Trip and Gear Essentials for Overland Newbies

As the channel grows, I get more DMs, email, and comments from some of the newcomers to the overland space on gear, rigs, and trips. Here are some tips I put together for those who are wanting to start going on longer trips.

A week to 2 weeks (or more) on the road presents different challenges than just the typical weekend out. Let's dive into some gear and tips I recommend for those kinds of trips, and why.

And fellas, a lot of these upgrades will be approved by your spouse. I do put a lot of effort into making my wife comfortable. Women have different needs and don't want to live like savages for weeks at a time, so build your truck accordingly!

Holy affiliate links Batman. Its quite a list! Reference videos are below as well!
Products

Hard Korr Lighting: Relaunching In US soon, will include links when they are back.

Emergency/Backup Foods:

Awning. I use Alucab, I am sure there are other great options, but buy a strong one!
Make sure to choose the correct side for your application! :

Cargo Storage:
Zarges Cases ( Size I have is the 40568)

Water Filters:

Showers
Or the Lifesaver filter can works, but it unheated.

Clothes: I buy my stuff usually at Backcountry or as mentioned, it can be found other places for budget friendly options.

Portable Toilet Options

Off Grid Power

Tent Stuff

Referenced Videos

#FjCruiser #Overlanding #campinggear

//Disclaimer:
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00:00 Introduction
01:22 A Quality Fridge
03:42 The Quick Kitchen
06:10 Jetboil/Kettle
09:06 Emergency/Backup Meals
10:01 Awnings Over Tents
13:04 Mosquito Free Camp
14:33 Off Grid Power
15:21 Locking Cargo
17:12 Water Purification
19:54 Showers
24:29 Clothing (Yes, clothing)
27:54 The Portable Pooper
29:51 Tent Temptations (Save Longer)
33:43 The Comforts Of Home
38:21 Final Thoughts

[baileypinto]

Modeled my FJ build after yours and appreciate the honesty in your videos.

The Alucab tent paired with the Hest mattress was a major improvement. Best sleep I’ve ever gotten while camping. Thanks for the recommendations 👍🏼

[TobyCostaRica]

2:45 a Govee BT data logging thermometer is a great solution for that for $15. Data logs temps and sends alerts if outside the range in case your fridge gets unplugged etc.

[KeMad]

Love that you still own an FJ. Never sell it!

[WolfOverland]

+1 for Hest. I got the mattress and after one trip I got the down blanket / sheets / pillows no hesitation on the price. I got the best sleep in my life.

[MmIlahg]

The FJ. I have one of those and worth every penny.

[samb]

Saw some people saying the stuff you mention is too expensive. I understand where they’re coming from but at the same time, I wanted to encourage you because I loved this video. Thank you.

Like you said, new to overlanding doesn’t mean new to money. You can go overlanding and buy very cheap stuff and suffer through it or you can wait until you have more quality stuff by saving and actually enjoy the trip. Plus you have lots of options, including cheaper stuff.

[SandyCats]

Excellent video! Haven’t seen anyone cover this stuff and comfort IS key. My wife and kids would never go out for weeks without these creature comforts!

[GR]

Great video! Never thought about the importance of a good awning before watching this video! Another thing to not forget is the GVWR of your rig!

[MissouriAdventures]

Love my Iceco APL 55 and the cart for it. Tested it out on a few short family trips for family gatherings. Can’t wait to use it this weekend in AR and for the Total Eclipse in April.

[ethanphillips]

My fiancé and I love your videos. Thanks for the inspiration!

[MmIlahg]

If you want a fauset they make almost similar ones to the dometic for under $20. I know not good enough if you are on YouTube but it pumps water and you have $80 in your bank account.

[MissouriAdventures]

Good tip on the backup food with you for all of the reasons you said plus injury. I always keep ramen noodles with us. I should add something ready to eat like you mentioned. Good tip. I’ll be adding that.

[alpinetactics]

A lot of awesome gear in this video and great points. I do think you’re missing something by writing off soft shell tents entirely. Obviously everyone has different needs but I have found that soft shells just suit our needs better than hard shells. AluCab doesn’t even make tents big enough for a family. We started off with a $5k ikamper and hated it and have been very happy with a cheaper soft shell. As always love your videos man just thought I would share that perspective.

[nebc_yukonyeti]

Very thorough video, enjoyed it. Helps so much with the buy once cry once. Completely agree that a backpacking background makes overlanding seem glamorous. Gear choices matter. Listened closely to the spouse section, am I the only one trying to convince my hubby to come outdoors more?

[LarryRose-yb]

Another amazing video love how you give so much detail and what works and what doesn't can't wait to see your new build 😊

[TheRealMuggs]

We upgraded from soft shell to hard shell, but it was only because of pack up time. Our soft shell was pretty expensive ($2400 AUD) and that thing was rated to constant winds of 80 kph, was very solid and super comfy and spacious. But pack down was so annoying, especially at midnight when the tide is coming in further than you anticipated 😂 I like the Geyser just because it’s compact and electric. I wired a relay so I can flick a switch 30 mins before getting to camp, then just open the shower awning and can leave the unit mounted in the car while I use it. Great for solo camping, as slow to reheat on electric. Had the same gas one as you, nothing wrong with it, and it’s instant heat, but taking it out the car and then brushing off the sand and dirt was annoying. Why did you get rid of your heat exchanger? My wife loves the shower awning and the chemical toilet, makes all the difference for her. Most beaches in Australia you have to use a chemical toilet too. And having a water pump with pressurized water in the back for cooking so far is my favourite mod and probably the cheapest! Love your uploads man!

[boundless-trails]

Is it nice to have brand name stuff that’s made in USA - umm yeah!? However, an average Joe can’t afford a majority of those things, because overlanding is an expensive hobby. It’s like having a 2nd house on wheels that you have to furnish… Amazon would be a good place to start (with lots of research and reading through people’s feedback) believe it or not, some things are decent on there. Like a 1400 dollar fridge is ridiculous, that’s the cost of a full size household appliance, it does not need to be that expensive. I bought a BougeRV fridge for 150 on Amazon and it works just fine keeping everything cold, sure it’s not made in USA from an aircraft grade aluminum, but it works and it’s better than regular cooler. Sorry for my rant, but overlanding should be accessible by everyone regardless of their income 😊

[SuperdutyExplorer]

As fun ad a small vehicle would be, I love the room in my 1 ton with 8 foot box

[GirdlerFamilyOverland]

What a great rundown of everything to consider. All in one great resource to point people to if they have questions of how to get started or what do they really need. Great job.

[JarradShaw]

I wonder if it would worth some of us looking into Zenbivy’s Duo sleep system. Their systems “could(?)” provide what you are showing for rooftop tents and could be used for ground sleeping depending on the trip and adventure…