If you鈥檙e ready to start off-road touring, seasoned guidance matters. It鈥檚 easy to find at Overland Expos, ideal gathering places to dream big and discover the ideas and equipment to fuel your next journey. At four stops of this cross-country event series (most recently at the 2025 Overland Expo PNW in Redmond, OR), Hankook Tire shares in the spirit of exploration, offering hands-on driving experiences and connecting with adventurers.

But if you can鈥檛 make it to an Overland Expo stop, we鈥檝e captured the best moments from the series, plus outlined why to start (and how). Aaron Mulkey is one of our three expert overland adventurers who provide all the inspiration and insight needed to plan your trip, rig your ride, enjoy your camp, find your way, and upgrade your tires. Here, Mulkey shares his top overlanding gear upgrades after assessing the best options displayed at the expos.

(pictured below) is another featured expert who shares her lessons learned from the road. Having traveled in an adventure vehicle for the past nine years, the freelance writer, commercial photographer, and award-winning filmmaker has simple advice to start: Don鈥檛 get lost in the dream rigs. 鈥淚f you鈥檝e got a 4WD vehicle, you鈥檙e closer to jump-starting your overland journey than you realize,鈥� she says. 鈥淲ith eight inches of clearance, a small handful of key purchases can get you immediately out exploring desolate dirt roads.鈥�

When it comes to rigging your ride and preparing for an off-road adventure, consider McGrady鈥檚 seven favorite overlanding equipment extras, then go deeper with 100 Ways to .

Prep for Recovery听

Recovery gear isn鈥檛 one piece of gear鈥攊t’s an assorted kit of contingency items assembled to get you out of various jams. Depending on the terrain and your vehicle, you鈥檒l generally want the following:

Recovery boards: These are essential. Often attached to vehicle sides for quick access, they鈥檙e an easy go-to for getting unstuck. are trusted for their reliable durability and aggressive teeth.

Rugged ropes: Beyond recovery boards, Plan B is often recovery ropes like 鈥攕afer than chains in the event that something fails. Maxtrax ropes are designed to be used with a .

Gloves and shovel: When Plan C becomes digging, you鈥檒l want a real shovel. offers a solid option to dig you out.

Rooftop Tent听

Don鈥檛 sacrifice quality sleep in the backcountry. Rooftop tents have made major advances for faster setup, lighter hauling weight, and stronger wind-ready designs. Spend more on a fancier hardshell or hybrid if you plan on overlanding for the long haul. As they say, 鈥渂uy once, cry once.鈥�

Upgraded Tires

No piece of equipment has a more direct impact on your ability to overland than tires. Look for tire versatility: between performance on uneven, varied terrain (both wet and dry) and a smooth, quiet ride on the highways. And don鈥檛 overlook sidewall protection, which is key to preventing punctures or blowouts, especially when you鈥檝e aired down.

Traction first: The delivers aggressive off-road performance with power-packed shoulders and sidewall cross-scoops that enhance grip on challenging trails. Multi-directional grooves and biting block edges provide traction in every direction, making it just as capable crawling over rocks or slinging through mud as it is tackling snow鈥攂acked by its 3PMSF certification for severe winter conditions.

High-depth sidewall blocks protect against impacts and cuts, allowing you to air down confidently without risking damage. On the highway, the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme stabilizes tread blocks and features tie-bars that reduce road noise for a smooth, quiet ride鈥攑roving you don鈥檛 have to sacrifice comfort for toughness. And if you鈥檙e an occasional adventurer, the broader Hankook Dynapro lineup offers all-terrain options designed for lighter off-road use without compromising daily driveability.

Spare aware: Find where your spare tire is located鈥攁nd then replace it. Don鈥檛 rely on the one that came with your vehicle.

A Vehicle Logbook

Track progress so you can note when you change your oil or add a new component. Reference the log (or even a simple spreadsheet) for calendar reminders on fluid changes, filter swaps, etc. Pro tip: Add purchase notes and a warranties column so you鈥檙e prepared should you need a replacement.

of McGrady鈥檚 overlanding advice and from this year鈥檚 slate of Overland Expo events.

Dynapro is a tire brand designed for SUV/Light Trucks with strong driving and braking performances on all terrains and through every type of weather, including on- and off-road conditions.

