The Three Types of Overlanders
Overlanding has picked up in interest and activity since mid-2020. Post-pandemic, it offered a safer and more flexible travel solution than traditional vacations. Countless people have discovered the joys of hopping in a vehicle and concentrating on the journey rather than its destination.
The road welcomes a variety of overlanders from novice to advanced from abroad to local. Most overlanders have their own methods and preferences for traveling and will swap tips and share strategies both on and off the road.
If we were to break down the dynamic and vast overlanding community into three basic archetypes, this is what we would come up with. If you enjoy the overlanding lifestyle, which one are you?
1. The Power Overlander
Some people prefer the term 'hardcore' to describe this first group. We prefer 'power overlander.' The power overlander has been at it a while. This person thinks nothing of hitting the road and exploring remote areas for weeks at a time.
Power overlanders are easily spotted by their gear. They have often purchased 4x4s and built them out with overlanding customizations. Their vehicles have roof-mounted campers and heavy-duty suspensions. They have utility lights and roll bars.
Your typical power overlander tends to carry more than just essential gear. Above and beyond tie down straps and hand tools, power overlanders have air compressors, satellite communication devices, and solar battery chargers.
2. Casual Overlanders
Next are the casual overlanders who do not seem to invest as much time and money in the lifestyle. They are still well-equipped but just as content to spend the night in a public campground as they are to pitch out in the wilderness.
Where power overlanders may hit the road for weeks at a time, the more casual among us are likely to take shorter trips. They don't go as far from home, either. And when they do travel great distances, they generally plan to stay at a particular destination once they reach it.
Casual overlanders may or may not custom build their own vehicles. They tend to carry the same equipment as their power user counterparts. Hand tools, tie down straps, sleeping gear, etc., are all part of the package. These are our Weekend Warriors.
3. Day Tripping Overlanders
The final group is the day trippers. These folks load up their vehicles and head out for the day. They set out early in the morning and return in the evening. As for their overnight accommodations, that all depends on the base of operations.
Public campgrounds are a haven for day-trippers. So are local hostels and bed and breakfast establishments. Some day trippers just operate from home. They live in areas with enough day-tripping options that they generally don't have to travel great distances to find adventure.
Day tripping overlanders do not need nearly as much gear. They can get by with a cooler, some hand tools, a cell phone, and a basic first aid kit. The smart one still carries tow straps and jacks, just in case.
Anyone new to the overlanding concept could benefit from taking a few day trips before committing to the lifestyle. Overlanding can be an expensive hobby because having the proper gear is a necessity.
Whatever style overlander you are, get out there and enjoy the great outdoors.
