I’ve been on the road full time over four years; though I was camped at my parents yard during the estate closure for a few months. The only gear that I purchased specifically for Overlanding when I went from living in a brick and mortar to my vehicle was sleep pad, used battery bank, and then eventually I got a deal on a 12 V SetPower refrigerator. Everything else was recycled handy me down camping gear or stuff from the home. We sold the home and we had a little bit of money. I did upgrade some things for comfort and convenience, I got some fancier storage boxes for organizing gear. Purchased a few different inexpensive 12V rechargeable lamps, EcoFlow battery bank, I got a hot tap shower, CamCo porta potty, Starlink, and we slowly been up dating our camp kitchen gear to stuff that isn’t two generations or three generations old. This all happened within the last 7 months.
I did about two years ago by a 10 foot off-road camper trailer that came with a rooftop tent and an inexpensive awning that failed, although I could easily continue my adventures without the trailer, it just allowed me to carry more gear with me so I didn’t have to have stuff in storage
Some really good advice here Matt! I’ve been a weekend warrior “overlander” for a few years now. Always nice to watch “back to basics” videos like this. Nice to see more channels speaking out against the “need” for $100K built Jeeps, overland trailers and all the latest gear.
This was a great video. I enjoyed this more than seeing the next piece of high end gear you got for free to review. I'm not a beginner but I am on a budget. I think a great video would be a for you to equip your gladiator with all of the "beginner" gear that I'm sure you have laying around and then do a multi day trip video and actually show your viewers that, yes, you can outfit your rig on a budget and enjoy yourselves.
Great video. The biggest thing I’ve learned in my short time of doing this is that I don’t need to bring everything. lol. Each time I learn more about what I don’t need and what I do need.
I think that is key. With experience you learn what you need and what you don't. Saving weight is important. I am whittling down how many bins I need for each type of trip.
Best, most informational Overlander on TH-cam, Hands down. All perspective Overlanders should come to this channel if they're thinking about getting into the lifestyle.
I use to work at a Jeep shop building rigs. Cheap is a loaded word. After seeing years of offroad abuse there are brands that are not cheap$ but are garbage. Especially many Jeep specialty brands.
I really appreciate videos like this. I'm still getting my feet wet in "overlanding" and the lure of all the toys is great. But just go. Get the stuff you have in the shed in to the truck and just go is the best advise I hear. Thanks!
I still don’t have a camp chair, or -20d sleeping bag, I use heirloom wool blankets and quilts, I don’t have a portable propane tank although one came with my little trailer. we don’t use it, because it was only set up for propane quick that we didn’t find compatible with either other devices. I don’t have a diesel heater. I have an electric heater I can use when my batteries are charged or when I’m plugged in I do have a Mr. Buddy heater that I used briefly to warm the trailer up before going to bed for the first year, but condensation stopped me from using it anymore. I found a lot of the stuff that I’ve spent big money on in the last four or five months to improve my comfort level. I don’t use anymore. I bought a shower tent for the hot tap, never even connected to the hot tap we don’t use it. Easier to get a campground for one night and use the showers. Unless I’m completely off grid I don’t bring my EcoFlow battery bank or my lion energy energy battery bank with me because I always have enough power with the trailer battery and the Jeep battery for a few days. I also don’t have a separate house battery bank in my jeep. I don’t have an inverter and solar on my jeep. I’ve never really needed it. My most power intensive device is Starlink. I’m still using a $27 Coleman camp stove that I traded my uncle for when he decided he wanted my antique multi fuel pump stove from Coleman. A few months ago we did get a brand new full-size base camp RV so that my adventure partner has all weather accommodations when I am off.-grid. I think in the reality of the situation is if you’re new and going at this in 2025 use what gear you have what vehicle you have and then see what you need and then as you can afford to you can increase your comfort level with better gear. When running multiple 12 V refrigerators for logger excursions I use the set power, portable, magnetic batteries, and rotate them out with the jeeps onboard power outlets.
