Hour-long Compilation: First Overland Trek in the Frontier

After my Subaru Forester overland build was totaled in an accident, I put together a new rig on a budget: A 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro-4x with a very DIY build. In June 2021, I set out for a weeklong backcountry expedition through a part of Oregon I'd never explored before. This was the first real adventure in the Frontier with the Leer contractor cap.
Originally aired as four separate episodes, this video follows the entire story from beginning to end, edited to flow smoothly, sponsored content removed, and reduced ad breaks. Grab a beverage, settle into a comfy spot, and enjoy the entire adventure through beautiful northeastern Oregon.
Some of the gear I use:
Jackery Explorer 1000 Pro power station:
www.jackery.com/products/expl...
My 12V fridge:
amzn.to/3mXTXNI
Recovery gear from Yankum Ropes:
yankum.com/?afmc=softroadingt...
(use code SOFTROADINGTHEWEST for a discount off your purchase)
Claymore 3 Face camp light:
amzn.to/2wo2sKq
Camp Chef Mountaineer Stove:
www.campchef.com/ms40ax.html
de Buyer 9½" carbon steel frying pan
amzn.to/3iwQlky
Reliance Beverage Buddy 4-gallon water container
amzn.to/2Sf7Gnr
Thermacell mosquito repeller:
amzn.to/3AJLhz9
Midland 105 GMRS radio (works with handheld FRS radios)
amzn.to/35WcYEY
Garmin InReach Mini Satellite Communicator
amzn.to/2ZG1FUk
Expedition Research Ultra-light Kettle:
amzn.to/2QfKVxz
The Safety Siphon:
amzn.to/2Ls5wMc
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my Amazon links, even if you ultimately choose another product. Purchases made via my links at Yankum and Jackery also provide a small benefit to the channel. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals support the ongoing creation of content for this channel. Thank you!
--------------------------
If you enjoy my work and would like to more directly support my efforts, consider joining my Patreon page with a small monthly contribution. Patrons receive access to exclusive extra content and other benefits:
/ softroadingthewest

[@normankerr9948]

From Prineville on over to the top of Marble Cr. pass I was with you all the way. I've driven those roads since 1968 and so much of where you filmed is familiar to me. Thanks for posting this "filler" vid. Much appreciated~ Another subscriber from Baker City.

[@sandrine1025]

The Milky Way at night is just amazing. The trek on foot to twin lakes is worth it. I loved camping and watching the mountain goats. I’ll just have to go back this summer 😂

[@warrenscorner]

I missed these original videos so it was great to see a rerun. I love that Leer topper setup. I know you explained your iPad setup and using offline maps but I can’t find it in your playlist. Please put a link.

[@softroadingthewest]

I think the only time I really addressed that was in my walkthrough video from about a year ago. You should be able to jump to that segment using the chapter links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paXRlnuspZuUhLs

[@pixelshark6809]

Oh man, your videos are always such a treat after a hard day at work. Your video literally made my day better. TY Donald. 💙🙏

[@softroadingthewest]

Your comment literally made my day better. Totally serious. Thanks for watching & commenting. 🙂

[@frankansley7941]

I enjoyed watching this video. It made me want spring to hurry up and get here. Looking forward to seeing how your new rig works out for you. Take care. I appreciate you hard work.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Frank!

[@Solo-Road]

That beer crack @57:53 was the most satisfying thing I have heard in awhile.

[@carolsmith7380]

Loved seeing the horses, deer, and hearing the coyotes. Nice choice of music also. Thanks, Donald !!!!!

[@LorenDavis]

Great video! I'd love more location clues, like pictures of road signs, campground signs, etc.

[@bruceknirs9987]

I love seeing the multi-part episodes all in one big mega episode nice

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks for watching!

[@bruceknirs9987]

@@softroadingthewest I pick up a lot of good tips from you so

[@tomcarpenter1153]

I see that for many this video is not coming over well but I'm watching here in Michigan after getting 10" of snow and it really hit the spot.

