Is Overlanding's Popularity Wrecking or Saving Our Trails?

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Overlanding is one of the fastest growing trends in the entire car world. WIth the popularity of the outdoors exploding, more people than ever are taking their SUVs out on the trail and camping! But with so many people out on the trail, that has government officials, environmentalists, and other overlanders asking the same thing: Is this good for our trails? Today we’re looking into the positives and negatives of the trendy hobby.
Further reading:
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[@tannerrienbolt3143]

A lot of people don't understand the "Dont leave anything but your footprints" part of overlanding

[@umad42]

This is huge for all off road disciplines, pack it in, pack it out should be a major thought in the minds of everyone going off road, everytime I go out I bring a cooler with a plastic liner in it designated specifically for trash, my trash and trash that I find on the trail.

[@grunair]

That also should go for frivolous bonfires. So many people tearing up trees and plants so they can have a quick fire even though it’s not needed.

[@umad42]

@@grunair If you want to have a fire on the trail, pack in some wood and find some rocks to make a pit, then when you are done, put them back where you found them. The ash will be good for any seeds that land there and you didn't screw up anything to get kindling or stuff to burn

[@jdubskiwright2380]

Had that Instilled in me from childhood..take your trash with you. Dont leave anything behind but your footprints..

[@aberolick7857]

but also please don't leave your footprints on places like our beloved Racetrack in DV :P

[@AldoOviedoGaming]

“The best vehicle for over landing is the one you already have” *looks at my 3 na miatas with a combined ground clearance of 1 foot”

[@BenStinnett]

Hey now! Those Miatas can for sure hold a tent, cooler with enough beer for a weekend, and get you out to a maintained campground to enjoy the great outdoors! Otherwise I'm sure we can find a way to lift it and stick 33s under there 😂

[@drivewaystar6485]

I felt that

[@Prayfesy]

I saw an uplifted miata kit on pinterest if you're interested in converting it

[@Gquarle1]

they make long-travel suspension kits for miatas. convert one to a prerunner miata

[@naimamir4904]

Mad max miata

[@discoveryoutdoorskcfishing236]

That moment when you realize a comedy car channel does better investigative reporting than all of the news agencies combined.

[@Javierm0n0]

Bad journalism leads others to provide something of merit. Love how donut does it.

[@TheCrapman50]

That's the difference between passion vs. good ratings.

[@jaybird0312]

Comedy? I'd say that's a by-product

[@TheShoeJr]

As a Scout, I recommend that you follow the “Leave no trace” rule: Leave the place better than you found it, and these beautiful places can last a whole lot longer.

[@emptyshirt]

I do worry when people think that picking up a beer can offsets the trail tire dust you left, and the erosion you caused, and the ash you left, and the hole you dug to hide your poo in, and the fuel you burned, and the lizard you unknowingly evicted, and all the plastic gear you bought, and the fungal spores you introduced with your dirty boots, and the seeds you had stuck in the seams of your tent. The environmental impacts just follow people wherever they go. Overlanders will spoil our wild spaces, and you can't do anything significant to undo it. Life will go on. You are fooling yourself if you think you are saving anything when you drive 300 miles then pick up a plastic bag or two.

[@mv1509]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoKco3toeq2kars

[@NinjaThatLongboards]

@@emptyshirt that is why leave no trace principals address all those concerns. That being said, definitely better to not drive through the wilderness if it can be avoided

[@chloedegurechaff1941]

@@emptyshirt you must have a fun life never leaving your house. Let me guess you are against camping too? Oo all that harsh metal and plastic for my tent or stove, of and god forbid the propane. Ash is a fertilizer, so that’ll actually help plant life grow. Think of all the animals you evicted with your house.

[@DetailxpertsNet1]

Respect. 100%

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

Depends on who is doing the overlanding. Pick up trash and keep the trails clean

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@Ken Norcott facts, I’m no tree-hugging hippie or anything and I don’t get a sense of superiority by picking up after other people, but I just filled a trash bag with garbage thrown out from the side of vehicles at a local so cal trail last weekend. I even saw graffiti on one rock. Mind-boggling and disgusting.

[@skipscustomoutdoors]

Agreed! So easy to do!

[@katygreene2363]

That's part of the issue, but a lot of the issues brought up are from the vehicles tearing up the plant life and soil. Experience level does not negate that damage

[@bigdfitness5020]

Pack it in, pack it out, its that simple... and if you are feeling nice you can pick up after others as well.

[@Stellar-Cowboy]

@@katygreene2363 if people kept on trails the damage would be of a lesser extent

[@SR-tn6gv]

I've kept an off road toy for most of my life and lived across the country. That being said I was always taught 3 things. 1. Always help if you see someone in need. If it's not you then who will? 2. Pack up for 2x the trip. You never know what may break or how long it may take to get out. 3. Always pick up after yourself. Leave it looking like you'd like to pull up to it. If it's already trashed load out anything extra you can. Otherwise our land bureaus can and will close trails.

[@helvetesfonster900]

Nothing makes me more mad than someone who leaves their trash or broken parts on a trail. I live in Georgia and unless you drive the maintained service roads you can't off-road legally anywhere that is not a private park. When I drive through the park and see trash on the ground it makes my blood boil, there are so few parks within a day's drive of me left and it's like these people are actively trying to get them to close. Especially when you talk to the owners and they're just so fed up with all the trash getting left around that they're considering closing it's infuriating.

[@SR-tn6gv]

@@helvetesfonster900 I was in Cali when they first started closing fire roads due to the same s#!^. Now I'm in Arkansas and they still let you out quite a few places but in the last 3 yrs alot have been closed especially around th orv parks as people off trail and trash it out.

