One of the essential skills for long-distance overland travel is being able to repair and maintain your own vehicle—a skill typically acquired through years of wrench-induced frustration and occasional triumph. This mechanical competence grants travelers the invaluable confidence needed to venture further and linger longer off-grid. Over our many years spent traveling, mostly in beautiful old Land Rovers, we’ve rarely called upon professional mechanics, primarily because most haven’t a clue about our peculiar choice of transportation (a South African 2003 Land Rover Defender Td5 130 equipped with a homemade habitat), and even the most straightforward repairs can cost a small fortune.
Naturally, a comprehensive toolkit is indispensable, but almost as critical is having the right workwear to transform arduous roadside repairs into something marginally less miserable—and a good deal safer. Sure, an old pair of jeans, a faded T-shirt, and your beat-up sneakers might suffice for basic mechanical misadventures, but there are plenty of times when proper protective gear will save you from genuine bodily regret.
Consider these two scenarios: First, imagine wrestling compressed springs into place while replacing shocks in a blisteringly hot campsite in Mozambique, your trusty Land Rover teetering precariously on an assortment of jacks and wooden blocks. In such a situation, gloves and sturdy boots are just as vital as mechanical know-how and a healthy sense of self-preservation. Second, picture yourself desperately patching a Cummins diesel hemorrhaging oil in a parking lot in Whitehorse, Canada, with temperatures dipping below -6°F. Here, a mere hoodie and toque (or beanie, depending on your latitude) would be laughably inadequate. You need insulated coveralls, proper winter boots, and robust gloves—or risk becoming a roadside popsicle.
For overlanders, workwear should ideally comfortably double as daily clothing, reflecting the practicality and versatility essential for travelers facing limited storage space.
Below, we’ve detailed our favorite gear for roadside repairs and maintenance—each essential enough to earn its own moment in the spotlight.
Dickies Waxed Canvas Double Front Bib Overalls
If you are at a campsite in Argentina and share the camp with a European working on a MAN truck, chances are he will be wearing bib overalls. Ideal for summer, spring, and fall, the Dickies waxed canvas double front bib overalls are designed for durability and functionality in demanding environments. Constructed from waxed canvas, these overalls offer resistance to water and wear. The double-front design provides added reinforcement in high-stress areas, enhancing longevity. Adjustable shoulder straps and multiple pockets contribute to practicality and comfort, accommodating various tools and personal items. The overalls are ideal for outdoor work and activities that require robust clothing. I am 6 feet 5 inches and 210 pounds, and ordered the overalls in the XL Tall size. The length is perfect, and the volume of the coveralls allows for the comfortable wearing of a warmer underlayer. I suggest finding a stockist and trying on the overalls to find the perfect fit. The overalls are also available for Mrs. Overlander (my missus is our sparky).
From $130 | dickies.com
1620 Workwear Foundation Full Zip Hoodie
The 1620 Workwear Foundation full zip hoodie is rugged, American-made workwear tailored for comfort, functionality, and the inevitable adventures—and challenges—of overlanding. Featuring a high-neck design, an oversized hood, and gusseted underarms for superior freedom of movement, it’s constructed from heavyweight, water-repellent fleece. Practical details like a YKK reverse coil zipper, reinforced front panels, and handy device pockets ensure it’s suited for serious daily use. This hoodie is generously roomy, warm, and surprisingly comfy in size XL. Best of all, its extra length covers half your backside, preventing chilly drafts on your lower back—and mercifully sparing your fellow travelers from unplanned plumber’s crack sightings as you work on the vehicle or bend over to pick up another log for the campfire.
$138 | 1620usa.com
Berne 1417 Heritage Duck Insulated Coverall
The Berne 1417 Heritage duck insulated coverall is designed for durability and warmth in demanding work environments and has proven to be a game changer during our winter overland journey to the Arctic Ocean. Heck, I wore these overalls on the frozen ocean! Constructed from heavy-duty, 10-ounce, 100 percent cotton duck, it features medium-weight insulation quilted to polyester taffeta, providing comfort in cold conditions. The coverall includes a pleated bi-swing action back, pleated elbows, and a four-needle stitched waistband with elastic inserts to enhance mobility. Additional features such as a water-repellent finish, hidden knit storm cuffs, and a corduroy collar with snaps for an optional hood contribute to its functionality. Multiple pockets, including two zippered chest pockets, three inside pockets, and reinforced back pockets, offer ample storage for tools and essentials. Triple-needle stitched main seams and reinforced knees ensure long-lasting wear. These coveralls are essential for winter travel, and you might find yourself wearing them daily, as I did. Honestly, it is the best $130 I have ever spent; the only downside is that these coveralls are too bulky and far too warm for summer travel.