I live at high elevation in the northern Nevada desert at the base of the Ruby Mountains. So many places to explore! My rig is an old Cherokee XJ, locked with 4.56 gears. My RTT is a used Ebay bargain. Built my own kitchen in the back. Very budget but extremely capable. Such a fun pastime!
Just got an ecoflow delta 2 for $399... Ridiculously cheap. That with a 12volt 100ah lithium battery and a combo dc to dc charger/mppt controller. Less than $250 for both plus Solar panels
I've been sleeping in the vehicle on all of my overnight trips (R51 Pathfinder has 7 seats and both rear rows fold flat) and have a small storage box I built myself out of particle board. My 12v fridge is mounted to the top of it and is powered off of a 12v port in the back while I am driving around, then I have a power station for overnight power. That station is charged by a Pecron DC1242-500 charger that is connected directly to my car battery. Pretty much everything I need is contained within the vehicle. I do want to go a bit bigger in 2025 and do have plans on getting a roof top tent, but will be focusing on a wedge style tents in the $800-1200 range. Not sleeping in the vehicle will give me more room for storage, etc. Slow and steady process on a budget. 😄
love to see it is more content on how you organize your existing gear what boxes, tool rolls, gear sacks, do you find the most usable and the most durable; as well as what do you keep your clothing in?
@OzarkOverlandAdventures any suggestions for a compact table for 2? I don't have a ton of space in my 4Runner, so looking for something I can setup my camp stove and have a place to eat for 2. I will check out the Cliq chairs. Maybe they can be used with the table?
Recently had to trade in my jk that I live out of for a new rig. Trying to build out my Frontier Pro4x has been fun and so different from the JK. The suspension is the next big upgrade I’m planning on doing, any suggestions for a frontier would be much appreciated! Great tips and ideas in this video!
No exchanges anywhere you have to get them refilled. I have a local hardware store I got to but I've also gone to Tractor Supply when traveling to refill it.
Do you use anything for security in a world that seems to be getting worse and worse self protection would be a number one item even an animal to warn you something is not right? And if so concealed carry has any issues with state to state police authority with having it? Thanks for your response take care and appreciate your video!
@OzarkOverlandAdventures Logical response, thanks! I dig your videos, man. It's great to see your style evolve to be more direct and concise. We all have some form of ADHD now, so attention spans are as rare as hen's teeth!
don't do extreme off road, don't want live on top of or outside I would go for a suburban add a pop up camper top , or 4x4 conversion express van for full time ,for a pu min 6-6.5' box but this is a crew cab and 5' - 5.5' box world
Why not a topper tent in one? That would be my choice on a truck or gladiator. Not judging, just curious. Everything would be out of the elements. Too heavy? Like a project m or lone peak.
Thankd for the video Matt. When it come to tires what do you recommend. Im running the Toyo open country AT3s. We get a fair amount of snow up here in Canada
There's so many good tires available now. We are partial to Milestar tires and have been running them for years. The Patagonia XT are 3 peak snow rated and have done well in what little snow we have had the opportunity to wheel in.
Hi Matt always appreciate your videos. I have a Jackery 1500 solar generator. I've heard the Bluetti Charger 1will charge other power stations (Jackery)? But my main question is I have a 2019 Jeep 2.0 turbo. It is a mild hybrid, so it uses a 48v battery, not a alternator that charges my 12v starting battery. Do you know if that Bluetti charger 1 will work with my set Jackery and no alternator set up? Thanks for any input.
i want to drive a vehicle where it can have everything in it. i dont want to be like brad and marco who drive a vehicle and still pull a trailer. a kitchen trailer. i mean, im not driving thousands of miles and drag a kitchen trailer.. not me!
I love watching your videos and agree with most everything you say, but if you are going to be gping with the 4x4 you already have, just make sure you have enough skill to be able to drive home after especially if its your daily driver. So not really a disagreement, just a disclaimer!