[@davidmutschler9418]

I seen it the first time. But during August cold wet weather we're having here in Oregon right now it made it even more enjoyable to watch it the second time ! Because he reminds me what a lousy week that was when it was so hot here! I know you and Jason work hard doing all your filming. And doing it during all that hot weather would just make it more of a pain. I really enjoyed seeing it again and very well done thank you. Next time remember to stop at that little ice cream shop in Prineville very good milkshakes! Started going to that ice cream shop back in the early 60s.

[@davidmutschler9418]

Meant to say during this cold weather in March!

[@sumukh007]

not a bad filler epsiode I would say but I can't wait for the Oregon coast vids! keep up the good work Donald

[@donaldgerig9515]

Enjoyed seeing the scenery. Some of those places I am very familiar with. All the best going forward. The "other Don" from Eugene......

[@waltersims493]

From Deb…loved this video, the shots you set up, scenery, dog rescue, wild horses…WOW!

[@cgarrisonak]

I loved that you picked up the dog and took the time to find the owner!!

[@dixielambrecht7009]

Stunning scenery...I 😍 the wild 🐎 🐴 🐎 🐴

[@next-horizon-overland]

So beautiful filming. Well done & inspiring. We are going to ship our cruiser in May from Hamburg to Halifax and will start there to explore the Northamericas ... probably also partly on your tracks 👍🏻. Greetings, Ernst & Jiew

[@carolsmith7380]

What a lovely spot to camp! Looks cool and serene. Awesome scenery throughout the video. Didn't realize how much I've missed your videos but I definitely have.

[@softroadingthewest]

Working very hard at returning to a more usual rhythm. I miss getting out there and making the videos!

[@flannelshirtdad]

I enjoyed watching this. It inspires me to find these locations so I can journey there in the next traveling season. Never mind the jerks in the comments. The only prodding you should respond to is from the famous Jason.

[@doreengardner2849]

This was very nice. I enjoyed the completed series. Thank you for posting. Again, nice job! ❤️

[@acoupleofscrewsloose]

Donald, ignore the brainless, petty, dumbasses who apparently have nothing better to do than complain about a FREE video. For the majority of us we loved seeing this longer version. At first I'm like "Whoa" that's not Oregon right now, then I read your description and your explanation totally makes sense. Watching the edited longer version really made us look forward to this summer's overland/camping that we have planned. Thanks again for the FREE entertainment.

[@randywilson6869]

I find it amazing that your family did this. That is rare nowadays

[@erichughes9098]

Wonderful video keep up the great work Donald. 😎👍

[@Realtor_eliot_portland]

Nice one Donald! Love the long form

[@kenuber4014]

That's an early video Donald. It was before your extension door and remodel. thanks for producing it. It has some great country in it.

[@feminazislayer]

All I can say is wow. Build my forester now, hopefully this summer Oregon Idaho well be there, me n the dog

[@johnwalker3263]

I can’t always get to these immediately but I’m loving the longer format compilations. Your content has always been good, but the camera work and editing are coming along nicely. You’ve certainly found a niche that works!

[@masonstruckadventure9368]

I've recently gone camping and came across a few too many closed off public roads with a ton logging going on just irritating and some blocked off dispersed camping spots. Anyway beautiful content always a motivator to keep adventuring. Thanks for sharing

[@IcyReaper]

Donald have you had any issues with those regular type gas cans leaking on top rack? If not, What brand are they? I have rotopax but would like to carry a couple more cheaper ones. Since mine will be on top also, I am concerned about leakage..

