What do we use to get there? (Technical)
How do you find the right equipment for overlanding? How do you know what will work for you? Trial and Error One thing we've learned: size really does matter. The capability of your vehicle and trailer play a huge role in navigating different terrains. Smaller, more compact rigs—if they have enough clearance—can go places that larger setups simply can't. Our experiences have shown us that the right-sized rig can open up a world of adventure.
We’ve been through a lot of trial and error, and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned about setting up your rig and selecting the right equipment to match your style of adventure.
Important Technical Criteria for Overlanding:
- Length: Smaller vehicles are more versatile, especially off-road.
- Ground Clearance: Enough clearance is key to tackling rough terrain.
- Independent Suspension: Helps maintain control and comfort across uneven surfaces.
- Articulating Hitch: Offers greater flexibility in off-road towing.
What Determines How Long You Can Stay Off-Grid:
- Power: The ability to generate or store sustainable power is crucial.
- Water: Carrying enough water or having a way to purify it is essential.
- Fuel: How far can you go before refueling?
- Communication: Staying connected for safety and coordination in remote areas.
Lessons from Our Journey When we started, one of the biggest challenges was figuring out what equipment we truly needed. Reliable, unbiased information is hard to come by, and we made costly mistakes as a result. But we’ve learned from them, and now we want to help you avoid those same pitfalls. Learn what’s important and what’s not.
We’ve gone through five different builds in less than two years, each teaching us valuable lessons:
- Bronco
- TAXA Woolly Bear – A rolling bear box.
- BRS Sherpa – Overland.
- Jeep Gladiator
- Jeep GLADZILLA
While each setup had its strengths, they also had flaws we couldn’t foresee until we invested time and money. Unfortunately, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” in the overlanding (or boating) world. Every rig is unique, tailored to the adventurer’s style and needs.
Choosing the Right Products and Builders We’ve researched and used countless products, and we’re happy to share the good, the bad, and the “could-be-better” from a sea of manufacturers. It can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.
How much do you really need to get started? Finding honest, reliable builders can make all the difference. We’ve had the pleasure of working with a few excellent companies on both the east and west coasts, but we’ve also dealt with shady vendors who promised the moon and delivered only the basics. One key lesson: Don’t be afraid of the learning curve. While buying equipment and realizing your warranty is limited can be frustrating and expensive, this lifestyle is achievable for everyone.
Adventure for All We’ve met people overlanding with nothing more than a car and a picnic dinner, soaking in a sunset over a river valley. We’ve also encountered million-dollar rigs parked in the same spot. No matter your budget or comfort level, there’s a way to live your dream. We've even met folks adventuring hundreds of miles by bicycle or motorcycle.
Valuable Lessons We Learned:
- Always carry bear spray.
- Don’t pee on an electric fence (seriously, the results are shocking!).
Feel free to reach out to us by email with any questions. You don’t need to know everything to start your adventure, and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned. We’ll also be answering common questions in upcoming videos on our YouTube channel [@LaserGo23].
See our Detailed Product List, drop us an email if you have any questions about products we’ve used.