My Most Useful Overlanding Gear | Camping Gear Guide 2023

I'm showing you 30+ pieces of overlanding, car camping, hiking, gear. I've used almost everything in this video on the trail (and note the ones I have not) and can tell you from personal experience how they work. These make great camping gifts, overlanding gifts, as well as being a great resource for anyone looking to understand some of the overlanding gear you might need to get started or add to your current camping set up.
00:00 Intro
01:37 GlueTreads (geni.us/GlueTreadRevere)
02:20 Bigfoot Bushcraft Fire Starters (geni.us/bigfootbushcraft)
03:03 Thermacell Mosquito Repellent: (geni.us/Thermacell1)
03:41 Nightbuddy Headlamp (geni.us/nightbuddy)
04:55 Tailgate Dust Sealer (geni.us/TruckDust)
05:31 MedKit (geni.us/medkit)
06:37 Metalcloak Gifts (geni.us/MetalCloak1)
07:25 Essee Knives (geni.us/EseeKnives)
08:48 Pulaski Axe (geni.us/PulaksiAxes)
10:23 DeWalt Axe (geni.us/DewaltAxe)
10:47 Fiskers Axe (geni.us/FiskarsAxe)
12:18 Kraken Air Inflations System (geni.us/Kraken1)
13:09 Wolfwise Pop up Privacy Tent (geni.us/woflwise)
14:03 Factor 55 Recovery Gear (geni.us/Factor55) 20% OFF WITH "F55USA"
18:41 Maxtrax Recovery Gear (geni.us/MaxtraxRevere)
19:37 Bunker Industries Recover Board (geni.us/vicoffroad)
21:23 Recovery Shovels (geni.us/Shovels)
22:59 DeWalt Electric Chainsaw (geni.us/DeWaltChainsaw)
23:52 Chainsaw Bag (geni.us/Chainsawbag)
24:28 Recovery Gloves (geni.us/Gloves1)
25:21 Vevor Heater (geni.us/Vevor1) Save $10 with Promo Code: VVS10
26:25 Insulated Work Overalls (geni.us/Insulatedoveralls
27:17 Selka Bag (geni.us/selkbag)
28:22 Geyser Shower System (geni.us/Geyser)
30:13 Leveling Blocks (geni.us/levelingblocks)
_________________
My Favorite Gear
Kraken Air Inflation System: geni.us/Kraken1
MetalCloak Gamechanger Suspension: geni.us/Metalcloak
Factor 55 Recovery: geni.us/Factor55recovery Save 10% with V2R10
Intrepid Rooftop Tent: geni.us/IntrepidGeo (Best Design I’ve Seen)
Maxtrax Recovery Boards: geni.us/MaxtraxRevere
_________________
My Camping Setup:
Roofnest Rooftop Tent: geni.us/Roofnesttents (Most luxurious I’ve Seen)
Topoak Rooftop Tent: geni.us/TopOakTent (BEST VALUE I’ve Seen)
Roofnest LiteWing Awning: geni.us/RoofnestLiteWing
Big Country 4X4 Awning: geni.us/OstrichJr
Vevor Diesel Heater: s.vevor.com/bfQymJ (VVPRO to save 5%)
TrailRax Side Rack: geni.us/TrailRax1
Jeep JL Drawer System: bit.ly/3rNx7y0
Exped Mega Mat: geni.us/ExpedMega
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[@peterhooker4637]

Good video. I think it called full tang when the blade steel runs to the butt of the handle. Sheath not case. Thanks for the gift ideas.

[@WolfOverland]

My wallet hates this video 😂

[@Venture2Roam]

Dude, I know what you mean. It’s scary to add up all the stuff I’ve bought.

[@barnetts9812]

Agreed

[@tystevenson8185]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@barnetts9812]

You're so excited, just like a kid at Christmas. Full "tang" knife 🤭, I know you know lol. Thanks for sharing

[@Venture2Roam]

Oh Lord, what did I say…full baton lol. This is why I should use my teleprompter more often lol.

[@Nigriff]

For Firestarter, just put petroleum jelly on a cotton ball. For bug repellent, just use essential oils. For tailgate dust protection, just use a tire inner tube.

