With so many of us barred from any hope of going abroad this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for ‘staycations’ has skyrocketed.
For many, the idea of vacationing in the UK might seem a bit of a letdown but for 4×4 enthusiasts, it presents an interesting opportunity; an opportunity to finally get into overlanding.
What is overlanding?
In a nutshell, overlanding is all about escaping the beaten path and exploring the road less travelled.
The idea is to take your 4×4 off-road to a remote destination with the joy of the experience in the journey and the challenge.
It’s a hobby that includes everything from camping and backpacking to off-roading and it’s also a hobby that has grown significantly in popularity in recent years.
But it’s certainly not the kind of thing you jump into all-guns blazing without doing your research first.
Getting started
There are three key steps to consider when preparing for your first overland adventure, with the first bring quite comfortably the most important.
1. Finding your ride
Even if you already own a 4×4 it might not be properly equipped to tackle the kind of conditions you’ll find on a typical overland experience.
Not only are you going to require a rig with decent suspension and ground clearance, but you’ll want adequate cargo capacity too, particularly if you’re venturing to the literal middle of nowhere.
Not only will you need your gear (more on that below) but also food, toiletries and other supplies.
You might not need to buy a new vehicle, however, if you’re willing to upgrade your existing 4×4 and we’re more than qualified to lend a hand in that department.
2. Packing your supplies
Alongside the general checklist of items such as spare tyres, you’ll want to pack a decent first aid kit and as much vehicle recovery kit as you can muster.
This will include everything from Hi-lift jacks to tow straps and winch kits, depending on how deep down the rabbit hole you want to go, so to speak.
It’s also a good idea to have a general tool kit in the glove compartment. And remember that you might be out in your 4×4 for days at a time on your overlanding trip.
So, pack lots of food and water as well as kitchen supplies and clothing. The one thing that people always seem to forget is the cooler. Trust us, that cold beer at the end of a long day overlanding is going to feel incredible.
3. Doing your research
When it comes to overriding there can be no such thing as too much research. It is, after all, a potentially dangerous endeavour if you’re not adequately prepared.
There are lots of resources available online for those wishing to learn more but generally speaking, researching your overlanding adventure means three things:
- Researching the weather patterns, because that’s going to have a monumental impact on your ride quality.
- Researching the area, as understanding the terrain, wildlife and locals will leave you better equipped to handle whatever you might face.
- Researching your vehicle and knowing everything about it. The more in-tune you are with your ride, the better.
Image: RokM / Shutterstock.com