Overlanding is a unique form of adventure travel that demands self-reliance and grit. It involves navigating through rugged or remote terrains, typically with a high clearance 4x4 vehicle, to explore far-flung destinations. Whether you prefer staying on the beaten path or pushing your limits with a challenging off-road adventure, the right gear and preparedness are crucial for a successful and enjoyable trip.
Here are the top 10 pieces of gear that we think are essential for overlanding:
A reliable and capable vehicle - Your vehicle is the most crucial gear when it comes to overlanding. A sturdy, high-performance 4x4, like the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser, is ideal for tackling long distances and rough terrains and should have ample space to store your gear. Dont forget you can enter to win your very own Land Cruiser here: Land Cruiser Giveaway
A roof-top or ground tent - A roof-top tent allows you to sleep off the ground, which can be more comfortable and safer in certain environments. It also allows you to set up camp quickly and easily, as you don't have to worry about finding a flat spot to pitch a traditional tent. Our team likes the roof-top tents from ARB but there are several great options out there. However, having a ground tent works fine in most situations.
A high-quality kitchen setup - Being able to cook your own meals is a crucial part of overlanding, so having a high-quality kitchen setup is important. This could include a portable stove, pots and pans, utensils, and a cooler to keep your food fresh. We have several great options to up your camp cook game in our gear section, including this Tailgater Tire Table.
Recovery gear - When overlanding, it's important to be prepared for any situation. Recovery gear like a winch, shovel, and a jerry can with spare fuel can be essential for getting your vehicle out of difficult situations.
Traction boards - While this is essentially recovery gear, we wanted to give it an individual highlight. Traction boards are essential for getting out of mud, sand, snow, and just adding traction under your tires wherever you might need it. They can even double as shovels when needed.
A first aid kit - Accidents can happen when you're out in the wilderness, so it's important to have a well-stocked first aid kit on hand. Our team loves the kits from My Medic because they have several options and prepare you for just about anything.
Navigation tools - It's essential to have a good navigation system in place when overlanding. This could include a GPS device, maps, and a compass. Many applications available like GIA and OnX are great options for navigation even without cell service.
Radio - Communication is vital when traveling in a group, and radios can help you relay quick and efficient information without the need for cell service. You can easily grab a few bubble pack 2 way radios, but the team at Cruiser Gear prefers to use radios from Midland and specifically the MXT275 because it is super easy to mount and set up.
A portable power supply - Keeping your devices charged is crucial when traveling off-grid for extended periods. A portable power supply like a solar panel or a power bank can help ensure you have a reliable source of power. Our team likes the Dometic PLB40 Portable lithium battery paired with a portable solar charging kit to ensure our devices stay powered up!
A good set of tire repair tools - Flat tires are a common occurrence when overlanding, so it's important to have the tools you need to fix them. This could include a spare tire, a jack, and a tire repair kit. Being able to air down on the trail can help prevent blowouts. Our Rapid Tire Deflator can help you avoid problems.
Overall, the key to successful overlanding is being prepared and having the right gear. By investing in these top 10 pieces of gear, you'll be well on your way to having a successful and enjoyable overlanding trip.