STOP Wasting Money on Overlanding Gear You Don't Need! 

Well, you are not wrong for you. The #1 thought about this particular topic is, beginners to experienced have a whole different level of understanding and ideas of what they want to do when they leave the pavement. With the internet, videos like this amongst countless other sources of information, can get an interested person a positive start going off pavement. Saving them grief that others have learned the hard way. There is a lot to be said about being overly prepared than under prepared tho. Your plan is to go some place over night and sleep and come back the next day. Simple enough plan. But a lot can happen off pavement. The further off grid you go, the more unplanned things can take place. I have had simple blocked time plans go wrong. As in, only going to be gone 2-4 hours. Blow a tire up a mountain and next thing you know, I have a 5-6 hour outing. Which easily could turn into an over nighter if I was not experienced and prepared for such things. The experienced, don't really need insight. But the novice, here are the bare essentials.(IMO) Your vehicle operating at it's best. The terrain you want to go too, do research ahead of time about it. Get to know whether your vehicle is capable of tackling it. IF you are not venturing out with a 2nd vehicle or more on your trip, always let someone know where you are going to be ahead of time and when you expect to be back.(good plan regardless of the convoy size)Double check your tires. Your spare included. Bring fix a flat. (make sure you have your jack and what not)Bring a 1st aid kit. Bring spare clothes.(does not take a suitcase or more to have something with you)Bring plenty of water for you, your passengers(pets too if you have them)and your vehicle. Food like power bars that can give you at least a days supply in case you are on the trail longer than anticipated.(don't forget your shovel and TP lol) Oil.(does not take a lot of room for 1 qt)Duct tape. Electrical tape. Coat hanger for bending and holding metal that might get dislodged. Flash lights. Basic tools such as pliers, screw drivers a knife. (hammer is optional lol) As they said here, gas is optional depending on a variety of factors. My list is more extensive for myself. But I have had a lot less than what I listed here and was in a predicament that lasted several hours longer than planned and it was not a comfortable feeling. Oh, and communications: hand held CB radio(bring batteries) or the kind you can plug into the vehicle.(don't forget the antenna)Not perfectly ideal, but better than nothing. Your cell phones may or may not get a signal and depending on the time of year and your health, you may not be able to walk to a spot you can get a signal. A satellite phone would be great. But even they can have dead spots requiring you to do a bit of creative searching for a signal. I know this was a lot, but if you have never done any research into this topic, now you have a tiny bit of insight of how to be a tiny bit better off when exploring away from the pavement. P.S. It would not hurt to be aware of wild life that could be a hazard to you or your group in the areas you plan on traveling in.

Overlanding? Nothing more than a marketing term for car camping… It’s cool to build your rigs.. but the past 10 years it’s been nothing more but for looks and LIKES on IG.. I’ve grown to hate the term..

Very true. Been off-roading for years. 70% of the gear we buy we never really need. But always fun to buy! 😉😉

Americans have taken the car camping to a whole different level. Lots of people overbuilt and over spend money just to drive Forrest roads and go to national parks which many of them have established campgrounds with facilities. You are never to far from the civilization like our Australian counterparts who ventures in the outback for weeks or many days before they encounter another town

What a joke i have been. I hauled around a high lift jack a dozen years an never used it. Dead weight. I prefered to use the bottle jack and blocks. Also, my lowly hand winch fence stetcher got me unstuck a time or two. The burned out forested roads i travel, a small chain saw is essential. -Jesse, in Idaho

“Overlanding” has always made me giggle. It’s EFFING car camping. Amusing to see people driving around with traction boards, high lift jacks, armor and lights galore…pristine paint and clearly never have seen more dirt than a muddy parking lot. But then it is merica and cars are identity here so much is about the “look”.

