Best Overlanding Tires

‍Overlanding requires equipment like top-notch tires to get to your location safely. Without the best tires, you could break down or put your safety at risk.

With that in mind, we’ve found the eight best overlanding tires listed below:

• BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
• Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac
• Toyo Tires Open Country A/T III
• Michelin LTX A/T2
• Cooper Discoverer STT Pro
• Dick Cepek Fun Country
• Nitto Trail Grappler
• Falken Wildpeak A/T3W

To ensure we cover all types of terrain, we have included tires like Falken Wildpeak A/T3W and Toyo Open Country that excel on off-road and highway drives. We've also added options that perform exceptionally well in mud, such as the BF Goodrich Mud Terrain tire. We hope this list helps you find the perfect tire for your overlanding needs.

‍8 Best Overlanding Tires: Your Ultimate Guide for 2023

Overlanding has become increasingly popular in recent years. For those unfamiliar with the term, it refers to traveling off the beaten path, often in modified vehicles, to explore rugged terrain.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or new to the game, selecting the best overlanding tires for your vehicle is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Tires for overlanding need to be durable, versatile, and provide excellent off-road performance.

With this in mind, here are what we believe to be the eight best overlanding tires for your next adventure. Keep reading to find your perfect tire match.

1. BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2

When it comes to the best overland tires, the BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 offers an outstanding balance between on-road comfort and off-road performance. My experience with this mud-terrain tire has been nothing short of amazing.

One of the standout features of the KO2 tires is their incredible traction. Whether we were navigating rocky trails or muddy paths, these tires provided a reliable grip that instilled confidence.

Tire Performance

The tread design is aggressive yet well-engineered, ensuring excellent control in off-road conditions. Durability is another crucial aspect where the KO2 tires shine. It’s what makes this tire’s performance so unique.

We've put these tires through rough terrains, which have held up remarkably well. The sidewall rubber is thicker and more challenging, providing extra protection against sharp objects. This durability factor makes them a top choice for overlanding, where encountering rough terrain is a given.

What Sets This Tire Apart

The KO2 features an optimized tread design that suits various terrain conditions. Combined with a silica tread compound, it provides increased traction in wet and snowy conditions, making it an excellent choice for overlanding.

In terms of versatility, the KO2 tires didn't disappoint. We found them surprisingly capable on highways, offering a comfortable ride without excessive road noise, a common issue with many all-terrain tires.

This dual nature of being off-road-ready and highway-friendly is a huge plus, making them an ideal choice for overlanders who spend time on various types of roads.

Pros

• Superior all-terrain performance
• Built with thicker sidewalls for better durability
• Silica tread compound and optimized tread design
• High load-carrying capabilities

Cons

• The KO2 has a higher price than some competitors

Where To Buy This Tire

• Tire Rack is the best place to find this tire because of the many different sizes available and free shipping.

2. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac

I recently had the opportunity to test the Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac tires on my overlanding rig, and they've left a strong impression. These mud-terrain tires are built for the off-road enthusiast who also values on-road capabilities and delivers on both fronts remarkably well.

The first thing that caught my attention with the Wrangler Duratrac was the aggressive tread pattern. It's not just for show – these treads mean business. In muddy and snowy conditions, we experienced outstanding traction.

The self-cleaning design of the tread really works, ejecting mud and snow as we move, ensuring consistent grip. They are constructed with a tough rubber compound that resists chips, tears, and abrasions from rough terrain.

Tire Performance

We traversed over sharp rocks and gravel during our expeditions, and these tires held up without any issues. Their sidewalls are reinforced, providing additional protection and peace of mind when driving in rugged conditions.

On the highway, these tires performed better than expected. Despite their aggressive design, they provided a smooth and relatively quiet ride. This is a significant advantage for overlanders who often travel long distances on paved roads to reach off-road destinations.

What Sets This Tire Apart

The Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac is an all-terrain tire designed for serious off-road performance and handling in various terrain conditions. The aggressive tread pattern on this mud terrain tire provides strong traction on mud, snow, and rocky terrain.

These tires have thicker sidewalls and a load range designed for heavy loads, making them a popular choice for overlanding enthusiasts. The only drawback is that there might be a slight compromise in extreme rock crawling scenarios compared to more specialized tires.

Pros

• High-performance mud terrain capabilities
• Increased wear resistance and improved tread life
• Reasonable on-road comfort
• Reduced road noise
• Higher load rating

Cons

• Heavier tire
• Slightly more expensive

Where To Buy This Tire

• Tire Rack sells this tire for as low as $200.83 per tire. This includes a 30-day return policy and free shipping.

3. Toyo Tires Open Country A/T III

The Toyo Tires Open Country A/T III is a perfectly versatile, all-terrain tire that performs well on and off-road. Its optimized tread design and silica tread compound enable the tire to deliver balanced performance in various terrain conditions.

These tires strike a fantastic balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort, making them an excellent choice for the diverse needs of overlanding. One of the most impressive aspects of the Open Country A/T III is its traction.

