The Best Explanation Of Overlanding I've Read

[Hourless Life]

People ask me this question all the time. What is overlanding?

I've done my best to answer the question. I've even written my own article. I've taken the time to speak with many folks who have made their own incredible overland journeys to try and understand what it is that we do and how best to explain it to others.

This article, written by Expedition Overland (NOT BY ME) agrees with many of the points that I have made in the past on the topic.

I really believe that this article by XO nails it, and that it is well worth a read.

I'd love to hear the thoughts of this community after reading the article and to discuss it.


Article: What is overlanding?

 

[grubworm]

just curious as to why the need to label and define everything? once you label and define something like this and others are not agreeing or complying with the definition, then it turns into yet another topic of strife and contention.

thought the whole spirit of "overlanding" was to break free from boundaries, definitions and expectations...

"the best mysteries are those that remain unsolved;
the best experiences are those that remain undefined."

-grubworm 2022

 

[Arailt]

Car camping/

 

[OcoeeG]

I am super new here and honestly do not consider myself an overlander. I have a truck and a trailer and I like to camp in out of the way places. But I definitely would not consider myself an overlander by that definition. And I am sure it would take A LOT of the people who are members of this forum out of the overlanding genre. International travel? Immersion in different cultures? Communication issues due to language barriers? Traveling for weeks, months or years? When was the last time you experienced those things on an overland trip? Seems like a very elitist definition in my opinion.

 

[Jacksonpak]

just curious as to why the need to label and define everything? once you label and define something like this and others are not agreeing or complying with the definition, then it turns into yet another topic of strife and contention.

thought the whole spirit of "overlanding" was to break free from boundaries, definitions and expectations...

"the best mysteries are those that remain unsolved;
the best experiences are those that remain undefined."

-grubworm 2022

Even the author agrees and says don’t sweat the definition. But…it’s not car camping haha.

 

[Hourless Life]

just curious as to why the need to label and define everything? once you label and define something like this and others are not agreeing or complying with the definition, then it turns into yet another topic of strife and contention.

thought the whole spirit of "overlanding" was to break free from boundaries, definitions and expectations...

"the best mysteries are those that remain unsolved;
the best experiences are those that remain undefined."

-grubworm 2022

I think the reason we define things is so that they actually have meaning. I appreciate where you are coming from and completely respect your stance. However, I am of the belief that things should have their definition, not for strife and contention, but for practical understanding.

I loved how the author of this article mentioned how backpackers don't consider themselves mountaineers. Somehow that isn't offensive and doesn't cause division. But when overlanding is defined, it somehow becomes divisive. I don't think that was the heart of the author, and nor is it mine. But I think that both the author and I, (and many other peers of mine) feel that there is an importance in defining the term.

Always appreciate your insight though grubworm and your discussion. ~ Eric

 

[Hourless Life]

I am super new here and honestly do not consider myself an overlander. I have a truck and a trailer and I like to camp in out of the way places. But I definitely would not consider myself an overlander by that definition. And I am sure it would take A LOT of the people who are members of this forum out of the overlanding genre. International travel? Immersion in different cultures? Communication issues due to language barriers? Traveling for weeks, months or years? When was the last time you experienced those things on an overland trip? Seems like a very elitist definition in my opinion.

I hear what you are saying Chris and I'm glad you chimed in. First off welcome to the community. Overland Bound is a great place mostly full of pretty amazing people who can actually hold a conversation.

I don't think that defining the term makes it elitist. I loved how the author made the comparison of backpackers to mountaineers. No backpacker is going to be offended that they aren't considered a mountaineer, but perhaps they aspire to be one someday. I don't think the author (or my heart) is about gatekeeping or not being inclusive.

But I do think that defining the term is important. Without a definition, overlanding is just a marketing ploy.

Do joggers consider themselves marathoners? Or is it something to work towards and strive for? Does that make marathoners elitest joggers? I've never met a marathoner that wouldn't encourage a jogger. I've also never met a marathoner that wouldn't passionately speak about what they have done and accomplished as a marathoner. Just because I have a pair of sneakers and some shorts doesn't make me a marathoner right? Yet no jogger would take offense at not being called a marathoner and no marathoner would discourage an aspiring jogger.

Because a marathon has a definition it is understood. So too overlanding should be more than just a roof top tent, a skottle, and an instagram page right?

Does that make sense?

 

[OcoeeG]

I am not here to argue with you, although that might be the way it is coming off. I have no skin in the game, but I do love a spirited discussion.

Your analogies you are using are elitist as well. So you are saying overlanders are the elite athletes of the game and the rest of us are a lower subset, ie. Marathoner vs. jogger, backpacker vs. mountaineer That is not something you should be ashamed of. If you are "Fulltime Travelers" you are at a higher level of the the game than us weekend warriors. If you can take your rig down the Death Road in Bolivia on your way to Tierra Del Fuego you are elite. But that should not take anything away from the guy that does a bunch of mountain passes through Colorado on his way to an overland rally in Moab (which by their definition would not be an overland rally, what would we call it?).

