Overlanding: Experiencing Beauty On The Road
Edited by Evelin Weiss / Photos by Ferenc Elekes
What Is Overlanding? Experiencing Beauty on the Road
Overlanding has become very popular over the past couple of years, particularly among those wanting an escape from crowded cities. It is the expression of adventure and knowledge, where the only important thing is the road ahead of you.
But where did overlanding come from – and how is it different from road-tripping and off-roading? What is overlanding exactly? Well, while there are many similarities, there are also quite a few notable differences. This article will teach you the basics.
What Is Overlanding?
Overlanding is a type of travel that is dependent on a vehicle, where the purpose is not necessarily the destination, but the trip itself. You might have a rough idea of where you want to end up, but that is not your main purpose. The goal is what you will see on the way there. As a result, you cannot say it’s a road trip.
Still, it’s not off-roading either. While overlanding indeed involves cars that can go off-road, it is not limited to that. As long as there is something to see on the road, you can even drive on a paved route. Whether you prefer a challenging landscape or to explore remote roads, overlanding is all about what you see in front of you.
Very often, the main accommodation method for overlanding is camping. However, depending on the circumstances, you may also decide to stay at inns, cabins, or hotels instead. It all depends on where the road takes you and what opportunities are in front of you.
History of Overlanding
Overlanding has been with us for a while now. Some say that the first overlanding journey happened in the 13th century when Marco Polo made his trip from Venice to Kublai Khan’s Court.
However, the term “overlanding” was only coined in the early 20th century – in a time when cars weren’t even a thing. Horseback-riding farmers from Australia would guide their cattle over a great distance, through the outback, to new lands. With the apparition of motorized vehicles, overlanding caught on even more, and people practiced it for leisure purposes.
Popular Overlanding Trails
The United States is a grand place – which means that you will never lack overlanding routes. Over time, the following trails have grown quite a lot in popularity.
- The Black Bear Pass
Found in Colorado, the Black Bear Pass is a very popular option for those wanting to taste adventure. It takes you off the beaten track on high altitudes, featuring a beautiful panoramic mountain view. Plus, considering the road is inaccessible most of the year, as a result of harsh weather, it’s even more of a holy grail for adventurous overlanders.
- The Dalton Highway
If you do not want to go completely off-road but still want to see something beautiful, then you may want to try the Dalton Highway, Alaska. Depending on the time of your trip, you can get a pretty incredible view of the Northern Lights. The temperatures are also otherworldly, and with the lights playing on the sky, it feels like you have entered a different dimension.
- The Rubicon Trail
The Rubicon Trail of California is a classic for overlanders, going all the way from Sierra to Canada. You have everything from paved roads to dirt trails, passing over forests, lakes, and campsites. You have tamed roads available, but also numerous off-roading opportunities. Many people wanting to test their 4×4 vehicles often go on the Rubicon Trail.
- The Silk Road
Those wanting to take in some medieval sights might find the Silk Road to be spectacular. Going all over the Eurasian continent, from China to Europe, it features at least 800 miles. The whole road took more than 20 years to make, but it’s worthwhile for overlanders who want to see some spectacular sights.
Overlanding Necessities
When you are overlanding, you might want to make sure that you undergo proper planning. While overlanding mostly involves going with the flow, certain things need to be planned. While spontaneity remains, you also need comfort and safety.
- Time and Finances
Overlanding trips can be a few days short, or they can span over months. You need to determine if you can keep up. If you go for a few days, make sure you have enough money to last for every possibility. Also, if you are going for a longer time, you might want to make preparations for working remotely.
- Proper Vehicle
You’ll be driving for a long time, and possibly on rough roads as well. This is why the standard vehicle type for overlanding is the 4×4 vehicle. With this, you can discover as much as you want, whether you are driving on a paved road or some trails in the mountains.
- Traveling Gear
Traveling gear is also essential when it comes to overlanding – and by this, we mean gear for you and your car as well. Make sure you have standard recovery gear, spare tires, spare keys, a fire extinguisher, and a car maintenance kit.
Comfort gear is also essential. Obviously, a good tent, sleeping bag, and a sleeping pad/mattress are a must. You might also want to make sure you have a cooler with you, to keep your food from going bad. Depending on the trail you go on, it might take some time until you reach any store.
A water filtration system is also vital because once more, you never know how far you are from stores. This way, even if you run out of water on the road, you can sate your thirst by filtering river water. A camping stove is also great to have, or at least a grill, as it will allow you to cook your own food.
The Bottom Line
Overlanding is an adventure in the form of a drive. It allows you to explore the world in all of its beauty, no matter if you are going through villages or remote areas. In the end, overlanding is not about reaching a destination, but about experiencing the world around you.