Who We Are
James Davis, Founder, Popski’s Private Expeditions A Canadian military veteran, best-selling author, international security expert, experienced expedition lead and general lover of deserts and old Land Rovers.
PPE Crews
The majority of our expedition crews are ‘badged’ members. On completion of your first expedition all new crew are badged during a small ceremony. This admits you to a small, unique community that not only means ‘you have been there and done that’ but also forms a social group who continue to build strong friendships and comradeship. Earning your PPE badge also means you have a say in the future of PPE, what expeditions are planned and contribute to the research or operational conduct involved in a successful trip.
PPE crews aren’t just tourists along for a ride. Every expedition has historians and researchers, drivers, mechanics, medics, navigators, scouts, videographers and many other roles. No one just follows along and everyone needs to be prepared to step up and take the lead, plan a navigation leg, recce a location, catalogue historical discoveries and take a share of camp duties. So if you see someone wearing a PPE badge, you know they have earned it.
Category 1 Vehicles
PPE normally runs what we call ‘CAT 1’ vehicle expeditions. These are vehicles capable of being stripped down to ‘desert trim.’ While we typically use Land Rovers, any 4×4 in good mechanical condition that can be stripped is welcome; Jeeps, older Toyota’s, older G-Wagons or even old Willy’s.
Category 2 Vehicles
We have started adding what we refer to as CAT 2 expeditions where any mechanically sound and properly equipped vehicle can take part.
When looking at future trips, make sure to check if the expedition is open to CAT 2 trucks.