Who this is for:

If you’ve ever thought “I’m not sure I count as an overlander” — this is for you.

Let’s clear the confusion

Overlanding gets overcomplicated fast. Social media has turned it into:

• extreme vehicles
  
• endless gear
  
• epic, month-long trips
  

That version puts a lot of people off — unnecessarily.

The simple definition

Overlanding is self-reliant travel where the journey matters as much as the destination.

That’s it.

Not:

• how far you go
  
• how expensive your setup is
  
• how remote the location looks on Instagram
  

What overlanding IS

• Travelling at your own pace
  
• Exploring back roads, tracks, and trails
  
• Carrying what you need with you
  
• Spending time outdoors (often overnight)
  
• Prioritising experience over speed
  

A weekend trip counts.

A single overnight counts.

A stock vehicle counts.

What overlanding ISN’T

❌ It’s not rock crawling

❌ It’s not extreme off-roading

❌ It’s not about flexing gear

❌ It’s not a competition

❌ It’s not only for experts

You don’t need:

• a winch
  
• a roof tent
  
• thousands in modifications
  
• years of experience
  

Camping vs Overlanding vs Off-roading

This trips a lot of people up.

Camping

• You go to a place
  
• You usually stay put
  

Off-roading

• The driving challenge is the focus
  
• Often short, technical routes
  

Overlanding

• The travel itself is the point
  
• You move through landscapes
  
• The experience unfolds over time
  

You can camp while overlanding.

You can off-road while overlanding.

But neither is required.

The biggest beginner myth

“I’ll start once I’m more prepared.”

The truth?

You get prepared by starting.

Every experienced overlander:

• started unsure
  
• made small mistakes
  
• learned as they went
  

You’re not behind. You’re right on time.

Your takeaway

If you:

• like exploring
  
• enjoy being outdoors
  
• want slower, more intentional trips
  

You already belong here.