Is Overlanding Phony? The Real Essential Gear You Need

[@Olive-oilien]

Anything saying “overlanding is a scam” feels click baity. Good stuff!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I agree and that’s why I put the question mark on mine. Thanks!

[@4WDisLife]

its the trendy topic to get views on bashing how people use the word overlanding.

[@BentRebar]

It feels click-baity because it 100 percent is.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I think some of them believe it so if that’s the case, then I’d say it isn’t clickbait. When you are new to this, you don’t know how to create amazing routes and I think that’s the stage a few of them are in.

[@4WDisLife]

@@coloradomallcrawlersagreed. Not a click bait if it is truly what they believe, although I’d say it is a nice bandwagon for getting views either way lol😂

[@Automobros]

Hey there! We did the "Stop Wasting Money on Overlanding Gear You Don't Need" Video, and saw your video pop up! Really really enjoyed it! You made a lot of fantastic points, especially for people taking this hobby seriously. Based on your definition, Overlanding is absolutely a reality in the US, and we'd 100% defer to your list of essential gear. When we sat down to make our video, we really just wanted to touch on how "overlanding gear" is marketed online, and how prohibitively expensive it can feel for newcomers wanting to try and go off-road and camp. So much stuff is lumped into this category, and all of it is presented as necessary. We wanted to try and cut through that noise and lower the barrier to entry for folks, because it's just so easy to get overwhelmed and overload your truck with a bunch of stuff you don't need to get out and start having fun (hence our title). The number of trucks we see on any given weekend - completely decked out and never leaving forest roads - was a major inspiration in that regard. We tried to reflect on our own gear and hopefully help people realize that their chosen vehicle is probably more than enough to get out there and challenge themselves, and as they get out more they will learn what type of terrain they actually want to do, and what equipment they'll likely need to succeed (i.e. the gas cans - there is definitely a time and place for them!) For some, they go solo and a winch will bring great peace of mind. For others, a great cooking setup or sleeping arrangement will be the most important. And a lot of guys just want to build a badass looking truck 😁 No judgement anywhere, we just wanted to promote some discussion on the topic! We really appreciate you watching our video and for the feedback! Cheers!!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

You guys are alright in my book… when I watched your video, I could tell you guys were two good dudes. My frustration and the resulting creation of this video came from so many people making these scam videos (despite some good points, I know from experience there was a lot more to this activity). As I said, I’m not a typical overlander, but instead I’m an offroad travel/camping enthusiast. Some of the advice I watched (not necessarily you guys) was going to get people in trouble once they really start pushing themselves in their travels. Also, I felt for my buddies who built a vehicle the way they wanted because their experiences taught them they needed something to make their trips better. I definitely appreciate the you don’t actually need all this stuff message, but I felt it was taken too far. I don’t make these kinds of videos but simply wanted to be rebuttal to all the vids that had gotten a lot of traction. Hope you didn’t take any offense to this. If you come to Colorado or Utah, let me know, I’ll take you on a true overland adventure!

[@Automobros]

@@coloradomallcrawlers No offense taken whatsoever, and thank you so much for the response!! Like you, this was a different video style for us. We wanted it to be conversational and didn't script it, but in hindsight I am not sure we were clear enough in our position. We tried to make it known early that we were "middle of the road" off-road enthusiasts and that there were many people (much like yourself) who are way more qualified when it comes to really taking this stuff seriously and getting way out there. We tried to focus on getting newer people away from feeling like they needed several thousand dollars to get started, and instead go understand what capability they already had. From there, we feel it is EXACTLY like you said above about your buddies, who " built a vehicle the way they wanted because their experiences taught them they needed something to make their trips better." We just think there has been a real sense of hyper-consumerism run rampant in the community recently, and wanted to remind people why we're trying to unplug and get outdoors in the first place! But your video is a perfect balance to all the videos that have been popping up in this space, and definitely needs to be said 😁 We can't tell you how much we appreciate the conversation and you for linking our video! That was super kind and meant a lot to us as a small channel. And if the stars align we'd love to take you up on your offer! From everything this video showcases, your trips look INCREDIBLE 🤩

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Your video was good… that’s why I followed your gas can clip by saying “may or may not need” as you guys had a point. Honestly, I just used your clip as I liked your video and that was a great rack on the FJ!

[@kevinbarham5205]

Good points on both sides, really. Yeah...a lot of money is spent on gear that's more playstuff than necessity, but that's true of nearly every hobby. Nobody really needs 1200hp on the street, cuz anything over like 900hp seems silly, no? But calling overlanding 'car camping' is over-simplifying a bit, because I have to do the camping and the trails with the same rig, and the trails I like to do wouldn't be possible in my wife's car. At the same time, it's totally possible to enjoy the great outdoors with a cheap rental car and minimal gear, so I get that. For myself and my wife, we enjoy offroading and we enjoy camping, and we do some of both. We did a more 'overlanding' rooftop tent trip earlier this year, with multiple stops/locations, followed by a more 'base camp' style trip where we used a ground tent since we were returning nightly to the same spot. Other than the tents, tho, we used the same 'overlanding' gear for all of the above. We still had to cook, bathe, clothe ourselves, sleep, power our electronics and go offroading. So we took cooking gear, toiletry gear, clothes, and a moderately-built JKU. And we had a great time doing it all. Some of the gear was overlanding stuff. So if having a fridge makes me a poser, so be it. But it's a heck of a lot easier than keeping meat & cheese fresh for days without sloshing melted ice everywhere. What's most important is that people get out and enjoy seeing new places & things. If we have to market a bunch of outdoor toys to make it happen, it doesn't bother me.

[@jcfindley380]

Way way back in the day, I drove a 79 Bronco up a shelf road and lost daylight while on some mountain near Salida. We ended up having to camp up on the mountain since we couldn't go down the road without offroad lights. We decided we enjoyed that and called in truck camping. That was 30 plus years ago and no one had ever heard of overlanding but it was fun. Now? I am far to old to sleep out on the ground just to do it when I can pull a camper then offroad the San Juans from a comfortable basecamp. Overlanding is what it is. If you want to truck camp, do so. It is fun. Do you need fancy gear? It depends on what else you plan on doing. If you want to catch trout, you should have a fly fishing rig. If you want to do the wall on Poughkeepsie Gulch you better have lockers and a lift OR Dewy Jones stock rig skills. You be you, do what YOU want. Who cares what anyone else thinks.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m with you, but wanted to make a video defending the pursuit of building a great capable and durable vehicle. I’m testing my TJ and camper right now myself… just spent a lot of money on the TJ, lets see if it was worth it lol

[@dadventuretv2538]

As someone who first started taking things with wheels in the dirt and rocks in the 80s, all of the hype and trends that come and go have always amused me. It’s all just offroading folks. Some go harder, some take the bypass, some prefer to cover more ground, some like to play on obstacles, some like to camp while doing it while others prefer a hotel at the end of the day. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter- we’re all out there to have fun in the woods and deserts enjoying nature with our machines and, in one way or another, challenging ourselves and our machines to break from the boring everyday life. So build your rig for yourself and what you like to do and f the categories. Just go have fun.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Couldn't have said it better myself. Altho I have to differentiate it as a I can’t call these new videos we filmed trail guides when they’re made up of lots of trails put together.

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@coloradomallcrawlers oh yeah we all gotta use some sorta terms, I think people just get way too worked up over a term. I hated the term overlanding when it first came out bc it was basically an Aussie term for something kinda uniquely Aussie back then. But then it caught on here and now there is a general sense of what it entails. So now I use it if it kinda fits what Im doing just because it’s easier than a long explanation. LOL. Kinda like when people ask what I do I can just say “trial lawyer” and get the knowing head nod, even though they likely have no real clue what it actually entails. 🤣

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I actually hate the term too, and in my first overland guides I filmed I kept calling it offroad camping. However, after filming a bunch of them this summer, I realized my stubbornness was dumb and to call them what they are, overland guides.