[@Frindleeguy]

Essential oils work! For about 30 minutes. I hate reapplying every 2 miles on the trail (backpacking). Probably less critical inside the tent, assuming you treated everything with Permethrin.

[@Menuki]

I use the flat cotton makeup remover pads dipped in melted paraffin wax. Nowhere near as messy, just as easy to light. Essential oils just don’t last long. Permethrin is far better

[@IDAHOverland]

Hey Will - Great video. Thank you so much for not just the content, but the time you put in to including links to al the great gear suggestions. All are useful, needed and a great resource for the new overlanders out there. I have almost everything you showed (mostly 🙂), but love the Selka Bag - never though of getting one until now - it's on my Christmas list. I sleep in my Jeep and it will be a great equalizer in the winter (and higher elevations). Thanks again for everything. I hope to see you in town and on the trails *my daughter and I would love to sometime join you guys out on the trails). Take care...

[@Venture2Roam]

The Selka bag looks funny…but is super awesome to use. Thank you so much for the kind words!!

[@flyfisher530]

Great video Will! I am so glad I moved on to leveling blocks, no more spending time searching for that perfect rock! The diesel heater is a game changer if you want to do any sort of cold weather camping, and I am so glad you mentioned the chainsaw bag, I did not even realize they made something like that vs. the hard shell cases so I am definitely going to order one. Really cool ideas in the video, thanks for sharing bud!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks Mike!

[@Anglesandacid]

Thank you for sharing the reasons for each item. I particularly liked hearing about why you ended up using certain axes and shovels, because that is experience that is hard learned or hard money spent going through many iterations. Cheers from Australia :) just wished our timber split as easily as American timber; I’ve sized up from a small/medium Granfors Bruks forest axe, to Fiskars X11, to a bloody wedge with Fiskars Maul just to make a dent in our Gum and Ironbark firewood here haha.

[@Venture2Roam]

Oh wow! How does it burn?

[@Anglesandacid]

@@Venture2Roam Long and hot. Heavy hardwoods.

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI WILL 👋 THANK YOU FOR SOME GREAT 💡 IDEAS 💡 HOPE YOU 🙏&YOUR FAMILY & FRIENDS HAD A GREAT HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY ! HAVE A GREAT MERRY CHRISTMAS 🎅 🎄😊 & HAPPY NEW YEAR'S DAY TOO 🎉BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED ! GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES 🙏 THANK YOU 😊

[@PROXIMO22]

great video! your blue suit needs bunny ears. :) ive stored a fisker axe under the hood of my TJ for 20 years or more. love it!

[@Venture2Roam]

lol. that would be hilarious. I like the Fisker axe a lot...it's become my new farvorite.

[@TigerRagFishingTeam]

Glad I hung on to the end. I have 2 bags of Linx levelers. Never thought about using them as a shower floor. That will be a great addition to our outdoor shower on my rig! Thanks for the ideas!

[@Venture2Roam]

Awesome to hear you found it helpful!!!

[@davidfikes5620]

Awesome. Fun and enjoyable to watch. For new people like me it’s like a good roadmap for gear. Appreciate it.

[@Venture2Roam]

That’s great to hear. Thanks for watching...and welcome to the Overland life. My buddy Fletch runs a great FB group for new overlanders called “Newbie Overlanders”. Might be worth checking out too.

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Hi Will, awesome video. Very informative. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@Venture2Roam]

Glad you found it helpful!! Thanks for watching.

[@midnightadventureswa]

Well done Going to get a chain saw bag for my Milwaukee chainsaw and now I know I can use my leveling blocks for a floor in the privacy tent thank for sharing 😊

[@Venture2Roam]

Since I made this video, I've upgraded my Chainsaw bag lol...but I love having one, makes keeping everything organized really easy.

[@midnightadventureswa]

Also, to your chainsaw bag, I would add a couple of plastic splitting wedges they help when you’re cutting a big log so the chainsaw bar won’t get pinched

[@gregsccso]

A lot of good info. Thanks, and keep up the great videos.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!

