Essentials for Overlanding and Preparing for the Elements
Overlanding is an incredible way to explore the great outdoors and the less-trodden paths. However, adventures into the wilderness, especially in challenging conditions, require careful preparation and an understanding of what to bring along to handle unexpected situations. This past weekend, our journey to a spot in Central Washington known as "The Lookout" served as a vivid reminder of why being well-prepared is crucial.
FJ first vehicle to get stuck
Our first obstacle was when the FJ, which was in the middle of the pack, got stuck. As an idiot I forgot my shovel so I opted to going forward in front of the radio to cut down any downed trees along the way. The night before we had someone scout and found a large 3ft+ in diameter tree downed in our path. I took my Stihl chainsaw and was able to make the cut and open the path for everyone.
Cutting fallen trees out of the way
The unexpected encounter with snow did not have us turn back. Our
expedition involved my LX470 and a group of 16 enthusiasts and a variety of vehicles, all eager to tackle the snowy paths. Despite our excitement and the seemingly manageable conditions, nature had other plans. The snow was unexpectedly deep, and beneath the fluffy surface was a layer of ice that made traction nearly impossible. The tires of my LX470 couldn't find the ground, and I as many were stuck. Even though I was aired down to 8PSI I was stuck with no traction.
Luckily, our group was well-equipped. Although our initial attempt to winch the vehicle out was unsuccessful, we had other essential tools at our disposal, traction boards which are crucial in providing the necessary grip to maneuver the vehicle on the slippery surface. Shovels are the most vital tool in our situation. We used them to dig out the snow from under the vehicle, which was a key step in our recovery efforts. Let's not forget the synthetic tow straps which were the last resort that allowed us to pull the vehicle up the hill to safety.
Waiting to get winched out
One of the most important lessons from this experience is the value of not facing the wilderness alone. The collective effort of 16 people made the recovery possible. Each person played a role, whether digging, coordinating the use of tools, or physically pulling on the straps with their vehicle. It's a powerful reminder that there's safety in numbers, and the shared experience often turns into a great adventure memory.
Our group is part of the Pacific Northwest (PNW) overlanding community, which hosts events monthly with experienced and knowledgeable individuals. The camaraderie and shared expertise are invaluable, particularly when facing the unpredictable elements of nature. We encourage people that have zero to little experience to join, because we want people to venture out and have faith they will have a good time. Our motto "Let's Roam" is mainly to enjoy life outdoors.
While the only significant damage was to my LX470, which may need a new power steering pump or steering rack, the outcome could have been much worse. The experience underscored the importance of preparation, the right equipment, and most importantly, the right company.
As we anticipate our next event, the location of which remains a mystery, the excitement builds. Each journey teaches us something new about our vehicles, the wilderness, and ourselves.
We ended the night all amongst each other around a firepit and laughed and told stories until we all went to sleep.
Overlanding isn't just about the thrill of exploration; it's also about preparation, learning from the environment, and building a community. Each trip is a lesson in survival, mechanics, and teamwork. So, before you head out, double-check your gear, make sure your rig is up on maintenance, plan with your team, and prepare for every possible scenario. The wilderness is unpredictable, but with the right preparation, every trip can be a great adventure.
My GQ Magazine pose
Stay adventurous, stay prepared, and never go out alone!