Good gear is essential on an overland trip. Your rig, your recovery tools, your camping essentials—these are what make or break a trip.
Check out my top off road gear recommendations to aid you on your next adventure:
Traction Board
Often on my off road adventures I am traveling with only one vehicle. This means it is especially important for me to get myself unstuck without any help. Although I often run into other 4X4 enthusiasts along my travels, I cannot bet that they will cross my path if I get stuck.
Traction boards can be an easy way to get unstuck if your wheels cannot get traction in mud, sand, or snow. On one of my recent trips to the remote desert of eastern Oregon, I ran into many hidden mud and sand pits. If I got stuck and could not get out, who knows how long I could have been stranded.
I recommend the Maxsa Escaper Buddy Traction Board.
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Recovery Strap
Using a recovery strap is a great way to get unstuck, get over a steep climb, or get a car upright after rolling. However, you need another rig to pull yours with the strap.
Even if you are a solo adventurer, you may run into a situation where you need the help of a passerby and a recovery strap would solve your problems. You may also run into someone else in need and want to help them out of a sticky situation.
Throw a strap in your trunk for a rainy day. I recommend the Rhino Recovery Strap.
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Cooking Gear
How do you eat on the trail? Personally, I love cooking gourmet meals on the trail. There is nothing like a tasty dinner with a beautiful view outdoors. I used to cook with a cast iron over the fire but have recently upgraded to a propane stove. You can bring charcoal grills, or cooking grates to grill over a fire. Whatever you bring make sure you have everything you need to stay fed and satisfied.
For more information on overland kitchen setups and cooking gear, check out our article on Overland Kitchen Setups.
Shelter
Overlanding allows many options for your sleeping situation. You can keep it simple and sleep in the trunk of your car or the front seat. You can hammock camp. You can buy a ground tent for shelter, my personal go to. You can even buy a rooftop tent and sleep elevated from the ground, just be ready to drop a couple thousand.
Additionally, a roof rack awning provides extra shelter at camp in addition to your tent, and is quick and easy to set up.
There are many options for shelter, just find what works for your given situation. Check out our article on Shelter Options for Overland Camping for more information.
I personally use the Coleman Steel Creek Fast Pitch Tent.
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Roof Rack
Roof racks allow you to bring more gear on your adventures. When traveling off the grid you get farther and farther away from the conveniences of civilization. It can be nice to have extra room for more equipment.
Consider a roof rack or a roof basket/platform. This will help you clear up space in your car and can also give you more options for roof rack attachments such as roof rack awnings. They also look badass.
Gas Canisters
The farther and more remote I travel, the more fun I seem to have. However, the deeper in the wilderness you go the more gas you need to keep running. Unfortunately, there are rarely gas stations in the wilderness.
Make sure to bring some extra gas canisters for those long adventures, to make sure you can make it back.
I recommend the RotoPaX 4.5 Gallon Fuel Container.
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Quality Cooler
On long adventures, especially in the summer, a quality food storage is a must have. You want to have something that can keep ice for extended periods of time.
I used to use a cheap old cooler, but halfway through my trips my food would start getting warm. After upgrading to a high-quality cooler, I have all the food I want as long as I need. Not to mention ice cold beer.
I use the Pelican Elite Cooler, which keeps my food on long adventures.
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