Camp More, Stress Less: How Overlanding Has Changed the Way We Camp
By David Wade
Camping has been a beloved part of American life since the 1950s, evolving significantly over the decades. One of the biggest shifts came when bulky, military-style canvas tents were replaced by lightweight, easy-to-pitch pop-up tents—a change that sparked widespread celebration among weekend warriors. But as camping begins to shift again and we witness the rising trend of overlanding, excitement has given way to a bit of confusion. What exactly is overlanding, and how is it different from the camping we’ve always known?
Plenty of outdoor enthusiasts now proudly identify as overlanders, often distancing themselves from the traditional label of “camper.” Meanwhile, others are left scratching their heads—after all, overlanders still sleep in tents, gather around campfires, and soak up the outdoors, just like campers always have. So, what’s the difference? The shift isn’t just about what people are doing—it’s about how they’re doing it. Recent advancements in gear, along with a cultural shift toward autonomy, adventure, and deeper connection with nature, have fueled a movement that’s redefining outdoor travel altogether.
What Is Overlanding?
At its core, overlanding is a form of vehicle-based adventure travel that combines off-roading, camping, and long-distance exploration. While traditional camping often revolves around a fixed base—like a reserved campground—overlanding encourages mobility and flexibility. Your car, truck, or SUV isn't just transportation; it's your home, kitchen, and gear hauler.
The term is often used as a way to describe long-distance travel but it’s more than just that. It’s a focus on travel itself as opposed to a certain destination, an appreciation for the road as much as the campsite, a realization that we often pass up amazing views and sights in order to hurry up and get where we are going. It’s a willingness, no, a drive to slow the pace and enjoy the ride.
Why Overlanding Is Booming
There are a few key reasons why overlanding is growing fast, especially post-2020:
1. Freedom and Flexibility
Unlike traditional camping, which often requires months-ahead bookings in overcrowded parks, overlanding thrives on dispersed camping—sites that are free, remote, and rarely marked on any map. You don’t need to stick to a rigid itinerary. If you find a beautiful overlook or a quiet forest grove, you can simply pull over and set up camp.
2. Comfort Without Compromise
Overlanders often invest in gear that enhances comfort and convenience: rooftop tents, solar panels, portable fridges, water filtration systems, even mobile showers. This doesn’t mean you’re glamping in the traditional sense; it means being smart about how to stay comfortable without needing a hotel or RV hookups.
3. Digital Detox Meets Modern Tech
Paradoxically, overlanding is both a way to unplug and a showcase for cutting-edge gear. From GPS navigation apps to solar-powered lithium battery stations and Starlink internet, tech-savvy adventurers can stay safe and connected—if they want to.
4. Pandemic Shift in Priorities
The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed how people view travel and recreation. With lockdowns and travel restrictions in place, people turned to nature. Overlanding, with its emphasis on isolation and self-reliance, offered a safe and exciting alternative to crowded destinations.
The Gear That Changed the Game
One of the reasons overlanding is gaining traction is the explosion of specialized gear that makes it easier than ever to live out of your vehicle for days—or weeks.
Rooftop Tents: These elevated sleeping quarters provide comfort, convenience, and protection from critters. Setup takes just minutes, and you’re off the ground and away from moisture and rocks.
Fridge/Freezers: Portable electric coolers like ICECO let you store perishable food and cold drinks for days without ice, thanks to power from your vehicle or a solar battery.
Portable Power Stations: Brands like Jackery and Goal Zero offer battery solutions that can charge your electronics, run appliances, or power lights—all recharged by solar panels during the day.
Recovery Gear: For those venturing off-road, tools like traction boards, winches, and air compressors are essential. These make it safer to explore deeper into the wild, without the stress of getting stuck.
Modular Storage Systems: Drawer systems, roof racks, and MOLLE panels let you organize everything from cooking gear to recovery tools, making packing (and unpacking) much less chaotic.
Stress Less, Explore More
Perhaps the most powerful appeal of overlanding is its impact on mental well-being. Traditional travel—flights, hotels, crowded attractions—can be exciting but also stressful. Overlanding offers a slower, more intentional pace. The ability to change plans on a whim, avoid tourist traps, and immerse yourself in nature has a calming effect.
Psychologists and outdoor experts alike have noted the benefits of this kind of immersive travel. It fosters mindfulness, increases resilience, and creates opportunities for deep connection—whether with a partner, family, or yourself.
The Community Connection
Overlanding may be rooted in self-sufficiency, but it's also surprisingly social. Online forums, YouTube channels, and Instagram accounts have created vibrant communities of enthusiasts sharing tips, routes, and gear reviews. There are even large-scale meetups like Overland Expo, where thousands of people gather to take classes, test gear, and share travel stories.
There’s a strong ethos of “leave no trace” and mutual respect that binds the community together. It’s not uncommon to get help from a stranger on the trail or trade gear recommendations at a trailhead.
Getting Started
If you’re overlanding-curious, here are a few tips to dip your toes in:
Start Small: Try a weekend trip to nearby BLM land or a national forest. Focus on simplicity rather than gear overload.
Learn the Basics: Practice essential skills like navigation, fire safety, and vehicle recovery. Take an online course or attend an event like Overland Expo.
Invest Slowly: Don’t feel pressured to buy top-of-the-line gear right away. Borrow, rent, or DIY where possible.
Plan for Comfort: Little things like a good camp chair, warm sleeping bag, and hot coffee can turn a tough trip into a restful one.
Respect the Land: Follow Leave No Trace principles, know local regulations, and always pack out what you pack in.
The Road Ahead
As overlanding continues to grow, so too does the conversation around sustainability and land stewardship. With more vehicles venturing into remote areas, it's crucial to ensure this access doesn’t come at the cost of the environment. Education, responsible practices, and a commitment to preserving the wild spaces we love will determine the future of this movement.
But for now, the road is open, the wilderness is calling, and a new kind of camping is changing how we think about getting away. Whether you're looking to disconnect, reconnect, or just breathe a little deeper, overlanding offers a path—literally and figuratively—to a more fulfilling adventure.
So pack your rig, fuel your spirit, and remember: camp more, stress less.