Since its inception in 2009, Overland Expo has grown exponentially, expanded to five events across the United States, each featuring hundreds of vendors, over 100 presenters, trainers, and VIPs, and nearly 500 session hours of education. With so much to do during the event, it can be both exhilarating and a bit overwhelming for the first-time attendee to an Overland Expo.

Here’s a brief introduction to what we have going on, along with some tips to get you going, whether you’re an Overland Expo veteran or a newcomer experiencing all the excitement for the first time.

Things to Do Before You Arrive

First things first. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, head over here and do that. With your tickets in hand, be sure to download the Overland Expo app from your phone’s app store (links below). The official app gives you access to the event map, event schedule, and an easy way to find the vendors or classes you are looking for. Once you have the app, be sure to select “Overland Expo Mountain West 2025” as the event and let it download the event-specific data.

Once you arrive, the overland world is your oyster. Here are the highlights to get you on your way:

Educational Opportunities

A huge part of our event revolves around education. Classes are open to everyone and run all day long in our education pavilion, and the DIY area. There are a ton of classes ranging from cooking classes to electrical and solar systems, first aid on the road, border crossings, overland marketing, and nearly two hundred other classes.

We have a number of education areas dedicated to overland instruction. Each of these locations have an broad focus or educational theme tying the classes offered there together.

For people newer to the overlanding world or people looking to refresh their skills, be sure to check out the classes in the Overland Essentials Area. There you can get a thorough education on foundational skills like trip planning, map reading and navigation, communications, and what to do if something goes wrong, among many other topics. Highlights include Graham Jackson’s How to Plan Your Overland Trip, a perennial favorite, and Jason Specht’s Route Building 101, along with a host of other great classes from new and returning instructors.

For those looking to deepen their backcountry skills or up their camp cooking game, there will be classes just for you all weekend long at the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion sponsored by Rugged Luxury Motors. Among the laundry list of great classes offered, check out “Ceviche in the Wild” with Top Chef Alum Chad White and Zach Elseman’s Splint Happens: Improvised First Aid for Overland Travel.

Looking to expand your technical skills up close and personal? Come by the Hands-on Pavilion. We have great classes and demonstrations throughout the event. Here you’ll find classes on trail tire repair, the Overland Radio Hands-On Lab taught by Scott Jensen, several first aid classes by Lee Vernon, as well as some great map and compass classes. That’s just the start of what you can find there all weekend long. Check out the full offerings on the app.

For those seeking adventure inspiration, the Storytelling Pavilion will be the hub of great adventure storytelling all weekend. We have a stunning lineup of people who have traveled the globe and will be sharing the inside stories behind their travels, including the good, the bad, and the ugly of extended travel. You can’t go wrong with any of the presentations planned for the weekend, but you don’t want to miss Patty Upton’s The Epic Voyager of the Sand Ship Discovery. She and her late husband Loren circumnavigated the globe in a 1966 Jeep CJ–5, spanning over 5 years and 56,000 miles, including a Guinness Book of World Records entry for the “First All-Land Crossing of the Darien Gap. You can hear all about their adventures on Saturday at 11:00.

The Women Who Wander programming has been an increasingly popular part of Overland Expo since its start just a few years ago. Come to the Women Who Wander Pavilion sponsored by Chrysler, where a wide variety of women-oriented classes, roundtables, and get togethers will offered throughout the event. Classes range from tips on offroad driving to mastering your offroad vehicle components, to safety and security as a solo female adventurer. Come help kick off the weekend’s adventures on Friday at 9:00 am for the Welcome and Community Conversation for Women Who Wander (or Who Think They Might Like to).

The Learning Lab sponsored by Wanderbox will make its debut at Overland Expo MW this year. The educational space is intended to provide more intensive education for those looking to do a deeper or more advanced dive into a given topic or area. The instructor / attendee ratio is smaller in this teaching area, allowing for open dialogue and complex learning. Topics range from budgeting to solo travel to mounting a conservation-oriented expedition among so many more topics.

For those wanting to go deeper into a topic, the Round Table Pavilion hosts roundtable panels and Q&A sessions with our experts. Topics vary across a broad range from budgeting to travel medicine to bringing your pet along for the adventure. Additionally, there are a number of regional Q&A’s happening all weekend long. If there’s a destination, domestic or abroad you’ve been dreaming about, there’s probably a roundtable for you. Here’s your chance to interact with the people who have done what you want to do.

