Overlanding is a different adventure than just regular camping, meaning there are a few more things you need to include when packing your gear. You will not be staying in campsites where there are washroom facilities, picnic tables, hookups for water available, or even cell service. The purpose of overlanding is also not for parking and staying for a week, it is to keep moving and enjoy the road trip. Having said that, here are the essentials you should carry when you go overlanding.
- Sleeping Gear
You will need either a tent, a roof top tent, or a trailer designed for overlanding or 4x4ing. This is because you want something easy to set up and take down as well as drive through rugged terrain with. The time of year and the climate will decide how many blankets you might want to bring and what temperature they can keep you warm in. Then, depending on if your tent comes with it already, you will want a sleeping pad for comfort. Don’t forget about flashlights, headlamps, or lanterns. Having a light source after dark is the best thing to be able to still get things done (like cooking, play games, reading) or get around camp at night. Bring extra batteries for the lights!
- Navigation Tools
Remember, you are going off the beaten path where there might not be any service, so having some navigation methods is the best way to ensure you will not get lost. Mapping out your roads beforehand is a smart way to go about your journey. Purchasing a guide book with off-road maps and drawing out an approximate route you can take. Then if you wish to have a GPS-oriented mapping device, as a secondary option, you can. Just make sure to download the map ahead of time and bring extra batteries, if required. In addition, having a satellite personal locator beacon would be useful in case of emergencies, that way Search and Rescue will be able to track you.
- Recovery Equipment
Recovery tools are not just for “in case you need them”. Some of the roads you may take will probably require your vehicle to go through some rough terrain. Getting caught up on a high rock, spinning in the mud, needing to maneuver around a tree, etc., will likely be the case. Items like a shovel, an electric winch, recovery boards, air compressor, a saw or axe, a jerry can, possibly a high lift jack, and other items will help to make the journey smooth and hassle free.
- Kitchen Supplies
In addition to the obvious items such as cooking utensils, cutlery, plates, cups, pots and pans, water basin, plus a stove and fuel canisters, or fire grill and flint, you will also want a table and chairs. This is because you need to have something to prepare your food on, then sit to eat your meals comfortably, and to relax on. If possible, the more multi-purpose you can get for these items, the better. Additionally, keep a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and a First Aid kit handy for emergencies.
- A Washroom Set up
Having a portable toilet and camping showers are definitely beneficial. There are showers and shower curtains you can get that attach to your roof rack so you clean up whenever you want. That way you don’t have to rely on lakes and rivers. You can use this same tent to shelter you and your portable toilet, or buy a separate collapsible tent for the washroom.
- Extra Considerations
Some extra considerations might be a generator and possibly solar panels, a book and hammock, items for your pets, and fun activities and games to do with the people coming with you.
Conclusion
Overlanding can be a fun way to get everyone out and on the backroad trails, so bring what makes you most comfortable. Having the right equipment is crucial to ensure the safety and reliability of everyone participating in the activity. Want to get out and explore the backroads? Kermodeoverland.com is your ultimate destination for a wide range of high-quality hard-shell roof top tents, as well as a variety of other essential overlanding camping equipment.
