Overlanding is all about hitting the open road, exploring the wild, and soaking in the freedom of the great outdoors. But let’s be real—after a long day of driving dirt trails or setting up camp, you need a solid sleep system to crash out and recharge. Picking the right setup can make or break your trip. So, what are the types of sleep systems for overlanding? Let’s break it down, keep it simple, and toss in some real-world vibes.
1. Roof Top Tents (RTTs)
Roof top tents are the rockstars of overlanding sleep systems. They mount right on top of your rig—usually on a roof rack—and pop up when you’re ready to snooze. These bad boys are awesome because they keep you off the ground, away from creepy crawlies, and give you a killer view. Plus, they’re pretty quick to set up and pack down.
There’s two main flavors: hard-shell and soft-shell. Hard-shell RTTs are tougher, weatherproof, and feel like a mini fortress, but they cost more and weigh a ton. Soft-shell ones are lighter, cheaper, and fold out into a bigger space—perfect if you’re rolling with a crew. Downside? They take a bit more elbow grease to set up.
Personal vote: I’ve used a soft-shell RTT on a trip through Colorado. Waking up above the treeline with coffee in hand was dope, but wrestling it closed in the wind? Yeah, that tested my patience.
2. Ground Tents
Old-school but still clutch, ground tents are what most folks picture when they think camping. They’re lightweight, easy to toss in the back of your truck, and won’t break the bank. You can grab a basic one for solo trips or go big with a multi-room deal for the fam.
The catch? You’re on the ground, so you gotta deal with uneven terrain, rocks, and maybe a rogue root poking your back. A good sleeping pad or air mattress is a must. They’re also not as fast to set up as an RTT if you’re bouncing between spots daily.
3. Truck Bed Setups
If you’ve got a pickup, turning the bed into your sleep zone is a no-brainer. Throw in a mattress, some bedding, and maybe a canopy or cap, and you’re golden. It’s cozy, low-key, and keeps you off the ground without needing extra gear.
Some overlanders go all out with custom platforms or slide-out drawers for storage underneath. Others just wing it with an air mattress and call it a day. Either way, it’s a solid option if you wanna keep things simple and rugged.
4. Hammocks
Hammocks are the chill, minimalist choice for overlanders who don’t mind swaying in the breeze. They’re super light, pack down tiny, and all you need is a couple trees or sturdy anchor points. Add a rainfly and bug net, and you’ve got a legit sleep system for warm climates.
But heads-up—they’re not for everyone. If you’re a side sleeper or hate feeling like a burrito, you might wake up grumpy. And if you’re in a desert or open plains, good luck finding trees.
5. Overland Trailers
For the fancy pants crowd—or those who overland for weeks at a time—overland trailers are the ultimate sleep system. These rigs are built tough with off-road tires and suspension, and they often come with a bed inside or an RTT on top. Some even have kitchens, storage, and solar setups.
They’re pricey and mean towing extra weight, but if you’re living on the trail long-term, the comfort’s hard to beat. It’s like glamping with a side of badass.
6. Sleeping in Your Vehicle
Last but not least, there’s the “just crash in the car” option. Whether it’s folding down seats in an SUV or building a platform in a van, this is the ultimate low-fuss sleep system. It’s free (assuming you already own the ride), weatherproof, and keeps you locked up safe.
Downside? Space is tight, and if you’re tall, you might feel like a sardine. I tried this once in my old Jeep on a rainy night in Oregon—worked fine, but I definately woke up with a crick in my neck.
How to Pick the Right Sleep System
So, which one’s for you? Depends on your rig, your budget, and how much comfort you’re chasing. If you’re all about quick setups and epic views, an RTT might be your jam. Tight on cash or rolling solo? Ground tents or hammocks got your back. Got a truck or a big SUV? Use what you’ve got and save the hassle.
At the end of the day, overlanding’s about the adventure, not stressing over gear. Test a few setups, see what vibes with you, and hit the trail.