If you have kids with you, be sure to check out the Kids Adventure Area, where we have kid-centric classes and adventure activities running all weekend long. The Kids’ RC Driving course is a particularly popular option. While the education is oriented toward kids, there is still a lot of great content for parents looking to bone up on their backcountry skills alongside the next generation of overlanders. One important note – parents need to stay with their kids at these classes.

Check out the Overland Expo app for a full schedule of classes.

Vendors

No doubt, the vendor area is one of the most popular parts of Overland Expo. This year, our Mountain West event will have more than 350 vendors there, with those numbers growing every day. Just about anything overland-related you can imagine can be found for sale, but the most enjoyable thing may be just wandering around and discovering new and interesting kit. You’ll find some in-booth demos, giveaways, and demonstrations going on in the vendor area – a further reward for wandering about a bit. The complete list of vendors can be found here.

You’ll find exclusive deals aplenty throughout the area, with some vendors offering their best prices of the year. If there is something particular you are looking for, check out our evolving show specials list to see some of the best deals to be had.

Relax at the Bivvys

Our first bivvy, sponsored by Hankook Tire is the perfect place to take a seat, recharge your phone, and plan your next move. We also have a number of informal, small group classes taking place at the bivvy in the Showcase and DIY Area throughout the weekend.

Get Behind the Wheel at the RAM Ride and Drive

RAM is bringing 1500 and 2500 series pickups to Overland Expo Mountain West, where you can get behind the wheel of a variety of trim packages on a custom off road track designed to showcase these vehicles’ offroad prowess. You’ll have one of RAM’s expert ambassadors along the way giving you tips and tricks to get the most out of these vehicles. Alternately, you can elect to see what these machines can do from the passenger seat as RAM’s experts pilot their pickups through the course demonstrating their features.

Evening Festivities

While you will spend your days attending classes, visiting our amazing vendors, and dreaming about your next overland adventure, we’ve got plenty in store for you in the evening with the hub of activities occurring at the Oasis Bar & Food Court.

Friday night, start off at 5:00 pm with the Happy Hour sponsored by Bowen Customs. Enjoy refreshments, live music, and a chance to get to know thousands of your fellow overlanders at the Oasis Bar & Food Court. Dress up in your best Red, White & Blue; Friday’s Happy Hour theme is Made in the USA!

Following Happy Hour, the world famous Moto Party sponsored by Rider Justice will take place from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The party requires a separate add-on ticket to your admission, but brings a catered dinner, open bar, a raffle with a huge breadth of prizes, and live music by the Pat & O Show. Read more about the party here.

Also taking place from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm is the Toyota Game Night taking place in their booth at C42. Join the folks at Toyota for an evening of fun and games alongside light appetizers and mocktails and raffle prizes.

Saturday evening’s activities start early at Camp Subarau LIVE! where there will be snacks, beer, and wine along with live music at their booth at C13 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

The festivities continue with Saturday’s Happy Hour sponsored by Kaymar back at the Oasis Bar and Food Court at 5:00 pm and going until 7:00 pm. Break out your best outback style; Saturday’s Happy Hour theme is Aussie Night!

Be sure to stick around after it for the Overland Expo Foundation Raffle which kicks off at 7:00 pm. The mountain of raffle prizes grows bigger and bigger every event with some truly impressive gear that just might be going home with you.

Alternately, head over to the Women Who Wander Community Conversations & Networking Event from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at locaton 14 on the map. Grab your complimentary welcome drink, make a plate, and find a seat around the fire with some new friends. There will be a Q&A with Chloe Kuo a.k.a. @chloekuotaco, followed by a Q&A with Kaitlin Pennell, Senior Analyst – Sponsorship Strategy & Production at Toyota. Bring your questions for these special guests. After chatting with Chloe and Kaitlin, we’ll pass around the mic to hear from attendees about various resources and groups that cater to and support women in the overland community and then break out into smaller group discussions. This is definitely a can’t miss part of the evening.

Ready to Join Us?

Now that you know what to expect and what can’t be missed, click the link below to make sure you join in on the fun later this month in Loveland, Colorado.

Well, now it appears the end of the 392 was more of a lull. According to some remarks from Stellantis leadership, the Wrangler 392 is coming back, and it’s bringing some friends. Our friends at The Drive reported that Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf, speaking at a recent briefing, said, “Wrangler and Gladiator fans, and the Hemi fans in general, don’t worry. We got you.” That’s right, the Hemi is back at Jeep, and seemingly, it will be debuting in the Gladiator soon.

