If you've already spent some time on the trails and you're ready for more, overlanding is the natural next step. Where off-roading is typically a single day of technical driving, overlanding is about the journey, multi-day trips covering real distance, camping along the way, and relying on your vehicle and your preparation to get you through. If you haven't started off-roading yet, check out our post on How to Start Off-Roading in Your Subaru first, then come back here.
Overlanding can sound intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. The right preparation makes all the difference between a stressful trip and one you'll be talking about for years. Here's how to approach your first one.
Overlanding is rarely a solo pursuit, especially when you're starting out. A small, trusted group with aligned goals and compatible rigs makes everything easier. Before committing to a multi-day trip, go on a shorter day run together first. It's the best way to build trust, sort out communication, and figure out how everyone operates before you're three hours from the nearest town.
Keep the group tight, especially early on. Fewer vehicles means less coordination overhead and a more flexible itinerary when the plan changes and it will change.
Good planning is what separates a successful overlanding trip from a stressful one. Start with your destination and work backwards. Map out your general route, key waypoints, fuel stops, campsites, and resupply points. Make sure everyone in the group has a copy of the plan and knows the backup options if a trail is closed or conditions change.
For Alberta and BC routes, PLUZ maps are essential for identifying open access areas and responsible travel corridors. Apps like Gaia GPS are also worth having loaded on your phone before you leave cell service behind.
Leave your route with someone at home who isn't on the trip. It's a simple step that matters if something goes wrong.
Your Subaru doesn't need to be a fully built Trailblazer to overland, but a few key upgrades make a real difference on a multi-day trip. At minimum, all-terrain tires, a basic lift for added clearance, and skid plates to protect your undercarriage are worth having sorted before you head out. The further from civilization you plan to go, the more that underbody protection matters.
Beyond the vehicle itself, a quality suspension setup handles the added weight of gear better than factory springs, and a roof rack or cargo system keeps your load organized and your interior liveable. Check out our Overlander build page for a full look at what we recommend for multi-day adventure builds.
Packing for an overland trip comes down to four categories: sleep, food and water, clothing, and recovery.
For sleep, decide early whether you're running a rooftop tent (link: rooftop tents), a ground tent, or sleeping in the vehicle. Each has trade-offs in setup time, comfort, and weight, and your choice shapes how you pack everything else.
Food and water are straightforward: bring more than you think you need. A portable fridge keeps perishables fresh and is one of the better quality-of-life upgrades for longer trips. Store food in sealed containers especially in bear country.
Clothing should be layered for variable conditions. Even in summer, nights in the Alberta backcountry get cold.
For recovery gear, tow straps, soft shackles, a shovel, and traction boards are the baseline. If you're heading into more serious terrain, a winch changes what's recoverable. Make sure at least one vehicle in your group is properly equipped, and that everyone knows how to use the gear.
With your team locked in, your route planned, and your rig loaded up, there's only one thing left to do. Get out there. Check in with your group at each waypoint, trust your instincts if something feels off, and don't hesitate to change the plan if conditions call for it.
Your first overlanding trip will teach you more about your vehicle and your own preferences than any amount of research. When you're back and ready to refine your setup, reach out and we'll help you dial in whatever the trip showed you needed work.
