Service in uniform is always demanding. The job is serious, and people’s lives often demand your performance. There can be a toll on your body, mind, and on those who are closest to you. So, it’s only natural that many seek a way to ‘unwind’ once the day’s work is done.

Overlanding has become an increasingly popular activity Nationwide. It allows people from all walks of life to disconnect from the daily grind, reconnect with nature, and apply lessons in preparedness and problem-solving. Oakley SI spent a few days riding alongside Edward Shin, a Law Enforcement Officer and Outdoor enthusiast. Edward has spent years in both disciplines and can speak to the value of each and the work-play balance.

How did you become involved in Law Enforcement?

I’ve wanted to be in Law Enforcement since I was about 6 six years old, when I had very positive encounters with Officers who patrolled my neighborhood.  It was not a good neighborhood, so it felt safe whenever they were around.  The Officers would also hand out baseball cards and stickers to the neighborhood kids, which was awesome.  I also had a lot of friends in my adult life who were in Law Enforcement, who encouraged me to consider applying for a role in the field. 

What has been the most challenging aspect of the job?

There are many days where we don’t have enough Deputies for the amount of calls for service we receive.  I wish we can get to all calls swiftly, but that is simply not the case these days.  

Favorite ON-Duty Eyewear?

Holbrooks. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and most importantly, they look cool (af). 

What attracted you to Overlanding?

The mental, physical, and spiritual rejuvenation I feel whenever I get outside and surround myself in nature.  Overlanding allows me to access remote destinations where I can unplug from the wildlife of civilization and immerse in the wildlife of God’s creation.

What role has equipment and preparedness played in Overlanding?

High-Quality equipment should facilitate in two functions for Overlanding:  Comfort and Capability.  Usually these two functions are what people have in mind when they search for gear on their vehicles or camp equipment.   

A vehicle will often be outfitted to help enhance a vehicle’s capability off-road, depending on the intended destination(s).  It also brings peace of mind knowing I would be equipped to recover myself or another vehicle if it were in a bad situation.  For example, being stuck in sand, mud, snow, side of a ditch, etc. 

A vehicle can also be outfitted to aid in comfort: being able to cook efficiently at camp, have a place to shower in the middle of nowhere, and have a comfortable night’s sleep are just a few examples of the many reasons why people take comfort into consideration when selecting their overland gear. 

There have been many times where my shovel, traction boards, and winch have helped ensure I am able to make the trek bad home from a location in the middle of nowhere. 

What are you most excited about for the future of Overlanding?

I am most excited about witnessing the evolution of Overland gear.   Some people will point their fingers at me and call me a gear head, but I wear a name patch that says “Gear Aficionado”.   I have a problem, I can’t get enough of good, cool gear.

Favorite OFF-Duty Eyewear?

The Holbrook, of course!