Whether I was driving through loose sand, gravel, or muddy trails, these tires provided exceptional grip. Their tread pattern is designed to tackle a variety of terrains, and it shows. The 3D sipe technology in the treads provides additional biting edges for better traction.

Tire Performance

When it comes to on-road performance, these tires are surprisingly comfortable. They offer a smooth ride with minimal road noise, a feature that's not always a given with all-terrain tires.

This makes them an excellent option for the long drives often associated with overlanding trips. The rugged terrain driving is smooth and comfortable, and the grooves maintain consistent performance.

If there's one area where the Open Country A/T III could see improvement, it could be in extreme mud conditions. While they easily handle most scenarios, the most challenging muddy conditions require a tire with a more aggressive tread.

What Sets This Tire Apart

Durability is crucial for any overlanding tire, and the Open Country A/T III tires didn't disappoint. They're made with a sturdy construction and a wear-resistant tread compound. It’s also a solid snow tire because of the Three Peak Mountain Snow flake certified rating.

This means they can withstand the rigors of rough terrain without suffering premature wear. This durability gives me confidence that they can handle the demands of remote, rugged trails. Light truck tires like this are ideal for the diverse challenges of overlanding.

Pros

• Impressive tread life
• Multi-wave sipes for snow performance
• Aggressive tread pattern
• Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Rated

Cons

• Short-distance braking could be improved

Where To Buy This Tire

• You can buy this tire at Discount Tire for as low as $163.00 per tire. All purchases include free shipping.

4. Michelin LTX A/T2

The Michelin LTX A/T2 is designed to balance off-road performance and on-road comfort for light truck tires. It features Michelin's Comfort Control Technology, a computer-optimized tread design that reduces road noise and enhances comfort.

While many all-terrain tires focus heavily on off-road performance, the LTX A/T2 strikes a remarkable balance, leaning more towards comfort and longevity while still maintaining commendable off-road capabilities.

Tire Performance

This tire provides a smooth, quiet ride on paved roads, a standout feature for overlanders who spend a significant amount of time on highways. It’s the perfect blend of rugged handling and comfort.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, these tires are a game-changer. They are engineered to reduce rolling resistance, which helps conserve fuel – a much-appreciated aspect during long journeys.

What Sets This Tire Apart

The Michelin LTX A/T2 distinguishes itself with its durability. This radial tire is built to last, thanks to Michelin's MaxTouch Construction. This feature ensures even wear that extends the tire's lifespan and reliability.

This is particularly beneficial for overlanders who rack up significant mileage and need tires that can endure the long haul with more aggressive tread patterns. Another aspect where the LTX A/T2 stands out is its focus on safety.

The overland tire features Michelin’s Comfort Control Technology, which reduces vibrations and road noise. This feature and the extended tire width provide a more comfortable driving experience.

Pros

• Excellent traction in various terrain conditions
• Comfort Control Technology
• GVWR capacity of 7,200 lbs
• 35% better mileage in gravel

Cons

• Struggles in more extreme off-road terrain

Where To Buy This Tire

• This premium tire is available at Tire Rack. Prices start at $292.01 with free shipping included.

5. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro

Testing the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro was an enlightening experience, particularly for the more rugged aspects of overlanding. This tire is a powerhouse in the realm of off-road performance, and it has some distinct features that set it apart from many others in its class.

This tire stands out due to its 3-Ply Armor-Tek3 construction, which adds an extra layer of protection in the casing and under the tread. The aggressive tread pattern also offers a great balance between off-road traction and on-road performance.

Tire Performance

At its heart, the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro is a tire for the off-road enthusiast. Its aggressive tread pattern and deep lugs make it exceptionally capable in challenging terrains like deep mud, loose sand, and rocky trails.

Its grip and stability in these conditions are top-notch, providing essential confidence when tackling tough off-road obstacles. On the road, the STT Pro performs decently for a tire of its class.

While you might notice more road noise than less aggressive all-terrain tires, it's a reasonable trade-off, given its off-road prowess. The handling on paved surfaces is stable and controlled, an achievement for a tire focused on off-road capability.

What Sets This Tire Apart

A standout feature of the Cooper Discoverer STT Pro is its Armor-Tek3 Construction. This technology strengthens the sidewall and tread area, offering resistance to damage in harsh off-road environments.

This durability is a significant advantage for overlanders in remote areas where tire reliability is crucial. Despite its aggressive nature, the tire wears surprisingly well, offering longevity not always seen in such rugged tires. This results from Cooper’s unique tread compound, which balances off-road capability with tread longevity.

Pros

• Excellent mud terrain performance
• Durable silica tread compound
• Handles with excellent traction in various conditions
• Available in lots of different sizes

Cons

• Increased road noise, especially off-road

Where To Buy This Tire

• Discount Tire has this top pick available in numerous sizes. The pricing ranges between $215-599 per tire.

6. Dick Cepek Fun Country

When it comes to finding the best overlanding tires, we know that you're looking for versatility and durability. One of our top recommendations is the Dick Cepek Fun Country tire.

