Overlanding, the intersection of adventure and independent, vehicle-based travel, has always been about exploring new places, accepting the unknown, and forming relationships with other adventurers who have similar interests. This lifestyle is about to reach new heights thanks to a revolutionary development. A leader in the overlanding community, XOVERLAND has started a daring project called the Overland Collective, which brings together some of the most reputable brands in the field: XOVERLAND, Expedition Portal, Overland Journal, and XOVERLAND Ranch. For anyone who aspires to travel the world with a car, a strategy, and a love of exploration, this move is revolutionary—it's more than just a business transaction.
Image credit: XOVERLAND
The Overland Collective is dedicated to bringing together the greatest tales, tools, and community spaces for overlanders around the world; it is more than just a partnership. This new endeavor seeks to inspire, educate, and connect travelers like never before by fusing the cinematic storytelling of XOVERLAND, the editorial prowess of Overland Journal, the dynamic online community of Expedition Portal, and the distinctive event space of XOVERLAND Ranch. The Overland Collective is positioned to become the go-to resource for all things overlanding, whether novices are planning their first cross-country journey or experienced tourists are organizing a cross-continental expedition.
A Vision Born on the Road
The Overland Collective's history begins in 2009 with a fortuitous meeting. One of the founders of XOVERLAND, Clay Croft, picked up a copy of Overland Journal at a nearby dealership. Over the course of the following 16 years, their friendship grew via shared experiences after that encounter with Overland Journal founder Scott Brady. Clay and Scott's adventures set the stage for something greater, from navigating the perilous Road of Bones in Russia to traversing the untamed terrain of South America and creating history by being the first vehicle to cross the Greenland Ice Sheet from south to north.
Image credit: XOVERLAND
The Overland Collective was founded as a result of their mutual love of overlanding and storytelling. "We will work together to create a content collective that will provide overlanders with resources, motivation, and a feeling of belonging," Clay stated. This goal goes beyond simply combining brands; it aims to establish an environment where all overlanders, regardless of experience level, feel encouraged to explore.
Who’s Leading the Charge?
The Overland Collective is in capable hands with a leadership team that brings both expertise and heart to the table. Rachelle Croft steps into the role of Chief Executive Officer, bringing her sharp business skills and deep love for the overlanding lifestyle. “I’m honored and grateful to step in,” Rachelle shared. “We’re here to tell real stories, spark adventure, and build something that truly matters.” Her excitement is infectious, and her leadership is already being praised by those in the know.
Image credit: XOVERLAND
Clay Croft, named Chief Creative Officer, will continue to shape the Collective’s storytelling with his knack for capturing the raw beauty and challenges of overlanding. His expeditions across seven continents and creative vision have made XOVERLAND a household name, and he’s ready to bring that same energy to this new chapter.
Scott Brady, staying on as Executive Publisher with a minority ownership stake, is another key piece of the puzzle. His work with Overland Journal has set a high standard for quality and authenticity in overlanding media. “I am continually impressed by Rachelle’s business leadership, along with Clay’s expedition acumen and creative vision,” Scott said, signaling his confidence in the team’s ability to carry the Collective forward.
What Makes the Overland Collective Special?
Image credit: XOVERLAND
The Overland Collective isn’t just a fancy name—it’s a powerhouse of platforms that cater to every aspect of the overlanding experience. Here’s a closer look at what each brand brings to the table:
- XOVERLAND: Well-known for its inspirational movies and compelling documentaries, XOVERLAND has been educating people about overlanding. Their videos put you in the driver's seat, whether they are showing you how to design the ideal setup or navigating distant routes.
- Overland Journal: The best source of overlanding content is this print and web publication. It's a must-read for anyone who is serious about the lifestyle because it contains in-depth essays, gear reviews, and travelogues. The Collective intends to attract more readers—from weekend warriors to global adventurers—while maintaining the journal's editorial integrity.
- Expedition Portal: This website and forum, which is one of the biggest online communities for overlanders, is where individuals go to exchange stories, post inquiries, and make travel plans. It's a wealth of guidance and friendship, and the Collective wants to make it even more approachable.
- XOVERLAND Ranch: This distinctive location serves as a site for overlanding community events, workshops, and get-togethers. People can gather there, pick up new skills, and celebrate their common passion for exploration.
Together, these platforms form the world’s largest overland community, serving everyone from first-time campers to globe-trotting veterans. The Collective’s team has an impressive track record: they’ve circumnavigated the globe four times, visited over 160 countries, and crossed all seven continents by vehicle. That kind of experience means they know what overlanders need—whether it’s practical advice, inspiring stories, or a place to connect.
Why This Matters for Overlanders
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of packing up a vehicle and hitting the road, the Overland Collective is a big deal. It’s not just about bigger budgets or fancier content—it’s about making overlanding more accessible and welcoming. The Collective’s platforms will offer resources for planning trips, choosing gear, and learning the skills needed to travel safely and responsibly. Whether you’re plotting a weekend getaway or a year-long journey, you’ll find the tools and inspiration you need.
