By Del Albright
Sustainable Motorized Recreation Advocate | delalbright.com
What Is Sustainable Overlanding?
Sustainable overlanding means exploring the outdoors by self-contained vehicle while minimizing your impact, respecting the land, and preserving access for future generations. It blends off-road adventure with environmental stewardship, making sure our tracks fade, not our legacy.
Core Principles of Sustainable Overlanding
1. Travel Responsibly
Stay on designated routes and legal trails
Avoid sensitive habitats and non-vegetated areas
Obey posted signs, land agency rules, and seasonal closures
Always check updated maps, such as Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM)
- Use standardized hand signals when in convoy and passing other vehicles
2. Tread Lightly & Leave No Trace
Pack out everything you pack in
Display your trash bag if possible – set the example
Use existing campsites, fire rings, and rest stops
Leave what you find: artifacts, rocks, and relics
3. Fire Safety First
Never leave campfires unattended
Fully extinguish all flames and embers
Know local fire restrictions, and follow them
- Do NOT park in dry grass
Always have a fire extinguisher, shovel, and water source handy
- Obtain necessary permits for camp stoves and campfires (usually available online)
4. Respect Wildlife & Other Visitors
Keep a safe distance from animals
Don’t blast music or drone over quiet areas
Wave, slow down, and share the trail
Always yield to horses and cycles
5. Plan, Prepare, and Educate
Carry maps, comms, tools, and recovery gear
Know the history and current status of the land you travel
- Check for alerts from land agency for conditions and closures before you go
Teach your group how to recreate responsibly
Hold educational drivers meetings on convoys and trail rides
Learn and share about the trail (flora, fauna, and history)
Why It Matters
Without responsible use, public access is at risk. Damage from careless recreation gives land managers reason to close trails or restrict access. Every clean campsite, extinguished campfire, obeyed sign, and piece of trash packed out helps defend our freedom to explore.
As someone who’s spent decades fighting for land access and riding everything from buggies to Jeeps to dirt bikes, I can tell you: we either take care of our trails, or we lose them.
Featured Tips
Wrap trailer chains to prevent sparks
Avoid spinning tires in soft soils
Volunteer with land use groups
Share fire danger alerts on social media
Keep group sizes manageable
Always have radio comms with your group
Frequently check your rig for leaks or worn parts
Secure your load with safety in mind
Don’t add something to your vehicle without doing your research
Want to Dive Deeper?
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Stay Connected
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And always check out delalbright.com for the latest in sustainable motorized recreation.
Our freedom to explore depends on how we treat the land. Recreation smart!