iOverlander is a free app designed for van life enthusiasts, car campers, and road trippers. It’s a popular campsite finder that helps you discover places to camp on the fly. Here are some key points about iOverlander:
- Features: iOverlander provides information on various aspects related to overlanding, including:
- Campsites: Find established campgrounds, informal campsites, or dispersed camping spots.
- Other Amenities: Discover water hookups, laundromats, showers, and more.
- Restaurants and Attractions: Get recommendations for good or bad restaurants, attractions, and tourist information centers.
- How to Use:
- Mobile App: You can download the iOverlander app for Android and iOS devices.
- Website: Visit the iOverlander website to access the same features.
- Contributions: Users can contribute by adding new places to the app. If you find a great campsite, share it with the community! Keep in mind that new places may take up to 24 hours to appear on the website and up to two weeks to show up on the phone apps.
Who owns iOverlander?
iOverlander is owned by a nonprofit organization and is primarily maintained by a dedicated community of volunteers. Its mission is to provide valuable information and resources for overlanders, helping them navigate their journeys more effectively.
What does iOverlander do
iOverlander is a valuable tool for overlanders, designed to facilitate their journeys. Here’s what it does:
- Information Hub: iOverlander allows users to submit, amend, and find information and opinions about various places. It primarily focuses on locations that are essential for overlanding, such as established campgrounds, informal campsites, wild camping spots, hotels, restaurants, mechanics, fuel stations, and more.
- User-Generated Content: The app relies on a user-based community, where travelers share their experiences and insights. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay, refuel, or grab a meal, iOverlander provides a wealth of information contributed by fellow overlanders.
- Comprehensive Listings: The app acts as a modern truckers’ road atlas, listing thousands of places to stop for supplies, accommodations, and sightseeing. From free wild camping sites to actual hotels, iOverlander covers a wide range of options.
- Filters and Amenities: Users can filter results based on specific criteria, such as amenities like electricity, Wi-Fi, showers, pet-friendliness, and more. Whether you’re in need of a basic campsite or a well-equipped hotel, iOverlander helps you find suitable places on the fly.
Does iOverlander work without Internet
iOverlander primarily relies on an online connection to function effectively. However, there are certain features that can be accessed offline once you’ve initially downloaded the necessary data. Here’s how it works:
- Online Mode:
- When you have an active internet connection, iOverlander provides real-time access to its extensive database of locations, reviews, and user-generated content.
- You can search for places, read reviews, and get up-to-date information on campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and other essential stops for overlanders.
- Offline Mode:
- Before embarking on your journey, you can download offline maps and data within the iOverlander app.
- Once downloaded, these maps and data allow you to use certain features even when you’re offline:
- Map Navigation: You can view your location on the map without needing an internet connection.
- Basic Information: Details about places (such as coordinates, names, and basic descriptions) are available offline.
- Reviews and Tips: If you’ve previously accessed a location’s information while online, you can still view those details offline.
- Checklists and Notes: Any personal notes or checklists you’ve created will be accessible offline.
- Limitations:
- Keep in mind that real-time updates, new reviews, and additional user-contributed content require an internet connection.
- If you’re in an area with no connectivity, you won’t be able to access new information or submit reviews.
Yes, the iOverlander app is free to use! It provides valuable information for overlanders, helping them find essential places such as campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and more. Whether you’re exploring new territories or planning a road trip, iOverlander is a helpful companion without any cost.
What GPS do overlanders use
Overlanders, those adventurous souls who seek the journey more than the destination, rely on specialized GPS devices to navigate through unmarked trails and remote terrains. These devices are tailored to their unique needs.
Garmin Overlander:
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- Designed specifically for overlanding, the Garmin Overlander features a rugged 7-inch color touchscreen display.
- It provides turn-by-turn navigation for both on-road and off-road adventures.
- With built-in topo (topography) maps, it’s an excellent choice for exploring diverse landscapes.
- Magellan TRX7 CS PRO:
- The Magellan TRX7 CS PRO offers detailed off-road maps and a large 7-inch touchscreen.
