Living Outdoors: Overland Life for the Subaru Enthusiast

Anyone who loves to drive, but also pursues a passion for performance and experiencing true control over a machine designed to overcome challenges is a candidate for this lifestyle and practice. First, not only those who seek adventure, but ones who crave it and search for that feeling and rush of adrenaline, extreme excitement, taking risks, and also the natural desire for exploration and discovery are the ones you will find on the trails of the world with smiles on their faces, and dirt on their hands and no complaint in their hearts. Also, these are individuals who have an enormous degree of resilience, patience, robust spirit, and can adapt to most any situation or challenge laid at their feet. Exposing themselves to a problem or a puzzle is not an issue, but something they look forward to during their journey. They enjoy the mental exercise which forces them to be prepared, quickly adapt, and think fast to navigate efficiently and overcome any challenge they meet. It is rare to find an off-road, outdoor junkie who is not a natural problem solver. Experienced and dedicated overland enthusiasts have developed a keen set of senses and carry a toolbox of skills that help them survive, adapt, and be sure-footed no matter what circumstances or challenges they meet. Lastly, it's important to note that beyond the technical and practical skills, the most successful of these individuals also should have a solid sense of community, loyalty, and empathetic spirit since the safest, smartest, and most enjoyable off-road experiences happen within a group. Participating in organized group events helps to educate about the lifestyle, build friendships, establish trust, share knowledge, and above all, keep everyone's safety and life top of mind. 

All hobbyist pursuits, namely those that involve mechanized equipment or vehicles that are powerful and require specific skill to operate and enjoy, should be taken seriously and supported with a good measure of education. It is proven that most fruitful endeavors come with guidance and, as we have mentioned, a level of experienced support. Again, off-roading, trail riding, exploring, and adventure seeking is much more involved than just hopping in a machine, hitting a trail off the grid, climbing rocks, and rolling through muddy ruts. We hear too many stories of thrill seekers trying to take on the wilderness alone. Any experienced overland enthusiast will tell you that there couldn't be a worse idea. One guarantee is that most likely, when you are not expecting something bad to happen, you are alone when it does happen. Murphy's Law, which states that "anything that can go wrong will go wrong" will come into effect very quickly in this scenario. In the motorsports world, checks and balances, safety, and experience are paramount to success. Adventure in the wilderness, even though it is quiet, beautiful, and sometimes, less intense, needs to be respected and taken seriously as much as a speed filled day at the track. The outdoors can be a dangerous and unforgiving environment with many things to consider. Venturing out on a trail in unfamiliar territory alone, without proper guidance, instruction, or support can be life changing or life ending. At the minimum, an inexperienced, unprepared off-roader could get seriously lost, or stranded in a very remote area if the vehicle breaks down. Unfortunately, in some cases, an accident could occur leaving both the driver injured or incapacitated and the vehicle seriously damaged. With no one else there to assist or have the ability to act quickly, the scenario can quickly take a negative or deadly turn.

In the mind of an inspired overland enthusiast, it is exciting and encouraging to think about taking a newly modified and upgraded all-wheel-drive vehicle out on the trail. Who wouldn't want to immediately climb in the saddle, do some exploring, adventuring, or off-roading to finally test its capabilities and confirm that all your investments have clearly delivered your vision of performance. If all these investments and upgrades are truly important and worth preserving for repeated outings, a lot of critical decisions need to be made to plot the course. Searching out a group of individuals, especially when you are just getting started, will bring an array of benefits, especially if you are open to the fellowship and community a good group will deliver. Some important factors will become sharply clear when an individual joins a group or club that is truly dedicated to the overland and off-roading lifestyle. Again, the first benefit is gathering and meeting with people that share the same passions for the outdoors and off-road excitement. These relationships will soon help a new member to learn some important and necessary skills that will make the experience more enjoyable, safe, and rewarding, since those most experienced will often want to share their knowledge to keep the group stable and free of bad situations on the trail. Also, being part of a good group will help the novice learn about appropriate upgrades, the most reliable parts, and ways to improve a vehicle without wasting time, money, and effort. It's never bad having someone who has been around the block as a guide to avoid some costly mistakes. In addition to the education and guidance from veteran off-roaders, there is the overarching benefit of being a part of a group that has a specific purpose. Most often groups help support charity events, drive environmental advocacy, and also serve as examples within their community by having fun while teaching safety and teamwork.

Overland enthusiasts are not much different than anyone else who wishes to fulfill a passionate belief while sharing their experiences with others who really understand their purpose and energy. Looking over the expanse of today's car culture, even the most inexperienced individual might notice how many factions and organizations exist that wear the cloak of support, but may not truly practice what they preach. Members of the Subaru community would like to maintain its structure as one that is based on diversity, camaraderie, and the sharing of knowledge so those who came before can ensure the torch is passed with care and a reputable measure of integrity. Coming across a group of enthusiasts who have a passion for more than a brand, but also a belief and purpose is both encouraging and empowering to say the least, which makes it important to highlight their existence and discuss their history. Adventure Overland New England (O.N.E), a group of off-road enthusiasts, was founded by Nik Berthelette and Adam Z. Back at the beginning of 2023 as a welcoming refuge and base camp for both Subaru owners and overland enthusiasts who pursue multiple passions, inclusive ideals, and are practitioners of the outdoor lifestyle at all experience levels. Obviously, their name pinpoints their base of membership quite clearly. Since the beginning, Adventure One has successfully brought together a collection of enthusiasts from the New England region, namely Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut, to create a space for all to share, encourage, and inspire through their love of this lifestyle and practice of safe outdoor-based recreation. During their relatively short existence, meteoric acceleration and solid stance in the community, they have built a foundation and set of standards that may be a source of envy from other groups. 