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Anyone who knows Tennessee knows about its abundance of freshwater. Anglers in particular can thank the varied geography and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) history of hydroelectric development for its verdant waterways and winding miles of shoreline both natural and manmade. The Volunteer State also has another treasured resource when it comes to fishing: Bill Dance. Known as 鈥渢he world鈥檚 most-loved angler,鈥� the pro bass fishing legend and longtime TV personality recently partnered with the state to continue introducing generations of outdoor adventurers to the joy of fishing.

The Bill Dance Signature Lakes program now showcases 14 world-class lakes across Tennessee, each selected and enhanced to provide top-tier fishing and recreation opportunities. The initiative combines habitat improvement, intensive fisheries management, stocking, access upgrades, and ongoing conservation to make Tennessee a leading destination for freshwater fishing across all skill levels. To date, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency has already stocked over 13.1 million fish into the 14 Bill Dance Signature Lakes!

And though Dance is a true believer in these recreational opportunities, having long represented the state in his signature University of Tennessee ball cap, he is eager to explain exactly why these lakes (often adjacent to amenity-packed state parks) are so beloved. We recently sat down with Dance for a deeper look at Tennessee鈥檚 top lakes for premier fishing and summer trip planning.

国产吃瓜黑料: What inspired you to partner with Tennessee on this initiative?

Bill Dance: Tennessee is family to me. It鈥檚 home鈥攎y people, my places. And we all go above and beyond for what we love. I am a native, my family are all Tennesseans. There鈥檚 a love and loyalty here, as I suspect it is with other regions, but it is hard for me to imagine it anywhere else, because all I know for sure is Tennessee. Also, we have been a partner with Tennessee Tourism for nearly 20 years.

What specifically about Tennessee separates it from other states?听

Can there be a better place for fish-related projects than the Volunteer State? We have miles of water, from creeks, to rivers, to state park lakes, to TVA reservoirs. We literally have more species of fish than any other state (350 or so). Think about that for a minute: can there be a better place for a fisherman to be, than Tennessee?

And I do wear this T cap. True, I started wearing it because I thought it was lucky. But it鈥檚 funny, over time I wear it proudly for the love for this wonderful place I call home.

Which lake holds your most memorable fishing experience?

Hands down, it鈥檚 Pickwick Lake. I鈥檝e always listed this lake as my home waters. Pickwick is where I learned (through the inspiration of veteran angler Glen Andrews) to fish deep, open water鈥攁nd I mean 25-35 feet. I knew to be successful at tournament angling on the big stage, I鈥檇 have to learn to do this. The pursuit of this knowledge at my training ground of Pickwick led to tournament success, which led to TV shows, and so many more of my other accomplishments in the world of fishing.

The bottom line? Pickwick is simply a great place to fish, and that鈥檚 on the lake or in the tailrace below its dam. There鈥檚 something to fish for year-round. One can鈥檛 go wrong visiting Pickwick.

How has this initiative helped shape the future of fishing in Tennessee?

Few are the people that do not enjoy fishing. And honestly, I believe those that don鈥檛 enjoy it, have never been. The initiative is all about the opportunities fishing offers. True, it provides and enhances great places to go fishing. If you go to these lakes, you’ll catch fish and lots of them. But the complementing layers to the initiative are many; it will likewise boost economies in the area, and provide added recreational opportunities as well. People need added recreation in a hurried world. Together time is a big deal for family and friends. And few things can do this like the sport of fishing. I can only imagine the memories this initiative will spawn and the legacy it will have.

What advice do you have for first-time anglers visiting these lakes?

To begin, look for the specific areas that have marinas with guides. A guided trip is worth the money because novice anglers can learn so much in a very short amount of time. Another route could be to research the area via the Internet. With a little time on your laptop or phone, you鈥檇 be amazed what you can know about a new body of water before you ever make that first cast. Of course, actually calling someone (yes, I鈥檓 old school), isn鈥檛 a bad idea, either. A knowledgeable contact is a winning strategy, whether it鈥檚 sound advice at nearby chambers of commerce, visitor centers, or any other local contacts. They鈥檙e out there if you dig.

And once you鈥檙e at the lake?

Pick the brains of locals! Though all fishermen tell tales, my experience shows rare are the anglers who are not willing to help other newcomers to public waters catch fish鈥specially families. This is why the phrase, ‘What are they biting?’ is so woven into the fabric of fishing. We help each other.

