Overlanding has taken the world in a storm of knobby tires and the whine of low-range gearing. At the center of this vast world of automotive exploration sits proudly the Land Rover Defender, like a sun drawing the other heavenly bodies with its mass. Overlanding unleashes the full spectrum of the Defender's capability. From first-time off-roaders to expert outdoor enthusiasts, overlanding is the perfect catch-all for anyone looking to set an adventurous goal of off-road driving and wilderness survival. And there is no better vehicle to dig into this outdoor adventure lifestyle than the Father of Overlanding, the Land Rover Defender. 

What is Overlanding? 

Before we dig into what makes the original Land Rover Defender such a great overland vehicle, we should quickly define overlanding. 

Overland Journal describes overlanding as "self-reliant adventure travel to remote destinations where the journey is the primary goal. Typically, but not exclusively, accommodated by mechanized off-highway capable transport (from bicycles to trucks) where the principal form of lodging is camping, often lasting for extended lengths of time (months to years) and often spanning international boundaries. While an expedition is defined as a journey with a purpose, overlanding sees the journey as the purpose." 

What's the best overland vehicle? 

A stock Land Rover Defender has everything it needs to be a great off-roader. The traction needed for dirt roads and minor off-road excursions is there in spades, but an overland Defender requires custom parts specifically designed for this specific adventure sport. Special tires, added fuel capacity, added storage, camping gear, and specific tech are all needed to turn a stock Defender into the best overland vehicle around. 

The Defender is the perfect overlander base because it was already built to conquer dirt roads, trails, and rugged paths the world over. The Defender relies on a simple design born from war-time utility and decades of 4x4 engineering. The Defender's history is rugged, brutal, and pragmatic. For all these reasons and more, the capabilities of an overland Defender are not to be questioned. 

Off Road Defender Capabilities 

A Land Rover can take on demanding expeditions once it's been kitted out for the task. Without specific overland Defender gear and modifications, however, it may not be easy to keep up with friends in other popular overlanders like Tacomas or 4Runners. The exact gear needed depends on the season, climate, location, and length of time for a particular overland experience. Here are some components to consider when starting a custom overland Defender build.

What are the best tires for an overlanding truck? 

There are off-road tires, and then there are proper overland tires for a Land Rover Defender. While a name-brand set of all-terrain tires will do for many situations, sometimes it takes specialized rubber and rim dimensions to conquer "roads" less traveled. 

Here are some general tips for buying the right overland tires for a Land Rover Defender: 

• Tire size: Compare traction, fuel efficiency, and clearance height to consider taller or wider tires and rims. 
• Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR): A fully kitted-out overland Defender may weigh significantly more than a stock one, thanks to all the added parts and gear. This must be factored in when shopping for tires, wheels, and suspension systems. 
• Terrain type and season: A set of snow tires with chains is essential for winter rides. Other situations may call for mud tires, sand tires, or versatile all-terrain tires. 

Tires and wheels need to match suspensions and lift kits. Installing extra-tall tires on a Defender can be a great choice for an overlander, but only with the proper lift kit to ensure ample clearance. 

Versatile Camping Gear is essential for Overlanding 

Overlanding isn't for day-trippers. As mentioned earlier, this type of travel focuses on the journey rather than the destination, which means the endpoint, or end date, isn't always known. Overlanders must pack enough food, safety gear, and camping supplies to make a week- or weekend-long trip safe and enjoyable. 

The Land Rover Defender doesn't disappoint in this area. Defenders can accommodate a rooftop tent with either hard or soft sides. A hardshell keeps the tent intact as you navigate rough terrain but can add extra weight to a rig. Hard-side campers are often more comfortable and safe, but their weight can be a problem if you haven't planned for it. Soft-side campers are lighter and often cheaper, but they can't insulate or protect quite as well. Sacrifice and compromise are a key part of building an overland rig. 

A tent alone isn't enough to keep an overlander safe and well-fed along the trail. Overlanding in a Defender requires many accessories like racks, storage cubes, jerry cans, and other accessories to pack enough fuel for the Land Rover and driver to power through the toughest terrain and get home safely. 

What safety and recovery gear do you need for an overland trip?

There's no shame in getting bogged down in a mud pit or sliding a few tires off the road. These situations are only problems without a recovery plan. Off-road recovery requires mostly planning and a little skill. However, starting with the proper vehicle for the trip can make recovery efforts not only easier but also less frequent. 

Recovery ropes, tow straps, winches, and off-road jacks are popular items in an overland Defender setup. With these, an experienced driver can escape many tough situations with or without a fellow driver. More than anything else, overlanders should research and become familiar with proper off-road recovery techniques before hitting the trails. 

What tech is essential for a Land Rover Defender build? 

A Land Rover Defender can house all the essential off-road tech to explore unknown trails. However, Defenders come standard with less tech than a spoon. So, upgrades and customization are required to make the Defender shine its brightest. Whether upgrading to a Puma dashboard or staying with a stock dash configuration, a Defender should have these items for any overland experience: 

• GPS designed for overlanding 
• Radio 
• Signal booster 
• Action camera 
• Battery jumper pack 
• Portable solar power battery system 

Examples of Overlanding Defenders 

Building a truly excellent overland Defender rig takes time and consideration. Thankfully, the Defender is so popular for overlanding that many have paved the way, and information is abundant. Not only that, but ECD has made it its mission to build the finest custom overland Defenders on the trails. 

ECD Defenders take all these many parts and create something truly wonderful. Here are two custom Land Rovers highlighting all the proper steps and other helpful accessories needed to turn an iconic off-roader into an unforgettable overland rig. 

ECD's Project Invictus 

The raw power of a 430-horsepower 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine gives this Defender the power it needs plus a bit extra to dig itself out of many hairy situations. Project Invictus boasts a custom ECD two-way air suspension, Borla Performance exhaust, Ron Davis radiator, and 18-inch Kahn Defend 1983 wheels. The driver and any passengers lucky enough to accompany can

cruise adventure comfortably thanks to the Puma Modular heated front seats, a Sony radio system with Apple CarPlay, and a Cascadia Vehicles Tents Mt. Shasta Summit tent. 

Project Invictus, like all ECD Land Rovers, was painstakingly built to the customer's specification to be rugged enough to perform in rough overland environments while also providing comfort and class for all who choose to join in the adventure. 

ECD's Project Alpinist 

Another example of an ECD overland Defender is Project Alpinist. ECD installed a 565-hp LS3 engine that is only held back by the powerful Brembo calipers and brakes. Nitto Ridge Grappler tires make the rig worthy of its name. 

Project Alpinist is a proper lifestyle vehicle. This ECD Land Rover Defender was hand-crafted for the driver who wants to take their lifestyle on the trail with them. Along with many other upgrades inside, it also sports a custom dog platform and a ramp that allows an overlander's best friend to experience life in the wilderness safely and comfortably. If the dog's comfort was considered this carefully, just imagine how the driver feels. 

Off Road Ready Land Rovers by ECD Automotive Design 

These two overland Defender examples are just a taste of what ECD Automotive Design is. See what the Land Rover Defender can achieve with a few aftermarket and custom overlander components. From under the hood to the top of the roof, a custom overlander offers tailored power, rugged performance, and luxurious convenience wherever it roams.