NA SEPTEMBER 2025 by northologyadventures

FREE BIG IRON TICKETS FOR NORTHOLOGY PATREON PAID SUBSCRIBERS

NOTES FROM THE EDITOR

WOW. Summer is winding down and there is so much going on this fall, we can hardly keep up We are hosting four events and there are lots of others on the agenda that we will be sure to be getting our fill of adventure! We hope you can join us! In this issue we also have some dispersed camping info out of Michigan, some new tools from OnX, a look at bedracks and a reflection on recent dramatic and tragic events in the overland community worth discussing.

As always, here is your reminder to help us continue the discussion of magazine topics or anything adventure-related in the Northology Adventures facebook group Feel free to share your thoughts on articles or to just give us some feedback or suggestions so we can continue to craft this publication in a meaningful way And let us know if you have a story to tell- we want to hear about adventures, activities, gear and adventure, outdoors & overland-related events you have attended Email us at info.northologyadventures@gmail.com.

See you on the trail!

-Cindy Pope

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This is your chance to showcase your unique setup and be part of an inspir-ing community of enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a passionate hobbyist, we want to see what makes your rig stand out Fill out the form and share your story, your modifications, and the creativity that drives you By participating, you'll not only gain exposure but also connect with others who share your interests and passions. We can't wait to see the amazing rigs you have in store for us, so be sure to fill out the form and let your setup shine!

Reader’s Rig Profile Form

>OTHER MODS/ UPGRADES & OVERLAND OUTFITTING

Holland, MI

Regional Sales Manager

Insta: Dakota adventures1941, Facebook: https://www facebook com/dakota adventures1941, Website: www.dakota-adventures.com

Engine: 3 6-Liter, V6 24-valve WT Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic Transfer Case: Command-Trac Shift-on-the-fly

Part-time 4WD Front Axle: 3.73 Dana 30 Solid Axle Rear

Axle: 3.73 Dana 44 Other Stuff: Remains OEM currently

Springs/Shocks: OEM Tires: Venom Power Terra Hunter X/T (33x12 5x17) Wheels: ION Wheels (Type 171-Matte Black 17x9) Steering: OEM Other Stuff: Rough Country Ball Joints, Rough Country Steering Stabilizer, Mammoth 2” Front/1” Rear Leveling Kit, Air Lift 1000 Air Suspension Kit

Rough Country Bumper Caps (convert to stubby bumper), EAG Winch mounting plate

Open road (13 5k winch), JOYINRUTE RTT, Bluetti Charger1 & AC180, Ecoflow River Pro 2, Setpower RV45S Fridge, Vevor Awning, Guana Equipment Awning Tent, Biglion Pillar Lights, Auxbeam 12gang Switch panel, MNJ 8gang Switch panel, 300watts of Eco-worthy solar panels, Starlink Mini & Gen2, Opti-Luxx Lighting (Multiple models), Midland MXT275 w/MXTA25 & MXTA26 Antennas, Hcalory 5k Diesel Heater, Xprite Chase Lightbar

>WHAT DOES OVERLANDING OR REMOTE TRAVEL MEAN TO YOU?

Our earth has so many unexplored corners & lots of people unfortunately are unable to go out & explore them. For me to be able to go out & see different parts of our country, not from the highway, but deep inside the nature that is there, is just a privilege & honor to me The smells, the animals, the scenery just brings such a calming effect on to me & releases the day to day stresses from “city life”. I also enjoy the total energy boost it gives me to want to see what’s up around the next corner or bluff All I can say is I love the outdoors!

WHERE ARE YOU OFF TO NEXT?

KOAR 2025 - Copper Harbor, MI

>WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS VEHICLE?

WHAT IS THE NEXT THING ON THE BUILD LIST?

WHAT OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES OR HOBBIES DO YOU ENJOY?