The Dick Cepek Fun Country tire offers a unique blend of off-road performance and on-road comfort, making it an excellent choice for both overland and daily driving.

The tire boasts a combination of aggressive tread patterns and wide grooves, allowing for consistent performance in various terrain conditions. These tires are available in numerous sizes, accommodating many light truck tires and overland vehicles.

Tire Performance

Right off the bat, the Fun Country tires impress with their versatile performance. They offer reliable traction on the trail in various conditions – mud, gravel, or rocky terrain.

The tread design, with its wide grooves and staggered edges, provides excellent grip and helps in effectively clearing debris and maintaining traction in diverse environments. On the road, these tires are surprisingly civilized.

Unlike off-road-focused tires that can be noisy and rough on the highway, the Fun Country tires provide a more comfortable and quieter ride. This makes them an excellent choice for overlanders who spend much time traveling on paved roads to reach their off-road destinations.

What Sets This Tire Apart

One of the most striking features of the Dick Cepek Fun Country tires is their unique design. The aesthetics are rugged and bold, reflecting the adventurous spirit of off-roading.

This visual appeal combines functional design elements like side biters and reinforced sidewalls, enhancing off-road performance and durability. The Fun Country tires also excel in terms of tread life.

They're constructed with a durable compound that resists wear, even under harsh conditions. This longevity is a big plus for overlanders who need tires that can endure long trips and varied terrain.

Pros

• Excellent off-road traction
• Quiet, comfortable highway ride
• Durable, long-lasting tread life
• Aesthetically rugged design

Cons

• Less effective in deep mud

Where To Buy This Tire

• SimpleTire offers this tire in various sizes with free shipping.

7. Nitto Trail Grappler

The Nitto Trail Grappler is one of the best overlanding tires available. Designed for rugged terrain driving, it combines the performance of a mud-terrain tire with the comfort of an all-terrain tire.

A significant aspect of the Nitto Trail Grappler is its optimized tread design, which provides excellent performance in various conditions, including snow. It has received the peak mountain snowflake symbol for meeting severe snow conditions standards.

Tire Performance

The Nitto Trail Grappler excels in several terrains, especially in off-road conditions. Its unique tread pattern improves traction on mud, loose gravel, snow, and rocky terrain. Along with the aggressive tread pattern, this tire boasts thicker sidewalls.

Because of these sidewalls, you’ll notice extra durability against sharp rocks and punctures for improved off-road performance. It also has a high load rating for heavy loads, so it’s the ideal tire for larger trucks.

What Sets This Tire Apart

Nitto's 3-ply sidewall construction is a standout feature, offering remarkable puncture resistance, which is crucial in harsh off-road environments. This robust construction ensures that the tires can withstand the rigors of heavy off-roading without quickly succumbing to damage.

Another distinctive aspect is the tire's dual sidewall design - one side features traditional, aggressive styling, while the other has a more modern, stylized look. This unique feature allows for customization based on personal preference, adding a touch of individuality to your vehicle.

Pros

• Impressive off-road performance
• Longevity and high-end durability
• Excellent snow performance
• Heavy load rating

Cons

• Increased road noise on pavement

Where To Buy This Tire

• When shopping at Discount Tire, prices range between ‎$283 and $1,447 for this tire.

8. Falken Wildpeak A/T3W

The Falken Wildpeak A/T3W has been an exciting tire to review, especially from an overlanding perspective. It's designed to tackle a variety of terrains while maintaining a solid on-road presence, making it a versatile choice for both adventure and everyday use.

One notable feature of the A/T3W is that it is certified with the Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, meaning it provides improved traction, even in severe snow conditions. Its silica tread compound allows it to maintain consistent performance across varying temperatures and terrain types.

Tire Performance

On off-road trails, the Wildpeak A/T3W impresses with its robust traction. Whether it's rocky terrain, loose gravel, or muddy paths, these tires hold their ground, providing reliable and consistent grip.

The aggressive tread pattern is not just for show; it is crucial in ensuring stability in diverse off-road conditions. Regarding on-road use, the A/T3W offers a surprisingly comfortable ride.

It's quieter than many all-terrain tires, a significant plus for daily driving. The handling on paved roads is responsive and secure, providing a confident driving experience.

What Sets This Tire Apart

This tire stands out with its all-weather capabilities. It's not just an all-terrain tire; it's also rated for severe snow conditions, making it a proper all-season option. This is a significant advantage for overlanders who might encounter unexpected weather changes during their journeys.

Another notable feature is the tire's durability. Built with a heat-diffusing technology that protects the internal components, the A/T3W is designed to last, even under harsh conditions. This longevity is complemented by a tread life warranty, which adds value to your investment.

Pros

• Aggressive tread pattern optimized for diverse terrain and off-road driving
• Silica tread compound enables improved wet performance
• Excellent on-road comfort and reduced road noise, making it suitable for daily driving

Cons

• Not as aggressive as dedicated mud terrain tires

Where To Buy This Tire

• You can find this amazing overlanding tire at Discount Tire and Tire Rack with free shipping included.