[@helvetesfonster900]

@@SR-tn6gv yeah they're starting to gate everything up down here too. The problem is the people who are causing the problem in the first place don't actually care they'll go around the gates or plow through the trees so it'll just continually make us look worse. Now I don't even register my off-road vehicles because there's nowhere within 2 hours of me so they're all trailer queens now.

[@helvetesfonster900]

Oh yeah your second bulletin actually reminded me of a funny story, I drove I think 5 hours to Tennessee to go to an off-road event that was for a charity and I made a hotel reservation for 3 days and on the first day I broke the yoke on my rear axle on a Saturday and that town is nothing but truck stops and hotels and I couldn't get that part anywhere absolutely ruined my trip I had enough parts to build that vehicle from the ground up except for that one yoke.

[@DevTheBigManUno]

We've already seen parks closed down for a while.

[@luckywalker2419]

Man Nolan has gotten so much better at hosting, it feels natural now

[@RobotsandPots]

Our boi Nolan growing up 🥲

[@williamhall2386]

I do really enjoy Nolan despite the initial feels years back

[@dankurtis5738]

Here in Australia we've been overlanding for decades. Surprised it's taken you guys so long to discover it as you have a massive country to explore.

[@jabba7160]

I couldn't believe they didn't mention Australia's 4x4 scene in this video

[@madcat1436]

We have been doing it in the US since cars were invented, it's just gaining massive popularity right now.

[@jerroldshelton9367]

It's nothing new in the U.S.A., It just has a trendy new name.

[@2157AF]

@@jerroldshelton9367 , As an Australian, I think i understand Americans have been camping since the 50s. Heading off to Yosemite National Park and other places in their station-wagons. I would like to thank america for the WW2 Jeeps they left behind in Australia, that helped bush camping here.

[@MrMrsregor]

Haha, it’s not new. The hipsters, city folks and suburban people just started putting it all on the internet and whoring out the cool hidden spots. People (including Americans) have always been doing this forever, just never had the need to provide free advertisements for the quiet hidden spots and ruin them by guiding the crowd in masses To the “secret quiet spots”

[@devindean1167]

“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”

[@DetailxpertsNet1]

100%

[@Politically-incorrect-brian]

gotta leave your poop too... can't take that back with you; that's nasty!

[@jacobhorton9832]

Oooh can i get that in a bumper sticker?

[@jacobanteau6020]

Ideally you don't even want to leave footprints, especially in places with fragile ecosystems. Stay on the trail

[@daniel_wilkinson]

OMG I started overlanding 15 years ago and it was great. Solitude, quiet, peaceful. Now... The trails are packed solid with not only SUVs but ATVs and dirt bikes. And those buggers don't worry too much about being quiet or littering.

[@Sw33tum]

The side-by-sides seem to attract the worst offenders. I've come to hate all SXS vehicles.

[@dalton5517]

The world is also much more densely populated now. There’s just too many humans

[@leonflpqzhz4765]

Where I live now it's full of those razers buggies wich mainly are local narcos with his music on full volume and leave their thrash in all area. Friggin glass beer bottles plastic bags and sht. The sad thing you can't tell the authorities or they do nothing.

[@daltonn1305]

@@dalton5517 we need a plague ...oh wait

[@dalton5517]

@@daltonn1305 Dalton, turns out it wasn’t very effective lol 😂

[@againstalltyrants9001]

I've been overlanding or doing overland adjacent stuff for about 15 years now, and while it's been cool to see a niche hobby become as popular as it is, trails are absolutely gummed up with instagram rigs and such nowadays, Ive stopped going to Amy popular spots and have just been exploring old logging/forestry roads here in Wyoming for awhile now.

[@danb.709]

So then don't tell people about it 🤔... resist the urge to put it on the internet, or even comment about it.

[@Big_Diehl]

Proud owner of a Crosstrek.... One of my favorite vehicles I’ve owned after I lost my XJ back in 2005. Can go nearly anywhere you really want to go, you can sleep in it, and decent on mileage when you’re not out in the woods.

[@TheRio966]

The only barrier to entry for overlanding is actually just being ok to poop in creative situations. A great man once said "Shittin in a hole ain't for everybody"

[@TheOceanX]

Big facts. I had to teach my girlfriend how to squat in the woods and go XD

[@emptyshirt]

Digging a hole and shitting in it has environmental impact. Also, one time I left a hot one on the ground in the desert and I picked up a rock to put on top of it, but when I picked the rock up there was somebody else's dried up poo under it. That is when I realized that camping is inevitably going to ruin every accessible wild space and I'm a part of it. I always wanted to be part of something big, and that something is trashing the Earth.

[@mutten55]

@@emptyshirt poop is just pure nature. Poop doesn’t ruin anything.

[@mv1509]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoKco3toeq2kars

[@TheRio966]

@@emptyshirt if you dig the hole properly it is fine.

[@jeepnfmpowder]

I think you touched on a topic that could be a future episode or series of episodes, how to enjoy our automotive hobbies responsibly without damaging the environment. For example how to properly dispose vehicle fluids, recycling old parts rather than just throwing them in the trash, treading lightly while off the pavement… There are lots of aspects that Donut could touch on and the Hi/Low Plastidip episode proved how much people take you opinions to heart. Donut can be informative, fun, and stewards of the environment, MO PRESERVATION BABEH!

[@brutongaster8184]

+

[@Lilysilly1984]

+

[@OverAndOverAndOver]

"The best vehicle for over landing is the one you already have" *2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible stares with anxiety and concern*

[@aadixum]

My bicycle offroads better than a lamborghini aventador

[@ozarkmartin1174]

They made a convertible 200? I had a FWD 2015 and took it on all kinds of mountain backroads. Just have to know your limits.

