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This article was last updated on May 22, 2024.
Off grid camping requires good preparation and the correct equipment in order to be enjoyed.
You will spend multiple days at locations where access to water, electricity, and food will be difficult; therefore, the correct communication and survival methods are required.
In this article, we’ll go over some important tips and gear that will make any off grid camping trip far easier.
Table of Contents
- Off Grid Camping – Have Power at All Times
- Off Grid Camping – Cook Amazing Meals
- Off Grid Camping – Water and Food Considerations
- Off Grid Camping – Choosing a Spot
- Off Grid Camping – Communication
- Final Thoughts
Off Grid Camping – Have Power at All Times
There are plenty of ways one can have power when off grid. However, one of my favorites is propane.
The reason behind this choice is that a propane generator will keep on going as long as you have fuel. Since propane comes in bottles, carrying it isn’t as difficult as carrying petrol because you do not have to worry about spillage.
A solar generator is also a valid choice, but if you’re planning to stay at a single spot for multiple days, you will need a solar panel to keep it charged. All this can get expensive.
My propane generator of choice is the ALP 1000-watt propane generator due to the host of features it offers:
- EPA & CARB approved
- 60 hr run time on 20 lb tank, 3 hr run time on 1 lb tank
- 30 lb portable and lightweight design
- Multiple charging options
- Pure sine-wave technology
- 1-year limited warranty
- Low oil auto shut off to protect the motor
In addition to the above, the ALP 1000-watt propane generator minimizes the problem of noise which is the biggest drawback for most generators. This unit has a noise rating of under 52dBA; therefore, it is ideal for camping or even in-house use.
At just 30lb and with a convenient handle, it is also easy to lift in and out of the truck or move around camp. Having portable power like this is essential for off grid camping – lugging a huge 100-pound generator around just isn’t practical!
Besides, if you need more power, you can run two of the ALP 1000-watt propane generators in parallel to double the power output. Even with two of these, you’d still have less weight than many big gas generators.
From a practicality standpoint and a functionality standpoint, a generator like this simply makes sense. If you have off grid camping trips on the horizon, consider adding a propane generator to your kit!
Off Grid Camping – Cook Amazing Meals
Off grid camping usually requires packing a lot of gear in your vehicle; therefore, you need to save space by buying smaller gear where possible. This Coleman Triton Gas Camping Stove is the perfect size as it can deliver power in a small package that won’t take up half your trunk!
It has two wind guards, a heavy-duty latch, is easy to clean, and offers 22,000 total BTUs of cooking power.
Coleman is one of the most famous camping stove manufacturers, and that’s for good reason. You can be sure that this stove will serve you reliably for years to come on off grid camping trips near and far.
Off Grid Camping – Water and Food
This is perhaps the most important aspect of off-grid camping. You need to make the correct calculations for water and food to ensure you will have enough during your journey.
For water storage you can use RotoPax, which come in varying sizes.
However, for food, you will need a fridge/freezer. Normally, we would suggest that a cooler is all you need, but during an off grid camping trip, you will have no way to replace the ice in the cooler.
Our fridge of choice would be the ARB 50-quart fridge and freezer.
ARB units are tried and tested all over the world in all sorts of environments. These units can take a punishment while keeping your food fresh.
With items like this that serve such an important function, you’re better off buying something that’s high quality and buying it once rather than getting something cheap and needing to replace it after a few years. Reliability, in this case, is certainly worth the price of admission.
Off Grid Camping – Choosing a Spot
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Choosing an off grid camping spot is usually straightforward…
In such areas, laws and regulations tend to be a bit more “free”; therefore, you can often camp wherever you fancy. This, however, is not always the case, so be sure you investigate where you can and cannot camp before you decide to set up camp.
I like to go on my navigation device and pinpoint a spot that looks like it has nice views. Something next to a lake or on top of a mountain, for example. In most cases, this pays off with a great spot. If it doesn’t, you can always camp at a spot that you find along the way.
Off Grid Camping – Communication
Communication during off grid camping is extremely important. I suggest always carrying a satellite communicator with you. This is a device that can use satellites to communicate with civilization regardless of where you happen to be. Therefore, in case of an emergency, you will be able to ask for help.
Another great way to communicate in case of an emergency is with the Garmin Overlander because it offers an SOS button. Since this is a navigation device, you will also have high-quality off-road guidance – two devices in one!
Final Thoughts
Photo by danilsnegmb via iStock
Off grid camping requires preparation; however, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences. The solitude and calmness of nature are in full swing in an area where few people ever explore. For the lovers of adventure, it can be the reset needed every once in a while to tackle the chaos of modern-day life.
If you have any further off grid camping questions or inquiries about anything else off road or overland-related, head over to the forum section of our page.