Overlanding. Get out there.

I'm looking at a Pop Top setup, like a OVRLND, Topo Badlander, or a Project M. The thing I'm struggling with is that I often have a few kayaks, both on trips and just everyday excursions at local lakes. Loading yaks on a pop top appears like a massive PITA. Who's got a good solution to loading their yaks in an easy way that doesn't make you regret having the pop top all the time?

Hey guys and gals,

I’m a long time 4x4 camper and have plenty of experience camping in dispersed areas. I’m a relatively new dad my daughter is turning 2 in September.

I haven’t been camping with her yet but I’m finally starting to feel confident as a parent especially by myself and I’m feeling like now is the time to start. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was extremely nervous. I feel like there’s a lot more pressure to make sure I have everything we need. I guess it’s mostly all of the uncertainty that scares me especially with a little one depending on me.

I typically do solo trips as I appreciate spending time outside in solitude but with a child I feel a bit more nervous doing that. I don’t have a winch either.

Do any of you other parents out there have any tips or experience to share? I’d appreciate it.

I plan to cook one breakfast and two dinners and have cold cuts to keep cold. I’m thinking a 12V fridge might be overkill. Plus I don’t think my 1000W Jackery will have enough juice to power it plus charge my phone.

Which one would you bring for a 2 day trip?

What power station would tall recommend for no more than $700. Torn between the bluetti ac 180 or the jackery explorer 1000 v2 that’s about to come out. I do not really know much about either of them.

Game changing! My little guy giving a demo lol

https://youtube.com/shorts/Zphz003A_Mg?si=y8-UHf3EuVHyNG3T

Anyone know of a way of discretely mounting spare fuel on your vehicle so that it doesn’t look like fuel and tempt someone to steal? I was thinking about using those translucent looking Jerry cans or just something that doesn’t immediately stand out as having gas in it.

Overall great time with my son. Shakedown night fishing trip

As the title says. I am trying to overland Africa on a vehicle I buy in SA. Do I need a Carnet and if so, from which country?

Many trails say “permit required” they are all trails on blm land havent really looked into blm land just know what I’ve been told. Where, how, and who to get a permit from for things like this?

Hi everyone,

I'm planning a trip and noticed some tire tracks in unmarked areas of the Big Creek Conservation Area in Missouri on Google Maps satellite view. I'm wondering if it's legal to drive off-road in these areas. I know the rules can vary, but I'm looking for general guidance or personal experiences.

Are there specific regulations I should be aware of for the Big Creek Conservation Area? How strictly are these rules enforced? Also, any tips on where to find official maps or contact the right authorities for accurate information would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Google is officially making me think I’m thinking about this way too hard, I figure this would be the place to ask since it’s specifically about overlanding/bugout.

I’m new to it all, haven’t even got the vehicle yet, but I am a freak for researching everything to death before I fully commit. The more I understand what I’m doing, the better. Don’t expect to be an expert by any means, just like to be well informed.

Anyway, question at hand has to do with solar/battery charging. I’m thinking of getting some lifepo batteries (5-10kw depending) to run a variety of things depending on the occasion, from a fridge/freezer to 12v A/C and temporary ham stations, projectors and lights, RV water pump and osmosis filter for field collection/showering, etc etc. wether it’s a weekend glamp with the wife and friends, or an actual weeklong trip, I want to have the capability.

For charging, I’m considering a 400w fold-out setup atop the truck, and with an upgraded alternator to charge while driving. I’ve also considered having 200w of the solar open mounted to supplement charge while driving, and that’s where I’m getting stuck.

When it comes to charging an independent battery, would a single charge controller with solar and 12v input be what I need, or is there a correct way to use 2 charge controllers (solar and dc12v) hooked to the same battery(ies) to charge? Based on what I’m seeing from marine forums, most people are hooking the alternator directly to the battery to be charged, but I would like to keep my engine’s battery independent from the lifepo so there’s no chance of draining it with accessories and being stuck while solar gets it up to turnover charge, or having to jump.

Am I overthinking the problem, or can I just get 2 charge controllers and connect them both to the same battery with a bus (from solar and an inverter or 12v from the car) or should I be doing something else?

I’m not certain if this is the best subreddit to be asking but would there be any safety issues with keeping a deep cycle style battery in the same small space you’re sleeping in? I’ve heard things about batteries off gassing and not to keep them in living spaces but is this true for Lifepo4 deep cycle batteries?

I’d love to get into Overlanding and possibly do a big trip across the country, I am in search of some things for my Toyota Tacoma if anyone is trying to sell anything. I’m located in New Jersey but will travel for the right product(s) Thanks

Watched project Farms vid about winches and planned on getting a zeak winch but they’re no longer available. Is there any other good option at a similar price range?

I had a '99 XJ for a while and I loved that thing. Worked on it a lot. Broke down a lot. Learned a lot.

Now I'm looking for something to spend my time building out for simple trips. Over the weekend kind of things. Am curious when the sort of year cutoff for being able to work on and fix things yourself is. I'm pretty handy and capable mechanic, but it seems like sometime around 2015 maybe they all just become computers and its impossible to do anything on your own?

Do any of you run a 12 volt extension cord from a secondary battery to your tent?

You’re out on a rough 4x4 road and your tire goes flat. Are you finding a flat spot and changing the tire with the spare, or using an off-road tire repair kit with tire patches and T-handle probes? And how does one get skilled at repairing a tire if you’ve never had to use tire patches and T-handle probes?

As the title suggests I’m looking to get into overlanding. I just bought a 4 door wrangler Willy’s edition and I’m going to start out on some basic trails or fire roads.

What are some must haves besides a med kit, tool kit, etc.? I live on the east coast so will be spending most of my time in the Appalachian mountains

I've been planning an overlanding trip recently and have looked at a lot of brands. ARB and Dometic are way out of my budget. I'm looking for something that can support over 600 lb and has a capacity of more than 50 QT. Additionally, I'd prefer a product with an integrated battery solution to make my journey more convenient and longer-lasting.

Any recommendations? Thanks for sharing!