15 BIGGEST Mistakes Every Overlander Makes
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- Опубликовано: 30 май 2024
- We've all been there out there on an overland adventure and forget something, got lost or brought the wrong gear. In this video I share with you the most common mistakes I've made over the years along with the once that most everyone else makes as well.
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Mistake: Overthinking. Watching too many RUclips videos about overlanding and not getting out there enough to experience it yourself. Guilty!
The most important thing when you're getting started is to just go. You don't need much other than a great attitude, safety equipment, and a capable vehicle. When I got started, we just threw our backpacking gear in the back of the Jeep and hit the trail.
Nice reply!@@TrailRecon
The harder you think about it, the more stuff you'll bring that you absolutely don't need
Seriously 😅😂😂
Guilty as charged. As a Jeep camper moving into the overlanding phase, I've spent way too much time on RUclips and with my nose in catalogs researching "the build" and not just taking that first step out the door. I've since learned it doesn't need to be epic to be enjoyable and memorable. See you all outdoors. Hooyah!
Focusing too much on creating content or taking so many pics that you forget to enjoy the adventure itself. Viewing the world through a screen isn't the same as taking it all in with your eyes and senses. Sometimes it's ok to just enjoy a moment without taking a picture of it or posting about it. That being said, thank you so much for what you to do bring us along on your adventures. Truly top tier quality.
I'm thankful for all the content we have filmed over the years so we are able to go back and relive some of it, but you are absolutely correct, sometime you need to put the camera gear away and just soak it all in! Thank you!
AMEN!!
To each their own. My wife tells our stories to family and friends using her photo album
The first BIG ONE you missed Brad is MONEY!! Not having enough money or "emergency reserve" to deal with something i.e. Emergency repair, Recovery, Tow, etc.... while on a trip specifically a big trip. This is especially true for those who try traveling alone first before being very experienced. They get out there, then something happens, then spend thousands, then have to deal with the end result which could continue to cost them money for example if they have to use a credit card with a high interest rate etc..
I have a controversial view on overlanding. If you are running difficult trails you aren’t overlanding IMO, you are Rocklanding. An overland adventure isn’t about the challenging trail, it is about the exploration and experience. Off the beaten path adventures don’t really require difficult challenging trails. Granted some awesome backcountry areas are only accessible via tough routes. I just think those are exceptions. Great adventures are enjoyable and don’t require rock crawling even if rare occasions they do. (Adventure count:3)
As always - great videos Brad.
I don't think that is controversial at all. I would agree that some people who like to rock crawl will find useful gear from the overland crowd. I get a lot of my gear for "overlanding" from the backpacking industry. I wouldn't say I'm a backpacker, but maybe an overlander.
Love this!
Exactly, the surface under your wheels is irrelevant to overlanding. If you are out exploring trails and tracks for the sole purpose of exploring tracks and trails, you are off roading, not overlanding.
I would agree completely. I have been guilty of that many times!!! Even in my approach to building my rigs in the past. I seem to trend towards way more suspension and tire than I probably need which has tradeoffs. Having enough bandwidth to handle some difficult terrain for a section of trail but also being able to cover miles in comfort is the goal, but again big tires and suspension are cool so...
Very true, the only thing that I would add is that overlanding involves moving... Exploring a larger area than simply finding a camp spot and staying there for the duration.
For those of us that daily drive our adventure vehicle I recommend practice packing your gear in your vehicle. Being efficient in your ability to "tetris" your gear into the vehicle is an excellent time saver and will help you not forget important items. Develop a pack up system that works for you.
oh you are so on point. so true.
Good point. I know where everything goes and can prepare for a trip very quickly. On the other hand, some of my friends, each we go for a trip it is like they are starting from scratch gathering stuff and figuring out where to put it.
