Summer is for running. For the open kind of roads. You want to get out. Forget the schedule.
Some people drive to reset. To escape the endless list of tasks. Others go for the challenge. To test their lungs on a hill. To trade a screen for dirt under their fingernails.
It doesn’t matter why.
Just plan. Pack the right stuff. Pick the right wheels. Ford SUVs like the Explorer or Expedition fit here. They are built for this. Dirt, mud, gravel. Pavement if you have to. Families need it. Athletes need it. People who just want silence need it.
The heavy lifting is done.
Now map it out.
Summit Basecamp
Every hike starts with a step.
Maybe you want meditation. Maybe you want a sprint.
You don’t need a PhD in hiking. Just gear. A vehicle acts as a mobile basecamp. Spend less time packing. More time up high.
The Explorer is your launchpad. Seven seats. 85 cubic feet of space. Room for your club and all the heavy bags. The road might not be smooth. That is fine. There are seven drive modes. Normal, Eco, Sport. Slippery. Trail. Off-Road for specific 4WDs. Go where others stop.*
Balance is wellness.
So is a massage seat.
The Explorer Platinum has them. Heated, ventilated. Front row. Tired muscles thank you. Put on music. B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufson. Up to 14 speakers. A subwoofer. An acoustic sound bar wrapped in fabric. The drive home becomes relaxing.
Pack Smart, Stay Safe
Nature is unpredictable. Safety is not optional.
The American Hiking Society says bring this:
- Shoes. Good traction. Well-fitting.
- Water. At least one liter per hour in moderate heat.
- Snacks. Calorie-dense. Portable.
- Layers. Rain jackets. Lightweight.
- Sun defense. SPF. Lip balm. Sunglasses.
- First aid kit. Multi-tool. Durable ones.
- Map. Compass. Paper ones, not just apps.
- Flashlight. Fire starter. Mylar blanket.
- A day pack.
Leave a plan before you lose signal. Tell someone where you go. Who is with you. When you return to civilization. The National Park Service says this is vital. It keeps people from looking for you if you get stuck.
“Always pack sturdy trash bags.”
Camping With Class
Trading city noise for a crackling fire resets the nervous system.
Fifty-two million Americans camped last year. KOA data. Families want it. 60% say it connects them better with their kids.
Stop “roughing it.” Make it a retreat.
The Expedition is your mobile outpost. 69.9 cubic feet behind the second row. 108.5 with rows folded flat. Eight seats when equipped. Bring the whole crew.
The Split Gate is clever. Power upper and lower gates. Load coolers with your feet. The Cargo Tailgate Manager holds 35 pounds. Use it as a table. Serve coffee. Serve mocktails.
Rough road ahead?
Get the Expedition Tremor. Higher ride suspension. Extra ground clearance. Intelligent 4WD Terrain Management. Seven drive modes. Including Rock Crawl. You feel safe on loose dirt.
Late arrival? No stress.
Zone Lighting turns on. 360 degrees. Headlamps. Roof rails. Spoiler. Everything glows. Set up the tent in the dark easily.
Pack this:
- A good tent.
- Sleeping bags. Pads. Pillows. Sleep matters.
- Camping chairs. Foldable. Lightweight.
- Lanterns. Headlamps. Fully charged.
- Stove. Or grill. Portable.
- Cooler. Well-insulated.
- Cookware. Mugs. Utensils.
- Easy meals. Protein.
- Electrolytes.
- First aid. Bug spray. Sunscreen.
Practice Leave No Trace. Protect the spaces that heal us. Leave the site pristine.
Go hit the road.
The gear helps. The vehicle helps. Less logistics stress. More moment. Pack the bags. Pick the route.
You will come back recharged. Maybe.
*Consult the Owner’s Manual before driving off-road. Know the terrain. Know your limits. Wear proper gear.
Shown: 2026 Ford Explorer Platinum model with optional equipment and accessories.
