Enthusiast III
- 2,008
- First Name
- Liana
- Last Name
- Lehua
- Member #
-
8969
- Ham/GMRS Callsign
- N6WH
I’m new here and to overlanding but a veteran of the outdoors. I've been immersing myself in the forums, getting ideas, learning a lot, and I am completely overwhelmed with where and how to start the build of my 2015 Subaru Outback to be my overloading rig.
I’d love any feedback anyone has, especially if you have or have had an Outback, as you’ll know the limitations and help me set my expectations as I get to know Muir (that’s his name).
This is how was, and still is, outfitted when I bought him:
2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited
Stock rails and crossbars
Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 225/60R18
Subaru wheels
Automatic transmission
FWIW I don’t know what I don’t know, so my requirements as they are today
daily driver - I don’t need fancy, but I want great quality components and parts. Since this is my daily driver, I’d like to keep it as clean as possible when not overlanding.
extended road trips (3 or more days) at least once per month
short trips (up to 2 days) at least once per month
For now, I’ll sleep in my car on the road. I’m debating a RTT on a trailer to keep the roof open for overloading tools and storage, as well as surfboards.
off-roading
How Muir and I adventure
I mostly solo adventure and sometimes bring my small dog. I don't have any space constraints and am very comfortable being in and sleeping in my vehicle.
We take local or <8 hour drive trips every weekend. Some are urban but most involve driving on dirt/fire roads and unpaved trails (like those found in Joshua Tree).
I am a long-time backpacker and camper, so I set up a camp kitchen and cook when I make the time to stay in a spot for at least 2 days. Otherwise, I boil water and eat Mountain House meals.
I like to be up late nights with a fire burning (when and where allowed) beneath the stars.
Gear we carry
I don’t have any recovery gear yet. I do have:
- wilderness first aid kit (also WFA certified)
- compass and paper maps
- Delorme InReach Explorer w/iPhone 7Plus for maps
- headlamp and flashlight
- knife
- Motorola walkie talkies
I want to be able to carry a reasonable amount of and types of gear that is also helpful to others if I can lend a hand when needed.
Camping essentials including a ground tent. I splurge and carry a comfy cot and typically stay off the ground to sleep.
Photography and videography equipment (mirrorless cameras and lenses) in Pelican cases, tripods, and sometimes lights.
How we WANT to adventure
Muir wants to be covered in mud and dirt, and has dreams of water crossings and just barely clearing his undercarriage on the trail.
Our questions are
How did you decide where to start your build?
What should I consider when deciding how to build?
What kind of gear should I get (product makes and models)?
- There is a lot of cool gear, but what do I really need to be safe (for starters).
- What are the first 5 things I should buy or do to my vehicle?
Cargo box or basket?
Thank you
Any feedback is welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance, and I hope I get to meet you all on the road sooner than later.
I’d love any feedback anyone has, especially if you have or have had an Outback, as you’ll know the limitations and help me set my expectations as I get to know Muir (that’s his name).
This is how was, and still is, outfitted when I bought him:
2017 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited
Stock rails and crossbars
Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 225/60R18
Subaru wheels
Automatic transmission
FWIW I don’t know what I don’t know, so my requirements as they are today
daily driver - I don’t need fancy, but I want great quality components and parts. Since this is my daily driver, I’d like to keep it as clean as possible when not overlanding.
extended road trips (3 or more days) at least once per month
short trips (up to 2 days) at least once per month
For now, I’ll sleep in my car on the road. I’m debating a RTT on a trailer to keep the roof open for overloading tools and storage, as well as surfboards.
off-roading
How Muir and I adventure
I mostly solo adventure and sometimes bring my small dog. I don't have any space constraints and am very comfortable being in and sleeping in my vehicle.
We take local or <8 hour drive trips every weekend. Some are urban but most involve driving on dirt/fire roads and unpaved trails (like those found in Joshua Tree).
I am a long-time backpacker and camper, so I set up a camp kitchen and cook when I make the time to stay in a spot for at least 2 days. Otherwise, I boil water and eat Mountain House meals.
I like to be up late nights with a fire burning (when and where allowed) beneath the stars.
Gear we carry
I don’t have any recovery gear yet. I do have:
- wilderness first aid kit (also WFA certified)
- compass and paper maps
- Delorme InReach Explorer w/iPhone 7Plus for maps
- headlamp and flashlight
- knife
- Motorola walkie talkies
I want to be able to carry a reasonable amount of and types of gear that is also helpful to others if I can lend a hand when needed.
Camping essentials including a ground tent. I splurge and carry a comfy cot and typically stay off the ground to sleep.
Photography and videography equipment (mirrorless cameras and lenses) in Pelican cases, tripods, and sometimes lights.
How we WANT to adventure
Muir wants to be covered in mud and dirt, and has dreams of water crossings and just barely clearing his undercarriage on the trail.
Our questions are
How did you decide where to start your build?
What should I consider when deciding how to build?
What kind of gear should I get (product makes and models)?
- There is a lot of cool gear, but what do I really need to be safe (for starters).
- What are the first 5 things I should buy or do to my vehicle?
Cargo box or basket?
Thank you
Any feedback is welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance, and I hope I get to meet you all on the road sooner than later.
Last edited:
