Does the thought of getting deep into the backcountry excite you? Is the allure of mother nature too much to resist? If you answered yes to either question, then you’re more than likely an avid outdoorsman.

Getting out into the wilderness requires an intrepid mindset, and a love for the natural world. And though human beings have long since left the wilderness behind for the conveniences of society, some of us still like to escape the confines of our daily lives and immerse ourselves in nature.

But the natural world gets wild. And there are some areas you might not be able to access without the assistance of animals or off-road vehicles.

But what type of outdoor vehicle is right for you? Here, we’ll outline what you need to consider before purchasing a vehicle for your outdoor lifestyle.

How Far are You Going?

This is going to be the main question that you’ll have to answer, as this will dictate what type of vehicle you’ll want to use.

For those who plan on taking shorter trips, a basic quad or ATV might be sufficient, and even a modest sized dirt bike might be a better fit for tighter spaces in an off-road environment. But these types of vehicles are pretty much limited to day trips or the occasional overnighter if you’re not traveling too far

But if you’re going to be heading out for a few days and traveling over several miles of rugged terrain, you’ll want a vehicle capable of handling the terrain, along with transporting all of your gear and extra fuel… because you do have to come back home eventually.

Trucks & SUV’s

So you need a vehicle that you can rely on to get you out to your favorite outdoor spaces. But you can’t ride an ATV up and down the Interstate. So what’s the next best thing?

If getting out to your favorite places requires taking unpaved roads or crossing rugged terrain, you’ll want a quality truck or SUV to get you there.

You also have to consider the amount of gear you’re going to be toting along with you. And if it’s a sizable amount, then a pickup truck with off-road tires and 4-wheel drive capability is probably going to be your best option. But if you travel light, and don’t need space to haul an additional ATV, a modest SUV would probably suffice.

Additionally, when deciding between a truck or SUV, you also want to consider the expenses you’ll incur from necessities such as insurance. When you shop around to compare automobile insurance quotes, you’ll find that some SUV models and trucks are going to be much more expensive than others. So be sure to stay within your budget.

Motorcycles

One sure way to feel the open air and become part of wide open spaces is to ride a motorcycle out to your favorite outdoor destinations. You’ll have the wind in your hair and your gear strapped to the back, all while being exposed to the elements.

Now, this is a lifestyle not suited for everyone, as riding a motorcycle is a completely different type of driving experience altogether.

But if you’re wanting to trek out to some far off place to enjoy the great outdoors, you’ll want to consider the attributes of a bike before you decide on purchasing one.

For example, heavier bikes get less fuel economy, but they’re able to carry much more weight whereas smaller bikes get great fuel economy but it’s difficult to transport equipment. So, be sure that you know exactly what your activities are before deciding on a motorcycle for your outdoor adventures.

Even if you’re a hiking enthusiast, you’re going to need a means of transporting yourself out to your favorite hiking destinations. And the same is true for fishing enthusiasts and all outdoor activities.

Choosing a vehicle that reflects your lifestyle is one thing, but choosing one that is optimized for a specific use is what you ultimately need to consider.