Once again, fresh on the heels of the discontinuation of the RAM 1500 TRX, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said, “The V8 engine on versions such as the RAM 1500 TRX will deliver to us additional volumes.” Given that the TRX currently isn’t available, this seems to insuate that a return is on the horizon. While no official dates have been given, at least we know that the last Hemi-powered Jeeps and RAM 1500s aren’t a thing of the past. We’ll be sure to update our audience once the official dates are available.

Overland Expo Mountain West is just around the corner, and if you’re bringing your pint-sized adventure buddies, you don’t want to miss out on the family-friendly program. All weekend long, there are great opportunities for kids to get involved with the fun, plus parents who are curious about taking their kids on the road have a great chance to learn from some seriously well-traveled parents.

For starters, kids don’t want to miss the RC off-road driving course sponsored by the Overland Expo Foundation. They can steer RC cars around a course that includes all the challenges and obstacles you’re likely to find deep in the backcountry. The course is open all Friday 1 PM – 3:50 PM, Saturday 10 AM – noon, Saturday 1 PM – 3:50 PM, and Sunday 10 AM – noon, so be sure to stop by for miniature off-road action.

If you’re considering taking your family on the road long-term, or maybe you’re just curious how parents even manage such a feat, you need to check out Overlanding as a Kid: What We Packed and What We Learned with the Lostetter Family. Overlanding as a kid is way different than it is for adults. You’re stuck in the car, you need to stay entertained, and there’s never enough space for all your stuff. This class is for kids (and parents!) who want real advice from two kids who have been there. We’ll share what we’ve learned about staying busy on long drives, what we wish we packed, and what we totally didn’t need. We’ll also tell stories about the weird, fun, and crazy things we’ve done, like eating guinea pig or jumping off cliffs, because the best part of overlanding is trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone. Come hang out and get inspired to make your own adventures! The Lostetter family is hosting the session in the Kids Adventure Area on Friday at 11 AM and on Saturday at 9 AM. You can learn more about the Lostetters in the Instructor Spotlight linked below.

Wrapping up the weekend, the Leave It Better than You Found It: A Clean Up Scavenger Hunt kicks off on Sunday at 1 PM. Stop by the Overland Expo Foundation Booth to participate in this fun event.

And throughout the weekend, if you’re looking for a spot for the kids to wind down, you can swing by the Kids Adventure Area for Free Time. The Overland Expo team will have art supplies available.

Check out the growing list below for a preview of some of the exclusive discounts and promotions you can expect at Overland Expo Mountain West, August 22-24, 2025 in Loveland, CO. Grab your tickets today to shop these deals all weekend long.

The Defender Octa debuted earlier this year and features a host of upgrades geared toward performance on and off the pavement. For starters, it’s powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that cranks out 626 horsepower. That’s 108 more horsepower than the second most powerful option, and over double the stock 2.0 four-cylinder. The twin-turbo V8 pushes 590 pound-feet of torque, and it boasts a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds. The track is widened by 2.7 inches, and the Octa boasts 11.5 inches of ground clearance. And because stream crossings happen, the Octa can handle just shy of three feet of water. 35.4 inches to be exact.

If the Octa isn’t off-road ready and performance-focused enough for you, don’t fret, because while it isn’t available at the local dealership, the Defender D7X-R is ready to take on one of the world’s toughest tracks. This Rover will be piloted by four-time Dakar Rally stage winner Sara Price in the 2026 edition of the race. Sara will be competing in the “Stock” category across a nearly 5,000-mile course that features tough desert terrain and conditions that push both driver and machine. With any luck the modifications and engineering found on the D7X-R will trickle down to future iterations of the Defender available to the public.

Planning Group Trips: How to Herd Kittens Without Losing Your Mind

August 22, 9-10 AM, Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Rugged Luxury Motors, LLC

Planning a group trip can feel like herding kittens, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be chaos. Christian Riesenmy will share key strategies for keeping things organized and enjoyable, from securing early check-ins and setting a comfortable pace to balancing group needs, finances, and flexibility. He’ll cover how breaking into smaller groups on certain days can allow for different interests and energy levels while keeping everyone happy. 

