Welcome to Overland & Expedition, a new blog pertaining to all things Overland and Expedition related.
What is Overland?
Overland is vehicle based, self sustained, exploration, often lasting anywhere from a week to months. Overlanding is about the journey as much as it is about the destination. Taking the road less traveled (quite literally), overlanders seek out some of the most scenic and untouched frontiers, with travel often spanning multiple countries, sometimes even multiple continents.
What kind of vehicles are used?
As most overland trips are taken along tight, un-maintained roads, the most common vehicle choice is small to mid-sized SUVs and light trucks equipped with four wheel drive. These vehicles are then modified with more rugged tires to help provide grip on varying terrains while also protecting against hazards like sharp rocks. A small suspension lift to aid in ground clearance is also usually added.
What types of equipment is needed?
As overlanders are often miles upon miles away from any sign of civilization, an overlander and their vehicle must be prepared for anything and everything. Vehicles are often equipt with ample safety and recovery gear including winches, shovels, traction mats, ropes, and high lifting jacks. Having spare parts and being able to repair your vehicle while on trail is also a must as a tow truck ride might take days and cost thousands of dollars. Most overland vehicles will carry at least one spare tire, spare fluids, tools, and any parts that might commonly be damaged.
But the vehicle is not the only thing requiring attention. Living out of the back of a vehicle for weeks on end presents it's own unique challenges. You need living space, food and water, and changes of clothing. While a good tent will suffice, many overlanders have moved towards roof top tents. These tents sit perched atop the vehicles roof rack, saving precious interior space, and allow the occupants to sleep comfortable off the cold ground and away from any critters that may be crawling around. Food storage is often made possible by DC refrigerators, and living essentials such as clothing and grooming needs can be stored in bags inside the vehicle as well as in hard cases on the roof rack.
Overland and Expedition based travel ultimately combines purpose built utility vehicles with camping and encourages our basic human desire for exploration, helping us get to some of the most scenic and unscathed landscapes this world has to offer.
The goal of this blog will be to provide knowledge on adventure based travel as well as tips and reviews of products used in overland and adventure based travel. If you are a fellow overland enthusiast and wish to contribute to this blog, please feel free to request authorship in the comments section below.
(Top photo credit: Overland Journal)