2024 was the year of rebranding myself! I legally changed my name & changed my vehicle type. I had been a truck guy all my life & spent the past few years watching overlanding videos on YouTube Obviously there are multiple rigs out there that perform overlanding but the Wrangler JKU just made since to me. Being unknown to the Jeep world, on paper it checked all the marks! It has been the best decision I made as the adventures have went to the next level! It has also built an energy inside of me that is driving me to look for what’s next

I want to build a drawer system for the cargo area with a fridge slide, onboard permanent power, pressurized water And include a rear seat delete floor for additional storage. The challenge in all of this is, I need this modular as I like to strip the doors & hardtop off of the rig.

Overlanding/camping, off-roading, hiking, traveling, photography, smoking food, boating

TRAIL TESTED, ADVENTURE APPROVED

MIDLAND LAUNCHES TRAIL KITS FOR OVERLANDERS AND OFF-ROADERS

KANSAS CITY, MO July 22, 2025 Midland, a leaderin two-wayradio communication technology, today announces the launch of four new Trail Kits tailored for overlanding and off-roading adventurers. The bundles are designed to meet the rigorous demands of off-road environments, providing a reliable, easy-to-install solution for beginner explorers and seasoned trail veterans at an unbeatable discount

“Our new Trail Kits were built to make it easier and quicker to get out on the trails with confidence,” said Jeremy Pensick, CEO of Midland “We combined our most popular, durable gear into four simple kits so users can set up quickly and stay connected on their journeys – no extra steps needed. From peak-performing radios to perfected sound quality, the Trail Kits have everything you need for your next adventure.”

The Range Runner and Range Pro Trail Kits are ideal for users seeking a compact setup that delivers reliable power and clear sound Both kits feature Midland’s Ghost 3dB Gain Antenna and Universal Lip Mount for extended range and secure installation

The Explorer and Hero Trail Kits are built for serious off-roaders who need maximum range in the most demanding environments These include Midland’s Canyon Edge™ 3dB Gain Bull Bar Antenna System, a heavy duty, high-gain antenna that ensures clear communication for the toughest adventures.

The four Trail Kits include: Range Runner Trail Kit - MXT275SPKM: MXT275 MicroMobile Radio, MXTA27 Lip Mount, MXTA25 3 dB Gain Ghost Antenna, SPKMINI External Speaker

The Range Pro Trail Kit - MXT575SPKM: MXT575 MicroMobile Radio, MXTA27 Lip Mount, MXTA25 3 dB Gain Ghost Antenna, SPKMINI External Speaker

The Explorer Trail Kit - MXT275BBM: MXT275 MicroMobile Radio, MXAT03 Canyon Edge™ 3 dB Gain Bull Bar Antenna System, SPKMINI External Speaker

“WHETHER YOU’RE TALKING WITH YOUR CREW ON THE TRAILS, NAVIGATING REMOTE LANDSCAPES, OR PREPARING FOR OVERLAND TRAVEL, MIDLAND’S TRAIL KITS OFFER THE COMPLETE COMMUNICATION PACKAGE TESTED BY OFF-ROADERS AND TRUSTED BY ADVENTURERS.”

Midland’s new Trail Kits bundle everything you need for reliable, offgrid communication, each kit tailored for different types of terrain and user preferences. Each Trail Kit includes a powerful GMRS MicroMobile Two-Way Radio, SPKMINI External Speaker for enhanced clarity, and specialized antenna system to match your rig. All four kits offer secure mounting hardware and are designed for easy installation, helping you get trail-ready fast.

The Hero Trail Kit - MXT575BBM: MXT575 MicroMobile Radio, MXAT03 Canyon Edge 3 dB Gain Bull Bar Antenna System, SPKMINI External Speaker

The Range Runner Trail Kit will be sold at $249 99, the Range Pro at $429.99, the Explorer at $319.99, and the Hero at $499.99. Each bundle offers savings of 15-21% off MSRP, delivering reliable performance at a better value. Trail Kits are now available at www.midlandusa.com.