This needed to be said. I started off road camping in the 80's in my old FJ60 with a Walmart tarp over the open hatch. Coleman stove, cheap Walmart folding chairs and a card table. It was not called overlanding then. Overlanding is like X Overland going to Africa and Iceland. I now have a $25 dollar hammock, it's great! Go to the Dollar Store and buy your cookware and put it in a plastic dollar store box. When it wares out throw it away and replace it. Don't throw it out in your camp site....tread lightly.

The biggest hint at how much of this crap you dont need is looking at what farmers use. If farmers out in australia are running stock trucks on road tires a thousand miles from the nearest town and never seeing tarmac then why would anyone else need more when your going on pre cut tracks anyway. Half of the tracks shown as cutaways in this video could be done in a stock subaru for gods sake.

I always wonder about the fuel cans, Rotopax type. They are usually only 1 or 2 gallons. My TRD Pro gets 16 mpg, so that amount of fuel isn't going to get me very far.

Camping + instagram = overlanding. I started camping outside with no tent no sleeping pad just a tarp and a sleeping bag. If you had a bucket it was a luxury chair. Nothing wrong with the overlanding hobby but I agree with you guys, beginners should know camping can be affordable and easy to start. Been camping for 30+ years, the more I camp the more I value bringing less but value comfort more.

I work in & offroad my vehicle daily… 70%-80% of the stuff you “need” is worthless weight that just slows you down, wastes fuel & takes up space. NO to wheel spacers… weak point & WILL break

16:14: "Take the vehicle you have, go out into the woods, and camp!" This comment nailed it! Too many people confuse glamping with camping. I prefer minimal stuff to pack (and re-pack when leaving), and most 4x4 vehicles nowadays are waaay more capable than n00bies give them credit for, so they spend unnecessarily on stuff that they don't really need. That being said, for me, a winch was a MUST because I wheel solo almost 100% of the time, and it's more for self-recovery than it is for pulling out others.

I just got back from the Pomona Off Road Expo, they had tons of overlanding gear. It's like taking your house with you camping, electronic gadgets, refrigerators, battery packs, solar panels etc. What happened to a tent, a Coleman stove, a lantern and an ice chest?

Overlanding is dead, long live overlanding.

I agree, I have the basics I need without breaking the bank. I bought a stock 2024 zr2 Colorado and Chevy has it setup perfectly for what I need. I’m not tearing the truck up , just being out and about, is fine for me. I just need to stay, dry and somewhat not starving. Basic sleeping bags will keep you warm in the most extreme temperatures.

To anyone who wants to start “overlanding”- take what you already have, find public land with dirt roads and dispersed camping, and go. You’ll figure out how hard you want to go and what you need as you do it. Noone else can tell you bc what we all do is different. I will say that if you do a lot by yourself, and if you go harder, then you should bring more “just-in-case” stuff. And never apologize for having it and not using it- remember that is the hope for that stuff. Bc that one time you’ll need it, it will be indispensable.

I like this video guys, it’s a truth you don’t need all the gear you think you need. I did my first overland trip in my stock Subaru outback with just a roof top tent, a fridge, a stove & minimal gear. Since then I’ve added a spacer lift and a set of AT tyres, a bed platform and a draw but nothing much else and it’s good to go pretty much anywhere. Fortunately in the last 3 years I’ve not really bought too much gear I don’t want or use. I might have a bit of a stove addiction though 😂

You don’t need it until you need it. I have used my winch twice, max tracks once, gas cans probably three times and 33” MT tires are a most for my wheeling. But with out them i probably have been in big trouble those few times that I used them.

I was going to buy a GFC camper tent. About $10,000 and it would be attached to my truck whether I needed it or not. But then I went with a $150 tent and weird thing is tents work just fine.

We go solo remote off road camping (in Australia) for weeks on end. I can tell you, when you’re by yourself and you’re stuck on a slippery ridge, then it’s such a relief to be able to winch yourself out of trouble. You don’t need something until you need it. Good vid, keep up the good work.

