Noob Overlanding Advice

[N0madK1ng]

I'm looking to get into overlanding and exploring the beautiful outdoors and wanted to find out from those of you who have all the experience and knowledge on where I can start to read and learn about the basics, advice, tips, etc... Is there a go-to website for information like this?

I have so many questions and before I start asking, I'd rather read as much as I can from dedicated people and posts. Happy to read any quick recommendations from you all.

Are there any SoCal groups you can recommend that takes in those of us that are new on outings and is somewhat welcoming?

Note: I'm looking mostly into doing day trips with the family to start off. Eventually, when my boys get a little older, will I be looking to do some overnight stuff.

TIA!

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[MileHighCitizen]

Check out Trail Recon, he's a retired Navy Corpsman so he is very safety oriented and a decent starting point. He does a lot of gear/vehicle reviews, but also just general advice for off-roading and overlanding. His vids are very watchable and cover a range of topics. I'm not affiliated, just a retired Marine, so I am biased, but i like his demeanor and style overall.

https://www.youtube.com/@TrailRecon/videos

 

[dejones64]

Youtube search overlanding and you'll get a ton of ideas. That's where I started, and continue to keep up with the vids. Stuff is changing all the time. Don't feel you need to run out and purchase everything they have, nor purchase all the name-brand equipment. You can do this on a budget. Loads of fun and rewarding, outdoors and camping make for the best family outings.

 

[WillGoesBoing]

Not sure which part of SoCal you're from, but when I used to live in California I did a lot of car camping at Mt. Baldy and a few times in Mammoth. You want to start out going to campsites that you can back your car into a designated spot, they usually have firepits, benches, public bathrooms. The upside is it's great to start out with and IMO safer if you have a family because there's usually at least 4-7 other groups of people within the campsite in their own slots.

The downside is that it can be noisy if you got people playing music on the radio, or being rowdy. And it's not "overlandy" and adventurous, but if you're new to camping this is the best way to get your foot wet and see if it's for you.

 

[MNBigfoot]

Overlanding
o-ver-land-ing
verb
The act of adding a fridge to a 4x4

 

[N0madK1ng]

Check out Trail Recon, he's a retired Navy Corpsman so he is very safety oriented and a decent starting point. He does a lot of gear/vehicle reviews, but also just general advice for off-roading and overlanding. His vids are very watchable and cover a range of topics. I'm not affiliated, just a retired Marine, so I am biased, but i like his demeanor and style overall.

https://www.youtube.com/@TrailRecon/videos

Thank you so much for your service and the recommendation. I’m going to check this out.

 

[N0madK1ng]

Youtube search overlanding and you'll get a ton of ideas. That's where I started, and continue to keep up with the vids. Stuff is changing all the time. Don't feel you need to run out and purchase everything they have, nor purchase all the name-brand equipment. You can do this on a budget. Loads of fun and rewarding, outdoors and camping make for the best family outings.

Good advice. Thank you!

 

[N0madK1ng]

Not sure which part of SoCal you're from, but when I used to live in California I did a lot of car camping at Mt. Baldy and a few times in Mammoth. You want to start out going to campsites that you can back your car into a designated spot, they usually have firepits, benches, public bathrooms. The upside is it's great to start out with and IMO safer if you have a family because there's usually at least 4-7 other groups of people within the campsite in their own slots.

The downside is that it can be noisy if you got people playing music on the radio, or being rowdy. And it's not "overlandy" and adventurous, but if you're new to camping this is the best way to get your foot wet and see if it's for you.

Thanks for the suggestion! Did campsite camping a lot when I was a kid so I definitely know plenty of spots throughout SD county.

 

[totaljustice]

I would recommend at the very least, make sure you let friends or family where you're trip will be and when you expect to return, have equipment that you can use for self recovery(tow strap/chain, come along, etc), and a good first aid kit. There are lots of things you'll need but those things I mentioned will help keep your adventures from turning into a survival exercise. Good luck.

 

[SierraBronco]

Video with great overlanding tips!

 

[AZ_Craig]

Another comment if you are simply interested in getting out for 4WD day trips also (which it sounds like you are); I highly suggest Charles Wells' Fun Treks series of books. I have never used his California ones, but the Arizona, Moab and Colorado books are fantastic.

He also has a nice range of trips recommended ranging from a few hours to a few days (at least based on the latest edition of the Arizona book).

I agree with the other posted who recommended getting your feet wet with developed car camping also. Plan ahead though for premier campgrounds in places like National Parks as they often fill up pretty much as reservations are released, especially for Holiday periods and what not. This can also allow you to slowly build up more of the gear you'd want for legitimate boon docking (which I'll admit I don't tend to do a lot of since we like having access to showers).

 

[indio22]

Overlanding
o-ver-land-ing
verb
The act of adding a fridge to a 4x4

 

[DefNotBuddyLee]

All the Overlanders use Facebook. The good ones are a part of the following groups:
-I came here to argue about overlanding
-Overlanding for the poors
Feel free to join the ranks

 

[HolidayDog]

Check out the Backcountry Discovery Routes….typically these are motorbike routes but you can travel these routes in a 4x4 too. You can do sections and the maps are regularly updated.

this is the socal section…there are BDR trails in all the western states.

https://ridebdr.com/cabdr-south/

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