When I first started looking into overlanding, I made the mistake of thinking I needed everything—rooftop tent, fridge, full kitchen setup, expensive recovery gear. But the truth is, you don’t need all that to get out there.
So, if you’re just getting started, here’s the bare minimum gear list to make your first overlanding trip a success. This is the stuff that keeps you safe, comfortable, and not stranded in the middle of nowhere.
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1. Shelter & Sleeping Setup
Unless you already have a built-out rig with a rooftop tent (I don’t… yet), a simple ground tent or truck bed setup works just fine. Here’s what you need:
✅ Tent or Sleeping Setup – Any decent tent will do, or you can sleep in your truck with a good sleeping pad.
✅ Sleeping Bag – Get one rated for the temps you’ll be camping in. Cold nights suck.
✅ Sleeping Pad or Air Mattress – Trust me, sleeping on the hard ground is NOT fun.
Budget Tip: Skip the $1,000 rooftop tent for now. A solid ground tent works just fine, and you can always upgrade later.
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2. Food & Cooking Gear
Eating cold granola bars for three days straight isn’t ideal. Here’s the basic cooking setup:
✅ Camp Stove – A simple propane or butane stove works great.
✅ Fuel – Always bring extra. Running out of fuel in the middle of cooking sucks.
✅ Cookware – A cast iron pan or small pot for boiling water is plenty to start.
✅ Utensils & Knife – Fork, spoon, spatula, and a decent camp knife.
✅ Cooler or Basic Fridge – If you don’t have a 12V fridge, a decent cooler with ice works fine.
✅ Water Storage – At least 2 gallons per person per day for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Budget Tip: The $20 Coleman stove and a $50 Yeti knockoff cooler are plenty for a beginner setup.
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3. Vehicle Essentials & Recovery Gear
If you’re leaving paved roads, you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Here’s the bare minimum:
✅ Full-Size Spare Tire & Jack – If you get a flat, you better have the tools to fix it.
✅ Basic Tool Kit – Wrenches, screwdrivers, tire repair kit, duct tape, zip ties (lifesavers).
✅ Jump Starter or Jumper Cables – No one wants to be stranded with a dead battery.
✅ Traction Boards or a Shovel – If you get stuck in sand, mud, or snow, these can save you.
✅ Air Compressor – Airing down your tires helps in off-road terrain. A cheap 12V compressor works fine.
Budget Tip: Harbor Freight sells a decent air compressor and tool kit for under $100 total.
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4. Navigation & Communication
Don’t rely on cell service—it won’t always be there.
✅ Offline Maps (Gaia, OnX, or Google Maps) – Download maps before you go.
✅ Paper Map & Compass – In case tech fails (it happens).
✅ GMRS/FRS Radio or CB – Useful for convoy trips or emergencies.
✅ Portable Power Bank – Keeping your phone charged is important.
Budget Tip: The free version of Gaia GPS works great for offline maps, and cheap GMRS radios can be had for under $50.
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5. Safety & First Aid
If something goes wrong, you need to be able to handle it.
✅ First Aid Kit – A solid one with bandages, meds, and trauma supplies.
✅ Fire Extinguisher – Vehicle fires are rare, but not impossible.
✅ Headlamp & Flashlight – Being stuck in the dark sucks. Bring extra batteries.
✅ Multitool – A Leatherman or similar tool is always handy.
✅ Emergency Blanket – Just in case you get stuck overnight.
Budget Tip: Most of this stuff can be found at Walmart or Amazon for cheap. No need to get tactical military-grade gear.
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6. Miscellaneous Must-Haves
✅ Trash Bags – Pack out what you pack in. Don’t be that guy.
✅ Camping Chair – Sitting on the ground sucks.
✅ Tarp or Ground Cover – Useful for shade or working under your vehicle.
✅ Extra Clothes & Layers – Weather changes fast, be prepared.
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Final Thoughts: Start Simple, Upgrade Later
If you take nothing else from this, just remember: you don’t need to go broke to start overlanding. This checklist is everything you need to get out there safely and comfortably without spending a fortune.
As I go on more trips, I’ll be testing gear, upgrading my setup, and figuring out what’s actually worth the money. But for now, this is where I’m starting.
So what do you think—did I miss anything essential? Let me know in the comments!
Beginner Overlanding Gear Checklist: What You Actually Need to Get Started
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