Best Camping Gear
The best part of overlanding is camping and the outdoors. But having fun outdoors doesn't have to feel like trying to survive and good gear makes all the difference. Here we share the best gear available on the market for a fun overlanding experience.
1. Best Tents
Best Rooftop Tent
Thule Tepui Low-Pro 3
A practical lightweight rooftop tent great for smaller vehicles, but don't be mistaken. Landrovers roofs also have limited carrying capacity and long term overlanding is all about weight reduction.
Best Car Camping Ground Tent
Marmot Halo 6
This family style tent has everything you want from a ground tent. It is big and can easily fit 6 people or all your adventure gear.
It is surprisingly easy to set up considering its size and the materials used will make this a very durable tent. Perfect for overlanding where you will be using it daily.
Best Lightweight Tent
Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2
This tent gets my vote for lightweigth tent when you are tight on space while cycling, hiking or adv riding. It's design is genius, the materials used excellent and the indoor space roomy. The best part of this tent in my opinion is the door that converts into an awning for those rainy evenings where you are trying to cook while it is pooring outside. I've needed this feature multiple times.
Hiking or cycling solo you would probably take the 1p version, on the motorcycle I always take a 2p tent when it's just me and a 3p tent when we are traveling together.
2. Best Sleeping Gear
2.1 Best Sleeping Mats
Mattresses For rooftop tents
Rooftop tents always come with a mattress, even though not everyone likes the matress. Try adding a topper to make your nights more comfy.
Best Mattress for Car camping
Therm-a-Rest MondoKing
Are you looking for a comfortable nights? Then the Monoking is your choice. It's warm, comfortable and easy to use. The biggest town is it's packing size, therefor I only recommend it for car camping.
Best Lightweight Matress
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm
This matresss is the best combination between warmth, small packing size and lightweight.
2.2 Best Sleeping Bags
If you are traveling in a van or with a rooftop tent, most people take their duvet from home. Taking what you have is always better than investing in brand new thing just because some blog says it is “the best”.
Best 3 seasons Sleeping Bag Western Mountaineering MegaLite
Staying warm is the best ingredient for a good nights sleep. The best sleeping bag for the job, money can buy is this one. It is incredibly comfortably and lightweight.
Best Sleeping Bag Liner for Warmth
Sea to Summit - Reactor Extreme Liner
If you are traveling through different seasons it can be practical to buy a smaller sleeping bag and pack a warmth liner like this one, it works really well!
Best Sleeping Bag Liner for hygiene
Cocoon Silk Mummy
If you are traveling in hot areas or just want to keep your sleeping bag clean on long trips, it is a good idea to get a silk sleeping bag liner. They are the most comfortable and stay clean themselves the longest.
2.3 Best Pillows and head torch
If you have the space in your vehicle, you can always throw your own pillow in the back.
Most Comfortable Camping Pillow
Nemo Fillo Pillow
The combination between blow up and foam pillow makes this one incredibly comfortable. If you have the space or prioritize comfort then this is the pillow for you.
Smallest Camping Pillow
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Inflatable Travel Pillow
We’ve used these on our trips and are the perfect balance between comfort and space. The pillows are also incredibly durable and still in working order after multiple trips.
Best Headtorch
Black Diamond Storm
Incredibly versatile headtorch with a long battery life, just what you need while setting up a tent in the dark.
3. Best Cooking Gear
Food prep is an essential part of overlanding and being self reliant. There are different set ups for different modes of transportation and storage space.
3.1 Best Stoves
Best Camping Stove for Spacious Vehicles
Camp Chef Mountaineer
If you have the space, having a quality two pit burner is the best for cooking a dinner with a view. The Camp Chef Mountaineer is durable and will last you a lifetime, blocks the wind and fuel efficient. There are cheaper models out there, but this one will last.
Best Camping Stove for Local Overlanding
SOTO WindMaster
All you want when you when stopping for a break is a quick coffee and a hot snack. The SOTO Windmaster is the perfect partner for the job because it is superfast to set up. For international travel it is less suited because it might be impossible to get the proper gas cannister.
Best Camping Stove for International Overlanding
MSR WhisperLite International
This is a burner that can handle different types of fuel which is great for international travel because you never know what you can get in remote places. You will have to buy the fuel bottle seperatly, available in different sizes.