[@OverAndOverAndOver]

@@ozarkmartin1174 yep! 2011 touring, I dunno about other models, but they made a hard and soft top version

[@derrick7648]

oof those aren't really good for anything except maybe a rental car if you have low budget.

[@williamhall2386]

No but in all honesty it's true. I drove through Valley of the Gods a while back and it was GREAT! and as long as you aren't a low-bro then you can totally drive it

[@dnojno]

In short: Overlanding has become more popular due to social media and the pandemic. It can be a fun adventure. Just drive carefully, and take care of nature.

[@AaronsEnduro]

In my local area, it’s destroying 4wheeling , dirtbiking and camping. We’ve been getting new gates put up as people kept leaving there garbage, and cutting through locked gates. Ive been in the woods in our area for the last 23 years. As of this year i can only legally use a fraction of the land because of the local forest company closing all the trail areas off behind big fines. We go out and clean the woods frequently but cant keep up with the people who dump broken boats, drywall, old papers, furniture and more. It affects my ability to go out and my film yt vids when everythings a 5000$ fine and gates every where you go

[@lawnmowerdude]

This is why we can’t have nice things.

[@CoveringFish]

Those aren’t over landers those are just assholes.

[@Jefreeman13]

I'd like to think that overlanders aren't the problem here. Just trashy people doing trashy things.

[@ryanreinhart1834]

so none of the Overlanders are dumping broken boats drywall old papers and furniture, please dont spread your low IQ.

[@Macksdamage]

Overlanders dumping drywall?

[@kotelypiesely1268]

if you wanna do this at home I recomend Snowrunner

[@dallaswalker480]

Love that game

[@zanewonderly9690]

I have over 1k hours in the game. Easiestly one of my favorites made

[@tokyo-5665]

i loved the game but my 1st gen ps4 goes full jet engine mode when playing 😿

[@colinsmith1942]

Yes

[@backyardbuilds4797]

Lol

[@routinemarkout2099]

As an overlanding KZbinr I appreciate this video! I’m always the only overlander at car meets.

[@zaneferrin4659]

I own a 2014 crosstrek and I love it so much. With the only addition of BFG K02's, she absolutely destroys in the snow and works surprisingly well going up relatively steep, rocky inclines. She's also really fun to get sideways on a dirt road. Additionally, if you put the back seats down and the front seats all the way forward, you can (barely) fit a full size mattress in the back with about 1-1.5ft of headroom. Pretty cramped, but it works in a pinch. For extended stays in it, I recommend taking the passenger and rear seats out and installing a bed-platform of some type.

[@stinkymans5002]

You’ve inadvertently just doubled the amount of people trying to overland with their first car

[@tittytrav55]

Me in my $500 dodge neon; "Yeah I can get through that mud hole"

[@ihatehandles]

@@tittytrav55 yeah do it, it'll go amazing

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

My first car was a Citroen 2CV ... turns out it is a really good car for dirt and gravel roads. 😁 It's pretty noisy though, so I upgraded to a Citroen Dyane, and put better mufflers on it.

[@ctjfd]

2014 crosstrek owner here: yes they are fun, reliable, and contrary to what people say, can make barely ENOUGH power to haul a lot of cargo up a hill, do I want more power? Sure, but if I wanted power I wouldnt have bought a versatile compact crossover. The newer generations make even more power. Stock height is already a lot of ground clearance to offroad most places. If not tent or roof tent camping, you can sleep inside if you are under 5'10". This thing destroys other cars in the snow, and soon i'm gonna start bringing it to rallycross. I would LOVE to drop by donut HQ to let you guys play around with it in the dirt.

[@ryanreinhart1834]

literally entire forum threads about how a heavily load subaru CVT will guarantee fail, since the gear ratio in the CVT is meant for On road MPG. i dont doubt if you Subaru leaves you stranded 100miles away from any Subaru shop with a 5000$ transmission repair. lolz. good luck that .

[@jacoblevy4429]

@@ryanreinhart1834 they make it with a manual too

[@Cal94]

i just wish it looked like a V90 CC

[@ryanreinhart1834]

@@jacoblevy4429 100% of Crostrek with Manual transmissions recalled for PCV failure and excessive oil Consumption LOOOLZ. okay, still have pathetic gear ratio.

[@HighPingNate]

@@ryanreinhart1834 LAWLLL SO FUNNY- nobody cares. Shut up.

[@taylorekelmann5576]

I have an Outback and it’s honestly blown my mind with the capabilities it has off-roading with just the stock features.. there’s more room than the crosstrek and more ground clearance as well. All around a great vehicle

[@yawnidubs]

I cant wait for theme parks and other amusement outlets to open so that our parks can get a break. Seriously, it's so devastating to see some of the trails and camp grounds just absolutely thrashed by careless people.

[@derrick7648]

nice places are being trashed too by low class people with stimulus money. You wouldn't believe the things I've seen on the Vegas strip this year. People walking around in sweatpants and slides smh

[@AA-vr8ez]

@@derrick7648 that’s what happens when trump supporters find it trendy to spend their Biden buxs

[@juusto7171]

@@AA-vr8ez rent free

[@explorewithme4707]

“BMW has 7 SUV’s” that look exactly like one another.😂

[@mv1509]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoKco3toeq2kars

[@matyibarna]

In my opinion pretty much every single SUV looks the same, its just so boring

[@ZACKARDO]

No

[@adam2uber]

Talked to a BMW designer many, many years ago and he talked about the "same sausage, different length" philosophy. Don't remember if he said they try to avoid it or go for it but the sausage analogy made me chuckle. And yes, he was German.