[@dadventuretv2538]

@@coloradomallcrawlers lol. Yeah, gets tiring yelling at a wall.

[@jacobgreenbough5678]

Thank you for spreading this (accurate) definition. It’s as simple as hiking, camping, and backpacking. Add a 4x4 and you get off-roading, car camping, and overlanding.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you! I figured we needed someone saying something different than the scam vids.

[@PowerMcWagonFace]

It’s such a delight to see your enthusiasm for encouraging people to explore and enjoy the outdoors over encouraging people to throw away money on sponsors. You’re doing a fantastic job for all the right reasons and it’s our pleasure to continue supporting you.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks for the support, we're trying to keep things real out here. Plus if people learn to love this, I might be able to get their help to save trails 😉

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

Been off -roading, 4 wheeling, since the 1970's never once until the last few years have I heard the word "overlanding' used to describe backwoods, back country off-roading, 4 wheeling camping trips. Overlanding started being used by people who didn't grow up off roading watching foreigners. In the USA we don't have "overlanding". All you need is an old canvas tent, white gas Coleman 2 burner stove, ice chest and some blankets to have a good time. That's how we did it when I first started. Don't get caught up in the equipment nonsense. Get some basic kit and go! A capable 4x4 does help.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I get what you’re saying, but we definitely have it in both historical (UPRR’s overland route, CO/WY overland trail) and modern context of the word (long distance travel by land). I have just adjusted it to better differentiate it from offroading (which is what I am). You definitely don’t need much, but I’m trying to say in the video is that there is no problem with having gear if it brings you happiness (I do not have a lot of gear).

[@Jeep_psychology_101]

Hey! Great video! The wife and I "overland" in a TJ... with no "over landing" accessories! We pack a tent, sleeping bag (for two) cooler, small butane camping stove and we go... you don't need a $20k rooftop tent from the overland industrial complex to remote camp in your jeep.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

For sure! That was my point here, still, if you want to build something out of your vehicle… go ahead! I kept thinking how I’m simple but the guys out there with me have awesome rigs like my mention of Richard’s awnings. I was thankful he bought those and attached them lol.

[@backwoodstherapy]

The way I differentiate between overlanding and just car camping is that any minivan or Subaru can drive to a campsite and set up for a weekend. With overlanding, it’s as much about the journey as the destination. And the more built your rig, the further you can get away from the places literally anyone with a car on 4 wheels can get to.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That is a great way to define it.

[@CORNDODGER]

I grew up in the Sixties ! We had a 51 Chevy pickup 2wd and all we did was throw a Canvas army tent in the back a axe and fishing gear and off we went CAMPING !!! Yup we got stuck we broke down and we did it WITHOUT CELLPHONE'S RADIOS OR POWER STATIONS !!!! Best times ever !!!!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Sounds amazing! Unfortunately we live in modern times for better or for worse.

[@bax737]

Semantics. Just go do it and call it what you want. Just don’t be pretentious about it. Personally I’m tired of hearing the word “Overlanding”.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That works, but you may want to stop watching vids with overlanding in the title if you are tired of it 😉

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

Awesomely Honest video Dewey 👍! I’m 9 years into driving to remote campsites and dispersed camping, which is by no means a long time, but back when I started what I was doing wasn’t even called “overlanding”. Actually, I didn’t know what to call it. Since it didn’t have a specific name, I just called it car camping. It doesn’t take a very far distance to get dangerously remote. So saying there’s no overlanding in the USA is like saying back packing in the USA doesn’t exist. As always, thanks for refreshing honesty. We gotta hang one of these days. I make an annual trip to Colorado.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks buddy! Just got off the trail. I stayed close to civilization (solo testing the TJ’s offroad camper pulling abilities), but still was without cell coverage for most of it. Yes, we definitely do!

[@williamsisk2897]

When Ford offered its first vehicle, people loaded it up with camping gear and drove to a camp site several states away. Many time with several vehicles as a convoy. At the end of the day they would pull over and set up camp then break down camp and start driving the next morning.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yep, that is part of our history.

[@bajalife4ever]

As an offroader enthusiast, depends how deeper and further away a offroad traveler goes over the nature, mountains, beaches, deserts, and many environmental conditions, overlanding is more than camping and 4x4 mode, it’s a lifestyle for enthusiasts regardless of theirs 4x4 or 6x6 vehicles. Here my living place, there’re several places to go overlanding towards California, Arizona and the Mexican side on Baja peninsula and Sonora desert.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Agree

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Just take a -20 bag if cool. Water. Jet boil. Freeze dried food. Coffee tea. You can sleep in insulated Carhartts bibs and coat with hood. Black. And there are 12 pockets so they hold a 12 pack of beer. Two cheap army polypads. Chair. Done.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Simple can definitely work.

[@michaelelliott1519]

I do believe in extra fuel. Last year I did a trip from Dell City, Texas to Cloudcroft, NM which was 180 miles with no services. I fueled in Carlsbad ( 100 miles away) hoping to top off in Dell City before hitting the trail. When I got there the store had already closed so I was starting with 5/8 of a tank. Getting only 6.3mpg, I was extremely glad I brought 2 full Jerry cans with me. I just got back from a Colorado/Wyoming trip with a newer truck that averaged 21 mpg. I had to backtrack because of a trial closure that added an extra 80 miles on what I planned. Luckily once again I had extra fuel. And not all trails are within 10 miles of a gas station.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Good real world experience there. I wish I had extra fuel two years ago in the San Rafael Swell. I made it work, but I had to keep leaving the trails to go to hanksville or green river. I’m so happy I have it now.

[@daveharness70]

Equip for what you will be doing. Nuff said. When we went to Elephant Hill trail and camped for 4 nights, the guys were running on fumes before hitting the gas station back in Moab. Was there fuel just outside the Canyonlands Park? Sure...for $10/gallon. For that, you could purchase an extra fuel storage tank. But I do agree that most folks can overdo their "builds" to look the part, but never "act out" the part. Just this year I got a fridge and some auxiliary lights for my street legal trail rig (old SUV). I haven't had anything like that since I started back in 2000. Don't "need" them, but it makes what I do (multi-day camping/offroading/nightrides) more enjoyable. Also rock the ground tent with a cot. As always, well done video! Not everyone can be a Mallcrawler! lol

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Well said!

[@backcountryoverland103]

I have been to The Needles Outpost when they were out of fuel. They also have gas only NO diesel. I was also in Death Valley a couple years ago. The NPS visitor map said fuel at Stovepipe Wells.....Yep ! All the gas you needed......NO DIESEL. And as you note, remote fuel is at a premium. I had the extra to go out to Beatty NV. to refuel at 1/3 the DV asking price.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

One of our trips, included needles as emergency fuel, but we knew we couldn’t count on so did it by making adjustments to our plan

[@TerraFirmaX]

Thank you for making this video. There are a lot of haters out there and I don't know why. I grew up in the 60-70-80 era and we used to just call it off roading, sometimes it was base camping and sometimes not. I think the term "Overlanding" has gotten a little out of control but who cares if you're having fun

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Me too! I use to poke a little fun at my friends who said they were overlanders… I was like, you’re an offroader bro. Still, this activity got way too much hate when it actually is a pretty awesome way to see this amazing Country of ours.

[@KD-yf1ym]

So what's it called when I go hunting and ride trails (wheeling) , sleep in a tent (camping), move the camp (overlanding), drive through snow (snow wheeling), put on tire chains (chain wheeling), go through mud (mud wheeling/ bogging)? Please help so that I can spend money on the things marketed to my specific needs. I also want to keep up with the latest trends and not look a total poser. BTW is a RTT required to be a legit outdoorsman, or are they mostly helpful in getting me elevated during lightening storms, rocking in the wind and getting away from scary critters?