[@softroadingthewest]

They're not perfect. When it's hot and the cans expand, it breaks the seal just enough for a trickle of gasoline to ooze out. On the plus side, when it's hot enough for that to happen, the trickle that escapes evaporates before it can drip down on the truck. Ultimately I can't recommend this solution. I've moved my fuel supply to steel jerry cans which will ride on the rear bumper (when I finish it, haha). I bit the bullet and purchased expensive Wavian cans and I have to say, I'm glad I did, they're excellent. As much as I look for ways to save money, I've come to the conclusion that fuel transportation is not the best place to economize. On one of my trips, a friend had a cheap Rotopax knockoff leak on a backcountry trip, drain out completely, flooding his rooftop tent with gasoline and leaving him with inadequate fuel. Fortunately I had enough in the tank and was able to give him my spare gas to get us back to civilization.

[@samslate7011]

Love the video. Very much inspired to head out in my "new' 2020 Frontier Pro4X. Plan to carry a chainsaw with me, though. Thoughts on that?

[@softroadingthewest]

Absolutely agree, I carry a chainsaw with me at all times. I don't necessarily clear every downed tree I encounter - sometimes it's just not worth the time if the road isn't sure to go anywhere, or if there are downed trees as far as the eye can see that would require days of clearing work.

[@louiskudlak2256]

Beautiful Donald 😍

[@keithhumco]

Looks like you need a good set of snow chains to get out 4 x 4 in this snow weather we're having here or cat tracks so you can produce a new video

[@scottymac5174]

I guess I have to say I'm more comfortable with the heat these days than camping in the snow...

[@Dutch1951x]

Enjoyed the video. Can't wait to see what you picked for a new camper, but my money is on the alucab....

[@softroadingthewest]

The Alu-Cab is awesome but that's on the pricey side for a budget guy like me. Stay tuned...the new (not Alu-Cab 😄) camper just got installed and you'll see it in this week's video!

[@Dennis-1367]

I think this is a great video to sum up the experiences with the Nissan so far. Nice for people new to this channel to watch single longer videos to get up to date. I don't understand the asshole commentaries here. Next those people yell at Don "I WANT TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER". Weather seems to be adding this time of the year, plus he's getting a new canopy right now.

[@carlmizell5930]

This looks like a video when you first got the construction camper last year.

[@softroadingthewest]

It is. It's a boiled down compilation of four episodes from my first major trip with the topper.

[@carlmizell5930]

@@softroadingthewest the add-on to the camper was the first giveaway.

[@artem1085]

44:15 dent on the door pillar?

[@softroadingthewest]

Sharp eye! I *think* that was there when I bought the truck...it was 10 years old when I bought it. If it happened on my watch, I have no idea how. 😄

[@henrock9113]

What drone are you using?

[@softroadingthewest]

In this video, I was still using an ancient DJI Spark. I now use a (still kinda old) DJI Mavic 2 Pro (which I LOVE)

[@TrailToughTrailers]

Love the vid, but like you I HATE the heat!!! Anything over 78 degrees and I'm not interested.

[@softroadingthewest]

Haha, likewise! Give me 60° outside and I'm feeling great! My Nordic blood I guess. 😄

[@chuckrf1502]

I have this sense of deja vu…must be the wine.

[@dennischeslock7782]

Hay Donald, Why don't you put your old Top back on your truck for now Dennis from Delaware U.S.A

[@softroadingthewest]

Other things in the works, just all took MUCH longer than expected. Tune in this weekend and you'll see what's up next!

[@feminazislayer]

I hope Chevy chase brought 50 gallons extra fuel in the bed.

[@lisatangen4213]

LOL! Chevy crowd.

[@softroadingthewest]

THE Lisa Tangen??

[@RVingwithG]

End of JUNE??? 😮😅

[@rodevans3040]

Kinda' agree-old hash.

[@softroadingthewest]

I know right? Time to unsubscribe for sure.

[@fkb9490]

For next time: please make this in several episodes. When I see a video that ‘s an hour long….that just puts me off watching it.

[@artem1085]

can be viewed in parts

[@Dennis-1367]

Its KZbin, not tiktok. Pause the video when you're exhausted and watch it another time.

[@thomasquigley7040]

This was originally spread over a few episodes. He's amalgamated them into a single long form for our (re)viewing. I like it. Thanks Donald.