Overlanding is described as a self-reliant adventure travel through an area over land, in particular to remote destinations, usually in a large purpose-built adventure vehicle. Overlanding is one of the best ways to truly immerse and experience a continent’s incredible cultures, lifestyles and wildlife and along the way camp at various scenic tucked-away places. You’ll get the opportunity of a lifetime to sleep in a rooftop tent under a cool retractable vehicle awning beneath the magical stars and moon in some rugged land. Overlanding is a fusion of off-roading and camping, combining elements of each to form a distinct automotive outdoor hobby. It’s not only the destinations that matter, it’s all about the incredible journey!
Overlanding is an affordable way to travel countries for budget travelers and the young at heart. You get to travel with good friends and like-minded people, make friends and meet new people along the journey. Overlanding is an excellent value for money way to cover top travel attractions and off-the-beaten-track places.
Once you’ve decided on an overlanding trip, it will be worth your time to do a little research on the altitudes of the areas you’ll be covering and the climate so that you know what to expect and what sort of clothing and apparatus to bring along.
Preparing for the Trip
Before you begin your overlanding trip, draw up a check list on what to pack. The essentials will differ slightly based on the different countries you’ll be exploring and what time of the year you’re going. Get a visual on the items in each category and check them off as you pack. These are some of the absolute must-haves categories; within each category, you have to list out the things that you’ll need to bring along.
1. Camp basics and a good sleeping bag
2. Food, water and kitchen
3. Clothing and footwear
4. The right toiletries
6. Vehicle recovery items
7. GPS Comms and Electronics
8. First aid and safety items
9. Travel insurance
General Tips
For safety purpose, always travel in groups of at least two vehicles. And remember to notify family and friends back home on your whereabouts and expected date of returning home.
Pre-departure Vehicle Maintenance Checklist
As you will relying on your vehicle throughout the overland journey, it is utmost important that your vehicle is in tip top condition before the adventure. Do check these parts pre-departure:
Engine oil, transmission oil, brake fluid, radiator coolant, windshield wiper fluid, fan belts, seat belts, air cleaner, tire pressure, tire wear or damage, lug bolts, check for frame cracks, brake pads and shoes, check for loose bolts or nuts throughout the vehicle, gear oils, grease all fittings, winch and shocks.
Where to Shop For Your Overlanding Trip
A good truck cargo rack would be a good investment to have on your vehicle to carry double the cargo. You’re going to be hitting the trails and paths and need more storage for more outdoor fun and comfort. Shop at 4 Wheel Parts for their vast selection of overlanding accessories, rack mounts and much more before the adventure of your lifetime begins.
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