What makes Tennessee stand out as a fishing destination in comparison to other states?

Variety. We have more fish species than any other state. It obviously comes from our geographic locale as well as our diversity of waters. On one end, Tennessee has the Mississippi River, one of the largest in the world, and Reelfoot Lake, the famed Quake Lake [created by early 1800s earthquakes]. As you move eastward, you find diverse oxbows, rivers and creeks, many -managed lakes, huge TVA Reservoirs, and mountain streams, in the east. An angler only has to ask, 鈥榃hat do I want in the way of freshwater fishing,鈥� and Tennessee has it.

Beyond fishing, what activities make these lakes a regional draw for weekend adventures?

Again, Tennessee offers diversity in fishing opportunities, with so many geographical changes. Likewise, each area surrounding the lakes has its own regional charm. This includes the people, the dining, the lodging, the history, and cultural experience. Opportunities abound with a surprising number of added activities available if you research the areas you plan to visit. For example, maybe there鈥檚 a state park golf course you want to try, or a local diner that鈥檚 especially unique to the area. Off the water, ramble around and see exactly why so many of us love Tennessee.

What other off-water developments or lakeside curiosities would you consider must-do?听

There鈥檚 so many. Picking just a few would do the others an injustice. It鈥檚 hard to go wrong with the in affordability, lodging, food, etc. Our parks always seem to be a win-win. But don鈥檛 let me sway you. Do your research. Go and ramble about. That鈥檚 part of the fun: exploring. And sometimes fishing for the side-trips, especially on family outings, can be the most fun part of your angling adventure as well.

Bill Dance Signature Lakes is a collaborative effort between Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to improve and enhance Tennessee Lakes, increase visitation and honor Dance鈥檚 legacy. Tennesseans will benefit from increased stocking, habitat and fisheries management, as well as improved access for fishing and boating at 14 designated lakes across the state. This multi-agency partnership has committed more than $25.4 million to improvements both above and below the water at lakes bearing Tennessee icon Bill Dance鈥檚 stamp of approval. For more information, visit 听

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The culture of American work life has serious problems when it comes to well-being. Spoiler alert: there鈥檚 not much wellness. High burnout rates are the norm, and the impacts of job-related stress on work and personal relationships are real. Fortunately, there鈥檚 a simple, free, and obvious remedy to counter that stress: going outside.

For years, 国产吃瓜黑料 has documented the benefits of time spent outdoors starting with mood and self-esteem boosts after even short bouts of outdoor activity. And beyond the instant mental health upsides, we鈥檝e covered the science that backs up the lasting physiological benefits鈥攆rom reduced hypertension and asthma to boosted immune systems鈥攅xplaining why an increasing number of doctors are prescribing time outdoors.

Unfortunately, we鈥檙e not taking our medicine. According to the , the average American spends 90% of their time indoors. And even with the means and time to break free from the work grind, nearly half of U.S. workers with paid time off don鈥檛 take all of it anyway.

Sometimes an intervention is needed for a real outdoor escape. This spring, we screened hundreds of people, online and in , to find the most severe cases of indoor-bound, overworked employees. Sadly, respondents who claimed to have an unhealthy work-life balance were all too easy to find. But out of the uniquely stressed, we picked the three workers most in need of an unmatched outdoor experience.

The prescription is a . These unique adventure camps鈥攕pread across the U.S. in , , , , and 鈥攑air backcountry driving challenges and instruction with a curated basecamp experience. Beyond the immersive off-roading behind the wheel of a Bronco SUV, Bronco Off-Roadeos boast incredible opportunities for adventure around every corner. Broncos are provided for everyone who enrolls, and the experience is complimentary for all Bronco owners. Five locations means there鈥檚 an Off-Roadeo within 500 miles of the vast majority of Bronco owners鈥攁nd non-Bronco owners can join the action too, thanks to the 听option.

With that accessibility in mind, 国产吃瓜黑料 collaborated with Ford to send three of the hardest cases of overworked employees to experience a Bronco Off-Roadeo for themselves. To level up the rejuvenating impact, we set up each Off-Roadeo participant with a Ford Bronco ambassador. The goal: provide personalized guidance on stepping up the adventure fun, and to bring balance back into these individuals鈥� lives. See their stories below.

If you’re feeling burned out too, fill your own prescription for outdoor adventure and near you.

