Basic Necessities for Solo Dispersed Camping and Overlanding (Tips, Tricks, Gear, Planning)

I wanted to take a step back from just Overlanding to touch a bit on dispersed camping this week as well. Whether you're hiking in, driving in, or kayaking in, they all pretty much have some standard "rules" that will help you be safe when taking your first solo trip.
Hopefully this is good info, but I'm sure I missed some stuff that you guys think is also important. So, post up in the comments below with anything you think I missed!
Here are quick links to the things I mentioned in this video too if you're looking for some of this gear.
Biolite Basecharge 1500 power station: COMES OUT IN OCTOBER-PING ME IN THE COMMENTS IF THIS LINK ISN'T ADDED LATER THIS MONTH
NOCO GB40 (check to see if this size fits your vehicle, there are multiple sizes based on engine size): amzn.to/3egfccp
JoyTutus Fridge (pictured with the power station): amzn.to/3yj9ddY
Example first aid trauma kit: amzn.to/3V4JMGA
Garmin Inreach mini (satellite comms): amzn.to/3ElWvPo
A huge thanks to my featured partners:
MOORE Expo 2023. Get your tickets here (and use code ALLTHINGSO10 to get 10% off your tickets!): bit.ly/3qewnxB
REDARC (all kinds of trick power management solutions): bit.ly/3x4KiaA
Otzi Gear (Awesome fire pits and mounting solutions): bit.ly/3zzqEGC
Rugged Bound Supply Co (my roof top tent, awnings, and more): bit.ly/33zEJ7D
Northology Adventures (Sign up for their FREE monthly magazine and check out their events!): bit.ly/3jvJG7J
Click here to join the Patreon community (and hop in the 24/7 Discord!): / allthingsoverlanding
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For a full list of my gear, check out this page for quick reference links: allthingsoverlanding.com/gear/
Looking for budget light bars, rock lights, and LED strips for your rig? Check out Nilight and use code ATO for 5% off! bit.ly/38xBkMf
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-Mike Hurley

[@Kingcobra.1942]

Great informational video, you just gained a sub👍

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Thanks so much and welcome to the channel!

[@GeefromBC]

Great tips Fletch! I think first aid is always forgotten cause the thought of nothing will happen. I know I have

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Thanks buddy! Yeah, I was really bad about it to start and have since gotten smarter with brining more first aid stuff and focusing on having what I might need in an emergency.

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

A great list of items to think about Fletch. I might add just ensure your spare and jack are in good order and tire is full-if just starting out likely don't have a patch kit and compressor. Also check to ensure you can loosen the lugs (always a good idea) as some tire shops are not too aware of torque specs!

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

True and good points!

[@4qu4]

This is quickly becoming my top channel/podcast for overlanding information. Thank you for all of the time and energy you put into making such great content! I also want to say that your camera work and quality is stellar in this video! Keep up the great work Fletch! Thank you so much!

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Wow, thank you! I’m so glad that it’s helpful and I’m constantly trying to improve so that means a lot. Thanks again!

[@CivMicheals]

5:07 or a generator? Me and my mom are homeless and use a craftsman 2200i, it's crazily quiet and pretty good size for it's power. It sounds like a car idling, maybe a bit quieter.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Those things have definitely gotten a lot quieter and more efficient.

[@scottlin777]

Can you do a video of camping etiquette? I will tell you what happened to me earlier this yr. I found a dispersed camp site on BLM in Arizona. The total area was about 40 yds x 40 yds. There was a camper van at the back corner of the site. The folks had their grill, chairs, ect. all set out around their vehicle. I pulled in on my motorcycle and scoped out the area. My plan was to set up my tent in the opposite corner of their site so as to get as much distance as possible between us. I hollered over to the couple and asked if they minded me setting up my camp opposite theirs. There was a long pause, and I really didn't understand them but I think they said go ahead. I started setting up my camp (it was about 7 in the evening) and several minutes later they started packing their things up. They went into their camper and didn't come out till the next morning when I was packing up. I felt kinda guilty for being in their area but sites were not marked and there were no signs on how many camp sites were allowed. Did I do anything wrong? If so what is protocol? Thank you.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Hey Scott! I did a video on etiquette a little while ago (kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5LMkGluf9aYl5o). Not sure if it touches specifically on this, but from what you described, I don't think you did anything wrong. Sounds like they just weren't very personable or were weird, :D. Sorry that happened!

