Camping off grid is the toughest type of camping to prepare for. You need to take adequate amounts of water, food, and all other peripheral items to ensure you have everything you need for the duration of the trip.
Simply planning an off grid adventure takes time, too.
In this article, we’ll discuss some procedures and products that will make the experience much easier and more convenient!
Table of Contents
- Take Time to Plan and Prepare
- What You Need for Camping: Get a Solid Off-Road Trailer
- Invest in a Good Table
- Build a Solid Recovery Kit for Camping Off Grid
- What You Need for Camping Off Grid – Final Thoughts
- Other Recommended Gear for Off Grid Camping
Take Time to Plan and Prepare
Photo by Carmian via iStock
Camping off grid requires planning and preparation.
Firstly, think about the number of days you’ll spend off grid. Once you decide, it’s time to write down how much food and water you will need every day and multiply that by the number of days.Â
You should add 2-3 days (depending on storage space) of additional supplies just in case something goes wrong or the trip just ends up taking longer than expected.Â
Secondly, vehicle maintenance is also crucial. Off grid camping often involves multiple days of off-roading, and worn parts can lead to failure.
Photo by Dusan Stankovic via iStock
Taking some spare parts with you is also a good idea. Do some research on your specific vehicle to get an idea of what the weak points are (parts that tend to fail easily), and take spare parts accordingly.Â
Don’t overdo it, though, as spare parts add a lot of weight and take up space.Â
You can use items you have recently replaced. For example, if you have changed your water pump just for peace of mind and the old one still works fine, you can take that with you just in case you need it.
If something still works well, it can function as a spare.
Finally, you must ensure you have a way to communicate with civilization in case of an emergency. Having access to offline maps at all times is also important.
For such instances, a device like the Garmin Overlander is great as it offers both emergency communication and maps to help you find your way as you adventure off grid.Â
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What You Need for Camping: Get a Solid Off-Road Trailer
Image Credit: SasquatchXC
When I say get a “solid” trailer, I mean get one that’s purpose-built for the rough stuff. And while many companies claim their trailers are ready to hit the tough trails, not all of them are actually capable of doing so.
That’s why for off-grid camping, I can’t recommend the SasquatchXC Highland 60 enough…
This trailer was designed, developed, and tested in the Silverton, Colorado area. If you’ve never been there, let me clue you in – Silverton is surrounded by some of the most rugged terrain I’ve ever seen. With that as the playground for their trailers, it’s no wonder the SasquatchXC team has devised such a capable rig (their engineering experience helps, too!).
This Trailer Has Storage Galore
Image Credit: SasquatchXC
As I discuss in my detailed rundown of the Highland 60, this trailer comes to the party with more storage than any other trailer in its class. That means you can go off-grid and go for a long time, given all the space this trailer has for gear.
But the Highland 60 isn’t just a gear hauler…
Instead, there’s a comfortable cabin with features like more than 6.5 feet of room to stretch out, a Propex 6500 BTU heater to keep warm, and 12V and USB power on both sides of the bed. Speaking of the bed, you can crash on a 60×75 memory foam mattress and get a great night’s sleep after a day of adventuring!
There’s a Galley, Too!
Image Credit: SasquatchXC
When you get hungry, the Highland 60’s galley offers everything required to get your cook on:
- On-demand hot water
- Stainless steel sink
- Furrion 3-burner LP cooktop
- Stainless steel countertop
- LED lighting
- 12V and USB outlets
- GFI-protected 120V outlet
Heck, there’s also a three-bay kitchen cabinet system with shelves, drawers, and dividers to keep your kitchen gear neatly organized. Add an optional fold-down prep table and a fridge/freezer, and you’re ready to rock!
Image Credit: SasquatchXC
But the party doesn’t stop there. This trailer has a custom-designed roof rack with four T-track cross bars for added storage space. The cabin is accessed via driver and passenger doors with screens and windows. The side rack system offers space to hold recovery gear and Rotopax, so you can quickly access those items when needed.
I could go on and on about this trailer, but it might be best for you to see it for yourself. Visit SasquatchXC to get the low-down on the Highland 60 and explore how it can be a game changer for your off-grid camping adventures.
Invest in a Good Table
No matter if you’re camping off-grid with a tent, a trailer, a bivy sack, or something in between, having a rock-solid table is a must. After all, a good table is a place to prepare food, eat dinner, play games, and all sorts of other things!
As I’ve discussed many times in previous articles, one of the first items I get out of my truck when I get to camp is my Tailgater Tire Table. It is one of my favorite overlanding items because it’s proven to be such a valuable addition to my kit.
Why Tire Table?
For starters, this table is built like a tank. Its steel construction means its highly durable and resistant to the elements, but it’s also resistant to heat, so I can take a pot from the fire and put it directly on the table without worry that the heat will damage it.
