Al Disah Valley, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
Meet Omar Al Omair, the determined Saudi adventurer behind the YouTube channel @omaradv. He is redefining the boundaries of exploration in the digital world. With an insatiable thirst for adventure and a camera in hand, he's embarked on a remarkable journey to circumnavigate the globe. His captivating vlogs offer a front-row seat to breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and the challenges of long-distance travel.Omar's commitment to sharing his experiences has garnered a dedicated following, inspiring countless viewers to step outside their comfort zones. Through his channel, he not only showcases the beauty of our planet but also highlights the importance of environmental conservation and cultural respect. As he continues his epic journey, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of his extraordinary adventure.
Omar began his journey with a deep-rooted passion for exploration and a desire to experience different cultures. Perhaps a previous travel experience or a personal turning point ignited the spark that led to this audacious undertaking.
Omar is no stranger to world travel. He began his transcontinental expedition lapping the world on a bicycle. He is the first Saudi to lap the world while documenting his journeys online. The journey itself is a testament to human courage and curiosity. It's a story of overcoming challenges, embracing the unknown, and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
Omar is currently on a year-long transcontinental expedition that began in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is heading east towards Sydney, Australia. His journey has taken him through 18 countries starting with Kuwait, Iraq, Turkey, Georgia, the Stans, Russia, Mongolia, and China. He then traversed Southeast Asia, passing through Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste. As of today, Omar is in Australia waiting for his Land Cruiser to arrive. He has driven 50,000KMs so far.
Omar's journey is a testament to human endurance, taking him through diverse landscapes, from scorching deserts to lush jungles. He'll experience extreme altitudes, descending hundreds of meters below sea level and ascending to heights of 4,500 meters and beyond. This expedition will also mark a unique milestone as Omar becomes the first person we know to enter China using three different modes of transportation: bicycle, motorcycle, and four-wheel-drive vehicle.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Omar's journey is his choice of vehicle. To embark on such a monumental expedition, a vehicle must be more than just transportation; it needs to be a home away from home.
Camping near Shangri-La, China
Meet his trusty steed; a 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser 76 series, powered by a 1GRFE 4.0 V6 Gas engine.Omar and his 76 Series Land Cruiser right after he picked it up in 2023.
But before we get into the good stuff. One might ask; how did Omar choose this vehicle? and why did he go with a Toyota?
It's really simple. Toyota's global commitment to its customers extends far beyond the showroom floor. This is particularly evident in the case of the Land Cruiser platform, a vehicle renowned for its durability and off-road capabilities. To support such a rugged and popular model, Toyota has established a robust global parts and dealer support network.
In essence, Toyota's global support network for the Land Cruiser is a testament to the company's dedication to customer satisfaction and the vehicle's iconic status. It ensures that our friend Omar can continue to enjoy his vehicle for many years to come, while feeling confident that he would always have the support he needs.
Camping near Flores Island - Indonesia
But why did he go with the 76 Series you might ask? Well. the Toyota Land Cruiser 76 Series is a legendary off-road vehicle renowned for its unmatched durability, reliability, and off-road capability. Built to conquer the toughest terrains, this rugged icon sacrifices some on-road comfort and fuel efficiency for its impressive strength and longevity. Despite its outdated technology compared to modern SUVs, the Land Cruiser 76 remains a sought-after choice for those seeking an adventure vehicle. It's a very simple vehicle. A preference global travelers seek when shopping for a vehicle.
Pamir Highway - Tajikistan
The 76 is the compact version of the Land Cruiser 70 series, ideal for solo or two-person adventures. Its size allows for ample gear storage while maintaining maneuverability. This platform offers excellent customization potential to match individual needs.
How did we equip Omar for his global expedition in a Land Cruiser 76? Given Omar's inexperience with off-road driving, our upgrade choices were carefully considered and tailored to his specific needs.
Abandoned ship in the Aral Sea - Uzbekistan
After an in-depth discussion about his travel requirements, comfort was a priority for Omar. The 76 Series, with its traditional ladder chassis, solid axles, and leaf spring suspension, is not inherently known for passenger comfort.