Companies know how to play with your emotions and that is where marketing comes in.

going camping over the weekend isnt overlanding. going offroading isnt overlanding. traveling across the Australian outback is overlanding. the dakar rally is overlanding. camping isnt overlanding. jeep trademarked the term overland years ago

Nice reality check for many, just back from a Wyoming/ Montana trip, dragging my ‘96 RAV4 behind our truck, explored the high altitude forest roads of the Beartooth Range, rugged and rocky, car didn’t like the altitude, choking a bit , and just fwd did the job, lift kit helped with no bottoming

I have a 2023 Tacoma TRD OR and my goal is to keep my truck as light as possible. I’m looking at keeping my truck stock so the tires I’m looking at are 255/85R16 (33.1”) so I don’t have to cut. I am planning on adding sliders just for some protection from door dings and as a step. Backwoods Adventure Mods has a kit that is about $5,000 that includes all the protection needs that get put on those IG builds.

It is a scam. Its the markets trick to have you overload and break your truck All you need is a shovel and a winch, You're unstoppable then. And as for tires 285s and 295s are the best tires! they dont weigh 8000 pounds and your vehicle doesn't have to suffer Really all the "equipment" they say you must have is literally a lie. Like Air compressors, Buy one from walmart for 35 bucks and you can air all your tires 0 issues. Or Buy some expensive stuff like ARB just to do the same job. But for 500 dollars and you have to hardwire it into your vehicle Clown Stuff really

Thank u so much for this!!! Better to know how to use the vehicle and gear that you have, then to have all the gadgets without the skill to use.

What you need is a knife with a can opener and bottle opener; it would be nice to carry a BIC lighter! Also don't forget...boots, gloves, recovery gear, and a sense of humor!

For me personally, I enjoy building the truck - It's fun and my truck turns people's heads. As I've built mine, I find myself upgrading what I use, and then in some trips when I get stuck or almost stuck, I set funds aside for upgrades that would help me get out of that situation. I rarely do upgrades just for looks, and I don't post anything about my truck to social media. The side benefit is eventually I will have what people think is an "overland rig", and I am ok with that.

Overlanding is for Australia, you are in America we drive off-road and do dispersed camping. Don't put a heavy tent on top of your vehicle, it will be top-heavy and washboard roads will destroy the mount.

I work with a guy who has gone into the deep end, he's got all sorts of axes, shovels, lights, winches.. whatever hanging off his Tundra.. A few months back we had a get together at some local sand dunes and a friend got stuck.. We asked dude if we could use the shovel on his rig and he said "No man, I lost the key to that like 6 months ago".. lol.. totally useless gear, we goof on him all the time for that

Bro do yourself a favor and swap out that extra fuel can with something that's actually useful. A water can! 😅 i use my water cans all the time but I've only ever used the extra fuel on long elk hunting trips where we 100% knew we would need that fuel.

Interesting and I agree. I have a newer Subaru. I’m always alone or with my wife in the woods and forests of Minnesota. I have traction boards, a 3 ton hand winch and some miscellaneous straps and hooks and whatnot. Really do want something to protect the CVT. It came with a light metal/plastic plate for the engine. My biggest concern is accidentally doing something stupid that I didn’t expect would THAT stupid and spending way more to get out of a predicament than what it would’ve cost me to just be prepared. You know, just in case , like the way insurance works. Being older people, we worry more than I did 30 years ago, that’s for sure. Go ahead, drop the gas can. Then you’ll have a great place to hang a shovel or affix a good camera mount. Maybe camp lights too. Lots of useful uses for a Molly panel in that location 😊

me I just need a wagon or s.u.v. fold do the back seat some swag and im good or ute with a 6.5 ' box camper shell sleep platform im good

I have a 99 Tracker im not sure how far im going to go with as far as outfitting for off road goes. Luckily, i can't go too far. Not enough room to put stuff.

great video

I see people putting all kinds of lights on but only travel during the day. I have an outback wilderness and I do just fine. No extra bells and whistles

Would be interesting to compare C load vs E load tires, weight wise seem close or heavier than e load.

