLANDING ACROSS THE COUNTRY?
BEFORE TAKING ON THE BIGGEST OVERLAND TRIP I’VE EVER PLANNED, I LEARNED THAT THE REAL ADVENTURE STARTS WITH LATE-NIGHT GEAR ORDERS, TOO MANY MAP PINS, AND A GARAGE FULL OF QUESTIONS.
By Jarrod Nobbe
The trip started feeling real when I began mentally packing while I was supposed to be focused on something else.
I’d be at the grocery store and remember I still needed to check the camp stove. I’d be trying to fall asleep when I suddenly wondered whether I had downloaded the right offline maps, packed enough water, or left one essential tool sitting on the workbench. The closer the departure date got, the more every normal day came with a quiet checklist running in the background.
A cross-country overland trip sounds simple when you say it fast. I’m taking the 4Runner from North Carolina to Colorado, camping along the way, riding bikes, testing gear, and taking the long route whenever it makes sense. Easy enough.
Then the plan starts turning into a pile of smaller questions. Is the truck actually ready for that many miles? Did I pack too much? Did I somehow pack too little? Is the route solid, or have I opened too many tabs and convinced myself I have a route? And why does every piece of gear suddenly feel like the one thing that could ruin the trip if it stays home?
That pre-trip anxiety is probably familiar to anyone who has planned something bigger than a weekend away. You can make lists, check forecasts, organize bins, and tell yourself you’re prepared. Once the wheels start moving, there’s always a small part of your brain convinced you forgot something important.
THE DRIVEWAY BECOMES A STAGING AREA
Once the countdown began, the driveway turned into a staging area for camping gear, bike gear, recovery equipment, tools, camera gear, spare layers, and the growing category of things I’ve decided are “probably important.” Every item has a reasonable case for making the trip. The trouble is that every reasonable case also adds one more thing to install, test, or pack before I leave.
The Solid Wood Worx storage kit was one of the bigger projects in that process. I was still figuring out what needed quick access, what could live deeper in the truck, and what had no business coming with me at all. It’s easy to call something a system when it’s sitting in a clean garage. It takes a little more thought when you’re trying to picture finding a headlamp, a tool, or a stove after a long day on the road.
Then, for a while, it felt like Larry, our FedEx guy, was pulling up every other day with another package. Some boxes held gear I’d been researching for weeks. Others contained things I had apparently decided were essential at 11:30 p.m. after spending
too much time researching them online. Installing the Yakima SkyPeak HD rooftop tent became one of those projects. Getting it mounted alongside the new Yakima OverNOut 180 awning took more time and patience than I expected, plus a handful of small adjustments to get the fit and clearances right. Efficiency is the name of the game on a trip like this, so I wanted the tent and awning to work together cleanly from setup through breakdown instead of turning camp into a puzzle every time I stopped for the night. Before long, the garage was full of boxes, loose gear, and half-finished piles. It looked like I had opened a small overland outfitter that was already behind on inventory.
HOW A DRIVE TO COLORADO TURNED INTO A WHOLE THING
The original plan was straightforward enough. I was already headed to Colorado for USA Weightlifting Nationals, so I figured I’d take the 4Runner, stretch out the drive, camp along the way, and make a few bike stops before settling into Colorado Springs. That sounded like a pretty normal idea for about five minutes.
Then Pisgah became the starting point. I started adding mountain bike trails, dispersed camping areas, scenic detours, gear-testing opportunities, and a few places that seemed worth chasing once I got west. The more I looked at the map, the more the trip became an east-to-west overland route with far more moving parts than I had originally planned.
That shift made the planning feel bigger, too. I wanted enough room in the schedule to follow a good trail recommendation, settle into a spot worth staying an extra night, ride when the opportunity showed up, and make adjustments without feeling like every hour had already been spoken for. The route still has structure. I also want to leave enough room for the road to get a small vote in the day.
THE FALSE COMFORT OF HAVING A PLAN
I’ve spent plenty of time learning my way around onX Offroad, saving possible dispersed spots, checking forest roads, and convincing myself that a few pins on a map qualify as a solid plan. It gives me a much better starting point once the road leads beyond reliable cell service. It also makes it very easy to keep adding “one more option” until the map starts looking more ambitious than the calendar.
But off-grid camping has a way of making a plan feel theoretical fast. A pin can get you close, but it can’t tell you whether another rig beat you there, whether the road has changed since the last satellite image, or whether the spot is somewhere you’ll actually want to spend the night once you roll in. A forest road can turn rougher than expected, wash out, narrow down to something that feels questionable with a loaded truck, or lead to a place that simply doesn’t feel right in person.
WHY THIS ONE FEELS DIFFERENT
USA Weightlifting Nationals gave me a reason to be in Colorado. The rest of the trip grew from a question I’d been carrying around since I started building the 4Runner: What would this setup feel like once it had to support a real adventure?
I’ve taken weekend trips, camped out of the truck, and spent plenty of time testing gear close to home. This one asks more. It’s the longest and most involved trip I’ve ever planned, with long travel days, mountain bikes, dispersed camps, changing terrain, and plenty of decisions that won’t have an easy answer once I’m out on the road.
