From time to time, overlanding takes you beyond the trail. A well-rounded journey often includes veering off track to the nearest peak, dropping in for a family visit out of state, or popping into a brewery with friends. While we don’t always need to dress to impress, it doesn’t hurt to choose clothing items that are comfortable, evoke confidence, and can handle the rigors of the road. Since what we wear is an important part of what we do at XOVERLAND, we’ve rounded up our go-to pieces of Vertx apparel that transition seamlessly from rugged trails to camp, small-town visits, hiking, and beyond.
Looking to grab some gear for your next adventure? Use code “XOVERLAND” for 20% off at checkout at vertx.com.
Versatile Overland Apparel: What to Look For
Overlanding can put clothing through its paces. Favorite shirts are worn tirelessly, while pants need to be rugged to survive regular vehicle recoveries from mud, dirt, and sand. After over a decade of overland experience, we’ve discovered what matters the most.
Resilience: Clothing needs to be able to withstand constant contact with mud, dust, and sweat. Whether we’re brushing up against vehicles to close tents or using a set of MaxTrax to escape ruts of mud, we’re always in close contact with some sort of dirt. Resiliency is important during other activities, such as hiking, where pants and shirts are easily snagged on thorns, or around the campfire, where free-floating embers and smoke can damage materials. Add handwashing and nuclear-hot laundromat sessions, wiping dirty hands or knives on pant legs, and you’ll realize how much clothing goes through.
Protection from the Elements: Rain, sleet, snow, and harsh sun can wear out fabrics, so quality materials are important not only for the longevity of your clothing items but for protection from the elements. A waterproof rain jacket that fails can leave a risk of hypothermia in colder climates and soak through every layer in warmer ones. The same goes for long-sleeve base layers that protect from the sun—they need to work on the trail and off. Look for a waterproof shell if you need full rain protection, and a lightweight long-sleeved layer, preferably with a hood and a high UPF rating, for sun-ridden climates.
To learn more about the importance of building a layering system that works for you and your overlanding journey, check out our Ultimate Layering
Guide for Overlanding Adventures.
Versatility: The beauty of a quality rain or insulated jacket is you can wear it nearly everywhere, from the trail to camp, to work, the grocery store, and to the local coffee shop. An important part of versatility is budget—one good-quality jacket that does nearly everything is easier on the pocketbook than several items and keeps packing easy and straightforward. In addition, flannel or collared shirts can transition seamlessly from camp to a family dinner.
Our Favorite Vertx Apparel for Any Adventure
In our latest series, Spirit of Adventure, the XOVERLAND team races against the clock to reach the northernmost drivable point in the Americas before winter hits. In true XOVERLAND style, the crew went from camp to surf lessons to dinner at a sushi restaurant in Tofino, British Columbia. Later in the series, the team drives beyond the Arctic Circle, requiring apparel that can transition from temperate rainforest to sub-zero temps. Here are Clay, Cyrus, and Ant’s favorite Vertx items from the expedition.
Delta Stretch 2.1 Pant
“My favorite clothing item from Vertx has got to be the Delta Stretch 2.1 Pants. My favorite feature on them is how many pockets they have for all the things.” – Cyrus Croft
With a whopping 14 pockets, Vertx’s Delta Stretch 2.1s aren’t your average technical pants. Wallet trips in both rear pockets keep wallets and passports secure, while key and lanyard attachment points are located in both front pockets. Plus, all heavy-wear seams are double stitched, and the four-way stretch cotton-spandex fabric encourages optimal movability. Ant Austin, our Spirit of Adventure cam op and creative lead, housed everything he needed to get the shot, including a pocketknife, spare batteries, a lens cleaning cloth, a lens cap, and a Tentacle Sync mic.
Integrity Shell Jacket and Pants System
“It’s durable and well-built for layering and being around vehicles. Full zips on the sides of the pants are critical.” – Clay Croft
Wind- and waterproof shells are staple items for overlanders. Clay’s favorite Vertx item features a detachable hood, multiple zippered pockets, and storm flaps to protect side zippers from rain and wind. The jacket and pants are made from waterproof and breathable tri-laminate 100% ripstop Polyester and a 37.5 Technology lining that keeps the wearer comfortable, dry, and odor-free.
Merino Wool Base Layer Hoody
“I’m pretty sure we all lived in these for the whole trip. Light, warm, and did not restrict movement at all—brilliant when slinging cameras around in the snow.”- Ant Austin
Another versatile piece of clothing, the merino base layer, solves all sorts of wardrobe conundrums. This one has anti-itch properties, wrinkle resistance, and moisture management capabilities—all great qualities in a merino layer. The low-profile hood was useful for windy days, particularly to protect the neck and head during filming and at camp.
MD Weight VaporCore Crew Sock, 10-inch
“These socks were great! My heavy boots aren’t particularly breathable, but I was grateful and impressed that the socks held up so well. I had zero issues—my feet were warm and dry the entire time.” – Ant Austin
Essentials, such as socks, are often overlooked but play a key role in an overlander’s comfort and health on the road. Vertx’s MD Weight VaporCore crew socks feature merino wool, which traps air to keep the wearer warm when it’s cold and transports sweat away from the skin to keep you cool and dry in warmer environments. Merino wool is a champion of odor resistance—a key feature at the end of a long day when climbing into a tent with your teammate.
To pack smarter, check out our guide to Staying Organized on the Trail.
Like any overlanding skill, refining your overlanding wardrobe is a continuous work in progress. Tune in to the Spirit of Adventure series, premiering live on YouTube and the XOVERLAND Network on February 20, 2025, to witness how the team navigates unexpected challenges and puts their gear to the test along the way.
Looking to grab some gear for your next adventure? Use code “XOVERLAND” for 20% off at checkout at vertx.com.