Scheel-Mann Vario F seat
To enhance ride quality, load-carrying capacity, and off-road capability, we've installed a 2-inch lift kit. This includes new OME springs and bushings, as well as upgraded the shocks to Fox 2.0 IFP shocks.
The Fox shocks are a critical component of this build, engineered for long-lasting, optimal ride control. Their aluminum bodies dissipate heat efficiently, while the nitrogen-filled design and proprietary shock fluid maintain consistent performance over time.
Fox 2.0 IFP Front Shocks
Fox 2.0 IFP Rear Shocks
To make this car a house on wheels, we've added an Awning, a Roof Top Tent along with a shower cube from Quick Pitch.
Quick Pitch Roof Top Tent
A 270 Degree Awning
The Shower Box from Quick Pitch
A Battle Born 100 amp lithium battery is the ideal power solution for Omar. Unlike standard off-grid batteries, these are built to endure the harsh conditions of vehicle use, including vibration and extreme temperatures. This robust design makes them the preferred choice for Omar and our worldwide customers.
The battery is enclosed in a Front Runner Universal Battery Tray that's been slightly modified for his application.
Battle Born 100 amp Lithium Battery
Front Runner Battery Box
To charge the battery, we've installed a Redarc 40 Amp in-cab CORE Charger and a Redarc Rouge system. The Rouge efficiently controls devices and monitors water tanks, making it ideal for Omar. In his Land Cruiser, the Rouge oversees all functions in "house mode," which covers everything needed when parked and camping.
BCDC CORE IN-CABIN 40A DC Battery Charger
TVMS ROGUE Control Module
Redvision Display Unit
Remote Control for Inverter
40A Fuse kit
To safeguard against main battery failure, we've installed a 100 amp Redarc Automatic Link Starter (SBI12). This system links the main and auxiliary batteries, guaranteeing a successful start for Omar's solo expedition.
Smart Battery Isolator
Conquering the darkness is a formidable challenge for any globetrotter. Driving through endless, unfamiliar, and often desolate landscapes at night demands exceptional lighting. Baja Design, renowned for its lighting expertise, was the clear choice. Their cutting-edge lights empower Omar to confidently navigate the treacherous roads of Siberia or the dense jungles of Indonesia.
Baja Designs LP6 Pro performance in a tunnel built and left by the Soviet Union in Dagestan. The tunnel had a lot of dust and the Amber LP6s allowed Omar to see through the dust with less reflection.
Baja Designs LP 6 Amber
Baja Designs LP6 Rock Guard
To enhance visibility, we installed Baja Designs XL80 lights within the ARB front bumper. These powerful lights significantly improve illumination of the vehicle's front corners, allowing Omar to better detect potential hazards like oncoming traffic or wildlife.
Baja Designs XL80 Round
For enhanced rear visibility, we mounted Baja Designs S2 lights on the tent. This provides Omar with improved illumination when reversing or setting up camp in low-light conditions.
Baja Designs S2 Back up light
For Camping and to illuminate the areas around the car. We added 2 different lights. The Rigid Scene lights on the sides and the Baja Designs Dome light.
Baja Designs Dome Light
Rigid DC Scene
To control the lights, we've added the easy to use sPOD. This sPOD switch managment device is solid state and requires no fuses. It offers circuite protection and battery load protection. The device has 6 hard switches and an APP that's used on the phone to control and dim the lights as he needs. Since the sPOD does not require fuses. It's the perfect solution for Omar's Land Cruiser.
SOURCELT Mini 6 Switch System
For better visibility and security, we added a 4 Wheel Station Mirror Dash Cam. This dash cam not only provides video recording but also doubles as a rear view mirror. So Omar can see beyond his gear in the back.Mirror Dash Cam
The vehicle is equipped with three recovery devices, one of which is an ARB Air Locker installed in the rear differential. When activated, the locker locks both rear wheels together, distributing power equally to each tire. This ensures optimal traction by forcing both tires to rotate at the same speed.
The ARB Air Locker requires a compressor to run. Since we were adding a compressor anyway to inflate his tires. We opted to go for the ARB Twin compressor. This compressor is known to be reliable and fast. It also has a relatively small footprint and can be easily mounted in various places. So we installed it against the firewall inside the engine bay.
