We describe Overlanding as adventure travel over land that may involve exploring remote areas, and often, but not necessarily, in a four-wheel drive vehicle. It’s a great way to get off the beaten path and experience the wilderness firsthand.
If you’re new to overlanding, it can be a little daunting to know where to start. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few tips on how to get started:
Choose the right vehicle
When choosing a vehicle for overlanding, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Ground clearance: High ground clearance is essential for driving over rocks, logs, and other obstacles. Look for a vehicle with at least 9 inches of ground clearance.
- Four-wheel drive: Four-wheel drive is necessary for driving on slippery surfaces and rough terrain.
- Off-road tires: Off-road tires will provide better traction on loose surfaces and help you avoid getting stuck.
- Payload capacity: Make sure your vehicle has enough payload capacity to carry all of your gear.
- Fuel efficiency: Fuel efficiency is important if you’re planning on doing a lot of overlanding. Look for a vehicle that gets good gas mileage.
- On-Road Performance: While we would love to have the capabilities of a Unimog, consider how far you need to drive to get to your off road sections and what type of on-road performance you want.
Get the right gear
In addition to your vehicle, you’ll also need some basic gear to go overlanding. This includes things like:
- Camping gear: This includes a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and cooking supplies.
- Clothing: Pack for all types of weather, including cold nights and rainy days.
- Food and water: Bring enough food and water for the duration of your trip.
- First-aid kit: A first-aid kit is essential for any outdoor activity.
- Tools and spare parts: It’s a good idea to bring a basic toolkit and spare parts for your vehicle.
You may also want to consider investing in some more specialized gear, like:
- Winch: A winch can be helpful for getting out of sticky situations.
- Rooftop tent: A rooftop tent is a great way to save space and have a comfortable place to sleep.
- Solar panels: Solar panels can help you charge your batteries and stay off the grid.
Plan your trip
Once you have the right vehicle and gear, it’s time to start planning your trip. This includes choosing a destination, mapping out your route, and booking any necessary permits.
Here are a few tips for planning your overlanding trip:
- Choose a destination: Where do you want to go? What do you want to see and do? Once you have a general idea of where you want to go, you can start narrowing down your options.
- Map out your route: Once you know where you want to go, you can start mapping out your route. Be sure to factor in driving time, rest stops, and fuel stops.
- Book any necessary permits: Some areas require permits for overlanding. Be sure to research the permit requirements for your destination and book any necessary permits in advance.
Leave no trace
Overlanding is a great way to experience the wilderness, but it’s important to be respectful of the environment. Be sure to pack out all of your trash, and leave your campsite as you found it.
Here are a few tips for leaving no trace:
- Pack out all of your trash: This includes food scraps, toilet paper, and anything else you don’t want to leave behind.
- Leave your campsite as you found it: This means putting out any campfires, dismantling any structures you built, and filling in any holes you dug.
- Be respectful of wildlife: Don’t feed or disturb wildlife.
- Protect vegetation: Avoid driving over plants and trees.
Overlanding is a great way to explore the wilderness and experience the world in a new way. By following these tips, you can ensure that your overlanding adventures are safe and enjoyable for everyone.
And if you’re looking for the perfect vehicle for your overlanding adventures, be sure to check out our selection of camper vans, overlanders, and 4x4s. We have a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, so you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs.