Ok, so you want to live in your car? No problem. Overlanding is the best way to get out there and explore. It’s not all sunsets though, and if you’d like to spend more time enjoying your journey rather than worrying, then it’s important to be prepared. Here are the top 7 essentials for new overlanders, along with some tips, tricks, and products/tools/items you need for stress-free adventure.
1. Your Vehicle
You're not going on a roller skate, so make sure you have a reliable vehicle for your adventure. Your 4X4 is your most valuable asset - know how and where to use it, especially the low-range & diff-lock, and check it before every trip. Make sure your tyres are at least all-terrain with good tread. Reliability matters, but recovery gear is just as important.
Essential gear includes winches, tow-straps, and recovery boards like MaxTrax to get you out of tough spots. Also, keep spare parts like filters, spark plugs, belts, and fuses on hand. You never know when things will go wrong, and being prepared is key!
2. Navigation & Communication
There’s nothing worse than getting lost. Reliable navigation and communication systems are crucial in areas where there might be no signal or clear paths. Consider adding the items below to your next overlanding journey.
- Off-road GPS: A rugged GPS like the Garmin Overlander is perfect for the wilderness, even if you know the area.
- Offline Maps App: Download an app like Tracks4Africa to track your journey and discover new trails.
- Sat-Comms & Radios: Stay connected! A Sat-Comm system is a lifesaver in emergencies, and hand-held radios are great for group trips.
- Compass & Paper Maps: Go old-school as a backup - just in case your devices fail. You’ll be glad you did!
3. Camping & Sleeping Gear
Make sure you have a proper sleeping setup when sleeping outdoors. Both comfort and warmth are key in ensuring you have a good night’s sleep and an overall enjoyable overlanding experience. There are many sleeping setups, but the most popular setups are…
- Roof-Top Tents (RTT): Roof-top tents, like our Gen 3-R, are mounted directly to the top of your vehicle, offering an elevated sleeping platform. Being elevated helps avoid pests, uneven terrain & dangerous animals. These systems are also quick & easy to set-up and tear-down, giving you more time to enjoy your overlanding experience rather than worrying about your tent. Want to see for yourself? Click below to see just how easy it is!
- Ground Tents: Sure, these are the traditional style of tents, but there’s no reason you should have to subject yourself to sleeping on the floor! Although they’re the cheaper option of tents, they have their draw-backs. They have a much longer set-up & tear-down time than RTTs as well as the terrain decides just how nice of a sleep you’ll get.
- Camper Trailers: Luxurious, sure, but they’re harder (or even impossible) to maneuver on tough trails and can be pricey both to buy and maintain. RTTs are definitely the way to go for a hassle-free, comfy night!
4. Water Systems
When overlanding, water can be your most valuable asset, so it's important you carry a lot of it!
When looking at water storage solutions, it's important to think about how you want to access the water and what you’ll use it for. Our ModCAP & Canopy Camper Water Tank Kit provides 50L of water storage and through its multiple outlets, it can be linked to a tap and a shower at the same time.
If you’re going on a long trip, make sure to bring some water purification tablets, or even a portable filtration system, just in case you run dry!
5. Power Supply & Charging
Staying powered up is essential for your devices, especially for communication and GPS. Below are some items that may prove valuable in making sure all your electronics have enough power for your long overlanding journeys.
- Solar Charger: Harness the sun’s energy to recharge batteries and devices. Remember, solar panels can even be directly mounted to the roof of your vehicle or RTT and linked to a battery pack.
- Portable Power Station: If you want to run a solar panel system, you’re going to want something where that power can go to. Portable power stations provide you with a way to store power and it won’t rely on your car’s battery.
- Car Battery Jumper Kit: It's smart to have one of these for emergencies if your vehicle battery dies.
6. Food & Cooking Gear Storage
When you’re out in the wilderness, a solid food storage and cooking setup is a must. No one wants to be stuck with cold beans or raw meat, right? Here’s what you’ll need for your overlanding meals:
- Portable Stove: A compact stove is essential for cooking hot meals on the go - because no one’s here for cold, soggy food.
- Cutlery & Cookware Storage: Keep your pots and pans safe with proper storage. Our Kitchen Kitting makes sure everything’s secure and won’t rattle while you’re tackling tough terrain.
- Food Storage: You’ll need cupboards and a powered cooler box for perishables. Just remember, don’t plug the cooler into your car battery - hook it up to your solar battery pack instead. Thank us later!
7. Safety & Emergency Gear
When you're out in remote areas, emergencies can pop up at any time, so being prepared is key. Here’s your must-have safety checklist for overlanding:
- First-Aid Supplies: Always pack a comprehensive first-aid kit. From a small cut to a broken limb, you’ll be glad to have it. And don’t forget an emergency blanket - it’s like a warm hug in a crisis.
- Multi-tool & Knife: A multi-tool is your trusty sidekick for quick repairs on the trail - because who doesn’t love a tool that can do it all?
- Head-Lamps & Torches: Your rig might have all sorts of fancy lights, but if they fail, you’ll want some backup. Bring extra torches so you’re never left in the dark, literally.