[@dickinaroundoutdoors8609]

It is always fun to see what other folks are using and how it compares to my "chosen" gear list. Thanks for showing us some great items Will.

[@Venture2Roam]

Hope it was helpful!

[@backyardcyclist4377]

Awesome helpful video. Thank you

[@Venture2Roam]

So glad you found it helpful!!!

[@JustRovingAround_Disco]

I truly enjoyed this video. Thanks for the great tips, and showing some of those cool helpful important recovery gears. I already have a few on my list to look at. I subscribed, and will be looking forward to more helpful contents. Cheers

[@Venture2Roam]

Thanks for subscribing!! So glad you found this helpful. More coming soon!!

[@IdExplorMor]

Axes: yes, I've had an estwing hatchet for about 40 years, still works like a champ... when sharpened. All your must have are great ideas. Great video.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you! Ya, I can see myself passing that Estwing down to my son someday.

[@jeepinwithjulia]

Great recommendations! I just bought a Deep Sleep and will go on my first overnight this summer. Might try it out in the backyard first!

[@Venture2Roam]

I hear the deep sleep is actually really comfy. I'd 100% try it out in your driveway first lol..but regardless I hope you have a blast on your trip this summer!!!

[@saifnabolsi5854]

Thank you for this useful video , appreciated from France 🇫🇷

[@Venture2Roam]

Bonjour! content que tu aies aimé. Merci d'avoir regardé. If I got that wrong, I blame google translate. Thanks for watching all the way from France!!

[@scottbruce9872]

Thanks for the info.

[@Venture2Roam]

You’re welcome! Hope it was helpful.

[@lukeschnacke5126]

Great run down!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!

[@gregschreiber3663]

Thanks!

[@Venture2Roam]

Much appreciated thank you!!

[@twotoomanyproductions]

Well done sir. And the timing is perfect. My deadline for delivering my Christmas List is overdue. This helped me finish 'er up!

[@Venture2Roam]

Woohoo!! Glad to help lol.

[@4x4ready]

Awesome gear I didn’t know existed, thanks!

[@Venture2Roam]

That’s great to hear!

[@NateMaris]

Such a jam packed vid! Thank You! Now to transfer funds😄

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol I know he feeling!

[@Montana_Outdoor_Adventures]

Two items I really like. 1st and foremost, a good IFAK is a must. I think this is often overlooked by a lot of people. It is also very important to have the skills to use it properly, training is a must and there are resources available almost anywhere for free first aid training. Item two is the heater. A simple way to stay warm will really extend the camping season. Especially in locales where it can get cold very quickly. (Like here in Montana) Great video, very well done, thanks for the effort.

[@Venture2Roam]

Great comment and info!!

[@jasonscoggins01]

Awesome video

[@Venture2Roam]

Right on. Hope it was helpful!

[@leemen]

Great video as usual Will. I was hoping for a link to a Venture 2 Roam polo shirt. Lol. I’ll be ordering up that tail gate seal.

[@Venture2Roam]

That seal should help a ton. Gotta get those polo shirts made lol.

[@tonyk1amt806]

Great video, and gear. I have a fair amount of the items you showed, though different brands, and so handy to have. Since I run mostly milwaukee power tools for my job I went l prefer the milwaukee chain saw, it also works very well, but they are both great tools to have on the trail, whichever you choose.

[@Venture2Roam]

You can’t really argue with Milwaukee tools. They are some of the best. Thanks for watching!!

[@KUEHLKUEST]

A very cool gear list!! J & C

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!

[@spencermorrow2899]

It’s called full tang

[@Venture2Roam]

I know, I just said it wrong when I recorded it.

[@iansanders9655]

RIP Kmart. I miss them too buddy! Awesome info I'm ready to buy some stuff

[@Venture2Roam]

Hard to go wrong with F55 stuff.

[@RevereOverland]

I was wondering where you got that shirt Great video! Lots of cool ideas. I think I need some of those overalls for some winter camping!

[@Venture2Roam]

KUHL FTW. No Selka for you 😂? Those overalls seriously change how much I enjoy winter trips. Sooo…let’s go do a winter trip.