Overlanding as a Kid: What We Packed and What We Learned

August 22, 11 AM – 12 PM, Kids Adventure Area

Overlanding as a kid is way different than it is for adults. You’re stuck in the car, you need to stay entertained, and there’s never enough space for all your stuff. This class is for kids (and parents!) who want real advice from two kids who’ve been there. We’ll share what we’ve learned about staying busy on long drives, what we wish we packed, and what we totally didn’t need. We’ll also tell stories about the weird, fun, and crazy things we’ve done, like eating guinea pig or jumping off cliffs, because the best part of overlanding is trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone. Come hang out and get inspired to make your own adventures!

Medicine in the Wild: Improvised First Aid

August 22, 1-2 PM, Hands-on Pavilion

Being stuck in the wild while injured presents obstacles that, if not addressed, can be deadly. In this intensive hands-on session, we will show you how to create improvised life-saving devices such as tourniquets, splints for broken bones, stretchers for carrying someone out, and other basic fundamental skill sets that would need to be improvised in a worst-case scenario.

Tread Smart: Mastering Tires & Air Pressure for Off-Roading

August 23. 9-10 AM, Overland Essentials Area

Your tires are the only connection between your vehicle and the terrain, making them one of the most critical components of your off-road setup. But how do you choose the right ones? In this class, Charlene Bower breaks down the different styles of off-road tires – mud, all-terrain, and more that are vehicle specific – so you can make an informed decision as a consumer. You’ll learn how to decode every marking on a tire’s sidewall, from load ratings to ply construction, ensuring you select the best fit for your adventures. And, of course, we’ll dive into air pressures – how adjusting them affects traction, comfort, and performance in different environments. This session isn’t just about knowing tires; it’s about mastering them for ultimate success on and off the trail!  

How to Get the Most Out of Overland Expo

August 23, 10-11 AM, Bivvy

Overland Expo is a massive event, and we’ve done our best to ensure that there is something for every member of your family (even if you’re here on your own). We know that attending your first Overland Expo can be overwhelming – hey, it can be just as overwhelming attending your 5th one! – so we’ve designed this session to give you a lay of the land, literally and figuratively. Join Chris Bradley, who has attended EVERY single Overland Expo, for an overview of the venue map, a list of his top picks for classes that are being taught today, the best roundtable discussions to join, and the best way to find the exhibitors you’re keen to visit while you’re at the show. Bring your questions for Chris!

Back to Belize – Adding Conservation and a Mission to Your Overland Trip

August 23, 1-2 PM, The Learning Lab Sponsored by Wanderbox

As a lifelong overlander and expeditioner, Graham Jackson started to realize that the wild places he loved to explore were starting to disappear. Being over-run by visitors, development and industry. As a scientist he thought of ways he could give back to those places yo help preserve them, and in this session he will share ways in which you can also help to preserve the places you love in surprisingly easy ways while adding a mission and a sense of greater purpose to your travels. You don’t have to be a scientist or an educated conservationist to do this, just drawing on your skills as an overlander will put you on a great path if you can understand the simple ways to leverage them. The presentation will be given in the contaxt of an expedition to Belize to complete a failed expedition from years before.

Directing a Driver: Marshaling and Spotting

August 23, 1-2 PM, Women Who Wander Pavilion Sponsored by Chrysler

Clear communication between the driver and spotter is critical for navigating difficult obstacles, but if both parties are not on the same page, it can lead to frustration, arguments, tears, and danger. We will work on clear hand signals, how to communicate, and what to look for. All are welcome, and couples are encouraged to attend together.

If you walk through the Overland Expo campground, you’ll notice a trend amongst ground tents. A high percentage of them are of a particular hue of orange or green, and that’s because the Gazelle T4 tent series is incredibly popular at our events and out on the trail. Now, Gazelle has updated the T4 with a new edition geared towards cold temps and inclement weather. Dubbed the T4 Overland EXP, this model features the same easy setup and take down that Gazelle tents are known for, but with updates that will help campers stay comfortable in colder temps. Up top the mesh panels can be closed with zipper panels. It also features closable vents for use with diesel heaters or portable air conditioning units, so you can stay comfortable even in extreme temperatures at both ends of the spectrum. And thanks to a new pole design, the T4 EXP packs down to 9.5″ x 9.5″ x 57″ so it fits in tighter spaces than previous models for easy transport.

Photo by Gazelle Tents

Photo by Gazelle Tents

Photo by Gazelle Tents

Photo by Gazelle Tents

There’s hardly a product more ubiquitous with overlanding than Maxtrax, and now these tried and trusted traction platforms are no longer limited to those adventuring on four wheels. The new Maxtrax Moto Boards are more than just a smaller version of the OG boards. The tread pattern is specifically engineered to work with ADV moto tires. There’s also an integrated 2-liter water reservoir and concealed linkage straps. Even when you aren’t stuck, the Moto Boards can be used as kickstand stabilizers.

