5 SMALL, CHEAP & ESSENTIAL items for long term overlanding

[@jzsjr66]

One item I found essential while camping was a sponge. I used it to take morning dew or the nights rain off the tarp or fly before packing up. It does not take up any room and is compressible.

[@TheRealitarian]

As a massage therapist of 22 yrs, I never travel without my balls - racquet balls, tennis balls, lacrosse balls for self massage. Cheap and easy way to do some self-massage while on the road.

[@ethanwong9950]

Great vid as always! A game changer for me was one of those foam pads used for gardening (maybe 2-3 inches thick and 12-20 length/width). I have to kneel down so often for tires, setting up equipment, etc and it’s even just good for sitting on rocky/cold ground. They’re also great for canoeing! I even bought a spare for around the house, maybe 10$ and gets use every time I drive off a road.

[@edwardbiasi37]

Hello my friend! Here is a tip I picked on a hunting trip. The top of your vehicle window works great to sharpen knifes. Just use it like you would a diamond bar sharpener.

[@markgash316]

You can get a hollow foam roller, metal tube with foam on the outside. would give a little extra storage. Excellent video by the way👍

[@jamestaylor-qb9wo]

Another thing is to move your hips while driving. I know when I'm on long slow trips escorting loads thru the country (USA) I have had problems with my lower back so I started to move my hips and pick up my legs to stretch them out and move them while driving, it helps a lot

[@sautoter411]

Tip..for emergency knife sharpening, wind a window down about 8 8 inches then sharpen, your knife on the edge of the glass, As a hunter ive used this many times,safe travels Rgds Steve

[@GF-pc5bt]

You have very big windows !

[@blurglide]

Knife sharpener tip: Instead of holding the knife against the counter, put the sharpener there and pull the knife across it. That's why the part of the sharpener handle opposite the stones is flat- so you can hold it against the counter

[@htc86752]

The knife sharpener you have is a quite impressive thing. My wife and I have been married now for almost 32 years and we had bought one of those for use around the house when we still were just living together. That thing is is over 32 years old and still going strong! I'd say we've gotten our money out of it!

[@metaxaanabeer]

One small thing I'd add...do not move these or any things from house to camper and back. Buy two, one set of toenail clippers for the house and one set for the overland vehicle. You forget stuff when you move it back and forth.

[@gcw6333]

I so appreciate all these tips are so essential and your spirit of finding happiness in little things what you can do to make difference in life...very inspiring!👍👍👍👍👍

[@Shawn2ndaccount]

Extra shoe laces as well!

[@94520shatto]

Exercise. I got a thin, 1/2 inch thick, foam exercise mat for a couple dollars at Goodwill. Just because. Then I discovered the rocky ground of Arizona, it's like gravel, was absorbed and the mat was perfect if I have to crawl under the Jeep.

[@94520shatto]

I recommend having aerosol graphite also. The key wouldn't turn in the lock on the tailgate and the automatic function didn't work, so I removed the big black plastic vent exposing the locking mechanism, squirted the graphite on things and, voila, instant fix. Also, DO NOT spray WD-40 in the key holes as it collects dust.

[@razrback2050]

Another good video! Im slowly working my way through your video library and find them to be very informative and helpful. I dont see myself going on a big international trip anytime soon but a lot of your content can be scaled down to smaller expeditions or even weekend trips. Pointing out the differences between "Expo Overlanding" and practical overlanding has been refreshing!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Awesome, thank you!

[@andywt8460]

Way ahead of you, We live part time in the van and roam from Scandinavia to the Balkans, slow travel using the most obscure and little used routes we can find and have learnt to simplify and replicate virtually everything we do at home in our little VW Transporter. I’m self-reliant and think do we need this, yes or no is clear, maybe is the the problem area, but have learnt the hard way, if you forget or leave something behind guaranteed you will need it sooner than later or you’ll meet some poor soul who could have been helped.

[@felixcat9318]

Better to have it and not need it than the other way round...

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

@Felix Cat - while that mentality sounds good on paper, if you follow it through your vehicle will be severely over legal max weight long before you leave home. You can't bring *everything*, so overlanders have to prioritize and rationalize what they do and don't bring.

