Overlanding in Texas: The Gear You'll Need

Overlanding in TexasOverland Jeep Gladiator with Roof Top Tent

Texas, the Lone Star State, offers a vast and diverse landscape that beckons adventurers to explore its rugged terrain. From the rolling hills of the Hill Country to the expansive deserts of West Texas, there's no shortage of breathtaking scenery and off-road trails to discover. If you're gearing up for an overlanding adventure in Texas, equipping yourself with the right tools is essential for a successful journey. In this guide, we'll highlight the must-have tools and gear for exploring the great outdoors of Texas.

  1. Quality Tires & Full-Size Spare:  The foundation of any overlanding adventure begins with reliable tires capable of tackling Texas' varied terrain. Opt for all-terrain or mud-terrain tires that offer excellent traction on both pavement and off-road trails, ensuring you can navigate through muddy tracks, rocky paths, and sandy dunes with confidence. And don't forget a full-size spare! Often overlooked, make sure your spare is the same as the others, and is in good condition. Running a spare that is smaller than the rest of your tires can cause serious damage to your differentials. Need to carry that spare somewhere? Check out our Hitch Mounted Tire Carrier options

  2. Recovery Gear: Getting stuck offroad isn't if, it's when. With a comprehensive set of recovery gear, including a sturdy recovery strap, D-ring shackles, and a reliable recovery board, getting stuck can be a couple minute pitstop instead of a trip ender. Texas' rugged landscape can present challenges such as deep mud, steep inclines, and rocky obstacles, so having the right recovery equipment on hand is crucial for getting unstuck and back on track. Check out some of the best gear from MaxTrax and Factor 55 

  3. Navigation Tools: Navigate Texas' vast wilderness, and large chunks of private land, adventure with confidence using reliable navigation tools such as Gaia, or onX, or a full GPS that has offline maps. While exploring remote areas, having a backup navigation system, such as a paper map or compass, can provide added peace of mind in case of GPS signal loss.

  4. Vehicle Recovery Jack: A high-lift jack is an essential tool for lifting your vehicle to change tires, perform maintenance, or recover from challenging terrain. Invest in a quality jack that can handle the weight of your vehicle and withstand the rigors of off-road use.

  5. Portable Camping Stove: Fuel your adventures with a portable camping stove for cooking hearty meals on the go. Whether you're camping under the stars in Big Bend or enjoying a picnic lunch along the Guadalupe River, a reliable stove ensures you can whip up delicious meals wherever your overlanding journey takes you.

  6. Extra Fuel & Water: Carrying at least another 50 miles worth of fuel and an extra Gallon of Water per day of your expedition can really prevent turning a bad situation into a worse one. Roads wash out, vehicles break down, among a thousand other things that you could encounter. Exploring the wilderness and getting into remote areas is why we do this, so having a little extra set aside is never a bad thing. Check out our wide range of fuel, water, and liquid carrier options.

  7. Emergency Supplies: Be prepared for emergencies with a well-stocked first aid kit, emergency blanket, flashlight, and multi-tool. Texas' rugged landscape and remote wilderness areas require careful preparation, so having essential emergency supplies on hand can make all the difference in unexpected situations. Make sure your kit is easy to access, even in the event of an accident, and that all occupants of the vehicle know where it is. We stock the MYMEDIC MyFAK

As you gear up for an overlanding adventure in the vast and diverse landscapes of Texas, equipping yourself with the right tools and gear is essential for a safe and memorable journey. From a full-size spare and recovery gear to navigation tools and emergency supplies, being prepared for the challenges of off-road exploration ensures you can fully embrace the spirit of adventure and discovery that Texas has to offer. So pack your gear, hit the trails, and embark on an unforgettable overlanding journey through the Lone Star State.