What Exactly is Overlanding?

Often asked by those first learning about the hobby, I still hear the question asked today: So, what exactly is overlanding?

By definition from Oxford Languages, overlanding simply means “to travel a long distance over land.” Most resources online will add in that overlanding is self-reliant adventure travel through remote areas where the journey is more important than the destination.

It’s pretty safe to say there are many ways to interpret that definition, with the most important takeaway that the journey is the emphasis. I’d also toss into the definition hat, that it could include remote camping, where one needs 4WD to get to a camp spot. As many of us in the U.S. are weekend warriors, we may not have the time to get out for longer trips, but get out frequently on the weekends to escape the city and enjoy nature.

For me, a few memorable trips that I consider overlanding fall on different spots of the spectrum. One was a 10-day off-highway trip through Nevada that covered 950 miles. Another is a trip I just completed last week; we spent 5 days driving through California, mostly on road but camping every night. A third trip was brief, but remote; we spent 3 days, 2 nights at the North Rim Grand Canyon where we camped on the cliff’s edge in two different spots with no one in sight except my group. These trips, while different, brought the same feelings of discovery, excitement, and adventure. And the takeaway is the same: I adventured in my vehicle for multiple days where I was self-reliant and in good company having a great time experiencing new things.

One of the great things about overlanding is the aspect of individualism. You get to build a vehicle that is your own to fit your needs. Whether you tend to do more off-road expeditions or weekend camping in remote locations, the vehicle you build should reflect your needs —and that may evolve over time.

This issue highlights builds of varying needs and use. There’s a Nissan Xterra that is lived out of full time and ready for adventure. Rebuilt after an accident, the owner’s love for the vehicle and adventures shared lead to the easy decision to fix her up instead of scrapping her. A built Lexus GX460 graces the pages and shows once a car builder, always a car builder—even when the style may change. The Subaru Outback Wilderness has been a popular choice for those looking to get outdoors and camp. The higher ground clearance makes it an easy choice for those looking to get good gas mileage in day-to-day driving and take it through the dirt on weekends. This issue features a Subaru Outback Wilderness that does just that, proving a few accessories are all you need to get out and camp away from the crowds. To round things out, we finish up Part II of Chris Collard’s tire repair story, arming you with great knowledge to now fix a flat both on trail and off.

By the time this year concludes, we will have attended 8 overland or off-road events. We highlight a few that occurred earlier this year for those who didn’t make it and may want to check them out in 2024. The crew at Rogue Overland share their adventures from their annual trip. This year, they head into Moab and hit the trails in that area, experiencing wild weather and lots of water crossings. The annual trip seems to keep getting more exciting each year.

Whether you drive more road miles or dirt miles on your next trip, enjoy the journey and the company. Making memories is truly what overlanding is all about.

Happy trails,
Kelly Nomura

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appeared in TREAD Nov/Dec 2023.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What challenges and conditions should one be prepared for when overlanding?

Overlanding demands a self-reliant mindset and readiness to tackle a variety of challenges. Here’s what you should be prepared for:

1. Survival Mode:
   Adaptability is crucial. You must be ready to switch into survival mode and address any repair needs that arise during your journey.
2. Harsh Environments:
   Expect to face tough environments. This includes negotiating rugged terrains and coping with extreme temperatures, whether scorching heat or freezing cold.
3. Wildlife Encounters:
   Be prepared for encounters with wildlife. Familiarize yourself with the local creatures, and have strategies in place for safe interactions.
4. Limited Resources:
   Overlanding often means going days without common comforts. You might have to make do without a shower, and ration your food and water supplies effectively.
5. Minimal Connectivity:
   You may find yourself without cell service or internet for extended periods. This requires you to rely on maps, compasses, and other traditional navigation tools.
6. Scarce Amenities:
   Unlike regular camping or road trips, you won’t be near conveniences like fast food joints, gas stations, or grocery stores. Plan accordingly and ensure your vehicle is well-stocked with essentials.

Key Preparations

• Vehicle Readiness: Ensure your vehicle is fit for rough terrains and carries essential repair tools.
• Survival Gear: Pack a comprehensive survival kit, including first aid supplies, portable water filters, and non-perishable food.
• Physical Conditioning: Be physically prepared to handle strenuous activities and unpredictable situations.
• Mental Fortitude: Cultivate a resilient and adaptable mindset to navigate the challenges with confidence.

By anticipating and preparing for these challenges, you can ensure a safer and more enjoyable overlanding experience.

What mindset and skills are necessary for successful overlanding?

The Mindset and Skills Necessary for Successful Overlanding

Embrace Self-Reliance

Overlanding necessitates a strong sense of self-reliance. You must be prepared to transition into survival mode, handling any unexpected challenges that may arise. This proactive mindset ensures you can tackle obstacles head-on, regardless of the circumstances.

