Not going with Hest mattress for a few reasons.. Hest is probably the most expensive mattress on the internet The more affordable Hest Foamy breaks down from several reviews Hest Foamy mattress does not hold up well to larger people (+200lbs) The Hest mattresses take up the most room of any mattress rolled up So what options am I looking at that... not going to kill me on price lasts me awhile can comfortably hold a large tall guy stores in a decent amount of room Many many reviews point to Therma-Rest as a potential solution. Only hesitation is out of over 800 reviews.. 9% of them state these have leaks from the day they got the mattress and trying to get the manufacture to make it right isn't possible. Still leaning on this due to all the positive reviews.

Ground tents are often overlooked in the overlanding world, where rooftop systems get most of the attention. But for many adventurers, a well-designed ground tent is not just a viable option—it’s the perfect one. Below is a complete article-style breakdown (with visuals and product comparisons) explaining why. Ground tents are often overlooked in the overlanding world, where rooftop systems get most of the attention. But for many adventurers, a well-designed ground tent is not just a viable option—it’s the perfect one. Below is a complete article-style breakdown (with visuals and product comparisons) explaining why. Overlanding is about freedom, mobility, and self-reliance. While rooftop tents (RTTs) have become popular, ground tents remain a foundational choice—and for good reason. 1. Freedom From Your VehicleOne of the biggest advantages of ground tents is independence. With a rooftop tent, your sleeping setup is tied to your vehicle. If you want to explore trails, grab supplies, or scout terrain, you must pack everything down first. Ground tents allow you to: Set up a basecamp Leave your gear behind securely Freely explore with your vehicle This flexibility is a major advantage for longer trips or multi-day stays. 2. Cost-Effective Without Sacrificing PerformanceCompared to rooftop tents (often $1,000–$4,000+), ground tents are significantly more affordable while still offering durability and weather resistance. Even high-end overland ground tents typically cost: $300–$1,200 vs. thousands for RTTs That cost difference allows you to invest in: Better sleep systems Cooking gear Recovery equipment 3. No Impact on Vehicle PerformanceRoof tents add weight, wind drag, and raise your center of gravity. Ground tents eliminate those issues entirely. Benefits include: Better fuel economy Safer off-road handling No height clearance issues (garages, trails) 4. More Space and ComfortGround tents often provide: Larger floor space Higher ceilings Room for cots, storage, and even standing For families or longer trips, this added livability is a major advantage. 5. Setup Is No Longer a HassleModern overland ground tents—especially hub-style designs—can be deployed in seconds. For example:  Gazelle T4 Hub Tent uses a pop-up hub system for near-instant setup  Overlandish Basecamp Hub Tent offers quick deployment with rugged materials This eliminates one of the traditional downsides of ground tents. Ground Tent Drawbacks (Honest Perspective)Ground tents aren’t perfect. Key limitations include: Exposure to mud, water, and uneven terrain More interaction with bugs and wildlife Requires finding a suitable campsite surface However, many overlanders mitigate these with: Ground tarps or mats Elevated cots Smart site selection Overlandish vs Gazelle Tents (Head-to-Head Comparison)To understand how ground tents vary, let’s compare two popular overlanding brands: Overlandish (premium rugged builds) and Gazelle (fast-deploy hub tents). Featured ModelsOverlandish Basecamp TentGazelle T4 Overland Hub Tent Product Comparison TableAttribute  Overlandish Basecamp V2 Tent  Gazelle T4 Overland Edition Hub Tent Setup Speed Moderate (traditional or semi-rigid setup) Extremely fast (hub pop-up design) Durability Heavy-duty, expedition-grade materials Durable but lighter-weight Weather Resistance Excellent (built for harsh environments) Very good (3-season capable) Weight & Portability Heavier, bulkier (weighs roughly 62 lbs) Lighter, easier to transport (weighs roughly 34 lbs) Packed Dimensions 15" x 15" x 59" long 8" x 8" x 66.5" to 68" Interior Space Spacious, basecamp-oriented Spacious with vertical walls Best Use Case Long-term camps, rugged expeditions Quick stops, frequent moves Price Range Premium (~$1,000+) Mid-range (~$400–$600) Pros and Cons SummaryOverlandish TentsPros Built for extreme durability Ideal for long-term basecamp setups Premium materials and construction Cons Heavier and less portable Slower setup Higher price point Gazelle TentsPros Lightning-fast setup (hub design) Easy to transport and store Great balance of durability and cost Cons Not as rugged as expedition-grade tents Bulkier when folded compared to backpacking tents Slightly less weather resistance in extreme conditions Final Verdict: Which Should You Choose?Choose Overlandish if your trips involve: Extended stays Harsh environments A dedicated basecamp setup Choose Gazelle if you prioritize: Speed and convenience Frequent movement between camps Simplicity and reliability Bottom LineGround tents remain one of the smartest choices in overlanding because they offer freedom, affordability, and versatility. While rooftop tents look appealing, many experienced overlanders still rely on ground setups for their practicality and adaptability. If your goal is to explore without limits, a high-quality ground tent might not just be the better option—it could be the best one.

