There is a long tradition of enjoying an adult beverage by the campfire, especially after a long day on the trail. But non-alcoholic drink options for these campfire moments are typically limited and… boring.

I speak from personal experience. My first few campfires after going sober could be summed up by a can of La Croix and a good attitude. I would watch friends unlock mini liquor stores out of the backs of their trucks, and I would sit quietly by the fire while my hands warmed up a trail-shaken can of Pomplemousse.

I did not miss what alcohol did to my health, but I did miss the ritual and reward of a special drink amongst friends. And thanks to a rapidly growing market segment of alcohol abstainers, there are more drinks for the sober and sober-curious now than ever. And some of them are pretty d*mn good.

The list below represents seven years of experimenting, exploring, and taste testing to create a booze-free beverage worthy of any campfire ring.

All opinions are my own, and I fully acknowledge that my subject matter intensity on this topic is borderline ridiculous. Take what you will.

But first things first. What to know before you go.

Non-Alcoholic Drink: 0% vs .5% ABV

A few things to mention about beverages that are .5% alcohol by volume (ABV):

1. At .5% ABV, you would have to drink 10 cans in one hour to match the effect of one can of 5% ABV beer. 
2. Foods such as ripe bananas (.4-.6%) and hamburger buns (1.2%) have higher ABV than any of the drinks listed below.
3. Here in the US, the Food and Drug Administration considers drinks with less than .5% ABV to only have trace amounts of alcohol, allowing a company to label their drinks non-alcoholic. 

Real Talk: It is essential to understand what works best for you, especially if you’re in recovery or have an allergy. Please research in advance. 

Non-Alcoholic Versions of Hard Liquor are a HARD NO (Trust Us) 

A rule of thumb from years of taste testing and experimentation: Stay away from non-alcoholic whiskey, gin, tequila, or other spirits that attempt to recreate hard liquor. Very few stand independently, and most leave our palettes sad and our stomachs queasy, with one exception. (See below.)

If you miss the complex flavor profiles of hard alcohol, focus instead on NA spirits like Seedlip, aperitifs like Ghia, or phenomenally crafted beverages from Curious Elixirs. None of these beverages attempt to recreate alcohol. Instead, they focus on creating a complex and satisfying drinking experience that encourages sipping and savoring.

Now let’s get into it!

Best .5% Alcohol Beer: Athletic Brewing Run Wild IPA

Cases of bright blue Run Wild are in just about every grocery store and liquor store fridge for a reason. Run Wild offers all the hoppiness and complexity of an IPA with less than 0.5% alcohol. Cracking open an ice-cold can at the end of the day gives you the whole sensory experience of beer without the buzz. 

I have poured a cold can of Run Wild for many family members, friends, and trail buddies. In the words of my IPA-loving younger brother, “If you hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known.” 

If you prefer an IPA with more bite, check out Free Wave Hazy IPA, also by Athletic Brewing. It is also a winner.

Best 0% Alcohol Beer: Asahi Super Dry Zero

A few 0% beers are on the market, Heineken Zero being the most well-known. 

Skip it. Seek out Asahi Super Dry Zero instead. 

Asahi pulls off a full-bodied lager-style NA beer that retains a robust body and avoids the watery graves most 0% lagers swim in. The Super Dry Zero is more malt than hops (but the hops are there) and avoids the slightly sweet aftertaste typical in 0% options. 

Be sure to pick up the Super Dry Zero. The Dry Zero is OK but much thinner on the palate. 

Best Spirit That Doesn’t Pretend to be an Alcohol Derivative: Seedlip Grove 42

Seedlip Grove 42 is a fantastic base for a wide range of NA cocktails. Add 2oz of Grove to cranberry juice, give it a little sparking water and a splash of lime, and you have an excellent non-alcoholic drink.

Grove’s flavors blend blood orange, mandarin, lemon, and ginger, making it a joy when mixed with tonics, soda water, ginger ale, or fresh juice. 

Honestly, the entire Seedlip collection is worthy, but Grove is the one I keep returning to. Head to their website and check out their recipe page for inspiration.  

Best Mocktails: Curious Elixirs No 2 & No 4

Curious Elixirs is in a category of their own. They make no attempt to replicate alcohol – instead, they focus on creating botanical drinks with tons of personality that reference established drinks. 

Curious Elixirs No. 2 is the most complicated NA cocktail I’ve experienced. The first time I drank this over ice with a slice of lime, I just about fell over – there’s a very slight hint of a smoky mezcal underneath a sweet/savory pineapple and ginger ‘burn.’ It somehow tastes like a margarita, but it is entirely different at the same time. This is my favorite summer campfire ‘adult’ beverage.