Master Basic Repairs

Mechanical skills are crucial. From fixing a flat tire to more complex repairs, knowing how to maintain and troubleshoot your vehicle can be the difference between continuing your journey and being stranded. Brush up on essential repair skills before setting out.

Adapt to Harsh Environments

Overlanders often traverse extreme environments, so adaptability is key. Whether facing scorching deserts or freezing mountain passes, being mentally prepared for harsh conditions is vital. Equip yourself with knowledge and gear suitable for various climates and terrains.

Manage Limited Resources

Traveling off the beaten path means limited access to everyday conveniences. Be ready to endure long stretches without showers and to make do with minimal food supplies. Planning and rationing are essential to make your provisions last.

Develop Survival Skills

Basic survival skills can be lifesavers. Knowing how to build a fire, purify water, and identify safe food sources will keep you prepared for any situation. These skills foster independence and confidence in remote areas.

Maintain a Resilient Attitude

A resilient and positive attitude is invaluable. Overlanding can be tough, and maintaining a positive outlook will help you navigate challenges with greater ease. Mental toughness goes hand-in-hand with physical preparedness.

By fostering these skills and mindsets, you can ensure a rewarding and successful overlanding experience, ready to tackle any adventure that comes your way.

What essential gear is needed for an overlanding trip?

Essential Gear for an Overlanding Trip

Embarking on an overlanding adventure requires thoughtful preparation and the right equipment. To ensure a safe and enjoyable journey, consider packing the following essentials:

1. Reliable Vehicle: Your vehicle is the cornerstone of your trip, acting as both your transportation and mobile base camp. Ensure it’s well-suited for rugged terrains.
2. Water Supply: Carry ample water, both for drinking and for emergency situations. Hydration is crucial when you’re far from civilization. Water purification tablets or a filtration system can also be lifesavers.
3. First-Aid Kit: Accidents can happen, so having a well-stocked first-aid kit is non-negotiable. Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other medical essentials.
4. Food Supplies: Pack non-perishable food items that are easy to store and prepare. Think of canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, and ready-to-eat meals.
5. Tool Kit: A comprehensive tool kit is vital for repairing your vehicle on the go. Include items like wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape, and a tire repair kit.
6. Utility Jugs and Spare Fuel: Carry extra fuel and utility jugs for extended trips, especially when traveling through remote areas with few refueling opportunities.
7. Full-Size Spare Tire: A full-size spare tire is a must-have. Flat tires are common off-road, and a proper replacement ensures you’re not stranded.
8. Camping Gear: Equip yourself with a durable tent, sleeping bags, portable stove, and cooking utensils. This gear turns your vehicle into a comfortable camp setup.
9. Toiletries: Don’t forget basic toiletry items, including biodegradable soap, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and personal hygiene products.

Packing these essentials will prepare you for the challenges and excitement of overlanding, enabling you to focus on enjoying the great outdoors. Safe travels!

How did overlanding originate and develop over time?

The Evolution of Overlanding: From Trade Routes to Outdoor Adventure

Overlanding has a rich history that traces back to the early s in Australia. It began as a practical solution for transporting livestock over long distances. In those early days, farmers and traders would drive their animals on foot across extensive trade routes to reach markets.

Early Beginnings

• Primary Use: The original purpose of overlanding was quite utilitarian, aimed at moving cattle and sheep.
• Trade Routes: Established by necessity, these paths facilitated economic activity in remote areas without modern infrastructure.

Transition to Exploration

As time went on, overlanding evolved from a purely economic endeavor into a form of exploration and outdoor survival. This shift was largely influenced by pioneers like Leonard “Len” Beadell, a renowned road builder and surveyor.

• Len Beadell’s Influence: Beadell’s work in constructing roads through Australia’s interior showed the potential for remote travel and adventure.
• Recreational Shift: Inspired by these possibilities, people began to view overlanding as an adventurous way to explore rugged terrains and remote locations.

Modern Overlanding

Today, overlanding is a popular activity among outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. It has branched out from its agricultural roots to become a comprehensive experience involving off-road vehicles, advanced gear, and a spirit of discovery.

• Technological Advancements: Modern off-road vehicles from well-known brands like Toyota, Land Rover, and Jeep are equipped with cutting-edge technology to handle harsh environments.
• Community and Culture: Overlanding now boasts a robust community of adventurers who share tips, maps, and stories, further enriching the experience.

Through its transformation from livestock transport to a beloved outdoor activity, overlanding highlights human ingenuity and our innate desire to explore the unknown.

Why do people find overlanding appealing?

