Overlanding Is Dead, Long Live Overlanding | 4K

[@tacotrucktrd155]

Overlanding has been hijacked by posers and influencers for years. It’s not about gear, equipment or vehicles. It’s about getting outside and enjoying life to me. You go hiking to enjoy life and I take my truck to go cycling off the beaten path. I found the perfect vehicle for my lifestyle. The perfect vehicle will present itself for your needs. Good luck with the new direction.

[@quinnycoleman7214]

I love his description of overlanding, as ive always been inclusive of everyone in the community, cross over or 2wd or built up toyotas and jeeps or good ol boys in 20 year old beaters like me. I love wheeling and pushing my driving and trucks, and love camping. If the posers or influencers get people excited and get them out thats awesome in my mind, just know you dont need a tacoma or rubicon to do it

[@thomassanio8745]

Extremely well put and sadly quite accurate as well. I love my rig and where it will take me but always looking for Marie challenging stuff to get away from the softroaders, side by sides, etc

[@jcwebb540]

I came here for the Land Rover content. I'll stay for the cool dude who's putting his health first. Super proud of you.

[@MattKester]

Thanks, JC! It's been an interesting few months. I've been focusing on getting a solid series going around the GMRS stuff and sharing as much as I can with that community while kicking my training schedule for the next marathon into high gear. I'm hoping that after the first of the year I can get back out and start making some automotive backpacking content, but you're right, I'm focusing on my first for a little while and while it may have hurt my perceived channel growth, it's meant a lot that people like you have stuck with me!

[@JT_Adventures]

On one of the recent “jeep” runs I did near Flagstaff we saw several Subaru’s with RTTs and many other SUV’s stuffed with camping gear. Point is my experience this past 6 months fits your theory. People are getting out to many areas & enjoying life in all kinds of vehicles. Fuel efficient & cost efficient vehicles. The horse has changed over the years but it’s purpose is the same.

[@marvinmeredith2193]

My first camping trip was almost 60 years ago,for gear we had quilts, pillows, an old cheap thin frying pan and fishing gear! I often wonder how many people tie up thousands of dollars to do something they have never done before because it looks so good on a 15 minute you-tube well edited video! Only to find out they don’t enjoy camping or whatever. If you don’t love doing it with the gear you have, throwing a bunch of money at it will probably not help. Thanks for your honesty, learn from life and get in where you fit in!

[@jonnewbury3482]

Good luck Matt with your new direction. I discovered this for myself when I was wrapped up in motorcycle gear. Then came overlanding. I am was lucky enough to see that the camping gear I already owned was plenty. I bought a used 2016 Tacoma put on a lift and tires and just enjoyed camping.

[@MattKester]

Thanks Jon! Yeah, a Tacoma and some "normal" camping gear will take you quite far in this world, that's for sure!

[@craigbutler623]

Sad to see you sell the old disco. You did a.great job on the videos and really enjoyed watching! Wishing you all the best .

[@yrigoyen0108]

Yes I agree

[@cryptooverland1666]

Mixed on this one man…going to miss the down to earth overlanding videos but looking forward to the new direction. Best of luck

[@desertrosejeeper75]

Change is good for the mind to forget somethings and focus on new things. Liked your content and delivery and to the point opinions, so I look forward to the new, whatever it may be. Stay cool and keep your head level and up! Good luck!

[@Mark-gx1ee]

I appreciate the content you've posted over the years, and it's been fun seeing you offroad and drive to different spots in Arizona where I live. I agree that overlanding is dying as a mainstream hobby. It will go back to its roots and the niche community that has always supported it. 99% of people with overlanding vehicles don't even do true overlanding, and you kinda mentioned it, but you can get to so many beautiful places for car camping with just a crossover or heck, even a Prius! Good luck on your personal journey!

[@Studdinn]

Tent, matress, primus, some cooking tools, non electric coolbox + some chairs and a hamaca is what I have in my Disco2 with a TD5, no exspencive stuff, just basics and the enjoyment of being out in nature

[@thomassanio8745]

Hey Matt as a fellow Arizonan I appreciate what you do. Keep enjoying the outdoors. Hope to see more from you👍

[@wolatzakholi2257]

It’s unfortunate to see it ends this way. You might want to look into lr3 for overland vehicle. I hope you choose a Land Rover for your next overlander so good luck to you. 👍👍

[@MattKester]

You know, I have been LR3 curious in the past, but right now I'm needing to scale things down a bit. Might be a good future pick, but it'll be a ways down the road.

[@StephenGomez21]

Nothing wrong with closing a chapter and starting a new one ! Can't wait to see what next

[@garywheeler2055]

One of the most humble honest self declarations I have ever seen. More power to ya 👍👍👍🇨🇦

[@TradesmanOutdoorAdventures]

Good luck with your future plans…don’t overthink things and just have fun!

[@PeteGeniella]

KZbin seems to like channels to be silo'd into narrow topics. But that's not really how people operate. Personal growth is a always good thing and respect to you to have courage to step beyond the algorithm and do what feeds your soul. I say this in a kind way; it took me a while to subscribe to your channel. I liked the spectrum of topics you covered, but I wasn't always totally into the kinda-sardonic, kinda-angry, kinda-ranty version of you. I have really really appreciated the more honest, direct, heart-felt approach you've take to your work lately. I'd like to see that dude do a few overland trip vids but I am staying subscribed in any case. Best of luck to you, the past 6 months have been a shit sandwich for you but you are pushing through with positivity.

[@JerryArizona]

Great vid, man. Best of luck on the new journey.

[@MattKester]

Thanks buddy! Appreciate the insight on the trip for sure!

[@jenniferhewitt9739]

I appreciate this video. I like the idea of exploring new places and being in nature, road trips, meeting people and sleeping under the stars. I have always thought that keeping it simple is the best way to go. You don’t have to have a super fancy rig to enjoy those things. Another thought I haven’t been able to shake is, true Overlanding destroys the very habitat we want to enjoy. Just get out there with what you have, being mindful of nature, even if all you have is a weekend. Keep it simple 😊

[@ZachBrimhall]

Bummer! Great videos the last couple years. I'm about the same age and am also going through serious life changes like yours. Hang in there! Best of luck dude✌

[@keisteroverlandingtnt3489]

That had to be the most honest video I've ever seen. I hope more people realize OVERLANDING as we knew it is over. AMERICAN OVERLANDING IS WHERE IT'S AT.

[@delvinmorales9458]

Looking forward to see what comes next. A lot of the time a single choice can have this sort of momentum and before we know it large aspects of our life it's just becomes autopilot. A default setting left unquestion until something forces us to reflect.

[@MattKester]

You know it! I'm moving it forward for sure!

[@bonespur2728]

“overlanding” is a trendy term. Gives people without any personality something to latch onto like most lifestyles that are sold to us. The death of cheap tuner cars brought tons of people into the offroading scene, and eventually something else will be the trend, and people will offload their 4x4s like you. I’m glad you’re trying new things, but i think it would be wise to keep your family drama offscreen.

[@hughsmitham722]

I think he's done a fairly good job balancing the change.

[@tomfoolery5619]

Keep the faith brother. Do what you do and enjoy life

[@clydeosterhout1221]

TBH, I’m just here for the reviews, which are great. Enjoy your journey!

[@Deckardrick007]

There's plenty other channels that deal with overlanding on KZbin. People that have been doing it for decades. So no worries on leaving it behind. Priorities are important, good luck with the new venture!

[@canyonsteinzig4068]

I think you have interesting ideas and style that fuse important ethical concerns with the aesthetic, and I look forward to what you come up with. Bold of you to break free.

[@GavinEarnshaw]

No, Thank you Matt, I've enjoyed your take on ordinary Overland stuff and of course the Disco. I'm sorry things didn't work out but it seems you've got a new direction. Best of luck and I'll keep an eye out for the new stuff.

[@elim9780]

Great perspective in comparing backpacking and car camping. This isn’t an end it’s just a change of direction. You got to the fork in the road. Looking fwd to what you come up with next. Keep it up. Change is a good thing! This is a new you

[@MattKester]

Thanks Eli! I'm definitely looking forward to where this journey takes me! Thanks for being here and watching and commenting!

[@SiCrewe]

Good on ya' for a very thoughtful video, even if I can't really agree with all of it. I totally agree with you about "car camping". We might like to call it an "overland vehicle" or even a "bug out vehicle" but most of the time it's just a tiny, expensive, macho camper van. My original reason but buying my Disco' (which I still feel is valid) is that I live in a rural area and, come November, the roads are either flooded or covered in snow and an "SUV" just won't cut it. Beyond that, I honestly think, if you want a 4x4, a Disco offers some of the best value for money around... although prices are going up all the time. Having bought my Disco' I wanted to make it so I could spend the night in it. I commute to work weekly. It's a 250 mile (each way) trip and if any of the roads are impassible in winter I wanted to be able to heat up food, sleep comfortably and be able to plug in my iPad for entertainment. Once I'd sorted that stuff out I realised I had a vehicle that we could also jump into and head off to a beach, forest, lake or whatever for the weekend. After that, it's definitely all about "car camping"... which is fine for me. I enjoy it. If you have different priorities, there's no reason to cling to something you don't need/want if you can find something more suitable instead.