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Sounds like you’re hunting, but you can call it whatever you want. This is America right? 😉

[@KD-yf1ym]

@@coloradomallcrawlers Works for me. Thanks😁

[@t.o.f.t.s.]

Love my RTT. Very comfy 1min up, 1.min down. Plus the granite on the Rubicon ttailnis hard and not flat. Much easier to level the Jeep and climb up into the RTT than to find a flat spot on granite rock to pitch my ground tent.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Nice Tofts!

[@rodschlosser4488]

You have a great perspective on this. My definition of Overlanding is car camping in remote areas away from the crowds and services. There is an entire spectrum for Overlanding from state park car camping with stock everything, to the most extreme off-roading requiring a modified vehicle and accessories that provide safety, recovery, and whatever creature comforts you desire. The point is you need to prepare and build for where you want to go and what kind of camping you want to do. At the end to day all that matters is that you are happy regardless what others think.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Exactly! You definitely get it!

[@TrailTherapyOffroad]

You made some really great points. I would describe my off roading style as a rocklander. Minimal gear, but comfortable. Wheeling in the sierras and Johnson valley the shade-awning is really nice to have on multi day trails like the rubicon and dusy. The weather changes drastically and can flash storm anytime.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks! That’s a good style

[@Brood_Master]

Great video... I really appreciated what you said about overlanding. On the topic of the budget fridge. I have a recommendation for you. I run a 12 volt fridge in my rig 24-7 365. I put 200 watts of solar on the roof and built a DIY Lithium power station that uses a dual input (solar/alternator) MPPT charge controller and two 100 amp hour LIFEPO4 batteries. This system also has a 1000-watt inverter that I use to charge M18 batteries for all my Milwaukee tools like chainsaw compressor and impact, etc... This level of DIY may not be for everyone. However, just about anybody can get a decent 200 amp hour power station and install a couple of solar panels on the roof and manage some simple wiring to tie it all together...

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks! That is a good suggestion, thanks!

[@PowerMcWagonFace]

Very excited to see more of the Power Wagon!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Rick was with me on so many trips… he’s awesome and so is his PW!

[@henryortega8893]

My opinion doesn't count but here I am sharing without anyone asking. Overlanding. A word used to let others know that you are at a higher level of commitment in a hobby that is expensive, sometimes risky and even if you don't want will give you a higher status in the outdoor vehicle community. I will be a Mall Crawler that likes camping in areas where no everyone goes. Seems like there are rules to obtain the label of "overlander" Hiker, Thru-hiker, back packing, walking in the mountains. I watch many content creators and have been learning much. Little by little I'm getting the right gear to camp up in the mountains, away from city lights. Thank you for sharing everything you learned.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Your opinion matters to us… that’s what makes youtube special in my opinion.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

@@coloradomallcrawlersit’s actually called “Touring” in Australia 😉.

[@AceRph]

My 3 Jeep buds and I just got back from a week in Moab that included our 1st overnight, point-to-point trip. Before this trip. we just did day trips trying to rack up famous routes and head back to the hotel. This trip was through one of the remotest drivable areas in the lower 48, 250 miles btwn gas stops, easily 150 miles of off-road. One of the days we didn't see anyone else except a ranger for more than 12hrs. It was amazing and not doable with our SOP. We used to make fun of overlanders. Not any more.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Sounds like a great trip. That’s what it’s all about in my opinion. Those are the trips I have been creating with our overland guides (different degrees tho as I can’t make every trip punishing).

[@boundless-trails]

I’ve noticed that it all comes down to consumerism and people that can’t afford all this gear glare with envy at people that can… thus said, do you need all that gear? Yes and no, depending where you’re going and for how long. Every book has its reader, whether you like the book or not, someone will read it

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That’s a good take!

[@RT-wb5ye]

Common guy here with a 07 jeep patriot enjoying national parks, fire trails and OHV trails no problems. No lift just full spare wheel don’t need above and beyond things to enjoy. I highly recommend everyone out there and try it.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Sounds like a good time!

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Dewey you are a fountain of honest info re offroading and "overlanding". Huge respect from a fellow Rubi owner from up in Canada.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thank you sir! I try, have too much respect for this activity that got me through some of the darkest times in my life.

[@JavierPadron]

Been Rock crawling for over 20 years in my K5 Blazer here in South Texas. We always camped in tents or cots with tarps for rain coverage tieing them between trees and vehicles. I've just got into the overlanding gear stuff, I mainly set up my 2003 Silverado for fishing and camping texas coast, lakes, and river. Love my awning and RTT to set camp for a night & two. All that matters is that you use your rig for what you want to do with it. Mine is for Fishing & Camping only true overland stuff I do is pins were there is no service but amazing fishing & camping away from everyone. Ps. Everthing else is off-road parks like K2, wolf caves, hidden falls to name a few, we're u can test you overland rig or rock crawler.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Nice setup! Seems like you have it dialed in. Not sure what you mean about everything else being offroad parks tho… I cut my teeth in offroad parks in Tennessee, Arkansas, and Alabama. I see a big difference between offroad parks and my CO, UT, and AZ trails so I’m not sure what you were getting at.

[@Gcanno]

I would say for people who have a Hitch and are going pretty deep. Get a winch with a hitch adapter .

[@googleuser2170]

We used to call them trail rides. I always thought overlanding was people like The Turtle Expedition, who circled the world and crossed international borders, or Ted Simon, who circumnavigated the world twice by motorcycle. I'm not sure it's overlanding if you are always within a 4-hour drive of a Wal-Mart/Target and the only border you cross is the Utah/Arizona line.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Honestly I really don’t care, but I think there are different degrees of overlanding. If you read my definitions, I called that an expedition. Still, once you are 6 obstacles, a 3.5ft water crossing, and 80 miles of 4low from that Walmart, it WILL feel really far away.

[@jameshenderson9830]

The better the rig and more equip the more confident the adventure will be. I can get over most things that maybe a stock rig can't. Trails are not repaired regularly and having the proper build and equipment the better it will be

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yep, that’s how I feel too!

[@daved6464]

Why is everyone so uptight. Just do what works for you. When I was younger we tossed some gear in the truck and slept in the cab. Now that im 60 I need a little more comfort. Go out and have fun. You decide what overlanding is.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

People think they can tell others what to do and be edgy by going against the more accepted stance.

[@Roadrash429]

Its got nothing to do with anything other then.. making a video they know you'll watch. Because when you watch, they get paid. That's it, nothing more. Talk smack, get views. Even the haters are helping them out. Don't click and follow the masses, put your phone down, and go enjoy life.

[@Mandingobull]

All of these “overlanding is” comments are completely wrong. Overlanding has a proper definition outside of the US. The Americans just took the term and applied it to off-road car camping. So no, overlanding is not car camping.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Even Dan Grec’s Africa trip still had help at the villages (his trip was awesome by the way). You can act like what other countries do is exciting, but a lot times it isn’t. Maybe we should just call rocklanding and let you guys keep pretending it’s 100 years ago. I can create routes that rival 4WD 24/7 but instead with rock crawling then high altitude camping, then desert exploration, then finished up with more rock crawling except this time on a shelf road. Now, that is an adventurous vehicle based trip!

[@charlesgardner4875]

Great video ! You made so really good points. Question is that your tear drop trailer in the video if so what is it ? Thanks for any information on it .

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

My teardrop. It’s DIY and I have video on the channel of how it was built.

[@cdub166]

How many places allow us to NOT use established areas/paths? I feel like unless you're on private property, we are stuck to lines that have been used a million times. I want to take a random left hand turn and start driving up the side of an incline..... to me, that's overlanding. No routes, no established paths. Just general plan to go in a certain direction and dealing with the terrains as they come.... Wish I knew of a place in CO. I'm currently stroking the 4.0 in my XJ. Motor is out and torn apart. New crankshaft and pistons on the garage floor. Already have 4.5" and tires... that's about it haha.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’ll reflect on this at camp. I use to do that, but in reality, every secret trail as long as it was a trail had a name/designation. I now use trails offroad to make long routes and I’m loving it!