[@RevereOverland]

@@Venture2Roam say the word and I'll start packing!

[@Menuki]

Just a note with the Estwing. The reason it’s not a splitting axe is the slim angle on the head…so what? Well, depending on the wood and how many knots it has, it will bind into the log and be extremely difficult to remove. This struggle runs the risk of a sudden and uncontrollable extraction

[@jennifertran24]

Ur so entertaining. Enjoyed the video.

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!!

[@Heiserton]

I went with the Skil 40v chainsaw. I researched for months on different electric chainsaws, and settled on Skil. Made by Ego, affordable, plenty of power, doesn’t leak oil (at all) unlike dewalt and Ryobi, and the batteries are affordable also. Have a STIHL for longer use sessions, but having a built in inverter in my truck, I just bring the charger and a couple batteries and I’m good to go.

[@Venture2Roam]

Sounds like you found exactly what you wanted!

[@andrewbuschjr.6743]

Hey I loved watching your videos. We did the contintental divide July of this year in UTV's. You guys would really enjoy that one! Happy to chat

[@Venture2Roam]

I’ll take a look at it. Thanks for sharing!!

[@fscottgray9784]

Between the Esee knives and Topps BOB knives both made in Idaho Falls they keep me broke because I love a good knife also. I just saw the Moose Knuckle split Dring that will be next on the list. Great video as always.

[@Venture2Roam]

I love that they are made in Idaho. Really great knives!

[@Nigriff]

Btw, it's called "Full Tang" knife

[@BYLRPhil]

Great stuff! We’ve had a buddy slice 3 tires this year (and I sliced halfway through one). Those glue treads sure would have been nice :-)

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you! I think everyone will have Glue Treads before long…it’s long overdue to have something like that.

[@Shadow56399]

Happy Thanksgiving, Will!

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you! Same to you and your family!!

[@Menuki]

The duality of “were cheap and don’t have room in our rig” after saying they pack a chainsaw with extra batteries and charger…. The Corona folding pruning saw is $25 and the best cutting saw at 3-4x the price point. If you need more blade length, get a pocket chainsaw and may a bow saw jig for it. The 2 combined might run you $50, no power or oil requirements, and pack a lot smaller. Anything much larger than 12 inches diameter and you should grab the axe

[@StlrNtn95]

Great ideas. I would suggest adding a tourniquet to your first-aid kit. Keep up the great content!

[@Venture2Roam]

Great suggestion. I didn’t show my Sam splint either…but it’s something…like a tourniquet I think should be included. I’m going to do a separate vid on med kits.

[@StlrNtn95]

@@Venture2Roam Good idea....I look forward to seeing that video. As you mentioned, just as important as having that gear is knowing how to use it all.

[@michaellamoreaux1825]

A stable gun could of save the er trip. I keep an unopen one in my truck at all time.

[@Venture2Roam]

@@michaellamoreaux1825 I don't talk about that in my vids because YT really doesn't like it (made that mistake earlier this year and my channel was dinged). But in reality, it's a common peice of gear..but one that needs more training to be useful than others.

[@user-br7ml1rv1o]

Will I really liked this video, as with most overlanders I’m a gear junkie, could we get a video of how you pack all this stuff, it almost looks like you’d need a trailer to haul it all😁

[@Venture2Roam]

Great idea. That video will be next. I will have 2-3 ways to show it being packed.

[@InGratitudeIam]

This is some good information. I'd recommend that you learn the names for the various parts of the knife before talking about it.

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol. Oh stop it. I know it’s a tang, I just said it wrong in the moment.

[@user-tj3yi9zj4m]

this reeeally brings out the Geardo in me 😂

[@Venture2Roam]

I know you exactly what you mean. I had to cut 20 mins of me geeking out on stuff from this to make it more watchable lol.

[@twotoomanyproductions]

"Geardo"! I love it.

[@semiccap]

“You keep using that word. I do not think that word means what you think it means” - Inigo Montoya Full Baton, you meant full tang, I believe.

