Overlanding-What is at the Heart of Overlanding?

What is at the Heart of Overlanding?

So if you are reading this you have heard of the term Overlanding.  The term has sparked a desire for you to explore, to get outside, and to survive in the wild.  This might have happened to you years ago or it might have just recently happened to you.  Even if you are new to overlanding I'm sure you have seen or read people arguing over what is overlanding.  It seems that people have very different ideas and definitions when it comes to overlanding.  We have all seen the internet definition of overlanding, which is Overlanding is self-reliant overland travel to remote destinations where the journey is the principal goal.  Still there are complaints when people say they went overlanding as to if they actually went overlanding or just car camping.  Well that got me thinking this question, What is at the Heart of Overlanding?  This is not a post to define overlanding but to explore what is at the heart of overlanding.

I have several mentors that have reached out with a helpful hand.  I have also had "elitist" tell me I am not an overlander, that you cannot overland in the USA, and that you must have the best most expensive gear to overland and so on and so on.  This is not what I feel is at the heart of overlanding.  Overlanding is a learning experience that never ends.  It can be simply learning about new gear that can make your travels easier and safer.  For many it is getting away from everything and learning more about yourself.  Challenging yourself with experiences that lead to new "survival" techniques.  We all had to learn how to build a fire, how to pitch a tent, and the hardest of all how to roll up a recently used sleeping bag  For others it is about meeting new people from other places and learning about their culture.

Overlanding is so much more than the gear we use or the places we go.  For some it is an escape from a world with walls and ceilings.  A time where they can overcome the day to day traps and feel free.  It is a lifestyle for a few that live everyday on the road, traveling, exploring, and learning.  Overlanding has even become a culture within itself.  Just look at social media.  We have groups with members that are regional and world wide.  We also even identify ourselves are overlanders and not just people that overland.

We as Overlanders are also story tellers, teachers, and an inspiration to others that may feel trapped.  We talk about our adventures through our the story's that we tell, the videos that we publish, and photographs that we capture.  The people that we share these experiences to, see the excitement in our eyes and hear it in our voice.  For some it sounds crazy and for others it sounds alluring.  Story's that stir a feeling from down deep inside themselves that cause a need to be outside, to be far way, and need to explore.  For those that we inspire we owe it to them to help them, to teach them, and to encourage them.

If someone tells you that you are not an overlander and you feel deep down that you are, don't be discouraged.  Even though they may have years of experience they still just don't get it.  For them it is something they want to keep to themselves.  This selfishness is not what is at the heart of overlanding.  The heart of overlanding is to share the experiences that we have had and to inspire others to go outside, to be free.

Learn, share what you have learned, and GO ALL OVER.