Car Camping / Trip Reports / Photos / Buildouts / “Overland” / Expedition Rigs Area (homeless?)

An expedition is a journey. If you are on land then It's an overland expedition. Shit, you don'teven have to be in a vehicle. I overland with a pack for weeks at a time.

 

Yeah, I guess. But when I drive to work in my Honda civic it's an overland expedition too.

Too me its not about the gear, its about having the ability to be out exploring while being completely self reliant for days/weeks/months at a time. I'm not saying you have to be running a $100,000 set up, but a stock truck with a spare tire on the back doesn't really constitute being an "expedition rig" IMO.

 

A quick search confirms my suspicion

Car Camping: Traveling in a vehicle to an established campground. If there is a picnic table there, it is probably car camping.

Backcountry Adventure: A one-day, or multi-day off-highway trip in an adventure motorcycle or 4wd.

Overland(ing): Vehicle-supported, self-reliant adventure travel, typically exploring remote locations and interacting with other cultures.

Vehicle-Dependent Expedition: An organized, vehicle-dependent journey with a defined purpose, often geographic or scientific in nature.

Expedition Vehicle: A 4wd or adventure motorcycle prepared for self-reliant travel over long distances, through unpredictable weather and over variable terrain.

 

Pics of yours Hampton?

 

Lol that's called backpacking.

 

n00b's gotta chime in and tell everyone they aren't overland or expedition because they don't match the dictionary definition

 

Eh... Those requirements aren't that hard to meet.

4x4 (not always necessary but whatever...check)
self-reliant (it's a toyota ... well built w/ spare parts and basic tools...check)
long distance (subjective...but it'll take all day/weekend and like hell I'm going to walk that far...so check)
unpredictable weather (this is a given in the backcountry as you should ALWAYS plan on this...hell my morning commute in Denver, CO can have unpredictable weather...check)
variable terrain (i.e. not pavement...check)

Also, according to that definition of overlanding you could take a 2-wheel drive sedan and drive to Alaska on a paved road and call it "overlanding." You could even pick up starbucks when you get there.

The point is the adventure. Which is also subjective as one person's idea of adventure can be completely different from anothers. You can't put a finite "definition" on this topic. So, please stop trying.

 

Dude I've seen guys in Honda civic wads and Volkswagen 4wd van and dodge caravans do some of the trails I've done that are 3-4 days trips..

As long as it gets you there and back over a period of time..it's an overland vehicle.

T do that..yea you kind shave to be self sufficient..which is bullshit anyways seeing as how we all need gas stations..grocery stores..and whatever during most trips.

But please..lets see your version of an expedition rig..

 

Self reliant means a whole lot more than driving a "reliable" vehicle.

 

hence the spare parts and tools...

 

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Driving a vehicle that won't break down, or get stuck is just one aspect of many when it comes to being self reliant.

Self reliant to me is made up of so many factors. Being able to store/stock enough food. Carrying enough gas/water etc. Comfortable living/sleeping conditions. Being able to live and live comfortable for days or weeks away from home. Having a vehicle capable of difficult terrain, and being able to recover should you become stuck. I think an expedition vehicle should be mobile. For anyone who's done any amount of car camping you know what a pain in the ass it is to pack up and always be on the move. I like to be able to pack up and go at a moments notice.

 

I think before anyone calls themselves an "expedition rig" they should ask themselves not only if they'd be able to, but would they want to live in their "rig" for a week or more at at time. If the answer is no, then you might have a nice 4x4, but overland expedion rig? Maybe not.

 

Pretty sure many of us do. ^

 

Again, being able to, and wanting to are two different things. Yes you could get by sleeping in the cab of your truck eating beans for a week, but would anyone really want to? No.

 

Mines not comfortable enough to live in for weeks and I don't look good in Khaki. Guess I'm just a 4x4. Good thing I made reservations at a nice bed and breakfast that's located near the end of the trail for the day run I'm doing this Saturday

 

This thread is making feel all warm and fuzzy.

 

should have my rtt design project done spring-early summer. definitely wont be luxurious but will be functional enough for me. (and probably only me) but i wouldnt have a problem spending a week in it.

 

There's nothing wrong with driving a nice 4x4. Most people don't need a dedicated expedition rig, especially if it doubles as a daily driver. I'm not saying that every truck posted here wouldn't fall in the category of "expedtion vehicles" but I do believe theres a bit more involved than throwing on a cheap lift and strapping a hi-lift to the box.