[@felixcat9318]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Because that is so glaringly obvious, I didn't spell it out! What one brings is dictated by numerous factors and will invariably be an absolutely essential, pared down supply. Service, repair items and spares will have top priority, everything else is additional weight. Whatever it takes to keep the vehicle moving or to get it back moving matters most, which is why its better to have this stuff and not need to use it...

[@andywt8460]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Would Like to bring everything but it just won’t fit in the van and leave us some living space. Weight is another issue, the vans our only vehical and we rarely unload it, this year because of Covid issues we have only been on the road 7 weeks and the vans running a bit light we weighed it, full diesel wife and I, almost exactly 2,500 kg, and that’s with a full toolkit and parts that I can fix anything on the road, max legal 2,800 kg, technical is 3,000 kg, so if we loaded it up with our normal stuff water 60lt, cooking gas, food, bedding, cloths, boots and all the other crap it’s about 2,700 kg. If we have out 2 big daughters and their crap it’s a bit overweight... fortunate they are away at university. Won’t say what it was when we brought my tools 🧰 down from northern England to Italy. VW T4 tough as nails, the 5-cylinder diesel just growls a bit harder.

[@Scott___T]

If you have a ceramic coffee mug; you have a knife sharpener! Turn it upside down and sharpen the knife edge on the unglazed part of the bottom of the mug

[@jacktyler7599]

Typical of you, Dan: Practical, inexpensive and very experience-based. Used that knife sharpener for 11 years while off sailing. Age now requires me to use a yoga mat each morning for the back stretches when on the road. And in the spirit of adding to your 'practicals' list, I'd recommend the following item: dental floss. Critical for good dental hygiene (which is not widely practiced in the half of the world we have visited, even in Europe). Can be found in small, light weight packages and is affordable when bulk purchased. Thanks, Dan!

[@MarkRose1337]

I'd even bring two sets of nail clippers, because I've had them break before. I hope you turn all these videos into an ebook!

[@SuperwheelieOverland]

I’m not doing too bad it seems 😎: #1: check #2: 1/2 check (wd40 😬) #3: check #4: check #5: 1/2 check (I have elastic band but never use it 😂) Definitely a good list of small items to bring along 👍 thanks for sharing!

[@adelarsen9776]

May I make a suggestion ? A cork screw. Always take a cork screw. There's nothing worse than meeting up with your friends in a pristine spot and the wine comes out and no one's got a cork screw. If you have a cork screw then you'll be the hero of the night. In the same vain, I recommend always carrying an ordinary Swiss Army knife with cork screw. The SAK is so uncool it's cool. I never go anywhere without one.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I do have a corkscrew, though it's extremely easy to just push a wine bottle cork into the bottle - you can do it with a regular spoon or fork. I've done that while out sailing!

[@adelarsen9776]

@@TheRoadChoseMe Officers, Scholars and Gentlemen carry a SAK with cork screw. I guess you can do it with style, finess, grace, hue and class or you can just push the cork in with a fork.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

For sure having a cork screw is more ideal (and I do have one - you can see it on my cutlery holder on my kitchen), but I personally don't consider it "essential" because it's easy to work around when you don't have one. Also I avoid buying anything made of glass (so wine bottles are out), because of the rough roads I don't want to deal with breakages.

[@robertphillips93]

One thing worth considering is preventing back issues rather than trying to fix them. For sitting in the driver's seat over any extended period, nothing I've found beats a product called the Backshield. It's a thinly padded but rigid appliance that straps onto your seatback (and maybe under your seatcover). Far superior to any of the common "lumbar support" gizmos, and so good I use it at home every day.

[@GATORADDAM]

I always carry fingernail clippers and a tiny sewing kit. But since I'm not doing super long term trips the rest aren't useful to me. But certainly would be if you're spending months or years.

[@PetesJeepAdventures]

Things we don't think about. Thanks for the info Dan. You are very thorough in your videos.

[@gfartsgroup]

Great List. Interestingly, I'm still using the 20cent nail clippers that I bought in Arequipa, Peru five years ago. Best ones I've ever owned.

[@joelletendre1011]

Another great Video Dan! A sharp knife is also much safer than a dull knife, because you are using less pressure and force, and there is less chance of slipping and injuring yourself.

[@Leon-lp9fl]

Watched with a grin, this content is very refreshing and so important. Thanks!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Glad to hear it!

