What You Need to Start Overlanding

[@NathanMillerVisuals]

This is the kind of video people need to watch. I’ve been overlanding out of my 3rd gen 4Runner SR5 for 6 years by now. I don’t have a roof top tent, I don’t have a dometic fridge, I don’t have fancy pullouts, and it’s not lifted or has any kind of wheel upgrades. I just have a couple pairs of RIGID light pods, a Yeti cooler, a Costco foldout table, a $20 gas stove, and a $99 basic roof basket. I often get asked while on the trail where good camping is and how to do certain obstacles by strangers who have a new fancy Tacoma or 4Runner with the tent and everything. For me and a plus one, my setup is perfect.

[@JrodKustoms]

"Don't wait until your vehicle's finished. If you do, you'll never leave" That's one of the greatest things I've heard.

[@black_widow_overland]

I agree on cheaper traction boards. I’ve got $50 tractions boards that have lasted me around 5 years. I’ve used them a lot in winter time. Safe travels

[@zenofthemoment]

I take my stock, base 4Runner w/ AT tires, and my backpacking pack which is about 35lbs with food for several days. I did build a sleeping platform in the 4Runner, but that's not required, and I use it more for highway road trips and sleeping at truck stops than 'overlanding'. Like my wife pointed out years ago when considering a rooftop tent...you're going out there to immerse yourself in nature. Doesn't all that stuff just get in the way of the experience? That's when I rethought what I was after, and started building out my backpacking kit: -Shelter: Hammock, tarp, whittle stakes at camp -Bedding: Down under and over quilts, inflatable pillow -Kitchen: Ultralight stove and 4oz fuel canister (could cook over fire and leave the stove, but we often have burn bans here), 750ml cook pot, spoon, dehydrated meals (usually Mountain House), instant coffee in tea bags, Sawyer Mini water filter, dirty water bag (for gravity filtering) -Bathroom: Small toothpaste and toothbrush, trowel, wet wipes (wipes go in ziplock bags to pack out, nobody likes finding someone else's TP at camp), packable towel, nail clippers -Extras: Basic first aid kit, Mora Bushcraft knife, headlamp, sun hat, beanie (I'm bald, my head can get cold at night), packable chair, trekking poles, compressible down jacket, battery bank & phone (navigation), ziplock bags, 100ft 275# paracord, hiking pack -Entertainment: Playing cards, book Point being, you don't have to have a rig packed full of everything ever made to go out and have a good time in nature. Think small and less. What do you really need, and what's just extra weight and taking up space? Extra weight also means extra wear and tear on your vehicle. I could still cut stuff from my kit and be fine, but I like the luxury of a camp chair and a book...turns 'roughing it' into 'smoothing it'. 🙂

[@Troche571]

I lived in AZ for 26 years; I started with my Camry, and moved up to a Ford Edge and I knew my limitations. While Crown King was off the list I enjoyed camping all over Northern AZ. You are spot on with this video - thanks for sharing. Now wait for it... coming soon to YT - every dam OB video on the new Jackery 2000 and why you should buy the bundled package for 6200.

[@Carlosmanmanman]

This video alone makes you worth the subscription. As someone just starting out it’s good to get such a level take.

[@christoward6471]

"Don't prioritize gear over taking trips and don't wait until your vehicle's finished." Amen brother.

[@BobShehan]

Good info. Took 3 years to complete the New Mexico BDR trail from south to north. First part was with a Jeep Grand Cherokee that struggled through the terrain, so I went home and traded it in for a Rubicon. Finished the last segments over the remaining 2 years, small 3-5 day chunks each year. Great experience.

[@RevereOverland]

That's the way to do it!

[@defendermodsandtravels]

Refreshingly down to earth.

[@ninez5740]

Well said. It’s how I retooled my camping setup through many, many years. Briefly, I backpacked with avid hiking friends, before I couldn’t any longer, and could already see the need to “think light” gearing toward overlanding rig. And, I can very much be lighter. I’m working on that. Lol.

[@RevereOverland]

I used to do backpacking with minimal gear too. Now I drive the Tundra around pushing the GVWR 😂

[@ninez5740]

@@RevereOverland 😁

[@swashbuckler5539]

Ran into you at a sandwich shop in Ouray! All your trail suggestions made the whole trip worthwhile!

[@RevereOverland]

I remember that! I'm glad they worked out for you!

[@camiloverland]

Totally Agree!! All this Overlanding thing got messed up after got into USA. If you see European travellings in their Sedan or city car through Africa or Asian in their 125cc Motorbikes across the india and mongolia. Overland is lla about the trip and not the destinations or what you drive.

