Contributed by Beth Hondlik
Zeus Off Road Overland Prep Camp 2024
Know Before You Go - The Basics of Overland Trip Planning
If you missed the Overland Prep Camp 101 recently, we had a chance to share our strategy for trip planning. The process is pretty much the same regardless of trip length or number of people. The gear we choose to carry will change, but not our planning process. We have found this works for us and helps to ensure we aren't missing something essential.
Plan your overland route carefully using GPS tools and Google Maps and information about the area.
Research terrain and weather.
Inspect your rig and perform any maintenance
Plan your supplies
Keep emergency gear handy and not buried and make sure everyone knows where it is.
Keep notes of your trip to fine-tune your packing, route, etc.
Overland Basics Checklist
Pre-trip Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection
Map/GPS - Tablet, Paper, Sights/stops, Campsites, distances, etc.
Recovery Gear
tool kit, winch, straps, traction boards, tire plugs, air compressor, extra 10mm socket
Comms - Radio, Satellite, Cell phone, Internet
Tent/Sleeping/Shelter
Sleeping bags, pads, cots, pillows, etc.
Water - 1-2 Gallons per person per day
Food - plan meals - stock pantry
First Aid Kit
Clothes for the conditions - Layers! Wicking / Warmth / Weather (water/wind)
Camp Essentials
Cooler or refrigerator
Chairs
Table
Stove
Cookware
Firewood / Fire-starters
Power - Solar, On board air, etc
Heat Source
Cards, Books, Music
Lantern
Rule of 3 for Packing
We try to stick to 3 prepacked ready-to-go cases for essentials (besides clothes) to make it easy to pack and go. It can be more when we do longer trips or trips with more people and we are doing the cooking for say 20+ people. That requires some additional gear we wouldn't carry for just the two of us.
You can customize them however you want to your style of overland adventure or specific needs for your trip. This helps reduce forgotten items and prevent overpacking. You will find that you will refine your packing to the stuff you really need by using this method. For clothes, we try to stay to one case per person, with one case for extra weather gear as needed.
We use the Plano Sportsman's Tote that measures 24"x12"x13". We custom-built a rack for these in our Gladiator, so they work perfectly for us. Everyone's storage system is unique, so find what works for you.
Dry Goods
This case functions as our pantry. We keep it stocked with spices, flour, canned goods, etc. We will restock before or after each trip, according to our meal plan.
Canned Goods
Dry Pasta
Spaghetti Sauce
Crackers,
Cereal
Dried Fruit/Granola/Nuts
Drink Mixes
Spices
Olive Oil
Coffee
Sugar/Flour
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Hot Cocoa
Soup or Dip Mixes
Hard Goods
Think of this as kitchen and cooking supplies. We try to be as efficient as possible. You really don't need to bring everything, including the kitchen sink. Find things that are useful, multipurpose, and easy to clean up. They don't need to be expensive items. You can find great camping things at Walmart as you can at REI.
Compact stove
Utensils and Dishes
Cookware
Knives/Cutting Board
Collapsible Wash Basin
Papergoods
Wet Wipes
Water Purification
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Bags or Containers
Trash Bags
Propane
Lighter
Toilet Paper
Dishtowels
Camp Comfort These are the things that offer creature comforts in your camp in case you decide to layover an extra day or two if you find an exceptionally great camp spot.
Wash Basin
Soap/Towels
Trashbags
Insulated Mugs/Tumblers
Roasting Sticks
Extra Batteries
Lanterns/Lights
Blue Tooth Speaker
Extra Charging Cords
Deck of Cards/Cribbage/Dice
Journal/Pen
Extra gloves, beanies, neck gaitor
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Staying organized and having a place for everything is much easier when you plan it that way and keep it that way. You spend less time looking for things, and more time enjoying your adventure.
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