Curious Elixirs No 4 suggests an Italian blood orange Aperol spritz for those who love a bit more citrus. Add a sprig of mint to your drink, and you’ve got something far beyond the ordinary.

Best Mixers: Portland Syrups

Portland Syrups is a playground. You can create your own 100% non-alcoholic drink by using one of their syrups with sparkling water and adding garnishes like rosemary sprigs or citrus wedges. Throw a bottle or two of these into your mobile pantry to play with, and you’re set. 

Best NA Hard Liquor Drink Alternative: Monday Gin

If you want to give one NA spirit a go, make it Monday Gin. 

Monday Gin has a heavy juniper nose that carries all the way to the midpoint of the drink until it settles into a mild sour citrus/grapefruit tail end. The juniper in Monday is the element that pushes it into acceptable territory. The complexity is there. 

I don’t suggest drinking Monday on its own, but then again, how many gins did I ever drink on their own?

Mix Monday in your favorite tonic, and you have something close to the real thing. Plus, Monday has zero carbs, zero sugar, and zero calories for the health-conscious. 

And make sure you have ice. Drink this lukewarm at your own peril. 

Runners up that are still winners:

Ghia Sumac & Chili (canned) – Aperitif with a burn. Ready to sip in its can. 

De Soi Golden Hour (canned) – Adaptogens for the win. An excellent blend of herbaceous and citrus notes makes this an enjoyable sipping experience. 

Surely Brut (canned) – Hits the right sparkling wine notes, but like all NA wine, it falls off quickly. This at least gets the front of the drink right and mixes brilliantly with OJ.  

Brew Dog Punk AF – Lots of Hops at just 25 calories per can

As someone who has gone from clutching a La Croix with disappointment to creating my own unique non-alcoholic drinks, I hope this inspires you to explore, experiment or just have fun next time you’re socializing around the campfire. 

A non-boozey cheers to you!  

Going off-road takes you on incredible adventures, from the Rubicon Trail in California to the Everglades in South Florida. You mainly focus on staying safe on rough terrain and having fun with nature surrounding you when off-roading. However, riders sometimes forget small details like fuel economy and its impact.

How can you optimize fuel efficiency in an overland vehicle? This guide outlines what you need to know while driving and before you leave the garage.

How Can You Optimize Fuel Efficiency While Driving? 

Off-roading can require long trips to get to your destination. How can you ensure your fuel efficiency stays top-notch on the highway?

Careful Acceleration

While a fast start on the road is temping, rapid acceleration compromises your fuel efficiency. Your truck’s engine is already working hard to carry a heavy load, so quickly accelerating further strains the motor. You’re also putting unnecessary stress on the tires and transmission.

Instead, carefully accelerate after cranking the engine. You’ll optimize fuel efficiency because the truck can easily overcome drag and inertia. It also makes for safer trips because you have more time to react to the road before you.

Using the AC Wisely

Summer is an excellent time to go off-roading with the kids in the warm weather. However, some locations get hot in the summer, making you crank the air conditioning. While you need the AC to stay comfortable, you should use it wisely to ensure you don’t compromise your fuel mileage.

Start by using the recirculation mode in your truck. This setting recirculates the air inside your overland vehicle instead of drawing in air from the outside. Your truck will cool much faster and more efficiently than using fresh air.

Also, try using the AC only when driving at highway-level speeds. When moving slowly, your AC compressor creates more drag. Roll down the window to increase fuel economy, especially in stop-and-go traffic.

Limiting Idle Time

Fuel efficiency is at its worst when your overland vehicle isn’t going anywhere. Idle time burns gas unnecessarily, so limit it when you can.

Your truck may sit idle when taking a break or waiting for your friends to arrive. Sometimes, you’re stuck in the mud or rock crawling. Regardless, your vehicle burns more fuel than necessary. Turn off the engine and the air conditioner if it’s not too hot.

What Maintenance Helps Overland Truck Fuel Efficiency? 

Manufacturers design overland trucks to last long, but your vehicle may become less efficient as parts wear. Here are a few maintenance tips for ensuring your overland truck’s fuel economy.

Changing the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the engine’s most important pieces. This component traps the dirt and debris from outside, and protects your engine from these contaminants. Considering the mud and sand you drive through, it’s a crucial component of your overland vehicle.