Why not get rid of the gas can on the FJ and add a water rotopax. I carry two 2 gallon ones in my jeep and love them.

Overlanding isn’t a scam y’all are just easily influenced.

You didn't mention anything about a low range transfer case vs. AWD, etc... relative to vehicle, terrain, altitude change, weight, and to get you out of situations low range could be a need. This is the very basics of offroading, and some of this is relative to being able to self recover. Traction boards are one of these items(even if the cheap ones get you out and along one time) they could be worth the $60.

This is exactly where I am at. I just got my new 2 door bronco and i want to start hitting the trails but have held off because i think i need a winch and a roof rack for storage. I.ve bought the deepsleep overland mats for sleeping inside my vehicle, but now i need a camp stove to cook, and then a refrigerator to store food, and the list just keeps growing. I know the roof rack is a must because i need the storage and the winch too because i will be venturing out solo and a tow strap wont help me. but I'm wondering how much more I'll need

The FJ Cruiser has the underpinnings of a 4Runner? It's not a Landcruiser, right?

Overlanding = Desperately seeking attention and approval. You can't just go out into the wild without filming yourself. That's not nearly enough to show your dedication to "roughing it" and how hard-core you are. You gotta film it. You gotta show the world, "I actually did it, look at me." You gotta tell people what you have by saying the word RUN over and over. "I run these tires, I run this awning, I run with this lift kit, I run this skid plate, I run this craft IPA down my throat and in my belly..." You HAVE to have the obligatory scene of making coffee in every segment. Most importantly, you gotta unnecessarily say the words "like" and "super" as many times as breathing will allow when discussing all things Overlanding related. It's not too different from the guy that spends thousands on golf equipment and clothes only to play golf as well as the guy who bought clubs at Walmart. Or the guy that spends 5k on a mountain bike and other "essential" biking gear only to ride on paved walking and jogging paths. Infact, I just bought some Kevlar and steel toed flip flops just for the sole purpose of navigating the treacherous trip to the mailbox during hail and mayfly season. My neighbors all now know how serious I am at taking care of business.

my 4runner looks extremely geared up (some bystanders think it's awesome, and others I'm sure are shaking their heads at me) but I go through the truck about 3 times a year, tear EVERYTHING out, and go item-by-item to decide over and over that "yes, I want to keep bringing this item, all the weight cost and bulk are still worth it to me" and then I reload/re-install everything I have positively decided that I still want. I'm rarely able to get rid of even just 5% of the stuff each cycle, because everything in the truck either gets used regularly (daily, weekly, or seasonally) or has already saved me once in an emergency situation and I won't leave home without it or has given me peace of mind more than once to continue my adventure, even without ever being used yet (like my gas can and a couple of the more exotic recovery tools - ironically, the gas can was my first "overlanding gear" purchase when I got the truck and it's basically the ONLY item that's never actually been needed - except for peace of mind on many occasions) my traction boards are used regularly and have the scuff marks to prove it :) my original max-traxx have been indestructible and I'm glad I followed a "buy once, cry once" approach for most of this stuff. Another idea that's mocked a lot lately in "overlanding" - expensive premium gear - "you could buy 10 lightbars for the price of that 1 lightbar" - yeah, but I don't want 10 cycles of a cheap lightbar breaking randomly at night in the woods and needing repurchased, shipped, removed and replaced after I straggle back down the trail with my broken tools - often with my family in the car with me, depending on me and the gear to get us home safely. I want a single, highly-reputable and probably therefore expensive, buy-once cry-once and DONE with the problem/solution, so I don't worry too much about it failing on me when I need it in the middle of nowhere not sure what my point is, just that sometimes I feel a little defensive these days because I have a shitton of not-cheap gear on/in my truck and the public opinion worm has turned on the "overlanding" fad but I DO constantly use the gear and constantly try to streamline and reduce it for my purposes. Definitely sometimes I feel like random bystanders judge me as a blind consumer, but they've never come out with me on a weeklong backcountry camping trip at 10k elevation where you might see 2 other human beings all week if it's a busy season, so what do they know :) I will say that as a dad, camper, amateur chef, and roadtripper, that once you put a fucking fridge in your car, you will never, ever want to go back probably my single greatest game-changer upgrade besides tires