1:42 You completely ignored weight. If your vehicle is over GVWR you'll not only wear out parts faster, but insurance may not cover you in an accident and you could be on the hook for massive repair and medical bills. It never ceases to amaze me how virtually all the TH-cam overlanders completely ignore the weight of the gear they bring with them, including the weight of vehicle mods. GVWR literally means nothing to them. I'm not wrong, and you know it.
My Jeep is definitely over GVWR and I’ve discussed it in previous videos. I have also made modifications to my Jeep to handle that extra weight (which I’ve made videos about). While I can’t technically change the GVWR rating I’m confident my Jeep can handle it.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Right, but when you're giving advice to the world, ***especially people just starting out*** their rigs won't be configured like your rig, as you suggested they should buy a stock rig and go out in that first, and you didn't even mention the weight or GVWR considerations at all. At the very minimum it was a video that was significantly lacking in important information for the stated target audience.
@@VideosOffRoad people doing what I said in this video won’t be over GVWR so it’s a moot point. I also didn’t discuss staying warm in winter, detailed recovery gear, and a lot more. I can’t cover everything in a single video. 🤦🏼♂️ I see you’re passionate about GVWR. I’m not. 🤷🏼♂️
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures The breathtaking majority of TH-cam overlanders (and apparently overlanders in general) in America don't care at all about GVWR and staying legal. You're in good company.
I have to be honest, Matt and Cara seem like they are the nicest people. Yes this this is their job, but they seem to genuinely care about helping people in the Overlanding/offroad space. Always appreciate these videos that take a deep dive.
Plano boxes☑ Jetboil Genesis☑ 5lb tank☑ 12V fridge☑ Bluetti power station☑ Roof Top Tent☑ Tow straps☑ If I had to start over these are some things I would not leave out. Some may be pricey but they are totally worth it. It makes going out so much more enjoyable.
No! That badge is special and in honor of the dog we lost earlier this year. It's there by itself on purpose. Now go crawl back under your rock and pull the foot out of your mouth. blahahahaha!!!
I’ve been on the road full time over four years; though I was camped at my parents yard during the estate closure for a few months. The only gear that I purchased specifically for Overlanding when I went from living in a brick and mortar to my vehicle was sleep pad, used battery bank, and then eventually I got a deal on a 12 V SetPower refrigerator. Everything else was recycled handy me down camping gear or stuff from the home. We sold the home and we had a little bit of money. I did upgrade some things for comfort and convenience, I got some fancier storage boxes for organizing gear. Purchased a few different inexpensive 12V rechargeable lamps, EcoFlow battery bank, I got a hot tap shower, CamCo porta potty, Starlink, and we slowly been up dating our camp kitchen gear to stuff that isn’t two generations or three generations old. This all happened within the last 7 months.
I did about two years ago by a 10 foot off-road camper trailer that came with a rooftop tent and an inexpensive awning that failed, although I could easily continue my adventures without the trailer, it just allowed me to carry more gear with me so I didn’t have to have stuff in storage
Some really good advice here Matt! I’ve been a weekend warrior “overlander” for a few years now. Always nice to watch “back to basics” videos like this. Nice to see more channels speaking out against the “need” for $100K built Jeeps, overland trailers and all the latest gear.
This was a great video. I enjoyed this more than seeing the next piece of high end gear you got for free to review. I'm not a beginner but I am on a budget. I think a great video would be a for you to equip your gladiator with all of the "beginner" gear that I'm sure you have laying around and then do a multi day trip video and actually show your viewers that, yes, you can outfit your rig on a budget and enjoy yourselves.
Great video to kick off 2025 Tuesday's. Totally agree to get out there and go, you don't have to have a monster crazy expensive build to have fun.
Great video. The biggest thing I’ve learned in my short time of doing this is that I don’t need to bring everything. lol. Each time I learn more about what I don’t need and what I do need.
I think that is key. With experience you learn what you need and what you don't. Saving weight is important. I am whittling down how many bins I need for each type of trip.
