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First trip mistakes (So you don’t have to make them)

Overlanding 101

An interview with

An interview with

First trip mistakes (So you don’t have to make them)

January 29, 2026
4
min read
by
Charles Forman
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Who this is for:

Everyone. Because everyone makes these.

Mistakes aren’t failure — they’re how you learn.

The most common beginner mistakes

1️⃣ Overpacking

More gear ≠ more confidence

It usually means:

  • clutter
  • stress
  • unused equipment

2️⃣ Overplanning

Rigidity kills enjoyment.

Leave space for:

  • changes
  • curiosity
  • stopping early

3️⃣ Underestimating fatigue

Driving, navigating, and setting up camp all take energy.

Build in rest.

4️⃣ Chasing “difficulty”

Harder doesn’t mean better.

Easy routes build skills faster.

5️⃣ Comparing yourself to others

Comparison kills confidence.

Everyone started somewhere.

A healthier way to see mistakes

Instead of:

“I messed that up”

Try:

“I learned something useful”

That shift changes everything.

Your takeaway

Mistakes are not a sign you’re doing it wrong.

They’re proof you’re actually doing it.

If you’re ready to start overlanding — or start properly — you’re welcome here.

👉 Join explmore and begin your journey

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Today's explorers

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Charles Forman
Charles is the founder and curator of explmore. He is also the proud son of Alec and Jan Forman, the authors of the book Strangers Like Angels - With a Devil or Two to Boot and the inspiration behind the creation of explmore. He has spent the majority of his life living outside his original passport country. Today, when he is not running the operations behind explmore you will find him hiking, camping and enjoying the outdoors (overlanding of course) with his family.
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