Unless your riding the haul road to dead horse you probably don’t need the gas cans

Don't follow the RU-vid hype lmao 😂

Every piece of gear I have I use. Maybe I am not trying to keep up with the guy in front or behind me.

I'm more worried about reckless off-roading destroying landscapes and even archeological vestiges. About folks putting rescues life in danger at times, because they didn't prepare themselves for a simple walk in the mountains. Not so much of overlanders don't even know that they are not actually overlanders 😂 Vocabulary is an issue and the vast majority won't read. Words have specific definition. If it is interpreted differently then inform yourself 😂😂 What ever brings up is good in my book. Seeing the guy's next door rig expedition ready going to the office everyday is his pride and my pleasure to see beauty 😂🎉 you might call it showoffing. He just wants to feel good about himself. Why not. I like my own rig better since it has its own purpose for me, and I have created, designed it 😂😂 You brought me people to think that they actually can go out there and have fun without a batmansuit. You sound like great lads to go camping with! Thank you

I completely agree with you. The Forest Service drives these roads every single day in stock trucks. At most they upgrade the tires. They have a tow strap, a tool kit and a spare. The thing about C load is they often are not any lighter and the selection of C load tires available is very limited. Definitely look at the spec sheet, some E load tires are much lighter than others. Nothing wrong with an all terrain SL tire either and they often have a higher load index than the C load tires. The biggest myth is that you need super aggressive mud tires or very aggressive AT tires. Some places maybe but most places a good all terrain is all you need and they are so much better on the road.

The thing about C load is they often are not any lighter and the selection of C load tires available is very limited. Definitely look at the spec sheet, some E load tired are much lighter than others. Nothing wrong with an all terrain SL tire either and they often have a higher load index than the C load tires. The biggest myth is that you need super aggressive mud tires or very aggressive AT tires. Some places maybe but most places a good all terrain is all you need and they are so much better on the road.

It's mind blowing people are just now realizing this lmao. Overlanding is proof people are morons and will comply to any type of advertising. God bless y'all. Seek help

I’m 70 and was caught up in the 4 wheeling craze in the early 70’s. Didn’t know a thing about it even though I’d driven trucks my whole life. Went out and put some BFG’s on( yes they were around even back then) a set of white spoke wheelies and just let it rip. Got stuck a few times but for the most part would just mash the pedel😅. Have an FJ now and even though it’s more capable than my 73 blazer was, I’ve never tried things with it than the blazer couldn’t tackle. Granted I don’t live in rock crawling territory, just mud, snow and tight trails. By the way, I thought the look of both was outstanding. Nice vid guys. PS: as close as I get to overlanding now is an air mattress in the back of the FJ usually at a rest stop!

It really depends on where you ride. I do overlanding with a AWD vehicle at the moment. But some places require 4wd. Used to run a jeep wrangler. Then a Nissan frontier pro4x and now a 2005 4runner. They are almost stock. Better tires and a slight lift and a skid plate. Other than that, I dont go for weeks at a time so basic needs only. Usualy I bring a small jerrycan but I can do it on a full tank of gas most of the time and refill out of the trail

..thanks for sharing guys..very informative...initially I would go for a maxtraxx or recovery boards and pizza cutter AT tires...

