Ramin Rezvani and Josh Ashcroft, founders of Nomadica Outfitters, came upon, and embraced, overlanding like so many of us — through a desire to expand their adventures while simultaneously acquiring gear that is simpler, sturdier, and easier to use.
Working intensive jobs in the Architecture industry in Portland, Oregon, Ramin and Josh spent their weekends exploring the region’s vast public lands. They bought affordable (at the time), ‘80s and ‘90s 4x4s for simplicity and field serviceability. At first, they threw their backpacks and tents in their 4x4s and hit the trail.
Eventually, however, they realized there was no reason to use their lightweight backpacking gear at the cost of comfort and usability. And by smartly adding a curated, high-quality assortment of camping and overlanding equipment, they could not only set up and break down camp more quickly, they could go further, stay longer, and explore more.
“When you have the proper setup, you can just hop in your rig and go at a moment’s notice.” Ramin said. “For us, this took the stress out of trip prep, and made each weekend feel like a vacation.”
This is how Nomadica Outfitters was born.
Once Ramin and Josh discovered overlanding, and the ability to remain on an expedition for weeks at a time, they were immediately seduced by thoughts of round the world travel.
“When talking about extended overland travel, a lot of people give you the advice, ‘You just have to quit your job and do it, or plan and save,’” Josh said. “Whatever their advice, it’s generally suggested that overlanding full time or for months on end requires a lot of willpower and aligning of priorities.”
But because of their responsibilities, families, and relationships, Ramin and Josh can’t always hit the road for weeks at a time. Instead, they often opt to explore the West Coast of the United States, specifically the amazing landscapes of Oregon and Washington most often, getting out as often as they can.
It is on these adventures that they test and evaluate every product they sell. If it doesn’t perform well or they don’t like it, Nomadica Outfitters won’t sell it.
It is that passion for quality products that led the duo to becoming the exclusive distributor for Kovea overland equipment in the U.S. In addition to Kovea’s overlanding line, Nomadica Outfitters has put together complimentary products from an assortment of other high-quality manufacturers such as Silky and Front Runner. The goal is to create a vetted and curated shop for the best in overlanding gear.
To ensure overlanders can find, buy, and receive the high-quality gear they need in short notice, Nomadica Outfitters strives to keep a few months ahead on inventory.
“Throughout the pandemic, we’ve routinely heard from dealers that we are the only distributor that has been able to meet demands,” Josh said.
That means when an overlander puts in an order with Nomadica, there’s a good chance that it will ship out the next day.
Who among us hasn’t purchased an integral piece of equipment 48 hours before a two-week adventure?
“We started Nomadica to help others feel the same sense of peace and freedom our adventures have brought us,” Ramin said. “Through our travels together and with friends, we’ve discovered new ways to resolve the primal need for community and strengthened relationships while simultaneously amplifying our respect for nature.”
Of all their innovative products, Nomadica Outfitters is especially excited to introduce overlanders to the incredibly comfortable Field Luxury Chair, the quick-deploying Bamboo One Action Tables, the versatile All-On-One BBQ Large and All-In-One-Mini stoves. Let’s not forget the Cupid Heater, which everybody loves.
Header image credit: Nomadica Outfitters
Disclaimer: This paid story was produced in partnership with Nomadica Outfitters.