4 Signs Suggesting That Overlanding Isn’t Right for You

Overlanding suddenly became popular when COVID shut down most travel and vacation excursions. People figured out that overlanding could get them out of the house and into the great outdoors without having to encounter too many other people. Four years later, I wonder if any of the luster has worn off.

Have you considered getting into overlanding but are afraid it might not be right for you? Your caution is warranted. Overlanding is a unique outdoor activity suited to unique types of people. If you haven’t got what it takes, you could get yourself into serious trouble with no one around to help you.

Below are signs suggesting that overlanding is not right for you. I have decided to present them in a semi-humorous way to take the edge off what can be a dangerous activity.

1. Your Auto Repair Skills Are Limited

My auto repair skills are somewhere between a DIY oil change enthusiast and a small soap dish. I can replace an oil filter and change a spark plug if I need to. But anything beyond that and I will quickly find myself totally lost and covered in greasy grime. If your auto repair skills are about the same, overlanding isn’t your best choice.

Overlanders need to be fairly good mechanics. Out in the middle of nowhere, they don’t have access to tow trucks and repair shops. They need to rely on themselves to get their vehicles moving again.

2. Compasses and Maps Are Foreign to You

While my auto repair skills leave much to be desired, I am particularly good with a compass and map. I learned how to use both in Boy Scouts. How about you? If compasses and maps are foreign objects to you, stick with RVing and public campgrounds. In the land of the rugged overlander, you might not have access to GPS and cell tower signals. The inability to use a compass and map to find your way could mean being lost for a very long time.

3. Your Wallet Is Tighter Than Scrooge’s

Overlanding might not be your thing if you have a tighter hold on your wallet than one Ebenezer Scrooge of A Christmas Carol fame. Here’s the thing: you don’t have to spend your life savings on an overlanding rig and equipment, but you would also be foolish to try overlanding on the cheap. Safety costs money. And if you’re into comfort, it costs even more.

For instance, you never know how important a cam strap is until you need one. It is worth spending extra money on a brand like Rollercam, a brand you know you can trust. Saving a few bucks on a cheaper, generic brand from the local bargain basement store will only get you equipment that’s not up to the task.

4. Planning Is Like Pulling Teeth to You

There is a certain amount of living for the moment in the overlanding lifestyle. But for the most part, doing it safely requires plenty of planning. Find another hobby if planning feels like pulling teeth to you. You are not going to do well with an activity that requires meticulous planning in everything from power sources to sleeping accommodations to travel routes and daily menus. There is just a lot to keep track of.

Overlanding came into its own a couple of years ago thanks to the COVID pandemic. Although it is more popular than it was a decade ago, overlanding isn’t for everyone. Think long and hard before you give it a shot. Avoid potential misery by knowing exactly what you are getting into before you start.