[@jimstringer1733]

Great tips! Never even thought about nail clippers being something hard to find in some countries! I stopped carrying a sewing kit some years ago since most everything is easy to get in North America but would not have thought about it being hard to source in other countries. Go figure!! World travel sure is interesting!! Thanks Dan!!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@christopherhachet8204]

This stuff is all highly useful even for travelling in the USA.

[@briangudger3466]

I just don't understand why some people are downvoting these videos. You don't like free, practical advice from a expert who's done what you're interested in doing? Of these 5, I think nail clippers was the only one I had planned to bring. I simply hadn't even thought of the others. This is stuff only someone who's been through it would think of.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

... and I didn't think of them until I'd already been on the roads months and months.

[@ObamaoZedong]

Sillcock key $5. At least in the US, most buildings have a spigot you can get water from but only if you have a sillcock key.

[@t.kahraba763]

Ear plugs for noisy places are also quite useful

[@duane4972]

I have all but the graphite, I'm only traveling the USA FOR 3 years now. Great list, great content !

[@guidok3762]

Great advice, I already packed them in my VAN !! Greetings from The Netherlands

[@felixcat9318]

A volcano kettle (m-Kettle, Ghillie Kettle, Kelly Kettle, etc) takes up very little space and extends your cook stove fuel by using found twigs or other combustible materials. It also comes in handy to boil water when the cook stove is in use. Sharpeners, lubricants, repair materials, etc should always be brought.

[@travellersnestoverland]

Yes, nail clippers take several with you. Even flexible buckets and yoga mats were hard to find in the Australian outback in remote areas. Make a list of all your equipment in the truck. Cheers Ro @Travellers nest overland

[@rael6_4wd]

Great information.

[@eyeswideopen7450]

is there anyone else that is impressed by all the things he can keep in his jeep?

[@blakelodermeier4939]

still has original hood latches!!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

It's literally my house, and I drove through parts of the world where you simply can't get stuff like this!

[@eyeswideopen7450]

@@TheRoadChoseMe true. Every overland is confronted by the fact that his packing space is limited. You just exceed my expactations of what could be fitted inside a jeep.

[@funkylizardman]

Only came upon you and your channel a few months ago. Love it! Thank you very much.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ML-ws6ce]

Useful as always. I carry a pencil with me as a back up for the graphite tube....because I loose them all the time, hahahaha.

[@ricoman7981]

I would add a small crazy glue kit and a tube of Shoe Goo to list of must haves. I did several overland trips in Africa years ago and shoe goo was a saviour many times. It may be different today but back then it was very difficult to find a pair of sneakers in the market. Cheap flip flops could be found but shoe goo is what held them together.

[@markcarpenter3600]

I carry much of this in the USA. In a pinch the rounded edge of the side windows will do an amazing job sharpening a knife.

[@felixcat9318]

That's why I always carry a car door with me, and if it gets hot I just open the window...

[@oldtimerlee8820]

Good tips! Hadn't thought about graphite & locks. Thanks! PLEASE don't buy cheap sewing kits. A kit for a buck from $Tree for example. They are almost worthless. Thread breaks too easily, needles bend, safety pins are not sharp, scissors are worthless. Ask someone who sews to part with a few bits & bobs of good quality thread, couple of needles, etc. Keep a few spare buttons of size & color that'll work best for you. May be surprising how much can be done with a decent pair of children's scissors, if you can't spend more.

[@Voyagersk9]

Great ideas!! There’s a few on the list I don’t have! Thank you!!

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Onward4x4]

You nailed it with the nail cleepers... :)

[@TaleOfTwoIdiots]

Great info as always.

[@iamdrglass]

Good stuff.....how about a list of multi purpose items that you use?

[@Voyagersk9]

The roller and finger nail clippers! 🤪

[@TheJourneyAhead]

Thanks again for this helpful video. It's always the little things that make a big difference.

[@robertvoss9111]

Maybe a video about things that you don't like about your current build, which you thought would be a good idea before you left, could be interesting? And your thought process before etc 🤔

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks, that's a *really* good idea, and I'll do that soon!

