Best Overlanding and Camping Gear To Upgrade Your Off-Road Rig

When you're heading off the grid, your gear matters just as much as your rig. Overlanding and backcountry camping aren’t just hobbies—they're about self-sufficiency, adventure, and dialing in a setup that can handle whatever the trail throws your way. Whether you're posting up in a remote forest clearing or tackling a multi-day desert loop, TrailBuilt Off-Road carries the gear that'll get you there—and back—safely, comfortably, and confidently.

1. Roof Top Tents: Your Home in the Wild

Forget fighting with tent poles on uneven terrain. A rooftop tent (RTT) gets you off the ground, away from critters, and asleep in minutes. They're fast to deploy, built to handle trail abuse, and they turn your off-roader into a legit mobile basecamp.

Soft Shell RTTs

Soft Shell RTTs are budget-friendly, lightweight, and easier to pack down—perfect for weekend warriors or solo setups.

Hard Shell RTTs

Hard Shell RTTs offer faster deployment, better weather resistance, and more storage options for serious overland builds.

Top-tier brands like Overland Vehicle Systems, Tuff Stuff, Rough Country, and Body Armor 4x4 make some of the most durable, trail-tested tents in the game. If you're planning long hauls or want a comfortable, elevated sleep experience, an RTT is the move.

2. Recovery Gear: Don't Get Caught Slipping

The only thing worse than getting stuck in mud or snow? Not having the gear to get yourself out.

At a minimum, every overland rig should pack:

• Recovery boards for traction in sand, snow, or muck
• Tow straps and D-ring shackles to get yanked out or help a buddy
• Portable winches or hi-lift jacks for serious trail extraction

Brands like Rough Country offer reliable, high-strength recovery tools built for real-world abuse. When you're 20 miles from the nearest road, preparedness isn't optional—it's survival.

3. Storage & Cargo Solutions

Organization is king when you're hauling gear, tools, and trail essentials. A clean, efficient storage setup makes the difference between a smooth trip and a chaotic mess.

Dial in your rig with:

• Bed racks for extra storage and RTT mounting
• Roof baskets and MOLLE panels for modular gear access
• Tie-down kits and weatherproof cargo boxes for securing tools and camp gear

TrailBuilt’s overland storage systems keep your loadout secure and accessible no matter how gnarly the trail gets.

4. Lighting Upgrades for Camp and Trail Safety

Sunset doesn’t mean your day is over. Trail lighting upgrades help you set up camp, cook dinner, or trailblaze after dark.

Must-haves include:

• LED light bars for wide-range trail visibility
• Scene lights for 360-degree camp coverage
• Ditch or pod lights for spotting hazards and navigating tight terrain

Whether you're wiring in flush-mount scene lights or bolting on a rack-mounted bar, lighting is essential gear—not a luxury.

5. Skid Plates and Underbody Armor

You can't always avoid rocks, logs, and sudden dips—but you can protect your undercarriage from carnage. Skid plates are an often-overlooked piece of the overland puzzle that pay for themselves in one rough trail day.

Prioritize:

• Engine and transmission skid plates
• Fuel tank and differential covers
• Full-frame kits for total protection

Brands like Rough Country and Body Armor 4x4 engineer armor systems to handle real trail impact, not just mall-crawler flex.

6. Power, Water, and Basecamp Essentials

A full-send overland trip means managing power, hydration, and nutrition like a minimalist survivalist with good taste.

• Solar panels and battery stations keep fridges, lights, and comms online
• Water containers and filtration systems keep you hydrated and off bottled water
• Camp kitchens, portable stoves, and refrigerator/freezers keep the fuel flowing

TrailBuilt carries compact, durable basecamp essentials that let you live well without sacrificing mobility or trail-readiness.

Build Your Adventure Rig with TrailBuilt

Overlanding is about more than just the destination—it’s about how you get there. Whether you’re sleeping under the stars in Moab, conquering the dunes at Silver Lake, or carving through remote forest trails, the right gear ensures you’re ready for anything. From roof top tents and recovery gear to lighting and protection, TrailBuilt Off-Road is your go-to source for enthusiast-built equipment that performs when it matters most.