[@Jeep_psychology_101]

For what you're looking for, you need to look at Wyoming, disbursed camping is still allowed in some areas

[@bushnut8305]

Overlanding was once described as going too really hard to get to places sitting by a fire and cooking good food with friends.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

True, but it has to evolve with the times. It’s getting harder and harder to be 100s of miles from civilization. However, being 20 miles away from a town with hard obstacles all over the trail can bring back some of those feelings in my opinion. Also, check out Dan Grec’s vid on what you don’t need for overlanding… he was talking about his African Overland Expedition and how he still had food/help/ect in the villages he used in his adventures. I think more remote overlanding should be called an expedition.

[@jeepinandexplorin]

Great video. I've noticed the trend lately of the overlanding scam videos. I usually get afew laughs at most of them but yesterday i made it like 5 minutes into the video of the guy in the white lexus and there was so much bs that i wanted to respond to but it was too much. So i figured doing a response video would be best. You hit many things im wanting to say myself

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks! I think some of them meant well, but it was to the point where some of the advice was going too far. It’s kinda funny, now I’m seeing videos pop up agreeing with this vid even from one who made a scam video lol

[@richards144]

good video. one point I'd disagree on is the budget fridge. I did a 5 week road trip this summer thru the west and SW with a Setpower fridge. It was so inefficient (even with the optional insulated cover) that it would drain my battery by 40% in a single night and I could never get ahead on topping off my battery while driving as the fridge sucked power as quick as my Jeep could charge the battery. I ended up having to plug into wall outlets whenever I stopped for a meal or to shower/work out at a Planet Fitness. So, I will most definitely be upgrading to a better quality fridge and I'll just have to suck up the cost.

[@XterraDrew]

@@richards144 are you running the fridge in DC or AC? My AstorAI fridge was definitely the bottom of the Amazon barrel and took some trial and error to figure out but in a 24 hr period averages around 20watts an hour and barely runs over night in the mountains when it's colder. It has an eco mode that makes a big difference. Loading the fridge full and pre-chilling it overnight before a trip also has been beneficial. It also has voltage settings to where it will shut off if the car voltage drops below 12v for example and can be set to low medium or high to keep from draining the battery too far. If it's still draining the battery even while running I would be suspicious of your alternator or battery health. The fridge should really only be drawing 50 watts and that's only while the compressor is running. A healthy alternator should easily be supplying 1200-2000 watts when running, or the lead acid battery may already have been drained too many times unfortunately. Power banks seem to be the best way to power fridges and bridge the gap when your jeep isn't running, should be some available at many different price points even bluetti around $150. The jeep can charge the power bank while running and the power bank can cover the 8-12 hours overnight. I have a cheap 100watt solar panel on my roof rack that keeps my auxiliary deep cycle battery topped off while parked running the fridge indefinitely. Best of luck and hope you get everything sorted out!

[@richards144]

@@XterraDrew thanks for the feedback. I was charging it from my Pecron battery which was then plugged into my car. Maybe I should have had my fridge plugged in to the battery via dc. I didn’t think about the loss in efficiency that way. My car battery is fine though as I was in my brand new 2024 Jeep. And I did always keep the fridge full. Would plugging it in dc make a huge difference? This was my first experience with a portable fridge. Thanks

[@XterraDrew]

@@richards144 yes DC would be more efficient. I haven't run my own duration test but I believe I've seen some examples around 30% different on a few videos from hobo tech and others when done over a few days time. I think I saw around 10-20 watts more draw when I ran my fridge from my bluetti on AC. And it for some reason doesn't count the additional draw the internal inverter pulls just for being enabled. The power difference is because the battery is DC then it's converted to AC and then converted back into DC for the fridge compressor. There's power lost every time it is converted.

[@richards144]

@@XterraDrew thanks. I’ll give that a test run at home before I make any decisions on changing fridges.

[@XterraDrew]

@@richards144 on the topic of charging your Pecron you may be running into the issue that many other people have had which is most power stations are limited to charging at 100 watts DC so it can take 5-10 hours to fully charge depending on the size. So you're putting less power into it charging than the fridge is taking out over a 24hr period. One solution is more efficient fridge and the other is faster or supplemental charging for your Pecron. Some have had luck with installing DC step up converters to get faster charging at 24v or 48v. Many power stations also have the restriction that they will only AC charge on pure sign wave inverter which most OEM rigs don't have or at a higher wattage like 500-1200 watts requiring a large AC inverter. Tinkerers Adventure has a video on this topic that is really good.

[@mrblondeheart9562]

It’s all about what suits your needs. Most people’s needs are looks. At that point it’s just about what you’re willing to spend. I know guys with rigs 5 times more expensive and built than mine but I put more time in the dirt. However I am about to drop somewhere around $5k on my 07 FJ so it looks and performs better lol

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Exactly and good luck on your build!

[@XterraDrew]

My rocklander does awesome on all the curbs and speed bumps around town. Ignore all the pinstripes and marks on the skid plates, They were just a graphics pack off ebay. And my off-road photos are totally AI generated 😉

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Lol, that’s why I wheel yellow… you gotta look really close to see the pinstripes.

[@derekjarman1638]

😁

[@broncobill392]

BTW, I love that you filmed this in front of the mall. 😉

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Well if they can film it inside the woods, I figured I could film it somewhere I’ve never been too lol. Just kidding, those automobros seem like good dudes, just need some harder trips under their belt.

[@leaveittobaker]

Great video Dewie! Super informative.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks buddy!

[@cw50must]

Great video because its informative and not just for clicks. I think some people don't understand how wide open and remote certain areas are out west. I do enjoy my amazon fridge, works well.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, and even when it’s not, you can still link up trails for a true offroad adventure!

[@bobzelley5100]

The phones we were issued came in a Halliburton zero . Coming across bedouins was part of the experience

[@redknighton5405]

Love the channel just bought a 24 ZR2 and want to start doing trails and maybe camping to extend the weekends so keep the videos coming.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Very cool! The overland guides I filmed this summer are three day trips as I figured those are easier for individuals with more normal jobs. Next year I’ll start filming the even longer trips for vacation weeks and such.

[@OverlandCalling]

Great video! I like the take on get what you want if it brings you joy, but don’t feel you have to have something fancy and expensive to get out there. Recovery gear not included. Have self recovery gear if off grid alone or a trail buddy with gear. Heck I still carry some backpacking gear just in case all recovery fails and I have to walk out over a few days.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I'm with you on that one! It's all about getting out there, no matter what.

[@turbojunki]

I consider myself both. We do our off-roading here in Pa in the few off-road parks we have. But I just did the RimRocker in October towing my Tentrax trailer. That was a total trip of like 4500 miles. I guess that was overlanding I’m fine with that. Anyone who doesn’t like the definition is just as phony. Tow a trailer and all the stuff for 3 people 4500 miles and 160 of it being off-road with a 392 then tell me you don’t need to carry extra fuel. I made it without using my Rotopax of gas. It has a 21.5 gallon tank. And in Kansas I put 20.1 gallons in it. Missed one exit. When I got to Moab I was not quite as low but low. Even after stopping in Nucla during the RimRocker.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I think it’s an experience thing. 20-25 years ago, I never needed gas as I was just wheeling offroad parks. I probably thought like many of these anti-overlanding youtubers back then. Now, I do less extreme offroading, but offroading with more consequences. It has taught me that I need some extra stuff. That was what this video was… a vid to quiet the noise from all these videos calling it a scam. You may not need a lot of overland gear, but some people do and that’s absolutely ok.