About Midland

A leader in communication solutions for over 50 years, Midland has transformed the way people stay connected. From introducing the first CB radios inthe United Statesto being at the forefront of two-way radios, as well as weather and emergency alert technology, the company is committed to innovation, safety, reliability and efficiency Located inKansas City, the heart of the Midwest, Midland's easy-touse radios ensure exceptional communication access for everyone, keeping families, friends, and professionals connected, while their topof-the-line weather and emergency radios empower preparedness during critical situations.

keep the fires burning

Want a free ticket to a Northology event in 2026? Read on...

We’re excited to share a new benefit for our Northology Adventurist Tier patrons: if you're signed up by September 1, 2025 and remain an active member, you'll receive one free ticket to any Northology event in 2026. That alone more than covers your annual Adventurist membership, which is just $12 a month.

Your support at this tier goes a long way—not only are you helping us create events, publish the magazine, and build a thriving community of adventurers, but you’re also unlocking some seriously great perks. Adventurist members get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, random prize drawings, entry into our private Patreon-only campouts, early access to event tickets, and swag that isn’t available anywhere else.

The addition of a free annual event ticket makes this membership one of the best ways to experience everything Northology has to offer—while supporting a mission you believe in. Join or upgrade to the Adventurist Tier now and start planning your next big adventure with us.

*Adventurist and above member benefit only, must be active October 1, 2025 through December 2026. For member only, not transferrable.

Deadline extended untill October 1, 2025. Join us today!

Northology membership benefitsInsider access

Exclusive content

Members-only swag

Early access to event tickets

Discounts on merch & tickets

Community chats

Free ADV weekend & events

PAPERS, PLEASE- DISPERSED CAMPING IN MICHIGAN

CAMP REGISTRATION CARD

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Print all requested information in pencil in plain and legible English. Include the name and complete address of each member of the camping party. Use additional Camp Registration Cards if necessary.

2. Post this card prominently at the campsite before making camp and leave posted upon departure when camping on State-owned land other than State Parks, Recreation Areas, State Forest Campgrounds or State Game Area Campgrounds DO NOT post on a motor home, camper or trailer or nail the card into trees.

3. Leave this card at the campsite upon departure.

POST PROMINENTLY” – BUT WHERE?

LEAVING PERSONAL INFORMATION BEHIND WHO’S RESPONSIBLE?

A POLICY IN NEED OF REVISION

CONTRASTING THE MI DNR WITH NATIONAL FOREST REGS

LOGICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE APPEARANCE OF COMPLIANCE

UNLOCKING KOAR MEMORIES

THE VIBE YOU FEEL ON ARRIVAL

Three words echoed around the fire rings: family, community, friendship KOAR leans into that You’ll see first-timers comparing camp kitchen tricks with seasoned travelers, and brand reps talking recovery gear one minute and the best pasty shop the next It’s friendly, low-pressure, and intentionally welcoming to newcomers

HOW TO DO KOAR RIGHT YOUR FIRST TIME

Arrive topped up and flexible. Fuel up in Houghton/Hancock or Mohawk and roll in with groceries; once you’re at the tip, you’ll want to spend your daylight on dirt, not errands. (This is less a rule and more a best practice )

Plan light, learn lots. The peninsula rewards curiosity; you don’t need hero miles to feel like you saw something special Use the community. Ask at vendor booths for route pointers specific to your rig, tires, and comfort level This is the rare show where reps genuinely expect those questions and give thoughtful answers Attend a clinic or two and get your passport stamped Join a good deed. The KOAR beach cleanup is a fast way to meet people and give back to the place you’re enjoying

Leave time for Copper Harbor moments. Catch a sunset on Lake Superior, grab an ice cream in town, or detour to a waterfall Those “in between” hours are what you’ll remember on the drive home.

