If you plan on going off-road camping, you must prepare well beforehand. You’ll need reliable protection against predators and other critters and a good food, water, and toiletries supply.
Other essentials include a tent (preferably collapsible), car or truck-top tent accessories, and a sleeping hammock.
Table of Contents
Water
Whether you’re exploring off-road with a dirt bike, ATV, dune buggy, or truck, the right gear will make all the difference. Over-pack and you’ll weigh down your vehicle and limit its performance; under-pack and you might need more than what you need in an emergency. Non-perishable food items like granola bars, canned fruits and vegetables, crackers, and peanut butter can help you survive if your vehicle gets stuck or lost on the trail. Water filtration systems are also useful for backcountry camping. An ice chest can be handy for keeping drinks and food cold for longer trips. Consider bringing a few extra gallons of water for cooking and drinking. Alternatively, you can bring a camping water filter or water purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water.
Food
A camping trip is only complete with food and dishes. When planning for an off-road camping trip, it’s important to remember how many meals you’ll need per day. You should also pack a cooler with ice for your foods that need to stay cold, like meat, dairy, and eggs. Consider purchasing an insulated and lockable cooler to prevent animals from getting in. Bringing a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher is also a good idea. These items can be useful in an accident or other emergency while on the trail.
Most travelers must add some snacks and breakfast foods like bagels, cream cheese, yogurt, nuts, and other protein-rich options to the Iceland campervan packing list. You can also make your camping smoothies with a blender and protein powder. If you’re bringing snacks, it’s best to choose smooth ones with long shelf life, like power-up trail mix or granola bars. You can also store these items in a reusable tote or cooler.
Navigation
The most important gear for overlanding is a sound navigation system. Getting lost in the wilderness can quickly turn your adventure from a fun weekend away from home to a potentially life-threatening one. Whether it’s a GPS device, paper maps, or other navigation methods, a foolproof plan is essential for any overland trip. A reliable vehicle is another must-have item for overlanding. If your vehicle isn’t equipped for off-road travel, investing in a lift kit and adding off-road tires to increase ground clearance is a good idea. It’s also helpful to bring tools for vehicle maintenance and repairs, such as a jack, lug wrench, tow straps, and a tire inflation pump.
Finally, it’s a good idea to pack extra supplies like sleeping bags, flashlights, blankets, food, first aid, and emergency kits. A battery jump starter kit and a toolkit with Allen wrenches and hex keys are also useful for impromptu repairs. Bring a campfire and firewood if you need an available heat source.
First Aid
A first aid kit should be packed with items appropriate for off-road emergencies and outdoor injuries. The kit should be tailored for the area you will be camping and include a backcountry first aid manual.
Some essential items that should be included in your off-road vehicle are a fire extinguisher, compass and map, and jumper cables. A hex key wrench set is a good idea with metric and standard sockets (and possibly specialized sockets for wheel hubs or spark plugs). A folding saw and axe is useful for cutting down tree limbs, brush, or even a dead animal.
Other essentials include a tire repair kit, spare fuses, a multimeter or test light, and electrical tape. The latter prevents electrical problems caused by off-road vibration, sand, and grit. A set of pry bars is also useful for various trail repairs, and a few spring clamps are great for positioning or holding a repair. A knife is useful for food prep and general campsite tasks.
Communication
A good off-road camping trip requires the right mindset, a capable vehicle, and a plan of action for the unexpected. This includes having emergency gear like a first aid kit and a way to call for help in the event of a vehicle or terrain issue. It’s also smart to research local off-road rescue services if needed. Another important consideration is having a means to communicate with the rest of your group or overland caravan. Many radio apps geared toward overlanding can provide navigation and communication outside the cell tower range.
In addition, a satellite communicator can be a great asset for keeping in contact with family or friends while on the trail. Finally, remember to pack your food thoughtfully. This includes keeping it from your campsite, where critters and bears might be attracted, and packing it in sealed containers that can be locked up at night. Packing a fire extinguisher in the event of an accidental campfire mishap is also wise.