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Start Here

Rugged 4x4 overland SUV on a dusty mountain road at golden hour, traction boards on the roof, tow strap and soft shackles beside a compact camp setup.

Start Here — Build a Safer, Smarter Overland Setup

By Colin Tandy • Field-tested reviews, no-fluff how-tos, and trail-ready checklists

Updated • New? Read Recovery 101 next.

🛠 Shop Trailblazer Adventure Gear (Curated Essentials)

Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Who this is for

If you want a rig that’s reliable off-road without wasting money on gimmicks, you’re in the right place. We focus on recovery basics, route planning, and practical upgrades — the things that prevent problems and get you home.

Our safety ethos

  • Use rated recovery points and hardware only.
  • Prefer controlled pulls and clear the danger zone.
  • Plan routes with bailout points, fuel/water windows, and comms coverage.
  • Practice techniques before you need them.

Your 7-day quick-start plan

  1. Audit your rig: recovery points, tires, jack, tools, first aid.
  2. Build a basic recovery kit (see tiers below).
  3. Install a tire kit: gauge, deflators, portable compressor.
  4. Pick a local loop and practice traction board technique + strap pulls.
  5. Set up offline maps (Gaia/OnX/OSM). Save a primary route + 1 fallback.
  6. Create a 1-page trip brief: weather, fuel, comms, bailout points.
  7. Debrief afterward: what worked, what didn’t — update your checklist.

Recovery kit tiers (buy once, use often)

Tier 1 — Essentials

  • Traction boards (pair)
  • Static tow/recovery strap (rated)
  • Soft or steel shackles (rated)
  • Gloves + compact shovel
  • Tire gauge + portable compressor

Tier 2 — Core Upgrades

  • Kinetic rope (rated for vehicle mass)
  • Tree saver + dampener
  • Tire repair kit (plugs, tools)
  • GMRS handheld or mobile radio
  • Hard-mount board pins/brackets

Tier 3 — Expedition Prep

  • Winch (9–12k) + fairlead + wiring
  • Upgraded recovery points (front/rear)
  • Secondary comms (sat messenger)
  • Lighting (headlamp/work light)
  • Spare fluids + basic spares kit

Must-read guides to get you rolling

Need help choosing gear?

Ping me at colin@overlandgearguide.com or call +44 7984 814867. You can also use the contact page.

FAQ

What should I upgrade first?
Tires (incl. PSI kit), basic recovery, and comms. Fancy mods can wait.

Do I need a winch?
Great safety net for solo travel, but solid technique + boards + straps solve most issues.

Are affiliate links used?
Yes. They help fund hands-on testing at no extra cost to you.

Questions or gear you want tested? Comment on any post — I read them all. — Colin

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