[@relatedfir]

@@ZACKARDO yes

[@BigBadBeard-jo4xn]

WTF, Ive been overlanding for years on fishing trips without giving it a hipster name, We just called it camping

[@humbertob9285]

Same

[@J5L5M6]

It's more so that people just started calling basic camping "overlanding" but Americans aren't doing it as the original term suggests. Think Sub-Sahara Africa, Central Asia, or Australia. That is where Overlanding happens. And, not that we don't have fun, gorgeous terrain in North America, it's simply that roughin' it for Americans ain't the same as the rest of the world.

[@MasterOfPoridge]

nowadays every process has a more popular hipster name

[@guy253]

@@MasterOfPoridge it’s always been that way plays on words or just straight up perceiving an entirely new definition literally has happened all throughout history not just the new generation

[@MasterOfPoridge]

@@guy253 nEw GeN is BaD

[@donewhiskey]

6:53 I have a 2021 Crosstrek Limited and I love this car. I don't see myself letting it go, anytime soon. The smart cruise control is probably one of the best in the business and makes highway driving absolutely casual. If traffic is irritating and you want to get away from them all, the Crosstrek has no issue kicking off from anyone. Get the 2.5L; there is an excellent turbo kit, for it. 12:34 Okanagan: oak-UH-nah-gin (hard g). Great job on Wenatchee! I will say that most dispersed campgrounds that I have seen, in 2020, had semi-permanent residences and were effectively destroyed. You may have to go a little farther to get out, in 2021. #leavenotrace

[@katreniaclark]

GREAT episode. I was an Off-roader and LOVED it in my Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

[@peternelson7545]

The people disliking this video are the same ones trashing the parks and beautiful vistas they're trying to appreciate.

[@donotatme]

If the Aztek came out today with it's tailgate tent and built in cooler it would fit right in

[@FXIIBeaver]

Aztek was ahead of it's time.

[@CanadaBud23]

@@FXIIBeaver I'd say more along the lines of lived in a different time.

[@FXIIBeaver]

@@CanadaBud23 that is still ahead of it's time.

[@CanadaBud23]

@@FXIIBeaver Why you making it sound like a good thing? They were still garbage problematic vehicles. It's kind of the opposite for overlanding.

[@FXIIBeaver]

@@CanadaBud23 no one said it was a good vehicle but. Having a built in cooler, waterproof seats, front seat cushions that could be used as a flotation device, tail gate pop up camper. Were very much quality traits that any overland would love to have and was way ahead of it's time. An suv I could go to the lake and chill in the water with a seat cushion and a chilled beer from the built in cooler then lower the tail gate pop up the camper and go to bed. That is the definition of an overland vehicle. Only thing vehicles are missing today are the seat cushions as a floatation device.

[@adampitts3114]

Nolan, love the video! I too was looking at Crosstreks a few years ago but found them extremely underpowered. They gained some HP with the redesign (2019 model year I think) but that wasn’t in my price range so I ended up getting a Forester and love it. I actually like it so much that when my first one got stolen I bought another one.

[@Tom-to6zy]

Aren't they on the same platform? Our extended fam have older models of both and I'd go Forrester as well, for more cargo space and flatter roof.

[@LeRouxEnslin]

As Tom said, Crosstrek and the Forester share the exact same underpinnings and engines. Forester has more space inside, but other than that, basically the same vehicle.

[@CFelicianoCumbas]

Like it when they tell us about car culture. I love engineering and the culture it brings to society.Sometimes I click onto the ads to skew ad tracking and mess with the marketeer’s click data on click to view vs buy.

[@SamChou]

Hey, thanks for the plug at 0:35 and 8:41! If anyone wants to see more of the Overland drawers I built, here's the full video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qniQqJWjrMunaJo

[@aidan_r8712]

Checked out your channel you got some pretty cool stuff

[@Sub4CarClips]

Nice

[@treyreppe4348]

Lol

[@qmqz_]

what a small world

[@axdicaire]

I think one of the thing we should all start doing to protect nature is to stop geo tagging your instagram post. It's okay for people who see your picture to not know where it was taken

[@senditkevin]

I never geo tag my ig posts. Never felt the need to. Plus in my area where i go camping everyone rides dirt bikes and quads anyways.

[@downbytheriver501]

Exactly. On my channel, I almost never disclose the places I go. I may tell the general area, and leave it up to the viewer to grab a map and find it like i did!

[@jacobhorton9832]

Honestly, I remeber back in the day it was everyones goal to find a secret camping/hiking spot!

[@cameronpeterson896]

If I geotag somewhere that’s not super well known, I’ll generally tag the region itself. Like instead of tagging the trail it’s on, I tag just the state itself

[@Badger1776]

You use social media?

[@maadmaxx123]

GF bought a Crosstrek and she loves it. Hell I love it. When we don't want to drag out the truck somewhere but still want to carry the kayaks it's perfect.

[@TSM23026]

2017 Crosstrek checking in. I’ve been looking at getting one for years and picked one up recently to overland after my ST died. They’re great intro crossovers and they hold their value real well. Maintenance is also easy and they’re very reliable which is a big plus for me at least.

[@BenStinnett]

Wow, appreciate the shoutout at 3:30 and the great video you put together. It's so important with the rapid rise in people getting outside and exploring our public lands that folks educate themselves on Leave No Trace and Tread Lightly principles. We all need to do our part to leave places better than we found them so that everyone can continue to enjoy them.

[@johnathanjonker4386]

Overlanding is pretty popular here in South Africa. Its the reason why the Toyota Hilux and fortuner is so famous here

[@mattblank9302]

Don't forget the pickup landcruiser

[@bigdfitness5020]

Overlanding, in most of Africa, is just normal traveling from one area to another lol.

[@1x_Bailey]

Oh you from sa☺

[@StanleyKubick1]

the hilux was very popular in SA way before overlanding became common. that's why it's built there.

