Overlanding Gear in the Defender 110
Our overlanding gear for the Defender 110 is the result of many test kilometres, revised plans, and real field experience. On this page we show you what’s actually inside Eddie’s load space – from the compressor fridge to the diesel heater and the solar system. No theoretical wishlist setup, but the gear we actually overland with.
Overlanding Gear Defender: Power & Solar
Leisure Battery (100Ah)
Power: Independent power supply for off-grid adventures
A dedicated 100Ah leisure battery keeps the vehicle’s starter battery completely out of the equation. No matter how much power the fridge, lighting, or heater has consumed overnight – the engine starts in the morning.
100Ah comfortably covers the essentials over longer periods. Compressor fridge, USB charging, diesel heater, lighting – everything runs without having to think about it. Combined with a battery-to-battery charger or solar input, the system recharges automatically – while driving or parked under open skies.
It’s the centrepiece of any overlanding gear setup in the Defender – the part that keeps everything else running.
Solar Panel (100W), 2x
Power: Silent, renewable energy generation wherever the sun shines
A 100W solar panel keeps the leisure battery charged without running the engine or using a noisy generator. Mounted on the roof or set up at the campsite, it harvests energy silently throughout the day – making off-grid stays not just possible, but genuinely comfortable and sustainable.
The foldable design makes it remarkably practical for overlanding life. It’s set up in seconds, handles the bumps and vibrations of off-road terrain without issue, and the weather-resistant construction means an unexpected rain shower is never a problem. Whether parked in the Brandenburg heath or camped under Scandinavian skies – the battery keeps charging, and the overlanding gear in the Defender stays self-sufficient wherever the adventures lead.
Solar Charge Controller (MPPT 75/15)
Power: Intelligent solar energy management for maximum charging efficiency
An MPPT solar charge controller sits between the solar panel and the leisure battery, ensuring that every available watt of solar energy is captured and converted as efficiently as possible. Compared to simple PWM controllers, MPPT technology can increase charging yield by up to 30% – a significant difference on shorter winter days or in cloudy weather, when every bit of energy counts.
The 75V input handles a wide range of panel configurations, while the 15A output comfortably manages a 100W panel setup with room to grow. Intelligent multi-stage charging extends battery lifespan by automatically adjusting charge current and voltage based on battery state – protecting the investment and keeping the electrical system reliably running for years of adventure.
DC-DC Battery-to-Battery Charger (12V)
Power: Intelligent charging that protects both starter and leisure battery
A DC-DC battery-to-battery charger is the missing link between the Defender’s alternator and the leisure battery. Unlike a simple split relay, it actively regulates charging voltage and current – delivering a proper multi-stage charge to the leisure battery while ensuring the starter battery is never compromised in the process. Particularly important in modern vehicles with smart alternators, which a simple relay simply cannot handle.
The galvanically isolated design keeps both battery circuits completely independent, eliminating any risk of the auxiliary system draining the starter battery at a critical moment. Bluetooth connectivity allows monitoring of charge status and fine-tuning of settings directly from a smartphone – full visibility into the electrical system without opening the bonnet. Once set up, it quietly and reliably does its job on every drive.
Overlanding Gear Defender: Sleeping & Comfort
Rooftop Tent (fold-out, 140cm)
Gear: Elevated camping quarters
A rooftop tent was the most practical solution for a reliable sleeping setup that doesn’t depend on level ground or an involved evening assembly routine. The 140cm version comfortably fits two people – a 240 x 140cm footprint with 115cm of headroom is enough to sit up, read, and actually move around.
Folded down to 31.7cm, the aerodynamic impact on the road is manageable, and the 62kg weight sits well within the Defender’s roof load rating. The memory foam mattress eliminates the need for a sleeping mat, and the mesh base provides air circulation on warm nights. LED lighting and mosquito nets on all openings round out the practical features.
What makes it work day-to-day is the setup time. Even solo, the tent is open and ready in a few minutes – which is what makes spontaneous stops genuinely possible.
Compressor Fridge (36L)
Gear: Keeping food fresh on long overlanding trips
A 12V compressor fridge was the logical next step after the first longer trips. 36 litres fits well in the Defender’s load space and is enough for multi-day drives – without the worry of spoiled food.
Power consumption is low enough that an extended standstill won’t threaten the battery. And on uneven terrain it runs just as reliably as on flat ground. For trips where you’re out for several days without passing through civilisation, a compressor fridge is less a comfort consideration than a practical necessity.
Diesel Air Heater (2kW)
Gear: Comfort in cold conditions
A 2kW diesel heater was the obvious choice for cold nights without running the engine. It runs on 12V and draws fuel directly from the vehicle’s tank – no separate fuel supply needed, no meaningful drain on the leisure battery.
Output is adjustable between 0.8 and 2kW, covering everything from a light chill to genuine winter conditions. Fuel consumption remains low at 0.1 to 0.24 litres per hour depending on the setting. For high-altitude trips, the integrated altitude kit automatically adjusts combustion up to 3,400 metres – a detail that matters when the air gets thin and the temperatures drop at the same time.
The result: a warm cabin wherever you stop – independent of the engine and without any hassle.
Water, Access & Documentation in the Defender
Water Tank (65L)
Gear: Reliable water supply for remote travel
A 65-litre water tank is essential for longer off-grid stays. It integrates well into the Defender’s build without compromising the load space, and 65 litres is enough for cooking and basic hygiene over several days without refilling. For drinking water we have a separate tank.
The pressure pump supplies both the sink and the shower – which makes a real difference after a dusty day on the tracks. The sealed design keeps the water clean even on rough terrain, so there’s no concern about contamination on technically demanding routes. Tank placement was carefully chosen to keep the vehicle’s centre of gravity as low as possible.
Having a reliable water supply on board fundamentally changes trip planning. Instead of routing around towns or campsites with water access, you simply stop wherever makes sense – whether high in the mountains or on a quiet forest track with no infrastructure whatsoever.
Dashcam (3-Channel, 4K)
Gear: Comprehensive trip documentation
A triple-lens dashcam was a practical addition as the trips got longer and the routes more unpredictable. Front, interior, and rear recording run simultaneously – the full picture is covered, not just what’s ahead.
The 4K front camera captures road detail clearly, which matters when documenting an incident or reviewing a tricky passage afterwards. Integrated GPS records route and speed data alongside the footage. At night, the system maintains recording quality without manual adjustment.
Loop recording manages storage automatically, and the G-sensor locks collision footage before it can be overwritten. Once installed, the system runs in the background without any attention – exactly as it should.
Side Window (Gullwing)
Accessibility: Effortless access and ventilation without leaving the vehicle
Replacing the fixed rear side glass with a gullwing window was one of those modifications that’s hard to explain until you’ve used it yourself. The panel swings upward and suddenly there’s a direct, open connection between the interior and the outside world – no door to open, no awkward reaching.
The upward-opening design simultaneously acts as a natural sun shade. Light rain, direct sun – the open panel handles both without blocking the access beneath it. Grabbing gear, ventilating the cabin at the campsite, or simply passing something through becomes effortless.
A small change on paper. In daily use, it’s one of the first things you notice.
This overlanding gear has been put together piece by piece for the Defender 110 and tested in real-world use. The setup continues to evolve – check the Blog for the latest updates and field reports.