If you’re anything like me, the words “Overlanding” and “budget” don’t usually go together. I always imagined Overlanding as a luxurious, all-inclusive activity that was way out of my price range. But then I discovered that it can be done on a budget.
The best tip I’ve got for Overlanding on a budget is to be creative with your transportation. Instead of renting or buying an expensive off-road vehicle, try using your car or truck. With the right preparation and equipment, your personal vehicle can get you just about anywhere you want to go.
This article is a guide to how to overland on a budget, with tips and advice from an experienced overlander. It will cover the basics of Overlanding, what you need to get started, and how to save money on the road.
How Much Money Do You Need to Overland?
Realistically speaking, you can start Overlanding for as little as a few thousand dollars. Of course, the more you have to spend, the better your experience will be. But if you’re on a tight budget, there are ways to make it work.
To Overland, your expenses will include potential vehicle rental, gas expenses, food, camping gear, and a roof rack if you’re going on a long trip. Your expenses will differ depending on your goals and how long you’re going for. This could add up to a few thousand dollars for three weeks.
The biggest expense you’ll have is your vehicle. Let’s say you are looking at renting a RAV4 for $75 a day. That’s $2,250 for a three-week trip. But if you already own a car or truck, your vehicle cost is effectively zero. So, that’s a big saving right there.
The next biggest expense will be gas. Depending on where you’re going and how much driving you plan to do, you could easily spend $1,000 or more on gas. But again, if you’re clever about your route planning, you can minimize this cost.
Other significant expenses include food, camping gear, and a roof rack. But all of these costs can be minimized with careful planning.
How Do People Afford Overlanding?
If you’re interested in Overlanding on a budget, the first step is to do your research. Read articles, watch videos, and talk to people who have done it before. The more you know about Overlanding, the easier it will be to plan your trip.
You can afford Overlanding by budgeting correctly and pre-planning your trip. Instead of renting a vehicle, you could borrow one from a friend. You can pack lightly and only take essentials, and this will diminish the overall costs of your gas bill, as well.
During this research phase, try to find creative ways to save money. For example, see if you can borrow a car from a friend or family member instead of renting an off-road vehicle. You might also want to look into car-sharing programs like Turo, which allows you to rent cars from others.
Once you’ve researched and planned your trip, it’s time to start packing. The key to packing for an Overlanding trip is to travel light. Bring only the essentials, and leave anything you can live without at home.
This will help reduce your vehicle’s weight, saving you money on gas. It will also make it easier to set up camp and move around in tight spaces.
What Are the Essential Items Needed for Overlanding?
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to pack the essentials for their Overlanding trip. This can result in surprise expenses that can dig into your budget pretty badly, or cause a major inconvenience.
Some of the things that you should never forget to bring include:
- Map
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Stove
- First-aid kit
- Battery bank
- Extra phone
- GPS
- Extra food and water
- Clothes for all weather conditions
- Firestarter
- Flashlight
- Toolkit
If you forget to pack any of these items, it could ruin your trip. So, it’s important to double-check that you have everything you need before leaving.
You might also want to bring along some recreational items, such as fishing gear, hiking poles, or a mountain bike.
Additionally, don’t forget to bring proper off-roading equipment if you’re planning on adventuring off the beaten path. This includes things like towing straps, recovery boards, and a shovel.
If you don’t have any off-roading equipment, don’t worry. You can usually find everything you need for rent or purchase at your local four-wheel drive shop.
Although you can manage your budget, overlanding is generally expensive. I’ve written another guide that explains the reasons why.
Things You Should Not Skimp On
I know this defeats the purpose of Overlanding on a budget, but there are some things that you should not skimp on. These items are essential for your safety and comfort on the road.
The first and most important thing is your vehicle. Overlanding can be tough on a car or truck, so make sure yours is up for the challenge. If unsure, it’s always a good idea to take it to a mechanic for a pre-trip inspection.
Another thing that you should not skimp on is your insurance. Overlanding can be dangerous, and accidents do happen. Make sure you have the proper coverage before you hit the road.
Finally, don’t skimp on your camping gear. A good tent, sleeping bag, and stove can make all the difference on a long trip. Trust me, you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without them.
Avoid the Sleeping Sites Trap Whenever Possible
Here’s my rookie story with camping sites to help you get a clear picture of what I’m saying here:
The first time I went Overlanding, I made the mistake of thinking that I had to sleep in the legal camping sites. Big mistake.
Not only are those sites expensive, but they are also usually crowded. And to be honest, I prefer to camp in places that are a little bit more off the beaten path.
I’m not saying you should never stay at a legal camping site. If you’re tired and need a break from driving, then go for it. Just don’t feel like you have to do it every night.
There are plenty of places to camp for free in the wilderness. And, in my opinion, these are the best places to camp. Not only are they free, but they’re also usually pretty quiet and secluded.
Of course, before you camp in any off-the-beaten-path location, make sure to do your research. You want to be sure that it’s safe and that you’re not going to get stuck in the middle of nowhere.
Final Thoughts
Overlanding on a budget is definitely possible. With some planning and creative thinking, you can hit the road without breaking the bank. Just remember to pack the essentials, choose your camping spots wisely, and don’t forget to have fun. After all, that’s what Overlanding is all about.