You have limited space to store stuff and when you going offroad you need to make sure everything is secure. Here are some great options to help you get secure and organized.. but you better have some deep pockets or high limit on credit card cause they aren't cheap Air Down Gear Up (ADGU) I love this system and I like it becauses it doesn't use thick wood panels for the drawer system. So not adding a lot of weight but you can clearly see its high quality. When I price it out for my 4Runner its as low as $4000 and easily up to near $8000. Interior Dimensions of drawers: 33" L x 15.25" W x 9" H (this allows for storage of 7.5" tall items in the drawers) Solid Wood Worx A more affordable solution that may work. Looks like quality and less than half the cost of ADGU. DFG Offroad This is even more affordable and appears to be a solid product from reading.

Somehow, everything needs to fit in the back of the 5th Gen 4Runner and leave some room for the dog in the back. SleepingOverlandish Tent - Stowed Dimensions: 59" x 15" x 15" Weight: 70 lbs - purchased but not sure how I'm packing it in the 4Runner with the dog but I'll figure it out — ordered HEST Mattress x2 Bundle (includes fitted sheet, pillow, mattress) storage per is 12”x 30” and 13lbs $1100 Hover Quilt x 2 (his and hers) $700 Jackery — we have Portable Fan — we have Cell Phone chargers — we have BathroomToilet Paper (wet wipes) — Garbage Bags — we have Hand Santizer — Shovel — we have Toothbrush/Toothpaste — we have Body Wipes — Deodorant — we have ClothingSweatshirt — we have T-shirts — we have Pants — we have Shorts — we have Underwear — we have Socks — we have Sleepwear — we have Raincoat — we have EatingFridge - old Norcold Fridge but its big (POSSIBLY use smaller Yeti cooler) Lifesaver Jerrycan $405 -- FUTURE Scepter Military Water Jerry Can 5gal — ordered Jetboil Genesis 2 burner $450 and propone (Meal Ideas) Silverware Cups Food Drinks Paper Towels Dish Wipes (clean dishes without water) Got Pets?? Pet Food, Water Dish, Leash, Toys WASTEGarbage Bags (Tall Kitchen) Doggie Bags for Dog or for Dude Wipes Relaxingchair(s) Thermacell Rechargeable — ordered Recovery Bagcrawler offroad bag (got too much in it for it to close, may need to look for something else) tool bag/roll (I need a way to carry some tools and I really like these rolls) - $1300 Customized, heavy-duty nylon tool bag 7 in. Wire Stripper 5 in. Adjustable Wrench 47 oz Ball Peen Dead Blow Hammer 12-3/4 in. Groove Joint Pliers (2-5/8 in. Jaw) 9-pc. Solid Punch Set (1/16 - 3/8 in.) 6-pc Ph/Sl 4 in Screwdriver Set [HH Chrome] (#0-2, 3/16, 1/8, 1/4) 12 in. Angled Tip Handled Pry Bar 17 in. Angled Tip Handled Pry Bar 7 in. Straight Jaw Locking Pliers 6 in. Long Nose Locking Pliers 7 in. Diagonal Cutting Pliers 9-1/2 in. Lineman's Pliers 8 in. Long Nose Pliers 1/2 in. Drive x 18 in. Breaker Bar 3-pc 3/8 in Drive Extension Set (3, 6, 10 in) 10-pc 3/8 in Drive Hex Bit Socket Set (3-10 mm) Rail 12-pc 3/8 in Drive Torx Bit Socket Set (T10-T60) Rail 3/8 in. Drive x 5/8 in. Spark Plug Socket 12-pc 3/8 in Drive Socket Set (8-19 mm) 6p Rail 19-pc 3/8 in Drive Deep Socket Set (6-24 mm) 6p Rail 1/2 in. Drive x17 mm Deep Impact Socket (6-point) 1/2 in. Drive x 19 mm Deep Impact Socket (6-point) 1/2 in. Drive x 21 mm Deep Impact Socket (6-point) 1/2 in. Drive x 22 mm Deep Impact Socket (6-point) 1/2 in. Drive x 24 mm Deep Impact Socket (6-point) 1/2 in. Drive x 35 mm Deep Impact Socket (6-point) 3/8 in. Drive x 4.5 in. Ratchet 1/2 in. Drive x 10.5 in. Ratchet 3/8 in. Drive x 8 in. Flex Ratchet 19-pc. Combination Wrench Set (6-24 mm) StorageStore each category in a case (zarges, pelican, roam) and will all those boxes fit in the 4runner. Ideally the drawer system would help a ton to include a slide for fridge, slideouts for kitchen counter, etc..

