What Is Overlanding?

These days, four-wheeled outdoor activities come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including overlanding, which has been gaining in popularity over the last several years. As such, GM has gotten in on the action with a number of overlanding concept vehicles. That said, some fans may be left wondering – what is overlanding exactly?

The term has evolved over time, but is believed to have originated in Australia in reference to herding livestock over long distances. Now, however, overlanding typically refers to exploring the great outdoors via truck (or motorcycle), emphasizing the journey as the primary experience.

Similar to other off-road activities, overlanding is all about vehicle capability, self-sufficiency, and getting out into nature. However, overlanding can be differentiated from other motorized outdoor activities in a number of different ways.

Four-wheeling, for example, typically emphasizes the challenge of traversing difficult terrain, with bigger challenges offering a more satisfying reward. Although overlanding draws on some of the aspects of four-wheeling, it’s less focused on the sheer challenge of the terrain, and is more focused on exploration, all while traversing difficult terrain in the name of progressing on the journey.

Overlanding is also different from car camping, which is more focused on reaching a set destination and then camping out. Meanwhile, overlanding emphasizes the journey itself as the main goal, with some camping done along the way.

As we can see, overlanding takes some of the aspects of these other four-wheeled outdoor activities, but spins them together to create a unique exploration-focused experience. By extension, the vehicle through which this experience is had also draws on some of the aspects of other motorized outdoor activities, while adding in a few unique touches as well.

First and foremost, an overlanding vehicle should be off-road capable. Of course, a term like that is somewhat subjective, and could vary greatly depending on where the vehicle is headed and who is behind the wheel. The basics, however, remain the same, with all the usual off-road bits and pieces one would expect. An overland vehicle should be reliable and robust, something that will get you there and back again without a second thought as to whether it’ll start or hold up to the rigors of the trail.

Ground clearance is also an obvious and important considering. An overlanding vehicle should have enough space underneath it to prevent it from getting stuck in a rut or perched up on some big rock. Beefy suspension components and sturdy brakes are critical. An overlanding vehicle should also offer plenty of grip on loose surfaces, with four-wheel-drive and locking differentials considered to be the ideal drivetrain setup. And of course, you can’t forget the wheels and tires, as a good set of off-road rubber could be one of (if not the) most important bits on an off-road vehicle.

An overlander should also have plenty of cargo capacity in order the transport the equipment and supplies needed for an extended off-road adventure. There should be enough space onboard for a spare tire and wheel, a winch, tools, navigation, fuel, camping gear, food, water, and everything else to get out there and back home again, not to mention the payload capacity to actually move it all.

Finally, an overlander should be comfortable enough to keep the journey enjoyable for the entire trip. That includes sleeping accommodations as well, as a long journey can be made a whole lot longer if you aren’t getting a full night’s rest.

Obviously, with all these considerations, customizing your overlander is part of the process, and to that end, a variety of companies in the OEM space and aftermarket are on hand to fulfill customer needs, from a weekend getaway, to a full-blown multi-continent expedition.

We’ll have plenty more to say about this interesting topic in the near-future, so make sure to stay tuned. In the meantime, remember to subscribe to GM Authority for around-the-clock GM news coverage.