[@christopherchapman5003]

Good subject I make it a point to bring 3 days of extra food especially since I'm diabetic

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Great point!

[@eddie1v]

Extra water and food.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Yep

[@tommysimmons5266]

Watching this a year later, what part of the country are you in? Has alot to do with what you take is why I’m asking. And I’ve been traveling around the country since hitchhiking twice across country in 1976, then a Truck driver for 3 decades.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Nice! I'm in the midwest so you're definitely right. I'm sure things are a lot different out west versus out east or down south for sure.

[@jwmmitch]

I'm just getting into overlanding. Do you have recommendations for what would make a good used vehicle to slowly upgrade over time? Being able to sleep in the vehicle is a bonus.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Well, I'm definitely biased (and prices have gone up on them) but Xterras are pretty great budget minded vehicles that you can sleep in. Also, a truck with a cap would allow you to build out some cool stuff in the back to make sleeping inside pretty comfy.

[@jwmmitch]

@AllThingsOverlanding hey there. I just test drove a 2005 xterra. It seems to ride nice. But was a bit small for sleeping in. How did you set it up to sleep in? I'm thinking I'd have to take the back seats out (which I was planning on doing anyway) and build a platform across. I'm concerned about them being discontinued. Is it hard to get parts? Or will I likely be getting after market replacements/ upgrades anyway? Thanks!

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

@@jwmmitch They are super popular and (for a Nissan) have a pretty good amount of aftermarket support. They also share a LOT of parts with the same year Pathfinders and Frontiers so there are millions of similar vehicles with similar (or often the same) parts still on the road. For sleeping, I put the back seats down, used Action Packer crates to fill the space between the front seats and the back seats, and then in certain models (the Pro-4X/Offroad trim Xterras), the passenger front seat could also fold flat so you could get a lot of space. Mine didn't have the folding front seat, but if I slept diagonally, I could make it work (I'm 6'2" tall). Hope that helps!

[@jwmmitch]

@AllThingsOverlanding thanks! You've been a great help! As far as sleeping, my challenge is I'll likely have company and I'm 6' 2" as well lol. But I think it will work.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

@@jwmmitch No problem! You might have to cuddle up, :D. Good luck!

[@mr.dillpickle]

When is the livestream?

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Just come join patreon and once a month, we all hang out. No pressure though because I know it costs money. Gotta find more time in life for all the content.

[@mr.dillpickle]

@@AllThingsOverlanding For sure, all good. Me too

[@db477]

To many electronics, welcome to Glamping.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Things keep getting more and more complex all the time. Definitely going to be a problem in the future.

[@rayspencer339]

self protection items

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

True, good addition.

[@midnightadventureswa]

I already see in the comments bring extra food and water and make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound before going very very far into the forest and also I know the limitations of your vehicle

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

All great stuff!

[@niconico4114]

national forest is managed by the federal government. it is owned by the people. 😉

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

True! Good point, 😀.

[@pwesley5854]

Appreciate the information, however the first 4 minutes are extremely repetitive. you said basically the same thing 4 different times. It's really not needed.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

Yeah, it can happen sometimes. Appreciate the feedback!

[@DHaworth100]

Rule #1, never camp or hike by yourself.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

I mean, that is definitely the absolute safest way to do it. That said, I would have only been able to go a handful of times over the last few years versus the large number of times I was able to pop out for a weekend by myself.

[@DHaworth100]

@@AllThingsOverlanding Bring your wife with you. My wife enjoys Overlanding a lot. I also brought my kids when they were younger. Outdoors should be a family experience.

[@AllThingsOverlanding]

@@DHaworth100 She does like it sometimes and she comes along a few times a year but it’s mostly a solo thing currently. And my boys do come occasionally and enjoy it but wouldn’t be much help if we got stuck, 😂.