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I'm preparing for my overland trip and wanting to make sure I can stay on the trails for 7 days. SLEEPwhere are you sleeping? Overlandish Basecamp Standard - currently own (never used) Rooftop Tent (pro: easy setup, comfortable con: always on vehicle, difficult to remove, extra weight when offroading) what are you sleeping on? (cot, mattress, ground) Luno Mattress (pro: custom fit for inside 4runner or can use in tent, can unzip to split into 2 separate mattresses and safe for dogs con: small and for 6’2) - $349 DeepSleep Mattress Hest mattress (pro: super comfy con: lots of space and expensive) Blankets/Pillows/Sleeping Bags sleeping bag (pro: comfy, built in pillow most of the time con: takes up ALOT of space) blankets (pro: not restrictive, doesn't take alot of room con: may not keep warm enough, requires separate pillow Hover Quilt (preferred) - $349 for a solo Horizon Overland Blanket EATwhat are you going to eat? ?? how are you storing the food? Fridge (12v) - we have one we use to use for RV, just need to find it otherwise an ICECO 37qt is $600 how are you cooking the food? (grill, burner) camptime Roll-a-Table® With Adjustable Legs ($124) jetboil - genesis base camp 2 burner ($450) or TrailCook 2.0 - ($199) how are you drinking coffee? BruTech ($58) RELAXdo you have somewhere to sit? Helinox Chair ($249) Compact Camping Chair ($49) Cliq chair POWERJackary Inverter - currently own PETShow are you transporting pet food? ?? how are you transporting water for pet? ?? don't forget bags to clean up after pet (when in camp) ?? NOTES pulled from multiple channelsSleep Bag - clothes, pillows, blankets, extra gloves, hat, mattresses, fan (hest or exped??) Shelter - Overlandish Ground Tent Kitchen Bag - Jetboil, instant coffee, hand sanitizer, seasoning, granola bar, utensils Fridge Kitchen box Extra fuel Mountain house Mashed potatoes cups Plates and bowels Cutting board Jetboil 2 burner (uses small propane) Recovery Bag - tow strap, tree saver, soft shackles, gloves, First Aid - Vehicle - in back on molly Mobile for hiking (found in center console) Fire Extinguisher - Element Tool Bag ESSENTIAL (not food related) Flat spade Shovel (iron man 4x4 shovel) Bottle Jack Tow Strap (extend winch line, tree saver) Soft Shackle Hitch receiver Lighting (rechargeable solar?) Pass through Rachets (open ended wrench) iPad mini with OnX Offroad Battery booster pack Tire repair kit (Air Compressor, glue tread kits, valve stems) — possibly Colby 35Q fridge (ICECO, Devos Lightranger Exped Mattress Electric Thermocell Mosquito & Catridges jackery & way to charge (solar panels or plug) Alu-Cab Awning with lights Pelican locking cases (pad locks) zarges cases (roof top) Lifesaver water purification container Fast dry clothes (no cotton, no jeans) MEALS Green belly (Meal2Go) Tippen Foods Mountain House Aspen Farms

From what I have been reading, alot of people that had roof top tents have moved to ground tents and some of the most popular ground tents are... Gazelle (summer time since its non-insulated) Advantage: Very affordable Advantage: Very popular (probably because very affordable) Overlandish (4 season tent) Advantage: camp anytime, anywhere Advantage: built to last a lifetime Advantage: popular for serious overlanders What are other ground tents you like to use and the Pros and Cons of them

