Start Here — Build a Safer, Smarter Overland Setup

Who this is for

If you want a rig that’s reliable off-road without wasting money on gimmicks, you’re in the right place. We focus on recovery basics, route planning, and practical upgrades — the things that prevent problems and get you home.

• Total beginner? Start with tire pressure, traction boards, and safe tow-point use.
• Weekend explorer? Add comms, a kinetic rope, and a better jack base.
• Expedition-curious? Plan fuel/water windows, winch strategy, and spares.

Our safety ethos

Your 7-day quick-start plan

1. Audit your rig: recovery points, tires, jack, tools, first aid, lighting.
2. Build Tier 1 kit (see below): boards, rated strap & shackles, shovel, gloves, PSI kit.
3. Install a tire system: gauge, deflators, portable compressor. Learn your PSI ladder.
4. Practice: traction boards + static pulls in a safe open area with a spotter.
5. Maps & comms: set up offline maps (Gaia/OnX/OSM) and GMRS. Share your plan.
6. Trip brief: weather, water/fuel windows, rendezvous points, bailout tracks.
7. Debrief: what worked, what didn’t; update checklists and spares list.

New to sand? Read Dune Dominator and Sand Recovery Methods.

Skills hubs (learn by terrain)

Recovery kit tiers (buy once, use often)

Must-read guides to get you rolling

• Off-Roading 101 — Beginner 4WD Basics
• Your First Day on the Trail — Fundamentals
• Recovery 101 — Safe, No-Drama Self-Recoveries
• Dune Dominator — Sand Driving Techniques
• Getting Unstuck from Sand — What Works
• Beaches vs. Deserts — Adjust Your Style
• Don’t Drown Your Rig — Safe River Crossings
• Reading the Water — Assess Flooded Tracks
• Bow Waves & Breathers — Deep Water Fording
• Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro — Review
• Essential Overlanding — Recovery Gear (Book Review)
• Overland with Confidence — Route Planning (Book Review)

Need help choosing gear?

Ping me at colin@overlandgearguide.com or call +44 7984 814867. You can also use the contact page.

FAQ

What should I upgrade first?
Tires (incl. PSI kit), a basic recovery kit, and comms. Fancy mods can wait.

Do I need a winch?
Great safety net for solo travel, but boards + straps + solid technique solve most issues.

What PSI for sand?
Start 18–22 PSI (firm beach), 15–18 (soft sand), 12–15 (hot dunes, slow only). Reinflate before highway.

Solo or with a group?
Travel with at least one other vehicle whenever possible, especially for water, snow, or dunes.

Are affiliate links used?
Yes. They help fund hands-on testing at no extra cost to you.