OVERLAND – A MARRIAGE MADE IN THE DESERT

Over A Decade Overlanding With Red Oxx

Red Oxx and Overlanding began their romance back in the summer of 2009. Red Oxx CEO Jim Markel loves the desert and is an outdoor camping fan. So at the idea of overlanding, which is roaming deserts and camping under the stars, Jim jumped at the chance. It was love at first, over land.

Overland Camping – Roaming the Desert

During Land Rover 1st Descent Jim teamed up with long-time overlander Gustaf Kupetz to test the limits of three new Land Rover LR3s. This Expedition-style 500+ mile trip from Montrose to Gateway, Colorado, tracked great sections of the Kokopelli and Tabaguache (Tabawatch) Trails. Jim put together his camping equipment list here, which is a handy reference for the novice overlander.

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Overland EXPO #1 – Eating Dust

Jim and Red Oxx Minister of Information for the Department Of Redoxx Affairs trekked south to Arizona in the spring of 2010 for one of the earliest Overland EXPOs. Their overland travel with Gustaf was during a tour of the mountains surrounding Flagstaff. Mingling with the enthusiasts they sold a few bags.

Land Rover’s Don’t Float, That’s Why They’re Called Land– Rovers

During one overland expedition to the desert, it was discovered that the Land Rover Discovery doesn’t float. However, in an attempt to cross a river, Jim found himself, and a brand new Discovery, a bit over his head. Like, literally. Escaping out the window, with a quick grab for his pricey camera, the boys found themselves swimming outside a sunken rig. While the Red Oxx bags Jim brought with him dried nicely in the summer sun. The Discovery? Not so much.

How-To – Overlanding Lessons Video

Curious about trying overlanding? Watch this video with Jim and pal Koombie as they roll over MOAB in Koombie’s modified Land Rover Defender Pickup. Lots of great tips and tricks to getting your rig set up. Watch and learn how to maneuver through a few tricky spots you’re certain to encounter while off-roading in your 4×4.

The Guru Speaks – Overland Journal’s Scott Brady’s Passion

Want to learn about Overlanding from the man who lives it daily? Read up on our interview with Overland Journal publisher Scott Brady. Since 2010, Scott has carried Red Oxx bags across 7 continents. Brady recommended our bags on Expedition Portal as “Overland Gear of the Decade“.

Below is a YouTube video of Scott’s testimony regarding using Red Oxx Gear for 10 years in a row, from the man in the know.

TOOL ROLL, PARTS BAG, CAMP KITCHEN, BELONGINGS BAG

OK, So What Are Some Recommended Bags For The Overlander?

Red Oxx Big Bull Roll-up helps keep your gear organized. You can use this tool roll style bag for all sorts of things. Organize your camp kitchen like Jim does (see articles below) in the many mesh see-through raised pockets. Stuff it with spare parts and repair tools (that’s what it was designed for). Or just fill it with your belongings, roll it up and toss it in the back of your overland rig.

COMPRESSOR BAG, CAMERA BAG, CHARGERS, CABLES, OR FIRST AID BAG

The Lil Roy EDC Cache’ Bag is handy for storing things you might want to organize by color. For instance, pack your air compressor in a Mariner one, your First Aid Kit in a Red Roy, and your camera in a Khaki color one. Multiple colors of Lil Roys can be used to organize all sorts of overlanding things.

A BELONGINGS BAG THAT BELONGS IN YOUR RIG

Flying Boxcar Sports Duffel likes long things in it’s main compartment. It features a padded durable ballistic nylon bottom. The grab handles on it’s ends and raised side pockets can be easily accessed. Favored by overlanders over our other duffels, the Flying Boxcar won’t derail our belief in soft-sided bag ruggedness.

BRIGHT COLORS, RIGHT SIZES, PACK TIGHT WITH THESE CUBES

Choose from over a half dozen neon colored mesh lidded packing cubes or pick up The Set. No matter which cube suits your tastes, you’ll find it’s bright color is a big plus during our next adventure.

A BETTER WAY TO CAMP COOK

“I love cooking on the trail. Over the years I’ve devised a system that makes sure I always have the basics with me, and I can always find exactly what I need.”

For some adventurers, a chuck box is a preferred system – it can hold your camp stove, pots and pans, and propane. Red Oxx came up with a better system. Imagine a system that allows me to store everything I need in a standard duffel size bag. Now imagine taking that bag, and unrolling it to reveal my cooking accessories at my finger tips.”

“That bag is the Big Bull Roll-up. Built tough using heavy-duty ballistic nylon padded exterior, a proven fabric that our Railroaders have sworn by for years. Inside, it features several spacious see-through raised zippered pockets of varying sizes for organizing all my camp kitchen supplies.”

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

When I’ve got the proper tools right where I can get at them, cooking on a lil’ol gas burner in the middle of nowhere is the bomb.

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