Field Journal
The Blog
Overlanding BC: A Real-World Guide to British Columbia's Backcountry
Everything we've actually learned overlanding British Columbia in a 2WD Astro — what FSRs to start on, what the road conditions really look like, what gear matters, and the local rules nobody writes down.
Seabird Island: Sq'éwqel, Sumás Mountain Views, and a Slow Drive Through Stó:lō Country
Twenty minutes east of Chilliwack, the road bends onto Seabird Island — Stó:lō homeland, working farmland, and one of the best mountain backdrops in the Fraser Valley. Here's what we've learned about the place and why we keep going back.
Harrison Lake FSR: Two Days of Quiet Water and Smoky Sunsets
We pointed the Astro up the West Harrison Forest Service Road and didn't see pavement for two days. Glacier-fed water, smoke-filtered sun, and one very content 2WD van.
The Hidden Winch Bumper: Custom Steel, Powerfist 12K, and the Recovery Kit
We didn't want a winch hanging off the front of the van like a bolt-on afterthought. So we built a hidden winch bumper to tuck it behind the steel — and stocked it with gear we actually trust.
JOR 7-Inch Lift Kit on a 2005 Astro: A Real-World Shakedown Guide
Everything we learned installing the JOR 7" lift on our 2WD Astro — geometry, the Eaton Truetrac LSD, a Moog front-end refresh, and what we'd do differently.
First Shakedown: Harrison FSR and What We Learned
The lift held. The fridge didn't. Lessons from 48 hours on rough gravel.
Overlanding in a 2WD: A BC Backcountry Guide
You don't need four-wheel drive to get off the pavement in British Columbia. You need patience, the right diff, and the humility to air down before you get stuck.
Why We Chose a 2005 Astro Over a Sprinter
Budget, parts availability, and the joy of an underdog rig — the honest case for a $4,800 2005 Chevy Astro over a $60K Sprinter for BC backcountry overlanding.
Dynamat vs. Kilmat: What We Used and Why
An honest, non-sponsored take after deadening every inch of metal.
Fraser Valley's Hidden FSRs: Our Local Favourites
Three Forest Service Roads within an hour of home that don't make the lists.
The JOR Lift Kit Install: What We Got Right (And Wrong)
A weekend job that turned into three. Here's what we'd do differently.