Makes zero sense; you don't need a winch you just need a tow rope and a buddy, WTF??? Dumbest advice ever said....the whole purpose of a winch is when you don't have another vehicle around. You replaced a winch you can pick up with your hand and use with a remote control with a whole other vehicle and human being. So light, inexpensive and simple you replace it with massive, expensive and complex. A winch is insurance that you hope never gets used.

For us "overlanding" has always been just traveling by car/truck on long, multi-day, cross-continent vacations and road-trips. Some folks fly from point A to point B and then rent a car - we travel "overland". Camping? Meh. Perhaps in a pinch. Our Jeep has been from Key West in Florida to the Arctic Ocean (via the North West Territories in Canada) with various Jeep trails in between and it's still pretty much stock. Most essential piece of "overloading" kit? Probably the portable toilet/tent. 😉

When I was in college, I would take my Crown Vic (yes, a land boat) to place where a lot of people with trucks wouldn't go. I did spend a lot of time digging myself out, but I have such a fun time that those memories will be with me forever. Now I'm s little older and have a 4wd truck, I found myself taking things quite a bit easier. Simple camping trips not too far off the road, still having a great time!

Dunno how you guys are every going to get sponsors with a video like this =D But you are dead on. Overlanding is just car camping near unpaved roads. Most places people go, a stock Subaru can get to, and most of the rest any stock 4x4 will have no trouble with. That said... Along with basic camping gear, I recommend a come-a-long (or winch, but those are expensive and less versatile), a chain saw, and a rope.

Don't pay attention to marketing as they will sell you everything they can. More you add, is more weight that consumes fuel. Keep it simple. Keep it light. And I don't want to think of all the hours watching 4xoverland and everyone else to learn from. Especially those who use smaller vehicles as well as those who hike the Pacific Crest Trail. But then I currently drive an brick shaped '87 XJ, so when I see a newer vehicle I tend to be/think like Harry in the NASA version of the Armadillo in the movie Armageddon. But then I don't "roto-pack", but I do have a "trenching tool" strapped to the top if there's no latrine to be used.

I have a 2021 4Runner that shortly after I bought it I began out fitting it. The first big purchase was a GOBI roof rack, but that's where I stopped for the big ticket items. I did a one inch lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks and springs. I still have factory size tires, although they are AT's. There are a few odds and ends that I did for conveniences, but overall I'm about done. The way it's set it will take me most every where I want to go. I do want to install a bumper and wench but that's mostly for looks. Happy trails guys!

Overlanding is the modern day term for camping out in the wilderness. You only need a camping stretcher & small pop up tent or a swag unless your out in snow country. A small portable gas burner that is compact & light. Your correct unless your serious rock climber person who is happy the bash the crap out if your rig then all the bolt ons are not needed to get out there in the trails as a weekend trip etc or on the sand/beach where "lighter is better". Too much marketing and instagramers who are more worried about the look/the pic or the video than actual camping and having fun. Social Media has a lot to answer for. Most of us need our rigs to be all rounders with black top driving being the dominent amount time the vehicle spends its time

We detest off-roading for the sake of off-reading and only do it to see an amazing sight, reach a remote campsite, or mountain biking / hiking trails. Once I discovered the pure ecstasy of riding an electric mountain bike on trails, I politely decline all offers to go “wheelin’”. 😜

If you camp alone, recovery gear is pretty smart to have.

Underbody protection is important just to be safe, but yeah everything else really just depends on what you are doing. My LC has Sliders, Skid Plates, K2’s, and an ARB Air Compressor. That’s it, and I’ve never needed anything else. Everything you add is just extra weight.

Great video and good advice. I stay away from the Overland show fiasco. I think it is marketing super hype. If you bought all that got-to-have equipment you would need an 18 wheeler to pull it around. Ease your way into the sport,have fun,see what you really need.

I carry a good come along. It's still a virgin. Toyota 4Runner front bumpers only have 4 bolts holding the brackets it in place? I gave away two Rotopax cans and replaced them with one Wavian 5 gallon can. It's very sturdy, better rubber seals and even the "approved" spout works a lot better. One Wavian cost about the same as one Rotopax.