[@bonnieseretse5527]

True true

[@jeans_on_two_wheels1495]

Got a 2021 crosstrek and love it! Got 5 trips done in it and many more planned. It’s an amazing daily and has enough room for all of my needs. Even can load up the kayaks and mine and a buddies gear.

[@aragotoblythe]

Thank you for including the "further reading" section.

[@kurtis6939]

Off topic, but as a hunter who’s been doing this for years a bunch of people in the woods pisses me off 😂

[@Markymarkymark]

The outdoors ain’t for the meek and cars don’t belong with you out in nature because it’s not the point, but cars going out and doing this is dope ngl.

[@jesseflores9087]

as dirt biker who’s been doing it for even more years, bunch of gun nuts shooting in the woods pisses me off

[@tice1185]

@@jesseflores9087 hunters existed before dirt bikes lol

[@sterlingmakara]

As someone who goes real offroading, I agree. Can't go anywhere without idiots in their fancy new 4runners parked right on the trails and leaving their garbage everywhere. Leaving a bad name for us.

[@-meat-]

@@tice1185 heck, if it wasn't for hunting, the human race wouldn't even exist

[@Alexpickups]

I think most “overlanders” really just are normal campers

[@nooranik21]

Agreed. I have a roof top tent for my RAV4. I mostly just camp off forest roads. There's nothing "extreme" about what I do. I just don't like paying for campsites and sleeping off the ground is nice.

[@michaelaguilar9751]

I've called it camping since I was a kid. The last few years I found out I've been overlanding all this time.

[@mojaverc1585]

Yeah Its just camping

[@MichaelRCarlson]

Yep, campers who go out 3 times a year and spent WAAAY too much money on gear they don't need. A $3000 RTT vs. a box store $50 tent would suit just fine, for example.

[@Patty-vo4nz]

@@michaelaguilar9751 it’s because America is stupid we still call it camping here or we just call it 4wding

[@jackwilson8226]

Glad this video was made! Going to be thinking about my impact more whenever I offroad somewhere!

[@jef467]

Just bought my dream rig in hopes of exploration, a 1978 Fj40 💕

[@twistingterrain7748]

I remember when it was just called "camping" But I still love it. Take my 4runner all over.

[@thatraymond]

I love my '13 Crosstrek, I would suggest one in a heartbeat! Even with the Goodyear Eagles on it this car is a billy goat!

[@SpiritedWrenchers]

Great video. We've been overlanding for the last couple of years. Had a modified Crosstrek (lifted with offroad wheels and tires). After getting stuck due to low power/torque, decided to just go all in and I traded it in for 4Runner. Haven't regretted that one bit. Good luck with your search and just remember to tread lightly!

[@brendanmoore2143]

Loved my Crosstrek! However....it is small. I’m 6’5” and that was fine when my kids were 3 and 4 but when they got to 9 and 10, I had to upgrade to the Forester and that is an amazing car too!

[@Reflex-vt9jb]

Parents have a crosstrek, they're loving it. its small and fun, but has good utility

[@FreeTimeFeats]

I will admit I already had a love affair with camping. So when trends started allowing me to pack less and have more flexibility with where I camp (communities sharing their tips, tricks, locations) I definetly capitalized and outfitted my truck with a rooftop tent and cargo drawers. I have no regrets!

[@stevegait5548]

Just bought a 2021 Crosstrek sport manual So far loving it. Great in the snow and light offroad in stock form.

[@UpNorthMotorsports]

Just starting overlanding little over a year ago. Always make sure to keep things clean 👌

[@sindeeeed]

because of donut media, I joined the car community.

[@PLK123]

aww

[@flybid301]

epic

[@notorious_hectorius]

same

[@sindeeeed]

👍👍@@notorious_hectorius

[@jadenrhys_4987]

@@PLK123 OHMAGAWD PLK YOU’re hereee

[@DaTT78]

Don't forget about the Pontiac Aztek....came with a camper option. Well ahead of its time. lol

[@LudwigDrummer0013]

I say that all the time. that car was definitely ahead of its time haha

[@VoiceOverTrailReviews]

I love my 2018 crosstrek! I put Falken wildpeaks on it and they’re amazing! It goes a lot of crazy places and it’s completely stock.

[@jesserenn3152]

My roomie has a 2019 Crosstrek and she LOVES IT. It's got plenty of get up and go but plenty of clearance too.

[@furqaanu2136]

Got triggered the advertising line wasn't yellow today

[@EarthyBlendPOV]

2019 Crosstrek, 2inch leveling lift, Method wheels w/ KO2’s...I dig it. Roof rack with matching spare on top. 28mpg avg.

[@Advtr.ram69]

What you do to get 28 mpg!!?!?!?!?!?! I have toyos which are lighter than the bfgs and average 24.5

[@phantommedia9964]

Are you still getting 28mpg even with a lift, tires, and roof rack on top?

[@EarthyBlendPOV]

@@Advtr.ram69 The Thule roof has a shield that deflects the air up and over top of the spare at highway speeds. I probably lose 5 mpg with it up there. But it looks cool!

[@theonly_ElonMusk]

My Renegade Trailhawk will smash on your weak af crosstrek

[@Advtr.ram69]

@@theonly_ElonMusk your trail hawk has no chance up against a stock crosstrek,

[@k209558]

Love my crosstreck. It’s perfect mix of utility, comfort and efficiency. Even ended up selling my boosted mustang since I preferred to drive the crosstreck around town.

