A FIRST-TIME BUYERS GUIDE FOR OVERLANDING
Car camping and semi-self-sufficient overlanding have evolved a lot over the past decade with a range of gear and gadget options making it far more accessible to a broader market than in the past. With a myriad of gear available, the intimidating factor might no longer be the actual travel but the sheer volume of choice. Here we’ve curated a guide of must-haves to make it easier.
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SHELTER
First and foremost, you’re going to need a solid loading platform. There is simply no way you’ll be able to comfortably (and efficiently) fit all your gear inside your vehicle which is where a good roof rack system comes in. A rack such as the Slimline II Roof Rack allows you to create more space inside your vehicle by storing everything from camping gear and kitchen supplies to clothing in Front Runner’s Wolf Pack Pro and Typhoon Bag and loading them securely on the roof.
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If you’re not planning on sleeping on the ground next to your vehicle, a roof top tent is a game-changer. Not only does it negate the major hassle of pitching (and breaking down) a tent, but it also keeps you off the cold ground. Front Runner’s Roof Top Tent weighs only 43kg and sleeps two comfortably. It is made out of water-repellent, durable 260g poly-cotton ripstop fabric and features a full-coverage, waterproof and UV-resistant rainfly.
© Craig Rhodes-Harrison
A shade awning mounts to the side of your roof rack and lets you create shelter from the elements in under 60 seconds. Pair the Easy-Out Awning from Front Runner with the additional Wind/Sun Break sidewall, to create even more protection from the elements. Much like your roof top tent, you might not always want to be driving around with your awning though, and with the use of the Quick Release Awning Mount Kit you can mount or remove your awning in seconds without any tools.
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PACKING / STORAGE
When it comes to packing, you want to be as efficient as possible, and a well-organized load box (or three) is the way to go. Front Runner’s Wolf Pack Pro is a feature-rich storage box solution: It is water and dust resistant, securely latches onto your roof rack, and is stackable. For fragile gear such as glasses, cameras, and binoculars, lining the Wolf Pack Pro with Front Runner’s Storage Box Foam Dividers provides extra protection, as well as giving you added organization options for smaller items.
© Craig Kolesky
This 100% dust and water resistant duffle bag opens up big enough to fit Front Runner Cub Pack or Flat Pack storage containers or can be used as an extra-large, roof-rack-ready bag for storing anything from tents and other camping gear to adventure-sports equipment and clothes. When you’re ready to upgrade your storage solutions and start planning longer expeditions Front Runner has a host of other options such as drawer systems and cargo slides.
© Craig Kolesky
KITCHEN
The Pro Stainless Steel Table from Front Runner offers everything you want in a camping table: It is sturdy, yet lightweight and easy to store. As a bonus, it was engineered to be transported underneath most Front Runner Slimline II Roof Racks leaving more space for all your overland gear on top and making it super accessible.
© Craig Rhodes-Harrison
Ask any experienced overlander what their most invaluable piece of kit is, and you might be surprised at the answer. Right up there with recovery gear or a roof rack, they’re bound to tell you "a table and chairs”. The reason: Having a comfortable spot to sit immediately transforms a campsite. The Expander Chair from Front Runner is a ridiculously comfortable chair that features a telescopic design that allows it to fold into the size of a laptop case making it easy to transport. It also has a cup holder and various utility pockets for the storage of small items such as cell phones.
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This high-quality kitchen utensil set features everything you need for cooking (such as a spatula and chopping board; as well as a pairing- and carving knives) and eating (from serrated knives, forks, and spoons to the all-important bottle opener). The entire kit fits in a neat, tool-style roll with a protective flap, adjustable straps, and carrying handles. Knife handles are triple riveted while the fork and spoon handles are equipped with comfort grip poly handles.
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Being self-sufficient and having quality water you can trust is important, not only for cooking and drinking but for hygienic cleaning too. Front Runner has various water solutions available to suit different vehicles and adventure types. These include everything from the 20-liter (5.3 gallon) Pro Water Tank made from food-grade, BPA-free polyethylene to Front Runner’s Footwell Water Tank and range of Load Bed Water Tanks. Read more about them here
© Craig Kolesky
For overland trips the freedom of keeping perishables fresh and bringing fresh ingredients to the camp kitchen is non-negotiable. The CFX3 line from Dometic is the brand’s most technologically advanced yet. The range is extensive, featuring seven sizes to suit your lifestyle, vehicle, and type of adventure. From the CFX 35 (which –– with its 35l capacity –– is ideal for day trips and shorter overnight adventures) up to the expedition-ready CFX 100, all CFX3s were designed to perform in harsh off-road conditions. There are two dual-zone fridge/freezers in the range (a 75l and a 95l) both of which work off flexible power options (AC 100-240 V and DC 12/24 V). They feature two-zone storage compartments that have independent temperature control so you can use one side as a fridge and the other as a freezer for longer expeditions.
© Craig Rhodes-Harrison
CAMPING HACKS
The Rack Mounted Bottle Opener is a convenience you never knew you always needed. Now you never need to remember to pack an opener. It is made from black powder-coated steel for protection against the elements and mounts easily to either side of your Front Runner Roof Rack.
© Craig Rhodes-Harrison
Cadac portable gas BBQs
You’re not always going to be able to (or have the energy) to cook over an open fire so having a convenient gas option is crucial. The CADAC range of portable gas BBQs is recognized as the leading gas BBQ brand in Africa and Europe with a long, trusted legacy in outdoor cooking. The range is now also available in North America exclusively through Front Runner and offers models ideal for RVs, camping, and overlanding. Each model features even-heat distribution, non-toxic ceramic coatings, and modular inter-changeable cooking surfaces. They are easy to assemble, clean, and transport and come with convenient carry bags.
© Craig Rhodes-Harrison
Lighting is often overlooked when camping or overlanding. Smart, efficient lighting (and power) solutions can go a long way to making your overland adventures more comfortable. From accessing gear on your rack in the dark, to lighting up a campsite Front Runner have a comprehensive list of options. Find the right one, here
© Craig Rhodes-Harrison
Secure all your gear to your Front Runner Roof Rack with these lightweight tie-down straps that offer all the benefits of a compact ratchet strap and bungee cord in one durable package.
For more overlanding tips, click here
