blog, off-road

Top 5 essential gear for overland camping holidays

MIGRATOR-ON-THE-ROAD-tips-to-clean-RV-mini-caravan

Overland camping holidays can be some of your life’s most exciting and memorable trips. Sure, you can get an off-road caravan made specifically for overlanding, like the Migrator Basic or Migrator Ultimate mini-caravans, but getting the RV is just the first step in your incredible journey. Whether it’s basic camping supplies, a great rooftop tent to keep you high and dry, or essential and sturdy safety equipment, you’ll need the beast overlanding gear if you intend to leave the pavement and the grid behind. 

But let’s start from the beginning πŸ™‚

What is Overlanding?

Long-distance driving routes on unmaintained dirt roads and trails are part of the off-roading activity known as Overlanding. These expeditions usually last several days or even a week and cost money for your vehicle and equipment. Overlanding is similar to backpacking in that it is as much about the trip as it is about the final destination, but these expeditions will take you farther than any walking could ever take you.

You might picture mudding or rock crawling when you think of off-roading, and while you will come across these challenges along the journey, overlanding has a much broader scope. These outings won’t be your average Mount Rushmore road trip because they require extra preparation, careful navigation, and leisurely driving.

Overlanding camping gear

It makes sense to get ready if you intend to trade in luxury for the harsh elements and isolation of the outdoors. The most cutting-edge, technologically advanced, and masculine survival gadgets don’t have to break the money. Everything you’ll need for your next adventure is accessible and reasonably priced. You should take into account two crucial criteria when selecting your overland camping equipment:

Ability to fulfill multiple purposes: Some overland camping supplies are made to do so. This conserves space and reduces the amount of equipment you need to carry. Multi-tools integrate separate tools with various functions into one construct. A hatchet might be a keychain, hammer, or knife.

Size: When packing your overland camping gear, consider the size and weight of each piece of equipment. Since there isn’t much room, you don’t want to overpack tools that will prevent you from bringing other, more crucial items. Always keep your cargo light and compact to make fitting more items into your vehicle easier.

But what should you actually tick off the list before going for overland camping? 

A Vehicle

Obviously. πŸ™‚ You can omit this step if you already have a vehicle to use for your purchase. If you don’t, this is what you must do. 

It is crucial that the vehicle you select is designed for rocky paths and dirt roads, whether it is an old or new van, trailer, or truck. This entails having big, grippy tires, excellent hill descent control, good ground clearance, a strong engine, and other traits that suggest toughness. Since the vehicle you choose for the trip is the most crucial piece of equipment for any overland camper, the success of your overland really rests on it. 

You have likely encountered a variety of trailers and caravan types in your search for a vehicle, but setting up for any vehicle is out of the question. Buying an overland vehicle is an investment, so make sure you choose one that will keep up with your needs for as long as possible.

Navigation Tools 

One of the pleasures of overland camping is that you completely give up on civilization and immerse yourself in nature. However, since you’re traversing uncharted territory, you’ll need navigational aids if you don’t want to get disoriented and in difficulty. 

Although they may seem quaint, paper maps are still frequently used by experienced campers and those who are adept at reading them because even one false turn due to incorrect map reading might leave an overland camper stranded. 

GPS mapping tools and trackers are fantastic options if you want accurate and stress-free navigation on your overland trip. 

GPS maps function by establishing a satellite connection to pinpoint your location. Your time, elevation, latitude, and longitude can all be found with their assistance. Shops that specialize in Overlanding sell GPS maps. These maps include detailed backcountry and overland directions. Some of these gadgets are made to military specifications and are intended to withstand severe weather.

Sleeping gear 

Having a cozy place to sleep and unwind is essential for receiving appropriate rest. However, because of the lack of room and the luxury of their beds and blankets, many campers wind up spending the night in their vehicle. That could be cozy in bigger cars like trucks and vans, but it isn’t in tiny cars like jeeps.

Camping with a mini-caravan provides a safe living environment with all the newest conveniences so you can stay connected while traveling. A built-in kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom are also included in the caravan. And if you require additional sleeping space, its roomy sleeping area readily accommodates two people. 

Having a base that is obviously yours to return to is great because traveling may be exhausting. Because it is home, it feels like home.

Recovery Equipment

The rocky or muddy terrain could damage your dependable car, causing it to break down or even worse. When this occurs, you must be ready to address the issue and move promptly.

You can protect yourself against any vehicle issue by investing in the proper recovery gear. Since you aren’t exactly in a position to call on a mechanic, it would be preferable if you not only had the necessary tools but also knew how to use them.

Among the necessary recovery tools are:

  • Power winch
  • Lift jack
  • A spare tire 
  • A deflator
  • A jerry can be filled with extra fuel
  • An air compressor that hooks up to the cigarette lighter in your vehicle
  • Wrenches
  • Spanners
  • A crowbar
  • Duct tape
  • Brake fluid
  • Air filters
  • Fuel filters

Rooftop awning

Any camping trip must include access to an outdoor area where you may prepare food, eat it, and take a break from the heat or rain. An awning can be stored on the side of the roof of your car where it is attached. To use, just open the awning fully and secure the poles. 

This should provide you with some background information on what to expect and investigate when putting together the ideal adventure equipment if you are new to caravanning and off-road excursions. Check out the FIM Caravans catalog, and get in touch with us if you want a mini-caravan dealer to provide you with more information.