Overlanding – off-road explorations where the journey by vehicle is as important as the destination – is a fast-growing pastime. With June officially Great Outdoors Month and National Camping Month, more will take the path less traveled. Experienced overlanders know the importance of having the correct gear, proper provisions, and vehicles in top condition, and those new to the scene need to take basic precautions to ensure a breakdown doesn’t ruin the experience.Key is the vehicle’s capabilities and condition. The most basic preparation starts with tires. What is Overlanding?Overlanding involves outfitting a vehicle with gear and provisions and navigating dedicated trails to destinations and setting up a basecamp that facilitates day hiking/cycling exploration in any direction while providing a nearby home away from home. Similar to car camping (or ‘glamping’), gear ranges from basic camping equipment to robust survival tools. Deeply dedicated enthusiasts outfit vehicles with a rooftop tent, stove, refrigerator, water purification and communications systems, generator, basecamp lighting, and off-road navigating tools like a winch and traction recovery gear. Overlanding started in South Africa and Australia, spread rapidly through South America, and is now so popular in North America that in 2019 the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) dedicated part of its annual Las Vegas trade show to overlanding. Thousands joined the trend during the pandemic when many were cautious about traditional vacations. According to SEMA’s January 2023 “Truck and Off-Road Market Trends” while the overlanding market’s size remains elusive, new data released by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) shows that outdoor recreation generated $454 billion in economic output and supported in excess of four million jobs in 2021.Tires – Where the Rubber Meets the Trail.Whether new to overlanding or an experienced explorer, the vehicle of choice for outdoor adventure must have proper all-terrain tires to help ensure a successful journey.
Many tire manufacturers classify all-terrain tires in five categories: On-Road All-Terrain, Off-Road All-Terrain, Commercial All-Terrain, Rugged All-Terrain, and Off-Road Maximum Traction.
Experts say tires with more off-road capabilities have some on-pavement limitations, particularly additional noise and vibration. So it’s best to choose tires based on the majority of your driving needs.
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