Minimalist Overlanding

Overlanding is a form of travel that combines the excitement and adventure of a road trip with the benefits of camping. Overlanding can be done in many different vehicles and, while it is not always minimalist, usually involves carrying all your supplies with you.

Most of the time, overanding involves taking quite a bit of gear with you. This is a benefit of having a vehicle that you can outfit and load up, but it can go too far. If you are tired of carrying more gear than you truly need, you should consider minimalist overlanding.

Preparing For A Minimalist Overland Trip

The key to packing light is to always be prepared and know what you need before you leave. The more you plan, the less you’ll have to worry about while on your trip and the more likely that you will have packed just the gear that you need.

Before you set off on your trip, picture how the trip will go and what you will need. Will you be cooking meals? Do you need recovery gear? How much bedding and extra clothing do you need? These are just a few of the questions that you will need to ask yourself, because while being a minimalist is nice, you do not want to get caught missing an important piece of gear.

What You Should Pack In Your Minimalist Campsite Kit

The following is a list of items that you should pack in your minimalist camping kit.

Tent

The tent is the most important item because it provides shelter from the elements. It should be lightweight, easy to set up, and easy to take down. Since you have a vehicle and a bit of extra space, consider a pop up tent. These tents take less than a minute to deploy and will leave you more time to enjoy nature.

Sleeping Bags

The sleeping bag is another important item for warmth and comfort at night. You should choose one that will be warm enough for your climate but not too heavy or bulky in order to save space. Sleeping bags are generally easier to carry than blankets, because they are designed to be rolled up and stored.

Cookware

Most overlanders like to cook on their trips, which makes having a few pieces of cookware crucial. As a minimalist, you should try to carry multipurpose items. For example, why carry a pot and a skillet when a pot can be used as a skillet?

Food

Obviously you will need food, you can not count on catching fish or hunting to supply you with your needs. As a minimalist though, you should try to focus on food that takes up less storage space and that does not need refrigeration. Not having to take a cooler is a major space saver.

Clothing

You need clothing, but you do not need bulky clothing. Take items that you can wear in layers. That way you do not need old clothing or warm clothing, you can simply add or subtract layers as needed.

Recovery Gear

If your overland trip will involve off roading, you shoud bring along all of the necessary recovery gear like tow straps, come alongs and traction boards. The desire to save space does not trump proper trail safety.

First Aid Kit

Speaking of safety, even a minimalist overlanding trip should include a proper first aid kit. They take up little space and, if you end up needing it, you will be very thankful.

Odds & Ends

Every trip is different and will require different gear. Just be sure to ask yourself, “do I really need this”, before you pack it.

Why You Need To Switch To Minimalist Overlanding

There are many benefits to travelling light and minimalistically that you may not have considered before.

Save Money

The first one is that it will save you money on your travels, as you don’t need to buy all sorts of gear that you think you might need when going out into the wilderness. Simply buy the basics and trust that your skills will get you through your adventure.

Easier Travel

Another benefit is that it will make your life easier when traveling as it reduces the strain on your vehicle and keeps the clutter down. How often have you had to clear out an entire cargo area to find on piece of gear. If you are a minimalist, important gear will be much easier to find.

True Overlanding

Finally, it allows you to enjoy a more rugged experience. Sure, you are still traveling in a vehicle, but your camp time will be much more down to earth and to the point. If your overall idea is to rough it a bit, going minimal is the right direction for you.