What is Overlanding?

Overlanding isn’t as complicated as it seems! The definition can be as simple as vehicle-based travel. The term originated in the Australian outback referring to the act of moving livestock long distances. Traveling across the outback meant having a reliable vehicle that could handle rough terrain as well as being self-sustained.

Generally, overlanding may or may not involve off-roading, but the idea is that your vehicle is capable of more than just the highway. Additionally, overlanding means being prepared to live out of your vehicle - traveling with food, water, and shelter. One final requirement - ADVENTURE! Adventure is the heart of overlanding.

Overlanding can consist on a continuum. Loading up your 4-Runner with a rooftop tent, onboard air, a refrigerator, and a generator and spending a week on rough trails is certainly overlanding. So is taking out your old ford ranger with a borrowed tent and a cooler full of water, bread, and bologna on some paved and some gravel roads. Does loading up the family in the minivan and going to the local state park with your tents and some smore’s stuff count as overlanding? Uhh, sure. Especially if you are seeking adventure!

Overlanding has easily become our favorite type of travel. Adventure is always at the top of our list of priorities, and that’s what overlanding is all about! We both enjoy some off-roading, which goes hand-in-hand with overlanding. For us, overlanding is affordable, making it possible for us to travel more frequently. We enjoy having our own vehicle as opposed to flying and renting a vehicle. We enjoy the hours on the road to talk and listen to music, and we especially enjoy getting out into nature and enjoying God’s beautiful creation.