Both Overlanding and camping are excellent ways to witness nature from an entirely different perspective. Additionally, you also get an opportunity to spend some excellent outdoor time. But even though both activities might seem similar at the outset, such is not always the case.
But why is Overlanding different from camping and if so, how is it different in the first place? It boils down to your journey and the destination. While Overlanding focuses on the beautiful journey that you are about to undertake, camping is more about visiting a unique destination and spending some quality time with your loved ones.
But these aren’t just the only differences between Overlanding and camping. In the following sections, we will discuss in more detail shedding more light on how a journey is entirely different from embarking on a destination.
The Main Difference – Journey vs. Destination
Even though many use Overlanding and camping interchangeably, that is not always the case. The primary difference between overlanding and camping, as we already stated is the difference in perspective of both these activities.
The Overlanding Experience
Typically, Overlanding involves exploring different and highly remote areas using your vehicle. Unlike camping, where you carry a different setup for the camp, in the case of Overlanding, your vehicle alone will serve as the main setup for your camp. That is why, your vehicle needs to be large enough to accommodate while leaving ample space to eat, shower, or simply relax. To embark on an Overlanding adventure, you need to be extremely self-sufficient because you won’t have a campground at your rescue.
Additionally, you wouldn’t get any proper resources including water, proper bathrooms, and internet or electricity connectivity. The primary idea is to continue exploring, create a camp of your own, and eat and relax at your own pace. You can sleep under the starry skies and once you’re up, you can head out for another adventure in yet another distant land.
The Camping Experience
Unlike Overlanding, camping trips are more relaxed. Unlike Overlanding trips that primarily focus on the journey, camping trips focus on the destination. It is a one-off opportunity to get your due bit of relaxation and explore a beautiful area. This can be anywhere in your vicinity or at a distant place. Either way, it would be fun because camping is more of an extended picnic.
What Is Overlanding Really Like?
When Overlanding, you will experience plenty of hardships, but the adventure is far greater! If you are lucky, you might get a proper spot to get a good night’s sleep. If not, you need to constantly keep moving. That is also the reason, why several overlanders prefer using rooftop tents over anything else. Not only is it extremely simple to set up, but it also allows you to store a bunch of your stuff including your blankets, headrests, and other stuff.
If you’re looking for an ideal Overlanding experience, be ready to witness some of the remotest routes and unique trails. The roads are primarily dirt roads and they can’t always be accessed properly unless you have the right vehicle. That is why it is especially important to invest in a quality vehicle even before you embark on your Overlanding adventure.
What Vehicle Best Supports Your Overlanding Habit?
While you will find plenty of vehicles suited for Overlanding, our recommendation would be a truck. Why? Because they are backed by tires that can support every type of terrain. What’s more, you also get ample food supplies throughout the trip and get a chance to steer away from the usual hustle and bustle.
Whether you are a seasoned Overlanding professional or embarking on such trips for the first time, we recommend carrying a bunch of recovery items like straps, boards, compressors, and kitchen knives among others. Thanks to these tools, you can easily travel through every type of situation. What’s more, if your truck breaks down at some point you always get an opportunity to fix it instead of waiting for someone.
Even though many prefer solitary Overlanding trips, you can always include your family. With good company, your trip will be even more exciting, and the adventure will be double, to say the least!
What Is Camping Really Like?
Camping trips are fairly easier when compared to overland. It is also more family-oriented and fun because you get some chance to spend quality time with your family. Just choose a location, pack your bags, get your car ready, and off you go on a camping adventure. In case you want to try something even more adventurous, you can go camping in an RV or a trailer. Nowadays, you will also find a bunch of pop-up trailers that’ll be just as suitable for your trip. You can set these trailers anywhere and your camping site is ready in seconds.
Unlike Overlanding, camping isn’t as difficult of an activity. You can pack your bags at any point and head to a destination of your choice. Most camping sites come with all primary facilities including electricity and internet connectivity. Depending on the location, you might even get a dedicated facility for showering or eating.
While you wouldn’t get a chance to explore too many places, you will still enjoy a great time with your family. Camping trips do not require too many gears either so you can just travel light with some necessities. Either way, if you have a time crunch and want to spend some quality time with your family, camping is the way to go for!
So, What Should You Get Into?
If you’re looking to enjoy some quality time with your family and have a fixed deadline for the travel period, it is best to try camping. There are thousands of interesting camping spots that will mesmerize you with their charm and appeal.
However, if you do not have any such fixed deadline, you can always try Overlanding. Overlanding is an ideal adventure for anyone who seeks to explore the wilderness and everything that comes along. It does not have a fixed timeline and it focuses more on the journey instead of the destination. So, if you’re looking to embark on a journey filled with adventure and fun, you might just want to try out Overlanding.
