Arctic Tern: How a Small, Slender Gray-and-White Bird Became Our Overlanding Inspiration
Posted by Jocelyn Zidar on Jun 21st 2024
You may be wondering how we landed on the name Tern Overland for our company. Although there are many different kinds of Terns, it helps to know a little bit more specifically about the Arctic Tern, where we got the inspiration for our product line & brand.
The Arctic Tern ( Sterna paradisaea) is a remarkable bird, about the size of a crow, with slender gray-and-white plumage and angular wings. Known for its extraordinary long yearly migration from pole to pole. The Arctic Tern travels from its Arctic breeding grounds to Antarctica, covering an astonishing 25,000 miles each year. This makes it one of the most well-traveled creatures on the planet, epitomizing the spirit of overlanding.
A Lifetime of Exploration
One of the most fascinating facts about the Arctic Tern is its lifespan. These birds can live for more than 30 years, an impressive feat for such small creatures with such an extreme lifestyle. According to National Geographic, Arctic Terns mate for life and undertake their grueling migrations year after year, embodying endurance and resilience.
Doug Inkley, a senior scientist with the National Wildlife Federation, highlights the challenges these birds face: “It’s really difficult to migrate this far, for this long. But it’s even tougher to find food in the Arctic winter.” Despite these challenges, the Arctic Tern thrives, making its way across every ocean and to the vicinity of every continent.
The Overland Connection
At Tern Overland, we see the Arctic Tern as the perfect symbol for our products and mission. Just as the Arctic Tern is built for endurance, efficiency, and resilience, our overlanding components are designed to withstand the rigors of long-distance travel and harsh environments. Our products are crafted to help you explore the farthest reaches of the globe, just like the Arctic Tern.
Long-Distance Champion
The Arctic Tern’s migration is not just about covering distance; it’s about exploring the world. These birds breed on coasts and tundra from New England and Washington to Britain and the northernmost limits of land. They spend the rest of the year at sea, migrating to every ocean and the vicinity of every continent. In North America, they are seldom seen from land south of their breeding grounds, making their journeys even more impressive.
Inspiration for Our Product Line
Our Arctic Tern product line draws inspiration from these incredible birds. Just as the Arctic Tern is built for efficiency and long-distance travel, our products are designed to be lightweight, durable, and capable of performing in the toughest conditions. Whether you’re overlanding across continents or exploring remote landscapes, our gear is engineered to support your journey, ensuring you can go further and explore more.
Join the Journey
At Tern Overland, we invite you to embrace the spirit of the Arctic Tern. Equip yourself with the best gear, designed to withstand the elements and support your adventures. Just like the Arctic Tern, our products are made for those who seek to explore the world, travel great distances, and experience the beauty of every landscape.
As you prepare for your next overlanding adventure, remember the Arctic Tern’s incredible journey. Let it inspire you to push your limits, explore new horizons, and embark on journeys that will create memories to last a lifetime. With Tern Overland, you have the gear to make every adventure a success.