[@Seekay92]

Are you confused with offroading and overlanding ?

[@JDS-Dalton]

I've got a Subaru Forester that I've set up for overland use. It isn't a rock crawler, but just like you said a lot of overlanding can be done in a high clearance crossover, in fact, I'm hoping to go on a trail ride through the Imogene, Ophir, and possibly Engineer Passes up in CO in a couple months. Also, definitely agree on the cheaper traction boards, myself, and quite a few of my offroading friends use a set of x-bull traction boards that were only 80 bucks. I'm currently running maxtrax, but that's only because I won them in a raffle, and I'll be giving away my x-bulls to a friend of mine who doesn't have any traction boards.

[@RevereOverland]

Awesome! They're great vehicles.

[@swashbuckler5539]

Be sure to complete last dollar pass!

[@shadow.overland]

The 18" Method 705's for a 2021 F350 finally came back in stock on May 6 and got mine ordered. Received May 13. Thanks for the discount code!!

[@RevereOverland]

Glad to help!

[@davidfountain3381]

I just got a 2008 CRV so this will have to do for now

[@hawaiidogoadventures9855]

I have a 06 and it kinda handles some ruff stuff.

[@BrianWest58]

On point Rob! Overlanding seems to have several definitions.

[@billylovell8851]

If you are in or around West Kentucky do not count out Land Between the Lakes to get your feet wet in the overland world. I have just started myself and have spent two weekends there and have had great weekends.

[@Tesla_Motors]

What a great video! concise and very informative!

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

one needs to be able to sleep in the back .. best is 4runner or any 6.5 box , tacoma access cab ,ranger super cab , frontier king cab just buy a camper shell and your ready. I camped out the back of. dodge w100 grand wagoner , grand Cherokee , very little cost to start

[@RevereOverland]

I used to sleep in the back of my 4Runner. Simple and easy setup.

[@WheretoNextOverland]

But.....Miata is Always the Answer! Maybe I *should* take my NA Miata to the Arctic Circle. If nothing else, it would make for an entertaining KZbin series 😂

[@RevereOverland]

I'd watch that! I think some decent tires and you could do it just fine.

[@trailrunnah8886]

There's a guy who drove to Alaska in a Ferrari 328, so give it a go!

[@christianholmstedt8770]

Thx for making this video pointing out what really should be obvious. I agree, get out before the rig is complete. The best ideas on new additions always comes on the road. I built things that turned out to be annoying or plain bad. $60 traction boards > $300 traction boards. Steel rims > Alloy rims Spend money on good tires. Build a decent battery setup and get a fridge. DYI Lithium setups are quite easy to build. I prefer a rig I can sleep inside. Even the quickest tent setup gets old fast if you need to do this every single day. Build a quick and easy fold-out outdoor kitchen setup. Mine unfolds in 10 seconds, add another minute to add the propane bottle to the stove. I can't even be bothered to deal with unfolding/folding a table every day anymore.

[@RevereOverland]

I LOVE my fridge, but even that's not necessary!

[@christianholmstedt8770]

@@RevereOverland True, freeze dried camping food does work.. kind of. But it gets old fast.

[@Seekay92]

I have a 2011 ford expedition EL. But I don't have the money or day off to do a overland trip . I'm just taking lotteries and waiting to win 😃😃

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

All one needs is a LS V8 based Chevy Suburban on 35” or taller mud terrain tires. Boom done, go have some fun. :)

[@KTMcaptain]

Very true. Can sleep on the inside and carry all your gear.

[@jeromeburrasca6710]

Firestarter Exactly

[@dhrracer]

What do you need to Over Land? Nothing but the desire to move, move over land. That means not sea and not air but just land.

[@harvmac69]

Cool video!

[@apleparulo3958]

Nice video. I have a '16 Sequoia with 20" wheels and highway tires. I live in Maine and we have lot's of backcountry fire roads, as you know from one of your trips. I'm trying to prioritize my needs. How important is an all terrain tire for the types of roads you encountered in Maine? I am wondering how pressing a need it is to get better tires. Thanks!

[@RevereOverland]

I really think tires are the most important thing to upgrade, but I took both my 4Runner and the Tundra out on street tires... just have someone with you incase things go wrong!

[@trailrunnah8886]

I would also say, make sure your spare is in good shape, and you have all the tools to change it. I like to keep a breaker bar with extension and socket to use on my wheels rather than the factory lug wrench. Also, make sure your spare will actually lower if you need it. I'm in New England too, and I definitely know how prone to rusting things are.

[@Cosmicsurfpro]

Good knowledge 💯🤙😎

[@KTMcaptain]

I’ve slept in the bed of my Taco with just a thick blanket and air mattress.

