Overlanding does not have to be expensive.

Overlanding does not have to be expensive.

A Defender 110 with a full setup. I mean the roof top tent, the snorkel, ARB bumpers, awning, fully dress interior with a fridge and pull out kitchen set, you know everything.  Well a man can dream, right?  I will never own one of these and heck I''m even lucky to have the vehicle I overland with now.  I didn't buy my vehicle to go overlanding.  I just wanted a 4x4 vehicle to hit some trails and get dirty.  Then when I discovered what overlanding was I had to make that vehicle work.  I have a 2010 Jeep Liberty Sport 4x4.  Not the vehicle most would choose but it works for what I needed when I bought it.  I have done a few things to make it more capable for traveling offroad.  I added a 2-inch lift, 31-inch KO2s, trimmed the front fenders, and removed the front bumper for better approach angles.  All of this I did super cheap.  The tires have cost the most.  I also have a CB and removed some plastic in the rear for more storage room.  My vehicle was not expensive and the work I have done myself.  I do have more plans in the works, like adding a storage box, roof rack, and a front bumper.  I plan on doing all these myself with help from people I trust.   You don't need the $40,000 rig with $20,000 worth of goodies to go overlanding.  You only need a vehicle that will safely get you from point A to B.  We don't care what type of vehicle it is, although we recommend a 4x4 with proper recovery points.  You don't want to be "that guy", you know the guy that gets hung-up or stuck on everything on a trip.

As far as gear, buy what you can afford.  Remember you really only need a place to store food, a shelter, a sleeping bag, a first aid kit, and recovery gear.  Keep is simple when you get started and build your gear up as you go.  I've seen people in super nice trailers with roof top tents and everything you can think of and then I've seen guys with barely anything else having just as much fun, maybe even more.  Spend money on the items that are the most important to you first.  This could be a nice stove, a tent, or even just a good sleeping bag. It is your gear so spend your money how you want.  It is awesome to get advice on what gear you should get, but remember this will be your gear bought by your money.  Just know it doesn't have to be expensive.

Yard sales!  Search yard sales for camping gear, coolers, storage boxes, axes, and even trailers!  Yes! Check out yard sales as often as you can. So many are in to the "it" thing, and right now that's overlanding. So, these folks buy equipment, don't really use it and then sell it. Their loss is your gain. I have so much gear and tools purchased from yard sales. I have saved so much money that way! Keep an eye on Craigslist too for some almost-new stuff at rock bottom prices.

As your travels take you further, you will find yourself upgrading your gear, and maybe even your vehicle.  Remember, to start overlanding or to be part of a group, you don't have to spend a ton of money. You are in it to enjoy it, not empty your checkbook. Start off with what you have, add what you can afford and as you go, upgrade the items you use the most.  Overlanding is a continuous learning experience.  Enjoy it, keep learning, and GO ALL OVER.