KOAR isn’t a convoy-led trail ride factory It’s a basecamp model with a choose-your-own-adventure rhythm ideal for first-timers who want skills, community, and room to explore without pressure You will leave with new friends, a better toolkit, and a shortlist of places to revisit

If this is your first overland gathering, KOAR is the kind of first that spoils you big-lake scenery, low-ego expertise, and a community that means it when they say you’re welcome here

There may be a few tickets left- grab them here

BIG IRON

WHERE OVERLANDING MEETS LIVE MUSIC AND HISTORY

This fall in West Mineral, Kansas, the Big Iron Overland Rally transforms the historic grounds of Big Brutus into something truly unique: a hybrid celebration that blends the grit and gear of overlanding with the soul of a full-scale music festival.

Set against the backdrop of the world’s second-largest electric coal shovel, Big Iron brings together hundreds of adventurers who camp under the prairie sky while world-class bands take the stage It’s not just another vendor expo or “showverlanding” weekend it’s late nights of live music echoing across the open fields, followed by mornings filled with coffee steam, food trucks, a swap meet and more music

THE MUSIC

Music isn’t an afterthought here it’s the heartbeat Each year, Big Iron curates a lineup of regional and national acts that cover everything from Americana and bluegrass to rock and country Festival-goers camp within walking distance of the stage, creating an atmosphere that feels like a weekend-long campfire jam session with a few thousand of your closest friends. As the sun sets behind Big Brutus, the stage lights flicker to life, and the festival energy takes over

THE OVERLANDING

Big Iron is still firmly rooted in the overland and off-road world Attendees roll in with rooftop tents, trailers, and custom rigs, setting up a temporary village of adventure enthusiasts By day, the event offers recovery and navigation clinics, and a vendor area packed with outfitters and gear builders It’s the perfect chance to see how others travel, swap stories, and pick up a few new tricks before the evening’s music

spend the night dancing barefoot in front of the stage The mix draws in overlanders who might not usually attend music festivals and music lovers who leave with a new appreciation for vehicle-assisted travel

Big Iron is more than the sum of its parts It’s camping under wide Kansas skies, discovering new favorite bands, and walking away with both fresh tracks on your playlist and fresh dirt on your tires For anyone looking for an event that’s as much about good music as it is about good company on the trail, Big Iron delivers in spades Mark your calendar, pack your rig, and tune your ears the Big Iron Overland Rally is proof that the road and the rhythm belong together

SWAP MEET HELPING PRESERVE HISTORY

Towering 16 stories above the Kansas prairie, Big Brutus is more than a backdrop it’s the heart of the Big Iron Overland Rally. Once the world’s second-largest electric coal shovel, this massive machine now stands silent as a museum piece and historic landmark, telling the story of the region’s mining heritage The rally’s location at Big Brutus gives attendees a chance to camp and celebrate in the shadow of a truly one-of-a-kind monument, blending industrial history with the spirit of modern adventure.

But Big Iron isn’t just about music, rigs, and community it’s also about preservation. Each year, the rally hosts raffles and giveaways with prizes ranging from gear and adventure accessories to unique keepsakes, with proceeds supporting Big Brutus Inc. In just four years, the community has raised $54,000 to keep the landmark maintained and open to the public. For the 5th anniversary, organizers have set an ambitious goal: $50,000 in one weekend Every ticket sold, campsite reserved, and raffle entered helps preserve Big Brutus for future generations, ensuring this towering symbol of hard work and ingenuity remains part of the Kansas landscape and the rally experience for years to come

The Big Iron Overland Rally Swap Meet has quickly become one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend. More than just a casual gear exchange, it’s a bustling marketplace where seasoned adventurers and first-time attendees come together to buy, sell, and trade everything from rooftop tents and recovery gear to camp stoves, spare parts, and trail-tested gadgets. For many, it’s the perfect chance to upgrade their kit without breaking the bank or to finally find that hard-to-locate piece of equipment that someone else has outgrown.

What makes the swap meet stand out is the atmosphere It’s not a faceless market; it’s a community-driven event where every item comes with a story You might walk away with a set of traction boards and also hear about the trail where they saved the day, or pick up a camp light along with tips on the best way to set up camp under the stars. The mix of practical deals and shared knowledge makes the swap meet more than a shopping experience it’s an extension of the camaraderie that defines the Big Iron Overland Rally itself.

