Whiskey 7 Backroads

Join Brent on overlanding, camping, and backroad adventures across America, Montana Ranch, EarthCruiser EXP, gear reviews and community rendezvous.

56 Total posts

19 Premium members

100+ Total members

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 Comes to La Pine Oregon — August 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 We Should Fly the American Flag Every Day, Not Just the Fourth of July

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

camping public

7,163 Miles in a Subaru Crosstrek on the TransAmerica Trail

Brent Conklin

Andy and Mercedes Lilienthal drove a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness 7,163 miles from the Atlantic to the Pacific on the TransAmerica Trail — 3,184 unpaved miles, 29 days, 39 reroutes, zero mechanical failures. A proof-of-concept for soft-roaders on the country's most demanding amateur overland rou

16 min read • Jun 12, 2026

Montana Ranch public

2026 Rendezvous

Brent Conklin

Hello everyone, this email is going out to all members (paid or not). It's time to start thinking about the 2026 Rendezvous at the ranch.

3 min read • Apr 17, 2026

Montana Ranch public

Meet the New Workhorse of Whiskey 7 Ranch

Brent Conklin

The Search Begins In April of 2025, I started to research and design a new truck. I have been driving a 2021 Ram Powerwagon 75th Anniversary edition that I really like.

4 min read • Nov 27, 2025

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