James Langan
Freelance Journalist and Photographer
In love with wheels since his first day of preschool, where he immediately discovered the tricycle, James Langan pursues his passion with trucks, off-highway vehicles, and motorcycles. After being raised in a major metropolitan area, he is now happy to make his home on the eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, a fantastic starting point for adventure. With a keen eye for detail, he is a photographer, a writer, and a precision driver.
1) Please tell us a little background on you. Who you are, what you are into, hobbies, etc.
I've been a freelance journalist and photographer for the past twelve years. While I enjoy almost anything with wheels and a motor, I find motorcycles and 4x4 trucks far more interesting than cars. I have a strong background in light-duty diesels, as a special correspondent for the Power Stroke Registry magazine for eleven years. Recent work includes articles for Overland Journal.
2) What activities or projects are you working on? Was there a specific incident or occurrence that got you involved, causes, special interests?
While I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors, previously I was never much of a camper. I was drawn to overlanding as a means to see and enjoy more, to complete the experience of backcountry travel. It's almost impossible to savor remote parts of the world if you must go out and back in one day. Overlanding and camping go together.
3) Any major travel plans?
In the near future I plan to take more trips and enjoy more adventures. I’m not locked into any destinations yet, but Canada, Alaska, and Baja are all calling.
4) What travel philosophies have you developed for yourself? Are there any do's and don'ts, definite musts, etc?
Proficient driving and motorcycling are constant goals.
I certainly enjoy more challenging, technical trails, and I don't mind using my gear hard if that's what is necessary. However, typically I like to maintain and operate my equipment with an eye on longevity. Not breaking or prematurely wearing parts and gear, and operating vehicles smoothly and with precision.
5) Is there anything particular in your gear set that you absolutely will not leave behind, can't do without?
Like many I have become spoiled with my portable 12-volt refrigerator. To make sure the refrigerator, my passengers and I all get out there and back, I rely on my Bud Built skid plates and a good set of tires with deep tread.
6) What Equipt products do you enjoy? Are there any that peak your interest?
Currently I own an Eezi-Awn 1600. The National Luna Fridge/Freezers have piqued my interest.
7) To date: What has been your favorite adventure?
In April/May 2010 several companions and I spent two weeks exploring many remote backcountry trails in the canyonlands of Utah. We traveled hundreds of miles off-highway, and it was an epic trip. I felt like we just barely scratched the surface of what there is to see and explore in the great state of Utah. I came home with gigabytes of photos that I have yet to organize and edit.
James has started a blog at Roadtraveler.net.