[@SkylinersYeti]

I have a lot of practice getting stuck and digging myself out. I found a high quality long handle shovel is my go to item. Also note the blade and handle should be in the same plane. If the shovel has an angle as the one shown it is much harder to reach under a rig to dig out when high centered. Chain saws are handy but very dangerous. I have been using them for over 55 years. They can cut open a leg so fast. NEVER use a chainsaw without chainsaw chaps and eye protection. Small chainsaws are more dangerous than big professional chainsaws.

[@highpro1394]

Definately going to buy one of the selk bags. That would be a great item in case you get in a bad situation. Its like an oh crap piece of gear when you need to get warm right away. I like the pro model. Im guessing it is thicker or has more insulation?

[@Venture2Roam]

I’m heading winter camping this weekend, and I’m 100% bringing it with me. Ya, I think the pro is thicker, but you should check me on that.

[@mtnessler]

Thanks Will! Very informative. We will definitely be adding a few of these items to our Jeeps. I especially love the 1-person sleeping bag! My husbands birthday and Christmas are just around the corner!

[@Venture2Roam]

They are on a Black Friday sale right now!!

[@mtnessler]

@@Venture2Roam We already ordered!! Thanks to you and Rob for making it possible!!

[@xschm1dx]

What radio do you have? I can’t find the video but you talked about liking the one because you can record the convos.

[@Venture2Roam]

I have an Icom 5100A. Love it.

[@xschm1dx]

@@Venture2Roamthanks!

[@raymonast4753]

You failed to mention the best feature about the night buddy…… it turns off and on with the wave of your hand…..nice😊

[@Venture2Roam]

I actually did record that, but I cut it out. I actually hate that feature because I’m always waving my hands when I’m talking and I set it off on accident 😂

[@pumpdump4476]

The metal "d rings" as you put it are called SHACKLES... well I guess now with advent of "soft shackles" to differentiate you could call them "hard shackles"

[@jdshaw2751]

Is there any discounts at Factory 55 for your subscribers? I wouldn't mind getting the whole kit, like you have, but having discounts really helps get over that fence.

[@Venture2Roam]

Not yet, but they are having a 20% sale for Black Friday. I’d love to have a discount code though…if/when I get one, I’ll be sure to make it known!

[@JT_Adventures]

👍🏼

[@jorgeortiz7612]

My recovery =climb mountain +yelling HEEELP ! !

[@Venture2Roam]

😂😂

[@OverlandUnderground]

Love the video, a lot of great gear as usual. 😊 Also It’s a full tang in the knife handle, not full baton. Baton is the action you were doing.

[@Venture2Roam]

I know I know I know...Full Tang..sometimes you just flub it when the camera is rolling.

[@OverlandUnderground]

@@Venture2Roamif only I could limit my flubs to when a camera is rolling. 😂

[@Venture2Roam]

@@OverlandUnderground 😆😆😆

[@user-br7ml1rv1o]

Thanks I’m looking forward to that video since my wife says no to a trailer😉

[@reyleondelaselva1789]

The Teletubbie onesie😂

[@Venture2Roam]

😂😂😂 nailed it.

[@Photojeeper]

Have you tried Go Treads?

[@Venture2Roam]

I haven’t tried them, but they look interesting.

[@davidroads419]

Infomercials have come a long way, they're much better now!

[@Venture2Roam]

I agree. More info, less Mercial. 😂. There were sponsored products in this vid, but many of them were not.

[@davidroads419]

It's not just the products, it's the actual knowledge that's the real deal. I built my overland/cargo trailer conversion with content from people like yourself. Same thing with my overland Forester and they're both done right if you ask me! @@Venture2Roam

[@rener44]

Overlanding is like the gentrification of camping. Lmao

[@Venture2Roam]

I won’t argue with that! 😂

[@choomanfoo157]

I like your content and I like your personality, I will sub to help you get 50k!

[@Venture2Roam]

Right on! Thank you so much!!

[@TheGoodkilo]

Broke my fiskars by hitting the head with another hammer. Not the axes fault you're not supposed to do that but..... it is nice to be able to beat things a little harder than that.

