THE MSO EXPERIENCE
We build video and craft the experience with the end goal - influence others to follow in our footsteps. Whether we’re powering across the country on the Trans-America Trail or leading new adventures in the Appalachian Mountains, our team is dedicated to producing the best experience on video and in-person.
Mountain State Overland has published over 200 videos on YouTube and recounting our travels through 25 states and provinces since 2013. Each year we lead and film guided tours and earmark a 2 week overland adventure reserved specifically for team members.
Since the adventure travel community is what supports our efforts, we host an annual event to bring our friends and fans together.
Whether its a filmed vehicle build, documented adventure or an event to celebrate the overland community - there’s something for everyone to be a part of and enjoy.
THE VISION
Build a sustainable brand that continually supports adventurous pursuits.
THE MISSION
Empower adventurers to explore their worlds with inspiring content and valuable services to build close relationships.
OUR IMPACT
Mountain State Overland’s founding principles were based on sharing stories of responsible lifestyles and adventures. As the brand gained traction, we shifted our focus to make a difference globally. Annually we contributed funding to Trees for the Future from 2016 through the 2020 film season under our #1mile1tree campaign and planted over 18,000 trees.
In 2021, Mountain State Overland joined Tread Lightly! as a small business member. We’ve adopted strict principles that compliment responsible adventures and regularly participate in political lobbying campaigns that support adventure travel tourism. Our partners in state legislature have since adopted this model to influence lawmaking and the development of governing regulations in the eastern US.
Mountain State Overland advocates a very simple concept - leave it better than you found it. We continually welcome opportunities to educate overlanders and seasoned adventurers to promote a healthy environment for others to explore.
HOW IT STARTED
It was going to be a simple camping just north of Durbin, West Virginia during Fall 2013. Five friends met up for a three-day fishing trip on the West Fork of the Greenbrier River.
We fished on Friday with some success and by that evening the rain had settled in on what would be two full days of showers. We set up our blue tarps and anchored each from truck to tree until we crafted the prefect shelter for the 5 of us to cook and celebrate for the remainder of the trip.
The deep fryer ran for 2-3 hrs cooking everything we could through at it and we cheered to the sounds of the Mountaineer football game broadcasting from the local FM channel. We had drinks and loads of good conversations but one subject in particular drew a lot of attention - what is overlanding?
One friend spoke up, “have you heard of it? It’s like driving around in the woods and going camping.”
Another spoke up and said, “but isn’t that what we’re doing now?”
The conversation went on for hours and we spoke of trips we could take, places we could go and interviews we could produced all armed with cameras and a love for adventure.
Over the next few weeks, we planned a couple weekend trips and interviews to film for the first season of “Mountain State Overland.”
2023 TEAM & CAST
JASON SPECHT
CREATOR | DIRECTOR
Jason is responsible for telling the story, editing content, business development and marketing.
CURRENT LOCATION
West Virginia
FAVORITE THINGS
Tele-skiing, rafting and his family
BEN KNIGHT
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Ben captures the story on film and carries a camera for stills.
CURRENT LOCATION
Massachusetts
FAVORITE THINGS
Snowboarding, rally car, filmmaking and snacks
JOHN ROBESON
GRAPHICS | PHOTOG
John is skilled photog and manages our brand graphics.
CURRENT LOCATION
South Carolina
FAVORITE THINGS
Camping, small towns, his wife and Waffle House
ERIC IWASHITA
GUIDE | PHOTOG
Eric shares the film and photo work, manages guest communications and event coordination.
CURRENT LOCATION
North Carolina
FAVORITE THINGS
Camping, design, dogs and his wife