Anyone new to “the hobby” knows there is a learning curve to the lingo used within it. It can take a while to absorb.

Here is a handy guide of essential terminology to help you sort it all out:

~ Essential Terminology of Overlanding, Off-Roading and Off-Grid Adventure ~

Overlanding – self-reliant travel over challenging terrain that takes you where few ever go. Overlanding is about both the journey and the destination, as well as what you do to survive in the alternative environments you encounter.

Off-Roading – Off-roading is a form of motorsport. It is the art of machine conquering terrain. It differs from overlanding in that off-roading is solely about mechanical movement. It does not include camping or recreating in other ways.

Off-Grid – Living without power, water or other amenities typically found in established campgrounds or RV resorts. In self-sustaining adventure to be off-grid can mean camping without being “on the grid” – or — bringing the grid with you by utilizing tools such as transported water, solar equipment, remote Internet access and other tools.

~ Off-Roading ~

Articulation – the ability of suspension on a car, truck, SUV, trailer or other off-road vehicle to flex in handling uneven terrain.

Recovery Points – Designated locations on a vehicle where tow ropes, hooks, chains or other devices can be attached to pull you out of a stuck location.

4×4 – A vehicle equipped with four-wheel drive, considered essential for off-road adventure that may take you down unconventional paths.

RTT – Roof top tent, a growing element of the overnight off-road experience. Instead of staking a tent into the ground tents can be quickly set-up on a vehicle or trailer roof-top.

BOV – Bug out vehicle. A ready-to-go vehicle of any type equipped with supplies and equipment for off-road survival that can be put to use in an instant.

Winch – a device, usually anchored on a vehicle, useful in extracting stuck vehicles or other objects. This is considered an essential item when adventure takes you to snow, mud or other areas overgrown with trees, bushes and obstacles that may disable a vehicle.

Trail Rated – a term for a vehicle or piece of equipment that has been tested and certified to perform in challenging off-road environments.

Spotter – An individual outside of a vehicle who guides a driver through difficult terrain and rocky spots on the trail.

Rock Crawling – Slow and steady vehicular movement over large rocks, boulders and through narrow canyons, often measured in vertical inclinations.

Light Bar – Bright lights arrayed in a bar-like fashion designed for night-time adventure.

Skid Plates – undercarriage protection for vehicles that prevents damage from rocks, stumps, ruts, and other obstacles found but not always seen off-road.

~ Camping ~

Boondocking – adventure on public lands “in the wild”. That generally means totally off-grid in a self-sustaining fashion that requires you to pack in and take out everything needed.

Primitive Camping – both private and public camping areas that do not have any amenities beyond tent sites.

Dispersed Camping – similar to boondocking, dispersed camping are areas designated for off-grid camping . These areas can be found on apps and usually require 4-wheel drive to access. Like boondocking, dispersed camping requires one to be fully equipped to survive without any amenities.

Dry Camping – similar to dispersed camping, dry camping is offered in areas accessible to RVs, campers, camp trailers and other vehicles that might not be suitable to true off-road locations. Dry camping also do not offer access to power, water, bathrooms, etc.

Wet Camping — Wet camping refers to camping near a water source such as a lake, a river or stream. This means you could purify water for personal use in these locations but everything else would be unavailable.

~ Terms Confused with but Unrelated to Overlanding ~

Car Camping – two-wheel drive casual camping, usually in an established campground environment with closely spaced sites, featuring tables, bathrooms, running water and sometimes electricity.

Vanlife – a lifestyle that puts one on the road full time in some kind of van. This gypsy style adventure is usually kept on pavement and features parking lots as well as campgrounds or rest areas.

RVing – The life of motorhomes, motorcoaches, and even camp trailers most often features National Park or resort destinations designed to optimize the experience built in to those vehicles.

Glamping – glamorous camping that brings posh features and amenities to the outdoor experience. We’re talking lighted tents, silk sheets, air conditioning and room service against the rough exterior of outdoor adventure.