We Packed Dive Goggles for the Desert

When you're planning to drive an overlanding truck through remote parts of the world, you pack differently. Sure, we’ve got the usual suspects: new pair of tires, kinetic recovery rope, GPS devices. But hidden among the diesel filters and high-lift jacks? Two dive goggles. And no, we’re not planning to go scuba diving in Morocco.

So why goggles?

Because sandstorms are real. And when the wind picks up, it doesn't just blow your hair around. It fills every crevice of your face, eyes included. Dive goggles offer full-seal protection and will save our eyes. They're more effective (and comfier) than most motorcycle or ski goggles in desert conditions. Trust us, it's a game-changer.

That’s not the only odd item we’ve stashed. Here are a few more things that might raise eyebrows:

Professional Communication Setup

Not just a walkie-talkie. We’re talking a built-in ICOM 7100 UHF/VHF radio with external antennas. We even have a remote headset for outside-the-cabin comms.

When you're navigating the unknown, communication is key. Good verbal communication between the driver and the spotter outside the truck is essential. A spotter is the person guiding the driver from the outside, often during tricky maneuvers or recovery situations. Relying solely on voice and hand signals can lead to misunderstandings, especially when the engine is loud and the situation is stressful.

Clear instructions help not only with the situation at hand, but with the long term health of your relationship too. Believe us, nothing strains a marriage quite like miscommunication while you're stuck in the mud.

Two Shovels: One for Sand, One for Mud

Each is specialized and shaped differently. Overkill? Maybe. Until you’re stuck axle-deep and realize you brought the wrong shovel. We learned that one the hard way. Ours are from Fiskars, can be broken down for storage, and are specifically designed for different types of terrain. The sand shovel is wider and better for scooping and tossing loose grains quickly. The mud shovel, on the other hand, is narrower and designed to break through sticky, heavy ground. They’re not just backups, they’re strategic tools. In muddy situations, we sometimes need to dig channels for water to drain or create a path for traction. In sand, it’s about clearing around the tires without sinking yourself deeper. Two shovels might sound like a luxury, but they’ve become essential gear we wouldn't leave without.

Recovery Straps in Different Lengths

We carry two 4-meter round slings, one 10-meter round sling. They’re selected to match the weight of our vehicle and offer different options for extraction depending on the terrain. We even carry an 8-meter kinetic recovery rope for added punch. A kinetic rope differs from traditional tow straps in that it stretches under load, storing energy like a rubber band. When the tension is released, it delivers a powerful but controlled tug that can help free a stuck vehicle with far less shock to the towing points. It’s especially useful when recovering heavy vehicles from sand or mud, where momentum makes all the difference.

Wood Blocks and Two Jacks

We carry several solid wood blocks sized 10x7x30 cm. These serve as a stable base for our jacks in soft terrain. Speaking of jacks, why carry two? Because with one jack, you can lift the vehicle and stack a few wood blocks underneath. Then, use the second jack to lift again and build a higher platform. Repeat this step-by-step and you can gradually lift the entire truck out of a deep mud pit or sand trap. It’s a technique that saves us when a single lift will not be enough.

Overalls: Yes, Like Mechanics Wear

Climbing under a truck in the heat, grease, or rain is way better when you’re not ruining your everyday clothes. We each carry one overall. Add gloves and a headlamp, and you’re ready for roadside repairs. And guess what color those overalls are? Black, blue or grey? Never. You know us, they match the mighty red of our truck. Staying in brand and in style, even when crawling underneath tons of steel.

Packing for full-time travel in extreme conditions is all about balancing weight, utility, and the unexpected. Living this lifestyle comes with a very real need to be self-sufficient, creative, and prepared. From fuel filters to fashion-forward overalls, each item we carry plays a part in our safety, mobility, and even our sanity. It keeps our spirits up, even when we’re elbow-deep in grease under the truck.

Being prepared goes beyond Overlanding

Packing the right gear for your journey is essential. Whether you’re heading to the office, exploring your local mountains, or managing a family weekend getaway, we all have that one item we won’t leave the house without. A pair of scissors? A trusty multi-tool? That one charger you swear by? Let us know, what's always in your pack.

And sometimes, being prepared means bringing dive goggles to the desert.

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