Real-World Off-Road Adventures, Without the Hype
My introduction to the 4×4 world wasn’t in a shiny showroom—it was in the military. As a combat medic assigned to a scout platoon, I cut my teeth behind the wheel of Humvees, quarter-ton Jeeps, M113s, and M577s. They weren’t luxury rides, but they were tough, off-road capable, and could go anywhere we needed to. That’s where the fire started.
Back then, I read magazines about a distant, almost mythical place called Moab and dreamed of making it there one day. Years later, with more miles behind me and a deep respect for vehicles that can take a beating, I’m living that dream—off-roading, overlanding, camping, and crawling across the roughest terrain I can find.
My first 4WD? A 2002 Chevy Trailblazer. Not exactly legendary—but it had rear lockers and opened the door to what came next.
In 2016, I bought my first Jeep: a 2005 Wrangler TJ X. I was hooked. A year later, I picked up a brand-new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport. I swore I’d keep it stock. That lasted about a minute. In 2023, I added a 2014 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road to the mix—still mostly stock, but it’s got what it takes when I need it.
These rigs are more than hobby vehicles. I live in a remote area and own land in an even more unforgiving place. 4WD isn’t optional—it’s essential. This site is my way of sharing what I’ve learned through real-world experience: not the loudest voice, not the flashiest build, but a reasonable, honest outlook on the 4×4 lifestyle—especially if you’re working with a normal person’s budget.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the opinions, advice, and expensive gear being pushed online—this space is for you.