The Croft family—Clay, Rachelle, and their three sons, Cyrus, Ryder, and Eli—are well-known residents of Bozeman, Montana, where they've lived for over a decade. Montana natives Clay and Rachelle love the abundant sunshine, endless outdoor opportunities, and vibrant, friendly energy that fills the area. Their lives are a beautiful blend of family traditions, thrilling adventures, and a close connection to their community.

 

Clay and Rachelle’s story began in 1999 at Clydehurst Christian Ranch, a summer camp on the Boulder River south of Big Timber, MT. Clay was 17, and Rachelle was 15 when they met. They formed a deep bond that quickly grew into a strong friendship and, eventually, love. The couple has been inseparable ever since. In January, they will celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary, reflecting on decades filled with shared dreams, adventures, and a deep commitment to each other.

 

Rachelle Croft, 41, grew up just outside Missoula and embodies the spirit of Montana with her love for adventure, family, and business. A mother, business owner, and accomplished off-road driver, Rachelle is constantly on the move, balancing her love for family with her thirst for exploration. In 2019, she won the challenging Rebelle Rally, the first women ‘s-only off-road driving and navigation event, and has competed in similar rallies worldwide, including Morocco.

With a love for coffee dating back to her days managing Rockford Coffee, Rachelle often plays the family barista, creating lattes and sharing conversations with friends and family. Though she attended the University of Montana and Montana State University, majoring in Health and Human Enhancement, she ultimately chose family over finishing her degree to support their new film production business and raise their first son, Cyrus.

In the Croft household, Rachelle is known as the “cat herder,” keeping everyone organized and grounded. As parents, she and Clay are dedicated to instilling values and morals in their sons, raising them to be respectful, responsible young men who, Rachelle quips, “know how to do their own laundry!”

 

Clay Croft, 42, hails from Billings, MT, and has built a life around his passion for adventure and storytelling. With a background in forestry and film studies from the University of Montana and Montana State University, Clay took a leap of faith, using his remaining college funds to purchase camera equipment and start a film production business. Known for his big dreams and ambitious projects, Clay is a dedicated father, always finding ways to teach his sons life skills like vehicle repair, respect for others, and wilderness survival.

An avid outdoorsman, Clay has a natural talent for adventure and loves to test his limits in remote locations worldwide. Despite his busy schedule, he prioritizes his family and is always willing to drop everything when they need him. Clay has also volunteered with the Gallatin Search and Rescue Team since 2008, helping to establish their drone program and serving as a drone pilot when necessary.

 

 

Each Croft boy has inherited their parents’ adventurous spirit, growing up immersed in the family business, often taking them to breathtaking locations worldwide. They’ve traveled extensively, honing their skills in driving, filming, and living out of vehicles during extended overland trips.

 

The Crofts’ black lab, Piper, is a beloved family member, especially close to Rachelle. At nine years old, Piper still has the energy and enthusiasm of a puppy, always ready for a car ride or a swim. She’s great with the boys and has a unique talent for hunting, especially mice. Piper brings companionship and joy to the Crofts’ daily lives, making her an invaluable part of their Montana home.

 

In 2006, Clay and Rachelle started Hiline Productions, now known as XOVERLAND, a local film production and marketing company based in Bozeman. Initially, they filmed weddings and local commercials, but Clay’s dream of creating a series centered on overland travel inspired a new direction. Since then, the family has documented their global adventures, from rugged landscapes to remote wilderness, capturing the beauty of overland travel and storytelling.

Through their business, the Crofts have turned their love for adventure into a career, building overland vehicles and creating content that inspires others to explore the world. Their passion and dedication have made XOVERLAND a successful venture, allowing them to pursue their dream and share their journey with a broader audience.

Living on five acres just outside Bozeman, the Crofts enjoy a close relationship with their neighbors, often walking between properties to catch up on life’s events. One of Rachelle’s favorite memories is from a few winters ago when a heavy snowfall brought the neighborhood together, with everyone helping to shovel and plow snow, showcasing the community’s solidarity.

When they’re not traveling, the Crofts love spending time at JAM for breakfast, skiing at Bridger Bowl, and visiting local coffee shops. They also work together on their new project, the XOVERLAND Ranch, a property just out of town where they’re building an event business. The Crofts’ commitment to supporting each other, whether sharing equipment or watching over properties, speaks to their strong family bond and dedication to their community.

 

To connect with Rachelle and Clay at XOVERLAND, please email rachelle@xoverland.com. To learn more about XOVERLAND Ranch and its network, please visit www.xoverland.com or find them on Instagram at @rachelle_croft @croftclay @xoverland.