"What began as a small idea quickly grew into something much bigger.", Berthelette said with pride. "Today, Adventure O.N.E has nearly 1,200followers on Instagram, 158 members officially registered on our website, and an active Discord community of over 100 members, connecting daily." Clearly inspired by a connected spirit of fellowship and strong values, the Adventure O.N.E team does not seem to show any signs of breaking through the corners. "Our members range in age from 21 to over 40, but all share the same love of adventure, community, and the Subaru spirit.", Berthelette confirmed. "One of the things we’re most proud of is the achievements of our members," he said. "Brendan Maloney, one of our current admins, earned Best Off-Road Class at Wicked Big Meet this year with his Crosstrek build — a testament to the passion and creativity that runs through our group." Nik's passion obviously has fueled the group's energy for involvement and becoming a supportive guiding block for the entire Subaru community by getting firmly involved in events to help momentum and inspiration exist through the same channel. "Since 2023, Adventure O.N.E has represented at Wicked Big Meet as a club vendor, bringing not just rigs and gear, but also energy, positivity, and camaraderie.", Berthelette supportively exclaimed. "Each year, we organize a multi-day campout leading up to the event — this year drawing 24 attendees.", he confirmed. "It’s become one of our favorite traditions: a way to bond around the campfire before taking on one of the biggest Subaru gatherings in the country." More than just a group of people who need a way to spend their weekends and justify their hobbyist investments, Berthelette and his membership go above and beyond what many might expect from the average enthusiast group. Not elitists, but welcoming overland evangelists who think uniquely.

Heading out into the wild, meeting challenges, and observing the world from a different view as an overland enthusiast, is no less thrilling than a pioneering explorer discovering a new world or coming across uncharted territory. The ultimate thrill for a new practitioner is the common love of getting to places and wondering if anyone else has ever been there, or heading for remote places far past the fire roads or dried river beds that were only traveled by wildlife. The comfort in establishing an overnight camp spot to observe the open sky, take in the quiet, then waking in the morning to decide to give that next unexplored trail on the satellite map a try. Heading off, there is anticipation of possibly driving the vehicle to its performance limit and challenging its suspension capabilities. The primary reward for enthusiasts within this realm is knowing it was all accomplished alongside a community of individuals from all walks of life that gather as one unified group that have the same passions, share the same goals, and pursue the same interests. The ultimate exercise of bonding where people meet challenges and share experience. Moreover, there is the connection through the builds and modification journeys they have started, from those beginners that may have only just begun, to the veterans who know the places they had been once, and couldn't go further, but now can because of the other members. One level of accomplishment is looked to as a source of inspiration. This is the foundation of what the outdoor, overland lifestyle is about all while building your vehicle to accomplish those challenging goals. The positive group dynamic championed by the founders and members of Adventure O.N.E has pushed them forward to help themselves maintain the belief and importance behind enjoying the outdoors and experiencing the performance which allows them to conquer obstacles on the trail and in life.

Above all, this group is still firmly based on what should be pursued beyond recreational enjoyment to maintain that dedication to purpose and truly attain the ultimate satisfaction which lifts a group's spirit. "Adventure O.N.E was founded on the belief that a community should be open, non-discriminatory, and supportive.” Nik said.“ Whether someone is a seasoned off-roader or has just purchased their very first Subaru, our goal is to provide a place to learn, connect, and grow." This organization keeps their purpose and goals up front while also following a road which sets examples for the off-road enthusiast by educating and helping to set standards for anyone who crosses the trail laid behind their efforts. "Our adventures aren’t just about fun; they’re also about responsibility.", Berthelette explained. "In 2024, members joined together for a trail cleanup, collecting nearly 100 lbs of trash to help preserve the spaces we love to explore.", he said. "While we haven’t yet partnered with a formal charity, we’re actively looking ahead to state park donations, dealership collaborations, and local business partnerships as ways to give back." It is important to mention that the outdoor, overland lifestyle should be taken as seriously as any other automotive-based passion that an enthusiast wishes to pursue and support. Again, there is much more to this than a camping trip, a Sunday drive with the family, or a weekend of seeing how far into the woods you can drive your lifted performance vehicle. Good groups like Adventure O.N.E are proving that being organized, driven, and aware does not have to remove the enjoyment from activities that happen in beautiful places. These attributes can only make enthusiasts better people, better drivers, and more responsible humans at the end of the day. "Our slogan, ‘Purpose Built, Community Driven, Adventure Ready’, embodies our vision." Berthelette adds with strength. "Our motto, ‘Trail Responsibly’, reminds us that the trails we travel and the people we meet along the way deserve respect.", he confirms. "We’re committed to leaving every trail, every forest, and every interaction better than we found it. For me, this isn’t just about driving my modified 2016 Crosstrek Premium or my 2024 Outback Wilderness.", he said. "It’s about building something bigger. A community where passion and respect go hand in hand, and where every adventure creates a story worth sharing."

For more information regarding aftermarket parts for your overland Subaru, please visit our website and explore the section dedicated to your platform. 

We would be happy to serve you!