A Discussion On Overlanding Camping
Overlanding camping is a mixture of off-roading and camping and is also known as car camping. This is a relatively new type of camping in the U.S. but it has been quite popular in other parts of the world for quite some time. It was used a lot in Australia where there were actual overland routes for travel and trade. Overlanding was once done via horseback and rails but now it is done using vehicles and SUVs. In the old days, Overlanding was done as a necessity for intercontinental travel, however, it is now a form of recreation.
The entire idea and spirit behind it is one of adventure and being completely reliant on yourself. After all, you’d essentially be in the wilderness where you have to take care of yourself. You can go overland camping on a weekend or you can make it into a trip spanning many months. There are many types of rigs that you can set up and use such as vans, jeeps, trucks, SUVs, ATVs and even motorcycles. However these vehicles need to be well outfitted so that they can handle any type of weather and terrain. They also need to be able to hold enough food, water and other essentials.
Getting Started
Now, before you get started, you need to understand that overland camping is no joke. You’ll be exposed to harsh weather as well as all the wild animals in nature. As a result, before you get started, you need to adjust your mindset. You’ll likely have to go a few days without a shower as well as eat whatever rations you have or even fish or hunt for your dinner. If these things sound appealing and exciting to you, then you just might be a blossoming overland enthusiast. You’ll not just need to be able to take care of yourself but also deal with any problems that may occur to your vehicle along the way. If you get a flat tire or suffer a mechanical issue, you’ll need to be able to fix the problem yourself.
Vehicles For Overlanding
There are many different vehicles that can be used for Overlanding which were previously mentioned. Basically any vehicle that has off-road capabilities can be used for your Overlanding rig. With that said, some of the most popular vehicles for this purpose include the Jeep Wrangler, Nissan Xterra, Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Colorado, and more. It is even possible to use motorcycles and some popular models include the Kawasaki KLR, BMW GS, etc. As you can see, just about any vehicle can be used for Overlanding. Now, the vehicle that you use is not as important as how you actually set it up for your trip.
Overlanding Necessities
There are many things you’ll need and we’ll now take a look at some of the most important items.
Roof Rack
The majority of good Overlanding rigs have a roof rack and you should consider installing one yourself. This roof rack will significantly increase how much cargo you can carry.
Tools
As mentioned before, Overlanding camping is all about self-reliance. So, if anything goes wrong with your rig, then you need to fix it. As a result, you’ll need the right tools to get the job done. One of the most important aspects of your tool kit should be a tire patch kit since, without functional tires, you’ll be stuck wherever you are.
Tent
Even though you may think that you’ll spend the nights in your vehicle, the chances are that it will be filled with your belongings, food, etc. So, you should definitely have a tent and a roof tent, in particular, is a smart choice.
Other Considerations
Other things you should pack include a portable generator, first aid kit, mattress, camp stove, portable fridge, off-road vehicle gear, bike rack, etc.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, we have just looked at what is Overlanding camping and how you can get started. This is truly an exciting activity that will not only help you to feel more self-reliant but help you to reconnect with your inner adventurer.