About
YOLO Wheelin' is an overlanding crew that takes heed of the statement, "you only live once," and believes that there's inspiration in and a lot to learn from nature. In our twenty years of overlanding, we've noticed a huge gap in the ages taking up this hobby, as well as a lack of diversity. Our mission is to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to briefly disconnect from their daily grind; to get lost in nature, learn from and about it, and (hopefully) take better care of our planet so we can all continue to witness its beauty. Maybe, if we’re all moved to give back to the planet that’s sustained us, we can help take nature back to what it used to be.
What is overlanding?
Overlanding is traveling by vehicle to "off-the-grid" locations with the journey, adventure, and exploration being the ultimate goal – getting lost! Hiking amazing trails, camping out of your 4WD or tent, and ingenuity in modifying your site experience (crafting a built-in kitchen shelf into the back of your SUV, for example!) for each journey are part of the fun. Learning about the world, appreciating the dual dependency between humans and nature, and knowing how to fend for yourself out in the "wild" are the primary goals.
Meet the Crew
DAN - With one of the most capable rigs in the group, he's not just our trailblazer—he's our trail-ender. As the trusted tailgunner (aka sweep), he’s the last line of defense, making sure no one gets left behind, stuck, or takes an unplanned detour. While the rest of us are focused ahead, he’s quietly watching the whole convoy, calling out issues before we even notice them. His awareness is air-traffic-controller level, spotting everything from missing gear to subtle trail hazards. Known for creative, out-of-the-box solutions, he’s our go-to problem solver and the unofficial trip historian—keeping track of trail details the rest of us forgot before lunch. If you hear his voice over the radio, something important is probably happening.
JAKE - Often found sleeping under the stars with nothing but a bedroll and a grin, he keeps things simple, safe, and deeply connected to the trail. A former welder and Scout Troop leader, he brings years of outdoor know-how and a calm, “safety first” mindset to every trip. Need a first aid kit, a backup route, or the location of the nearest ER? He’s already got it marked. Our communications expert and slow-and-steady trail philosopher, he proves you don’t need a tricked-out rig to go far—just patience and a good sense of tire placement.
DUTCH - A retired Scout leader, former diesel mechanic, electronics expert, and heavy equipment SME, he’s the guy you want when things go sideways—and on these trips, they often do. His heavily customized rig is a beast, completely engineered and built by him, making it the most capable in the group. He’s also the Dutch Oven king, whipping up meals that make freeze-dried food cry in shame. When something breaks, he’s already halfway through fixing it, usually muttering his trademark line: “I’m just gonna stop here and check…” A true outdoorsman, and the glue that holds the convoy together.
MARC/ "U-turn" - With a dashboard iPad setup that looks more NASA than Land Cruiser, "U-turn" earns his name honestly—no trip is complete without at least a few scenic reroutes. As our resident navigator and itinerary king, he's the map guru, route planner, and organizational mastermind of the operation. Also dubbed the “pack mule,” his naturally capable rig (yep, that trusty Land Cruiser) can carry everything from camp chairs to the hopes and dreams of the group. An amazing trail chief with a knack for logistics, he keeps us on track—even if it takes a few turnarounds to get there.
