11/12/2025
The following are not my words, but good advice nonetheless:
"Someone asked recently "What are the essentials of overlanding?" I'd like to share some thoughts, and feel that I have a bit of experience that qualifies me to share this.
Hopefully this will be helpful to those who are new to overlanding.
People tend to complicate things and get really fixated on gear and the cool shiny new gadgets as if they were needed to overland. The reality is they are often cool but they aren't often needed to get started.
Obviously you need a platform, a rig.
I've seen folks on multiple continents overland in everything from a tuk-tuk to a Prius, to a fully built out multi-million dollar expedition truck.
Remember that the platform is just that. The platform. A means to an end. YOU are the overlander. So the platform must fit you.
When it comes to platform my advice is simple if you are just starting. Start with what you have. There is an old saying that goes something along the lines of don't go spending a bunch of money to buy stuff you can't afford to impress people you don't know. If you are just looking to buy cool gear. Hey you do you. Nothing wrong with that if that's what you are into. But if you are really looking to get out there and you're just getting started, read on.
In my opinion and experience overlanding is about the adventure itself. So when I suggest that if you are just starting out, you start with the platform you have, this is honestly the best advice I can give you. If you haven't really been out, you won't know exactly what it is you want out of it until you are out there doing it. You can always save up to upgrade to what fits you best later if you really get into it.
As far as the essentials. Other than a platform and a willingness to get out there and try it, you only need 5 things to go anywhere in the world. They are: 1. Water. 2. Food. 3. Shelter. 4. Warmth. 5. Sleep.
If you have those 5 things covered fully you can overland anywhere in the world.
My overarching advice to anyone just starting out, is this. Equip your rig with the ability to have those 5 things covered. Pick a part of the country you live in that you haven't been to, take a bit of time off and head there with no firm camping reservations in mind. Just head in that general direction.
Remember that overlanding is not about off roading or camping. I know that sounds strange but its true. While both can be a part of overlanding, they don't really define it. Overlanding at its core is about adventure and often the unknown. One of my good friends put it simply. Campers travel to camp, overlanders camp to travel.
So do that. Travel.
Depending on what you enjoy it may be a mountain, a beach, a lake or whatever you are into. Along the way figure out where you are going to spend the night.
While you are out (and this is really important) Make 3 lists.
List 1 is everything you have in your vehicle or on your person. List 2 is made while you are out. That is a list of everything you wish you had that you didn't have with you.
List 3 is made when you come back by referencing the first two lists you made and it is a list of everything that you had that you didn't use.
Do this 3 times. After you've been out on at least 3 multiple day trips, reference your lists.
Anything that you haven't used at all in 3 multiple day trips, get rid of it. (exceptions are safety and recovery gear as well as first aid and tools) Payload capacity is important. When it comes to your kit. Everything adds weight and takes a footprint of space. Less is better.
Anything on your wish you had list, add it to your kit. This is where it starts to really get personalized for you. Obviously don't buy stuff you can't afford. But if there is something you really wish you had, save up for it and add it. The litmus test for purchases is frequency of use. Spend your discretionary overlanding budget on the things you will use the most. For example: before you go buying that $1500 winch, consider upgrading your camp chair. Before you second guess this, think about what I'm saying. A good pillow will serve you far better and far more frequently than a really cool set of auxiliary lights.
Then rinse and repeat the process. After a few good solid trips, you'll have an overlanding rig that is perfect for you."