The air filter will become dirty over time and require a change. If not, you’ll have less airflow and your engine must work harder to overcome the restrictions. The last thing you want is an engine running rich. You should change your air filter at least once annually, but your overland vehicle may need a few inspections throughout the year.

Checking the Tire Pressure

Your engine is the biggest decider of your fuel mileage, but you should be aware of other components influencing your efficiency. For example, periodically check your tires’ pounds per square inch (psi). Underinflation can be bad news for your fuel economy because it increases your rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder.

Underinflation hurts your tires the longer your overland truck runs on them. The Department of Energy says you lose 0.2% of your fuel economy for every 1 psi below the average. Conversely, you can gain between 0.6% and 3% in your fuel mileage by properly inflating your tires.

Accidents can happen on the road, so prepare with the proper tools to care for your tires. You’ll need a tire pressure gauge, portable air compressor, tire plug kit and typical tire-changing tools.

Tire Alignment

Off-roading means driving over rocks and rough terrain. While this adventure is thrilling, you’ll likely harm your tire alignment over time. Overland vehicles have rigid suspensions, but off-roading will mess up alignment. Misaligned tires force your truck to work harder, thus burning fuel.

Aligning your tires improves fuel efficiency, so follow your manufacturer’s recommendations on how frequently you should do it. Most will say once every two or three years, but constant off-roading may require more trips to the mechanic.

Maintaining the Brakes

Another lesser-known factor in your fuel economy is the brake system. Each time you hit the brakes, you create friction to slow down your truck. This friction produces heat and resistance, thus making your vehicle work harder. Avoid hard braking and go easy on them to increase your safety and your brake’s longevity.

The last thing you need is to damage your brake system unnecessarily. Worn brake pads can tighten disc brakes, harming fuel economy and causing vehicle pull. Periodically check your lubricants and your brake pads to ensure everything works as it should.

What Prep Improves Your Efficiency? 

Are you getting ready for an off-road excursion? If your journey requires a road trip, you can use these tips to improve fuel efficiency.

Route Planning

The best way to prepare your overland vehicle is to do route planning. Before heading out the door, find the most efficient route to get to your destination. These roads will have less traffic and reduce the distance traveled.

Thankfully, you don’t have to do the work yourself — intelligent technology is by your side in route-planning websites and applications. Modern global positioning systems (GPS) watch traffic and alert you if there are routes with less congestion. If you don’t have a GPS in your car, use your phone’s built-in GPS — even if your device is offline. 

Become Roof Rack Aware

In motorsports, race teams aim to make their cars as aerodynamically efficient as possible by reducing drag. Even minor things can increase wind resistance and compromise your overland vehicle’s fuel mileage.

For example, you may put roof racks on your jeep, truck or SUV. Placing them on top makes your vehicle less efficient because you’ve disrupted the airflow.Be sure to load gear that is low to the roofline up front and then create as aerodynamic a gear height profile possible.

Reducing the Load

When you go off-road, your vacation could be multiple days or weeks long. You’ll need plenty of supplies to get through the trip. While these goods are necessary, you should know how heavy loads affect fuel mileage.

Adding extra weight to your vehicle makes it work harder than it’s accustomed to, burning more gas or diesel. Your fuel mileage decreases by about 2% for every 100 pounds of extra weight, so be careful when loading. Stick to the essentials and leave the rest at home. If you pack your truck efficiently, you’ll find the right balance of fuel efficiency and having enough goods for the road.

Also, be mindful of your towing. Load your truck evenly, and ensure you have the proper towing hitch and ball mount for your vehicle. Pushing your truck harder compromises fuel efficiency, so don’t exceed the automaker’s towing recommendations.

Getting the Most From Your Overland Vehicle

When thinking about off-roading, fuel economy might not be the first thing to come to mind. However, it’s a more significant factor than you think. Some off-road trails may have limited filling stations available in the area. Your fuel tank is essential to arriving at each destination safely, so follow these tips to maximize your fuel efficiency in the short and long run.

Author Bio

Jack Shaw is a seasoned automotive writer with over six years of experience. As the senior writer for Modded, he combines his passion for cars, trucks, and offroading with his expertise to deliver engaging content that resonates with automotive enthusiasts worldwide.

Off-road travel is an exhilarating way to experience the great outdoors and connect with nature. It’s a form of outdoor recreation that involves traveling over rough, unpaved terrain in a vehicle specifically designed for the task. This is where overlanding comes in, where you go on long journeys, often for weeks or months, in a self-sufficient manner, using your vehicle as your home on the road.

Let’s go over the basics needed to trek off-road from vehicle selection to modifications to gear.