Get your Big Iron tickets today and if you are coming down from the northern Midwest, hop on the Northology convoy here!

EXPLORING TRUCK BED RACKS FROM

STRENGTH, MODULARITY AND STAINLESS STEEL SET YOU UP FOR THE LONG HAUL

In the world of overland bed racks, the difference often comes down to details: materials, design flexibility, and accessory support For TRUKD, those details are the foundation of the brand. “Stainless steel and true modularity in combo with a killer catalog of accessories are what sets TRUKD racks apart from the competition,” says founder Ben Azzam Unlike powder-coated mild steel or aluminum systems, TRUKD’s stainless construction provides both high strength and longterm durability “In northern and coastal environments, stainless steel is a game changer for the longevity of your bed rack. High strength and no more annoying maintenance, keeping your rack looking great for longer,” Azzam explains. This translates to more time on the trails and doing the things you want instead of spending time on maintenance and hassles.

Beyond material choice, TRUKD racks emphasize usability. Their hinge kits and modular storage panels (MSPs) expand access and open up new ways to mount and manage gear. “Hinge k TRUKD rack buyers more access and usable storag gear on the trail,” Azzam notes That combinatio reliability speaks directly to overlanders who need as their adventures evolve

THE A SERIES: ROCK SOLID RELIABILITY

For those who want a straightforward, fixed-h maximum strength, TRUKD offers the A Series. Th is designed for customers who don’t need ad modular configuration just pure strength, streamli compatibility with tonneau covers and common ge

The A Series comes in three fixed heights to match 10.5 inches – Low profile for minimal drag, per and sleek builds

16.5 inches – A balanced choice that clears m and works well with rooftop tents or gear moun

22.5 inches – Maximum vertical clearance, cargo, or full bed access

All versions use the same precision-fit brack construction, and accessory-ready channels The to your gear, your truck, and your style of travel.

T SERIES: MODULAR AND ADJUSTABLE

On the other end of the spectrum is the TRUKD T is modular and height-adjustable, designed for ove to fine-tune their setup or transfer the rack bet MOLLE panels, channel mounts, and an ever-exp accessories, the T Series is about versatility strength

ADVENTURE MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS BENEFITS

Wow! The biggest turnout yet, and possibly the most fun. We hosted our annual Free ADV weekend event at our "family cabin" (aka Buzz's place) and had plenty of room for more campers. Friday night was a relaxing time of setup and hanging out around the fire with some Northern Lights Cocktails. Shawn brought a birthday cake and we sang a belated happy birthday to Buzz.

Saturday morning we enjoyed delicious cinnamon rolls baked in a dutch oven by Jason (sooooo good!) and then met at Wolf River Roots for coffee and to plan our day and hand out goody bags. A couple of attendees took advantage of the nearby Nicolet Roche mountain bike trail while the rest of us split up into groups. A few headed for the new Langlade County 4x4 trails (blue, medium trails rated "spicy" by our testers, lol.) The rest of us followed Jill & Chris of 1941 Adventures on a two-track, gravel road (cough, cough) and pavement sight-seeing tour (amish store for snaaaaaacks, True North Outpost for fun and then seeing an awesome waterfall.)

We regrouped at basecamp for Chad's famous pulled pork sammiches, gave away some prizes and crowned the Patron Of The Year (the prestigous P.O.T.Y Award.) This time around we are thrilled to present the honors to Renza and Josh Thompson for their kindness, support and enthusiasm for all things Northology. Saturday morning found the stragglers chatting over coffee and pancakes before heading home.

GRATITUDE IS OUR ATTITUDE

We are so grateful for the support and the friendship of this community and the support we enjoy from our members We made an announcement about the newest promotion we just launched- Patrons of the Adventurist level or higher that are signed up by October 1st for the annual option will be able to choose one free ticket to any Northology event in 2026. You heard that right, in addition to event and merch discounts, early ticket access, exclusive Patreon benefits & merch, the behind-thescenes content, the annual free ADV weekend, and all the other benefits, we are saying thanks with the opportunity to adventure with us for free on the event of your choice.