[@RevereOverland]

Simple yet effective!

[@jasonlonon4198]

Nice video....for alot of my gear, I try to buy either quality middle of the road stuff or in good shape used stuff. I definitely don't want the cheap Chinese low quality stuff but I damn sure don't buy the "latest and greatest" in fashion name brand stuff that is way overpriced. Case in point....my fridge. Spent 400 on my Iceco fridge with the awesome Secop compressor. The best compressor out there in a good solid frame. Works great and I didn't pay $800 + just so it could say ARB. Research gear, shop around, dont get caught up with the name brand and don't forget to shop used! But whatever you do, get out there! Life's better in the backcountry.....

[@RevereOverland]

I know people are always upgrading and selling their gear, so if you can get a great brand at a discount price, it's the way to go!

[@julioviloria3289]

How are you liking those Toyo at3s? Are they wearing out well?

[@RevereOverland]

They're great so far!

[@johnmcdonagh2273]

Your talking sense, when you said going with someone who knows what they are doing. First aid kit is a good idea.

[@RevereOverland]

Definitely!

[@fishtacoma]

Whoo, first!

[@randyallen1544]

showoff. pffft!

[@randyallen1544]

you know what happens to who goes first overlanding? they get towed back....

[@fishtacoma]

@@randyallen1544 😂😂😂 Don’t mind me, I’m just the ‘first’ ⌨️ guy

[@jamesmurphy4431]

Appreciate the insight, thanks.

[@CraigG21]

Great advice 👌

[@tacoma_jon]

Solid advice

[@johndiaz7240]

👍

[@kenmcdougal97]

Money Money and more money is all you need lol

[@keithallen6244]

Did you use any bed stiffeners on the new tundra? I've got the same truck and same cross bar setup. Taking my tent out this weekend for the first time. I was concerned with those bed sides.

[@RevereOverland]

I haven't, but I had the same concerns. I've since switched to a rack height bed rack that doesn't put the same outward pressure on the bed sides.

[@keithallen6244]

@@RevereOverland I appreciate the info. I took the tent out over the weekend with no issues. I did notice though that the caps on the bedrails are loose. Like the plastic parts on the top. Not sure if they were always that way or just now after using the tent. Overall, the new tundra is great but the fit in finish is shoddy in some places.

[@LillyCocoBean]

All great tips people just getting their feet wet and reminders for those who have a few trips under their belt. Most of the equipment I bought at first were safety and recovery related. I’d recommend people to check out Facebook marketplace and CL for gear or also if you have an REI near you, check out their Garage Sale stuff. I have saved $$$ on quality camping gear that people just used only for that one weekend trip and returned.

[@RevereOverland]

That's a great tip!

[@Burritosarebetterthantacos]

Time and Money. Both valuable and fairly unobtainable.

[@RevereOverland]

For a lot of people you either have time, or you have money. Getting both together is the challenge! There's absolutely nothing wrong with weekend trips though.

[@goodguygto]

I say get a rental with high clearance good ground clearance and drive it like you stole it and go a place like Joshua Tree that'll be good place to test it out!!!🙃🙃

[@RevereOverland]

Lol! Make sure you get the extra insurance!

[@TheNorthenLight]

Not enough rich to buy cheap things.

[@RevereOverland]

That definitely applies to a lot of things!

[@caseg7761]

Step one: Don't live on the east coast of USA

[@RevereOverland]

I'd love to move west, but I think it's cheaper to live in Kentucky and commute for the trips 😂

[@caseg7761]

@@RevereOverland It's tough! The closest place for overlanding that you can camp on are about 3 and half hours away and everything after that is about at 6 or more hour drive! They're fully spoiled on the west coast with all the trails and open land they have access to lol!

[@nightryder21]

Woah! 🔫🔫🔫 At @JonDZ Adventuring?

[@stay_in_adventure]

I don't think so. I've seen a Miata tackle some of the Colorado passes, and Hyundai small SUV tackle Chicken Corners in Moab. Would I personally feel comfortable taking such a vehicle? Nope. I love Jon's build and I would consider it more capable than a stock FJ in most regards (clearance) except for not having a low range and lockers.

[@RevereOverland]

Definitely not. He’s a cool guy, and I think it’s awesome what he can do. The difference is that he knows what he’s doing, and makes up for vehicle limitations with driver skill. I personally wouldn’t want to do things like Imogene in an AWD though!

[@nightryder21]

@@RevereOverland lol I figured as much. Just seemed on the nose since a lot of people call the pilot/passport a minivan. lol. Love both of your channels!