TOP 10 OVERLANDING ESSENTIALS
Attitude, rather than expensive gear, is one of the fundamentals of overland travel. That, you can’t buy. But once you have the vehicle and that elusive wanderlust, then a handful of additional kit helps make overland travel easier and safer.
Some people keep this additional kit light and simple, while others go the whole nine yards. What is essential in making your rig and yourself expedition-ready differs according to the people and to the vehicles they drive. However, there are certain essentials that you simply can’t do without. For this Top 10, we spoke to a handful of industry experts who helped us compile a must-have list that runs in no particular order.
TYRES
Possibly the most overlooked part of a 4x4 is a good set of tyres. The last thing you need is a puncture in the bush, so this cost is easy to justify. Remember, when buying tyres, you get what you pay for. Standard 4x4s invariably come with thin-sidewall street tyres that may claim to be ‘All Terrain’, but are generally barely capable of crawling up the kerb at the nearest shopping centre.
Increasing tyre size by a couple of steps outside factory spec can also aid in puncture prevention and traction, while allowing for more deflation (and a bigger footprint to increase said traction) in sand. If, for example, your vehicle comes stock with 235/70 R16 tyres, a wider and taller 245/75 R16 should fit to your vehicle without modification. Always check this with a reputable supplier with credible 4x4 knowledge.
EXPERT OPINION:
Johann ‘Tyres’ Viljoen from 1ST Alignment Centre and 1st Outdoor & 4x4 is a tyre