Best Overlanding Guides and Maps
There are three parts of the planning proces
- Knowing how to plan an overland trip
- Knowing where you want to go
- Knowing which route to take to get there
This is where books, guides and maps come into place. Guides should give you an indication of where to go and maps should let you plan your route.
Things have changed a little over the century and many people these days find inspiration on Pinterest, blogs or YouTube.
However the how-to books, guide books and maps mentioned here will still give you a great guide to plan. I've collected the best guides and maps on this page for you to get.
Best Planning How-to books
Travel the Planet Overland
By Graeme and Luisa Bell
US$ 45 / €26,48
This South African traveling family has been on the road for years and there are no better teachers than these.
The pages are littered with great advice and that is easy to read accompanied by many beautiful photography to inspire you to choose your own path.
Overlanders Handbook
By Chris Scott
US$ 31.56 / €24,50
UK based travel write Chris Scott is considered the expert in Europe when it comes to planning an expedition. This book is an excellent resource for learning to plan your own adventure.
Vehicle-dependent Expedition Guide
By Tom Sheppard and Jonathan Hanson
US$ 80
Lovingly called VDEG (“veedeg”) by the fans this book is very much focussed on the vehicle and less on the planning of the trip.
If that is what you are looking for then this is the perfect match.
Best Guide Books for Overlanding
US$ 27.48
Guide to... Moab/Colorado/Arizona/California
by Charles Wells
There are 4 different of these guide books for backroads and 4 wheel drive trails for the USA and they are regarded as some of the best. The trails are divided by easy, moderate and difficult so there are adventures to be had for everyone. Great for planning your trip in the USA.
4WD Adventures / Australia
by Hema Maps
This book contains the top 100 best 4WD routes of Australia so this makes it absolutely indispensible while planning your overland trips down south. Hema maps has plenty of other great guide books but they are all about Australia and New Zealand.
A$ 69,95
US$ 12 - 35 per book
The Rough Guide to... the world
You want to know the highlights of a country? Off course you could buy the good old Lonely Planet but since the takeover the quality has been dropping significantly.
The Rough Guides are a tell it like it is kind of guidebook, just my kind and very well suited for overlanding.
Best Maps for Overlanding
US$ 14.95 / €9,95 per map
Reise Know-How Maps
Worldwide
These waterproof maps are part of the world mapping project of the "Reise Know How" publishing house. A German company specialized in travel maps. Many well known overlanders use their maps and they have a map for almost every country on this planet.
US$ 14.95 / €13,95 per map
Nat Geo Adventure Maps
Worldwide
The Nat Geo Adventure Maps cover over a 100 different destinations featuring a detailed road network with all the 4x4 trails as well as tourist Point's of Interest and Unesco World Heritage sites. A fantastic recource for planning your journey.
US$ 19.95 per book
DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer
USA
The Delorme Atlas is a map in book form perfect for sightseeing, exploring back roads, outdoor recreation and trip planning. All 50 states are available. You'll find these maps recommended on all popular overlanding forums.