Overlanding is Dead! Is it? Finally!!

[gbub]

I will be at the Expo tomorrow. It is right across the street from me, so I could not resist going for the first time.

It is hard to believe the trend has slowed down with all the vehicles waiting in line to get in today.

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[RBF 1401]

I've read about half of these 10 pages so far. I promise I will read the rest soon.

It reminds me of how my son often tells me: "You can make camping as simple or as complicated as you want."

 

[Spartan]

One thing many forget is how during '20 - '23 you had many folks with A LOT of additional income from working at home vs going to the office, sometimes both spouses, which amounted to a ton of personal income savings and with many not wanting to travel on planes or go anywhere, driving and hitting the country became a big trend.

Folks were spending A LOT of money on this hobby IMO like many others that are starting to dry up.

Most of that saved money is gone with return to work, inflation and the economy.

Just my 2c.







Reply

 

[swamp2]

Ok maybe I was being a bit hyperbolic with the 911 comparison, but for a 5000lbs SUV with 14” of suspension travel, she boogies when completely empty.

Yeah, I get what you are laying down. A Bronco Raptor certainly does better on the pavement than a 911 does off road. It total envelope of capability is just huge.

 

[HalfmuleFarmer]

One more take re: the term …

I think of ‘Overlanding’ as the sweet spot between camping on one end and off-roading on the other. With camping, the getting there is maybe scenic, but the point is the campsite experience, hiking, fishing, etc. With off-roading, the drive is the fun part—the challenge, the remoteness, getting to spots other vehicles will not, but getting home to a bed at night. Overlanding tries to combine the most fun parts of both. A more fun and exciting getting there experience but a bit less technical and less mod-intensive than true off-roading.

How much speciality gear does one need? Hard to say, maybe. Depends how many days your overland expedition is going to be and how far from civilization you’re actually going to end up. So I’m not going judge anyone. It’s cool to see all the expensive gear I’m never going to buy and I appreciate the art of prepping like one is going to the Himalayas. It gets obsessive and crazy for some, but that’s entertaining. Makes me think of the $150K lowriders in my neighborhood when I used to live in Los Angeles.

 

[Kmautah]

One more take re: the term …

I think of ‘Overlanding’ as the sweet spot between camping on one end and off-roading on the other. With camping, the getting there is maybe scenic, but the point is the campsite experience, hiking, fishing, etc. With off-roading, the drive is the fun part—the challenge, the remoteness, getting to spots other vehicles will not, but getting home to a bed at night. Overlanding tries to combine the most fun parts of both. A more fun and exciting getting there experience but a bit less technical and less mod-intensive than true off-roading.

This is a great comment. Spot on.

 

[mikeeshim]

Overlanding is just a way to keep the WAGS from coming.

 

[[DELETED MEMBER 27901]]

People buy an image.

So true on so many levels...

Jim Gaffigan has a bit on pickup trucks, "I don't actually need it, I just want to be associated with the work ethic!"

 

[Squatch]

I died of dysentery just looking at this picture.

 

[MadMan4BamaNATL]

So true on so many levels...

Jim Gaffigan has a bit on pickup trucks, "I don't actually need it, I just want to be associated with the work ethic!"

That one is a totally different topic that I won't even get started on. $100K pickups are the result of this phenomenon and that's a joke!

 

[jon]

Interesting topic! The more I watch this video the more I see it's just a puff piece to make himself feel good. Sorry @Desertchief. I think the presenter has a somewhat narrow perspective. While I agree that spotting fully loaded overland rigs stuck in LA traffic is always amusing, I see their real value in international travel or truly remote expeditions. In those cases, an overland rig isn’t just for show—it’s a necessity. From my own travels with this Bronco over the past few years, I’ve realized that in the U.S., truly remote places are rare. Fuel, water, and food are generally easy to find no matter where I go, thus negating the need for the overland rig for my travels.

He claims overlanding is “dying” but offers zero evidence—just points to Facebook Marketplace as proof. Real proof would be sales figures from the industry or an article with actual data, not a gut feeling based on fewer rooftop tents on the freeway that he didn't see. That said, yes, the COVID-era boom is slowing down—just like it did for every recreational sector that blew up during the pandemic.

He also blames overlanders for leaving trash and needing assistance on the trails, but let’s be real—that’s not exclusive to overlanders. I’ve seen plenty of people in non-overland rigs trashing trails and being unprepared. So have you. If the goal is to keep trails reserved for “real off-roaders,” maybe petition for a licensing program like they do for motorcycles.

And honestly, what even is a “real off-roader”? Do you have to compete in KOH to qualify? Who sits around declaring themselves the real deal? If anything, he’s just another influencer complaining about influencers—except, well… he is one.

TL;DR: Narrow-minded gatekeeping, hating on newcomers for doing things differently, and making claims without proof beyond “trust me, bro.” I’m no diehard fan of overland rigs and think they can become silly, but I’m also not a fan of haters.

Besides that @Desertchief your other content i've watched in the past is pretty solid. Just not this one. Cheers.

Just need to get out and about around Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Arizona, Wyoming ... actually better not go to those areas that are remote and lack resources. We like it remote and less folks.

 

[KT_bronco]

Just need to get out and about around Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, Arizona, Wyoming ... actually better not go to those areas that are remote and lack resources. We like it remote and less folks.

I've been to all of those states in my Bronco, what are you even trying to say?

 

[EasternSierra]

That one is a totally different topic that I won't even get started on. $100K pickups are the result of this phenomenon and that's a joke!

I want to look hard-working but I don't want my pretty truck to get dirty or scratched!

/s

 

[RBF 1401]

I've been to all of those states in my Bronco, what are you even trying to say?

I think he's just responding to the comment about food, and gas, and water always being near by. There are plenty of areas out west that you can easily get yourself a full day's drive or more away from the nearest store or gas or water.

For example, the Parashant National Monument recommends that, even if you only plan to drive around for the day, that you bring enough food and water for several extra days and TWO spare tires... and never go alone. It really is that remote, and there aren't any rangers patrolling around.

 

[KT_bronco]

I think he's just responding to the comment about food, and gas, and water always being near by. There are plenty of areas out west that you can easily get yourself a full day's drive or more away from the nearest store or gas or water.

For example, the Parashant National Monument recommends that, even if you only plan to drive around for the day, that you bring enough food and water for several extra days and TWO spare tires... and never go alone. It really is that remote, and there aren't any rangers patrolling around.

From my experience, food, water, and shelter are usually just a day or two away—which, in my unpublished book, isn’t all that remote. My Bronco gets about 150 miles off-road or so per tank, and in those gaps, there’s always some fuel available. It might be a little out of the way, but it’s there.

Is it smarter to carry extra fuel? Sure. Could you help someone who ran out? Absolutely. But my point in the original comment was that remote parts of the US are very rare. Take a look at the distribution of gas stations in the US vs Australia.

Hopefully, one day I’ll get to travel and overland in Western Australia, that’s been a goal of mine ever since I got into this. I think that’s when it would actually make sense for me to build a full-on overland rig, complete with a rooftop tent and as many jerry cans as I can possibly cram into it.

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