3.2 Best Pots and Pans
Best pots and pans
Stanley Bas Camp Cook Set
If you are starting from 0 then this is the best set to get and it will last you a lifetime. It is incredibly durable which you need when overlanding. It includes pots, a cutting board, plates, cutlery and more.
Best pots and pans for the space conscious
MSR Nonstick Ceramic Coated Cook Pot
Traveling solo? All you need is a single pot to make your hot meals without any fancy bells and whisles that break after 3 months on the road. This MSR pot is your best choice. It is available in a 1,3L and 2,5L version where I would take the bigger one so I have enough space for a big pasta meal when hungry. The Ceramic coating is much healthier then the traditional Teflon coating and makes sure you don't have to spend hours cleaning the pot after accidentally burning some food.
3.3 Best Water Storage
Cheapest Water Storage
WaterStorageCube
Taking enough water into the wilderness is crucial and even as a solo traveler you need a lot to drink, cook and clean. Simply bottles won't do. If you are on a strict budget these types of containers will do the trick just fine. Not the most robust so make sure to attach them in a secure place before hitting the trails.
Best Water Storage Solution
WaterBrick
We've all seen them in cool pictures, the rotapax containers. They sure look the part but are overpriced and not even that great. The WaterBrick is an unknow alternative that serves the purpose and does even better. Designed by US veterans to survive the thoughest of situations, the stack and are easy to mount to your truck.
Best Foldable and Robust Water Storage
MSR Dromadary Bag
Are you going some place rough, with thorny bushes and little water supply? This is the best option for travelers with minimal space. The tough liner around the bladder will protect it from getting punctured. We've traveled with this through Africa and is an essential part of our kit.
4. Best Comfort Gear
These items are not necessities, but make life at camp a little more comfortable especially when you are on the road for a longer period of time. Depending on your travel style (minimalist or not), vehicle (car or bicycle) and budget you will want to get one or all of these items.
4.1 Best Camping Chairs
Most Comfortable Camping Chair
Alps Mountaineering King Kong Chair
Nothing better than to enjoy the view with a cold drink in a comfy seat, that is why you need this King Kong Chair. I promise it will last for years to come because it is made to last. The design is well thought out and the chair folds relatively well.
Comfortable and Space Saving Chairs
Helinox Chair One
Traveling by motorcycle and want to move up from minimalist to a bit more comfort? This chair is the best investment you will ever make in doing so. Lightweight, easy to set up, comfortable and durable. It sounds to good to be true, because they are quite expensive. But it is worth it!
4.2 Best Camping Tables
Best Foldable Camping Table
Lifetime Folding Table
This folding table is the best choice when looking for an affordable yet durable option. The design is simple which means it has less parts that can break with quality materials. It is a bit bulky while folded so it is only suitable for those with enough space in their vehicles.
Best Space Saving Table
Camp Time Roll-a-table
If your car is already stuffed to the brim with gear but you are still looking for a table to squeeze in, than the Camp Time Rollable Table is your best option. Rolled up it takes about as much space as a standard camping chair, so it is easy to slide in the back of the car. It is durable, steady and won't dissapoint.
Best Lightweight Table
Helinox Table One Hardtop
If you are looking for that next comfort level while overlanding on a motorcycle then this table is for you. It fits perfectly with your helinox chairs and the hardtop has more space for your stuff while cooking so your freshly cut food isn't getting eaten by hungry ants.
4.3 Best Insect Repellent
Anti mosquito spray
Peaceful Sleep Insect Repellent
I've tried them all, but this one works like magic! Even in Africa it would allow us to sit outside during sunset and cook food without getting bitten. Designed in South Africa so you know you are getting the best.
Overlanding is the act of traveling long distances in a vehicle of choice with a focus on the journey, not the destination. We’ve have many years of experience with this type of traveling and created this list of bare necessities you should not forget to bring. This might not be the list you were expecting, but I’m gonna be honest with you. Those long lists of “what you really need overlanding” are full of overpriced gadgets and personal preferences of the author. What you actually require to be able to go on an overlanding adventure is the right mindset. All else will follow. Let me explain