[@robertvoss9111]

@@TheRoadChoseMe looking forward to it :)

[@christophersaul]

Great advice. Can we find out a bit more about who you are in future videos? A crazy Aussie who lives in Canada but has travelled the world?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Sure thing!

[@mrparlanejxtra]

Swiss Army Knife, small tool kit, sewing/mending kit, extra water or energy drink, batteries, hand washing kit.

[@adelarsen9776]

SAK - So uncool it's cool. Always have an SAK with a cork screw.

[@f86sabjf]

Spyderco knife sharpener . Packs away small and will keep your knife razor sharp . Foolproof for me

[@michaelconchscooter8940]

Very helpful.

[@yorkchris10]

I found it easy to find a ball peen hammer for english wheel and gas containers could be found or improvised. I would have liked to carry an awl, but not easy to find at home.

[@tfrye008]

Great stuff!

[@calebbearup4282]

I wonder how easy it would be to follow out the foam roller to use the space inside to store something. Whether it's a small fire extinguisher or a first aid kit or toiletries. As long as it's solid enough to ensure the shape is kept them it shouldn't harm the usefulness of the roller at all

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Huh, good idea! In fact I've seen hollow ones for sale...

[@essexlexington712]

Another cool video from first-hand experience. How about a tube of super glue?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I find whenever I open one and use it the whole thing dries up and I only get one use!

[@essexlexington712]

@@TheRoadChoseMe 👍🏽

[@VeryCoolJeep]

Thank you for this advice :)

[@OffTheBeatenTrackSA]

Another great video !!!! Greetings from Cape Town my friend 👌🏽

[@fernandocabral275]

Yes

[@flysoutbackadventures]

Good, common sense advice 👍

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

Thanks 👍

[@DaciaProject]

You mentioned you have a hood lock. Can you please explain how it is fashioned?

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I bought a "BOLT" hood lock for the Jeep - is uses the factory key.

[@bobbeebobbee6998]

On your back it look like pizza oven tabarnac lololol

[@peterhaan9068]

Thanks for editing out your stage right and stage left exit/entrances, they are very tiring.

[@DaciaProject]

What do you actually do for a living there in Canada?

[@aziazeeb6883]

In india says ‘nail cutter’

[@dirtlegdirtleg]

Dan, how many Americans did you see overlanding in Africa? I can see Europeans and Aussies being good, but seems like a lot of those countries an American might be looked down upon.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

This is such a common misconception, I feel like I'll have to do a video on it. In TONS of countires people thought I was American, and they would give a big thumbs up and say "ehhh, America!!" - always welcoming, always friendly. Also my friends Jared and Jen drove their Oregon plated Jeep all over Southern and Eastern Africa , and my friends Russ and Julie drove their New Jersey plated Jeep from South Africa to Egypt. They all had a great time!

[@donaldraver]

Great content as always. Do you have items that you carry on your person even while driving. I always have a Leatherman Skeletool, a Bic lighter (I do not smoke), a small flashlight, and a Victorinox classic. These items I use with regularity is why they are on me everyday if i get out of my vehicle they are there. Stay Safe out there Safe Adventures

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

I don't personally have anything like that on me. No. When outside the vehicle I'll just come back to get them if the situation requires.

[@christopherhachet8204]

Graphite is not as good as traditional lock lubricant. Just FYI

[@till_57]

I think it is about not attracting dust and sand. Hence a "dry" lubricant.

[@adelarsen9776]

@@till_57 For car door locks graphite powder is perfect. Especially when driving in dusty, muddy, dirty or icy conditions. Graphite powder is the traditional, original and best lube for car locks.

[@yaroslavkrymov9955]

How about a large sheet of plexiglass hidden on the roof just in case one of the windows gets shuttered. Ohh please tell us more about what you do these today's or what is your next trip? Jeep should take away your car and keep it in a museum and give you a new one thats all rigged.

[@TheRoadChoseMe]

See my thoughts here on "redundant everything" - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4O1nqOqdqZsms0 With that mentality you'll just wind up with too many spares and too many "what ifs", and it's simply not workable! I'm working on new adventures kicking off early next year - details coming when something is locked in, covid is making it really tough!

[@nwwoodsman2545]

1:45 finally getting to the list

[@NealLundquist]

Duck tape

[@kevinpembrook2225]

You talk too much......... sorry