I have been over landing for 40+ years we used to just call it camping and having fun I’m not sure when the Overland thing started I remember putting a two person dome tent on top of my K5 blazer and people looked at me funny and 80s like what are you doing, why is your tent on top of your vehicle? It’s been fun I still do it. I enjoy this lifestyle. Thank you for all the hard work you . Don and Donna hope idaho
Yes, it used to be called "camping"!!!! Now people have to make a whole discipline out of it. That's ok. I still call it camping, whether I'm in my Subaru or my van.
By the way, I had a little cabin about 7 miles NE of Clark Fork, ID for some years. Lots of beautiful location in north Idaho.
Overland travel has been around for ages. Look up Gary and Monika Wescott (Turtle Expedition) they’ve been traveling the world in 4x4s since the 60s. There are others as well. Germans are probably the biggest segment of overland travelers (they’re all over South America / Africa) there are some awesome trips from the 50s as well.
In the late 90s photos of overlanding started popping up in US magazines (at least that’s when I first saw it). Naturally off road and camping photos are more interesting than being parked at a border crossing or sleeping in a gas station. From there interest grew in print and people started associating overlanding with light off-roading and camping. Then the internet multiplies those misconceptions and social media once again.
At the end of the day it doesn’t matter… and there’s no reason someone can’t built an overland inspired vehicle. But there is a lot of confusion and such when influencers and their fans start throwing “overlanding” around like it means camping in a 4x4. 🤷🏻♂️
FUN!!
It is important to understand dispersed camping rules. In most places, setting up for camping can only occur when the ground is already disturbed. So often we see people setup camp after driving across untouched terrain. The land managers take note of this and it contributes to the possibility of trail closures.
What is your favorite resource for planning out dispersed camping sites and checking rules? So many of the campground apps are flooded with incorrect listings that as a newbie I'm never sure where to turn for reliable info.
@@EPiQ_cRnational forest websites. BLM land rules online. You can’t always really plan out dispersed camp spots without actually physically being there. That’s the beauty of it, it’s not an established camp spot that needs to be reserved online. Use common sense, don’t drive off the trail. But you can park your vehicle on the trail(where safe and not blocking the road) and bring your camping gear off the trail obviously.
For me, I learned it was important to have some ideas of possible dispersed campsites before setting out. I had too many experiences where I just planned to camp in a general area and assumed campsites would be easy to find if I knew an area had some. That’s not always the case, and it’s no fun to be wandering around aimlessly when you’re tired and want to make camp. So now when planning a trip I will look at satellite views of the area on Gaia maps and pre-mark things that look like they might be campsites from above.
Can't you just park anywhere, or do you need a campsite?
Awesome! I remember that Baja trip when my Jeep turned into a Hobie Cat!
Only thing I can think of is to have a couple of navigation tools. Technology is great but even those things go on the blink. Having a good set of paper back up maps of the area you're exploring is something our group always has. I grew up with maps and am techno challenged but getting better. I seem to use paper maps quite a bit, still to this day.
"two is one and one is none." I agree. When taking my boat out up in AK I would have all kinds of navi gear. Radar, Compass, Sat Phone, Maps, Even Sonar could help in a heavy fog if you knew about where you were and knew the coast. And Radio is also a navi tool.
Brad love your adventures (24)! Biggest mistake is thinking everything has to be EPIC! Checking boxes instead of enjoying the moment and people your with!
Yeppers , stinking thinking that everything has to be EPIC .. lol / Enjoying the adventure doesn't have to mean it's time to put your mind in neutral by selecting auto pilot ... carelessness , can be dangerous ... especially when your along ways from civilization .. I select to gain distance from human life , becoming more mindful of my surroundings .. it's getting more difficult to get away from human life's persistence to be noisy & let everyone know they are a coming ... there's not many of us left who enjoy blending into natures quiet stillness ...