I am thinking of using my Ram to overland with but not sure about the investment to make it an overlanding vehicle This is what I was thinking First is a rack for the back to hold a roof top tent, max trax, water cans, probably gas cans (cause she’s a thirsty bitch), cooler/fridge, etc.. Let’t look at options for a RACK that can be used for a Ram with the Rambox. OPTION 1 This is a rack provided by Nuthouse and it looks very nicely built. They have a ton of addons but the negative is they are pricey. Nutzo -RAMBOX series Overlanding truck rack can be made for all model year Rambox. The RAMBOX rack is offered in a square tube design (The RAMBOX2) and is all aluminum. This truck bed rack has been designed around the RAMBOX cargo management system to allow full access to the storage. These racks mount to factory holes and require no drilling into the truck. This bed rack is offered in a Low Profile version, Standard Height and cab height. The Standard height is at the optimal height to work with your Roof Top Tent (RTT) Annex. These racks can also incorporate our aluminum retractable and lockable tonneau cover or aluminum hard deck. This will keep your bed secure and dry. Options include Light Package Deluxe light package includes: 1-CHMSL, 2- VisionX White accent lights, 4- Yellow marker lights, 2- Red marker lights, 4- VisionX Dura M460 2.75” square LED flood lights. All of our lights are wired with 12-14 gauge double sheathed marine grade wire and include 5 foot long wires Deluxe Light Package ($1,495.00) CHMSL,Third Brake Light LED 3/4” button light (not DOT approved) ($235.00) Cargo bed light under rack, includes extra wire and weather pack connection ($235.00) LED marker lights, (2) amber & (4) red, includes wire and weather pack ($525.00) Two VisionX Dura Mini Lights ($325.00) Four VisionX Dura Mini Lights ($678.00) Removable Crossbars Removable Crossbars allow full access and versatility to the bed of your truck. Extra removable crossbars can be made to hold/mount many additional items. You can have different bars for different mounting solutions that can be changed out in minutes. Pricing includes additional finish time and material to coat parts Removable Crossbars ($1,649.00) Extra Removable Crossbars (each) ($385.00) Hard Deck Options The all aluminum hard deck creates a secure and weather proof area for all of your gear. The 1/8″ aluminum sheet is reinforced with 1”x 3” cross bars. It is a sturdy platform for all of your exterior storage needs. The deck also provides a great place to store a 40” spare tire. There are 2 multi-directional vents (optional) located towards the cab to promote cross ventilation inside the bed. Hard Decks are priced per build due to oversized aluminum cost. Aluminum Hard Cover Deck (Short Bed) ($3,299.00) Aluminum High Clearance Hard Cover Deck (Short Bed) ($3,899.00) L-Track tie down ($250.00) Retractable Aluminum Coiling Cover USA made aluminum powdercoated, retractable, and lockable cover Short Bed ($2,579.00) Long Bed ($2,679.00) Tire Shelf A Large sheeted deck that is designed to accommodate a tire up to 40″ and still provide extra space for storing gear. Large Shelf with 4 pin mounting ($1,100.00) Accessory rails for tire shelf. Priced per side ($300.00) Awning mount Custom fabricated awning mounts for 270 style awning ($395.00) Maxtrax Storage Box All aluminum storage box for Maxtrax brand only. These boxes make it easy to slide traction boards in and out. The hinged door has a hole for a carabiner or pad lock. These boxes can be mounted to the underside of the rack or anywhere else you’d like to store your traction boards. Maxtrax Box for 2 boards ($549.00) Maxtrax Box for 4 boards ($549.00) Maxtrax Traction Aides MKII Safety Orange ($299.00) Black ($299.00) Blaze Yellow ($299.00) Olive Drab ($299.00) Desert Tan ($299.00) Gunmetal Grey ($299.00) FJ Red ($299.00) Average Cost: $3000-$3400 (without options, without tent) OPTION 2 Another option is TRUSS Rack. Not as expensive which is a positive but not cheap by any means. Option 1 has a ton more options so if you like to keep your options open to add later then you may want to stay with OPTION 1. The TRUSS systems mounts to the factory cargo rails inside your Ram's truck bed. Please make sure you have the proper cargo rails installed prior to the TRUSS bed rack. Ram's OEM Rambox Tonneau rails have two slots in them. One facing the inside of the bed and one facing the sky. You will use both slots for attachment of the TRUSS bed rack. If you do not have the exact pictured rails, the provided feet will not work with you truck. Please reach out as needed for clarification and factory rail part numbers can be provided so you can order them from Mopar if needed. THIS TRUSS IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH TONNEAU, SOFT TOPS, OR ANY BED COVERS. Included (6) TRUSS Legs (6) Steel Mounting Feet (4) Side Armor Plates (3) 2" X 2" Load Bars (1) All required fasteners, washers, lock nuts, and spacers are included in the kit. Average Cost: $2000 (only rack) OPTION 3 This is my favorite but also most expensive option. It’s called the Treehouse from snap outlanders and if you want “the best” then this is what you want. Each Treehouse is built to order, built to the specs of your truck, fully aluminum, and a combination of tig-welded & riveted. Standard Treehouse Includes: - Matte black powder coat - Third brake light - Meteor Grey canvas with two side flaps with three layers (clear, screen, and outer) - Single rear door with gas struts (Flip up) - Four side doors with gas struts (Flip up, two on each side) - Seals on all doors - Sleeping platform (75inx53in) that can be raised all the way up - Electrical outlets (Two USB, one 12v cigarette outlet; Must be powdered by an external power station) - Carpeted sleeping platform & ceiling of wedge - Double sized, three inch thick memory foam mattress - Two T-Tracks on the roof - Insulated roof - Ladder to access sleeping platform - Bed rail clamps for installation - Truck cap seal for base - Guaranteed watertight sleeping area (does not include the base/truck bed area) - Complimentary install at our facility in Pennsylvania + accessories for install Average Cost: $12,000 (min of 6month lead time but includes rack, tent, etc)