I’ve only ever used my winch to help others! Same with fuel and water - someone ELSE ran low or I happened across a poorly extinguished campfire in the back country. I don’t regret it. I started out buying it all, though, including the highlifts etc that I ended up dumping for a boring bottle jack. Definitely bought more than I needed, in the grand scheme of things.

We definitely had to trim down our list, or this video would've been an hour long 😅 What parts/gear have you purchased that were just complete overkill?

The backpacking community has similar sayings. You pack your fears.

Agree. Its a scam. But i still need to buy a rooftop tent then Ill be done. 😅

well overlanding is different from offroading… overlanding is much easier you can carry light stuff thats why i like overlanding than offroading…all you need to upgrade to d a good tire and rims…

This subject needed to be addressed. 👊🏽 I'm struggling with the purchase of combo 8" spot beams with a wireless panel from Garmin.

Bang on point. So true. I’ve been to some advanced jungle trails on my stock 4WD and I have had no problems.

Overlanding is simply the journey from one point to another to reach the disired destination. Camping while overlanding usually involves sleeping in the vehicle or rtt.

did the camping thing back in the 80s and 90s. today we hit the trails the younger guys do the camping thing us older guy hit the bar the motel a good meal and see them in the am and do it all over again.

Thank you for saying it out loud 😂 I have a few neighbors who just like to drive around wasting gas hauling new stuff!!

My dads first truck was a 1988 4runner he off-road like crazy without any of that Goofy shit on his 4runner.

I would also add that get the stock rig out on the trails and get comfortable and see what the limits are before spending a bunch on suspension components.

you barel;y need to mod any stock 4wd toyota truck to do 90% of offroading if at all.

The coolest thing about this video, Broke Boys, is that the two of you enjoy not only off-roading with each other but also creating content together. Keep it up!

Sometimes simple is better. Less is more. I’ve been overlanding for years, I run a almost stock jeep zj and pack light. Works for me.

I bought rock sliders/steps to justify buying my rock sliders😂

Hey, to each his own. If you don't want peace of mind, your choice.

It is true that you probably won't need a winch if you're out there with other people. However, if you go out alone a winch is a great insurance policy.

hmm don't do overlanding but in my adventures I'd absolutely recommend and winch and some kind of side protection. There is alot of situations (mostly in winter) that a winch is the only thing that's gonna save you and your buddies. Or drag trees over the trail. The rock slider are not just for rocks, mine have fended off log that kick up when driving over them and a few stumps that I've slid into in odd mud and snow. Don't have to be extreme sliders though. I'd stick the stock tires as long as possible but yeah good tread is nice. Lights are another thing you don't need. The rest I'd agree with you guys. It's a great topic that never comes up.

Really enjoyed your video and take on off-road camping. Have fun!

Video doesn't go far enough in saying how little you need to go "overlanding." You need to carry a few pieces of basic equipment to get to the most difficult/remote areas like an air compressor, gas cans and trail-work tools (shovel, axe, rope-puller, etc). But you don't need to do anything to your vehicle if you start with a decent 4x4. In fact, virtually all modification to a typical IFS truck makes it worse off-road. A lift of 2" or less is just for looks, and a lift greater than 2" (plus the irresistible bigger wheels and tires) literally makes your truck worse. You get worse usable suspension travel, worse driveshaft angles, worse tie-rod angles, worse CV-axle angles (all more prone to failure now), worse effective gearing, worse unsprung weight, worse center of gravity, worse power, worse braking, worse fuel economy, etc. Makes no sense.

I drive a 2008 4runner and it's stock except tires. I threw Yokohama Geolanders on her and that's it. You don't need alot for camping just quality gear. I grew up in the Appalachian mts and never owned a tent or sleeping bag. Built alot of shelters, didn't even have a flashlight. I can camp with what's in my pockets, most cannot. If you're goin way back with a truck, you better be able to walk out if you get stuck, broke down or injuries. Nice thing about a truck is you can carry more gear. Focus on important gear and make sure your truck is, mechanically, good to go. A chain hoist or come along is better than a winch in my opinion.