That carries some weight. I want to see how the truck works when I’m actually living out of it for more than a few days. I want to find out which parts of the setup earn their place, which pieces of gear were mostly the result of late-night purchase decisions, and how well I handle the parts of the plan that change once I’m already moving.
A three-and-a-half-hour flight would’ve put me in Colorado Springs much faster. It also would’ve skipped the forest roads, camp mornings, mountain bike stops, and slow change from familiar Appalachian terrain to the open West. The destination matters. The route is part of the reason I’m going.
“THE DESTINATION MATTERS. THE ROUTE IS PART OF THE REASON I’M GOING.”
A three-and-a-half-hour flight would’ve put me in Colorado Springs much faster. It also would’ve skipped the forest roads, camp mornings, mountain bike stops, and slow change from familiar Appalachian terrain to the open West. The destination matters. The route is part of the reason I’m going.
WHEN THE PLANNING ENDS
At some point, prep stops creating certainty. The route is mapped well enough. The truck is loaded well enough. The gear is charged, the food is packed, and there’s probably still one item sitting in the garage that’ll make me turn around 10 minutes down the road.
That’s what has made this trip feel equal parts exciting and intimidating. It’s the biggest one I’ve planned, and a few questions will stay unanswered until I’m several states from home, dusty from a forest road, and looking for a place to spend the night.
The truck is ready The road is waiting The only way to find out whether I prepared for the trip ahead is to start the engine and head west
Jarrod Nobbe is a USAW National Coach, Sports Performance Coach at Athletic Lab in Morrisville, NC, and writer. He holds a BS in Exercise Science and an MA in Sports Performance from Ball State University. When he’s not in the gym or at his desk creating content, Jarrod can be found shredding the dirt on the nearest mountain bike trail in preparation for his next enduro race.
TheNorthology“LeaveitBetter”SummerChallengeisacommunity-drivenstewardshipinitiativerunning through September.Participantsareencouragedtocleanuptrails,campsites,publiclands,shorelines,andrecreationareas wherevertheyadventure,thensubmitphotosoftheireffortsforentriesintomonthlyandseason-endingprizedrawings
OWNERSHIP AND PURPOSE TURNS KIDS INTO CARETAKERS & STEWARDS
By Melissa Wisniewski, Sticks and Stones Adventures
The best gift you can give your children is ownership on the trail and at base camp Instead of giving them yet another piece of equipment to carry to the woods, let’s give them purpose Instead of just saying “don’t litter,” encourage them to be caretakers of the places that they care about.
Ways to involve kids of all ages in cleaning up on your adventures:
Give each child his/her own inexpensive trash grabber or a simple long stick and a small garbage bag
Make cleaning up fun by turning it into a scavenger hunt. For example, say something like this: “who can find five different pieces of litter?”
Celebrate each item they pull off the ground Amazing things occur as kids start to see themselves as more than just visitors; they begin to view themselves as protectors of the natural world
GAMES MAKE MEMORIES, NOT LECTURES!
As many parents will attest to, kids rarely remember lectures. They usually remember the games you played together So here are some ideas for ways to incorporate the concept of taking responsibility for keeping the trails clean into your outdoor adventures:
Print out the Leave It Better Passport or create your own version and use it as a guide for your child to collect stamps/punches along the way This could be based upon collecting a certain number of trash items.
Reward their efforts with a treat after a certain number of stamps/punches are collected Some examples might include an ice cream cone, choosing where to go for the next adventure/base camp, receiving a new hiking sticker.
Ultimately, the real reward isn’t necessarily what you choose to reward them with. The reward is watching your child develop into an adult who naturally picks up that discarded candy wrapper because he/she knows someone should Perhaps one day, they’ll even do it automatically, without being asked. That is stewardship. And that is exactly how we can continue to leave the outdoors better than we found it
At the end of the summer, your children will likely have made a lifetime of memories of the time spent with you on trail adventures, will have helped keep basecamps and trails cleaner for future generations and will have developed a lifelong commitment to protecting those wonderful places that give so much back to us
Melissa Wisniewski is a teacher, homeschool mom and lover of all things outdoors Find her on instagram at Sticks and Stones Adventures where she offers inspiration and has free printables for outdoor education and enjoyment for the whole family
Water Water
HOME IS WHERE YOU PARK IT.
For some people, that means a campsite tucked into the pines. For others, it's a windswept desert overlooking endless miles of slickrock But if you ask us where we feel most at home, the answer is almost always the same. Next to the water.
Whether it's a quiet inland lake in northern Wisconsin, a rocky shoreline on Lake Superior, a lazy Ozark river, or an alpine stream somewhere deep in the mountains, we instinctively point the truck toward the shoreline We may not always realize why, but science says there's a very good reason.
AT HOME ON THE
Marine biologist and author Wallace J. Nichols coined the term "Blue Mind" to describe the mildly meditative state our brains enter when we're near, in, on, or under water. Researchers studying "blue spaces" have found that spending time around lakes, rivers, and oceans is associated with lower stress, improved mood, greater psychological well-being, and even increased physical activity. Simply seeing water can reduce mental fatigue and help our brains recover from the constant stimulation of modern life.
