18 I Much like other outdoor activities in the past few years, Outdoor Recreation is becoming a popular way to explore. Outdoor Recreation, or Overlanding – by definition - is adventuring by vehicle, often to remote destinations to explore unknown places, meet fellow adventurers, and experience new activities. Ultimately, it’s an alternative form of traveling (and living) for some. And, unlike RVing, where fellow travelers will occupy most camps, the goal for most Overlanders is to retreat far into the great wilderness. That said, Overlanding requires more preparation and forethought than other outdoor activities. This article will review things that should be considered before hitting the open road. Outdoor Recreation Vehicles Outdoor recreation enthusiasts spend a lot of time in their vehicles and cover varying types of terrain. So, they will need a specific kind of vehicle. When choosing a vehicle, look for one that can go off-road, navigate well in various conditions, and one that people can comfortably spend a lot of time in. Finding a balance of comfort and utility is the key and will vary depending on the person. Some people completely gut and customize a vehicle to create one that’s right for them. However, plenty of outdoor recreation automobiles work as-is for a comfortable and exciting adventure. Some things to consider when purchasing an outdoor recreation automobile include: • Trip length • Driving style (how much off-roading will be done?) • Budget • Gas mileage • Storage Off-Grid Gear After choosing the ideal vehicle, it’s time to get the Outdoor camping gear ready. You want to ensure your customers have the necessities for a comfortable, exciting, and safe adventure. Remember that Outdoor Recreation trips often mean being off the grid and unable to access essential items. That said, it could make driving something carrying a lot of weight more difficult. So, consider the weight of your customer’s items and don’t bring things that aren’t needed. Navigation and Communication Tools Outdoor Recreation often takes your customer off the beaten path, so it’s essential to have navigation and communication tools to help your customer find the way and stay connected with the outside world. Some useful tools include GPS units, paper maps, satellite phones, two-way radios, and cell phone boosters. Camping Gear One of the best things about outdoor recreation is the freedom to camp in remote and beautiful locations. To make the most of your camping experience, you’ll need a range of camping gear, including a tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camping chairs, and a portable stove. It’s also a good idea to pack a portable shower and toilet for when you’re in remote areas without access to amenities. Food and Water When off-grid, your customer will need to plan and prepare their meals, so bringing enough food and water for the entire trip is essential. Pack non-perishable food items like canned goods, dried fruits and nuts, energy bars, and snacks. Bring a water filter or purification tablets to ensure clean drinking water is accessible throughout your customer’s journey. Electricity To keep devices charged while overlanding, your customer wants to have some sort of power setup. Your customer can use a portable options that require no installation or install a solar panel on top of a vehicle. A simple solar system is often preferred over a small generator, as it’s more eco-friendly and doesn’t require more gas. It requires sunlight and powers your devices from stored energy. Pairing the solar and battery with an inverter to convert your power gives you consistent access to electricity. If you’re taking a shorter trip or planning to head back to civilization regularly, a portable power station and a small solar panel should offer enough energy for your journey. Outdoor Recreation Going Off-Road & Off-the-Grid By Eva Mitic, Marketing Manager, Go Power!
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