What does it really take to build a world-class off-road expedition in Alaska?

In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert sits down with Cooper to break down Alaska Off-Road Expedition, a business designed to unlock remote Alaska for travelers who want more than a typical vacation. From guided overland trips and custom itineraries to camping in the backcountry and partnering with local excursion providers, this conversation dives into how adventure, logistics, and leadership all come together.

They discuss who these trips are really for, what a multi-day expedition looks like, the realities of Alaska travel, and how experiences are built around the client. If you have ever thought about exploring Alaska beyond the road system, this episode gives you a clear look at what that actually involves.

Alaska Offroad Expedition

In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert and Cooper break down the real-world differences between traveling solo and going with a group on off-road adventures in Alaska. From risk management and mechanical failures to communication systems and group dynamics, they share firsthand stories and practical advice for beginners and experienced explorers alike.

You’ll hear why most problems compound quickly in the backcountry, how communication tools like GMRS radios and satellite devices can make or break a trip, and why group travel is often the best starting point for new off-roaders. Whether you’re planning your first trip or refining your expedition strategy, this episode offers grounded insight from the trail.

In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert Forto and Cooper discuss Cooper’s recent trip to the legendary Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. They talk about what the event is really like, renting Jeeps in Moab, trail experiences, and lessons learned for building the Alaska Off-Road Expeditions.

They also preview Overland Expo events across the country and discuss the upcoming Alaska 4x4 Meet & Greet in Wasilla. If you love Jeeps, overlanding, off-roading, and Alaska adventure travel, this episode is for you.

Most people only see the finished image. The clean shot. The moment that made it to social media.

What they don’t see is everything behind it.

In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, we sit down with Keela McCleneghan from Sunshine and Photo, whose work lives at the intersection of dog mushing, overlanding, and storytelling. Her perspective goes beyond photography. It is about awareness, positioning, and making real-time decisions when conditions shift and nothing goes according to plan.

We talk about what it takes to capture high-speed sled dog teams, how environment shapes creative decisions, and why the difference between average and exceptional often comes down to how well you read the moment in front of you.

This conversation is for anyone operating in environments where there is no script, on the trail, in the field, or in leadership.

Leadership is often taught in controlled environments, but real leadership rarely happens that way. In this episode, we introduce the Team & Trail Expedition, a 2027 journey from Willow to Nome designed to explore leadership through real-world challenges. At the center of the project is a Leadership Fellowship that gives college students access to decision-making as it unfolds on the trail.

Exploring Alaska by vehicle requires a very different approach to gear than overlanding in the Lower 48. In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert Forto and Cooper DeDycker break down the essential equipment needed to travel safely and comfortably through Alaska’s extreme environments.

We chat about everything from layering systems for unpredictable weather to shelter options like rooftop tents and alternative setups such as pop-up camp cubes. Cooper shares practical insights from his experience running Alaska Off-Road Expeditions and working in the off-road industry, including which gear actually performs well in the field.

The episode also explores modern overlanding technology, including portable power systems, solar panels, and Starlink satellite internet for remote travel. Robert and Cooper also discuss traction boards, recovery gear choices, and how brand reputation in the off-road world doesn’t always equal the best performance.

Vehicle recoveries are one of the most important skills every off-road driver should understand, yet many people hit the trail without the proper knowledge or gear. In this episode of the Team & Trail Podcast, Robert Forto and Cooper DeDycker dive deep into real-world recovery techniques used in Alaska’s rugged terrain.

The conversation covers the fundamentals of safe winching, the proper use of kinetic ropes and recovery straps, and the importance of assessing the situation before attempting a pull. Cooper also shares a dramatic story of assisting a stranded truck near the Canadian border in extreme sub-zero temperatures, highlighting how quickly things can go wrong in remote environments.

Along the way, they discuss the differences between Jeep and Toyota off-road rigs, the importance of gear maintenance in Alaska’s brutal winters, and the must-have recovery tools every overlander should carry. Whether you are new to off-roading or a seasoned trail driver, this episode offers practical advice and real experience from the Alaska backcountry.

If you're dreaming about an Alaska overland or Jeep expedition, this episode is your starting line.

In this kickoff episode of the new Team & Trail expedition series, Robert Forto is joined by Cooper DeDycker, owner of Alaska Off-Road Expedition and works at Trail Toyz, off-road specialists, to break down what it really takes to explore Alaska safely and confidently.

They cover:

• How to plan multi-day Jeep routes using Gaia GPS and OnX Offroad

• Public land access and what off-roaders get wrong about boundaries

• Legendary Alaska trails like Knik Glacier, Hatcher Pass, and Eureka

• The real cost of vehicle recovery in remote terrain

• Seasonal challenges unique to Alaska

• Must-have off-road mods (winch, lockers, tire size recommendations)

• Emergency gear every Alaskan overlander should carry

• The truth about budgeting for expedition travel

Whether you're a weekend warrior with a Tacoma or planning a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska adventure, this episode lays the groundwork.

Alaska is the last frontier. But it demands preparation.