The basics of off-road travel

When it comes to off-road travel, having the right vehicle is crucial. You need a vehicle that can handle the rough terrain, keep you safe, and provide comfort for extended periods of time. 

Here are some vehicle requirements and features to consider when in the market for an off-road vehicle:

4-wheel drive: A 4-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle is a must-have for off-road travel. It provides better traction and stability on uneven terrain, especially when driving over rocks, mud, and sand.

Ground clearance: The vehicle’s ground clearance is the distance between the ground and the underside of the vehicle. The higher the clearance, the better your vehicle can clear obstacles on the trail.

Off-road tires: The tires you choose for your off-road vehicle will depend on the type of terrain you’ll be driving on. Generally, off-road tires have a more aggressive tread pattern, stronger side walls for airing down and are designed to provide better traction and stability on rough surfaces.

Skid plates: Skid plates protect the underside of your vehicle from rocks, sticks, and other debris you may encounter on the trail.

Locking differentials: Locking differentials distribute power to both wheels evenly, which provides better traction when driving on uneven terrain.*

Suspension: An off-road suspension system is designed to absorb impact when driving on rough terrain, providing a smoother ride.

Winch: A winch is a mechanical device used to pull your vehicle out of a tough spot. It’s a useful tool to have when you’re driving on remote trails.

* Around the Corner is a 1937 film from General Motors that is hands down the simplest and best explanation and demonstration of how a differential works. It’s a 9 minute must watch for those new to the vehicle side of adventure travel.

Committing to a vehicle

Now that you know what to look for in an off-road vehicle, here is a checklist of items to consider when purchasing one:

Research: Do your research and find a reputable dealer that specializes in off-road vehicles. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other off-road enthusiasts.

Budget: Determine your budget and find a vehicle that fits within your price range.

Size: Consider the size of the vehicle you need. Do you want a small, nimble vehicle, or a larger vehicle with more storage space?

Type of off-road driving: Consider the type of off-road driving you’ll be doing. Will you be driving on rocky terrain or through mud and sand?

Test drive: Take the vehicle for a test drive to see how it handles on the road and off-road.

Maintenance: Find out about the vehicle’s maintenance requirements and costs. Off-road vehicles require more maintenance than regular vehicles, so it’s important to factor this into your decision.

Safety features: Look for vehicles with advanced safety features such as stability control, anti-lock brakes, and airbags.

Comfort features: Consider features such as air conditioning, comfortable seats, and a good sound system, as you may be spending long periods of time in the vehicle.

What to bring

When it comes to overlanding or off-road travel, it’s important to pack the right gear to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a run down of essential gear to consider when packing for your overlanding adventure:

Navigation: A GPS system or map and compass are essential for navigation, especially when traveling through remote areas. Don’t rely solely on electronic devices as they can run out of battery or lose reception.

Communication: A reliable communication device, such as a satellite phone or two-way radio, can be crucial in emergency situations or when traveling in groups.

Shelter: A tent or other form of shelter is essential for camping out in remote areas. Look for a tent that is easy to set up and provides adequate protection from the elements.

Sleeping gear: A comfortable sleeping bag and sleeping pad will make all the difference when it comes to a good night’s rest. Look for gear that is suitable for the climate you’ll be traveling in.

Cooking gear: A camp stove, cooking utensils, and a cooler will allow you to prepare meals and keep food fresh. Don’t forget to bring enough water for drinking and cooking.

Lighting: Headlamps and flashlights are essential for navigating in the dark, especially when setting up camp or hiking.

Tools: A basic toolkit that includes a shovel, axe, and tire repair kit can be invaluable when it comes to fixing minor vehicle issues or getting out of tough spots.

First aid kit: A comprehensive first aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and other medical supplies.

Clothing: Pack clothing suitable for the climate you’ll be traveling in, including layers for warmth, rain gear, and sturdy shoes or boots.

Emergency gear: Consider packing emergency gear such as a fire starter kit, signal flares, and a personal locator beacon (PLB).

Trash and waste management: Bring trash bags and a way to pack out waste to ensure you leave the environment as you found it.

Something else to consider is entertainment: Books, games, binoculars or other forms of entertainment can make downtime more enjoyable. 

What else do I need to know?

In addition to everything mentioned above, there are a few more things you should keep in mind when planning an off-road travel adventure:

Respect the environment: When traveling off-road, it’s important to respect the environment and leave no trace. This means packing out all trash, staying on designated trails, and avoiding sensitive areas. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the TreadLightly! principles.