$130 | bernedirect.com
5.11 Tactical Rambler 6-inch Boot
The 5.11 Tactical Rambler 6-inch boot is a worthy successor to my trusty Danner Mountain 600 boots and is ostensibly designed for professional use, offering durability and comfort out of the box. It features a full-grain leather upper in a dark earth color, complemented by heavy-duty stitching. The outsole exceeds ASTM slip-resistance standards, providing reliable traction on various surfaces. Inside, the boot features an Ortholite insole and 5.11’s Force Foam heel cushioning, designed to reduce foot fatigue during extended wear. The combination of materials and design elements makes the Rambler 6-inch boot suitable for demanding environments where both performance and comfort are essential. The boots are good-looking and comfortable enough that they will now be my daily go-to boot.
$155 | 511tactical.com
Dickies 8-Pocket Utility Pouch
The Dickies 8-pocket utility pouch with a padded belt is traditionally designed for tradespeople requiring organized tool storage and comfort during extended use. I found this utility pouch to be incredibly useful as I built my camper, keeping tools and hardware supplies close to hand. Constructed from durable canvas, the pouch has a large main compartment with three interior pockets and a wide-mouthed slip pocket, facilitating easy access to tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, and pencils. I have also found the belt useful when working on the engine in remote areas, as I can keep everything I need close at hand, preventing loss and the wasting of valuable time looking for tools.
$35 | dickies.com
Honorable Mentions
Cordova Pit Pro Mechanics Style Gloves
For large, messy mechanical tasks, a good set of gloves makes you stronger—weird but true. Instead of snagging, battering, and scratching your hands, a set of gloves helps to grip and manipulate oily, heavy chunks of metal. The Cordova Pit Pro mechanics-style large work gloves feature a black synthetic leather palm reinforced at the palm and fingertips to enhance wear resistance. The spandex back provides flexibility and a snug fit, while the hook-and-loop closure ensures easy on and off. They are also very well priced.
$10 | homedepot.com
Disposable Gloves
Disposable gloves are not essential and are often downright irritating, but there are times when the task is nasty (oil change, fuel repairs, etc.), and protecting your hands while keeping them clean is non-negotiable. Recently, we have used the nitrile orange powder-free 2X-large disposable gloves from Auto Zone, and they are better than most, designed for tasks requiring durability and grip. Made from 0.1778 mm-thick 7-mil nitrile, these gloves offer resistance to punctures and chemicals. The dual-sided 3D cube texture enhances grip, especially when handling tools or working in greasy conditions.
$31 | autozone.com
1620 NYCO Work T-Shirt
The 1620 NYCO work T-shirt is the most comfortable T-shirt I have worn in a very long time. As with the 1620 hoodie above, the shirt is designed with a relaxed fit that provides ample room in the chest and shoulders, comfortably covers the lower back and buttocks, and is, therefore, perfect for tasks that require flexibility, movement, and mobility. The 1620 NYCO T-shirt combines the comfort of cotton with the durability of Cordura 6,6 nylon, offering a lightweight yet abrasion-resistant garment. The fabric has an antimicrobial and moisture-wicking finish, drying approximately 2.5 times faster than standard cotton—perfect for overland travel.
$36 | 1620usa.com
Scott Shop Towels
These are no mere paper towels, and even though they are not necessarily essential, I find them indispensable (while being dispensable by design). These trusted, dare I say iconic, blue paper towels are designed for cleaning grease, oil, and spills in automotive and workshop settings. Each roll contains 55 perforated sheets measuring 11 by 9.4 inches. These towels are absorbent and maintain their strength when wet, making them suitable for various maintenance tasks.
Read More: Classic Land Rover Defender Upgrades: More Capability and Greater Reliability
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