Image credit: XOVERLAND
Another major attraction is the feeling of community. For newbies in particular, overlanding can be frightening, but the Collective is all about connecting people. Adventurers can meet people who are passionate about the same things they are through the forums on Expedition Portal, the activities at XOVERLAND Ranch, and the tales in Overland Journal. It serves as a reminder that traveling by land is more about the people you meet and the experiences you have along the route than it is about the final destination.
What’s Next for the Overland Collective?
Even though the Overland Collective is only getting started, the group has enormous plans already. While maintaining the essence of overlanding, they are dedicated to expanding their platforms. This entails more movies that capture the excitement of driving, more articles that delve deeply into the specifics of driving, and more chances for community gatherings.
Additionally, the Collective hopes to attract a larger audience, including people who are just starting out in overlanding as well as those who are traveling abroad. They are ensuring that there is something for everyone by upholding the excellent standards of Overland Journal and broadening the scope of Expedition Portal. Additionally, the community can develop in a real-world setting at XOVERLAND Ranch, which serves as an event hub.
The team hasn’t forgotten the people who got them here. They’ve expressed heartfelt thanks to their viewers, subscribers, and the overlanding community for their support. “We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead with you all,” Rachelle said, and it’s clear that the Collective is as much about the community as it is about the brands.
About XOVERLAND: Inspiring Adventure Through Authentic Storytelling
Image credit: XOVERLAND
Since its launch in 2010, the dynamic video series XOVERLAND—officially called Expedition Overland—has been winning over adventure seekers. XOVERLAND, which is produced by Hiline Productions and directed by its founders Clay and Rachelle Croft, follows a group of regular explorers as they travel in their specially equipped cars into some of the most isolated and untamed regions on earth. XOVERLAND combines expert cinematography, family-friendly narrative, and a strong dedication to supporting the overlanding and outdoor communities with the goal of making an impact through genuine, high-quality content.
XOVERLAND's primary goal is to present the actual experiences of "ordinary people doing extraordinary things." As the team traverses difficult terrains, comes across unusual cultures, and experiences the erratic highs and lows of overlanding, the show takes viewers along for the adventure. Every journey, from the frigid Nordic Series trails to the expansive Alaskan wilderness, is chronicled with an emphasis on realism, emphasizing not just the final destinations but also the challenges, victories, and relationships encountered during the journey. The Crofts frequently take their three sons, Cyrus, Ryder, and Eli, along on these outings, which appeals to viewers by encouraging a sense of family unity and a passion for the great outdoors.
XOVERLAND is unique because of its commitment to narrative. The crew, which consists of experienced filmmakers and explorers, creates documentaries that transport viewers to the trip. The goal of XOVERLAND's videos is to encourage people to venture outside of their comfort zones and discover the world, whether it's through the stunning landscape of a secluded mountain pass or the companionship of a campfire conversation. Their material is usually easy to understand, beneficial, and age-appropriate, making it a popular choice for both people and families.
The backbone of XOVERLAND’s expeditions is its fleet of meticulously built 4-wheel drive vehicles, each tailored for specific journeys. These vehicles—ranging from the 2022 Toyota Tundra “Orion” to the 2015 Toyota 4Runner “The Clone”—are equipped with everything needed for long-term travel, including battery systems, on-board refrigerators, recovery gear, roof-top tents, and off-road camper trailers. With over 13 off-road vehicles built over the years, XOVERLAND has gained a wealth of knowledge about what makes a rig reliable and functional. The team shares this expertise with their audience, offering insights on vehicle builds, gear choices, and overlanding tactics that enthusiasts can apply to their own adventures.
In 2019, XOVERLAND expanded its horizons by incorporating powered paragliders (paramotors) into its expeditions, adding a thrilling new dimension to its exploration. This move reflects the team’s relentless pursuit of innovative ways to experience adventure travel. Beyond vehicles and gear, XOVERLAND has become a trusted voice in the overlanding community, testing and showcasing products that stand up to the demands of the road. Their video marketing expertise and passion for professional cinematography have turned XOVERLAND into a lifestyle brand that captivates audiences worldwide.
The XOVERLAND team is a diverse group of creative and administrative professionals who work together to bring each expedition to life. Expedition crews are meticulously put together according to the particular difficulties of each journey, while the core staff manages production, the web store, and daily operations. Numerous people have helped XOVERLAND succeed over the years, and the Crofts are appreciative of the former employees who helped shape the company into what it is today. The cars themselves are also referred to as "cast members," and each one—such as the 2021 Toyota Tacoma "Atigun" or the Dodge Ram models utilized in recent expeditions—is made to serve a particular function and is constructed to endure the challenges of overlanding while assisting the team in creating high-caliber film content.
The influence of XOVERLAND extends beyond amusement. The brand encourages viewers to embrace adventure, establish a connection with nature, and embark on their own trips through its immersive and instructive movies. XOVERLAND provides a plethora of motivation and useful guidance to enable you to travel with assurance, regardless of your level of experience as an overlander or your aspirations for your first off-road adventure. With an expanding global following and a dedication to honesty and customer service, XOVERLAND is reinventing what it means to travel the world on four wheels—and occasionally on wings.
