Summer is one of the best times of year to go on an overlanding trip. With schools releasing students for the season and many people taking time off from work, it’s the perfect chance to get the family together for a road trip. If you’re planning your own trip soon, here are some tips regarding what to pack for overlanding in the summer.
Safety Materials
Safety comes first when overlanding. Before you pack anything else, make sure you have the following safety essentials for your trip:
- Fire extinguisher
- First aid kit
- Tool kit
- Medications
- Traditional map
- Car jack
- Flashlight
- Sunscreen
These are a few of the basic supplies you should always take with you while overlanding, especially if you plan to camp out or participate in outdoor activities.
Chargers and Battery Packs
While some campsites offer battery charging stations for your smartphones and equipment, others are more remote and don’t feature these luxuries. Look into your overlanding destinations before you leave home to see if charging stations are available, and bring any chargers you may need. If they aren’t available at the site, you can also invest in portable battery packs that will allow you to power your phone and other devices on the go.
Cooking Supplies
Going overlanding encourages you to get creative with your cooking methods. Some overlanders bring portable stoves and griddles, while others prefer to cook over an open fire. Whichever method you choose, bring plenty of cooking utensils and cutlery to prepare and eat your food. If you’re cooking over a campfire, choose supplies that are fire-safe, such as fire grates and cast-iron pans.
Extra Food and Water
Once you have the necessary equipment for outdoor cooking, you will need to assemble the ingredients for meals. If you’re going to be gone for multiple days, it may be difficult to keep your cooler stocked with ice, so be sure to bring plenty of non-perishable ingredients. You should also have an ample supply of water, whether you bring several gallon jugs or a water filter. You’ll need to drink more water to replenish your energy during the summer and with all the extra activity, so keep this in mind while packing.
Get into the habit of bringing more food and water than you anticipate needing. This is a safe practice for emergencies, such as if you were to get stuck or stranded while overlanding. If you know you’re going overlanding in a remote area and it may be difficult to locate a source for gas, you might want to bring some extra fuel as well.
This list is a good starting point for the things you need to pack for your overlanding trip this summer. One of the benefits of overlanding in a 4Runner or a comparable spacious truck is that it offers plenty of room for both your passengers and supplies. And if you don’t have room for these essential supplies inside the vehicle, you can always add a trailer attachment or another additional form of storage.
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