Best, most informational Overlander on TH-cam, Hands down. All perspective Overlanders should come to this channel if they're thinking about getting into the lifestyle.
Thanks so much!!
I use to work at a Jeep shop building rigs. Cheap is a loaded word. After seeing years of offroad abuse there are brands that are not cheap$ but are garbage. Especially many Jeep specialty brands.
I really appreciate videos like this. I'm still getting my feet wet in "overlanding" and the lure of all the toys is great. But just go. Get the stuff you have in the shed in to the truck and just go is the best advise I hear. Thanks!
I totally agree with you, get out there and explore!
Blanket Advice - down duvet (it’ll change your life…get one for the house and the tent)
This was great and helped my brother and I answer the start of Bluetti questions. Appreciate you guys!❤
Glad it was helpful!
This is such a helpful video for beginners and few good things for experienced overlanders as well!
Great video...I would have to have my Light Ranger on the list of essentials. You need lighting and the Light Ranger is phenomenal.
Funny. I’ve had my gladiator for 2 years in Feb and want to start over landing. This video was made for me lol😂
I still don’t have a camp chair, or -20d sleeping bag, I use heirloom wool blankets and quilts, I don’t have a portable propane tank although one came with my little trailer. we don’t use it, because it was only set up for propane quick that we didn’t find compatible with either other devices. I don’t have a diesel heater. I have an electric heater I can use when my batteries are charged or when I’m plugged in I do have a Mr. Buddy heater that I used briefly to warm the trailer up before going to bed for the first year, but condensation stopped me from using it anymore. I found a lot of the stuff that I’ve spent big money on in the last four or five months to improve my comfort level. I don’t use anymore. I bought a shower tent for the hot tap, never even connected to the hot tap we don’t use it. Easier to get a campground for one night and use the showers. Unless I’m completely off grid I don’t bring my EcoFlow battery bank or my lion energy energy battery bank with me because I always have enough power with the trailer battery and the Jeep battery for a few days. I also don’t have a separate house battery bank in my jeep. I don’t have an inverter and solar on my jeep. I’ve never really needed it. My most power intensive device is Starlink. I’m still using a $27 Coleman camp stove that I traded my uncle for when he decided he wanted my antique multi fuel pump stove from Coleman. A few months ago we did get a brand new full-size base camp RV so that my adventure partner has all weather accommodations when I am off.-grid. I think in the reality of the situation is if you’re new and going at this in 2025 use what gear you have what vehicle you have and then see what you need and then as you can afford to you can increase your comfort level with better gear. When running multiple 12 V refrigerators for logger excursions I use the set power, portable, magnetic batteries, and rotate them out with the jeeps onboard power outlets.
I live at high elevation in the northern Nevada desert at the base of the Ruby Mountains. So many places to explore! My rig is an old Cherokee XJ, locked with 4.56 gears. My RTT is a used Ebay bargain. Built my own kitchen in the back. Very budget but extremely capable. Such a fun pastime!
Just got an ecoflow delta 2 for $399... Ridiculously cheap. That with a 12volt 100ah lithium battery and a combo dc to dc charger/mppt controller. Less than $250 for both plus Solar panels
A diesel heater is a must for cold weather camping. It will change your life!
A very nice opportunity to go over what I already have in my Jeep. Constantly checking and re-doing, etc.... :)
Last couple of videos Matt, you’ve used the new DJI mic Mini. Nice! Audio from the TV with big HomePods or phone is really good.
Thanks for the feedback. I love the size of them!
Great video Matt... Thank you for sharing all this great information!!
Glad it was helpful!
As always, great video and very informative!
Glad you liked it!
