Justin Pitcairn, our next 67 Designs' Customer Spotlight, is a lifelong outdoor enthusiast who has spent much of his life exploring diverse landscapes, honing his photography skills, and enjoying the simplicity of nature. Originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico with many years spent in Arizona, he now calls sunny San Diego home. Overlanding has always been a core part of Justin’s life, attending every Overland Expo on the West Coast since its inception in 2009.
As the proud owner of the new INEOS Grenadier, Justin found the perfect vehicle for his adventures after years with a Jeep JKU. The Grenadier’s rugged design, inspired by classic safari vehicles, aligns with his minimalist approach to overlanding. Outfitted with key upgrades, it is built for spontaneous journeys into the wild.
From early adventures with his sons to dreams of exploring Iceland and Mexico, Justin’s love for overlanding continues to shape his life, offering him freedom, community, and unforgettable experiences.
Proud Owner of: 2024 INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster in Scottish White
Customer of 67 Designs since: 2017
Featured Upgrades:
- Replaced factory aux lights with Baja Designs XL80s
- Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires (255-85-17 AT)
- OEM rims retained
- Descent Off-Road sliders
- Leitner Designs roof rack
- Yaesu ham radio
- Custom aluminum plate on roof rack for photography
- Blue Ridge Overland Gear small trash bag
- Goose Gear 100% plate system (rear seats removed)
- Engel 35 refrigerator
- 67 Designs 20mm rear ball mount for fan and Universal Tablet Holder
- GP Factor tailgate table
- Custom red/white light on rear door for table
- Baja Designs rear dust lights
After 17 years of owning a Jeep JKU and growing tired of the constant cleaning, Justin decided it was time for a change. The INEOS Grenadier's style reminds him of classic safari vehicles used in Africa. He also appreciates the convenience of the moon roof, the intuitive switches, and the tall seating position that brings back memories of the old Defenders. While his Grenadier looks pretty stock on the inside, Justin has everything he needs.
Early Inspiration: Justin's early inspiration for adventure came from some incredible experiences abroad. As an exchange student in New Zealand, he spent three weeks living with a local family and five weeks immersed in outdoor recreation. During this time, he explored underground rivers, spent four days marveling at the beauty of Milford Sound, and even went bungee jumping. Another defining moment was when, at 18, his grandmother took him and other relatives on a safari in Africa. These early experiences of exploring diverse landscapes and cultures ignited Justin’s passion for adventure and laid the foundation for his love of overlanding.
Early Adventures: Justin's early adventures included trips to Baja with friends from the Expedition Portal forum. These experiences were formative, as he and his friends explored off-the-beaten-path locations and bonded over their shared love of adventure. came from his camping trips with his two sons. For about 10 years, they would head out with a Jeep and an AT trailer, enjoying the great outdoors together. However, as his sons grew older, their interests shifted towards skate parks, and the family eventually sold the trailer to make room in the garage.
Justin upgraded from an '07 Jeep JKU to a 2013 JKU with a more powerful engine, and in 2016, they took a big step by ordering an Ursa Minor camper, which reignited his sons' interest back into camping. They started to customize their father’s setup, adding things like a spare gas tank and even painting it to make it look cool. They loved sleeping below on the Goose Gear, and it rekindled the joy they found in their early overlanding adventures.
Recent Adventures: Recently, Justin embarked on a five-day trip to the Pacific Northwest, attending the Northwest Overland Rally and the Overland Expo in Oregon. During this journey, he encountered other Grenadier owners, showcasing the camaraderie and community spirit that overlanding fosters.
Lessons Learned: Justin has learned that less is more when it comes to overlanding. He believes in the simplicity of enjoying nature with minimal gear. A good chair, a small table, and the essentials are all he needs to create memorable experiences. This philosophy has allowed him the freedom to always be ready to go and to not have to put so much thought into planning.
Most Memorable Adventures: One of Justin's most memorable adventures was a trip with his grandma to Coyote Canyon and a spontaneous trip to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Justin enjoys the thrill of unplanned journeys and discovering new places without a set itinerary. For him, the joy of overlanding comes from the unexpected surprises that await around every corner.
Challenges Faced: During a trip to Death Valley, Justin's group faced a major challenge when the radiator on an XJ exploded, leaving them stranded over 20 miles out from help. They worked together, using a tow rope to move the vehicle closer to civilization. Fortunately, everyone had Ham radios, which allowed them to communicate with a camp 20 miles away, coordinating a rescue and getting the help they needed. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and reliable communication in remote areas.
Upcoming Trips: While Justin does not have any immediate trips planned, he is looking forward to cooler weather to get out and explore the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Anza-Borrego Desert. He also plans to attend future overland expos, continuing his tradition of tagging on adventures before and after these events.
Dream Trips: Justin's dream trip is to take his Grenadier and ship it over to Iceland, bringing along a couple of friends for the adventure. He is also eager to explore parts of Mexico. Justin can easily imagine himself there, relaxing with a chair and an end table, soaking in the scenery.
While an African safari would be a dream, he acknowledges that it is not realistic to ship his vehicle there, but the idea of exploring Iceland and Mexico is well within reach.
Community Involvement: Justin has been actively involved in the overlanding community, from the early days of the Expedition Portal forum to contributing to the American Adventurist community. His involvement has helped shape the overlanding scene, sharing knowledge and experiences with fellow enthusiasts.
Fun Fact: Aside from overlanding, Justin has recently found a passion for California native plants. He enjoys educating himself on how to enhance and beautify their surroundings with native flora, creating a harmonious environment for wildlife such as mule deer, coyotes, and peregrine falcons.
Connect with Justin: Justin is always happy to connect with fellow overlanding enthusiasts and share his adventures. Reach out to him on Instagram to follow his journeys and get inspired by his love for the outdoors.
- Instagram: @pitcairnoverland
This Customer Spotlight is by Meg Klavitter.
This series was envisioned and created by Kate Della Pietra in the summer of 2020 when she worked for 67 Designs as a marketing intern.