One of the great things about overlanding is the aspect of individualism. You get to build a vehicle that is your own to fit your needs. Whether you tend to do more off-road expeditions or weekend camping in remote locations, the vehicle you build should reflect your needs —and that may evolve over time.

Making memories is truly what overlanding is all about.

But what else draws people to this rugged pursuit? Overlanding offers the allure of solitude, providing a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It broadens your perspective and deepens your understanding of the world, giving you a chance to immerse yourself in diverse cultures and environments.

Skill Development and Resilience

Vehicle-based exploration isn’t just about the journey; it’s about building mental toughness, survival skills, and resilience. Facing the challenges of the open road and unpredictable terrains fosters a connection to the natural world that few activities can match.

The Ultimate Challenge

For many, overlanding is as much a mental and physical challenge as it is an adventure. The demands it places on both your mind and body are significant, pushing you to your limits and rewarding you with unparalleled experiences.

In essence, overlanding is a multifaceted pursuit that combines individualism, cultural exploration, skill development, and personal challenge. This blend makes it an incredibly appealing adventure for those seeking more than just a getaway.

How does overlanding contribute to personal development and connection with nature?

One of the great things about overlanding is the aspect of individualism. You get to build a vehicle that is your own to fit your needs. Whether you tend to do more off-road expeditions or weekend camping in remote locations, the vehicle you build should reflect your needs—and that may evolve over time. These trips, while different, brought the same feelings of discovery, excitement, and adventure.

Personal Development and Connection with Nature

Overlanding is cool because it brings you solitude, possibly broadens your perspective and understanding of the world, and allows you to learn about other cultures. Vehicle-based exploration also helps build mental toughness, survival skills, and resilience, and it connects you to the natural world in a way few things can.

The Shared Experience

And the takeaway is the same: I adventured in my vehicle for multiple days where I was self-reliant and in good company having a great time experiencing new things. Whether you drive more road miles or dirt miles on your next trip, enjoy the journey and the company. Making memories is truly what overlanding is all about.

What distinguishes overlanding from other outdoor activities like camping?

Most resources online will add in that overlanding is self-reliant adventure travel through remote areas where the journey is more important than the destination. But what truly sets overlanding apart from other outdoor activities like camping?

Beyond the Campfire

A weekend trip spent roasting marshmallows over a soothing campfire, tackling obstacles, and conquering trails might sound adventurous, but it does not qualify as overlanding. Overlanding demands taking yourself off-grid and venturing into the truly unknown. Unlike typical camping, which is often a short escape, overlanding involves extended periods—days, weeks, months, and even years—depending on the journey.

The Real Deal

Overlanding isn’t just a vacation or a guided adventure at a well-known park. It’s a meaningful quest in search of something greater than yourself. This journey is characterized by:

• Self-Reliance: You need to be prepared for anything with minimal external support.
• Remote Travel: The routes taken are often uncharted and far from civilization.
• Extended Duration: It’s not uncommon for overlanding trips to span significant timeframes.

A Philosophical Journey

At its core, overlanding is more than just an activity; it’s a transformative experience. The emphasis is not on the destination but on the journey itself, fostering a deeper connection with nature and oneself. This profound aspect elevates overlanding above traditional outdoor adventures, making it a unique and enriching pursuit.

What types of vehicles are suitable for overlanding?

One of the great things about overlanding is the aspect of individualism. You get to build a vehicle that is your own to fit your needs. Whether you tend to do more off-road expeditions or weekend camping in remote locations, the vehicle you build should reflect your needs — and that may evolve over time.

Several vehicle types can be made into capable overlanding rigs, including SUVs, trucks, vans, and motorcycles. From a high-mileage Jeep Cherokee found on Craigslist to a slightly modified Ford Bronco to a luxurious Lexus LX 570, your overlanding dreams can come true on any budget. Some popular models for vehicle-supported adventure are the Toyota Land Cruiser, Tacoma, and 4Runner. And of course, the iconic Land Rover Defender, the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and the Jeep Wrangler.

This issue highlights builds of varying needs and use. There’s a Nissan Xterra that is lived out of full time and ready for adventure. Rebuilt after an accident, the owner’s love for the vehicle and adventures shared lead to the easy decision to fix her up instead of scrapping her. A built Lexus GX460 graces the pages and shows once a car builder, always a car builder — even when the style may change.

The Subaru Outback Wilderness has been a popular choice for those looking to get outdoors and camp. The higher ground clearance makes it an easy choice for those looking to get good gas mileage in day-to-day driving and take it through the dirt on weekends. This issue features a Subaru Outback Wilderness that does just that, proving a few accessories are all you need to get out and camp away from the crowds.