Over the past few years the word “overland” has taken on a mind of its own.
A quick search on Instagram for profiles that use the term will overwhelm you with accounts created for a myriad of purposes. It’s the buzz word of the day and one a lot of people want to be a part of. However, during this same time I’ve had interactions with people who adamantly oppose anybody unlike them from having any involvement with this fast-growing industry.
When I first started publishing vehicle-based and outdoors related content 20 years ago, the overland market was so small in the United States it was an afterthought for nearly anyone but those impassioned, like myself, for vehicle-based adventure. For years, I struggled to convince the vast network of people who represent outdoors companies, and fellow adventurists, to understand the crossover between what we do with our vehicles and how nearly anyone who heads to a trailhead to go mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and any other outdoors activity uses a vehicle of some sort to get there. It wasn’t until years after OutdoorX4 released its first issue we have arrived at a point where the synergies between industries are no longer overlooked but welcomed as evidenced by my attendance at several prominent outdoors-related events over the past 1.5 years.
Enjoying a weekend at Hurricane Lake in Arizona with a community of adventurists.
However, as is the case with any industry that experiences significant growth, there are individuals who feel the industry belongs to them. These types of people create communities with like-minded people who, unless you think and act like they do, are not welcome to the expansive overland community. This is contrary to the very fiber and spirit of what makes overlanding and vehicle-based adventure travel so exceptional. And that’s exactly what it is. It is a community of people from every corner of the globe, from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds, who value the enjoyment of exploring a thirdendary road – a term coined by my friend and our Treadmarks Columnist, Bill Dragoo. It’s about setting up basecamp under a sky full of stars while a campfire and a good meal provide enhancement to the experience, then waking up the next day for a hike to a remote waterfall or a mountain bike ride along thrilling single track. It’s an experience that is open for everybody, anywhere, using whatever mode of transportation is within your budget. It’s a community for all rather than a select few.
From the same trip to Hurricane Lake in 2008. A simple vehicle setup and AT Overland Horizon trailer provide a comfortable basecamp experience. Of course, you don’t have to have a bunch of expensive gear in order to explore the world around you.
Whether you’re a newbie or veteran to “overlanding” remember this: we are all adventurists who enjoy the natural world. If you’re new to vehicle-based adventure and have questions about including tips for driving off-road, how to properly pack for a trip, or recommendations for places to experience, just ask. Overlanding is for everybody, not just for a select few.
OutdoorX4 – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure
