• To go way off the beaten track, you need a vehicle designed for it.Steve Allen/Creatas/Getty Images
  
  Suppose you want to go exploring down some dusty, rocky trail. Perhaps you want to go out to the middle of nowhere to go camping. You could purchase a one- or two-person all terrain vehicle, but your carrying capacity would be limited as would your protection from the elements. To carry all your gear in comfort and be able to bring your family along an off-road truck is the answer.
  
  

Jeep Wrangler

• The Jeep Wrangler in military colors.military truck image by Ian Danbury from Fotolia.com
  
  The Jeep Wrangler has foundations dating back to 1941 with the Jeep Willys-Overland. The current incarnation has been produced from 1987 to present. It's powered by a four- or six-cylinder engine and standard with four-wheel drive. In this configuration it is able to drive over most terrain without difficulty. Ample modifications are available, ranging from upgraded engines, to complete suspension overhauls that allow the Jeep to climb most obstacles.
  
  

Hummer H1

• The H1 is produced on the same assembly line as the Humvee.Hummer H1 Offroad_03 image by crossgolfing from Fotolia.com
  
  Produced from 1992 to 2006 The H1 is a capable off-road truck. Derived from the military Humvee or High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle the H1 has all of the off-road capabilities of the military version as well as some of the refinements needed to be a consumer vehicle. It has 16 inches of ground clearance, can climb over 22-inch obstacles, traverse a 60-degree grade and cross a stream up to 30 inches deep. The H1 has five different engine/transmission options, all automatic and diesel powered. The biggest downside is the fuel economy and limited range.
  
  

Land Rover Defender

• The Defender is the expedition vehicle of choice for serious explorers.safari jeep image by javarman from Fotolia.com
  
  The Land Rover Defender is the UK's equivalent of the Jeep Wrangler. Fully customizable for any task and very capable in the right hands. It can travel over some of the toughest terrain with the proper modifications, but still maintains a civilized ride. Produced since 1983, the Defender's biggest advantage, although making it more expensive, is that it is assembled almost entirely by hand. Most of the vehicle is simply bolted together allowing field repairs to be made with a simple tool kit. Used by civilians and military worldwide it is the choice for rugged use and simplicity.