What
is it?
Some call it overlanding, some call it backcountry adventure, I
call it a lot of fun without spending a fortune! Overland
Journal defines overlanding this way: “Self-reliant
adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary
goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-highway
capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form
of lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of time”
While I have yet to spend more than four days in the backcountry
and have not ventured more than about 250 miles from home (so far)
the journey is the goal and the adventure is the attraction.
Vehicle Preparation
First let me say, don’t wait until your rig is fully built out
to experience this great adventure! If you have a 4x4 vehicle with
at least 31” off-road capable tires and tow points front and
rear you should be able to get out there. Once you’re out there,
observe how others have built their rig and what and how they pack.
This could prevent some unnecessary mods as you decide what works
for you. Vehicle preparation depends in large part on the terrain
you plan to cover. For the most part overlanding is not rock crawling
although depending on the route some rock crawling may be required.
My experience has been mostly in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas,
but with 1.2 million acres of varying terrain from river crossings
to elevations up to 2,753 feet there is a little bit of just about
every type of wheeling with the exception of sand maybe. So for the
type of terrain I typically encounter a 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended.
While you can get by with a 31” tire, if you plan to do much
of this type travel, I would recommend a 33” tire. I actually
run 35’s on my jeep JKU but, that’s left over from my
rock crawling roots. Lockers are a plus on occasion but aren’t
required as long as someone in the group has a tow strap or winch
for the occasional muddy section or rocky ledge. That being said,
it is important to have tow points front and rear. The most important
thing, however, is to have a rig that is in good mechanical condition
because you can ruin a great adventure with mechanical problems. While
a snorkel is not a requirement, it will help you cross deeper water
with more confidence
Sleeping Accommodations
After the sun goes down and the campfire dims you will need some way
to sleep comfortably. Hammocks are a popular low cost solution for
those that don’t want to limit their nature experience to the
daylight hours. Tents are probably the most popular sleeping accommodation
with prices ranging from about $50 to well over $500. If you’re
like me, you may have had your share of sleeping in ground tents and
maybe you prefer building a sleep platform in you rig or purchasing
a roof top tent that gets you out of reach of most curious forest
creatures! Here are a few examples of what you might see out there
on the trail.
What to take?
Start with the basics, food and shelter; also be sure to take plenty
of water, especially if you plan to venture off on foot. A gallon
of water a day per person is a good rule of thumb. Again, don’t
wait till you get everything you need. You can always borrow some
of this stuff from a buddy or even rent it in some areas. Some of
the other things you will need include:
• Sleeping bag
• Cook stove
• Cooking utensils
• Extra clothing
• First
aid kit
• Survival
gear
• Flashlight
• Lantern
Some other things you might consider:
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Chain saw
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Spare parts
You can find a more exhausting list online as well. Click HERE
for one example.
Navigation
All packed up and no place to go? Here again, the web is a great source
for maps and trip ideas from several days to several months or even
years! Once you decide on an area you would like to explore get a
map of the area. The more detail the better. Even if you have a GPS
unit with digital maps loaded I recommend you have a paper map as
backup. Paper maps also help you see the entire route at one time.
If you don’t have a GPS unit most tablets and iPads have GPS
receivers built in now and there are navigation apps available for
both android and ios based tablets and phones. Backcountry Navigator,
Motion X, and Gaia are a few I have used or known others that have.
The other navigational aid is of course the old fashioned compass,
be sure and have one with you, you never want to depend solely on
electronics, they can become damaged leaving you stranded. Always
have a backup.
Safety considerations
First and foremost don’t go alone and always make sure someone
knows your route and itinerary. Don’t depend on your phone;
many remote areas have limited cell service so make sure those at
home know they may not be able to reach you for long periods of time
depending on the area you’re in. If it’s important that
you be able to communicate with others while adventuring off-road
you might consider a satellite phone. Satellite phones are fairly
expensive but can be invaluable in emergency situations. Another consideration
is to get your HAM radio license. There are good handheld HAM units
that are very affordable these days. Turn around don’t drown!
Don’t take chances with swift water or deep water. If there
is any doubt walk across to make sure you can make it across safely.
When traveling with a group of rigs sometimes you can get spread out
and if you’re not careful you could miss a turn. To prevent
this situation we use a technique we call bump-and-go. This is where
each rig is responsible for the rig behind them. If you make a turn
make sure the rig behind you sees where you turned before continuing.
In this way nobody gets separated from the group. Once you get to
camp make sure you don’t leave any food or trash where it might
attract wild animals also check for burn bans before building a campfire
and if you do have a fire keep it small and make sure it’s completely
out before retiring for the night. These are just a few safety considerations,
the most important thing is to use common sense and don’t take
unnecessary risk.
Tread Lightly
This is very important. Make sure you know the principles of Tread
Lightly. Unfortunately off-roading attracts some folks that care more
about having fun than they do about taking care of the beautiful creation
God has entrusted to us. If we don’t start self policing we
are going to end up with no place to wheel but private off-road parks,
so please follow Tread Lightly principles while you’re out there
and help remind other’s of the consequences of reckless off-roading.
Stay on designated trails, if you pack it in, pack it out and leave
the area in better shape than you find it. Only cross water at designated
crossings and don’t drive in the creek bed. Check out Tread
Lightly's website for more information and help keep trails open
for generations to come.
Resources
A quick web search for overlanding will turn up many good resources
where you can learn more about this great pastime. Our club website
has an Overlanding
page with links to some good information. A few of my favorites
are:
• Expedition
Portal
• Overland
Journal
• OutdoorX4
• Overland
Guild
Now What?
Get out there and start enjoying this great past time. If you’re
like me it’s just another way to get my jeep off-road. The thing
I like most about overlanding is the fact that you never know what
you might find out there, you have to play the hand that’s dealt
you and do the best with what you have. In the words of Louis L’Amour
“Too often…I would hear men boast of the miles covered
that day, rarely of what they had seen”. Remember it’s
not the destination it’s the journey. Every trip is an adventure!
Until our paths cross again,
Trailfrog out
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