- It’s durable, water-resistant, and equipped with features like trail recording and community-sourced content.
- Trail Tech Voyager Pro 922-125 UTV GPS:
- This GPS device is popular among off-road enthusiasts.
- It provides essential information such as speed, distance, altitude, and more.
- The Trail Tech Voyager Pro is rugged and designed for adventure.
- Garmin GPSMAP 66i Handheld GPS:
- The GPSMAP 66i combines GPS navigation with two-way satellite communication.
- It allows you to send and receive messages even in remote areas.
- A reliable choice for overlanders who venture far from cell phone coverage.
- Gaia Offroad GPS Premium App:
- While not a dedicated device, the Gaia GPS app is a powerful tool for overlanders.
- It provides access to off-road trail maps, camping spots, and more.
- Even when offline, Gaia GPS helps you find the best routes and explore with confidence.
Why is it called overlanding
Overlanding is a fascinating way to explain the great outdoors, combining remote travel, off-roading, and camping.
- Historical Roots:
- The term “overlanding” traces back to Australia. In the early 1900s, Australia established routes for long-distance travel within the continent.
- Initially, these routes were primarily used for trading farm animals. People transported livestock to markets on foot along these trade routes.
- Len Beadell’s Influence:
- Overlanding took on a different meaning thanks to Leonard “Len” Beadell, a road builder, pioneer, and surveyor.
- Beadell’s work inspired the concept of overlanding as an outdoorsman activity.
- His legacy contributed to the development of overlanding as we know it today.
- Defining Characteristics of Overlanding:
- Self-reliance: Overlanders venture into remote locations, often with little prior exploration, relying on their own skills and resources.
- Adventure: It’s not just about tackling obstacles; it’s about seeking the unknown and pushing boundaries.
- Survival: Overlanding involves coping with challenges like crawling over boulders, wading through deep waters, and slogging through mud.
- Discovery: Overlanders explore uncharted territories, seeking something greater than themselves.
- Not Your Typical Adventure:
- Overlanding isn’t a weekend camping trip. It’s about taking yourself off-grid and venturing into the truly unknown.
- The journey can last for days, weeks, months, or even years, depending on your quest.
- It’s not a vacation—it’s a meaningful pursuit of exploration and self-discovery.
- Overlanding Vehicles and Gear:
- Overlanding rigs can include various vehicle types: SUVs, trucks, vans, and motorcycles.
- Whether it’s a high-mileage Jeep Cherokee or a luxurious Lexus LX 570, overlanding dreams can come true on any budget.
Conclusion
Overlanding is more than just a mode of travel; it’s a lifestyle, an adventure, and a way of connecting with the world. Let’s summarize its essence:
- Exploration and Independence:
- Overlanding is about exploring the unseen, the untouched, and the wild.
- It celebrates self-reliance—the ability to navigate challenging terrain, set up camp, and survive with minimal external support.
- Off the Beaten Path:
- Overlanders seek routes that diverge from the usual tourist trails.
- It’s not about ticking off famous landmarks; it’s about discovering hidden gems and experiencing local cultures.
- The Journey Matters:
- Overlanding isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about the journey itself.
- The bumps, the dust, the river crossings—they all contribute to the story.
- Connection with Nature:
- Overlanders immerse themselves in nature—whether it’s the vast savannas of Africa, the rugged mountains of South America, or the desolate deserts of Australia.
- The open sky, the star-studded nights, and the sounds of wildlife become companions.
- Community and Camaraderie:
- Overlanding fosters a sense of community.
- Campfires, shared stories, and camaraderie with fellow travelers create lasting memories.
- Adaptability and Flexibility:
- Plans change. Roads get washed out. Borders close unexpectedly.
- Overlanders learn to adapt, to find alternative routes, and to embrace the unpredictability.
- Minimalism and Sustainability:
- Overlanding encourages a minimalist mindset.
- It’s about carrying only what’s necessary, leaving no trace, and respecting the environment.
In the end, overlanding isn’t just about conquering landscapes; it’s about immersing yourself in them.