One thing that I would recommend after being stranded and broke for over 2 1/2 months with no income, living off just the supplies in my rig, is having enough dry staples like starches: potatoes, pasta, rice, water, and then sauces, or vegetables to go with those starches. You can go a long time was just a basic food ingredients. Most people bring the stuff they like the comfort food, the home food, but having some basic staples when things get tough can be a lifesaver.
Having a checklist and updating it really helps. Check your equipment such as lantern mantles and airbed caps. Gas cans that don't leak on bumpy roads. Pre- cook food so propane isn't wasted. Have fun 😊
Back in the days we just called it camping and trust me we did a lot of what ya'll now call Overlanding!
I think the most important thing is some thing I heard my grandfather or one of my uncles. Tell me when I was a young kid and that was we’re out here for an adventure, and sometimes that means you have to adapt. Remembering that you’re on an adventure and saying it’s all part of the adventure will help when things are a little tough.
I come from a thru-hiking background and I've learned that the simpler the set-up is the harder it is to forget something. I actually just use my backpacking gear in my truck.
#1 for us is the too much drive time, especially with shorter days. I hate getting into camp after dark, especially when I spend the last hours rushing to get there. Plan fewer ‘places’ to see and spend more time enjoying the ones you have time for. There’s always another adventure and it gives you something else to plan for.
I've learned over the years that slowing down just makes everything more enjoyable.
Agree! I'd rather take my time, spend less time driving and more time hiking, enjoying camp, etc.
@@TrailRecon How do I find people to go with? Going alone is pretty dangerous.
Not only checking trail conditions, check the routes themselves! Showing up to a trail and finding out in the middle of it requires more vehicle capability can really make the trip stressful. Especially with the family in the vehicle.
I have mentioned this before...if you are on a maintenance medication...(ie blood pressure) it is a bummer to get to camp and realize you forgot your meds. I keep and rotate a few days of meds in my gear...just in case. Thanks for the "lessons learned" video...I have made my share!
I keep a couple of days in my truck as well and cycle it - getting stuck in a highway closure can be as much of problem as forgetting it.
Something to consider is packing too much. It's a fine balance. You might throw something in there just in case, never use it, take it out, and then invariably the next time you go out you'll need it. Or not. There's a balance of loading up with too much unnecessary stuff, especially when it takes space of something important. It's also nice to be able to see out the back window.
The first couple of times we went out, I didn't pack enough. Then I started overpacking. It's getting better, but still working on finding that good balance.😊
Great point. Comes back to the shakedown run. I too prioritize seeing out the back window!
the less you have, the more freedom you have
I bring my food saver and vacuum seal bags on long trips to reseal meats and put them into my cooler or fridge. Really helps keep them from spoiling and saves sticky messes
When you hit the trailhead air down your tires. Can make a big difference in many situations. Have a good exhaust system as many don't care to here your rig over anything else or from 5 miles away, nor does the wildlife.
Make sure you have some form of emergency communication and tell people a general idea of your plan especially if you go solo.
Definitely great advice! I included that tip in my "12 Mistakes Every New Off-Roader Makes" video, #8, ruclips.net/video/hGZc4sy9qik/видео.htmlsi=ZH3ulVSoqDYM9iLG. 👍
Lots of great tips. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with your rig on basic trails. 3/4 weeks of ownership and still getting to know her limits even before adding mods. Can do!
You are so awesome. For me, less is more, so I'm not overloading. My goal is to do the perfect rig as a minimalist. No top tent, no awning, no heavy fridge, etc. I want to do rock crawling and be agile. Lets figure it out. Thanks for all the inspiration.
Great video packed with useful information!!!
Hi Brad, following your channel for a long time. Since 2016 I have my Rubicon Unlimited and one of the first items I bought, was a trash bag. Even here in Germany we try to keep the Nature clean and when ever I see that somebody "forgot" tocollect his trash, I take it to th next garbage center, costs me nothing and the nature stays clean
Great to hear!
Thanks for sharing this. Very helpful points.
Thanks for sharing, my friend. Add this to your list of great well informed videos!