[@208Tyler]

This is a good video. Since neither my video nor yours use the same definition for "overlanding", I think our videos end up talking past eachother. Great route through Idaho - my main point when talking about my home state was that most roads don't end up being very remote, which was one of the core pillars of my understanding of overlanding - remote destinations. Case in point, that route goes right past people's houses. About 2/3 of the way along that route, you'll pass a golf course. That's all fine, it would be a great drive, just doesn't strike me as remote. Idaho certainly has better to offer than that (possibly the most remote vehicle destinations in the lower 48), though I'll refrain from geotagging anyone's favorite spots. Perhaps you were doing the same. This debate does get tiring - alot of it is playing with words and definitions, and perhaps I didn't fully enough convey my serious curiosity into whether the traditional understanding of overlanding still exists today (which is what the second video I made was all about- the first one was a lot more satire). So much of the overlanding tradition is tied to a time when new ground could be broken for trails and the limits of vehicle travel were uncertain. That's not the environment we're in now with wildly capable 4x4's and plenty of designations, regulations, and even licenses and education being required (in some cases) to drive vehicles on unpaved roads that end up often not being all that remote. I'm not against all of that, I enjoy this myself, but it seems to not fit the definition of overlanding. It's surprising to me that as many people as have so far would want to watch a video on a subject so dry. Analyzing definitions and comparing them to what I can observe around me. But it's the same problem that terms like wheeling and rocklanding are trying to fix - something about words like off roading and overlanding just seems... nebulous. All Toyota guys? Guilty as charged. I don't wheel my truck, and I don't do obstacle-based offroading.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Good response Tyler. I wouldn’t think I would have cell coverage on that Idaho trip and it looked relatively remote as it didn’t go through any towns. Anyway, come down here and I’ll take you on a route that will be dangerous, tough enough that you will want mods, and definitely far from civilization where we would definitely be on our own. You’ll see some stuff not everyone gets to see and it’d be all thanks to your vehicle. Just a brief example, a month ago we had a breakdown 18 miles from Aspen, 18 miles from crested butte. The vehicle appeared bricked, we had no cell coverage, and had obstacles on both sides of us. We may not have been far by miles, but we were definitely on our own and that felt like a true overland moment to me. In reality, I really don’t care what people call it or do. My issue was your latest vid where you dogged the USA. 4WD 24/7’s USA series showed how good we have here. A lot of people find this topic interesting and that’s why they watched your video and others. Most of the others with scam vids were riding your first vid’s success by agreeing with you and going further into it. I wanted to offer a different perspective especially since as an offroader, I use to make fun of overlanders… that was until I started doing it. You have an open invitation to come down here and I will create a route that will push your vehicle and make great use of your camping gear.

[@208Tyler]

@@coloradomallcrawlers That is a terrific rebuttal - the miles from civilization or "help" is not necessarily an effective way to gauge remoteness or direness of a situation. The roughness of the terrain contributes greatly to how "remote" a place is. The super obvious scenario (in my mind) is winter/snow wheeling and travel. Unpredictable weather conditions, varying types of snow and ice, and wicked cold overnight temps can quickly turn normal excursions into dire situations. Without videos or pushback like this, I don't ever get a chance to sharpen my line of thinking. Thanks. I do hope, though, that my video is understood not as a dig on the US (I really wouldn't want to live anywhere else, I love the access and hobbies I have in the western US) but rather a strict interpretation of the "definition of overlanding" and why it seems to be the wrong word for any of the activities we do here. Really dry subject, I know. I appreciate the invite - I have no doubt my vehicle is not up to a lot of the trails that you regularly push your vehicles through.

[@broncobill392]

I’m currently making plans for a solo trip from Houston TX to Alaska (Arctic ocean) Living out of my Jeep the entire trip….is that overlanding or car camping? 🤷🏽‍♂️ Don’t care either way cause it’s going to be fun. 👍🏽

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I don’t know, but it sounds awesome! I’ll have to do it myself to figure it out.

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Worked at Yosemite Yellowstone Teton Rocky BLM AZ Strip. Eastern Sierra. Beartooth. AZ STRIP. Moab/La Sals. And vicinity. Jeep Wrangler. Real tires. Stock is fine.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Most of the time, but I push stock further than most. Sometimes you need a bit more as you’ll eventually break stock pushing it up a 7 or 8.

[@rickburnham5796]

Fun and informative video, good stuff. Looking forward to some of the “overland” trips you have in the can!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Unfortunately I didn’t get the editing done I had hoped BUT I found a new trail system for us! Perfect for the Power Wagon!

[@rickburnham5796]

@@coloradomallcrawlers mucho bueno!

[@toddshook1765]

At what point does it go from overlanding to rock crawling? Like said before where do you want to go and how to get there. I always feel to be prepared so if I bring extra gear good to have and not need then need and don’t have.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Rockcrawling is a still overlanding if you camp on the rockcrawling route. Rockcrawling is offroading if you do it in a single day. I personally think a long distance route with rock crawling makes overlanding more fun. I agree with you to be prepared.

[@spritemanplus4700]

I go over landing with a couple that have a 2WD forerunner. It’s a little harder for them to get where we usually go but they usually make it with no help from me, and we go on some gnarly trails sometimes

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Interesting point. Not sure about your trails, but you can sometimes make a 2WD work on tough trails. However, you’re gonna have use a lot of skinny pedal and that increases your risk of breaking. To me that is detrimental to an overland trip. This wasn’t exactly an overland trip as it can be done in a day, but I had a friend break his 4WD on pearl pass. 18 miles from Aspen or Crested Butte and obstacles on both sides. A recovery there would be tough. Luckily my Jeep was fine so we drove to the summit and had 1 bar to get in touch with a friend who had the same vehicle. He gave us an idea that got 2WD low to work again. He got down the trail, but even with low range, he couldn’t complete the trip to Aspen. So I am definitely for wheel what you got, but be reasonable. Making a 2WD do a difficult (5/6 on trailsoffroad) is not a great idea in my opinion. Still, thanks for watching and keep wheeling!

[@AustinH7]

Counter culture always springs out of a popular activity. These anti-overlanders are honestly fucking annoying. Let people buy whatever gear they want to buy, some people are comfortable with a ground tent, some aren’t. Unfortunately gotcha type videos and negativity is more popular than positivity often times. Great video! You made a lot of great points!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, that’s my thought on this. Yes, I’m a simple offroader/overlander, but I’m so thankful when someone has something we need that I don’t (like the example of using Richard in this video).

[@newcosr67]

Thanks for the video! Always looking forward to the new content.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m exploring a new trail right now for a good camp spot to edit from. Have one bar on top of the ridge so taking a quick break, but I hope to get a trail guide done. Thanks for watching!

[@NeverlandAdventures_]

Good definitions of the different types of wheeling. Build it how you want for what you are going to do.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Exactly and thanks!

[@ArtofHunter]

I've been wheeling for around 20yrs at this point and in truth Overlanding became a buzzword here in the states thanks majorly to Expedition Overland. When they came to YT years and years ago released a full season of content of basically just regular joes adventuring in sub 5k vehicles they became viral overnight. Soon after Toyota sponsored them and gave them brand new vehicles for the next season and from there it just became a gear dump. In their shadows MSO rose up in much the same way and they to got sponsored by everyone Toyota, ARB, Redarc because these companies saw this as a cash cow growing. Now XO wears more sponsorships on their sleeve than Nascar drivers and last time I watched them they looked like a paramilitary unit all in TAG clothing a new sponsor. Now everyone seems to want to brand as *overlanding gear* and charge outrageous amounts for it because that's the view it is now. Overlanding is just vehicle camping/wheeling that's it but the industry has effectively made it about the most expensive gear whatsoever. You need a RTT, an ARB fridge, dual batteries, skottle etc. so you *CAN* drive on forest roads and drink fancy coffee with a camera in hand. It's ridiculous.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I see your point, but watching those guys have never made me think I need that stuff. Actually the vids with crazy builds saying you need 40s for this trail inspired me to show them they couldn’t drive. Sponsors is how you do this full time, otherwise you do it like we do and produce videos around your work.