[@patricktidman1770]

I have a 2021 manual crosstrek and it’s awesome! I previously had a 2018 manual crosstrek that I put over 90,000 km on with zero issues in terms of reliability. They’re a great car and fun with a stick

[@brakel3ss]

We just got a crosstrek and it is sick! Low ground clearance from factory, but a small list and new tires solves the problem pretty quick

[@Juanito548]

I think you’re right. 50% of people hike and do outdoor stuff for the sole purpose to post it on IG. Don’t forget to flash that Patagonia gear too for that 2 day trip.

[@erickrecinos2931]

Or that Columbia gear

[@cleverername]

The number of people I see on the Colorado 14ers that still have the tags on their gear..... and bringing a 60L pack for a day hike?! Why...........

[@jclouw321]

@@erickrecinos2931 I mean here in the Pacific Northwest it makes sense, Columbia is local and often has 60-80% off post-season sales making them the cheapest option by far!

[@jjorjj]

i mean, who cares. it helps keep those brands afloat. and maybe by doing it for instagram they get a nice taste for it. dont gatekeep like that m8.

[@exelenttee]

@@cleverername a day hike? You in USA have it easy. In Luxembourg I see people that go for a walk with a dog in a nearby forest with full hiking equipment and a big backpack. Empty plastic and aluminium bottles are a part of nature now.

[@Bad_Riders]

I love my Subie forester for this. Been slowing adding things in preparation for trips lights were a sore point but adding 4 light bars solved that. Id love to see you guys do a hi lo overlander series!!!

[@andreahelebrant3151]

We love our Subaru Crosstrek. When we bought it my first test was could I lay flat in the back. A standard futon mattress comfortably fits in the back. We’ve used it for camping at Cons, national parks, and even a disc golf course.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

I like the self-reliance and preparedness aspect of overlanding. I hate the Gucci gear-only gate keeping aspect. I try to keep everything budget friendly and simple on my build. “Run what you brung” is a great principle for getting outdoors in a vehicle for some camping.

[@JBtacoma]

If you add a few inches clearance with a decent lift kit, invest in some actual good tires, and get lockers then I wouldn't worry to much. I always think to myself "where the hell they going" when I see a jeep running thin wall 44 mudders and more suspension parts than the vehicles wotth.

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

No one is requiring you to use gucci gear, dont be jealous of those that can afford it.

[@JBtacoma]

@@HAHA.GoodMeme Most can't though, which is why they don't usually run any of those set ups overlanding. He was talking about gatekeeping anyways, which you're trying to do. No ones jealous of your over fluffed ride lol.

[@lexus_offroad_adventures]

@@HAHA.GoodMeme being able to afford something is different than wanting to use money on something. I can buy whatever the overlanding expo has to offer, doesn’t mean I’m going to if I can have just as good of a time with something more reasonably priced or that I make myself. Plus there’s the satisfaction of completing a DIY project. Nice troll attempt tho, best of luck next time

[@themangix357]

Overlanding is simply a light hybrid between campervan camping and rock crawling.

[@ctjfd]

In terms of outdoor travel I would equate: Offroading = hiking Offroad racing = trail running Rock crawling = rockclimbing and scrambling Overlanding = backpacking

[@Patty-vo4nz]

Do you guys only have rocks like why is it always about rock crawling there

[@huasohvac]

@@ctjfd that's a fair comparison

[@johnmortimer3986]

2018 cross owner with the 6sp manual. Plagued with rev hang and needs a pedal commander but I love it

[@averyparticularsetofskills]

Noland your "overlanding fitness level" looks good bro 100. Keep it up!

[@bobbyhennessy1017]

Please keep making overlander/off-road centric content. I would love for my 4Runner to continue skyrocketing in artificial value

[@gjohnson9260]

Pretty sure their next Money Pit is gonna be two old Toyota trucks

[@JeepXLC]

@@gjohnson9260 if it is, i'm unsubscribing. i found donut media while trying to get away from the toxic over priced offroad world. if they go down that path, i'm abandoning ship.

[@alexanderdrago7166]

@@JeepXLC not toxic if u learn fab and stay away from toyotas and wranglers

[@JeepXLC]

@@alexanderdrago7166 i know how to fab. but the 4x4 world got overwhelmed by angry eyes and low profile mud tires.

[@KnightWheelsMedia]

9:08 that’s me! Super cool seeing my content featured on one of my favorite channels 🙌🏻🙌🏻 thanks guys

[@odellmoreno6242]

Awesome vids

[@KnightWheelsMedia]

@@odellmoreno6242 thanks man!!

[@Maxx.Powell]

Dude! That's awesome

[@zirconia_7911]

Have got an older lifted Impreza hatchback (it's got the power for tire weight but gas milage definitely took a hit) and I love it. haven't done as much off-roading as I'd like, but have gotten to places were only 4x4 trucks could make it.

[@ragnarock5435]

This video so much good information amazing job love this channel!

[@diamondduckdude7498]

Honestly, if the Crosstrek is for a new series of HiLow or you’re looking at building an overlander, I would try looking at other SUV’s as well and keep in mind that older also means less technology to break or interfere with the experience. Other body-on-frame SUV’s as well, like 4Runners, Jeeps, or Xterras also tend to have a lot more ground and tire clearance for off-roading, which other than 4-wheel drive of course is one of the most important parts of off-roading. Personally I have an 02’ Nissan Xterra, and it might be bare bones and slow on the road, but when I take it off-road and remember how cheap it was to buy, it makes me remember why I love it so much.

[@internetmike]

A Hi-Low for overlanding would be so fitting right now

[@djluminol]

Buy some lift shackles and crank your torsion bars. You'll get a couple inches of lift and be able to drive down dirt roads at 40 or 50 no problem without the washboard rattling anymore. I had a Frontier for about 15 years that I did that too. It'll cost you about $30 bucks if you have tools to make your own shackles and maybe $80 if you need to buy some. Idk I haven't looked in forever but they're cheap. It's way cheaper to replace a worn out leaf springs by going to a junkyard after ten years than it is to buy fancy aftermarket suspension parts that don't work as well. I had a friend with a really built offroad Xterra and I would constantly leave him in the dust because his $2000 lift kit suspension sucked balls. Seriously it makes a huge difference. I could literally jump my truck and not spill the drink in the cup holder. If you use your Xterra offroad I would highly recommend it.