[@PLUTON9475]

I'm not going to be hypocritical, I'm sad about the changes in your channel. I learned many things and details with you and your 4Runner. I will continue to watch your videos because the feeling that you demonstrate in your videos is unique. Luck does not exist... opportunities are not to be missed. I wish the best to you.

[@michelswerissen6544]

Look forward to new adventures with you...............good luck.

[@vincentpoole7588]

Fed. This goes right back to the real brand of the KZbin Channel which was called "Frugal Explorer Dad" sir ! Make time for a weekend trip every two months and smell the roses ? V.

[@cptsketch13]

Good luck in your future endeavors

[@nickwind2584]

I’ve always felt overlanding is best a journey not a destination. I’ve think some people overland because they need something to film. Others because they like to work on vehicles. Some benefit from the fitness it brings. I personally overland because some of the outdoor shooting ranges I frequent are very remote and overlanding techniques makes my visit more comfortable. My rig is only 2WD which is a sin in overlanding but my path is different. I spend on guns and ammo what others spend on wheels and tires. But it sounds like you’ve lost your destination and now makes your journey untenable. Hope you find a new path soon!

[@romulusoverland314]

I also own an older model Disco 2. Even though it is a diesel, the vehicle weighs around 4,895 lb and it gives me 14 mpg. Its just not worth it anymore. I have a 2005 KLR 650, that gets about 51 mpg, and for that reason, I enjoy it way more freaquently

[@craigbutler623]

How is the klr in the snow?

[@romulusoverland314]

@@craigbutler623 I wouldn't know unfortunately. Doesn't know in part of the world, wish it did though! 😃

[@craigbutler623]

Some here ride their bicycles all winter with studded tires,.and they do ride motorcycles in ice races too!

[@sonthaidds]

Nice and honest video. Good luck buddy.

[@MattKester]

Thank you!

[@stmtom2811]

What came through on hiking parts of this video. Is you were having a good time 👍

[@MattKester]

Hiking that mountain with Jerry was a KZbin dream come true for me. He's one of the reasons I started making these videos because I was a fan of his channel first and it was awesome to be able to also share that experience with my son!

[@romulusoverland314]

I fully agree with the sentiment that the fuel prices are killing the industry. I am over it. I don't enjoy looking at cool rigs anymore because I know I can't afford the fuel bill that goes with it. There is a gap in the automotive industry for smaller engined 4wd vehicles. I would love to see a small diesel, 5 door version of the Suzuki Jimny for example. Doesn't have to be earth shatteringly fast or powerful, plenty of those around. It must just be tough, reliable and cheap. As an idea for your channel, seeing that the vehicle we want doesn't seem to exist yet, why not build your own and document the process?

[@johnkemple]

You have had too much crap from the beginning. You fell in to the KZbin trap, piling on the accessories, barbecues, roof top tents, traction boards. When I was a kid we had a 13 foot shasta trailer. for a family of four. we really just slept in there, my mom cooked inside it when it rained. We went crabbing on the Oregon coast, the trailer was just a place to sleep. It was cheaper than a hotel I suppose. It was cramped and yet it worked well and created memories that are very alive today. Nothing wrong with the discovery in terms of taking you places where you may need a 4x4. You could still get out and walk if you want. lol There are newer vehicles that would accomplish the same thing of course. With a hefty loan payment to go with it. Overlanding is not dead. Some people have plenty of money. Gas price doesn't really matter. For you overlanding is dead. I was divorced 20 years ago. I used to spend every weekend when married looking for gold in streams across Oregon. After the divorce I never went again, because it was connected to my old life, which I loved. I tried to go but it was dead really, it was too painful to re contemplate over and over. I spent a lot of time thinking about it all. But after watching this video, I have decided that I am not going to go down this unsatisfying road any longer. I am dusting off my Gold recovery equipment and heading back to the rivers of Oregon. I will need a four wheel drive to do it. I have an old Range Rover I love it. I may be buried in it. lol To be honest I will miss you struggling with the Land Rover Discovery. I felt a kinship with you for that sole reason. I hope you get over your situation and end up being happy doing something you like that enables you to grow into a better you! Divorce is funny, after the tears and anger resentment etc. Thats when you come to realize that it was over sooo much earlier than you really thought it was. Kind of like an old cartoon where the character breaks into pieces but doesn't fall apart right away. I have no interest in back packing, lol. Not sure I had one in you personally either. Your an Okay guy but Rovers and 4x4's are why I tune in to KZbin at all. It's been good for a while. Watching the old relic being repaired and the struggles you had. For a non mechanic type you helped others think they had a chance at doing it too. Thats a cool legacy man. Take Care and know that the rest of your life starts now. The memories good and bad will be there with you until the last day. get comfortable with all of them, they belong to you. good Luck! Safe Travels! on foot or otherwise.