Know your limits: Off-road travel can be challenging and even dangerous, especially for those who are inexperienced. It’s important to know your limits and only attempt trails that are within your skill level.

Be prepared for emergencies: When traveling off-road, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies. This includes carrying a first aid kit, extra water, and emergency supplies such as a fire extinguisher, flares, and a satellite communication device.

Stay connected: When traveling off-road, it’s important to stay connected to the outside world. This means carrying a GPS device or smartphone with GPS capabilities, as well as a radio for communication with others in your group or emergency services if needed. 

Stay informed: It’s important to stay informed about weather conditions, trail closures, and other important information when planning an off-road travel adventure. This information can be obtained from park rangers, local authorities, or online resources.

By keeping these things in mind and taking the necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable off-road travel adventure. And remember, the key to a successful off-road trip is preparation, planning, and a willingness to adapt to changing conditions.

We love this type of travel so much we built an app

We live and breathe off-road travel. The Overland Bound One app offers a range of features, including mapping tools, a community forum where you can connect with other off-road enthusiasts, and a library of resources to help you prepare for off-road adventures. You can head over to the Overland Bound Gear Store to get started.

Remember, off-road travel and overlanding offer a unique way to experience the outdoors and explore new terrain. With the right vehicle, gear, and planning, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure and connect with nature in a meaningful way. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!

What did we miss? What would you add? Share your experiences in the comments. We love to hear it!

The key to having an epic adventure while overlanding with kids is pre-trip planning and preparation like only a parent understands. Parents know that leaving the house with kids under the age of 10 means preparing for plans A and B, but also C through Z. Here are 10 tips for staying five steps ahead of what will keep your kids busy, happy, and stimulated on the road.

Cover Photo: Pauline Bernfeld

Photo by Patrick Fore

1. Take Breaks

Rule number one of overlanding with kids? Take regular breaks throughout the day so that everyone stays refreshed and energized. This will also give the kids a chance to explore their environment or just run around and burn off some energy!

2. Set Boundaries

Before heading out, set some rules that everyone needs to abide by while off-roading or camping with kids. Make sure they understand what behavior is expected of them during this time away from home. Remind them that adventures in the Great Outdoors are the best (!) but that they can also be dangerous if they don’t keep their listening ears on.

3. Bring Books and Games about Adventure

Even if your kids aren’t reading on their own yet, bring books that are about adventuring in the wilderness. A favorite at our house is “Pete the Cat Goes Camping” from the “I Can Read” series (Level 1). There are also a few scavenger hunt card games you can buy before the trip that are a fun way to keep them busy at camp or on breaks from the car.

Photo by Aaron Burden

4. Kid-Friendly Supply List

If you need guidance on refreshing or upgrading your pack-out, check out our Ultimate Overland Checklist. It’s useful to think about what your kids need as a separate prepping checklist. Ask yourself these questions to populate that list:

• What do they always need every morning? (e.g., toothbrush, toothpaste, layers of clothing, play shoes/boots, breakfast)
• What do they sometimes need every morning? (e.g., kleenex, itch ointment, diaper cream)  
• What are their favorite snacks and lunch options? It’s great to encourage them to try new foods but be sure to also have plenty of their favorites since you’ll be in the middle of nowhere.
• What do they always need every night? (e.g., pajamas, toy to sleep with, blankie)
• What do they sometimes need every night? (e.g., Vicks for stuffy nose, pull-up for accidents)

5. Plan your Route but Stay Flexible

With the Overland Bound One app, you can route plan til the cows come home. But you’re a parent of young kiddos, so you are painfully aware that plans change 95% of the time. Just go with it! Have a few options for stops along the route with space for kids to explore safely. And also be ok if someone needs to stop somewhere unexpected. The most important thing when overlanding with kids is to enjoy and feel comfortable on the journey. Remember that you’re setting them up for a lifetime of off-road adventure!

6. Stay Hydrated

Your kids should each have their own water bottle that is their responsibility to keep track of. Make this responsibility fun by also giving them their pack that’s filled with what they think they’ll need for the trip. Having their water bottle always on hand will make staying hydrated easier. We know that will mean more bathroom stops but that’s better than a fussy and lethargic dehydrated kid in the middle of nowhere.

Photo by Clint McKoy

7. Celebrate, Honor and Respect Wildlife with Them

For our family, seeing birds of prey, large grazing animals, reptiles, huge insects, and top of the food chain predators is the best part of any overlanding adventure. Remind them to keep an eye out for native wildlife on the road, on the trail, and while exploring near basecamp. We like to bring gear for gently catching and observing insects (and then releasing them). Kids binoculars are also an excellent addition to their personal pack. Make sure to remind your kids of the dangers that some animals present if not respected and given proper space.

