Overland high

The overland vehicles at the pictureque Botolan campsite located 740 meters above sea level.

There’s a difference between vehicles used for off-road activities and overland adventure, although the two terms are often used interchangeably. The basic distinction is that off-roading vehicles are often highly modified and not used for daily driving, and basically are for sporting or recreational purpose only. They may be used for overlanding purposes albeit for a short time but the priority is to test the off-roading capabilities on trails meant for extreme and very challenging terrain. Overlanding vehicles, on the other hand, are used primarily for adventure travel over long distances over changing terrain, usually testing one’s resourcefulness going to places that are usually off the grid and over challenging terrain but these vehicles offer some degree of comfort in the ride.

The term “overlanding” first originated from Australia which means herding livestock over vast distances. This activity oftentimes rely on one’s self-sufficiency and the vehicles are equipped with camp gear, recovery equipment in case one is trapped in a sand bog or deep mud and part of the fun is the journey and destination, like a campsite.

Last Feb. 8 to 10, over 200 overlanding vehicles participated in the 2020 Overland Xpo held at Botolan, Zambales near the crater of Mt. Pinatubo. The event was organized by the Mototesto Overland Off-Grid Expedition Group and sponsored by Black Rhino Wheels.

It was a gathering of adventure seekers and 4×4 enthusiasts to test their vehicles and equipment for reliability and self-sufficiency.

The Black Rhino Adventure Team participated in this year’s event to showcase the capability and performance of Black Rhino Off-Road Wheels and Nitto Tires. “This is the perfect event to do real-life testing of our products. It is a combination of long distance freeway driving, tricky off-road terrain plus a few river crossings. You have to be confident with your wheels and tires to go on an adventure like this,” says Sam Liuson, president of Black Rhino Wheels-Philippines.

“Our R&D is not just done at the laboratories and factories but also in the great outdoors. This year, we tested three sets of Nitto Grapplers with 2014 production dates, in varying degrees of wear and tear. They performed really well in the different terrain. It goes to show that not all tires necessarily expire after five years from the production date, as long as they are stored and maintained properly,” says Justin Uy, VP for Business Development of Black Rhino Wheels-Philippines.

Overlanders put their awnings, roof tents and cooking equipment to use

With the campsite about 200-km or 8 hours away from Metro Manila, the journey to the final destination had vast stretches of rough roads and sandy and sometimes muddy terrain.

The journey also had a number of river crossings as well. Some vehicles had to be rescued with recovery gear such as snatch straps, recovery tracks and winches which participants were put to the test to rescue vehicles that bogged down in the soft sand.

The campsite rewarded the participants with a magnificent view and everyone brought their own gear such as awnings, roof tents and cooking equipment.

“We pack all the necessities in our rigs for shelter, food and power. Of course, creature comforts such as portable toilets, pressurized showers and solar panels for power is a plus,” says Joel Pedro, Chief Adventure Officer of Overland Kings-distributor of Adventure Kings and Mammoth Overland Equipment.

“Our products address the needs of overlanders and also those who simply want to enjoy the outdoors in comfort,” he adds.

“We invite everyone to join our future events and experience the adventure,” says Tim Tuazon of Mototesto. “Part of the fun is also the camaraderie and of course, the food!” exclaims Tim. Their group has been organizing the event on its 5th year already and overlanding is surely here to stay in the Philippines.

For those who wish to learn more about overlanding, visit the Black Rhino Wheels-Philippines , Overland Kings and Overland Philippines Facebook page.