Top of your gear check list, or mine at least: toilet paper or wipes.
For newbies in any outdoor activity, share your plan of area and return time with close ones if you should be late for any unfortunate reason.
I have a water spray bottle which works great..no tissue to dig or carry .. Moslems around the globe only use water.
So Many Good things to remember. Thank you
Great Video! Very informational. I just bought a red 2019 Rubicon and cant wait to build it!!
Awesome and very helpful video Doc.
I’m a huge checklist guy! Having tuned and added to it over the years, it feels very complete now and saves me every trip
Great video and great Tips. I Don’t own or have driven a 4 wheeler, but I love your videos and image me there with you guys. Keep up the good videos Brad🤙😎
Infomative video, Brad. Well done!
Very valuable tips 👍.❤ This is the output of huge experience of yourself thanks 🙏 for sharing.😊❤
Hello doc. I’m a fireman/paramedic retiring doon in Orange County but we love San Diego County. Looking for a gladiator now to be a dd as well as an overlander and going through all of your videos. Thanks for all of the info and I hope to see you on the trail someday. Cheers!
Every one you've made I've made. I have been doing this since the 80's and I still make mistakes. What I can say is embrace the suck and correct it as soon as you can. Be strategic and do the best to make the best out of a situation. I started in an FJ-60 with my wife and we slept in the back and those trips were some of the best times of our life. You sir know your stuff and thanks for the video.
Great topic and video as always!
Great discussion! Thanks, Brad! I’ve definitely made some of those mistakes.
Man, that swing gate has seen things. I’d love to hear a story about all of those dents.
Great video! Thanks for mentioning about putting out your camp fire and making sure it is dead out. I can't tell you how many times I have been to fires as a firefighter, that were started by unattended camp fires or abandoned camp fires so always carry extra water and a shovel with you. Covering smoldering wood with dirt doesn't always work to put it out. Also, carry a good first aid kit with some burn gel in case you get burned from cooking or dealing with a camp fire.
I like the “adventure” counter! I’m glad you don’t take things too seriously.
Simply love watching you,such an awesome man,and very repectful and informative..i always learn alot from you and hopping one day i get to meet you
Thank you so much!
Very good information. Working on a Sierra build.
I really like that jacket! Hey you are spot on with this advice. So true.
Man you're the kind of person I want to run into on a trip and have a nice long chat in the evening, really enjoyed that video thank you
I would love it if you could make a video of what you bring and what goes in the trailer, what you feel is the most important, I would find this 100% usefull! Thanks for all that you do
Last year we pulled up to a smoldering fire next to a beautiful lake. As we sat there chatting about it- it literally flared up and lit!!!
Hi Brad, thank you so much for this video. Very informative. I hope you and the family have a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving.
You are so welcome
Something that isn't talked about very often is personal protection.
There are a lot of different ways to protect yourself and it would be good to see more content that touches on this subject.
Firearms are only one means of protection. Knowing other options could come in handy someday.
Another excellent tutorial by Brad.
Glad you enjoyed it
As a jeep lover, i apprciate your lessons.
Great video Chief !!!
My big deal on any type of travel is navigation.
So many of us rely on our GPS or Google maps but I still have a paper map (or map book) and a compass whenever I’m on an overland trip or a long road trip. The funny thing is the last time I had to navigate with a map was on a paved backroads trip across Texas.
I honestly think you have the makings for a great book starting with your list and then adding what your viewers contribute
Agreed. I keep a map book in the vehicle. I should add a small compass too.
Webster's defines my commute to work as overlanding, that's awesome! My 64 Galaxie convertible is an overlander! Take that 4x4s!
These are my favorite tidbit tips! Thanks for all these tips! Not starting adventuring sooner!
Glad you like them!
Thanks for sharing great lessons!!! . Would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm enjoying your "mistake videos."
#3, adding more and more weight up high.