[@Ziptietechnician]

I always have way more fun and better memories in my claped out truck than i ever had with my built lj. I was over the overland scene years ago.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I have that with my Liberty, but I have a lot of fun in the wranglers too.

[@davidbutler5114]

I knew this was a fake video when you posted in your tools box "2 10mm's" , we all know that is a unicorn dream. I'm happy if I can locate just 1. Love the vids !!!!😉

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Lol, you got me, I should have gotten a couple more of those!

[@Dan-qp1el]

HAM radio guy here. Folks be aware that Baofeng he has there is capable of HAM bands.......but do not use those bands unless you are licensed. Know what you are doing.

[@mr_xzzy]

The upside to portable fridges is it's pretty easy math. A fridge that draws 50W and a 100W solar panel means you can run it 24/7 on a 600Wh battery. Of course this assumes you get perfect charging all day long and we all know that never happens, but you can supplement with car power while driving. It also means you gotta put solar panels on the roof of your car but for me at least it's worth it.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Good point… i just need to find a good power station that allows pass through charging while running the fridge. Once I shut the Jeep off, the fridge should handle it. Then on the next leg of the trip, the Jeep can recharge the power station. I’m not a big gear person so I spend more time planning trips than going over gear.

[@TxJK18]

Two door owner here. Yes we need extra fuel. We can barely get 230 miles of range and it goes fast. We also need a roof rack because space is limited. Certainly I agree with lots of those channels overlanding has gone over the top in the U.S and true I'm not so sure if we have routes to the level of Australia or other parts of the world we're remote takes a whole different level

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I watch 4WD 24/7. I love what they do, but I can create routes like their routes with our amazing scenery and obstacles. Right outside of GJ there is a long water crossing that is 5ft deep early season. I can’t do it, but that can be linked with other trails to get you to Moab on a true offroad adventure. To me, we have it really good here despite maybe never being 100s of miles away from civilization. Still we can 60 miles with a whole bunch of obstacles between you and civilization. Now, that’s the overlanding I want to do!

[@Roadrash429]

You get 230! Im jealous, i would love to get 230. Exactly why the jeep 6 is goin bye bye, and sayin hello to a tdi. Something about 35mpg on 35's just sounds appealing.

[@destinationdero]

Great vid. Have a nice week.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

You too, thanks for watching!

[@cerberusarmored6925]

Great video!!! Love your honest opinion!!!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I appreciate that! Thanks!

[@CHRISCRAZZ-t7w]

First vehicle I bought was an 03 Jeep Rubicon I love that Rubicon

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Heck yeah, I’m about to get in mine myself!

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Finally! You said everything I’ve wanted to say to these “overlanding is fake” videos. Although, I do get a lot of what they’re saying as well. As long as you go out and use your stuff, then I don’t think you can be labelled a poser.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah to a degree I agreed with it, but after 208Tyler’s last anti-overlanding vid and GX’s anti-gear vid… I had enough. Go out there and see this amazing country of ours, but be prepared.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

@@coloradomallcrawlers Exactly! I think some of them see it as a cult. Then there’s the hard core wheelers who think it’s all like cosplay. lol! We used to just call it “lighter” off-roading. But it has evolved into it’s own thing. And the gear all came out of necessity and increased comfort. Just like any tool.

[@backcountryoverland103]

I know I'm probably preaching to the choire...... The "word" is possibly over played. I admit I jumped on board with it from Overland Expo #2 in Amado AZ and a dozen since. Also having a history of "Jeeping & Camping" since 1976. I almost want to remove it from my on line pages.......but..... Although we aren't a 3rd world continent, we do have the ability to link trails through many states for multi-day, multi-week, multi-month trips. Much of it can be outside cell coverage (the best). So essentially Overlanding for all intents and purposes. And.....extra fuel is a must! I can easily cite multiple reasons. I used to be just a 5 gallon extra person. In todays world I like 10. ( my current system is a steel 5 gallon military can & a "Giant Loop" 5-gallon off road fuel bladder. Steel can ALWAYS full. The bladder gets filled when I know I'm "going in"). One trip I did, we planned on a station (the only one in Bluff Utah), at the end of a multi day route. Low and behold when we got to it the pumps were down due a computer glitch in the station. There was a long frustrated line of vehicles waiting. With our extra we had the added range to make it to Kayenta AZ for fuel. Another trip my exit out of The Needles District at Elephant Hill was blocked by an NPS vehicle stuck teeteriing on the trail edge with a note on it saying they would try to free it the next day, hang tight till then or backtrack 50 miles around. Also sometimes I dig into an area and stay there for days exploring without the need to go out for fuel. Today we can not rely on stations being up and running in remote areas. We can have a fuel tank puncture, or run across someone out. And info on fuel can be wrong. I did the NMBDR in May and one fuel stop noted in the route info no longer carried fuel. People still think there is fuel at Hite Marina when they head for the Maze (( NO FUEL AT HITE !!! MARINA CLOSED AT THE HIGHWAY !!! Sept 2024)). And you never know when the Zombie Apocolypse will hit..... You don't think that's a real thing? One word.....COVID.... I also don't trust the world we live in. Anything could happen anytime to hard stop this country. Keep a compass and paper maps and have the skill set to use those. Gaia, ONX, Google..... all have glitches. All that hokie "gear".... I travel these routes 90% of the time solo. I better have self recovery, basic repair knowledge, flat and spare tire needs, and a few spare parts, first aid and medical, water filtration dialed in. And if I'm sunk good, keep in shape to ride my back up vehicle out 30-40 miles, my mountain bike with a bug out/in pack. (I'm 65 and that's a no problem ride) And my SPOT for life or death. Three weeks out in Colorado for August, and I just got back in from a 33 day wander-a-bout thru Utah with a ton of time in Canyonlands, The Maze, Escalante' & Grand Staircase Backcountry, Parunaweep Wildeness, The Barracks Trail, Toquerville, The San Rafael Swell, The Burr Desert....... Motel time....zero. Water bottle showers, creek and river baths. Jet boil meals 99% of the time. Boiler and pot stand. Luv My Fridge ! With all the competition now for "front country" places to visit, the masses that seemed to have discover the outdoors, and the ruining of public camps, parks, and lands by reserve america, there are those of us that have been finding and reconning the really difficult access trails, to leave the crowds behind, and not blab that info. Overlanding in the U.S. It's not a thing if you don't believe it is........ But then there is us...... IYKYK...... Peace~Out ! Keep er' shiny side up !

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m glad someone understands!

[@RockSpotter-ky4sb]

Amazing video! I've been starting to get into overlanding, haven't had much chance to really do anything too extreme, but I still have a blast! That liberty clip goes to show why lockers are useful, though without seeing the obstacle in person it's hard to say, I'd bet if you had a rear locker you would've been able to push through it. Did that obstacle contribute to whatever happened that caused the liberty to end up with the tire off, or did you just get unlucky and crash?

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That was on horse creek (published), I just took an easier line as I didn’t want to bash the Jeep. Those first three trails were shake downs of the liberty. The clip of me getting stopped by mud probably contributed to 2023’s problems for it. The real problem is it is in TN and I’m in CO. My mom unfortunately wasn’t nice to it in its last few years so the problems are from that and my shakedown trips. It will eventually be a very solid and fun wheeler for me.

[@RockSpotter-ky4sb]

​@@coloradomallcrawlers​ I assume your planning on taking to CO at some point right? Because I've found that most major problems I've come across with mine just originate from either I bought cheap parts(exploding coolant reservoir), or a lack of maintenance on my behalf and it is much easier to maintain a vehicle, when it's something you see pretty often. I'd say my jeep doesn't have a lot of problems but between a small crash and cheap parts failing, it caused a lot of issues that are hopefully just about done being fixed.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, that was the plan, but I don’t know now. My parents need a backup vehicle and I need a vehicle for the east coast. It’s tricky for me as I need to figure out how to repair multiple vehicles on the trail. The JL is a bit too complicated but the TJ isn’t. I’m thinking of adding an LJ as my camper pulling Jeep. We will see.