[@xanderxue5864]

My guess is that since he's putting out there that he's looking at a Crosstrek, and I think they're located in L.A. (though correct me if I'm wrong), he's not really seeking a true off-roader, but rather a swiss army kind of vehicle that's mostly for daily driving yet sufficient for the occasional weekend adventure. The size, ride, and MGP of those mid-size truck-like SUVs, which I'm sure are well within his radar, probably disqualified them from consideration.

[@nickenomics]

Jeep Cherokee

[@nickenomics]

I want it

[@HyperSarcasticAvocado]

Me when overlanding: Look ma, I can drive over this smol rock!

[@jasonatkinson1203]

I absolutely love my ‘15 crosstrek. The lower center of gravity and awd system gives it a ‘jack of all trades’ type feel. There are some drawbacks, as with any vehicle, the cvt gets hot if you’re not kinda to it and the bottom pan is rather exposed. But as you said knowing the limits of your ability and vehicle are key to any successful adventure on or off road. That being said I have yet to get my little roo stuck and at times yes I’ve tried. We always stay on trail and carry extra trash containers to remove trash we find along the way.

[@Sam-xb7lw]

I’ve had my Crosstrek for a couple years and I love it. It’s not the most powerful but it’s gotten me through the Midwest winter and some trails in the Dakotas and Wyoming while still all stock . It also has great gas mileage for daily driving.

[@matthewd6061]

Crosstrek is the only car that I have regretted selling! Loved mine, looking to buy another soon.

[@kendalphillips5404]

Anyone else from Australia looking at these rigs and thinking that’s nothing compared to what we do for camping haha

[@ganker24]

Lol, Australia camping is on a different level

[@Iykyk108]

Yeah in Australia we do it so much different

[@s_u_p_e_r_f_e_e_d]

Hey Nolan! I just got a Crosstrek myself and can honestly say it’s the best car I’ve ever owned. I got it specifically because I knew I wanted to outfit it for some mild overlanding on the weekends! It’s comfortable, spacious (i have a dog too), and can look pretty badass w/ the right mods. I tossed some All Terrains on it as well as a Front Runner rack and Rooftop tent. Not to mention, there’s a whole community of Crosstrekers (just like other car communities lol) that make owning a Crosstrek pretty satisfying. Now go get yourself a Crosstrek 🙌

[@secretistobangtherockstogether]

Great piece! Hopefully peeps will take this to heart

[@fuzzpunks3639]

I have a Crosstrrek. I love it, regularly take it all around the Tahoe area. It's even stock with the CVT, but we still manage to have an amazing amount of fun. We go out with other Subie people, find a site in the snow, and camp. No rooftop tent yet, though a few local Subaru owners have them without issue.

[@dillonh321]

I have the outback, crosstrek's big bro, and I love it. Up here in the rocky mountains I would recommend the H6 or turbo model but for the most part it's a great rig and I have taken it many places and if you live in a lower altitude area the base engine is adequate.

[@Jefreeman13]

There's a lot of folks proving those cvts are pretty decent! I'm still a little scared of them but those crosstreks are impressive 👌

[@ryanreinhart1834]

so your 1 belt away from being stranded in the bush with big ugly paperweight loooollz ., good luck bucko. CVTs are meant for Forklifts not automobiles.

[@sk8xaq]

@@ryanreinhart1834 its more of a chain. There are weak points in all drive-trains, its all about how you drive them. I appreciate you trying to look out though.

[@fuzzpunks3639]

@@ryanreinhart1834 Where is that not true, though. If you take your Jeep up into the hills, your "one broken chain from being a paperweight lololo timing chains are for forklifts!" It's a really dumb thing to bet on.

[@tyler856]

I own a manual lifted subaru crosstrek and I love it. With the lift and bigger tires I get around 11inches of ground clearance.

[@RM-ys1bn]

Been into 4x4s for 20 years and you guys hit the nail in the head. Overlanding is fun, it makes the roughing part more posh for people. If people want to get their mall crawlers dirty with their "overlanding gear" on, they need to check out their local 4x4 park. There tons of these parks where trails are easy to moderate and made for doing just that.

[@nnhk0056]

Just wrecked our Crosstrek. Loved it. Was a little small for a guy to car camp in, though.

[@charleskrauss293]

PLEASE! Do a Hi Low series on overland builds. I feel like there would be a lot you guys could cover.

[@Donut]

👀

[@JeremyHale141]

@@Donut wait...that comment was 3 minutes ago and your reply was 5 minutes ago......WHAT?!?!?!? also can you please bring back Up To Speed

[@okme539]

@@Donut guys they are waiting until the 400Z comes out to do season 2

[@dial1115]

@@Donut let’s goooooo

[@Sean-ib7pd]

I appreciate the awareness you guys are bringing to keeping the trails and parks CLEAN. another issue we have in the southeast are people going out wheeling when the trails are wet, leading to horribly destroyed trails and erosion causing an already limited number of trails to be closed by the park service. Leave no trace guys and call out people who are careless

[@dandube6287]

Just bought a brand new crosstrek sport 6 speed. Love it

[@TheJaredvargas]

As per your question on the Crosstek. I have a 2021 and I get 36 mpg on hwy. Does great with all wheel drive but haven't tested in snow yet. I plan on snowboarding a lot this winter so I will test it for sure. I love my crosstrek. It's great on the road, small on trials, and still has enough clearance for easy trails. I am getting a lift just not sure when. I drive it off road more than my lifted jeep as it gets better mileage and is way more comfortable. I love it.