Episode 1: Jamie Holmes
Bronco Off-Roadeo New Hampshire

Supervising an emergency shelter for teenagers in West Virginia, Jamie Holmes struggles to disconnect from her full-time social work, even off the clock. 鈥淢y husband says that when I鈥檓 not talking about work, he can tell I鈥檓 thinking about it,鈥� says Holmes, who also works a second job serving at a country club on the weekends. 鈥淭he closest I get to being outdoors some weeks is serving the outdoor section.鈥�

With Holmes in serious need of outdoor recreation therapy, her Bronco Off-Roadeo trip puts her behind the driver鈥檚 seat of an off-road vehicle for the very first time. Challenging? Yes, but that鈥檚 the point, as friendly trail guides help Holmes through rocky, forested . After tackling the course鈥檚 hair- and wheel-raising obstacles, Holmes teams up with professional mountain biker and Bronco Ambassador to continue her outdoor adventure on two wheels. Collecting her breath after having not ridden a mountain bike for ten years, Holmes confides in Strait how the day will help her restore better work-life balance. 鈥淚 definitely felt empowered through the experience,鈥� she says.

Episode 2: Giovanni McEastland
Bronco Off-Roadeo Texas听

Giovanni McEastland works long hours鈥攁ll indoors鈥攁s a Los Angeles-based office coordinator for a major animation studio. Being on call at all hours, McEastland admits 鈥渋t鈥檚 not really a work-life balance.鈥� And when he鈥檚 not working, McEastland is a single father to a 6-year-old daughter, leaving no time to enjoy the outdoors he remembers as a child, playing outside from dawn to dusk. As 鈥渁dulting responsibilities鈥� came into play, McEastland says it鈥檚 been years since he had time to get outside.

Fortunately, an invitation to provides a much-needed escape. Watch as McEastland tackles steep rock crawls, learns to master technical obstacles, and then lets it rip on the speed course through the hill country west of Austin. The day鈥檚 adrenaline isn鈥檛 finished when McEastland teams up with professional athlete and Bronco Ambassador, . Known best for his slackline and watersport stunts, Rojas guides the drive to take McEastland standup paddleboarding for the first time. After finding his balance on the board, McEastland discovers a new perspective on achieving greater overall balance in his life.

鈥淚f I’m being honest, this is the best day outside ever,鈥� McEastland says. 鈥淚 needed some time to get away and reconnect.鈥�

Episode 3: James Lawless
Bronco Off-Roadeo Nevada

When James Lawless recently bought a Ford Bronco, he hoped the SUV would help get him off road and into nature more frequently. Turns out that easy escapes haven鈥檛 been the case for the career firefighter from Cambridge, Massachusetts. He didn鈥檛 realize just how much the demands of 24-hour firehouse shifts would keep him in the city. 鈥淪ometimes you get caught up in just working,鈥� says Lawless, 鈥渁nd not taking care of yourself and getting outside.鈥�

Lawless also didn鈥檛 realize that owning a Bronco provides free access to the adventure-packed located across the country. So with a trip to , he can scratch a neglected itch to get out and explore. Lawless immediately revels in the outdoor immersion, powering up and over the rugged terrain on the western outskirts of Las Vegas, a mere 20 minutes from the Strip.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know you could have fun going 1 mile per hour,鈥� Lawless laughs, adding that he鈥檇 recommend the Off-Roadeo experience to fellow Bronco owners. 鈥淵ou end up getting more comfortable and have more confidence with [the vehicle] and want to do more in it. I had no idea some of those things were possible or how to do them鈥攊t鈥檚 going to change the way I use my Bronco.鈥�

Back at the basecamp, Lawless connects with Bronco Ambassador , who leads him up his first outdoor rock climbing route. Through the vertical challenge, he gains some hard-won perspective, plus another new realization about time spent away from the worries of work, 鈥渨hen your mind鈥檚 really off.鈥� There鈥檚 a freeing effect to acting in the present moment, focused solely on rolling over a new obstacle, or climbing up the next section of rock. And it鈥檚 one that鈥檚 sure to rejuvenate.

鈥淚t was a wake-up call of how good it feels to get outside and take advantage of going on these adventures,鈥� Lawless says as the sun rises on a new day. 鈥淲ith that energy you can go back to whatever you have to do with a better mindset鈥攍ike you got more life going.鈥�

is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company鈥檚 Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty.听

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