The Gear & Partners Behind the Story in Extreme Conditions

Why is gear critical in adventure filmmaking?

In remote, high-consequence environments, equipment failure isn’t inconvenient — it’s dangerous.

Adventure filmmaking doesn’t happen in controlled conditions. It happens where steep rock faces, exposed ledges, deep mud, sand, and fading daylight collide. That’s why the gear featured in Tennessee’s Lost Atomic Bomb Trail wasn’t chosen for aesthetics — it was chosen because it had to perform when mistakes carried real consequences.

Graham Ladd dials in WARN’s Zeon 10-S winch, putting its strength and control to work on MadLad Films’ 2022 Jeep Gladiator.

Who relied on this gear in the field?

Graham Ladd, Ethan Kaiser, Aleigha Elston, and MadLad trail dog Manny depended on this equipment during long trail days, repeated recovery scenarios, and technical climbs — all without the aid of locking differentials.

Primary Episode Partners (Featured Partners)

Milestar Tires
Milestar Patagonia Tires played a critical role throughout the trail, providing grip across rock, mud, sand, and mixed terrain. Aired down to approximately 15 PSI, the tires maintained bead integrity and traction during steep climbs, side-hill sections, and recoveries — even under the weight of a fully loaded rig on 37-inch tires.
Marsh Wear Clothing
Long days of driving, spotting, winching, and hiking demand apparel that moves and breathes. Marsh Wear provided durable, comfortable clothing that allowed the crew to stay focused on safety and execution rather than discomfort.
Flex Power / RVMP
Reliable power is production. Flex Power portable generators kept cameras, radios, and essential gear operational in remote areas where grid power doesn’t exist — ensuring the story could continue long after daylight faded.
Rugged Revive Cleaning Wipes
Clean hands and equipment aren’t a luxury on the trail — they’re a safety requirement. Rugged Revive wipes helped keep hands, recovery gear, and camera equipment usable in dusty, muddy conditions.

MadLad Films’ 2022 Jeep Gladiator powers over huge rock obstacles, combining WARN’s Zeon 10-S winch with the traction of Milestar Patagonia tires.

Vehicle, Recovery & Trail Equipment Used

2022 Jeep Gladiator — Working Overland & Recovery Build
This was not a show vehicle. It was a fully loaded, heavy rig operating without lockers, relying on driver skill and recovery systems.

Tires, Wheels & Suspension

Under-Carriage & Steering

Armor & Exterior

Fab Fours Overland Rack & Bumpers
Rock Slide Engineering Sliders
Boost Auto Trail Mirrors
Rigid Industries Lighting (critical for late-day recoveries)

Recovery & Communication Equipment

The Atomic Trail demanded real recovery discipline, not brute force.

WARN Zeon 10-S Winch
Factor 55 Recovery Kit (including pulley for double-line pulls)
Rugged Radios for driver–spotter communication
EZ Flate Tire Inflation System for rapid PSI adjustments

Winching was used intentionally to protect the vehicle, reduce drivetrain stress, and manage exposure near steep drop-offs — reinforcing that recovery gear exists to prevent damage, not just escape it.

Overlanding & Production Support