Love this info! Thanks! The don't be loud part really resonated with me.. out of all the things you said, people being loud at night ruins camping for me faster than anything! I would rather put up with the worst weather conditions than a group that listens to music till midnight. I have 4 young kids and my wife with me most of the time and we are usually pretty early to bed..
Hi Brad! Loved the ‘Adventure’ counter!!
Thanks! As I was editing, I couldn't believe how many times I said "adventure," so I thought it would be fun to point it out. 😂
My tip is to invest in a Zoleo. It could prevent disaster. It truly is a piece of mind. This reduces stress. Also make sure spare tire has air in it!
Good point! I have a Garmin Inreach Mini. If I get stuck in back of beyond with no cell signal, at least I can still contact someone.
Just came across your channel. You seem like a genuinly kind person. Keep it up mate
Welcome to the channel!
Great video! Add this: if you encounter someone else’s trash either along a trail or at a campsite, clean it up. Trash begets more trash and makes everyone feel terrible. Leave no trace so areas remain open to travel through and everyone enjoys it.
Great tips and I've already had a couple of those learning opportunities!! On that last tip I was waiting to hear Semper Gumby slip out...totally agree that attitude can really make the difference and in several of my adventures (1) the challenges that cropped up were the things that made a good trip a great trip.
Sometimes the best trips don't go according to plan.
Nicely said
I heard the most hilarious bear prevention technique in a hiking group I'm in. The person who posted said every other camp the bear attempted to or succeeded into breaking in. She and her friend is vegetarian. The bear apparently circled their campsite twice and left without trying anything. 🤣
In my experience the adventures that did not go well make the best stories later in life. Have a great attitude, be flexible, have fun!
Lol, just got back from a longer distance test run and made at least three of these mistakes. Thanks Brad, appreciate the content. My lessons learned list is fairly long. That's OK, I tell myself, as long as it gets shorter 😁
Great video, Brad!
So glad I was drinking coffee. Had I been playing a drinking game I’d have been drunk within 5min of the “Adventure” drinking game. Great vid! So true.
Last kne is huge. I have to remind myself and everyone that its ok for things to go wrong. And after its all over the things that went wrong are what makes that particular trip memorable. One example we planeed a vacation to Florida and hurricane was off shore that week. We were stuck inside a lot but years later we still talk about that rime more than when the weather was perfect. Just enjoy whatever life you get live
I like your 15 mistakes of overlander make. I'm building a landcruiser 80 series for overlanding. This will help me check for noises of the vehicle & in the vehicle. thank you for the tips on the 15 Biggest mistakes every overlander makes. but there maybe more.
Putting out campfires... Our 4-year-old son tripped and fell into a fire pit that had not been properly doused by the previous occupants of a campsite near Truckee, CA. He ended up with 3rd degree burns on one hand, and multiple skin graft surgeries to retain function. Please, please, PUT YOUR FIRE OUT. Drown, stir, and feel. If it's hot, fix it. Thanks Brad, for a reminder that can't ever get old.
I make sure to keep at least 1 PlanB in the glovebox at all times. I'm glad I covered that, at least
Props for mentioning a shelter half!! That dates us for sure! I hated those things, would rather have a poncho hooch!
Thank you for this video. I am new to jeeping. I just bought my first Jeep. A 2024 Jeep Rubicon Wrangler with Xtreme Recon. I am interested in learning about overlanding. My wife and I are excited. We have soo much to learn and do. I am Active Duty Army stationed in Germany and don't even know where to begin. So your videos are so helpful, inviting, and fun. If anyone has any info that can help guide me in Europe, I am open and listing. Thanks.
I've definitely made a few of those. The most memorable was not checking the weather beforehand. Got camp all set up and the wind started picking up and shifting directions. Asked my buddy if he checked the weather, and he said he thought that I did. Finally got enough cell signal to pull up radar, and yep, thunderstorms headed toward us!
