Overland vs Traditional Camping: What’s the Difference?

We hear it all the time: Overland vs traditional camping: what’s the difference? Is there a difference? Does any of it matter?

Overlanding vs. Camping

Some look at overlanding as a way of life. Some might think of it as a marking buzzword. One of the most accepted definitions of overlanding comes from Overland Journal magazine. The publication says, “Overlanding describes self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal.” It goes on to say that typically, but not exclusively, it’s accommodated by mechanized off-highway-capable transport where the principal lodging is camping; often lasting for extended lengths of times and frequently spanning international borders. It continues to say that overlanding sees the journey as the purpose (vs. the destination).

Merriam-Webster simply defines camping as “to live temporarily in a camp or outdoors.” Clearly, you can camp while overlanding. And you can go overlanding while you camp. So what’s the difference?

Overland Camping

Again, it depends on who you ask. For many four-wheel drive enthusiasts, overland camping involves driving down dirt tracks or even trails to get to a camping spot. A lot of overlanders have rooftop camping tents mounted onto their vehicles. This makes setting up and breaking down camp quicker and easier when out on the trail to get you to your next destination hassle-free.

Overlander vehicles serve as a hub for cooking and power sources. Overland campers can be completely self-reliant. This means they’ll have everything they need with them and can move from location to location: carrying food, water, camp gear, and relying on solar or their vehicles for power.

A critical component of overland camping is upgrading your vehicle to tackle challenges faced off-road. This can include suspension lift kits for greater ground clearance, front bumpers with winches for better recovery capabilities, side steps to help protect against trail damage to the side of your vehicle, and skid plates to also help protect vital engine components from off-road debris.

Traditional Camping

Traditional campers may often be on foot and hiking to where they’re going. If using a vehicle, they might be camping at places like state parks, national parks, or private campgrounds where electricity, water, and toilets are within walking distance if not directly at their spot. Many don’t need to bring their own water or electricity since it’s at camp.

Ground tents are often associated with traditional camping (vs. rooftop tents). Many aren’t in nearly as remote or off-grid areas, either unless they’re hiking to remote places. Traditional campers also don’t necessarily use 4WD vehicles with off-road body armor or even have 4WD. Heck, some of them don’t use vehicles at all. Also, they often aren’t covering as much distances as overland campers. Of course, some traditional campers are travelers, but just not going backcountry or on off-grid routes or locations.

No Definitive Definitions

When it comes to the overland vs traditional camping debate, the lines blur quickly and the definitions of both (and their activities) aren’t set in stone. Some people believe overland camping doesn’t have to be for extended periods.

Conversely, there are traditional campers who spend weeks out in the backcountry without 4WD vehicles. Some people go long distances in 2WD vehicles, even off the pavement. Some traditional campers have 4WD trucks with lots of body armor but are sleeping on the ground at a national park in a ground tent. Some overland campers also still use ground tents.

Whatever you call it and whatever you do, be sure to have fun, be safe, and have the right gear for wherever your adventures take you. Plan ahead and figure out what setup best suits your camping or overlanding style. Ironman 4x4 has all sorts of camping gear to help you go where you want.