When people think of camping, they often picture pitching a tent in a designated campground and enjoying s’mores around the campfire. However, there’s a different type of camping experience that’s gaining popularity: overlanding. Overlanding is often confused with car camping, but the two are actually quite different. Both offer opportunities to escape the daily grind and connect with nature, but overlanding takes camping to the next level. In this article, I’ll explore the differences between overlanding and car camping to clear up any confusion and help you understand the unique characteristics and benefits of each type of camping.
What is Overlanding?
Overlanding is a type of self-reliant travel that involves exploring remote or off-road areas using a rugged vehicle equipped with camping gear, food, and water supplies. Overlanding can involve traveling through various terrains and landscapes, including deserts, mountains, forests, and waterways, often for extended periods, such as weeks or months. The goal of overlanding is to experience the journey and connect with the natural environment, rather than reaching a specific destination.
Moreover, overlanding offers the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten-path locations, experience a deeper sense of adventure and self-reliance, and connect with nature in a more profound way than car camping.
Overlanding requires a higher degree of self-sufficiency and planning than car camping. Overlanders must carry all the supplies they need with them, as they may not have access to nearby towns or facilities. They must also be prepared for emergencies, such as vehicle breakdowns or medical issues, as they may be traveling in remote areas far from civilization.
While not required, overlanders often use specialized vehicles, such as 4×4 trucks or SUVs, that are capable of traversing rough terrain and steep inclines. They may also have specialized equipment, such as rooftop tents, off-road tires, and winches, that allow them to access and set up camp in more remote locations.
What is Car Camping?
Car camping, on the other hand, involves setting up camp in a designated campground or established campsite, often with amenities such as toilets, fire pits, showers and picnic tables. Car campers typically bring a vehicle equipped with basic camping gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking supplies. They may also have access to nearby towns or facilities to purchase food and supplies, and can usually drive to and from their campsite easily.
Conversely, car camping is a more accessible and convenient way to experience camping, as it requires less planning and self-sufficiency than overlanding. Car campers can bring more gear and supplies with them, as they do not need to carry everything on their backs or in their vehicle.
Car camping is often used as a weekend or short-term camping experience, as it is easier to plan and execute than overlanding. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature, without the need for extensive planning or specialized equipment.
Which Is the Best Camping Style for You?
When deciding whether to go overlanding or car camping, it’s important to consider your camping goals, preferences, and level of experience. Here are some factors to consider to help you determine which type of camping is the better option for you:
- Terrain and Destination: Overlanding is typically done in remote and rugged areas that require a specialized vehicle, while car camping can be done in established campgrounds and recreational areas. If you’re planning to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations that require a four-wheel-drive vehicle and advanced off-road skills, overlanding may be the better option. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional camping experience in a scenic location with easy access to amenities like bathrooms, water, and electricity, car camping may be the way to go.
- Equipment and Gear: Overlanding requires specialized equipment and gear, including a capable vehicle, roof top tent or camping trailer, portable fridge/freezer, water filtration system, and other camping essentials. Car camping, on the other hand, requires less specialized gear and can be done with a simple tent, sleeping bag, and cooler. If you already own a four-wheel-drive vehicle and enjoy the challenge of outfitting it for off-road adventures, overlanding may be a good fit for you. If you prefer a more minimalist approach to camping or don’t want to invest in specialized gear, car camping may be the better option.
- Skill Level and Experience: Overlanding requires a higher level of skill and experience than car camping, as it involves navigating challenging terrain, performing basic vehicle maintenance, and dealing with unexpected situations out in nature. If you have experience in off-road driving, vehicle maintenance, and outdoor survival skills, overlanding may be a good fit for you. If you’re new to camping or prefer a more relaxed camping experience, car camping may be a better option.
Choose your Own Adventure
I always have a hard time deciding whether to tell someone I’m overlanding or car-camping. In most situations I say car-camping, because most people aren’t familiar with overlanding. For the most part, I think the two terms are pretty interchangeable. But I also think there are important distinctions, which is why I wanted to provide an overlanding definition and compare it to car-camping.
The main differences between overlanding and car camping are the level of self-sufficiency and the remoteness of the campsites. Overlanding requires a higher degree of self-sufficiency and planning, as overlanders must carry all their supplies with them and be prepared for emergencies. Overlanding also involves traveling to more remote and off-the-beaten-path locations, often for extended periods, than car camping.
Car camping, on the other hand, is a more accessible and convenient way to experience camping. It requires less planning and self-sufficiency than overlanding, and campers have access to amenities and facilities that are not available to overlanders. Car camping is often used for weekend or short-term camping experiences and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without the need for specialized equipment or extensive
Ultimately, the decision to go overlanding or car camping depends on your personal preferences, camping goals, and level of experience. By considering these factors, you can choose the camping experience that best suits your needs and allows you to enjoy the great outdoors on your own terms.
Digital Zen 