Whiskey 7 Backroads | Overlanding and Camping Adventures Blog

The 10,000th SOS: What a Garmin inReach Rescue Actually Looks Like, and What I Carry

When you press the SOS button on a Garmin inReach in the PNW, this is what happens in the next ten hours. Here is what Steven carries and why every overland rig needs a layered comms stack.

13 min read • Sep 5, 2026

baja-overland public

Aqua Verde, Baja California Sur: the road in and the spit around the corner

Brent Conklin

Our EarthCruiser route to Aqua Verde: the road in, beach camping, and the quiet spit around the corner.

14 min read • Aug 29, 2026

overlanding public

28,254 Miles in a Stock Grenadier: What Becky Kim's Cape-to-Cape Run Teaches a Weekend Overlander

Brent Conklin

Becky Kim and Bonnie Koko drove a stock INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster 28,254 miles from Cape Agulhas to Nordkapp to London in 122 days. What the run means for weekend overlanders.

12 min read • Aug 21, 2026

starlink public

The Starlink Mini Era: How a 1.10 kg Dish Rewrote Off-Grid Connectivity for Overlanders, Campers, and Remote Workers

Brent Conklin

The Starlink Mini wasn't a smaller version of a satellite dish. It was the moment the internet became portable enough to be useful off-grid. How the 1.10 kg, USB-C PD-powered dish changed what overlanders, campers, hikers, remote workers, and families can do off-grid.

17 min read • Aug 14, 2026

overlanding public

onX SOS: What It Actually Does Off-Grid (And What It Doesn't Replace)

Steven Marty

onX added a $49.99/year SOS button to the same app you already use to plan routes. I walked the chain from button to coordinator — and checked it against the Garmin inReach I carry on every trip.

11 min read • Aug 7, 2026

pacific-northwest public

When an Oregon Fire Closure Hits Mid-Trip: A Couple’s Last-Minute Reroute

Brent Conklin

A Stage 1 fire restriction, a washed-out forest road, and unhealthy wildfire smoke can blow up a three-week Oregon trip in a single afternoon. Here is what the couple did instead.

15 min read • Jul 31, 2026

monsoon-safety public

What I Wish Every July Overlander Knew About Monsoon Flash Floods

Steven Marty

Southwest monsoon flash flood overland safety: the NWS TADD rule, watch vs warning, when to turn around, and a pre-drive checklist every overlander needs.

12 min read • Jul 24, 2026

events public

Backcountry Offroad Expo La Pine Oregon — Aug 1-2, 2026

Brent Conklin

Venue updated — the Backcountry Offroad Expo moves from Sisters High School to La Pine Rodeo Grounds August 1-2, 2026 due to fire activity. Same dates, same ticket codes (SISTERSFREE, CAMPING20), 50+ brands, on-site camping, and a Monday trail ride with Backland Adventures.

13 min read • Jul 17, 2026

gear-review public

Warn R60-S Review: The 6,000 lb Winch Most Overlanders Actually Need

Brent Conklin

Warn's new R60-S is a 6,000 lb winch that costs less, weighs less, and is sized right for most mid-size and lighter-SUV overland rigs.

13 min read • Jul 10, 2026

opinion public

Why Fly the American Flag Every Day, Not Just July 4th

Brent Conklin

I am writing today on a topic that I have been saying for over 30 years. We should fly our flags every day, not just the 4th of July. I have 3 flags on flag poles and one flag wrap on the back of my truck. Hopefully, the info below will inspire you to fly a flag.

11 min read • Jul 2, 2026

public

Overland Expo PNW 2026 Wrap-Up: Redmond, Oregon

Steven Marty

June 26-28, 2026 in Redmond, Oregon. 300+ exhibitors, 220+ classes, and show specials with $5,000 off a Sandy Van build and 20% off Rhino-Rack and MAXTRAX. Practical first-timer guide with travel routes, camping, ticket prices, and the booth numbers worth lining up for.

16 min read • Jun 25, 2026

opinion public

Overlanding's $68 Billion Problem: Growth Eating Itself

Brent Conklin

28,500 people packed into one expo. $40B in 2026, headed to $68B by 2036. 14,000 acres outside Zion just closed. The industry is eating its own playground and most overlanders do not see it happening.

13 min read • Jun 19, 2026

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