8. Comfy Sleeping Areas

We don’t need to explain this one. A tired kid is a nightmare. If you have multiple kids, be sure to have enough space for each of them to slumber comfortably. When you’re packing bedding, err on the side of more blankets rather than less. We know it goes against instinct to bring the “luxuries” of home like regular pillows, but if that’s what it takes to make your kid feel comfortable, do it for everyone’s sake.

As with any activity with young kids, overlanding with kiddos is inevitably a little stressful, but it’s also the most rewarding experience for you as a parent. There’s no better way to connect with your kids than when you’re disconnected from the digital world and exploring the real world together. Stay prepared but agile. Plan but don’t overdo it. And have fun.

Photo by Morgan David de Lossy

Southeastern Utah near Canyonlands National Park, Arches, and Moab is one of our favorite regions in the western US. The red rock is spectacular, the views are endless, and there’s no shortage of offroad exploration for every overlanding style. We were in Moab in August on our way to Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado. It was an epic trip, and one that we were happy to have the Overland Bound One offroad app in our pocket. 

Here are 6 features of the app that totally saved our backsides:

1. Find Location by Photo

As the sun set on day 3 on the outskirts of Moab, we found ourselves turned around and going in circles. All we wanted was to get back to our dispersed camping site from a few days ago. “Find location by photo” saved our a**. All we had to do was click the picture icon on the Overland Bound One map and select any picture that we took of our campsite on night 1. The app opened up the picture’s location on the map and we were on our merry way. 

It’s worth noting that even though we had the app open when we took pictures at camp (we always have it open on trips), Overland Bound One doesn’t need to be open when you use your camera for the “find location by photo” feature to work. As long as your device’s location services are turned on for your camera, you can take a picture and drive away knowing that the app will be able to upload location data within 1-3 meters of accuracy.

Overland Bound One Messaging

After a sketchy limp back to camp early in the trip, it was clear that one of the vehicles in our party wasn’t going to make it another day on the trail, let alone all the way to Colorado. We needed a mechanic. We could have consulted Yelp and took the word of a group of strangers whose requirements for a “good” mechanic probably differed from ours. 

But we didn’t have to do that because messaging inside Overland Bound One yielded a handful of recommendations for local mechanics. These whole-hearted recommendations came from Overland Bound members who either lived in the area or had been in a similar situation while passing through. 

Better than a huge social platform that buys and sells your data in exchange for reviews and commercial recommendations, we got what we needed simply by asking our friends. And we kept our data.

3. Route Planning

Speaking of broken rigs. We came across one coming off White Rim Trail. The driver needed to get to town via the quickest route. But when he consulted the all-seeing eye of Apple and Google, both platforms threw up their robot hands and defaulted to a 90- mile, 2-day drive. 

We helped the driver by using Overland Bound One Route Planning, which allowed us to route offgrid and offroad, providing the shortest distance between here and help.

4. Offline Map Download

Very possibly the feature that has historically saved the most a**es in Overland Bound One history. Simple and sweet: offline map download provided critical mapping data for route finding when our plans changed…for the 6th time. 

It’s like having an overlanding AAA office in your rig that spits out backcountry TripTiks at will. (Note: If you’re under 35, you won’t remember TripTiks.)

5. Share Location. Ease of Use.

Sharing location with the app is very easy. There are many ways to do it.

Long-press any location on the map to get immediate access to the GPS coordinates, 3 word address, or the share button to share the location details from app to app.

In our case, it was easy over ham radio to just speak the three word address, which is three words separated by dots like predict.forgive.puddles (Moab, UT). It is much easier and more clear to speak three words over ham radio, and enter those words into app search, then to speak a list of GPS coordinates, which is highly error prone.

In addition, any location text in the app in blue text can be tapped to copy it to your clipboard to send in any way you would like!

6. Bonus Feature: Measure Distance

The fastest route out or into backcountry isn’t the same in all dimensions. Four inches on the Overland Bound One app won’t necessarily take the same amount of time as four inches a little farther south. When we needed the fastest route back to camp, we used the Measure Distance feature on the map combined with Enhanced Topo (first selection under Overlays) because that was the best way to check incline. 

Elevation gain is easily elusive in two dimensions. Not knowing incline is also one of the surest ways to slow you down when you’re racing daylight.