In this series I portray — not to be taken too seriously — various characters that we all come across at some point when travelling, or when we find inspiration on the internet.
What exactly is an overlander? Nobody knows for sure. There are various definitions floating around the internet: some mean a traveller who goes on long journeys over land, other definitions describe somebody who drives an off-road vehicle whilst doing a bit of camping. Just to name the two most common ones. This article however is about the serious overlander, someone who builds an identity from his hobby (yes, his, because it’s always a dude). And who, of course, knows the one, only true definition of the term. On social media, serious overlanders are easy to spot by their profile name based on their transport of choice: defender.dan, pajero_paul, kat.kevin. Which perfectly describes his whole motivation: The serious overlanders world revolves exclusively around his vehicle. He likes to proudly proclaim that he bought (no, built!) it to get to the most remote places in the world. Secretly, however, it’s usually the other way round: the serious overlander travels in order to give his truck a reason to exist.
But wait: Truck? No. Expedition vehicle, please let’s be clear. It’s important to know that the term “expedition” has become rather open to interpretation over the centuries. In the past, expeditions used to be about science, danger and uncharted continents. Nowadays, John in his best years thinks he’s on an expedition as he ploughs his camper tank through the greenery. Always on the lookout for those lonely places that nobody else can reach. Just, at the end of the 4×4 track, to meet all the other overlanders who have also travelled to the place that no one else can reach. Serious overlanders are herd animals anyways. They like to travel in convoys; that’s simply safer, so far away. Besides, there’s no need to overdo the adventure thing and to god forbid even have to deal with the local people.
It’s not just the vehicle that needs to be given a purpose, but also the gear it carries. Like the mandatory barbecue equipment that would make any steakhouse look old. Way to impress the other middle-aged dudes like-minded adventurers! So, the serious overlanders keep to themselves, barbecue and park their “rigs” in a circle like a protective fortress. What do they speak here anyway? Kangrilean? — Never mind, the burgers are ready.
Foreign countries and impressive landscapes are one thing above all for the serious overlander: a backdrop to heroically stage himself and his truck in front of a broad internet audience. Because here, he’s allowed what he is denied at home for good reason. Expedition vehicle in the sand. Expedition vehicle in the snow. Expedition vehicle in the mud. Expedition vehicle through the riverbed. Expedition vehicle tearing up the permafrost.
For the lesser traveller, the serious overlander always has some words of wisdom. That he could of course drive this track in his Earthblaster 3000. But you, with your shitbox, you’d better stick to the motorways. And anyway. Without a lift kit, lockers and water for at least two weeks, what are you even doing outside of Central Europe? For crying out loud, at least fit a winch. Or he raves about Cappadocia. — Which he could enjoy only thanks to the right gear. Maybe you’ll make it there one day – to the dream adventure vehicle that is. And maybe to Cappadocia at some point. Oh thank you, dear grand gatekeeper of travellers, when I grow up I’ll be an overlander too!
But why wander off into the distance in the first place: Even more than travelling the Atacama Desert or the Ural Mountains, the serious overlander likes to explore domestic overlander meet-ups. For the two-day event at the local campsite, the serious overlander dons the entire survival costume (leather hat, tactical waistcoat, too tight outdoor trousers). This is where he shines in his favourite discipline: the truck measuring contest. Then it’s all about the strongest winch, the best satellite antenna and the latest incineration toilet. And very little about the beauty of the world.
AI disclaimer: Text by human, title image by AI.
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