9 Important Overlanding Tips and Tricks For Beginners

Last Updated on January 30, 2023 by Rose Morah

If you are looking for the best Overlanding tips and tricks, this article has got you covered.

In this article, we are going to discuss Overlanding tips and tricks that will help make your Overlanding experience more comfortable, successful, and enjoyable.

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Table Of Contents

1. Start small
2. Stick to easy and moderate trails when starting out
3. Don’t travel with a gas tank that is half empty
4. Focus on improving your driving skills
5. Know your vehicle’s capabilities
6. Ride with other people
7. Carry self-recovery gear
8. Carry a hardcopy map
9. Influencers' gear recommendations

1. Start small

If Overlanding is completely new to you, then I suggest you start off with off-road day trips.

And after you have gained some experience, move on to overnight camping at campgrounds before going on an Overland adventure.

The reason why I recommend this, especially to beginners, is that it prepares you for what to expect. The pre-exposure experience will help you to easily survive an Overlanding adventure with no regrets.

Additionally, you will have an idea of what you will require, what gear is a must and one that is not required, what makes you comfortable, and how it feels in general.

2. Stick to easy and moderate trails when starting out

Sticking to the easy or moderate conditions when you are an Overland beginner will make you more comfortable as you get used to it.

I have seen individuals who started with difficult trails but ended up completely giving up on Overlanding.

3. Don’t travel with a gas tank that is half empty

If you only have one gas tank don’t wait till the gas is almost empty to refill.

This could actually be your biggest mistake when Overlanding.

Remember that anything can happen when you’re on this type of adventure.

For instance, you could get lost or find yourself at a dead-end with an almost empty tank that cannot even take you to the next gas station.

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4. Focus on improving your driving skills

You may need to lay more focus on improving your driving skill rather than solely focusing on buying a new vehicle or modifying the current one.

Your driving skills play an important role in the success of your Overlanding experience.

I have seen many beginners spending a ton of money to modify their vehicles or buy big rigs.

However much this may seem important, it may turn out worthless if they lack adequate off-road driving skills.

I recommend starting with the type of car that you already have and seeing how well you can drive off-road and also how well the vehicle can perform.

You might be surprised that you actually won’t need to get a new vehicle or spend more money to modify it.

5. Know your vehicle’s capabilities

Your driving skills matter a lot and so do your vehicle’s capabilities.

Knowing your vehicle’s capability is important to avoid exceeding its limits. Otherwise, you could end up regretting it.

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6. Ride with other people

Riding with local groups can actually help you to gain extensive Overlanding knowledge, that you may not find online.

I would also recommend that you take time and find out what it is that you would like to benefit from these groups. This will help you choose the right group.

For example, you will find groups that are mainly focused on rock crawling. In such groups, you will mostly learn more about tires and suspension.

On the other hand, you may find groups that are more into camping. In such groups, you will mostly learn how to build your rig for camping, great camping gear, portable kitchen, tents, e.t.c.

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