But I also use my Tire Table for all sorts of other pursuits…
On the one hand, it holds important items like my Starlink (so I can work remotely) and my power station (so I can power my Starlink and my other devices). It’s the spot where my son eats his meals when we’re camping, and also the spot where I get my work done while I’m on the road.
Apart from its utility, I love the Tire Table because it’s so easy to set up. As you can see in my video above, it’s really nothing more than getting it out of the truck, extending its hooks, sliding it over a tire, and deploying the leg. Easy peasy!
Taking the Tire Table down and packing it up is equally as easy. Just reverse the process above, and you’re ready to go! Perhaps best of all, this table is compact, relatively lightweight, and easy to transport – all features you want in a table for camping off-grid.
Build a Solid Recovery Kit for Camping Off Grid
When camping off-grid, having a reliable recovery kit is essential to ensure you can handle unexpected challenges and keep your adventure moving. A well-equipped recovery kit provides the tools necessary to navigate through tough terrain, fix common issues, and get out of sticky situations like deep mud, sand, or snow.
So, what should be in your kit? Here are a few suggestions…
Recovery Boards
The MAXTRAX MKII is an invaluable recovery tool designed to help you escape from tricky spots in sand, mud, or snow. Featuring large cleats that grip your vehicle’s tire tread and the surrounding terrain, these devices prevent your vehicle from slipping back once you’ve made progress.
Constructed from UV-stabilized, flexible, and reinforced nylon, the MAXTRAX MKII is both lightweight and durable, capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. Its nesting design ensures it can be stacked compactly, saving precious space, while integrated carrying handles make it easy to transport, too. With its double-edged design and shovel ends for clearing debris, the MAXTRAX MKII is versatile, efficient, and a must for overlanders or campers facing rugged terrain.
Tire Repair Kit
Flat tires are inevitable in off-grid adventures, but the Up Down Air Tire Repair Kit ensures you’re never stranded for long. This 53-piece kit provides everything you need to repair punctures in tubeless tires quickly and easily, whether you’re driving an ATV, truck, or RV.
What sets this tire repair kit apart is its ability to fix a tire without removing it from the vehicle, saving time and effort. Packaged in a sturdy, portable case, it’s built for durability and can be easily stored in your vehicle. With simple, step-by-step instructions, even those new to tire repair can get their vehicle back on track in minutes, making it a practical addition to any recovery kit.
Shackle
For tough off-road recoveries, the Overland Vehicle Systems Receiver Mount Recovery Shackle provides a dependable solution…
This 3/4-inch shackle mount boasts a 4.75-ton break strength, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. The dual-hole design allows for versatile installation, and the black powder coat finish offers corrosion resistance, ensuring long-lasting performance in any weather condition. This recovery shackle is easy to install and offers peace of mind, knowing that if you ever need a secure recovery point, it’s ready to handle the job.
Winch
When it comes to winching power, the Overland Vehicle Systems S.C.A.R. 12,000lb Winch with Synthetic Rope stands out. This winch is designed to tackle the most demanding recovery scenarios, from pulling a vehicle out of deep mud to navigating treacherous snow.
Equipped with a durable synthetic rope, it’s strong enough to handle rough terrain without the risk of fraying or snapping. Whether you’re dealing with sand, mud, or snow, this winch ensures a safe and efficient recovery, making it a must-have tool for off-road enthusiasts.
Recovery Strap
Finally, the Brute Kinetic Recovery 1″ x 30′ strap provides a safe, effective way to tow or recover stuck vehicles. Its 30,000 lb breaking strength and 30% stretch capacity allow for smooth, controlled recoveries in deep mud or sand.
The kinetic energy stored in the rope helps generate the necessary force to pull a vehicle free, while its nylon coating protects against abrasions. With a lifetime warranty, this is a durable and reliable tool that belongs in every recovery kit.
Together, these products offer a comprehensive solution for safe and efficient vehicle recovery, ensuring that even in the most challenging off-grid environments, you’re able to get out of a jam. You can check out each of these recovery items at our friends at BTR Outfitters. These folks live and breathe overlanding and camping, and will use their expertise to help you get what you need for camping off grid!
What You Need for Camping Off Grid – Final ThoughtsÂ
Photo by Iam Anupong via iStock
Off grid camping is more difficult to pull off than normal camping; however, when done correctly, it can be far more rewarding. The above products will make the whole experience much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Of course, the planning and preparation component is crucial to camping off grid, too.Â
But as we all know, it isn’t just planning and gear that makes camping off grid so much fun. It’s the simple act of being out in the fresh air with people we enjoy and taking time to unplug and appreciate this big beautiful world we live in!
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