What makes a great overland companion?

[Specter]

There is a lot to consider when identifying a partner or building a team for an extended trip or expedition. While skill-sets and experience are often used to meet the demands of the journey, there are certain personality traits and characteristics that are equally beneficial to ensuring a successful and enjoyable trip. For me, the essentials are trustworthiness, maturity, respectfulness, a strong work ethic and a likemindedness in their approach to or vision of overlanding.

What characteristics do you prioritize when choosing a partner or teammate for a trip?

 

[Ghost]

Laidback
Good sense of humor
Not afraid to get their hands dirty
Able to think outside the box
Respectful of others experience and the trail

While some rigging and off-road experience would be a bonus it’s actually pretty low on my list of priorities.

* feel like I just posted on a dating site :):):)

 

[grubworm]

A great overland partner starts off with someone who is actually into overlanding and enjoys their partner's company.

 

[Specter]

Laidback
Good sense of humor
Not afraid to get their hands dirt
Able to think outside the box
Respectful of others experience and the trail

While some rigging and off-road experience would be a bonus it’s actually pretty low on my list of priorities.

* feel like I just posted on a dating site :):):)

Laidback
Good sense of humor
Not afraid to get their hands dirt
Able to think outside the box
Respectful of others experience and the trail

While some rigging and off-road experience would be a bonus it’s actually pretty low on my list of priorities.

* feel like I just posted on a dating site :):):)

Solid characteristics, for overlanding or a relationship. Haha.

 

[Billiebob]

Camel Trophy has a series of articles on team building for competition.

 

[Billiebob]

More important than the individuals are the mission, its goals, objectives, ....
Define what you are doing from the start.

Define the hardships/luxuries to focus expectations.

Have you planned the route?
When will you be where?
Why are you doing it?

Why are they coming?
How do you communicate?
How will you address conflicts?
How does one quit, and rejoin?

 

[Todd & Meg]

I have the best overloading partner. I've been married to her for 34 years. We have been looking for another couple or two or more to camp with for weekend trips and maybe longer. So far no luck. I'm surprised how hard it's been to even find anyone who want to go out to camp. We know a few people with a class A and another couple with a fifth wheel camper but not what we do. And they camp 2-3 times a year.

We like to camp by ourselves mostly but there are places we would like to go that haven a few vehicles in the group for safety would be nice.

Todd

 

[DrivingTacoLoco]

Vey interesting discussion. I am planning trips for the winter and spring and I need a second person - Copilot / Navigator and would prefer a second vehicle for safety. I'm not sure how to go about looking. Suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Dave K]

a likemindedness in their approach to or vision of overlanding.

For me this is number one. I have met many people though OB, Expo, etc. and find that what I want out of a trip is different then what many people want. As such, I do not travel with many folks and end up doing a bunch of solo trips. If we have different desires and goals it is not likely that we are going to achieve them at the same time in the same space. I am not in a competition. Not going on a mission of discovery, a mission for science, etc. This isn’t a job for me. If it were I’d be much more flexible. Skill selection would be important. My tolerance level would be dialed up. But, it’s my time and my dime. I better like the person in the other seat and we better be on the same page.

 

[Specter]

Vey interesting discussion. I am planning trips for the winter and spring and I need a second person - Copilot / Navigator and would prefer a second vehicle for safety. I'm not sure how to go about looking. Suggestions would be appreciated.

It was on my mind because I am looking for a copilot for some longer trips as well. It’s also a good reminder to always be working on ‘being’ a great partner.

 

[Specter]

Vey interesting discussion. I am planning trips for the winter and spring and I need a second person - Copilot / Navigator and would prefer a second vehicle for safety. I'm not sure how to go about looking. Suggestions would be appreciated.

I think OB is the place to look!

 

[Anak]

I take The Varmints with me. They have no choice. They don't meet many of the aforementioned criteria, but OTOH, I can't just leave them alone at home, so I guess I have no choice either. Perhaps after the last one turns 18 and I boot him out of the house I will take the dog. He is less likely to disturb my peace and quiet.

Looking for others to go with, this site is one good source. Look in the regional section for your own area and look for events. It is probably also worth checking forums for your specific vehicle. I have gone out a number of times with folks from my Cherokee forum (NAXJA) in my area. And if nothing is showing up in your area, start something. Pick a time and a destination and post it up as an invitation for others to come along.

 

[Supernaut]

Four legs, fur, doesn’t get car sick, and likes to fetch.

 

[jeepers29]

I have the best overloading partner. I've been married to her for 34 years. We have been looking for another couple or two or more to camp with for weekend trips and maybe longer. So far no luck. I'm surprised how hard it's been to even find anyone who want to go out to camp. We know a few people with a class A and another couple with a fifth wheel camper but not what we do. And they camp 2-3 times a year.

We like to camp by ourselves mostly but there are places we would like to go that haven a few vehicles in the group for safety would be nice.

Todd

I see you drive a jeep. Have you tried meeting anyone through wrangler forum? There is quite a few people that seem to be quite active from the Phoenix area.

 

[Billiebob]

Four legs, fur, doesn’t get car sick, and likes to fetch.

yep ^^

 

[DrivingTacoLoco]

yep ^^

View attachment 111439

If only you could get him to guide you around rocks. RRRIIVEER - RRASENGERR.
Even better

 

[Murphy Slaw]

Well forget about recent parolees.

That's for sure....

 

[Specter]

Well forget about recent parolees.

That's for sure....

Had I asked about what characteristics are an immediate ‘no’ for an overlanding companion, this thread would have been a lot funnier!