5 Essential Tips for Planning Your First Overlanding Adventure

At Triple Locked Adventures, we live for the open road, rugged trails, and the freedom of camping under the stars. Overlanding—combining offroading, camping, and self-sufficient travel—is the ultimate way to explore the world on your terms. If you’re new to overlanding, the idea of packing up your rig and hitting the trails can feel daunting. Don’t worry! Here are five essential tips to plan your first overlanding adventure, inspired by our own journeys at Triple Locked Adventures.

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1. Choose the Right Destination

Your first overlanding trip should balance adventure with accessibility. Look for destinations with established trails and nearby amenities in case you need a backup plan. In the U.S., places like Moab, Utah, or the Blue Ridge Parkway offer beginner-friendly trails with stunning views. Use apps like Gaia GPS to map your route and check for dispersed camping spots. Pro tip: Start with a weekend trip to build confidence before tackling multi-week expeditions. Join social media groups to find tips, tricks, and find potentially needed help from locals.

2. Build a Reliable Rig

Your vehicle is your home on the trail, so ensure it’s ready for the challenge. For overlanding, a 4×4 with good ground clearance (like a Toyota 4Runner, Ford Bronco, or Jeep Wrangler) is ideal. Invest in quality all-terrain tires—we love the Falken Wildpeak AT3W for their durability and all year performance. This is all you need to get started. Don't forget to fill up your tank before hitting the trails.

3. Pack Smart, Not Heavy

Overlanding is about self-sufficiency, but overpacking can weigh you down. Focus on multi-use gear: a compact stove, a reliable water filtration system (like the Lifesaver Jerry Can), and a versatile tool kit(like the Boxo KOH tool kit). Pack enough food for your trip plus an extra day’s worth—dehydrated meals save space and weight. I prefer to cook full meals, but to each their own. Don’t forget a first-aid kit and recovery gear. Our go-to? The Factor 55 Winch and Tow Kit. Pro tip: Dont skip on the recovery gear. You want high quality, rated, recovery gear.

4. Plan for No Cell Service

Many overlanding routes take you off the grid, so prepare for limited connectivity. Download offline maps and carry a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach for emergencies. Share your itinerary with a friend or family member. In our recent Mojave Desert adventure, we relied on the built in offline maps via our Garmin Tred XL to navigate remote trails—watch the full video on our YouTube channel for tips!

5. Leave No Trace

As overlanders, we’re stewards of the land. Follow Leave No Trace principles: pack out all trash, stick to established trails, and respect wildlife. Use biodegradable soap for dishes and avoid campfires in sensitive areas. At Triple Locked Adventures, we’re passionate about preserving the wild places we explore, and we encourage our community to do the same.

Ready to Hit the Trail?

Your first overlanding adventure is waiting! Start small, plan smart, and embrace the journey. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more tips, gear reviews, and trail guides from Triple Locked Adventures. Got a favorite overlanding destination? Share it with us on Instagram (@TripleLockedAdventures) for a chance to be featured in our next video.

Ready to gear up? Visit our website for our recommended field tested gear. Let’s get out there and explore!