Now I am not being a hater (well ok maybe a little). I have travelled internationally a lot via motorcycle, bus, car and my thumb. But never in an $90,000 rig of my own design, and I doubt that is ever in the cards for me. It just seems like their definition goes a bit far.

 

[Ragman]

I think a lot of what is in the article jives with some of my thoughts in that I think "overlanding" involves a component of discovery and (for me) discomfort both mental and physical. For the definition of the article that discovery revolves around a level of overlanding that few will actually ever do. The crossing of uncomfortable borders on months long trips in unfamiliar areas, simply the commitment of time for something like that is not available to everyone. It is challenging for sure to be in a vastly different culture with a different language-it can be extremely rewarding and nerve racking at the same time, but the more you do it the less the strangeness bothers you.

I would like to propose a bit of an extension in that for many people the "discovery" is more internal and varies for everyone-for some it is the realization that they don't have to be on their cell phone 24/7, for some the fact that they can make that hike and push themselves, for some it is simply the beauty and tranquility of a starry night by a campfire, and for some, in our current environment, it is simply discovering what connects us all and that our current politics is, perhaps, a lot of noise manufactured to make us forget all those great things that connect us, both at home and in the broader world.

I have met so many great people in my travels from all over the world and consider them my friends-I don't speak their home language, nor eat the same foods, or have the same religion, but I do consider them my friends, but first I had to meet them and talk to them. So pack up, get going, and don't worry what the term is for what you are doing.

 

[John Bishop]

I’m not an overlander because I don’t video every water crossing, puddle splash or coffee brewing….

 

[grubworm]

it is funny when you are dealing with people and definitions, especially when people are personally a part of the thing being defined....

i've always been in a small niche. i was a submariner in the navy and you would think that the term "submariner" would be a relatively simple thing. well...its not. you end up with guys who say youre not a "submariner" unless you have done a year underwater and have completed your qualifications. others have their take on what it means and these are all people that are on the same sub. youre not a real submariner unless you have [fill in the blank]...

i was later a commercial diver...another relatively small niche and once again, the term "diver" had just as many definitions as it had actual "divers". the thing i found to be most consistent and most interesting, is that once members of that niche accomplished more things personally, their definition changed to reflect their most recent accomplishments. not always the case, but certainly a large percentage...

 

[BCMoto]

Im not a overlander but I camp out of my truck and like to do things.

 

[Arailt]

Seems like a very elitist definition in my opinion.

Spot on. That's pretty much XO's bio. When I saw the source of the article I just X'd out.

 

[NMBruce]

I love some of the replies here.

By the story, I guess I am not an overlander and I guess I will never be one. Like others have said, not sure why there is such a definite definition to it. I think there is Overlanding and then maybe International Overlanding. I would love to drive the Pan American Highway, but I don’t want to travel through some of the countries, so I don’t think it will happen for me.
As soon as the road to Tuktoyaktuk opened, I made my plans to go, it was a great trip and I am ready to go back and hang out for a few days or week, then take some of the roads off The Top of World Highway to see where they go.

I love getting out and doing the BRDR and parts the Pony Express trail and others. My goals are to be out a week to two months depending on the trip and what friends can get time off of work. One of the main goals is as much remote camping as possible.

I thought I was Overlanding, But if what I am doing is not Overlanding, OK I am good with it and having fun doing what ever it is I am doing.

 

[John Bishop]

it is funny when you are dealing with people and definitions, especially when people are personally a part of the thing being defined....

i've always been in a small niche. i was a submariner in the navy and you would think that the term "submariner" would be a relatively simple thing. well...its not. you end up with guys who say youre not a "submariner" unless you have done a year underwater and have completed your qualifications. others have their take on what it means and these are all people that are on the same sub.

i was later a commercial diver...another relatively small niche and once again, the term "diver" had just as many definitions as it had actual "divers". the thing i found to be most consistent and most interesting, is that once members of that niche accomplished more things personally, their definition changed to reflect their most recent accomplishments. not always the case, but certainly a large percentage...

Thank you for your service! One of my brothers was a Nuclear Machinist Mate on the USS Dace.

 

[grubworm]

Thank you for your service! One of my brothers was a Nuclear Machinist Mate on the USS Dace.

very cool!
yeah, the dace would dock next to us sometimes at groton subase. they decommissioned in 1988 and i was on the uss shark and decommissioned it in 1989.
being on subs is why it is easy for me to go on long trips with crap food, no shower and a lumpy mattress

 

[SixOverland]

People ask me this question all the time. What is overlanding?

I've done my best to answer the question. I've even written my own article. I've taken the time to speak with many folks who have made their own incredible overland journeys to try and understand what it is that we do and how best to explain it to others.

I really believe that this article nails it, and that it is well worth a read.

I'd love to hear the thoughts of this community after reading the article and to discuss it.


Article: What is overlanding?