The appeal runs even deeper than that. Throughout human history, civilizations have settled beside rivers, lakes, and coastlines because water meant life. It provided food, transportation, safety, and opportunity.
Thousands of years later, our brains still seem wired to seek those same places. Researchers believe the rhythmic sights and sounds of moving water activate our parasympathetic nervous system the part responsible for slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and helping us relax.
Maybe that's why so many of our favorite campsites happen to be waterfront. It's why that first cup of coffee somehow tastes better at sunrise watching morning mist drift across a lake during a game of fetch with your favorite furry adventure pal. Maybe it’s why the crackle of a campfire seems richer with waves lapping against shore Why sunsets reflected on calm water become the photos we hang onto for years.
For many adventurers, the destination isn't the trail itself. The trail is simply how we reach the places where adventure really begins Overlanding has always been about access. Our vehicles allow us to launch kayaks from remote landings before sunrise. They carry fishing rods to forgotten trout streams where the only footprints belong to deer and otters. They haul stand-up paddleboards to secluded lakes that never see a crowded beach and get us to rocky shorelines where an afternoon of agate hunting becomes a treasure hunt. Some of the greatest memories are found skipping stones, listening to loons call across the lake, or watching a bald eagle patrol the shoreline The water engages all of our senses and pardon the pun, provide an immersive nature experience.
Water has a remarkable way of slowing us down. It reminds us that not every trip has to be measured in miles driven or obstacles conquered Sometimes success is measured in casts made, paddles dipped, beach glass collected, or the simple satisfaction of watching the stars reflect off perfectly still water while we wait for the northern lights to appear while swatting hordes of hungry mosquitoes (been there!)
Walking those shorelines becomes less about finding treasure and more about appreciating the incredible forces that shaped the landscapes we love to explore Perhaps that's the real lesson
Our vehicles are incredible tools, but they're still just tools. They're not the adventure. The paddle dipping quietly into glassy water is the adventure The camp chair positioned perfectly for a lakeside sunset is the adventure. The early morning silence broken only by a loon calling across the bay is the adventure
Those moments are why we air down, why we spend hours planning routes, and why we keep coming back Because somewhere between the dirt road and the shoreline, we remember something important. Home isn't always a house Sometimes it's simply wherever you can hear the water
PACKING FOR A PADDLING
PADDLE READY: ADDING WATER ADVENTURES TO YOUR OVERLAND SETUP
One of the best things about overlanding is that it gets you to places most paddlers never see Remote lakes, hidden rivers, quiet backwaters, and undeveloped shorelines are often just a forest road away. With a little planning, your overland rig becomes the perfect launch platform for kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding.
The challenge is finding room for all that extra gear. The good news? You probably don't need as much as you think
PREPPING: THE SETUP
The essentials for a day paddle are surprisingly simple: your boat, paddle, properly fitted PFD, a dry bag with snacks and extra layers, drinking water, sunscreen, bug spray, and a basic first aid kit. Add a throw rope and whistle if you're venturing onto rivers, and a waterproof phone case or GPS if you'll be exploring unfamiliar water.
The biggest space hog is, of course, the boat itself Hard-shell kayaks and canoes are easily carried on a roof rack, while inflatable kayaks and SUPs have become excellent options for overlanders who are already using rooftop tents or carrying recovery up top. Modern inflatables pack into a duffel leaving valuable roof space free while still of impressive performance on the water.
NORTHOLOGY PADDLING PICKSDRY BAG & WATERPROOF PHONE CASE
WHAT GOES ON INSIDE...
Inside the vehicle, organization becomes even more important. Keep your paddling gear together in a dedicated tote or duffel so you aren't digging through camp equipment every time you reach a launch PFDs compress well into soft bags, while dry bags can pull double duty as your day pack once you're on the water
Think about weight distribution, too. Heavy recovery gear, tools, and water should stay low in the vehicle Lightweight items like paddles, PFDs, and camp chairs can ride higher or on roof storage without significantly affecting your center of gravity
Another trick is choosing gear that serves multiple purposes. A dry bag can carry clothing at camp before becoming your waterproof storage on the water. Camp towels work just as well for drying off after a paddle Your water filter, cook kit, and first aid supplies don't need duplicates they simply move from camp to kayak when needed
DON’T OVERPACK
I know its tempting with being prepared and all, but the goal isn't to bring every piece of paddling gear you own. It's to enjoy another way to experience the places your vehicle has taken you Sometimes the best day consists of a short paddle at sunrise, a few hours of fishing, or exploring the shoreline before heading back to camp for dinner.
That's the beauty of combining overlanding with paddlesports. Your vehicle gets you to incredible places but your paddle lets you experience them from an entirely different perspective.
I know its tempting... with being prepared and all, but the goal isn't to bring every piece of paddling gear you own It's to enjoy another way to experience the places your vehicle has taken you. Sometimes the best day consists of a short paddle at sunrise, a few hours of fishing, or exploring the shoreline before heading back to camp for dinner.
That's the beauty of combining overlanding with paddlesports. Your vehicle gets you to incredible places—but your paddle lets you experience them from an entirely different perspective.
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