What I’d Do Differently After 30,000 km Building a Volvo XC70 into an overland rig isn’t the same as modifying a truck or traditional SUV. The XC70 has unique limitations, unique strengths, and a surprising amount of capability if you understand how to set it up properly. After two years and over 30,000 km of …
Read more “If I Had to Build My Volvo XC70 Overlander Again”
Gear Upgrades, Tents & Lessons Learned Every camping season has a rhythm to it, and this year was no different. I started 2025 with a simple goal: get out more, travel lighter, and make my Volvo XC70 an even more capable soft-roader. I didn’t get out as much as I’d hoped—plans shift, life changes, and …
Read more “My 2025 Camping Season: From Spring Snow to Fall Sunsets”
This week I had two attempts on my gear that I know of—and that’s two too many. Both times, someone tampered with the bike rack on my Volvo. The straps were undone, the U-lock and cable moved, and worst of all, it looks like someone took a prybar to the locking clamp, leaving deep gouges …
Read more “Keeping Your Gear Safe: A Tough Lesson in the City”
After eight unforgettable years of overland adventures in my 2000 Ford Explorer—fondly known as Nessie—I’ve made a significant transition to a more manageable ride: the 2005 Volvo XC70, affectionately nicknamed the Moosewagen. This post takes you behind the scenes of my rig’s evolution, explains why I decided to downsize, and shares how the new setup …
Read more “Downsizing from Nessie to the Moosewagen: My Overland Journey”
If you’re building a capable off-grid adventure vehicle, a dual battery setup is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Whether you’re powering a fridge, LED lights, or charging gear at camp, a dedicated auxiliary battery system keeps your essentials running—without draining your starter battery. In this post, I walk you through the installation …
Nothing says spring quite like mud, cold nights, and a snowy drive home. We kicked off our overlanding season with a trip that tested gear, patience, and traction—all in the best way possible. The crew met up in Lornville and headed out for the first campout of the year. It was also the Moosewagen’s first …
Read more “First Overlanding Trip of the Season: Mud, Snow & the Moosewagen Hits the Trails”