Significant engineering and communication advancements have transformed domestic and international overlanding in the past few decades. These innovations have made the process safer, easier, and more connected than ever, promoting a lower cost of travel and the ability to work remotely in a vehicle from anywhere on the planet.
Factory Overland Vehicles
Original equipment manufacturers have embraced overlanding and have started to deliver factory-ready 4WDs and adventure motorcycles poised for adventure. Newer vehicles often have larger tires, more robust suspensions, steel bumpers, locking differentials, raised air intakes, and winches. Examples like the Chevrolet Bison AEV, Ineos Grenadier, Toyota Trailhunter, Jeep Rubicon, and Ford Tremor have reset the expectation of what is possible from the dealership, all under warranty. Adventure Motorcycles like the Ducati DesertX Rally, BMW GS Adventure, and Triumph Tiger Rally Pro are impressive moto offerings.
Starlink
SpaceX has transformed remote work as we know it by delivering broadband internet to nearly every inch of the world. For the overlander, this can provide additional income through content creation or even permit a work-from-road career. Starlink also improves connectivity, enabling travelers to stay in touch with family or rally support during emergencies such as illness or a breakdown.
Garmin inReach
The Garmin inReach has been a boon to remote travelers, providing two-way messaging access to the Iridium satellite network for 100 percent global coverage. The unit is only a few hundred dollars, and the monthly service is a reasonable $12-$64 per month, depending on the services and number of messages you wish to transmit. These compact communicators provide a layer of security and connection that was never before available in this price range.
iOverlander
Many relevant smartphone apps are available, but iOverlander has proven to be the most widely adopted, respected, and up-to-date one for vehicle-based travelers. While it has limited mapping capabilities, the offline database of campsites, accommodations, fuel, repair shops, and border crossing information is unparalleled. Travelers can also provide updates and new locations to help spread the impact over more points of interest.
Smartphones
Since the first iPhone, smartphones have changed personal device use forever. Nearly every traveler has a computer in their pocket with accurate GPS positioning, detailed mapping, translation, currency conversion, research, email, and even high-quality cameras. These devices allow the overlander to solve problems quickly and accurately with the assistance of online searches, calls, texts, SMS, MMS, WhatsApp, and other tools. You can even use them as a level to make sure the camper is positioned for sleeping.
Vans
The availability of all-wheel-drive vans has significantly altered the overlanding landscape, for better or worse. They are easy to drive, reasonably capable, and supremely comfortable boxes on wheels available to a wide audience. Vans can be configured or modified to the owner’s delight and, with sufficient modification, be capable of driving moderately difficult backcountry roads. Using an AWD Sprinter as an example, an additional advantage is that most of these platforms are available globally and can be repaired and serviced in dealerships or shops in nearly every country.
Small, Affordable Campers
One of the challenges of using a small yet capable 4WD truck like the Tacoma/Hilux is the available payload. As a result, campers like the AT Overland Habitat or the Go Fast Camper (GFC) with a hardtop lifting roof and tent sides have exploded in popularity. These campers can be purchased for under $10,000, weigh less than 500 pounds, and are excellent for three-season use and for maintaining the off-highway capability of lighter-duty trucks.
Facebook Groups and Forums
Within the last 20 years, the availability of online forums and Facebook groups has reinvented the overland planning process. It is now possible to quickly search and ask questions of a large group of active travelers. These communities can provide immediate assistance and support for those struggling with bureaucracy, route guidance, or mechanical failures in a particular country. This development has even extended to WhatsApp groups for travelers actively moving together through the region. However, due diligence should still be considered a necessary component when using these communication channels.
Lithium Batteries
All of this new technology requires power to keep running, with Starlink consuming up to 10 amps per hour. The development and improvement of lithium batteries have brought more capacity and less weight and space for the overland camper. Lithium power lets the traveler allocate less of their payload to the house battery systems, even allowing for 12-volt air-conditioning, induction cooking, and more. Note that lithium batteries have become subject to more restrictions from transport companies when shipping your vehicle.
E-Visas
Within the last five years, the availability of electronic visas has significantly improved the international overland experience. The online application and approval process makes it possible to apply for one from anywhere and receive it for download in your email or even add it to your Apple wallet. Paper visas require going to an embassy or consulate in person or sending the passport to a visa service and waiting days or weeks for it to return. E-Visa adoption is spreading quickly, with many African countries promoting their use.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal’s Gear 2025 Issue.
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