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Shop our productsOne of the most thrilling aspects of getting out into the great outdoors is the ability to go off-roading. Being able to get away from the usual roads and drive in nature, whether in mountain areas, fields, along creeks, or just about anywhere, provides an unrivaled sense of freedom that lets you explore parts of the United States in a whole new way.
So it's no surprise that off-roading has exploded in popularity in recent times, with all kinds of people, young and old, using all-terrain vehicles to really immerse themselves in nature and have an incredible time. Many people also like to extend off-roading to overlanding, where they travel all over and take camping equipment with them, stopping anywhere they like to set up for the night and sleep.
In this article, we'll explore the world of off-roading, so you can decide if you'd like to try it on your next big outdoors adventure.
What Is Off Roading?
Off-roading is essentially driving a vehicle on a road that is not paved like a highway. It could be on a muddy path, along a rocky area, through or along a shallow river, in sandy stretches, or anywhere else that's natural and untouched by human hands.
You can set off on your own off-roading adventure or take part in races and other activities, including off-roading games, where lots of vehicles take part. It gives you the satisfaction of being able to deal with rugged terrain and also the fun of exploration and camaraderie when participating in competitive events.
Naturally, you can't just drive wherever you want and go off road when you please, as the land may be private and off-roading prohibited. But you can go to some of the best off-road locations across the US, including Moab, Utah; the Rubicon Trail, in California; and the Appalachian Mountains, among many other great parts of the country.
What to Look for In an Off-Road Vehicle
Going off-road means having the right vehicle, or you might quickly run into trouble. Setting out in your family car, for instance, and expecting to deal with uneven and muddy surfaces would almost certainly get you into trouble and leave you stuck.
The first priority in choosing a vehicle for an off-road adventure is how high off the ground it is. The more ground clearance, the better you'll be able to navigate rocky and other types of challenging terrain—too low and you'll almost certainly become wedged among obstacles and unable to move.
Get either a four-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive. An SUV may be suitable, but some models are more built for city and town environments and are too close to the ground. Models like the Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner, and Ford Bronco are all built with 4WD capability and allow you to customize certain elements or modify them so they can be outfitted with off-roading gear like larger tires.
Essential Off-Roading Gear
You'll be driving into uncharted territory on an off-road trip, encountering unfamiliar terrain you may have difficulty dealing with. Mishaps and accidents are therefore common in off-roading, and you should prepare for anything to happen before you set off from home.
Pack a tire repair kit, recovery or tow straps, and a winch to help get you out of sticky situations, such as getting stuck in mud or snow and unable to move. A first aid kit is another essential item, as you or anyone in your group may become injured as a result of your travels on rough terrain.
Also look into ways to modify your vehicle so it's more able to cope with the off-road experience. Think about mud tires, getting improved suspension to absorb all those shocks of being bounced around on rocky and other uneven paths, and also skid plates, which will help to prevent damage to your vehicle.
If you're going off-roading for some time, taking a tent along means you won't have to return to populated areas to stay at a motel or hotel overnight. Simply pitch your tent wherever you happen to find yourself and cook your own meals. You can do that with a fuel cooker or a more eco-friendly alternative like the BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station, which you can charge from the sun and also use to power lights and heating. The BLUETTI Charger 1 gives you backup power for those dark days when there’s not much sunlight to charge the power station.
Off-Roading for Beginners: Tips to Get Started
For those who are new to off-roading or planning their first experience, it's advisable to take a few precautionary steps before heading out. If you have a new and unfamiliar vehicle, for instance, it's wise to spend some time studying its capabilities and features. Take a look at the ground clearance and see how you might cope with rocky roads or streams. Do you properly understand the vehicle's traction control and differential lock? If not, get to grips with these and other features before you go. You can read the owner's manual and look at tutorials online.
As with anything new, start out slow and small. Don't expect to take the most challenging off-road trails at the outset, because something could go wrong and you need to learn the basics first. Look for less challenging terrain, such as dirt tracks and gravel roads, where you can practice; it will be entirely different to driving on paved roads. Check out apps like AllTrails that will show you various beginner off-roading and 4x4 trails.
It's also a good idea not to do off-roading on your own, at least for the first few times, until you get the hang of it. Take along a buddy or family member, in case you do run into trouble, and they can help out. You can share the experience together and have even more fun along the way.
Overlanding vs. Off-Roading: What’s the Difference?
Overlanding and off-roading may seem similar, but they're slightly different. The aim with overlanding is distance and having a prolonged adventure, taking in the sights of vast parts of the country as you go. It tends to be a much more leisurely pursuit. Off-roading, on the other hand, is more about excitement, with the thrill of conquering challenging environments the main objective.
Overlanding can last many days or even months, while off-roading typically is for one or a few days; think of them as short excursions. Camping is usually part of overlanding, while it may not be required for off-roading, especially if you're just doing it for a few hours at a time. Off-roading generally needs better driving skills and more high-performance vehicles.
Whichever adventure you choose for your next trip into the great American outdoors, ensuring you have the right vehicle and great gear will allow you to have the best possible time.
FAQs
How Do Off-Roading?
Off-roading can be fast, so keep your eyes peeled at all times and directly ahead of what's coming. Focus is essential to make sure you don't crash into objects like rocks.
Why Do People Go Off-Road?
For excitement, adventure, and exploration. Going off usual roads allows for unparalleled encounters with nature.
Can You Offroad with a 4x4?
You can, but you'd need to take extra precautions by not driving in terrain that's too challenging and avoiding muddy and snowy areas.
