Overlanding is all about exploration, self-reliance, and venturing beyond the beaten path. There’s something so rewarding about letting the journey lead the way, whether there’s a trail beneath you or not. But as thrilling as off-roading can be, it’s important to prioritize safety any time you find yourself out in the backcountry.
Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or just starting out, this blog lists essential off-roading safety tips to keep in mind on your next adventure.
Off-Roading vs Overlanding
Off-roading and overlanding both involve driving in remote, natural environments, but are distinctly different activities.
Off-roading is all about driving over unpaved surfaces like rocks, mud, sand, or steep trails recreationally. It’s usually a short-term activity with a focus on vehicle performance and overcoming challenging remote terrains.
If you’re overlanding, you’re going off-road for multiple days at a time—maybe even weeks. It’s remote, rugged, and requires comprehensive safety planning.
Off-Roading Terrains and Safety Practices
The first step to safe off-roading is getting to know the unique requirements of the terrain. Each environment demands specific skills, equipment, and safety precautions worth keeping in mind.
Below are some common off-roading environments and their safety considerations:
Rocky Trails
Driving over rocky trails gives you exciting challenges to conquer—but it also poses some safety risks. Undercarriage damage, tire punctures, and rollovers are all very real possibilities, so you’ll need to approach every obstacle with caution.
Here are some safety tips for off-roading on rocky trails:
- Spot tough sections on foot before driving
- Drive slowly and steadily (without sudden throttle)
- Know your approach, breakover, and departure angles
- Keep tires in high points (not in deep ruts)
- Install a skid plate to protect your undercarriage
Sand and Dunes
Whether you’re out in the desert or driving over a beach, sand can trap you fast. The National Park Service (NPS) recommends lowering your tire pressure to 20-25 pounds to maintain good traction.1
Drive smoothly and avoid stopping uphill or turning sharply, or you can easily cause a dig-in. Remember to reinflate your tires as soon as you’re back on solid ground.
Mud
When driving through mud, you’ll need to be in four-wheel drive with all-terrain tires. Sudden stops and turns are not recommended here either. The NPS advises against gunning the engine if you’re stuck, as it could dig you deeper.2 They also recommend:
- Using just barely enough throttle and low gearing to maintain forward movement
- Turning the steering wheel rapidly from side to side to help generate traction
- Placing solid materials like traction boards or your floor mats beneath tires to create traction
If you find yourself really stuck, it’s usually best to stay close to your vehicle instead of traveling to seek help on foot.
Essential Off-Roading Safety Tips for Overlanders
When you’re overlanding, staying safe on the trail is about so much more than bringing a first aid kit (although you should definitely do that too). There’s a lot to pack, gear to grab, and best practices worth keeping in mind.
Below, we highlight key off-roading safety tips and essential equipment every overlander should know about, no matter the terrain, trip length, or your experience level.
Use the Buddy System
It’s true what they say about there being safety in numbers. While independence is all part of the fun, it’s never a good idea to go on an overlanding trip completely alone. Always travel with at least 1 other person and a vehicle to help you get unstuck or transport you back to safety in the event of an emergency.
You should also always let someone back home know where you’re going, who you’re going with, and when you expect to be back. This way, if you end up needing help out in the backcountry, there’s a greater chance of finding you faster.
Bring a First Aid Kit
Even small cuts can become serious when you’re far from help. When you’re out in the backcountry, you should always bring a first aid kit that includes:
- Bandages, gauze, and adhesive tape
- Antiseptics, burn gel, and antibiotic ointment
- Pain relievers and allergy medications
- Tweezers
- Tick remover tool
- Scissors
- Alcohol pads
- Disposable gloves
Remember, this list is just a starting point; you may need to bring additional gear and supplies for specific medical needs. If you really want to stay safe and organized, check out the DECKED truck bed drawer system and D-Co Cases.
Bring Spare Tires and Emergency Repair Kits
Flat tires and blowouts are common off-road issues, but they can pose serious safety risks to you and others on the trail. Being able to patch, reinflate, or replace a tire quickly can keep your trip moving smoothly. Consider bringing:
- Spare tire: Off-roading is unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring a spare tire. If you’ve modified your truck, the original spare spot might no longer work for your setup. The Rough Country Bed Mount Spare Tire Carrier lets you conveniently store your spare right in the truck bed, while still leaving plenty of room for other gear.