[@MogsAndDogs]

Good for you!

[@hughsmitham722]

I recall you asked people what you should name the channel, my recommendation was just use your name. Glad to see the transition. When you say you lost your 2 best friends are you talking about your wife and doggo? I get keeping stuff private if you don't want to share. Idk why I'm so bummed about the divorce and now the Rover but your right change is inevitable. On the subject of overlanding, for a while now I recoil at the word/term. It actually annoys me as it's been over used. I tell my ego it's just car camping. Best of luck moving through this next chapter. And I for one have enjoyed you and your content. I've got other thoughts to share probably best shared around a fire.

[@MattKester]

Hey Hugh! Thanks for the kind words, and yes, the two best references refer to Cece and my former wife. It was a double blow, with the latter deciding to call it quits after seven years a mere two weeks after we had to put the former down due to an incurable illness. I've kinda kept it close to my chest not out of a desire to be super private about it, it's more or less because I'm not sure the details are anything that would serve my audience having heard. I think you're right about the overuse of the word overlanding. I struggled to even want to put its the channel name, but it was so catchy, or at least I thought it was, with that 2nd Hand rhyming with it. In hindsight, I think I should have went with my own name when I asked the question all those months ago, but at least I've circled around to it now and get be exactly who I am and want to be now because of it. I'd love to share a fireside chat with you sometime, if you ever make it out this way, let me know!

[@almamdani6564]

Hope to see you on the trail

[@MattKester]

I hope to see you too, my friend!

[@almamdani6564]

@@MattKester I will be at the AZRO rally in November. Check it out if you get a chance. LR family are good peeps. Drop me a line if you are ever in Los Angeles.

[@TheDieselApartment]

I don't have words so I'll stick to my usual millennial game plan and just use emojis 💚😭 Appreciate you and your content. Looking forward to seeing where you go with it next.

[@swyoung69]

I too have put my stock tires back on because i can get almost 100miles more per tank on my LR4. I am going on a car camping trip to Oregon from Vegas and am dreading going through California because of the crazy gas prices. I didnt even get to finish my build for overlanding before gas was killing it. Thanks to a certain sleepy person in charge for that. Cant afford a Rivian to go ovrlanding.

[@elim9780]

Random 2nd comment……….. Subaru cult……. One of us…one of us… lol

[@One_mole_worth]

A name change for the channel might help with feeling contained by the brand. Maybe "adventures with Matt kester" that way, car mechanic stuff is still an adventure .... Just a different style of adventure than hiking. And you can include it all without feeling off brand. I think you're on the right track to a more genuine channel 😁👍 happy you're doing what you want to

[@jofher007]

doughtt it bro. In fact got the feeling that sooner than later you will ran in too a new love in your life and also a rover110 or 90. Just keep your eyes open

[@vernonbennettiii3646]

Please cut the swear words. You sound VERY angry. Good luck with your divorce. I'll check in with your channel again, because I think you have talent and are interesting.

[@i-b1982]

He is angry and trying to find right side up. Swearing is the last of his worries right now, probably needs encouragement

[@alanlaero]

Sometimes nothing feels better than a good F@#%!!! Ok...

[@johnkemple]

@@i-b1982 No he needs to quit whining at rise up

[@dannynavarro3034]

Was a big fan but your Chanel has died over the last 9 months

[@MattKester]

Thanks for taking the time to comment, and I appreciate you having been a fan, but the decrease in channel growth is kinda to be expected when you find out after getting divorced that you have little interest anymore in doing the thing your channel was known for, and that's kinda what this video was supposed to make light of. I wasn't going to continue throwing money at a pursuit I had zero interest in just to please a viewerbase. That would've been as disingenuous as doing a bunch of not-on-brand product reviews (which is what I did end up doing, but at least it didn't cost me anything but my time). This was literally the last time I went camping and I honestly haven't missed it enough to even try again since then. Eventually, I'll find something I'm excited enough to want to make quality videos about again, but for the last nine months, most of that energy has been directed towards taking care of myself, running marathons, and spending quality time with my kid. Making these types of videos takes huge investments in time that just hasn't been a huge priority in my life that I just haven't had the desire to want to put in, although I'm getting closer.

[@romulusoverland314]

Here's a link to my Insta. Would love to chat more with you and curious to see what direction your channel will be taking. Enjoy your content because its different and aimed more at the average joe 😃