I've been sleeping in the vehicle on all of my overnight trips (R51 Pathfinder has 7 seats and both rear rows fold flat) and have a small storage box I built myself out of particle board. My 12v fridge is mounted to the top of it and is powered off of a 12v port in the back while I am driving around, then I have a power station for overnight power. That station is charged by a Pecron DC1242-500 charger that is connected directly to my car battery. Pretty much everything I need is contained within the vehicle. I do want to go a bit bigger in 2025 and do have plans on getting a roof top tent, but will be focusing on a wedge style tents in the $800-1200 range. Not sleeping in the vehicle will give me more room for storage, etc. Slow and steady process on a budget. 😄
Thank you Matt! Happy New Year ❤👊
Happy New Year to you too!
Excellent tips - Thanks!
You're welcome!
I wish Ironman 4x4 would come out with a quick mounting system for their boxes.
I’ll be building my own shortly.
Hi Matt, very nice video. Very informative thank you so much for sharing.
love to see it is more content on how you organize your existing gear what boxes, tool rolls, gear sacks, do you find the most usable and the most durable; as well as what do you keep your clothing in?
I've made one of those in the past but it's probably outdated now.
I’m a weekend warrior so I use a ground tent. If I did go on longer trips more often then yes, a rooftop tent is the way to go.
Great tips and suggestions! Thanks for sharing
Always honest opinions. That's what we 💜 about you!
2025, Bring It!
🛻+⛺️=🙂!
Mark (& Teresa)
Hampstead Maryland
• Purpose Built Adventure Rig © •
Ford Ranger FX4 - GFC Camper V2 # 1919
• Kia Soulverlander • Nissan Xterra Off-Road •
@OzarkOverlandAdventures any suggestions for a compact table for 2? I don't have a ton of space in my 4Runner, so looking for something I can setup my camp stove and have a place to eat for 2. I will check out the Cliq chairs. Maybe they can be used with the table?
Naturnest roof top tent on eBay $750. I love mine
Thanks for the info
Nice overview.
Why did you choose a bed rack over a canopy?
Great video. 👍👍 for Gaia GPS
Thanks!
If you were sitting for a week are two would that bluetti with a couple of solar panels keep that fridge going without starting your vehicle
Depends on if it's cloudy or sunny.
Recently had to trade in my jk that I live out of for a new rig. Trying to build out my Frontier Pro4x has been fun and so different from the JK. The suspension is the next big upgrade I’m planning on doing, any suggestions for a frontier would be much appreciated! Great tips and ideas in this video!
I hear great things about the Frontier but know absolutely nothing about them or even who makes parts for them.
Where do you go to refill your 5-lb propane tank? I don't think walmart does the exchange program for them like they do the common 20-lb ones.
No exchanges anywhere you have to get them refilled. I have a local hardware store I got to but I've also gone to Tractor Supply when traveling to refill it.
Do you use anything for security in a world that seems to be getting worse and worse self protection would be a number one item even an animal to warn you something is not right? And if so concealed carry has any issues with state to state police authority with having it? Thanks for your response take care and appreciate your video!
Great video, thank you. Pretty helpful for the newer folks. Why did you recommend the 180 power station instead of the elite 200v2?
Both are great. The 180 should meet the needs for most people and is cheaper.
@OzarkOverlandAdventures Logical response, thanks! I dig your videos, man. It's great to see your style evolve to be more direct and concise. We all have some form of ADHD now, so attention spans are as rare as hen's teeth!
don't do extreme off road, don't want live on top of or outside I would go for a suburban add a pop up camper top , or 4x4 conversion express van for full time ,for a pu min 6-6.5' box but this is a crew cab and 5' - 5.5' box world
Why not a topper tent in one? That would be my choice on a truck or gladiator. Not judging, just curious. Everything would be out of the elements. Too heavy? Like a project m or lone peak.
We have that on our other Gladiator. They have their pros and cons. I'll be making a video comparing our two Gladiators very soon.
Thankd for the video Matt. When it come to tires what do you recommend. Im running the Toyo open country AT3s. We get a fair amount of snow up here in Canada
There's so many good tires available now. We are partial to Milestar tires and have been running them for years. The Patagonia XT are 3 peak snow rated and have done well in what little snow we have had the opportunity to wheel in.