Chad and I again want to thank our patrons for their support. It’s a small monthly investment that helps keep the campfires burning, the wheels turning, and the adventures going not just for you, but for the entire Northology community. Your support ensures the content keeps flowing and the community keeps growing.

Join or upgrade today and make sure you're set to claim your free 2026 event ticket, along with all the other benefits that come with being a supporter. You can see all the levels of support here

ONX OFFROAD’ DISPERSED CAMP

OnX Offroad has upped their game and made it easier for those who want to get off the beaten path to find dispersed campsites in our U.S National Forests We used this to find spots during our trip out west this past summer and were super happy with the results.

DISCOVER DISPERSED CAMPING WITH YELLOW HIGHLIGHTS

How it works:

OnX Offroad’s dispersed camping layer makes identifying legal, vehicle-accessible dispersed camping spots in US National Forests a walk in the woods, pun intended.

Select via Activity → Map Layers → Dispersed Camping The OnX motorized trails and roads where dispersed camping is permitted are highlighted in yellow

You can tap yellow-highlighted trails to get info on the details, like how far off the road you can camp or other regulations and info You can view spots in 3D, drop Waypoints, and share them or keep them private

Remember to download the area you want to camp in so the layer remains accessible even in areas beyond cell service. This could possibly be the first time motorized dispersed camping data is USFS-verified, integrated directly into a navigation app ditching clunky PDFs and avoiding reliance on user-generated markers

SATELLITE PREVIEWS

While onX Offroad doesn’t have a live satellite feed, you can use its satellite imagery layer:

The satellite view lets you zoom in on potential spots to preview terrain, clearings, and access

The satellite view helps you scout for existing pullouts, flattened areas, or other visible signs of prior use, improving your chances of finding a safe and legal site. We were thrilled to view satellite captures of campers and obvious signs of use when we were scouting sites in the Medicine Bow National Forest this past summer

STRESS RELIEVER

Why this matters- finding a site on the fly can be stressful We like to play it loose and let adventure unfold but the disadvantage is that sites are often not pre-determined and we end up looking for them later in the day when we have had enough and just want to set up camp. This layer in On-X lets us quickly identify places to look for sites and often gives us real, useful info with the satellite layer.

A you can see in the screenshot on the right, the layer gives you the indication that dispersed camping is allowed, and how far off the forest road you can be When in terrain of varying elevation and in mountainous areas, you are not always guaranteed to find a spot even if it is permissible Zooming in we could tell that there definitely were sites that even large campers could comfortably fit, and a number of them to take advantage of

OnX’s Dispersed Camping Layer helped us find a quiet, secluded campsite in the Medicine Bow National Forest with close-up views of White Rock Canyon

LIMITATIONS

This OnX feature is a game changer but there are limitations to keep in mind:

Limited to National Forest lands The dispersed camping layer does not include BLM, Corps of Engineers, state, or county lands though onX Offroad does offer separate tools for BLM land (e g , shaded tan BLM overlays), but not the same detailed dispersedcamping layer

Incomplete geographic coverage. At launch, the data spans National Forests in 11 western and intermountain states: WA, OR, CA, AZ, NV, UT, ID, MT, WY, CO, and NM.

Absence in eastern forests “for now” Many forests east of the Rockies remain unmapped, with features listed as "Coming Soon."

Particuarly troubling is the info for the Ottawa National Forest, seen in the photo at bottom left As of the date of publication, OnX is showing NOT ALLOWED even though the USFS website for the Ottawa clearly states that dispersed camping IS allowed. We think that this designation is faulty and is unfortunate since some of our community members nearly had heart attacks upon seeing that. Hopefully that is just the result of not having the data but we think no data is better than false data, which is what the app suggests. Look for a follow up on this soon. Happy trails!