[@RockSpotter-ky4sb]

@@coloradomallcrawlers I've learned that the libertys aren't the most complicated thing to work on, most everything I've had to fix on it that breaks is an easy repair, though on the trail I don't have much experience with that other than changing a flat. They aren't like stupid easy to work on, but they also aren't extremely difficult, so it isn't horrible, the only difference would be you have to get to know how the independent front suspension works as that is one of the main differences.

[@richardcarnahan6335]

I saw trail mater towing your trailer after it snapped off the trailer hitch. I do hope you’re okay.and every thing turned out okay.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

All good! Thanks!

[@bobzelley5100]

Doing a loop with the objective is fun recreation and bring the baby seat , is appropriate for the weekender just wanting to have fun . It is not like they are on exploration for lithium deposits

[@RockyMountainFPV]

Sweet stuff!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Thanks!

[@PhatboyHD88]

I have the Kenda Kleaver “RT” tires love them

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Very cool

[@4WDisLife]

absolutely agree. Call it whatever that you want to call it, and if it brings smile and positive vibe into your life, that is all the matters, what other people saying should not matter at all.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Glad we’re on the same page! Good stuff on your channel!

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

I still call it car camping , wagon before they where called S.U.V. ,ute/ pickup with a camp shell -topper to sleep inside, no roof top tent , sleeping bag, sleep pad , igloo chest, chair , cook stove and lantern and im ready .. now I have a airstream trailer want to build a adventure van or wagon 4x4 for 2-3 day trips away from the RV. park

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I was calling it offroad camping earlier this summer, but overland is a simpler way to say that… but I get your point.

[@tr-lj2vx]

Most of the trails in Moad can be done with a 2wd crown Victoria... And there is video of it. Just go and have fun and don't worry about what ither people think... But please take recovery gear !!!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

The crown vic story was on baby lions back (which isn’t technical, but scary to some) and it didn’t do it well (had to run at it to get enough speed to get up to the flat section). The green JK in the snow of this video was on fins & things. The crown vic isn’t completing fins in the snow, but that JK did. However, there’s more to Moab than just slick rock. You need a 4WD with good ground clearance and offroad angles to truly enjoy Moab’s trail network. However, I agree with your last point… have fun and recovery gear.

[@tr-lj2vx]

@@coloradomallcrawlers I wasn't comparing the Crown Vic to a Jeep. I was simply saying you could do the vast majority of trails in Moab with a 2wd sedan ... And people do it all the time. Think about it, over the course of a day in Moab, how many minutes are you in 4wd ? 40 ? And out of those 40 minutes, how many of those obstacles that you need 4wd have a bypass ? Overlanders are typically not trying to take the most difficult path, they are trying to take the most enjoyable one.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

@tr-lj2vx I get that, but overlanding is about completing the journey. You definitely need 4WD to complete many of Moab’s trails.

[@tr-lj2vx]

@@coloradomallcrawlers No you don't lol. Do you even know why Jeep sponsors tons of events in Moab and steers clear of the Louisiana swamps, Colorado Rockies and scorching Arizona conyons ? Moab makes even the most novice offroader look good, it's like driving on concrete grip tape. And because I know your thinking it... Yes Moab has some incredibly difficult trails, but most are simple. Anyway, let people enjoy themselves and lable themselves how ever they want. If some one in a minivan drives down a dirt road and calls themself an overlanders... Good for them !

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Jeep has done Jeep Jamborees in almost every wheeling location in the usa and even had some international trips I believe. I can’t indulge this further as you have likely never wheeled Moab based on these comments. If you have, then you would understand why so many of us are protective of it. I have wheeled Louisiana swamps, Tennessee wet rocks, Arkansas Mud, Colorado Rockies, Florida sand, and scorching Arizona canyons… yet there is a reason I live in Grand Junction. I’m 1.5 hours away from Moab. Moab is one of the places where I truly need lockers and that will test even the best approach/departure angles. A place where so many trails have named and world renowned obstacles. One of the reasons I’m building my Jeep that currently makes most trails look way too easy is for Moab. I truly hope you get out here and see what the Moab trails beyond fins and hells offer. It’s truly a wheeler’s paradise. Have a good night!

[@RT-wb5ye]

Can’t wait to see you rubiconized liberty 🤙🏼

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

In time

[@roamingryans]

Great video!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m really glad you thought it was good.

[@hankitytankity]

“Overlanding” is TV fun like Top Gear. It’s fantasy for 99.999% of the people. For those who try to really do it, I don’t know why they would in those extra fancy and extra heavy setups. So, yes it’s fantasy. But it’s fun! And it’s definitely healthier than most other vices in the market. True overlanding? Usually a big no. However, there definitely are not lack of off-road trails in the US, take Utah for instance. “Overlanding?” Eh, more like car camping. Whatever you wanna call it, it’s still fun! Except when your car gets really stuck in the middle of nowhere without a cell signal and no help for miles with potential for hefty towing bill.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

It is definitely fun, I love it, and I'm glad you're enjoying it! I don’t think it’s fantasy tho… everybody in my videos has real jobs/lives and they have been doing these extended trips with me.

[@AlecBig]

Extra fuel can be for diesel heater, generator, for your rig

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Absolutely!

[@sixpest]

Idk man what flex rocks and rollovers did was basically a rock crawl trip. Not really overland in my opinion

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

They were on a journey from A to B using their vehicles. They had to rock crawling, water ford, and find camp… they were definitely overlanding in my opinion. Then again, that’s what I look for in a route myself.

[@ExploreAmerica87]

The word “Overlanding” originated in Australia for moving cattle long distances. Since non of us with 4x4’s are moving cattle we are all just simply car camping.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Definitions evolve. The definition at its most basic is to travel long distances over land.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

Another great video! 100% agree with your definition of 'overlanding', spending the day on the trails, while camping out there, and then the next day on the trails, for as long as you want. I do get a little annoyed at the new bros and fanboys that call regular offroading, overlanding.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, I really don’t care, but I’m going to call my multiday guides… overland guides. But some of these new routes I’ve created are nuts. I’ve done pieces of this new Moab one… can’t wait to link them up.

[@BelfastBodger]

Then don't call it offroading either as you drove on paved roads to get to your "offroading" spot. 😂😂 You can't have it both ways.

[@FearlessTrailhawk]

@@BelfastBodger Show us on the doll where the off-roaders hurt you....

[@yz250brett]

I think the worst part of overlanding is that everyone thinks they need the best brand of everything of all the gear they see on a pro KZbinrs vehicle. Im not trying to knock on those guys, but it feels like a fashion show.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I feel you on that… but the best brand are not always on a youtuber’s ride. Not all companies market through KZbin.

[@yz250brett]

@coloradomallcrawlers True. You're just not likely to find them on the guys rigs with bigger followings.

[@brotherman2823]

I think this is greatly influenced by where you live and what you have access to. Does overlanding exist in the Midwest or Upper Midwest? Maybe not. Overlanding in Texas or Florida? I wouldn't want to. You really have to be by the mountains, with an extensive trail system over government land. In Colorado, it 100% exists. Do some KZbinrs overdo it a bit? Sure, that's what makes it interesting to watch. Is there an "Overlanding industrial complex" (what a joke of a comment)? No. There's a niche collection of small/mid-size businesses making equipment for an enthusiast community, and Social Media and KZbin are the most effective ways of communicating with their audiences.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I respect your perspective, but I know I could create an overland like route using Florida (that’s where that lime green TJ Rubicon was stuck in mud). Would it be an awesome offroad route? Probably not. Could I make an interesting video exploring Florida? Absolutely (altho I’m still trying to improve my video making skills). Texas is big, there is definitely ways to create true fun overland routes there altho I have not tried. The overland industrial complex was used by GX. I actually agree with him in that there are a few creators who sell at the sake of their reputation as an off-road adventurer. Mainly the OnX youtubers (exception the recovery guys like Rory and Matt). That software is full of misinformation that I don’t understand how people take that deal… well I do, they pay A LOT OF MONEY 🤫. Also as someone who gets sponsor requests nonstop, the contracts make fair evaluation of the product nearly impossible. I remember almost taking a deal from EcoFlow (because they have a good reputation) and when I asked how long can I test the product? I was told I would have a week! Nope, maybe other creators get more time, but I cant test a power station in such a short timeframe. I realized I didn’t want to be part of the overland gear youtubers after that experience.