- Tire repair kit: Staying safe off-road is all about being prepared for emergencies. The Rough Country Emergency Tire Repair Kit has everything you need to fix a flat, including detailed instructions, all stored in one convenient carrying case.
- Portable air compressor: If you’ve got a flat and are miles from help, you’ll be glad to have a Rough Country Air Compressor Kit.
Invest in Off-Road and Safety Lights
Once the sun goes down or fog rolls in, visibility can drop fast. In these scenarios, you’ll need quality off-road lighting to safely navigate dimly lit environments.
Rough Country Spectrum Series LEDs give you powerful visibility in challenging conditions. They offer wide beam angles and 9,600 lumens to slice through thick fog like butter.
Be Prepared with a Recovery Kit
Most overland trips usually involve traveling through remote areas, miles away from help. It’s a good idea to always be prepared with a recovery kit, just in case you or a buddy’s vehicle gets stuck.
Below is some essential vehicle recovery gear for your next off-roading adventure:
- Traction boards: heavy-duty boards placed under tires to help regain traction when stuck in mud, sand, or snow
- Winch: a motorized spool with a strong cable used to pull vehicles out of tough situations, typically mounted to a front bumper
- Winch strap: a durable recovery strap that wraps around anchors like trees and rocks without damaging them. The Rough Country winch strap is 30 ft. long, pulling up to 16,000 lbs. (8 tons)
- Winch cleat: a metal device bolted to the vehicle or used on the ground, providing a secure recovery point for winches or recovery lines
- Snatch block: a pulley used with a winch to change the direction of the pull or double the pulling capacity for heavy recoveries
- Shackles: metal U-shaped connectors (usually with a screw pin) used to safely attach straps or winch lines to recovery points
- Tree saver strap: a wide, flat strap that wraps around a tree to provide a strong anchor point for pulling, without damaging the tree
Only Go as Fast as You Need To
There’s an old safety motto that’s popular among overlanders: “As slow as possible, as fast as necessary.” When you’re crawling rocks, crossing mud, or driving over sand, knowing when to hold back and when to commit can make all the difference for your safety.
Driving too fast can reduce traction or cause you to lose control, but in some situations (like sand), going too slowly makes it easier to get stuck. Remember to stay alert and let the conditions set your pace.
Pack a Survival Kit Just in Case
Any time you go off-road, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You’ll be glad to have a survival kit with you, just in case you need to spend a night off-grid or wait a few hours for rescue.
Here’s a basic survival kit checklist for overlanders:
- First aid kit: see our first aid kit checklist above
- Water jugs: large, durable containers to store drinking water
- Power station: a portable power bank with outlets or USB ports for charging electronics
- Extra clothes: extra layers of clothing for sun protection and warmth
- Snacks: high-calorie, non-perishable foods like protein bars, trail mix, or jerky
- Multi-tool or knife: a compact tool with a blade, scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, and other useful functions
- Whistle or signal mirror: tools for drawing attention if you’re stranded and need help
- Fire starter: waterproof matches, a lighter, or a ferro rod will help you start a fire for warmth, cooking, or signaling
This checklist is just a starting point—you may need to pack extra items in your survival kit depending on your personal needs.
Buckle Up and Lock it Down
Seatbelts are never optional. And any time you’re not moving, remember to put your vehicle in park, turn the emergency brake on, and stop the engine. This is especially important for uneven ground.
While moving, keep your arms and limbs inside the vehicle at all times. Simply resting your arm out the window puts it at risk of severe injury from surrounding trees or rocks. Also, if you like your fingers, keep your hands off the roll bar.
You should also tie everything down inside your vehicle. Anything not tied down can become a dangerous projectile if you hit a rough patch or rollover.
Shop Off-Roading and Overlanding Gear at Campway’s
Off-roading is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the outdoors, but only if you are prepared. From understanding terrain-specific safety requirements to carrying critical recovery gear, safety starts long before your wheels leave the pavement.
At Campway’s, we’re your one-stop shop for all things off-roading and overlanding. Whether you’re experienced or just starting out, our team is here to help you gear up for your next trip.
Shop our lineup of top-notch overland accessories online today, or stop by any one of our locations to browse our selection in person.
- Sand and mud driving tips – Mojave National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). https://www.nps.gov/moja/sand-and-mud-driving-tips.htm
- Tips for beach driving – Cape Lookout National Seashore (U.S. National Park Service). (n.d.). https://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/tips-for-beach-driving.htm
