Overland Camp Setup & Leave No Trace Guide

Get a step-by-step camp setup guide with Leave No Trace principles based on terrain, group size, and duration for responsible overlanding.

‍

Responsible camping.

‍

We ask for camp terrain, group size, trip duration, vehicle type, fire regulations, water source, and waste disposal because these follow LNT. These inputs protect nature. Limitation: the tool uses standard LNT principles and may not address local regulations; check permits.

‍

Overland Camping Setup Guide

Brought to you by TheToolCollective.com

Step-by-Step Camp Setup with LNT Principles

1. Choose Your Campsite Wisely

• Look for Durable Surfaces: Camp on rock, gravel, or dry grass to minimize impact. Avoid fragile areas such as meadows or wetlands.
• Distance from Water: Set up your camp at least 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) away from the stream to protect water quality.
• Check for Wildlife: Avoid areas with signs of wildlife activity.

2. Set Up Your Roof Top Tent

• Positioning: Ensure your truck is on stable ground to prevent accidents. Open the tent according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Secure the Tent: Use the provided straps to ensure your tent is secure against winds.

3. Establish a Cooking Area

• Choose a Separate Spot: Set up your cooking area at least 200 feet away from your sleeping area and water sources.
• Use a Portable Stove: This reduces the need for an open fire, minimizing environmental impact.

4. Create a Waste Management Plan

• Pack Out All Waste: Bring trash bags to carry out all waste, including food scraps and toilet paper.
• Human Waste: Use designated facilities when available or dig a cat hole 6-8 inches deep, at least 200 feet away from water sources.

5. Set Up a Gear Area

• Organize Gear: Keep your gear in one designated area to reduce disturbance to the surrounding environment.
• Use a Tarp: Place a tarp or ground cloth under your gear to keep it clean and dry.

6. Establish a Fire Area (if allowed)

• Use Established Fire Rings: If a fire is allowed, use existing fire rings. If not, consider a portable fire pit.
• Collect Firewood Responsibly: Gather only dead and downed wood. Avoid cutting live vegetation.

7. Leave No Trace Practices

• Pack Out Everything: Ensure all waste is disposed of properly. This includes all food waste, trash, and personal items.
• Stay on Trails: Avoid trampling vegetation by using existing trails and durable surfaces.

Environmental Impact

Setting up your camp with LNT principles helps preserve the natural landscape, protects wildlife habitats, and maintains water quality. Following these practices ensures that future campers can enjoy the same pristine environment, minimizing your footprint on the ecosystem.

Checklist

• Gear Checklist:
  • Roof top tent
  • Sleeping bags and pads
  • Cooking stove
  • Fuel for the stove
  • Cooler with food supplies
  • Trash bags (for waste)
  • Portable toilet (if needed)
  • First aid kit
  • Tools (for repairs and setup)
  • Flashlights/Headlamps
  • Water purification system
• Camp Setup Checklist:
  • Campsite location (durable surface, away from water)
  • Tent setup (secure and stable)
  • Cooking area established (200 feet from sleeping area)
  • Fire area (if allowed)
  • Waste management plan in place

By adhering to these steps and principles, you contribute to the preservation of natural spaces for generations to come. Enjoy your extended mountain camping adventure!

‍

Built by The Tool Collective team. We are a diverse group of multi-hobby individuals who are on a mission to create the worlds most unique and genuinely useful tools across all of our favorite hobbies and interests. The outdoors is where most of hearts lie with overlanding and off-roading being one of our new obsessions. It is also an explosively growing industry with new hobbyists joining every day. So, here is batch of tools designed to help you make those key decisions and provide great advice for your next overlanding adventure or new vehicle mods. Happy trails.

‍

Made with The Tool Collective's signature model. We combine an AI engine which process the user's input choices and runs it through our specifically designed logic and reasoning parameters for that tool to curate a precise and organized output. An enthusiast knowledgeable in the tool category designs the tools inputs and input choices, writes custom logic parameters, and defines the output format and requirements. The AI engine powers the system and creates a lightning fast, highly intelligent decision tool, which is always up-to-date with current pricing and publicly available information on whatever the tool is designed for. Combines all of the internets resources into one.

‍