TREAD January/February 2024

How's it going, everybody? I’m Devan Ence, the new Editor-at-Large for Tread Magazine. The outdoors and getting into hard-to-reach places in the backcountry has played a major part in my life for the last two decades. Mainly working in the fly-fishing industry during that time, I’ve been taking clients on adventures to places less traveled. My passion for off-roading really started there with a couple of purpose-built Land Rovers. The first was a 1989 Range Rover that turned out to be one of the most capable backcountry rigs I have ever owned and the other was a Discovery 2. I used and abused them on a daily basis and could always count on getting my people in and out of anywhere we decided to go. I am super humbled to…

01. DUROBUMPS/DBF212 FRONT OFF-ROAD BUMP STOPS Upgrade your Toyota or Lexus truck’s off-road experience with DuroBumps DBF212 Front Off-Road Bump Stops. Expertly crafted in the USA, these bump stops offer smooth, progressive dampening, eliminating hard bottom-outs and the “shell-shock” effect. Designed for off-road enthusiasts and daily drivers, they enhance ride quality, reduce wear on suspension components, and ensure improved off-road control. Experience the DuroBumps difference and elevate your off-road adventures today! MSRP: $214.99 durobumps.com 02. AUTO METER/JEEP JK OVERHEAD SWITCH PANEL Looking for a handy place to mount your accessory switches that doesn’t require cutting or other modifications? The new AutoMeter Jeep JK Overhead Switch Panel with 6 switch cutouts allows you to mount your auxiliary switches up and out of the way. This switch panel puts access right at…

01. KORKERS/NEO ARCTIC BOOT Korkers Neo Arctic features OmniTrax® Interchangeable Sole System for traction on the fly, 16 Inches of 100% waterproof vulcanized rubber, and 8mm of ultra-warm neoprene with cozy fleece lining for unmatched warmth. Rated for temps down to -60 degrees Fahrenheit to attack even the coldest environments. Available in multiple colors for both men and women. MSRP: $199.99 korkers.com 02. LEKI/COPPER S GLOVE The COPPER S is one of the most popular gloves in the LEKI collection for good reason, blending timeless good looks with state-of-the-art performance. Premium Goatskin leather gives this glove superior touch, enhancing grip and control in snowy conditions. Paired with their Fiberloft Insulation and Micro Bemberg Lining and comfort fit design, this glove provides a perfect mix of warmth and protection. EVA knuckle…

If you would have told Kyle Delfel that he would own a shop (Del Fab), build a badass SEMA award-winning Bronco, take home the top Ford Design award, and be shot for the cover of Tread all in a single year—he would have just laughed at you. You see, Kyle is about as humble as it comes, surprising from someone oozing with such talent. He had never set out to do any of this—at least not right out of the gate. Let’s rewind back to 2005; Kyle had just turned 16 and was cruising a 1975 Bronco. Like most of us gearheads, from that point forward he went through vehicles kind of like underwear. When he was just 18 years old, Kyle built his first solid-axle swap in the way…

It’s a crawler, it’s a prerunner, it’s… an overlander? At first glance this wild Chevy Colorado looks like some sort of race truck or maybe some sort of rock crawler. Then you realize this truck has a long bed, a roof top tent, gear cases on the cab roof and is packed with enough gear to go off grid for months—this thing is an overlanding rig. One might think the builder of this creation is confused or just can’t make up his mind, but in fact, Matthew Girgis knew exactly what direction he was going when he went full tilt with this build. Girgis wanted a rock crawling, desert running, overlanding rig that can still act as a reliable daily driver. So what does Matt consider himself? To answer that,…

Set against the sprawling vistas of Sand Hollow State Park in Hurricane, Utah, Trail Hero 2023 was a truly awesome experience. We witnessed passion for the environment, off-roading camaraderie, and advocacy come together to symbolize a shared dedication to preserving trail access for all. At its core, Trail Hero is an event that champions accessibility to nature’s wonders. The event spans five days of trail exploration. But it’s not just about conquering challenging terrains; it’s about creating an environment where everyone, irrespective of skill levels, can revel in the thrill of outdoor adventure. The goal of Trail Hero extends beyond just trail runs. It hosts signature events like the Supercrawl World Championships, The Trail Breaker, and Rock Races. These high-octane competitions kick off later in the day, ensuring participants can…