Ultimate Overlanding Gear: Surviving Off the Beaten Path
Overlanding presents a specific set of requirements for gear. When out for days or weeks at a time (or more), you’ll want equipment that’ll stand up to the unique demands of overland travel. So when you want to survive (or even thrive) off the beaten path, you’ll want overlanding gear that’ll do the same.
Gear For Your Overland Rig
When heading out for an overlanding trip, you’ll want to make sure your rig is equipped with the right stuff—and not all products are “the right stuff.” For example, suspension. Getting shocks, struts, springs, and other components that are up to the task of overland travel is crucial. Many of the Ironman 4x4 suspension parts are ideal for overlanding. With the right shock/strut valving, ideal spring rates, and tough-as-nails construction for the extra weight that can come with overlanding, these kits will let you go long distances comfortably and with plenty of ground clearance and control. A vehicle’s suspension is a direct link to the road, so getting that just-right overlanding suspension setup is a worthy investment.
Armor is another ultra-important component of overland travel, especially when you leave the blacktop. Aftermarket bumpers, sidesteps/rock sliders, and skid plates are all important things to consider for vehicle protection. There are plenty of hazards to watch out for when you venture off the beaten path including rocks, stumps, washouts, and more. Having the right armor can be the difference between having a broken rig and getting to your next destination. And since overland travel often requires self-reliance, having a winch for self-recovery is also a great idea.
It almost goes without saying, but having good ways to carry your gear is important on overlanding trips. Adding a roof rack is an excellent way to carry gear on top of your vehicle versus inside of it. Additionally, having good placers to keep your gear, such as cases or storage bags, is critical. Plus, you can often put these on your roof rack.
Gear For Camping and Traveling
Once your vehicle of choice is outfitted, you’ll need good overlanding gear for camping. This includes sleeping, shade for relaxing, ways to keep your food fresh, and a way to carry water, among other things.
You’ll need somewhere to sleep during an overland trip, and a rooftop tent is an excellent choice. They mount to the vehicle, deploy and stow quickly, and keep you off the ground. They come in a wide variety of sizes with various features. They’re a universal fit, but you’ll need the right rack and accessories to mount it. But whether it’s a Jeep or a Subaru, a rooftop tent makes for great overland accommodations.
Whether rain or shine, having a deployable awning on the side of a vehicle can be a exceptional thing to have. Whether it’s a 90° awning that opens off the side of your vehicle, or a 270° awning that wraps around it, these are wonderful to get out of the rain or out of the sunshine, plus they’re easy to mount. And awning is a must for overlanders.
A portable 12-volt fridge/freezer may change your overlanding game. You’ll never have a soggy sandwich or a lukewarm beverage, again. These fridges don’t require the replenishment of ice, and you can easily carry meat, dairy, even ice cream with you. If you’ve never had one, they’re game changers.
You’ll definitely need water on your overland trip. Whether you’re looking to carry five gallons or over 15, water tanks are a must if you’re off the grid. Water tanks not only come in a variety of sizes, but a host of shapes. From a jerry can style, or low-profile units that can be affixed to a roof rack, to those that can fit behind a bench seat—water tanks are some of the best ways to go to carry your H2O.
Shop Smartly
Getting your rig—and your kit—ready for overlanding is no small feat. Ironman 4x4 offers pretty much everything you’ll need to get ready for short trips or trips of a lifetime.