The Ultimate Expedition Gear Guide for Overland Journeys Through the Americas

Whether you’re crawling through the desert canyons of Baja, navigating rain-drenched mountain passes in Guatemala, or climbing to the icy winds of Alaska’s Arctic coast, preparation isn’t optional—it’s survival. On our 50,000-mile journey across North, Central, and South America, every piece of gear we carry is intentional, tested, and tied directly to the conditions we’ll encounter.
This is our ultimate gear breakdown—what we’re carrying in the rigs, on our backs, and on our belts. Each item exists because we’ve either needed it before, or we know we will soon. 

1. Clothing System – Dressing for Every Biome
From the heat of Arizona to the chill of Patagonia, layering is key. Here’s how we prepare:
Base Layers (Moisture-Wicking)
Where: Baja, Mexico; Central American humidity zones
Why: High-output days in hot, humid climates demand breathable, quick-drying fabrics to avoid chafing and dehydration. We pack Merino wool and synthetic blend base layers.
Mid Layers (Insulation)
Where: Andean highlands; Denali National Park
Why: Temperatures can drop to freezing at elevation. Grid fleece pullovers, synthetic puffy jackets, and lightweight down options help trap heat.
Outer Layers (Weatherproofing)
Where: Pacific Northwest, Alaska, southern Chile
Why: Rain and wind protection is critical. We rely on 3-layer Gore-Tex jackets and rain pants to block out wet and wind while remaining breathable.

Footwear
* Breathable trail runners (dry, hot terrain)
* Waterproof hiking boots (mountains, mud)
* Camp sandals (post-hike comfort and river crossings)

Accessories
* Sun hat (desert)
* Beanie (cold nights in the Andes)
* Buff or neck gaiter (dusty roads and cold wind)
* Touchscreen-compatible gloves (for working on gear in the cold)

2. Vehicle Gear – Tools, Recovery, and Maintenance
Every rig carries a different loadout, but they all share one rule: don’t rely on luck.
Essential Tools
Why: We expect field repairs—from electrical to drivetrain.
* Full metric tool roll
* Impact driver + sockets
* Torque wrench
* Multimeter
* Spare belts, filters, fuses
* Jumper cables

Recovery Gear
Where: Mud in Nicaragua, sand in Baja, snow in Alaska
 Why: Getting stuck isn’t a maybe—it’s inevitable.
* Recovery boards (Maxtrax or similar)
* Snatch strap + tree saver
* Soft shackles + D-rings
* Hi-lift jack + baseplate
* Winch (Warn Zeon or Smittybilt X20)
* ARB twin air compressor + tire plug kit

Maintenance Supplies
Where: Remote stretches with no service centers
* Engine oil, ATF, diff fluid, coolant
* Tire patch kit + valve stem kit
* Hose clamps, epoxy, zip ties, duct tape
* Air filters (especially dusty regions like the Atacama)

3. Navigation & Comms Gear
When GPS dies, backups matter. And when comms fail, you’re on your own.
Navigation
Where: Roadless zones in Alaska, Argentina, Honduras
* Garmin Overlander GPS
* Paper maps (Nat Geo or E32 for Mexico)
* Compass
* Gaia GPS app w/ offline maps

Communication
* Garmin InReach Mini 2 (two-way satellite messaging and SOS)
* Starlink Mini (remote work, backup comms)
* GMRS radio w/ 50-watt mobile unit (Midland MXT575)
* Handheld GMRS radios for on-foot exploration and convoy driving

4. Safety & Defense Gear
Personal Safety
Where: Border regions, remote camping, wildlife territory
* Bear spray (Alaska, Canada, parts of Patagonia)
* Air horn + motion-activated camp alarm
* First-aid trauma kit + splint kit
* Emergency bivvies and thermal blankets

Security
* Hidden vehicle safe (passport, backup cash)
* Lockable gear storage (Pelican or Alu-Cab cases)
* Dash cam + cabin cam for theft deterrent

5. Camp & Comfort Gear
Sleeping Systems
* Roof top tent + interior sleep platform
* 0°F down sleeping bags (Andes + Alaska)
* Insulated sleeping pads

Cooking & Food
* Dual-burner stove + propane
* Jetboil or MSR WindBurner for quick meals
* Biodegradable soap + compact sink basin
* Bear-proof food containers

Lighting & Power
* Rechargeable headlamps + lanterns
* Redarc Manager30 battery system
* Solar panel (200W) for remote power

6. Tech & Content Creation
Cameras & Accessories
* Mirrorless cameras (Sony a7S III + backup)
* Drones (DJI Air 3 with extra props and filters)
* GoPros + mounts (windshield, bumper, interior)

Data Management
* Rugged SSDs (2TB x2 per rig)
* Redundant SD card storage
* Cloud backup via Starlink uplink (when available)

Power & Charging
* Inverter (2000W pure sine)
* USB-C power stations
* Cable organizers + waterproof cases

Final Thoughts
This journey spans everything—tropical jungles, salt flats, alpine trails, and far northern tundra. Our gear reflects that diversity. Every item we carry is a trade-off in weight and space, but we’ve learned that preparedness is freedom. The more ready we are, the farther we can go—and the deeper into these landscapes we can dive.
From Joe Black’s tool drawers to Cruise’s camera bays to President Polk’s comms center, we roll equipped, inspired, and ready.

#OverlandReady #ExpeditionGear #JoeBlackExpedition #CruiseToTheLastFrontier