Everybody needs a hobby. Our hobbies keep us grounded in a world that is always throwing up new horrible surprises to send us off-balance.
But when picking a new hobby that you could potentially be sinking dozens of years into, there’s one thing you need to ask – how much will it cost you?
Overlanding – the act of taking your 4×4 vehicle off-road and exploring the great wide open, free of the confines of traditional roads, is a hobby that has grown significantly in popularity in recent years.
In the last 12 months, with so many of us dissuaded from travelling abroad, it’s seen an even greater surge in popularity.
But many still might be put off the idea of it because there’s the misconception that it’s an incredibly expensive hobby. But it doesn’t have to be.
How expensive is overlanding?
That’s a little bit like asking how long a piece of string is. There is a steep barrier to entry in terms of the price of the vehicle, but if you already have a 4×4 then it’s only going to be as expensive as you want it to be.
There’s been a definite ‘Instagram’ influence on how people perceive overlanding, with plenty of stylised pictures all over social media. But in essence, it’s not a glamorous hobby (that’s half the fun). The scenery might be incredible and the thrill might be undeniable, but it’s also a lot of work.
Upgrades
A major factor is going to be not only what kind of vehicle you opt for (a motorcycle would technically be the cheapest way to dip your toes into the hobby) for what kind of upgrades you think are required.
If you’re planning on hitting some quite rocky terrain, for example, then upgrading your suspension is something to consider and this can set you back at least £2,000 if you go with a custom kit.
You might be surprised to learn how much gear you might already have lying around your house that could be used.
An old tent from Glastonbury a few years ago, an old Nokia 3210 that could withstand a nuclear apocalypse, and a mini cooler you found randomly in the attic? All perfect overland accessories.
Daily costs
The amount you spend during your overland adventure will depend on where you’re travelling and your vehicle. It will also depend on just how ambitious your trip is.
It’s possible to spend weeks on a cross-continental trip of a lifetime but for those just starting, there are plenty of overlanding opportunities in the UK alone.
In this case, the costs will be minimal – just the essentials for food, water, and any other charges that may occur. You could comfortably survive in some areas of the UK on just £30 per day, for example.
Test the waters
The best advice we could give is to do a test ride with a rented vehicle and rented gear before committing.
That way, you’ll be able to ascertain whether or not the overland life speaks to you or not and will allow you to feel out what you’re going to need.
If you feel like you’re ready to start your overland hobby, contact us today at 4×4 Works and we’ll put you on the road to off-road joy.
Image: Milan Rademakers / Shutterstock.com