Dude on over-landing FB someone admitted what the purpose is: “I hate camping; it’s all about the rig” I watch overlanding content and minimalist living content to get ideas for actually using camping in the wilderness as a positive experience part of a means to an end: remote working and hunting with my upland puppy (eventually dogs). The communities seem so focused on avoiding nature and not having any end to the means of overlanding. Like if you don’t want to run hardcore trails, hunt, or work then nothing actually matters. Drive an AWD car and stay in a hotel…

Great Video, i have been down the same path :-D, just a side note and a little pedantic, the rings on the 4-runner are better known as Bow shackles… sorry.. love the content. Well done.

What gets me is most overland gear the people want look so Tactical and Rugged, and Camo, and Molle, etc....... That outdoorsman look. And what's mostly used are creature comforts. Soft bed rolls and comfy sleeping bags. Solor powered fans (even AC units). Fridge to keep ice cream. It's really laughable.

Something everyone will learn.

Your mobility choices are making your expedition journey to easy. Try traveling on foot, with a backpack and too further slow you down even, go break one of your legs and bring the appropriate crutch along for your comfort.

I have a similar setup to the 4runner in this video. I built a simple 1 person sleeping platform/drawer setup in it too. Drove that thing from Canada to Cabo San Lucas. Great simple setup and had a blast!

Oh, the controversy! I'm a fan of this video and thanks for posting. I think you can distill the point of this video down to "need vs want". I do believe a lot of people get into this hobby and watch the youtube videos and follow the big instagram pages and determine they need to bolt on a bunch of stuff onto their vehicle before actually going out and using it. I would agree that most people don't need all the skid plates, massive tires, bumpers, super high end suspension upgrades, etc. I like the idea of starting out as a "minimalist" and seeing what you actually need and going from there. The rest is just comfort and convenience. Most modern 4x4 vehicles are super capable out of the box without dumping another 20K into them. All you really need is a place to sleep, a way to cook, and a destination. If you want all the bells and whistles, by all means, go and bolt them on. Good on you. But it's not required to have a great memorable overlanding experience. Some of my best trips were done before I started bolting stuff on. And admittedly, I bolted the mods on for the cool factor. Be safe out there!

I bought super thick (and heavy) skid plates as soon as my 4x4 was delivered. 2 years later, they are in storage because the factory plates are still going strong. Might sell them soon.

Nice video guys. It is a lifestyle not a hobby, and a good healthy lifestyle because it re-connects humans to beautiful nature, boosting their mental and physical health. People buy expensive phones, laptops, cars, etc and they hardly use 10% of their capabilities, why not do the same with overlanding? If you overland solo in unknown remote areas, maybe it is better to be well equipped rather than calling people for help. Enjoy your lifestyle!

Great advice. Assuming you have a stock 4x4. All you need is a good set of AT tires and a quick trip to Wally World to get some camping essentials. Build, adjust, upgrade, add gear to meet your needs from there. Add to that your buddies and beer and you are all set. From here, let your inner narcissist take over and add all the crap you don't "need" to make yourself look and feel good.

I get what you're saying about so many of the upgrades BUT... I have a few of those things and though I've not needed them each trip, some I've encountered on the trails have needed it. Winch, extra gas, extra fluids. Been doing this for over 20 years and what I've found is that each of those times out on the trails and overlanding, I've made a list of things I needed to pack and things I was able to eliminate. Point is, you gotta get out there and find out what you need for your type of off roading and overlanding. Thanks for the vid.😉👍

did the month long trips on dual sport motos, when i was younger, now big 4x sequoia. weekends with solar induction hot plate and electric blankets. beer fridge. good enuff