Hi Matt always appreciate your videos. I have a Jackery 1500 solar generator. I've heard the Bluetti Charger 1will charge other power stations (Jackery)? But my main question is I have a 2019 Jeep 2.0 turbo. It is a mild hybrid, so it uses a 48v battery, not a alternator that charges my 12v starting battery. Do you know if that Bluetti charger 1 will work with my set Jackery and no alternator set up? Thanks for any input.
The charger 1 connects to the battery so it should be fine no matter what system is keeping the battery charged.
i want to drive a vehicle where it can have everything in it. i dont want to be like brad and marco who drive a vehicle and still pull a trailer. a kitchen trailer. i mean, im not driving thousands of miles and drag a kitchen trailer.. not me!
I love watching your videos and agree with most everything you say, but if you are going to be gping with the 4x4 you already have, just make sure you have enough skill to be able to drive home after especially if its your daily driver. So not really a disagreement, just a disclaimer!
You always have to drive it home!!
1:42 You completely ignored weight. If your vehicle is over GVWR you'll not only wear out parts faster, but insurance may not cover you in an accident and you could be on the hook for massive repair and medical bills. It never ceases to amaze me how virtually all the TH-cam overlanders completely ignore the weight of the gear they bring with them, including the weight of vehicle mods. GVWR literally means nothing to them. I'm not wrong, and you know it.
My Jeep is definitely over GVWR and I’ve discussed it in previous videos. I have also made modifications to my Jeep to handle that extra weight (which I’ve made videos about). While I can’t technically change the GVWR rating I’m confident my Jeep can handle it.
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Right, but when you're giving advice to the world, ***especially people just starting out*** their rigs won't be configured like your rig, as you suggested they should buy a stock rig and go out in that first, and you didn't even mention the weight or GVWR considerations at all. At the very minimum it was a video that was significantly lacking in important information for the stated target audience.
@@VideosOffRoad people doing what I said in this video won’t be over GVWR so it’s a moot point. I also didn’t discuss staying warm in winter, detailed recovery gear, and a lot more. I can’t cover everything in a single video. 🤦🏼♂️ I see you’re passionate about GVWR. I’m not. 🤷🏼♂️
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures The breathtaking majority of TH-cam overlanders (and apparently overlanders in general) in America don't care at all about GVWR and staying legal. You're in good company.
@@VideosOffRoad considering I’m one of the few that have addressed that subject in multiple videos I’m happy with where I am.
I had to learn how to sleep in a wet/cold hammock on our last trip... mistakes were made....
which means lessons were learned so thats good. LOL
@@OzarkOverlandAdventures I’m sure I’ll do it again… I really wanted to camp with no tarp!!!
I have to be honest, Matt and Cara seem like they are the nicest people. Yes this this is their job, but they seem to genuinely care about helping people in the Overlanding/offroad space. Always appreciate these videos that take a deep dive.
@@GlockTrooperThanks so much!!
Plano boxes☑ Jetboil Genesis☑ 5lb tank☑ 12V fridge☑ Bluetti power station☑ Roof Top Tent☑ Tow straps☑
If I had to start over these are some things I would not leave out. Some may be pricey but they are totally worth it. It makes going out so much more enjoyable.
Please for the love of god move that one badge of honor badge below the other ones. It’s driving me crazy it being there by itself blahahaha!!
No! That badge is special and in honor of the dog we lost earlier this year. It's there by itself on purpose. Now go crawl back under your rock and pull the foot out of your mouth. blahahahaha!!!
WTF is with that hair?
WTF is with this comment? Are you the type that's triggered by hair? LOL!
@OzarkOverlandAdventures all bald men have eachothers back... you're messing with the deplorables Sir..hahaha
@@FishRanch.in.Commiefornia so what you’re saying is you’re actually jealous. 😂
@OzarkOverlandAdventures in this case not since 1985... 😄😄😄