This guy does a decent job at helping you get going with overlanding Some of the non-essential gear and other things I talked about and showed in this video... (these are not sponsored links and are also not affiliate links) Cooking: Propane Stove (Camp Chef Everest) https://a.co/d/1y0mpDF Isobutane Stove (AOTU Portable Backpacking Stove) https://a.co/d/dIqXdr2 Isobutane Canisters (GasOne) https://a.co/d/hPvOHYy Kettle (Primus 0.9L Kettle) https://a.co/d/7d62CZU Fry Pan with folding handle (GSI Bugaboo Fry Pan) https://a.co/d/hObeUEX 6 lb Propane Tank (Worthington 6lb aluminum propane tank) https://powertank.com/products/cyl-pp06 Freeze-Dried Meals: Mountain House https://a.co/d/ikZfnO9 Backpacker's Pantry https://a.co/d/iIUazvN Water: Lifesaver Water Purifier Jerrycan https://a.co/d/f6xVpQF Scepter Water Jerrycan https://a.co/d/6pBFGxh GPS Navigation: GAIA GPS https://www.gaiagps.com/ Website Resources: National Park Service https://www.nps.gov US Forest Service https://www.fs.usda.gov Bureau of Land Management https://www.blm.gov Satellite Texting Devices: Garmin In-Reach Mini (newer version than mine) https://a.co/d/1IeXoU8 ZOLEO https://a.co/d/4AjUCZG Spot X https://a.co/d/2RouowV Bivy Stick https://a.co/d/iEQCw6d Somewhere Global Hotspot https://somewearlabs.com/product/outd... Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org/ Outdoors Dish Soap: Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Soap https://a.co/d/enwO5k2 Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash https://a.co/d/9I8Nf39 First Aid (there are alot of great kits out there but here's one or you to check out): https://www.amp-3.net Fire Extinguisher: Element Fire Extinguisher https://a.co/d/g6OBlLw Trash Bucket: GAMMA2 Vittles Vault https://a.co/d/e4e3oBq The Fridge I Use: National Luna 52L Legacy https://www.equipt1.com/collections/n...

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Some items you should have ready to go in case of emergency MUST HAVE's WATER (one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days for drinking and sanitation) FOOD (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food) BAT-POWERED / HAND CRANK RADIO & NOAA WEATHER RADIO with tone alert FLASHLIGHT FIRST AID KIT EXTRA BATTERIES WHISTLE TO SIGNAL FOR HELP DUST MASK (to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in-place) MOIST TOWELETTES, GARABAGE BAGS and PLASTIC TIES (for personal sanitation) WRENCH or PLIERS (to turn off utilities) MANUAL CAN OPENER (for food) LOCAL MAPS CELL PHONE with CHARGERS and a BACKUP BATTERY SHOULD HAVE's in addition to above Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency. Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream Pet food and extra water for your pet Cash or traveler's checks Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes Fire extinguisher Matches in a waterproof container Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils Paper and pencil Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children ready_checklist.pdf

There is a great event called KOAR but it books up quick. Go to there website for more information but I believe its a great start. https://keweenawoverlandadventureretreat.com/

My family and I would love to begin overlanding based on all the forums and youtube videos we watch about Overlanding. We are in Michigan outside Flint and was curious if anyone has suggestions where to go do some Overlanding in Michigan?

Here are some items just off the top of my head... I know I'm missing a bunch winch auxillary lights tool kit hijack mre's spare drive shaft spare u joints shovel and axe or pitchfork descent size cooler ( use as cooler,chair,step, tool and parts prop,moving a bunch of odds and ends, keeping spare parts in, etc.) flashlights tire repair kit flares tow straps tow rope utility rope ...etc etc...your "expedition'' rig should be set up like a good hiking pack.

Building an expedition vehicle and not sure what I should carry with me? What kind of items should I concentrate on? Any help is appreciated.