10 Must-Have Essential Overlanding Gear

Overlanding is extremely fun and has been gaining popularity in recent years. Even though it's fun, your Overlanding trip can turn into a complete nightmare if you have the essential Overlanding gears.

So to help you avoid the nightmares and have a great trip, we put together this list of 10 must-have essential overlanding gear. Without further due, let's jump right into it.

Roof Top Tent

No Overlanding trip is complete without a rooftop tent. Even though you can use ground tents, Most people prefer roof top tents as their primarily built for Overlanding adventures.

Roof top tents are built tough by design and can withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy rain to high-speed winds. So no matter how rough the weather conditions are at the place you are planning to go to, Roof top tents will keep you safe from it.

Also, we recently put together this article reviewing over 7 Best Roof Top Tents of 2021. If you are looking to buy a roof top tent then you might find it very helpful. The article explains all things you need to consider before buying a rooftop tent.

Navigation System

One of the easiest ways to ruin your trip is having a bad navigation system. Most of the time in Overlanding, you will be traveling to places where you won't have any internet connectivity. If you rely on your phone's navigation system then you will be seriously in for a nightmare by getting lost!

Get a good and solid navigation system and a paper map (just in case). Currently, Garmin Overlander Navigation System is the most popular choice among overland enthusiasts. It costs around $699.99 and it comes with both on-road and off-road navigation.

Storage Box/Bag

Storage bags are one of those things that make your life easier. You can store and organize all your essentials and gears in it. It's just better to have them at an "easy to access" range than having them laying around all over in your car.

The storage bag we recommend the most is the Tepui Gear Container. Priced at just around $129, It has a storage space of over 120 liters -- which is perfect for storing air mats, camping chairs, sleeping bags, and more.

Awnings

If you are planning an off-road Overlanding trip during summer then an Awning is a must-have gear for you. Awnings provide a much need shade during hot summers and they also create a perfect space to sit and drink a few beers.

Awnings normally start from $150-$200 and go up to $400. If you are interested in buying one -- then check out our awesome collection of awnings.

Shovel

If you go on Overlanding trips frequently, then a shovel is something you must have. They have so many uses. Without a doubt, they are one of the best pieces of gear any overland enthusiast can have. With a shovel by your side, you never have to worry about getting stuck in the mud.

One of the best shovels for Overlanding currently on the market is the Gerber's E-Tool shovel. They are priced at $118 and weighs around 37 ounces. Also, it is built using tough forged steel.

Extra Fuel

It doesn't matter how short your trip is going to be -- do not forget to carry extra fuel. You never know when you are going to need it. The last thing any overlander wants is to get stuck in the middle of nowhere with no fuel. It's the worst nightmare of every overland enthusiast. So make sure to carry extra fuel with you always!

Camp Chairs

When you get to your camping spot, It's just best to sit and enjoy the amazing view. Camp chairs help you do just that. There are many awesome camp chairs on the market today -- but we highly suggest the Charlie Chair by BushTec Adventure USA. It is very affordable and comfortable to sit on. It features a folding design and comes with a side drink holder. If you love sitting and drinking beer while enjoying the view then the Charlie Chair is perfect for you.

First-Aid Kits

Even though traveling off-road is fun and awesome -- it comes with its own dangers and hence first-aid kits are always good to have when going on an overland trip. We suggest you invest in a good first-aid kit. Currently RMI Remote First Aid Kit is quite popular. It's a bit pricey but it comes with everything you will ever need to treat common injuries.

Sleeping Bags

Last but not the least, we have sleeping bags! No matter what type of camping you are into -- sleeping bags are a must-have gear. They keep you cozy and help you sleep comfortably even during extremely cold nights.

They are so many good sleeping bags in the market today. Hence, it's very hard to recommend any one product. However, we found this amazing article by Wirecutter that reviews the best sleeping bags. If you are looking to buy a sleeping then that article should have you covered.

Note: Most rooftop tents come with a mattress. If you are comfortable sleeping on a mattress -- then you won't need a sleeping bag.

Drinking Water Maker

Lastly, we have one of the most essential gears on this list. Having a drinking water maker can be a real lifesaver especially during off-roading. They give you the ability to convert almost any water into drinking water.

There are many amazing water makers out there. But Dometic's collection of water makers and purifiers is considered to be the best on the market. They are quite expensive but you can also easily find other brands who sell good water makers and purifiers at a very affordable price.

That's it, folks! We covered over 10 must-have essential gear for Overlanding and I hope you found some value in this list. If you think we are missing any essential gear from this list or if you have any questions, then please comment below and let us know.