Overlanding. This word has so many meanings. But people have been “overlanding” for longer than the term has been around. YouTube has turned it into a commodity with influencers making it seem like you have to spend all this money on all the gear to get out there and have fun.
When it comes down to it, overlanding is just vehicle-based travel. It’s about venturing beyond paved roads, embracing self-sufficiency, and discovering new places. If you’re looking for more adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and the freedom to roam, overlanding might be your next journey.
What is Overlanding?
Overlanding is vehicle-based travel "over land" as opposed to "over ocean" or "by air". Where the journey matters more than the destination. Unlike traditional road trips, overlanding involves traveling long distances over rugged terrain, often in a 4x4 vehicle equipped for self-sufficient camping. Whether it’s a weekend getaway, a months-long expedition, or living on the road full-time, overlanding lets you explore remote locations, far from crowded tourist spots.
How to Get Started with Overlanding
1. Pick the Perfect Overlanding Vehicle
Your vehicle is the heart of your overlanding adventure. Ideally, you will be looking for a good 4x4, but the best vehicle is the one you have. You can get to a lot of cool places with a Subaru or smaller vehicle. But there are many times when having a vehicle with 4x4 capabilities lets you get into more remote spaces or out of trouble when the going gets tough. Here’s what to look for:
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Off-Road Capability – A 4x4 truck, SUV, or even a well-equipped van can be modified for overlanding. Ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and durability are key.
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Reliability – Since you’ll be off the grid, choose a vehicle known for longevity. Popular choices include the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Land Cruiser, Jeep Wrangler, and Land Rover Defender. The all-new Ineos Grenadier is quickly becoming a popular option.
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Modifications – Upgrades that enhance your vehicle’s overlanding capabilities include:
- All-terrain or mud-terrain tires (See our blog post here)
- Modified suspension
- Roof racks for extra storage
- Winches and recovery gear for emergencies
- Off-road lights for nighttime visibility
2. Gear Up for Self-Sufficiency
Overlanding is about being prepared and self-sufficient. But you do not need all the creature comforts to have a good time. Remember some of the necessities of survival. Fire (heat source), water, shelter. With these in mind, you can pack accordingly. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Shelter: A rooftop tent offers comfort and convenience, but a high-quality ground tent works too, and is far cheaper. Using a ground tent you can set up a good base camp and take day adventures out in the area to explore. A good sleeping bag or blanket is also included in a shelter. If it gets cold, you need to protect your body's heat.
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Cooking Equipment: A portable propane stove, compact cookware, and a portable fridge or cooler will keep you fueled on the road. But you can get by by packing camp meals and bringing a small stove like a Jetboil to heat water.
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Water Storage & Filtration: Always carry ample water and a filtration system for refilling from natural sources. Remember that if you are hiking or exerting yourself more, you will need more water.
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Recovery Gear: An air compressor, traction boards, jack, winch, tow straps, and a shovel can get you out of sticky situations. But you can do a lot with an air compressor and knowledge.
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Navigation & Communication: GPS apps that let you download offline maps of the area you are in are essential. In remote areas, a satellite phone or two-way radio ensures you stay connected. But always carry a paper map of the region you are traveling and a compass. It doesn't hurt if you know how to use them as well.
Remember you don’t need every piece of gear on the planet to go have a good adventure. Pack smart and know how to use your gear. Grahame Jackson said in an interview with OVR Magazine that his essentials are an air compressor and a fridge. Because “you can get out of a lot of situations by airing down your tires, and once you get unstuck, it's always nice to have a cold beer.”
3. Plan Your First Overlanding Trip
Start small and close to home before taking on a major adventure.
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Pick a Beginner-Friendly Destination – Choose a spot with mild off-road trails and established camping areas. National parks, state forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands are great options.
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Check Trail Conditions – Use apps like AllTrails, OnX Off-road, Trails Offroad or Overland Bound to assess trail difficulty.
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Secure Permits – Some areas require permits for camping or off-road access, so check regulations ahead of time.
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Map Your Route – Ensure you have enough fuel and supplies, and always have a backup plan in case of unexpected obstacles, you never know when a rainstorm may wash out a road.
4. Train in Off-Road Driving Skills
Driving off-road is nothing like cruising on the highway or down a country dirt road. Practice these off-road skills in a place where you can get out.
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Using Low-Range 4WD – Essential for steep inclines, mud, and rocky terrain. Know when, and how to shift into 4 High and 4 Low.
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Tire Pressure Management – Lowering your tire pressure improves traction in sand, mud, and snow. Use an air compressor at home and know how long it takes to air up and down all 4 of your tires. (Also, never forget to check your spare tire pressure).
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Crossing Water Safely – Know your vehicle’s water depth limits and never attempt risky crossings. If you do come up to a washed-out road, it is always best to get out and scout ahead. Use a stick to feel for rocks or deep holes that are in your path.
Consider taking an off-road driving course to build confidence before tackling tougher trails. Training takes no cargo space or vehicle payload but can be worth more than any piece of equipment you have.
5. Learn Basic Vehicle Maintenance
When traveling to remote areas, knowing how to handle minor repairs is crucial. Learn how to:
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Change a tire. Make sure you have what you need in your vehicle. Especially if your wheels have a specific lug key.
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Repair a flat. Flat kits are cheap and invaluable when you are stuck on the side or a remote road or in the backcountry.
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Jump-start a battery. You can pick up a jump pack and leave it in your car. It will come in handy more than you know.
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Fix a broken belt or hose.
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Troubleshoot electrical issues
Always carry a well-stocked tool kit and spare parts specific to your vehicle.
6. Connect with the Overlanding Community
One of the best ways to learn is from experienced overlanders. Join forums, attend meetups, and engage in online groups like Overland Bound and Expedition Portal. You’ll pick up valuable tips, route recommendations, and even find travel companions. There are plenty of online groups, but there are probably local groups as well. Attend an expo, meet vendors, and ask questions. You can meet a lot of really good people in this community.
Conclusion: Get Ready for Adventure
Overlanding is more than a hobby—it’s a gateway to freedom, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. By choosing the right vehicle, gearing up properly, and planning wisely, you’ll set yourself up for success on the road.
Embrace the unexpected, stay flexible, and remember: the best adventures often come from the detours you didn’t plan. So pack up, hit the trails, and start exploring.