Women's Health July 13, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock the Hidden Power of the Journey: Why the Drive Could Be Your Ultimate Fitness Game-Changer

Summer’s here, and you know what that means—time to crank up the tunes, hit the open road, and let the adventure begin! But have you ever paused to wonder what makes a perfect getaway tick? Is it the thrill of spontaneous road trips, the sweet burn of a scenic hike, or maybe just the magic of camping beneath a blanket of stars? Whatever calls your name, one thing’s for sure: preparation is king. Packing the right gear is half the battle, but having a ride that’s up for any challenge? That’s a game-changer. Enter Ford’s Explorer® and Expedition® SUVs—built to tackle everything from rugged trails to smooth highways with confidence. Whether you’re chasing summit views or setting up camp, these beasts have your back, making sure your summer escapades are all about the joy, not the hassle. So, ready to map out your next epic escape?

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5 min read

Summer is for the open road—the spontaneity of a road trip, the challenge of scenic hikes, and the quiet escape of camping under the stars. The call of the open road can have a few different sounds. For some, it’s an opportunity to reset from a schedule and escape the grind of countless to-dos. For others, it’s a challenge to try something new, whether that’s pushing physical boundaries in an outdoor adventure or simply relaxing in a peaceful new place.

Regardless of your reasoning, if you’re planning to get out and take a break, it’s helpful to be prepared. This includes knowing what to tote for each activity—and having the right vehicle to take you there. And that is precisely where Ford SUVs like the Explorer^® or Expedition^® come in. Designed to discover the great outdoors, when properly equipped these vehicles are perfect on dirt, mud, gravel, pavement, or whatever other path you may choose.* So whether you’re a family craving a weekend of embracing the outdoors, a competitive athlete looking to take your workout in a new direction, or someone who wants to swap screen time for trail time, we’ve got your back. From the gear you need to pack to the perfect vehicle to get you there, we’ve handled the heavy lifting. Now all you need to do is map out your route—the open road calls.

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The Ford Explorer^® SUV Is the Ultimate Basecamp for Scenic Summits

Every hike begins as a step into nature, and whether you want to make that a moving meditation or a high-energy workout depends on your mood and mindset.

For most hikes, you don’t need a ton of gear or a lot of experience to enjoy your time on a trail, and a vehicle like the Ford Explorer acts as the ultimate mobile basecamp so you can spend less time packing and more time on the summit.

Your launchpad for adventure, the Explorer^® is available with seating for up to seven passengers and 85 cubic feet of cargo space, there’s room for your hiking club plus gear. And don’t worry if the road to the trail isn’t perfectly smooth, with up to seven available drive modes including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, and Trail, as well as available Off-Road on specific 4WD models, so you can navigate through almost any type of terrain.*

And because wellness is all about balance, the Explorer brings the luxury to your post-hike recovery too. The Explorer Platinum™ model features heated, ventilated, and massaging front-row seats—the perfect reward for tired muscles. Plus, you can cue up a meditative playlist on the available B&O^® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen^®, with 10- or 14 speakers including a subwoofer, a fabric-wrapped acoustic sound bar that makes the drive home a relaxing experience.

Hit the Trail Safely: Your Packing Checklist

Safety is always important and nature can be unpredictable, which is why the American Hiking Society (AHS) recommends bringing these essentials on your next hike:

The right footwear, like well-fitting trail shoes or hiking boots with good traction
At least a liter of water for every hour you plan to be in moderate weather
Calorie-dense, portable snacks
Weather layers like a lightweight rain jacket
Sun defense like SPF, lip balm, and sunglasses
First-aid kit and a durable multi-tool
A physical map or compass for backup
Safety items like a flashlight, emergency fire starter kit, and Mylar blanket
A small day pack to hold it all

Pro Tip: Before you lose cell service, the National Parks Service also recommends leaving a trip plan with someone who is not coming with you. It should include details on where you’ll be, who you’re with, and when you expect to be back on the grid.

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The Ford Expedition^®: Your Dream Companion for Overnight Getaways

Trading city sounds for the crackle of a campfire and getting off the grid is a great way to reset your nervous system.

Last year, more than 52 million Americans went camping, according to a recent survey from KOA, driven largely by a desire to spend more unstructured time in nature. That’s especially true for families with children, with 60% of survey respondents with families saying camping offers a better chance to connect with your kids than other forms of travel.

The right setup turns camping from “roughing it” into a restorative retreat, and that starts with the vehicle you choose as your mobile outpost like the Ford Expedition. There’s plenty of room to stow your gear in its up to 69.9 cubic feet of storage behind the second row and up to 108.5 cubic feet max cargo capacity behind the first row with the second and third rows folded flat. And with spacious seating for up to eight when properly equipped, so you can bring your crew along for the adventure. Plus, features like the innovative Ford Split Gate with available Open On Approach have powered upper and lower gates, so you can load coolers into the rear hands-free. Even better? The available Cargo Tailgate Manager triples as a backrest, shelf, or table that holds up to 35 pounds—perfect for serving up morning coffee or evening mocktails.

If your journey is a rocky one, consider the Expedition Tremor^® model that boasts a higher-ride suspension for extra-ground clearance and an Intelligent 4WD Terrain Management System that has seven drive modes (including Rock Crawl, a Tremor exclusive), so you can navigate rough countryside with total peace of mind.*

Arriving late? Don’t sweat it. On select Expedition^® models, the available 360-degree Zone Lighting illuminates your surroundings from the headlamps, roof rails, liftgate, and spoiler, making nighttime tent setup a breeze.

Pack Like a Pro: Your Camping Checklist

A successful night under the stars is all about preparation. Elevate your outdoor stay with camping essentials that provide maximum comfort:

A high-quality tent
Sleeping bags, supportive sleeping pads, and pillows ensure a great night’s rest
Lightweight and foldable camping chairs
Fully charged lanterns and head lamps
A portable stove or grill
A well-insulated cooler
Durable cookware, utensils, and mugs
Easy-to-prep meals and protein-packed snacks
Hydration and electrolytes
A comprehensive first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, bug spray, and high-SPF sunscreen

Pro Tip: Protect the spaces that heal you. Always pack sturdy trash bags and practice the Leave No Trace principles, ensuring the campsite remains pristine for the next wave of adventurers.

Time to hit the road? No matter what adventure you choose, the right preparation can go a long way. When you have the right gear and a vehicle designed to handle the terrain, you get to skip the logistics stress and enjoy the moment. So pack the bags, pick your route, and make the most of the miles—you’ll come back completely recharged and up for whatever is next on your calendar.

*Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.

2026 Ford Explorer^®Platinum™ model with optional equipment and available Ford Accessories shown.

2027 Ford Expedition^®MAX Platinum^® model with optional equipment, available Ford Accessories, and extra-cost color option shown.