ARB Compressor
To enhance recovery capabilities, we've added a Warn winch. This powerful tool is essential for extracting the vehicle from challenging situations like mud, sand, snow, or river crossings. We strongly recommend regular practice and safety protocols for winch operation. To complement the winch, a Factor 55 recovery kit, including ropes, shackles, and a pulley, has been included for added versatility in self and assisted recoveries throughout Omar’s adventure.
Warn VR Evo 12-S
Vehicle Recovery Kit | Sawtooth
The final addition to our recovery arsenal is the Maxtrax Extreme recovery boards. These versatile tools can extract the vehicle from sand, mud, or snow by providing essential traction. When camping, they also function as leveling ramps for a comfortable sleep.
Maxtrax - MK2 traction boards
A robust ARB front bumper has been installed to enhance the vehicle's safety and off-road capabilities. This bumper safeguards vital components like the radiator and headlights while improving approach angles for tackling steeper terrain. Designed to accommodate winches and additional lights, it's an essential upgrade for any serious off-roader. Despite its rugged appearance, the bumper is surprisingly lightweight. Given the inherent risks of global exploration, the added safety and functionality this bumper provides are invaluable for Omar's journey.
The Land Cruiser is also equipped with a verity of Front Runner Products.
Storage space is very important. So we've added one of our best selling products, the Front Runner Expander Chair. This chair stores to 1/16ths of it's size. Making it one of the smallest and most compact chairs for camping in the market today. The savings in space means Omar can have more storage space in the vehicle. It's easy to use and easy to service.
Front Runner Expander Chair
We upgraded the Front Runner Expander Chair with a foldable table attachment. The table attaches to the frame, creating a sturdy and reliable surface on either side of the Expander Chair.
EXPANDER CHAIR SIDE TABLE
Two Front Runner Wolf Packs provide essential organization and flexibility for Omar's journey. These versatile storage boxes can be easily rearranged as needed, transforming into convenient tables when camping. They are a practical solution for maintaining order on the road. They are weather proof and can be mounted on Roof Racks.
The Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro served as the blueprint for Omar's vehicle interior design. The central storage area was specifically configured to accommodate up to four Wolf Packs stacked in pairs, ensuring easy access to supplies and gear throughout the journey.
To maximize the Wolf Pack Pro's utility, we added Front Runner's Hi-Lid and Flat Pack accessories. The Flat Pack fits neatly inside the Wolf Pack Pro, preserving storage space while offering an additional, standalone storage option. Front Runner’s innovative design and high-quality materials significantly enhance the overall travel experience of any traveler, making organization and packing a breeze.
Flat Pack
Hi-Lid
For BBQs and preparing a quick meal on open fire, we've added the Spare Tire Mount Braai/BBQ Grate. Made out of Stainless Steel, this ingenious cooking grate, stores over the spare tire and takes up virtually no space.
SPARE TIRE MOUNT BRAAI/BBQ GRATE
A high quality kitchen utensil set. Everything Omar needs for cooking and eating can be hung at the campsite and rolls up securely for safe, rattle-free transport.
Camp Kitchen Utensil Set
We added A Drop Down table to Omar's Land Cruiser. This was custom fit to the outside of the vehicle.
DROP DOWN TAILGATE TABLE
A raised air intake from Safari Engineering was added. This device allows the vehicle to breath fresh, clean and cold air from outside the vehicle. An important part to cross the Mongolia and parts of Australia.
For range, we added 2 20 liter fuel tanks. These fuel tanks allow Omar to drive the extra mile. It allows him to know that he always has 40 liters of fuel. He had to use these tanks along his trip as some fuel stations were out of gas. The 2 tanks gave him enough fuel to get to the next station where he was able to fill up.
Jerry Can 20 Liter
Flexible Tube Pouring Spout (Nozzle)
Jerry Can Funnel Flexible
Omar’s epic journey is a testament to human endurance and the power of preparation. His vehicle, outfitted with the latest in off-road technology, was his trusty companion throughout this extraordinary adventure. Are you inspired to embark on your own exploration? Whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a global expedition, we have the gear to equip you for any adventure. Visit our store or browse our online store to discover the perfect products to turn your dreams into reality.