What Essential Gear do First-Time Overlanders Need?
Overlanding is more of a lifestyle than a way to travel. To a true overlander, the destination is less important than the journey. Because the journey can take many different roads, overlanding requires a different mindset regarding the gear you need.
The overlander's gear is far different from what people pack if they plan to get on a plane or even for a casual weekend camping trip. Each overlander's pack looks slightly different because of stylistic preferences and budgets.
Are you new to overlanding? If so, it may take some time for you to figure out your optimal gear. Get a few trips under your belt, and you'll figure out what's important based on how you prefer to travel. We put together an essential list to get you started:
Safety and First Aid
One of the joys of overlanding is getting off the beaten path. Overlanders often find themselves in remote locations where help isn't immediately available if it's needed. That means the first piece of gear you get together is a first aid kit. And not a starter kit that you only pay a couple of bucks for. You need a kit with both first aid and trauma supplies included.
Support another local Utah company by picking up a pre-made kit from MyMedic: https://mymedic.com/.
*We have no monetary affiliation with MyMedic but support good products by good people.
Hot Tip: Consider carrying at least one all-purpose fire extinguisher with an ABC rating.
Sleeping Gear
On a good overlanding trip, you'll spend at least some time in a tent, under the stars, or sleeping in your vehicle. With that in mind, a big part of the essential gear list is sleeping gear, starting with sleeping bags and pillows. Get the right equipment rated for the elements and temperature you'll experience on your trek.
If you plan to tent camp, prepare for any elemental change, including rain and windstorms. You may want to get an extra tarp to suspend over the top for additional waterproofing and security. Secure tent stakes are a must.
A Collection of Tools
Overlanders never know when they will have a mechanical problem in the field. That's why most experienced Overlanders carry a collection of tools with them. To create your collection, put together a box of essential hand tools, including wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, etc.
Next, you will want appropriate tie-downs to keep all your gear in place. Rollercam recommends our Overlanding tie down strap kit or our Overlanding Pro kit to start your overlanding adventures. Our cam straps offer superior quality, strength, and securement power.
You should also ensure you have at least one jack in your vehicle. Or a winch to get you out of stuck places.
We recommend (from personal use on our own trips) the Warn Industries Winch https://www.warn.com/products-winches-hoists.
*We have no monetary affiliation with Warn but support good products by good people.
Finally, consider adding extras like tow straps, a jump-starter, a shovel, and an air compressor.
Communication and Navigation
Never start your overlanding trip without the ability to navigate and communicate. You may have a cell phone but be in an area without reception.
Consider outfitting your overlanding vehicle with a satellite communication device and GPS systems. But always keep an analog backup of paper maps and a compass (and know how to use them.
We recommend (from personal use on our own trips) Redarc to keep all your comms and navigation powered up https://redarcelectronics.com/.
*We have no monetary affiliation with Redarc but support good products by good people.
This essential list of overlanding gear is enough to get you started. Like all of us, you will learn what you need over time. Your eventual gear kit may look completely different from someone else's. That's okay. You overland according to your style. You need gear that matches that style.