Guilty of many. One big drawback of folks NOT getting out there is afraid to get out of their comfort zone. You WILL take a wrong turn, run into bad weather, disagree with a travel buddy, not pack enough, but its all good. Definity have contingencies, and a plan C if need be. The more you get out the better you will be. Thank you bruh!! Oh, and remember to pack you paw friends too. Our fur-babies love the outdoors as much as we do.
Great video!
I have done backpacking and car/truck camping for many decades. And one item you mention is a checklist, which I HIGHLY recommend. Also, have as many backups like NASA when car camping as practicable. More than one knife, light source, cooking source, fire starting source, water source etc. Redundancy baked in. A tool kit with cordage, wire, tools.... when things break.
Very informative
We always stop at Ranger stations to get local info and free maps. You never mentioned about having enough fuel for the drive. We had to camp in a field overnight because the gas station we had planned to use was closed on a Sunday.
I've learned running out of beer is a bummer.
Thanks for all the good info. Also check out BSA 10 essentials..I keep them in every vehicle even non off road.
Very good comments. Here are a couple others: always prepare for changing weather (you did touch on this) and always have redundant communication methods. Lastly, prepare for navigation failures. For instance, depending on cell signal without downloading offline maps and not having a paper back up can be a disaster. Always make sure you have a back up navigation aide.
You had a mattress in the field? Sheer luxury!
Checklist as a definite I downsize from an RV and I had a checklist for that and it makes it a lot easier to just see everything to know it was in my Jeep now
Thank you. Im a newbie. I went on vacation a few months ago and brought way too much stuff lol. I've learned less is more fun
It's something we all learn. The more you get out there, the more you'll learn what you do and don't need.
That is a true hand shandy vehicle.
That's why I got a Gladiator for most camping. If I went on crazy off-road trails, I'd get a Wrangler and bring backpacking/camping gear to live on the ground and not things like roof top tents (a Yeti will last you 5 days )etc. Don't need all kinds of fancy crap that pertains to the vehicle. The biggest thing is that a lot of new overlander people have minimal experience camping or backpacking especially and learning how to live in the wilderness. Just my opinion.
Trusting the gear to do its thing. My most recent outing had some downhill that was complicated and taking so much brainpower to manage. I turned on my downhill assist in the JLU to manage the speed and the degree of relief i got to just focus on directing the rig was unmeasurable it felt so good.
I can get caught up in the like siren call to analog and do it all myself. These trucks have more tech now than ever and for a very good reason, to make it easier and have fun.
So... if ya got it, use it.
Hello Brad, I've been a subscriber to your channel for a while now, one point you touched on briefly... slow down and enjoy the trip! I totally agree, I made a complete video on this point exactly. Hope to meet you on the trail someday, thanks for the quality videos.
Sincerely
Charlie @ Jeep Psychology 101
My definition of an adventure is “something that challenges you while you’re living it, but you revel in it afterwards as you retell it time and time again.” Skillet
Always plan for the worst. Make sure you have enough fuel to get out to refuel somewhere. First aid, lighting, and a communication back up in case plan b doesn’t work. Extra food and water and plan to take time for a side route for a vista or extra miles for a different camping location.
Last trip of the year over the weekend - tried to go to Arches park with the Cherokee... was not supposed to snow. Had my diesel heater etc... Snowed hard. Oh well! LOL
I recognize that bear stock footage from the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, MT. Cool place to visit.
I will be waiting for you with my JKU here in Japan!
Thank-you
Thank you
I have a stock Jeep but a winch has helped me on my solo adventures numerous times. Dirt and sandy roads may seem ok to drive on until your wheels begin to spin and you're stuck in place. Traction boards help (kinda) but a winch has always helped get out of those situations. Also, good set of A/T tires (or M/T if you don't mind the tire sounds on highways).
Is it dangerous to go off-road alone? I have a Titan Pro-4x so not as capable as your jeep.