For over a decade, the Rebelle Rally has stood out as the ultimate test of navigation and endurance for women in off-road motorsport. Since its debut in 2016, it has grown from a daring idea into a prestigious event, attracting skilled competitors from across the country.

This unique rally spans more than 2,000 kilometers through rugged terrains of California and Nevada, emphasizing skill over speed. Participants must rely solely on their map-reading and compass skills, as GPS devices, cell phones, and chase vehicles are strictly prohibited. The challenge lies in precise navigation—finding hidden checkpoints and plotting accurate routes without modern digital aids.

Two vehicle classes compete: 4×4 models like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, and X-Cross vehicles such as the Honda Passport and BMW X5. Interestingly, many teams aim for the Bone Stock award by using minimally modified vehicles, showcasing the rally’s focus on driver skill rather than equipment.

For the event’s 10th anniversary, I returned as a driver in a 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, teaming up with navigator Kendra Miller. The experience highlighted how mastery of traditional navigation techniques remains vital, even in a high-tech world. Experts affirm that such challenges test true off-road skills, fostering resilience and precise decision-making under pressure.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.