The Ultimate Overland Camping Gear List: Must-Haves For Your Adventure

As enjoyable as overland camping sounds, many things can go wrong if you don’t have the right gear and equipment. Overland camping gear is just as important as the spirit of adventure that drives you. With the right camping gear, you can easily and successfully tackle any challenges and maximize your camping experience.

In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the essential gear you’ll need for overland camping, ensuring you have a fun experience.

 

Understanding Overland Camping as an Outdoor Activity

Overlanding and normal camping, despite their shared similarities, are not the same thing.

While normal camping typically involves campers setting up camp in a designated campground or specific location accessible by car, Overland camping, on the other hand, involves traveling long distances in a well-equipped vehicle to reach remote and off-road locations. In short, overland campers often explore more extensive areas than normal campers.

Overland camping can be seen as a unique and exciting form of outdoor exploration, combining the thrill of off-road driving with the comfort of camping. One of the few things peculiar to overland camping is self-sufficiency. Unlike in normal camping, where campers don’t need to carry that much gear and supplies because they will most definitely come in contact with fellow campers, Overland campers, on the other hand, must carry all the necessary gear, supplies, and equipment to sustain themselves for extended periods, often weeks or even months.

Also, if we consider, the kind of preparation and the activities that overland camping entails, one would realize that overland camping is much more difficult than normal camping.

Another peculiar thing about overland camping is the length of the camping activity. While normal camping is often a short-term activity, overland campers can spend weeks or months in the wild, exploring vast landscapes and immersing themselves in nature.

 

What is The Best Time to go Overland Camping?

Determining the best time to go overland camping depends on various factors, and in this section, we shall briefly look at some of them.

1. Weather conditions: The good thing about overland camping is that there is no specific season or time to go overland camping. However, for overland campers, a good rule of thumb is to check the weather patterns of your desired destination during different seasons to find one that works well for you.
2. Crowds: If you prefer a quieter and more secluded camping experience, consider avoiding peak tourist seasons. Research popular camping areas and find out when they are the busiest. Choosing off-peak seasons can provide a more peaceful and serene camping experience.
3. Accessibility: Accessibility to one’s desired camping location is another important factor to note while preparing for overland camping. Before going overland camping, it makes more sense to research the camp area and check if any road closure or access to it has been restricted for various reasons.
4. Wildlife and Nature: If you enjoy seeing wild animals, it is therefore important that you research the wildlife population and natural attractions in the area you plan to visit. Some animals may be more active or visible during specific seasons.

 

Essential Gear for Overland Camping

1. Reliable Off-Road Vehicle: Before embarking on overland camping, one of the first things you must do is get a vehicle that can handle rough terrain and unimaginable weather conditions. Aside from the car’s durability, another thing to consider before choosing a suitable car for the expedition is the size of the vehicle. Since overland camping can last for several weeks or even months, you will typically need a vehicle to pack all the gear you need.
2. Camping Shower and Toilet Essentials: Overland camping can last for weeks and even months doesn’t mean you shouldn’t maintain your hygiene. And the best way to ensure that you stay healthy and clean while camping is to invest in a portable and easily transferable camping shower and toilet system. Click here to shop our quality car shower. 
3. First Aid Kit: As an overland camper, your safety, while you are out there in the wild, should be your utmost priority. So, before embarking on a camping expedition, it is always good to pack a comprehensive first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic ointment, pain relievers, and any necessary prescription medications. Also, you should carry enough medications for months if you have allergies.
4. Lighting: Before going overland camping, you should pack enough lighting. Lighting such as headlights, lanterns, and flashlights will come in handy when illuminating your campsite.
5. Sleeping Gear/Tent: When you are out in the wild, you’ll need someplace to sleep; that is where your sleeping gear or tent comes in. Before embarking on Overland camping, investing in durable sleeping bags, sleeping pads, or mattresses is of the utmost importance. Also, you must buy a durable sleeping tent that can withstand harsh weather conditions. As camping experts, we advise campers to invest their money in Kermode rooftop tents. Kermode tents usually offer a convenient and comfortable sleeping solution for overland campers. The innovative tent is designed to be mounted on your vehicle, providing an elevated sleeping platform that offers protection from the elements and a cozy sleeping space.
6. Cooking Equipment: When camping in an area where you can’t order fast food, you’ll need to cook your meal yourself. Hence, this is where your portable stove, cooking utensils, pots, pans, and food storage containers come in. 
7. Portable Refrigerator or Cooler: Another important overland camping gear you must prioritize is a portable refrigerator or a high-quality cooler. These two pieces of equipment will help keep all your perishable food and drinks fresh and in good condition. 
8. Navigation Tools: Since overland camping often takes you off the beaten path, reliable navigation tools are necessary. Consider a GPS device, topographic maps, a compass, and a satellite communicator for emergencies.
9. Recovery tools: Be prepared for off-road mishaps with recovery gear such as a high-lift jack, tow straps, shackles, and a portable air compressor.
10. Camping Essentials: Don’t forget the smaller items that enhance your camping experience. Pack camping chairs, a folding table, a camping stove, kitchenware, a portable water filter, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a weather-resistant portable power bank for charging your electronic devices such as your phones, smart watches, etc.

 

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