10 Essentials for the Novice Overlander

Packing and organizing for an overland adventure can be a daunting task. In this video, long-time Overland Expo instructor Dean Shirley goes over the 10 Essentials he recommends for any overland adventure.

This is a systematic list that will help you make heads or tails of what you need, at minimum, for your next trip. You can watch the full video on YouTube by clicking the image below.

1. Training

2. Safety & First Aid

3. Communication

4. Navigation

5. Recovery

6. Tire Pressure Management

7. Tires & Suspension

8. Food & Water

9. Shelter

10. Fuel


Dean Shirley

Dean brings a lifetime of outdoor enthusiasm and over two decades of off-road experience with him to share with you. His goal is to present that information in an easy to digest manner. Other videos by Dean can be found on the East Coast Overland Adventures YouTube channel. He also has a blog with over 150 articles on it at www.eastcoastoverlandadventures.com and hosts a semi-weekly podcast called Echoes of Adventure which can be found on all major podcast platforms.

Latest Stories

Join Us for the Women Who Wander Networking Event at Overland Expo SoCal 2026

Join Us for the Women Who Wander Networking Event at Overland Expo SoCal 2026

Aimed at providing women-oriented education, networking, and training, The Women Who Wander program has grown to be one of the…
Honda’s Base Station Prototype Makes Lightweight Overland Camping More Approachable

Honda’s Base Station Prototype Makes Lightweight Overland Camping More Approachable

Unveiled this month, Honda’s Base Station Prototype is a compact, towable travel trailer aimed at simplifying camping for families and…
Nissan Brings a Mid-Gen Refresh to the Iconic Pathfinder

Nissan Brings a Mid-Gen Refresh to the Iconic Pathfinder

Now five generations in, the iconic Nissan Pathfinder gets a mid-generation refresh that updates its exterior styling, overhauls the interior,…