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol. That’s why I love the Estwing…one solid piece of metal. It’s just not a splitting axe.

[@NigelNaughton]

Nice list...and not just a bunch of expensive sh*t that is from sponsors like other channels I've seen every time around this season. You know who you are! 💀

[@Venture2Roam]

Thank you!

[@Vaejovis357]

I think I’ll rent a penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park and watch National Geographic videos, so I can save money. Seriously though, thank you for all the work that went into this video. Do you have an AWD 18-wheeler to carry all your supplies?

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol…I’ll do a packing video next! One rig to drive, three to bring gear 😂

[@danielpinto3148]

Me escrevi

[@shannon.lenahan]

My wife loves my “full baton” almost as much as you love yours…

[@Venture2Roam]

😂😂😂. I know it’s tang, I just said it wrong..as like 20 ppl have pointed out.

[@ramzizaz]

Love your content but the title is a bit misleading as it is includes a bunch of random thing which might not be the most useful like the Jeep fake vents. Why does the recovery bag look new? Did you use another set before?

[@Venture2Roam]

It’s not misleading, this is literally my most useful gear. There are also like 2 things I think are cool, but I haven’t used. The vents are cool, so included them. Metal cloak is a sponsor and I wanted to show some items that are cool, but not pricey. The Bunker Industry traction boards are cool, but I haven’t used them. Everything else is my regular gear that I use often. And yes, I showed my brand new, never been used F55 recovery bag (got it a few weeks ago) because it looked better on camera. The old/used one is on the shelf behind me. I now have a bag in each of my rigs.

[@timflaherty2731]

Tried to use the Factor 55 discount code and it said "expired"

[@Venture2Roam]

Bummer. I will try to get a new one. That one may have been Black Friday only.

[@jefferysayles]

I feel like I'm watching QVC or HSN for overlanding gear. Is this guy an actor or does he actually use this stuff?

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol. “But wait there’s MORE!” 😂 I’ve used everything in that vid. Most of those items I’ve used a lot on the trail.

[@chrisschulze8081]

So spend $1800 on recovery not including the winch so like 3 grand plus…

[@Venture2Roam]

Hey Chris, everyone has different budgets and priorities..this is just my take on what I use on the trail. Recovery gearsis super important, so if you are looking for more budget friendly options, look at the minimum breaking strength (not working load) and lot traceability…that will help make sure your gear is safe to use.

[@jeffcornelison888]

If you want a quality diesel heater that will work every single time you use it without failure stop buying chinese-made ones. Purchase a planar diesel heater and you'll be set. They are pricey but you get what you pay for and you'll thank me later.

[@Venture2Roam]

This is absolutely true. However…it might be worth going cheap first just to see if this type of heater is worth investing in before dropping $600-$1k on higher end models.

[@jeffcornelison888]

@Venture2Roam they definitely are pricey that's for sure. I love camping in the fall in the winter so it works out perfect for me. But if people camp in the summer and have some slightly cooler nights it may not be worth the investment.

[@Dronerangerspro]

Yep, my wallet hurts too!

[@Venture2Roam]

Lol. I know the pain.

[@zerohero187]

Full tang...not full baton. Just saying.

[@Venture2Roam]

Correct. I totally flubbed it.

[@newlion7013]

Not budget friendly, just high roller gear

[@Venture2Roam]

😂😂😂 that’s a wildly inaccurate statement.

[@BenJamin-ou7kd]

Then don't buy, these are just ideas and suggestions

[@kellstat]

There are some who should do reviews on things like overland gear to bring, and their are just others that are so clueless, they really shouldn't be doing any sort of videos like this. These people will get you unprepared, with the wrong tools and equipment, and are just plainly incompetent of knowing what is good, sufficient, and just plain don't know how to use anything that are talking about, and you should never take advice from people like this. It's sad, but they are everywhere.

[@spencermorrow2899]

Winch ring/snatch ring

[@Venture2Roam]

One of many names for it.

[@spencermorrow2899]

Just buy a damn hatchet

[@Venture2Roam]

Hatchets are the worst IMO. I've seen way too many close calls with folks almost chopping fingers and toes off.