Side Quest Overland

How to Start Overlanding: A Beginner’s Guide to the Basics This is how Project Explore Club's adventure rig started ...and this is how it evolved. Overlanding has exploded in popularity, and for good reason! It combines road-tripping, off-roading, and self-sufficient camping into one epic adventure. But getting started can feel overwhelming. Do you need a decked-out 4x4? Thousands of dollars in gear? Not at all. This guide breaks down the absolute basics, so you can hit the trails today without overcomplicating it. What is Overlanding? Overlanding is vehicle-based travel focused on self-sufficiency and exploration. It’s about the journey, not just the destination. Whether you’re taking a weekend camping trip or driving across continents, overlanding is about experiencing nature, testing your limits, and enjoying the adventure. The 4 Essentials You Need to Start Overlanding If you strip overlanding down to the essentials, you only need four things: 1. A Reliable Vehicle You don’t ne...

  Hiking has always been popular among those who love nature, seek adventure, or want to take a break from their busy lives. But in 2024, there's a new twist to this beloved activity: integrating it into your fitness routine for maximum well-being. Why Combine Hiking and Fitness? Improved physical endurance Enhanced mental well-being Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress levels, boost mood, and improve cognitive function. By incorporating hiking into your fitness regimen, you're not only getting a great workout but also nourishing your mind and soul. The Right Gear for Your Outdoor Adventures When it comes to hiking and outdoor adventures, having the right gear is essential. Popular brands like REI offer everything you need for a comfortable and safe experience: Hiking boots Moisture-wicking apparel Lightweight backpacks With their gear and resources tailored specifically for hikers and fitness enthusiasts, these brands ensure that you're equippe...

 Bikepacking 101 The permutations available in bikepacking setups are endless. Essentials + comforts + style points  = what will be best for you.  The obvious foundation for a bikepacking setup is the bike itself comprised of the wheels, the components or groupset, and the frame. Within these three are even more options that should work synergistically, and chosen to make your journey as successful as possible. Some ask what the perfect bike for bikepacking would be. In my opinion, the bike that you have is the best option because "it's much easier to ride what you have than to ride what you want."  The gear. From an S24O (sub-24hour-overnighter) to multi-day excursions, you should know what you have, how to use it, and how to live without it if something were to go wrong. Equipment mishaps are rare but can happen, and cooking over a fire might be the only option you have, instead of using your jetboil stove. How to Plan Your First Bikepacking Trip Bikepacking is a...

How  3F UL GEAR  is challenging the big names in ultralight tents If you are looking for a high-quality, lightweight and affordable tent for your next backpacking adventure, you might want to check out 3F UL GEAR, a Chinese brand that has been making waves in the ultralight community. 3F UL GEAR  has been manufacturing ultralight tents since 2009, and they have a range of models to suit different needs and preferences.   One of their most popular products is the Lanshan 2, a two-person, double-wall tent that weighs only 1120g (2.47 lbs) and costs $174 . That’s a fraction of the price of some of the big-name brands like  MSR  and  Big Agnes , which can charge over $400 for similar tents. So what makes 3F UL GEAR tents so good? Here are some of the features that set them apart They use high-quality materials like 15D or 20D silnylon fabric, which is durable, waterproof and lightweight. They have a clever design that maximizes space and ventilation, while...