Brent Conklin

Owner of Whiskey7backroads and avid explorer. I am a Ham Radio extra class operator and own xlx159.whiskey7.site. I have been married for 37 years to Cheryl and we have 2 boys and 2 dogs.

31 posts

The $68 Billion Problem: Why Overlanding's Explosive Growth Is Eating Itself Alive

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

The 7,163-Mile Subaru: Conquering the TransAmerica Trail in a Car Nobody Believed Could Do It

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

Montana Ranch public

2025 Rendezvous

Brent Conklin

Hello everyone, if you're getting this email, you are on the outside looking in!! In other words, you are not signed up for a paid membership.

3 min read May 28, 2025

Montana Ranch public

2024 Rendezvous Recap

Brent Conklin

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with their family and friends. I am writing this article the Saturday after Thanksgiving and realized I did not post the recap of the Rendezvous.

4 min read Nov 30, 2024

Camping public

Top Reasons to Use a Composting Toilet for Your Camper or RV

Brent Conklin

Composting toilet for a camper or RV: pros, cons, real-world costs, and the 3 mistakes that ruin them. How often you empty it, what to do with the waste, and whether it beats a cassette toilet on a 2-week trip.

9 min read Sep 28, 2024

Zoom public

Rendezvous 2024 Planning - Zoom Last Chance to RSVP

Brent Conklin

The Rendezvous at the Ranch is fast approaching. We are looking forward to seeing everyone this year.

2 min read Jul 13, 2024

Zoom tiers

Rendezvous 2024 Planning

Brent Conklin

August is right around the corner, join us for a Zoom meeting to start pre-planning for the 2024 Montana Ranch Rendezvous. Even if you're not attending, please stop by to say hello.

1 min read May 14, 2024

Camping public

Exploring the Grand Staircase-Escalante: An Overlander's Guide

Brent Conklin

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument overlanding guide: 1.87 million acres of slot canyons, slickrock, and dirt roads. Best routes (Hole-in-the-Rock, Burr Trail, Wolverine), when to go, and what to bring.

13 min read Apr 21, 2024

Camping public

Overlanding and AI: A Journey into the Future

Brent Conklin

Introduction Overlanding—the art of exploring remote and rugged terrain in a well-equipped vehicle—has captivated adventurers for decades. From traversing desolate deserts to conquering snow-capped mountain passes, Overlanding offers a unique blend of freedom, self-reliance, and awe-inspiring...

4 min read Apr 12, 2024

Camping public

Unveiling the Mystique of the Superstition Mountains through Overlanding

Brent Conklin

Discover the thrill of overlanding and camping with the EarthCruiser in the Superstition Mountains - an adventure like no other!

6 min read Nov 10, 2023