Is Overlanding Dead?

[Tommys]

Folks,
This is a question that is increasingly being asked. I have researched this phenomenon and summarized how a rugged pursuit of adventure became a mainstream trend. But not before the curve of COVID.
Interested? Read/watch a comprehensive study on the subject that proposes an answer that YOU will make.
Overland Death?

 

[Flipper]

The fad is over except for the die hards. This site used to be 4-5 pages of new posts everyday….now maybe 2-3 posts for a whole day. Looks like the party is over.

 

[smritte]

The only people asking the question are the ones who jumped on the "Overlanding Bandwagon". I cant even count the number of fads I've watched die. But yes, the people who jumped on the fad are wondering. For the rest of us the only difference it makes is our favorite areas are no longer crowded. The only good thing that came out of it is the evolution of some of the equipment.

I think the ones most effected are the ones who jumped on the fad and made u-tube channels. Now their trying to come up with any gimmick they can to get views. A good example is all the "Is overlanding dead" videos that started popping up about two years ago.

To directly answer the question, NO its not dead. The fad chasers just lost interest, that's all. As for the forums, the ones that catered to the fad are losing people. Others that had a strong base before the fad have only lost a few people. I didn't read your survey but I hope you included off-road forums that have been around for a few decades.

 

[Sparksalot]

The only people asking the question are the ones wo jumped on the "Overlanding Bandwagon". I cant even count the number of fads I've watched die. But yes, the people who jumped on the fad are wondering. For the rest of us the only difference it makes is our favorite areas are no longer crowded. The only good thing that came out of it is the evolution of some of the equipment.

I think the ones most effected are the ones who jumped on the fad and made u-tube channels. Now their trying to come up with any gimmick they can to get views. A good example is all the "Is overlanding dead" videos that started popping up about two years ago.

To directly answer the question, NO its not dead. The fad chasers just lost interest, that's all. As for the forums, the ones that catered to the fad are losing people. Others that had a strong base before the fad have only lost a few of people. I didn't read your survey but I hope you included off-road forums that have been around for a few decades.

The fad has peaked. Now the equipment buying opportunities are here.

 

[John and Mandi]

Nah, as far as I can tell, more people than ever are engaging in multi-country vehicle dependent travel. Now, trendy rooftop tent camping may be diminishing.

 

[JimBill]

The only people asking the question are the ones who jumped on the "Overlanding Bandwagon". I cant even count the number of fads I've watched die. But yes, the people who jumped on the fad are wondering. For the rest of us the only difference it makes is our favorite areas are no longer crowded. The only good thing that came out of it is the evolution of some of the equipment.

I think the ones most effected are the ones who jumped on the fad and made u-tube channels. Now their trying to come up with any gimmick they can to get views. A good example is all the "Is overlanding dead" videos that started popping up about two years ago.

To directly answer the question, NO its not dead. The fad chasers just lost interest, that's all. As for the forums, the ones that catered to the fad are losing people. Others that had a strong base before the fad have only lost a few people. I didn't read your survey but I hope you included off-road forums that have been around for a few decades.

In addition to he equipment evolution, the knowledge base has grown greatly, including trials still being mapped on GPS and the like. The best thing I like are the creation of long travel discovery routes.
Things always cycle. Another output of this contraction is the "minimum mods" videos coming out now. Just enough lift for the tires you need (not want), weight considerations, keep weight off the roof, do you really need 25 gallons of gas strapped on, and the like are now being questioned. My ill equipped daily drivable rig that fits in the garage is now in fashion.

 

[smritte]

In addition to he equipment evolution, the knowledge base has grown greatly, including trials still being mapped on GPS and the like. The best thing I like are the creation of long travel discovery routes.

I'm going somewhat agree with what you said. The knowledge base evolved with the equipment but mapping wise, most of us already had all the routes mapped. I personally gained nothing extra. What it did do was make people not have to explore and research to find things.

The minimum mods thing has always made me laugh. You have two ways to build a vehicle, proper and improper. A properly built rig has tuned suspension and the driveline match's the environment its driven in. This isn't new. When people ask me about suspension mods, they always remark "I'm not racing Baja with it!" That's correct because if you were the build would be diffrent. People just wanted to look good without the cost.

You mentioned, your "I'll equipped rig fits the garage". Cool, it should (unless you have an RTT). We don't need a bunch of bolt on crap, just what's we need for what we do. That just proves you are ahead of the curve.

 

[rgallant]

Same as it has always been, those of us who want to drift down FSR's to camp and have a fire will still be out there. The rest will fade away.

I view like all the what is overlanding discussions, when people said you have to drive on off road tracks for huge distances, but their huge distance was 500 miles. That is a weekend trip here in BC, still remote lots of times without cell phone coverage and you need to be prepared for a breakdown.