Our Approach to Overlanding, Will & Kate Fowler

Our Approach to Overlanding

Overlanding came to our family by surprise. We were not huge outdoor enthusiasts, big campers or hikers, and to be honest, we didn’t really like sleeping in a tent (too many critters ...insert nervous shiver).

But when a good friend invited us to go “Overlanding” (what is that??), and introduced the idea of taking our Jeeps across the mountains, on rarely-accessed roads, to camp in a remote part of the wilderness just a few hours from our home - we decided to go for it.

What we found was an instant connection to our deep love for adventure, exploring, and trying new things. We found that Overlanding requires a great deal of preparation and planning; a mind open to exploring and being a little uncomfortable at times; it requires perseverance and problem solving; and it requires gear. Lots of gear. And it just so happens that all those requirements fit exactly with what we love in life.

We began by learning, testing. Research became our hobby. Rig walk arounds informed a never-ending wish list for our Jeep. Gaia maps and topo were the stuff of nightly dreams. And YouTube channels were our source for Overlanding news.

Packing...this deserves its own article because it is so critical to our approach. This was a priority for us, a close second only to ensuring we had the rig ready to take the terrain and keep us safe. With a great deal of research and watching how other Overlanders approach packing, we crafted our unique way to stay organized and get everything we needed in the Jeep to be off-grid for 2-3 days as a family of four. We were also intrigued by the challenge of not only getting the gear and the goods into the Jeep, but following some of the ‘glamping’ tenants of comfort; my wife coined her own “@glmrlnd” approach as a way of ensuring gourmet food and drink are on the menu, and we have a clean home-like atmosphere at camp for us and the kids.

Over time, we identified what makes a great overland trip:

1. Plan your route. Research where you’re going and make sure you know the roads. Have alternatives because roads may be closed, clearings for camping may be occupied...there are a million unknowns. And you likely won’t have cell coverage.

2. Plan your meals. Prep meals and bring fresh ingredients. Everything tastes better off-grid, but eating nutritious, scratch made foods is not as hard as it sounds and it adds a whole additional level of satisfaction when you end your day eating delicious food.

3. Sleeping well matters. For us, a ground tent wasn’t going to mean good sleep, so our roof top tent was a game-changer. It also helped ease set-up/take-down and made storage of sleeping bags/pillows a non-issue. That said, an RTT isn’t required; we have many overlanding friends that have the quick set up tents and sleep so well they snore.

4. Invest in storage. We invested first in thinking time to strategize the best way to optimize our space, getting the gear and goods in the Jeep to make sure we have a safe and enjoyable time off-grid. For us, we have the dual constraints of two kids in the backseat, plus we want to be able to take the top off on weekends we aren’t

Overlanding. So, we invested in containers that can go in/out of the Jeep, chairs/tables that pack down to the smallest possible space, and maximized the rear wheel carrier and roof space.

5. Safety first. This is last, but the most important.

We invested in technology so we can connect to people in an emergency if there isn’t cell coverage.

We thoughtfully pack and install tools/recovery/ winch/traction boards/etc. to make sure we can take care of ourselves and possibly others on the trail. We have bear spray, sunscreen, med kits, you name it. We’ve been to the Emergency Room 2x’s this year alone. Be ready. And never underestimate the need for water and gasoline. We think about this well ahead of the trip as we plan our route, and make sure we have plans to stay hydrated and fueled.

We’ve learned so much from fellow Overlanders we’ve met on the trail, on Instagram, and on YouTube. Each Overlander has their own unique approach to adventures off-road, and there is no one size fits all or ‘right’ way to do this well. Part of what we love about this lifestyle is the freedom it affords for individuality, coupled with the comradery of shared experiences and love for the open road.

At the end of the day, our best advice to get started with Overlanding: open your mind, open your heart; get ready to fall in love with this beautiful land and its endless possibilities.

Will & Kate Fowler

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