Is Overlanding Dead?

[DBAR]

We could stop worrying about what we think it is and should be and just keep doing what we're doing - camping, car camping, overloading-landing , off-roading and live and let live. Let's not gatekeep ideas and what things evolve into. Things take on a life of their own eventually. It's no different than "I saw x band in a bar back in the day and they sold out for the money!". But eventually, they'll be back in the bar and that's just how life goes.

Totally agree! IMO, overlanding hasn't changed; it just has an industry behind it now with fancy marketing. The act of going out and exploring, adventuring, and camping is still the core; we just have more access to things we may want than ever before. The way I look at it is the industry doesn't have that much of an effect on me because I am already doing the thing. The only issue I see is that the industry can scare off new people who may want to get into the hobby. However, that could describe any hobby.

 

[highboy4x4]

. Exactly- hey- we will be in Dolly Sods beginning Wednesday night thru Monday morning. It’d be cool to run into you!

Sorry I missed this post, that would have been cool. I was in the Max Patch Mountain area loving the scenery.

 

[MiamiC70]

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?

Dead, buried and nothing left but the rotting corpse and good riddance.

 

[MiamiC70]

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?

Dead, buried and nothing left but the rotting corpse and good riddance.

 

[Kevin108]

From your video, it looks like things are alive and well. Forum activity must just be a poor metric for it. Vendors are still filling massive spaces indoors and out with all of the latest and greatest, while attracting thousands of visitors who pay to get in, and spend while they're there. Despite tariffs, prices are down considerably on things like portable batteries and 12v refrigerators. Lift and armor vendors have rushed to develop for the newest platforms like the Bronco, Land Cruiser/GX, and the latest 4Runner.

So no, I don't think it's dead. It's just changed. Personally, I'd be glad to see the day when nobody else wants to do this stuff. I'd love to have the trails to myself again.

 

[MOAK]

From your video, it looks like things are alive and well. Forum activity must just be a poor metric for it. Vendors are still filling massive spaces indoors and out with all of the latest and greatest, while attracting thousands of visitors who pay to get in, and spend while they're there. Despite tariffs, prices are down considerably on things like portable batteries and 12v refrigerators. Lift and armor vendors have rushed to develop for the newest platforms like the Bronco, Land Cruiser/GX, and the latest 4Runner.

So no, I don't think it's dead. It's just changed. Personally, I'd be glad to see the day when nobody else wants to do this stuff. I'd love to have the trails to myself again.

I think you are spot on with your assessment. I do think prices are down a bit though because of shrinking demand. Lower grade companies I think will reorganize and offer better products or go under. The parent company of Smitybilt is currently in bankruptcy. They basically saturated their market and will do one of two things, improve their quality in order to attract the serious hobbyist, or close up shop. I watched the same type of thing happen in the model railroading hobby. Lionel survived and now thrive because they did an about face and began catering to the serious hobbyist. Athearn, on the other hand, saturated the market with good products, then sold out to a parent company that now caters to the high end modeler in order to survive.