I read this article last night, and have to be honest... it did rub me the wrong way. I understand the point that they’re trying to make... and the distinctions they were trying to point out, but in the world of intent vs. perception, it did come across as... I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say arrogant or elitist... but it kind of came off as a way of saying... no, no, you can’t be included because you haven’t (fill in the blank).

While I agree, the market has taken ahold of the term itself and turned it an industry... statements and definitions like this do create a tier system (which does imply that being an overlander is a club that 99% of us can’t claim to belong to... does that sound elitist?). Again, intent vs. perception.

Definitions do change. And dialects exist. I would argue that the term “4x4 touring”, which is the definition that likely the majority of us belong to, may be widely accepted in countries like South Africa, Australia and England... but in the United States is not. The term “overlanding” here is synonymous with “4x4 touring”.

Some of us do not have the luxury of time, the freedom of a mobile job or the finances to literally walk away from everything for months on end. But i would say the distinction is whether this makes someone a “full-timer” or that someone is on an “expedition”.

As someone who has crossed international borders while living in Europe (where borders are not a big deal), Central America where borders are heavily armed to someone who has crossed a border into combat, where death or permanent injury was a possibility... the accepted risk in crossing an international boundary varies widely. The level of danger a person is willing to accept is personal and can range from low risk to a calculated risk to a stupid risk. Should this define whether a person is an overlander? I don’t think so.

I think as societies are trying to move beyond divisive language, this micro-defining or re-defining of a term widely used is not what is needed in this community. I think this is a bad look. Just wish that this wouldn’t have come from such a highly respected organization within the community.

 

[Sylvester]

Maybe Adventurer is a Better Term - easier to Identify with - Easier to explain - and I like the sound of Adventure Bound, When I read the Article it seemed to me he was Defining himself and Placing There group in the 1% of True Overlander's by his definition. Anyway so Yeah for Now on I am an Adventurer seeking fun.

 

[Ragman]

I love some of the replies here.

By the story, I guess I am not an overlander and I guess I will never be one. Like others have said, not sure why there is such a definite definition to it. I think there is Overlanding and then maybe International Overlanding. I would love to drive the Pan American Highway, but I don’t want to travel through some of the countries, so I don’t think it will happen for me.
As soon as the road to Tuktoyaktuk opened, I made my plans to go, it was a great trip and I am ready to go back and hang out for a few days or week, then take some of the roads off The Top of World Highway to see where they go.

I love getting out and doing the BRDR and parts the Pony Express trail and others. My goals are to be out a week to two months depending on the trip and what friends can get time off of work. One of the main goals is as much remote camping as possible.

I thought I was Overlanding, But if what I am doing is not Overlanding, OK I am good with it and having fun doing what ever it is I am doing.

That is the very trip we are planning for later this year. Not sure if we will drive the AK Hwy back or ferry from Haines, still in the planning but the ferry sounds king of interesting. Made a good chunk of the Haul Road on my Harley in 2003, would also like to go back and complete that one. The road to Tuk, across the Top of the World then we shall see.

 

[Hourless Life]

I am not here to argue with you, although that might be the way it is coming off. I have no skin in the game, but I do love a spirited discussion.

Your analogies you are using are elitist as well. So you are saying overlanders are the elite athletes of the game and the rest of us are a lower subset, ie. Marathoner vs. jogger, backpacker vs. mountaineer That is not something you should be ashamed of. If you are "Fulltime Travelers" you are at a higher level of the the game than us weekend warriors. If you can take your rig down the Death Road in Bolivia on your way to Tierra Del Fuego you are elite. But that should not take anything away from the guy that does a bunch of mountain passes through Colorado on his way to an overland rally in Moab (which by their definition would not be an overland rally, what would we call it?).

Now I am not being a hater (well ok maybe a little). I have travelled internationally a lot via motorcycle, bus, car and my thumb. But never in an $90,000 rig of my own design, and I doubt that is ever in the cards for me. It just seems like their definition goes a bit far.

I don't think defining things takes anything away from anyone. It sets a standard. It sets a bar. Something that a lot of people want to do that takes a measure of effort to actually accomplish. I mean I want six pack abs but apparently not more than I want a bacon cheeseburger. Haha. I'm saying this to keep it light but there is truth in that.

I love your discussion and appreciate the heart that I'm reading between the lines from you.

Ok, so what am I saying?

I am saying that overlanders are a subset that has taken what most people consider a hobby to another level. But is that a bad thing?

From the article:

"To assist people in determining whether or not they are, in fact, overlanding, Overland Journal suggests asking yourself the following questions:

1. Am I traveling remotely?
2. Am I experiencing a culture unique from my own?
3. Am I visiting an under-explored or under-documented region?
4. Am I traveling self-supported in unfamiliar territories for multiple days, weeks, months, or years?"

So Overland Journal AND Expedition Overland are both saying that defining the term is important. Also that these are some general guidelines to consider.

Would you agree or disagree?