[@robertmathews3570]

Love my crosstrek! The slowest car I’ve owned, but great mpg and ground clearance. Get the manual though.

[@taoscadarette6105]

Thank you guys for pointing out the environmental impact that these hipsters are doing! 🙌

[@johnm243]

The hipsters are evolving. They're trading their skinny jeans and cardigans for tactical cargo pants and button down long sleeve plaid shirts. Beards are still hanging in there.

[@Egerit100]

@@johnm243 and trading in their VW vans for bigger, cooler cars

[@justinbroderick7843]

I've had my Crosstrek for 3 years and it's a very capable car for light to medium overlanding as it comes. I have the 6 speed manual so I can't speak to the CVT issues that some people complain about. The stock ground clearance was good enough for me to take on moderately rough forest service roads although I have since added a 2.5" lift and larger tires to help with the rougher roads I have to travel for work. I did build a sleeping platform for the back because I was spending months at a time living out of it with my dog and the backseat does not fold flush with the hatch area. I'm not a tall person (5'7") but I fit perfectly sleeping in the back. I will admit for long periods of time it can be cramped to live out of like this which is why I'm building a small off-road teardrop trailer to tow behind it, but for shorter trips it works great.

[@postalservicefpv]

I have 2014 Crosstrek. Drove from CA to CO and back, spending the winter in CO. Handles rough trails easily completely stock and is fantastic in the snow. ~28 mpg for long trips. I wish it had a little more power, but it's never really been an issue. Planning to get new wheels/tires/coilover kit soon and maybe Crawford power power blocks for a few more HP, already added Apple Carplay stereo and backup cam for a few hundred bucks. Storage space is plenty for weekend trips, but it can't fit nearly as much as my 3rd gen 4unner. Longer trips with more than 2 people will require roof storage. But it keeps up with my buddy's lifted 4wd 3rd gen on trails. Love the Crosstrek. GET ONE

[@vedanttoke20]

You can do the same with mountain bikes too!

[@High_Octane]

this should be more popular. i know it is already but super mainstream.

[@covertprepper5957]

Like you have to pedal out into the wilderness? With all your gear? That sounds awful

[@High_Octane]

@@covertprepper5957 awfully good bro.

[@vedanttoke20]

@@covertprepper5957 yeah with tents and all its called bike packing. And it is really fun

[@covertprepper5957]

@@High_Octane haha you guys are in better shape than me

[@jacobfowler8795]

Video idea: why are motorcycles allowed to be so loud, and cars aren’t?

[@charlesissleepy]

they aren't, stock pipes are usually pretty quiet. Riders like being heard so they swap em out

[@spondal1]

Easy answer, they aren’t really allowed to be louder. However if you where to bolt up a complete car exhaust system to a motorcycle to make it quieter it wouldn’t be rideable. Also it’s a lot easier to change your system on a motorcycle, which factory are pretty quite, and it’s just hard to enforce a noise law when that’s the case.

[@bugslayr102]

because people don't see motorcyclists half the time, it helps people look out for them actually

[@carholic-sz3qv]

its all about exhaust note engine configuration and rpm which bikes can go over 15k rpm just as example

[@ussindyboyz9683]

Matt’s off road recovery is a great Channel for this!

[@gwot]

not at all close. as his channel name suggests he recovers off road. Overlanding is about the road trip, which he doesn't do, at all.

[@paytonkorns6755]

Absolutely love my corsstrek. I bought it with a 6-speed manual so I can do this. Many people have told me that it isn't capable, but those same people needed me to pull out their trucks several times. About to put a lift and roof rack soon!

[@TacomaDad]

Stay on the trail and leave no trace. It’s hard for some to understand that.

[@eurosonly]

They must be the same folks who fight their speeding tickets. Some people just don't care.

[@reaperreaper5098]

If you're sticking to trails, you aren't overlanding. There's also not really all that much reason to stick to trails in good overlanding spots, legal or practical. Just don't liter like a douche, rip up everything you're driving over, or leaking fluids.

[@ThatRcThing]

The cvt in the crosstrek is the Achilles heal. It's fine for mild offloading but shuts down pretty quick with moderate slipping

[@Advtr.ram69]

All you really need is a cvt cooler and its pretty much fine

[@High_Octane]

@@Advtr.ram69 for a 100k kilometers. then it takes a shit.

[@Advtr.ram69]

@@High_Octane bruh 62k miles 😂😂 youre funny , I know CVT treks with no coolers that have over 75k miles

[@dillonh321]

@@High_Octane This hate on subarus due to their CVT is really annoying. I have family with a 2012 outback 2.5i CVT with 140k miles. No issues and can take it wherever my Ram truck can go. I have borrowed it and liked it so much that I bought a 2017 for my daily.

[@High_Octane]

@@Advtr.ram69 " Bro! 5 miles!!! are you kidding me. This will do at least 6!!!!!

[@saxontill3452]

I used to own a 2018 crosstrek m/t, and it was a very fun car a little slow on the highways and when overtaking but you just bang shift it and it’ll get you wherever you need. As far as offroading it will do medium trails and handles snow beautifully. It honestly transforms into a rally car in the dirt, and with the extra ground clearance you don’t have to worry about scraping it as much. And as far as camping, I could fit a twin size air mattress in the back of mine with the seats forward. As well as a kayak on the roof. What more do you need. Anyways I sold it for a beater bmw.

[@Drew311Drew]

Economy cars are good for overlanding too. Went to a trip here in PH and bought an old Toyota Vios, bought new tires and went off.