The thrills and rewards of overlanding. Words :: Todd Lawson. Article sponsored by BFGoodrich Tires.
7:24 PM—Kootenay National Park, British Columbia
I think we’re lost. We’re out of cell reception and losing light fast. The sun dips behind towering pines, casting long shadows on the gravel road. The map claims we’re near the lake, but the dense forest says otherwise. Out here, adventure and misadventure are old pals, and tonight, we’re clearly the latter. But that’s why having the right equipment is non-negotiable on any overlanding trip. Whether it’s tires like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 that can tackle grueling off-road conditions, or our sturdy tent that shelters us from the elements, having reliable gear is what keeps the journey moving forward, no matter what challenges the road throws our way.
7:45 PM—Unlost
Our mission? Find a secluded camping spot along a national forest service road, ideally by a hidden lake whispered about in a couple of overlanding forums. After a few three-point turns, another fork appears in the road, and we go right, following a narrow rocky path to a small campsite in the forest. Relief washes over us as we park and unload. Our tires did their job, and now it’s time to soak in the serenity. Sitting in our camp chairs, sharing stories, we realize the beauty of overlanding isn’t just the journey or the destination, but also the confidence in our gear that gets us there.
9:33 AM—A new day
Waking up to the sound of birds and the sight of morning mist, we pack up and hit the road again. Our goal today? Find more lakes and rivers to paddle somewhere alongside this remote stretch of gravel heading east. It’s a dusty affair with many loose sections along the shoulders. The trust-factor in our tires gets a boost—good all-terrain tires handle the loose gravel as we navigate through winding forest service roads, scouting for the perfect spot to launch our SUPs. The journey continues through landscapes of golden grasses, hay bales, and classic barns with jagged mountain peaks in the distance. Trust in our tires grows with each turn, knowing they’ll get us safely to the next place as we head deeper into another cell-reception dead zone.
11:30 AM—Cruising Past the Columbia River
Suspense builds as we search for the next perfect spot along this storied river. Not knowing where we’ll lay our heads adds a layer of excitement and anxiety. Each gravel shoulder and loose dirt road we navigate is a testament to the peace of mind our tires bring. They not only alleviate our stress but also turn our adventure dreams into reality.
Have tires, will travel
Overlanding through more than 70 countries has taught me one thing: tires matter. Good tires make for good times—having reliable tires means not getting stuck or dealing with a flat in a remote area. Reliable tires, like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, provide the trust and reliability any overlander may need, especially when venturing into Canada’s remote backcountry, out of cell reception. These tires are equipped with CoreGard Technology, which gives them excellent sidewall toughness to prevent splits and bruising, perfect for grueling off-road conditions. The advanced tread design offers exceptional grip on both gravel and rocky surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride even on the most challenging terrains. Additionally, the KO3’s optimized footprint shape results in more evenly distributed stress, leading to longer, more uniform wear.
Tires like these can transform our journey, reducing anxiety and letting us fully embrace the thrill of exploration. On extended overlanding trips, there’s a unique feeling of freedom and self-discovery. We learn patience, resilience, and the joy of the unexpected. Every sunrise by a hidden lake or unexpected trailhead discovered is a reminder of why we journey. With the right tires, the road, no matter how uncertain, is always an adventure worth taking.
The Real Value of a Road Trip
Any remote road trip involves some pretty large elements of risk. Breakdowns, getting lost, and the dreaded flat tire can turn any dream trip into a nightmare. But within these risks lies the ultimate reward: the opportunity to explore at our own pace, discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. The freedom to go where the road takes you, to change plans on a whim, and to immerse yourself in nature is unmatched. It’s about the thrill of navigating uncharted territories, the satisfaction of overcoming obstacles, and the simple joy of a night under the stars. With dependable equipment like high-quality all-terrain tires, we can push the boundaries of our adventures, confident that we can handle whatever the road throws our way.
Join the Adventure and Win Big!
Inspired by our journey? Now it’s your turn to hit the road and explore the wild! We’ve partnered with BFGoodrich to bring you an epic contest where you can win a set of BFGoodrich tires and a brand new camping kit. Share your overlanding adventures with us and take a shot at this amazing prize!
Click below to enter the Instagram contest and view the full details here. Have fun and good luck!
