There’s a difference between being prepared and being completely overloaded.
Modern 4WD touring has slowly drifted toward excess gear — drawers stacked with gear that never gets used, roof racks overloaded, recovery kits bursting with equipment.
Carry what matters, leave what doesn’t matter at home.
This is the minimalistic and ideal 4WD load out. Keep it stupid simple.
Why Minimalism Matters in 4WDing
A lighter, more efficient setup delivers real world advantages:
- Better fuel efficiency and less gas guzzling
- Improved 4WD handling
- Less wear on all suspension components
- Quicker camp setup
- Less clutter, more fun
Minimalism isn’t about sacrificing what you don’t need. It’s about bringing what you need and will use.
We do feel that Instagram has glorified having tonnes of gear, but we’re not about that. Having a simpler setup is just easier and better.
The ideal 4WD setup for you
Now this isn’t going to be the ideal 4WD setup for every application, we get it. But a few core fundamental pieces of equipment should steer you in the right direction.
Recovery essentials
Think recovery boards, snatch strap (with a rated recovery point), tyre pressure deflators and a shovel. Seems simple right? These are probably the basics you should stick to and while we go on and on about winches, these will recover you in almost every situation.
Settling down at night around the campfire
This is still part of 4WDing - most of the time you will be settling into a campsite after your tracks. A swag or small tent, basic cooker (or use the fire, it does cook food a bit better), camp chair and a beer does wonders to the overall enjoyment of the trip.
The goal here is to not be Pinterest inspired, but practical inspired.
Weather protection
Australia doesn’t do “chill” - your setup needs to account for:
- Serious sun exposure (it's bloody harsh)
- Sudden torrential rain
- Wind
- Coastal salt air
The minimalist approach:
- Quality tarp or awning with a UV and waterproof rating (serious IPX)
- Waterproof storage (dry bags for clothing and electronics)
- Reliable straps and tie-downs
If gear can’t handle dust, heat, or water, leave it at home.
The forby rule
If you can work out why something is in the back of your 4WD, or you didn’t use it on the last few trips (terrain dependent), then you don’t need it. Get rid of it. Keep it stupid simple.
Final thoughts
The best 4WD setups aren’t the most kitted out ones with the latest gear. The best setups are the ones with essential gear that works