Overlanding Trip Checklist | Chasing Campfires

Plan

Route and conditions

Know where you are going—and when to turn around.

Route, trailhead and destination confirmed Access, permits and seasonal closures checked Weather, wildfire smoke and fire bans checked Current road, snow and water-crossing conditions checked Offline maps downloaded before losing service Route and expected return shared with a trusted person Turnaround time and alternate route chosen Sunset time and available daylight reviewed Campsite or legal camping area identified Fuel, water and food resupply points mapped

Vehicle

Pre-trip inspection

A ten-minute walk-around prevents long delays.

Full fuel tank and planned fuel stops Tire pressures and tread checked, including spare Wheel lugs torqued after recent tire service Oil, coolant, brake and washer fluids checked Leaks, belts, hoses and battery inspected Headlights, brake lights and signals working Roof, canopy and interior loads secured Keys and a secure spare key packed Maintenance current for expected distance and terrain

Recovery

Tools and self-recovery

Carry equipment that matches your vehicle and route.

Safety

First aid and emergencies

Plan for the delay, injury or night you did not expect.

Stocked first-aid kit and first-aid knowledge Personal medication and emergency information Vehicle-rated fire extinguisher within reach Emergency blanket, warm layer and rain shell Whistle, reflective marker and emergency light Wildlife safety gear appropriate and legal for the area Sunscreen, insect repellent and eye protection First-aid contents and expiry dates reviewed

Connect

Navigation and communications

Use layers: phone, offline navigation and an off-grid backup.

Phone charged and protected from weather Vehicle charger, cables and power bank Paper map or second navigation source Compass packed and route orientation reviewed Radio charged; channels or frequencies agreed Satellite communicator charged and tested if carried Check-in schedule agreed with home contact Starlink, router, stand and power cable packed if needed Emergency and roadside contacts saved offline

Camp

Shelter and sleep

Shown for overnight and multi-day trips.

Tent, awning or vehicle sleep system Poles, pegs, guy lines and mallet Groundsheet or tarp for weather protection Sleeping bag rated below the expected overnight low Insulated sleeping pad or mattress and repair kit Pillow, sleep clothes and earplugs Hammock and tree-friendly straps if wanted Dry storage bag for bedding and spare blanket

Kitchen

Food, water and cleanup

Pack water first, then meals and the means to clean up.

Personal

Clothing and essentials

Dress in layers and expect the forecast to change.

Power

Lighting, power and media

Charge at home so camp power is a reserve, not a rescue.

Headlamp for each person and spare batteries Power bank fully charged House battery or power station charged Camp lighting positioned without disturbing others 12V, USB and device-specific cables or adapters Camera, batteries, memory cards and weather protection Daily power budget checked against battery capacity

Comfort

Camp setup

The small things that make camp easy to live in.

Camp chairs and table Shade or rain shelter Repair tape, cord, sewing kit and multi-tool Weatherproof bins and gear organization Book, Kindle, journal or deck of cards Small speaker or offline audio, used respectfully Fishing gear, binoculars or other trip-specific activity gear Notebook, pencil and route notes

Organize

Packing and storage plan

Give every category a home before loading the truck.

Meat, dairy and prepared food sealed in the fridge or cooler Dry goods and snacks grouped in labelled weatherproof bins Kitchen equipment packed together for quick camp setup Recovery gear and tools accessible without unloading camp gear Clothing organized in packing cubes with a separate dirty-clothes bag Hygiene supplies contained in a toiletry bag or dry bag Each day’s meals grouped or labelled to reduce fridge searching Heavy gear stored low, centred and securely tied down

Respect

Responsible travel

Leave the next traveller a place worth finding.

Area rules, fire restrictions and local guidance reviewed Plan and bags ready to pack out every item Travel kept to durable roads, trails and surfaces Human-waste plan suited to regulations and terrain Food and scented items secured from wildlife Fire permitted, contained and supplied with extinguishing water Grey-water disposal follows local rules

4–7 days

A proven menu from the earlier Chasing Campfires trip checklists.

Restock

Consumables and shopping

Do this before the last dependable town.

Last look

Final walk-around

Run this list once before leaving home and again before leaving camp.

All loads, drawers, doors and canopy latches secured Nothing left under, on or leaning against the vehicle First aid and recovery gear remain accessible Navigation started and trip plan sent Campsite swept for waste and forgotten gear Campfire completely cold to the touch Next check-in time updated if plans changed

Ready before the road ends.

Choose your checklist

Day Trip Checklist

Overnight Checklist

Multi-Day 4–7 Checklist

Route and conditions

Pre-trip inspection

Tools and self-recovery

First aid and emergencies

Navigation and communications

Shelter and sleep

Food, water and cleanup

Clothing and essentials

Lighting, power and media

Camp setup

Packing and storage plan

Responsible travel

Sample meal plan

Consumables and shopping

Final walk-around

Ready before the road ends.

Choose your checklist

Day Trip Checklist

Overnight Checklist

Multi-Day 4–7 Checklist

What are you packing for?

Route and conditions

Pre-trip inspection

Tools and self-recovery

First aid and emergencies

Navigation and communications

Shelter and sleep

Food, water and cleanup

Clothing and essentials

Lighting, power and media

Camp setup

Packing and storage plan

Responsible travel

Sample meal plan

Consumables and shopping

Final walk-around