Willie Suarez is The Lone Overlander – a U.S. Marine veteran, cancer survivor and devoted family man who found healing behind the wheel. Exploring everywhere from the deserts of Nevada to the wilds of Alaska, he describes himself as “just a regular guy with a deep love for travel, discovery and creating lasting memories with my family, my wife, our kids and our dogs.” Read how he’s gone from combat to campsites and discover the positive role that overlanding has played in his life.
The Name
The Lone Overlander actually started as The Lone Overlanders back when Willie’s kids were little and he would spend the whole summer traveling with them across North America and Canada. But as they grew up and got busy with school, sports and college, the name has evolved into The Lone Overlander.
“These days, it’s mostly me and my golden retriever Maggie out on the road, exploring one trail at a time.”
The Rig
Willie’s 2025 Jeep Gladiator built by AEV is a masterclass in functional design, shaped by necessity. After battling cancer from 2020 to 2023, Willie had to rethink things as the fight left him with lasting physical limitations.
“I needed a build that made overlanding easier. The simplicity of setting up camp in seconds with minimal effort has been a game changer. And I stuck with a Jeep because it’s tough, highly capable, and easy to fix just about anywhere.”
He couldn’t be happier with his setup.
“From the factory, AEV had already taken care of the suspension, tires, and overall off-road capability. Inside the cab, I removed the back seat and installed a Goose Gear platform. In the back, I went with what I consider the best overland camper on the market: the Alu-Cab ModCap with the wedge tent. When I originally ordered it, the family tent option wasn’t available yet, but that upgrade is definitely on my radar.”
ARB dual onboard air system – “Non-negotiable for off-roading.”
Goose Gear platform – “Maggie rides safe, and my camera gear stays secure.”
Alu-Cab ModCAP Camper – “The best overland camper on the market. Sets up in seconds and is perfect when you need simplicity.”
“Before any trip, I check everything,” says Willie, explaining how his military mindset extends to how he preps his rig. “Loose bolts, worn parts… Better to find issues in the driveway than on the trail.”
The Wrap
In the overlanding world, pinstripes are seen as a badge of honor. Willie is no different, but the reality is that if he ever wants to sell his vehicle, most buyers won’t see it the same way.
“While I don’t plan on selling my Jeep anytime soon, I wanted to protect the paint and my daughters jumped in and convinced me to bring some color into the design. I’m glad they did. The wrap is all about what I love: chasing beautiful views and watching as many sunsets and sunrises as I can. If you look closely, there are a few subtle details woven into the design that reflect some of my personal struggles and victories. I wanted it to be more than just decoration, I wanted it to mean something.“
Those personal touches, where every color and graphic was chosen for a reason tell Willie’s story. There’s meaning behind each element, and the wrap isn’t just about making the rig look good, it’s about making Willie’s rig Willie’s and something that reflects where he’s been, what he’s overcome and what he loves most about the overland lifestyle.
From Cuba to Combat
Willie’s love for exploration began in Cuba, riding shotgun in his dad’s ’57 Chevy truck. But it was his time in the Marine Corps’ Light Armored Recon unit that forged his off-road instincts.
“I started as a driver, then became a gunner and eventually a Vehicle Commander. We lived out of our LAVs, rugged off-road combat vehicles, for months. That experience changed me forever.”
After service, battling PTSD, he found solace in the simplest of escapes: a Mini Cooper and an open road with his son.
“I didn’t even know there was a name for it. I was just doing what I’d learned in the Marines: travel and live out of a vehicle. It brought me peace in a way nothing else could.”
Over time, the Mini turned into a Ram 2500 as Willie’s family grew, and now that his kids only join him occasionally, he’s downsized to a Jeep Gladiator.
“Whether solo or with my dog Maggie, overlanding has become my way to reconnect with nature, with memories, and with myself.”
Close Calls
Willie’s most harrowing moment? Blowing two tires near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim with no spares left. Fortunately this community cares and help was soon on its way.
“A hunter pulled up, saw my flat, and gave me his old 35” spare. No questions, just kindness. That’s the overlanding brotherhood.”
Magic Moments
A favourite adventure was Willie’s two-month trip to Alaska with his three kids.
“We slept in one tent, showered in freezing streams, and faced wildfires and desert heat. My son Kasio? A warrior. My daughters? Tough as nails. That trip shaped us.”
However, the Mojave Desert, just south of Las Vegas, is Willie’s go-to spot whenever he’s got a free day or an entire week in the winter. It’s one of those underrated places that has everything: historic cabins tucked away in the middle of nowhere, old mines, caves, Joshua tree forests, sand dunes and even lakeside campsites.
“It’s wild, rugged, peaceful and only a short drive from the city. Every time I go, I find something new. The Mojave has a special kind of magic that keeps pulling me back. I absolutely love it out there.”
Military Lessons on the Trail
Willie’s approach to overlanding is steeped in Marine Corps discipline:
Situational awareness – “In the Grand Canyon, a storm can trap you for days. You must watch the weather, know your exits.”
Risk assessment – “I don’t take dumb chances. If there’s an easy route vs. rock crawling, I pick easy every time.”
Yet, he contrasts this with the joy of civilian adventure.
“Navigating Utah’s backcountry is nothing like dodging IEDs in Iraq. One’s for peace. The other was survival.”
A lot of the habits that Willie developed in the Marines – from planning routes and assessing risk, to maintaining gear and staying situationally aware – still guide him today. Especially when traveling solo.
“That said, overlanding now is a lot more enjoyable. Being aware of weather patterns, terrain conditions, and escape routes is the kind of thinking the military drilled into me. It’s helped me countless times both on the road and in life. It’s about being prepared without being paranoid.”
Advice for New Overlanders: Start Simple
Willie’s message to beginners? Stop overcomplicating it.
“Grab pillows, a blanket, and go camp in your car. You don’t need a $50k rig. Just get out there.”
Follow the Lone Overlander
We’re stoked to have people like Willie using our product and serving as a leader in the overland community. Follow his journey on Instagram @theloneoverlander and his YouTube channel.