[@brotherman2823]

@@coloradomallcrawlers Video skills take time. The vast majority of people watching KZbin have no idea what goes into getting multiple camera angles, staging shots, editing, and recording voice-overs-it's a lot! I think you're doing great. I started watching when I started rock crawling earlier this summer. My issue with the "Overlanding Industrial Complex " is its nefarious implications. It's a clear play on the military-industrial complex, where a shadowy cabal of private interests and defense companies create weapons and encourage the use of those weapons to get extremely rich. Outside of a few well-funded players, many companies making overlanding gear are smaller operations, doing this because they're passionate about the activity. GX seems to have issues with sheep, lemmings, and poseurs who buy into an image because it makes them feel good. Shame on them for being so gullible and pretentious. But this is true with every enthusiast community. Do import tuners "need" a spoiler? Do Harley riders need to customize their bikes? Do fly fishermen need an Orvis reel? Do car campers need a Jet Boil? No, but people like to buy into the activities they're passionate about. That said, I do hear and share your thoughts on people who sacrifice their integrity to promote something they don't believe in. There's a difference between a product demonstration and an endorsement. When reading a script for a product that makes it look like you use it all the time, there's a difference between whether you use and value it and whether you've never used it before. If KZbinrs promote things they don't believe in, that feels like betraying the trust of their community/followers. If KZbinrs present an aspirational take on overlanding, building out vehicles with far more gear than needed, that they will actually vouch for and recommend, then I don't have an issue with monetizing their channel that way because I want them to make more videos I can enjoy.

[@billj5645]

If you are listing all of those potential modifications to your Jeep, just get the snorkel and forget about everything else. Everybody knows that a vehicle with a snorkel will go anywhere, even a minivan with a snorkel will climb to the top of Red Mountain even if there are not trails. Overlanding seems to be an excuse to buy the roof tent, the fridge, the pullout drawer systems, lots of cooking gear, awnings, chairs, lights, and so forth. And it is hard to find roads in the US that you can't do all in one day. So you're not overlanding like you might be doing in Africa 75 years ago, you're just fancy camping. But lots of people do fancy camping in lots of different ways such as large trailers and motorhomes so if a person wants to spend their money on things to bolt to their smaller vehicle then it's their money to spend.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

If you combine trails, you can do a long route like they do elsewhere. My TJ and JL have the same capability currently. It might be me, but I DEFINITELY need more ground clearance. There are obstacles I fail at. I can always go wheel my stock TJ for the challenge I love about offroading.

[@JuanAmaya7]

Good stuff man!! These everything is a scam videos are getting outa hand and seem a little conflicting.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Yeah, it’s hard to tell who’s really overlanding and who’s just click baiting.

[@T-Sim]

I call it camping adventures.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Not bad. I was going to use offroad camping for the guides and even called the first few that when hosting them… but I realized I was making it more complicated. Instead the simple overland guide should be used and part of my guides will have different ratings for difficulty, self sufficiency, remoteness, need for extra gear, ect.

[@Wuldier]

Overlanding is not a scam lol, I LOVE doing it!

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

For sure!

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Weather is key. Good weather is what it is about. Summer get above 8000 feet. Rest Spring go south. Fall go north.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I love wheeling in bad weather tho… different strokes for different folks

[@Tomorrowsanotherstory]

The Georgia Traverse is an awesome overlanding trail. 3 to 4 days long.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m going to do that one day! Been wanting to cover more east coast stuff.

[@mblake0420]

Ive seen the JL rock guards save some body, bouncing allof its weight off a rock, they work just not as good as aftermarket

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Mine didn’t

[@mblake0420]

@@coloradomallcrawlers have a video? I wouldn't jack it up off of them, but it will hold most of its weight without fail, it all depends on the hit and angle. When I get a chance I'm going to tie mine into my frame.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Not sure where I did it, but both sides had to be repaired within one year. One side more thsn the other. We have hundreds of hours of footage to edit so not sure… probably holy cross, maybe blanca as I didn’t edit that one.

[@davidglenn1]

People need to worry more about themselves and stop worrying how others spend their money and time in pursuit of their version of happiness.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

I’m in full agreement!

[@chewminem2044]

“Self-Sufficient off-roading”.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Even better

[@chewminem2044]

@@coloradomallcrawlers that’s what I picked up from you boss, I agree.

[@philipking8426]

We always just called it a country cruise.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That’s not a bad way to put it.

[@6738]

overlanding is like backpacking with a truck.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Works for me!

[@JulietHotelFoxtrot]

The original video was a bit hyperbole, but some of the followups, like the GX460 guy, are on point. It's most just offroading combined with car camping. You don't need the Dometic, the Redarc, the Warn winch, a tray, an drawer system, induction stove, maxtaxx, etc. You can just take an appropriate stock vehicle out, camp, and off road. That's it. "Overlanding" isn't an activity. It's a credit card expense. I think the critique was mostly about the commercialization of it then the activity itself.

[@is6566]

I disagree. You don’t need the BRAND but you need the items or the overlanding over long distances and multi day periods and rough terrain is not sustainable. You don’t need WARN but you need a winch, which means you need a bumper with at least a front hitch to attach a portable winch, or at least manual winch. Stock bumpers don’t cut it. You need a steel rear bumper and skid plates or you lose the rear bumper at one point or rupture something underneath. You don’t need the MAXTRACK but you need a set of traction boards. Or you getting stuck. You almost certainly need a proper set of tires. Unless your “stock” vehicle is a Rubicon/ZR2/Bronco or similar “built by OEM” vehicle then it has unacceptable tires and you will be stuck on rough terrain. Same for fridge and niceties of life. You don’t need DOMETIC but you need a fridge or your multi day travel has no fresh food in 100F Arizona desert (and that is the temperature in April). And so on.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Juliet, I get where you are coming from, but I’m not into the commercialization and this is what I came up with to describe my future vids. IS6566, I agree. It’s not about the brand that’s why there really isn’t any true plugs in here. I simply wanted to tell people what I think you need and let them go figure out what works for them. My recs came from my experience.

[@4WDisLife]

Who’s to say if others need or don’t need? Heck I may need one thing one day and decides to not needing it the next. It’s personal choice and I’d refrain from telling others whether they need something or don’t need something. 😂

[@robertottwell605]

Overlanding is a marketing term created to sell camping and off road supplies .

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Maybe in the modern context, but it describes an action in my opinion (driving over land).

[@ZonProductReviews]

This is the new "drift vs. "power slide" debate...

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Possibly

[@rabbitcreekadventures]

Tires are where it’s at. Recovery gear is essential. And any vehicle can be an off-road vehicle if you don’t care enough.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That certainly is true.

[@TheCajunGaijin]

The Automobros video was the worst offender. Didn't see some of the others that you got snips from. So interesting that the "overland hate" has gotten so overblown. Tell me more about the Jimny couple. I'd like to check that channel out.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

They actually seem like good dudes to me… just beginners at doing this so not enough knowledge to comment. The Jimny footage is mine and I’ll make a video on how to go offroading in Japan. Tomo, my friend who rents Jimny’s doesn’t have a KZbin altho I told him to make one lol.