Photo by Maxtrax

Photo by Maxtrax

Photo by Maxtrax

Most of our readers are deep into the dog days of summer, so any way we can beat the heat and humidity is a welcome relief, and if you’re headed outdoors, a good pair of shades is a summer staple. The innovators at Ombraz sunglasses just released a new model that’s great for lounging, hitting the trails, or even the water. The Refugio, Italian for “shelter,” shares the same armless design as the rest of the Ombraz lineup and offers a full shield design and Zeiss optics that protect 100% of UVA and UVB. The integrated nose pads offer a subtle lift away from the brow for increased ventilation and reduced fogging even in the hottest conditions. You can tighten down the abrasion-resistant cord and hit the rivers without fear of losing your sunglasses if you dive in, no matter if it’s planned or not.

We’re always looking for cool gear and innovative brands. From strict rig-focused gear to the small things every adventurer needs. If you see something you want to let us know about, tag us on social media!

The aptly named Land Cruiser Commercial resembles the rest of the 250 from the exterior, but inside, the differences are immediately noticeable. Boasting 71 cubic feet of cargo space thanks to the total deletion of the second and third row, speaking of which, that last row isn’t available on US-spec 250s, but the Lexus GX does include that option. For a bit of perspective, that’s about twice the cargo space offered in the more pedestrian version. There’s also a steel mesh partition protecting the driver and sole passenger from any loose cargo in case things get spirited away.

However, this commercial-focused Cruiser isn’t all business with zero creature comforts. It still includes blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, dual climate control, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Under the hood, the same 2.8 diesel found in other UK-based Land Cruiser 250s cranks out the power and offers 7,716 pounds of towing capacity.

This no-frills version comes in about $35,000 cheaper than other options when adjusted to USD. That discount, and the fact that it appears prime for an interior build-out or even a pop-top roof conversion, makes it a true tragedy that it isn’t available in the States.

Bellfab – Desert Tech Land Cruiser

No matter what generation you choose, the venerable Land Cruiser is a great adventure rig. This particular example started out as a stock 1993 70 Series before getting some upgrades to outfit it for around-the-world travel by the owner of Desert Tech. The most obvious is the pop-top camper that has replaced the rear of the truck. This unit provides room for two to sleep up top, and room for two more in the cargo area. Many years and miles later, it’s now owned by a member of the Bellfab team and sees plenty of adventure.

Overland Expo Training-2023 Ram 3500

There’s full-size, and then there’s FULL-SIZE trucks, and this definitely fits into the latter category. This AEV Prospector XL might look familiar, as it’s owned by the Overland Expo Director of Training, Chris Walker. Chris spends a lot of time on the road for work, but he also heads out for adventures as much as possible. This truck was built with dual purposes in mind. On one hand, it’s capable of towing six snowmobiles or ATVs on a 30-foot trailer into remote locations. The camper from Fifty Ten has a custom-built interior from AT Overland, it’s rolling on 40s, and the tray bed offers plenty of utility.

Trail Ready 1987 Porsche 911

This can definitely be filed under something you don’t see every day, even at Overland Expo. This 87 Porsche 911 features a ton of upgrades that push it from classic European sports car into the realm of adventure rigs that spend more time on the dirt than asphalt. Starting from the ground up, it’s outfitted with Toyo AT3 tires, Bilstein coilovers, Wilwood 4-piston brakes, custom bumpers featuring integrated Baja Designs lights, onboard ARB compressor, Scheelman seats, a Switch Pro, and more. For what it lacks in ground clearance, we’d wager it more than makes up for in the amount of fun you can have on a dirt road.

Guild Outfitters – 2025 Toyota Tacoma

The new Tacomas are becoming more and more common, and we’ve already seen some awesome builds on this new platform. This is a great example from the Guild Outfitters booth that’s owned by Kelly of @adventurebuilt. It’s rolling on 37-inch tires and an Ironman Foam Cell Suspension. Up top, an Ironman rooftop tent is paired with a Prinsu Rack. These upgrades, paired with the trail capability and tech of the new Tacoma, make for an awesome rig all around.

Midland Radio – Overland-ready Nissan Patrol Fire Truck

This rig started life as a fire truck, but with its new owner, Rugged Destination Photography, has seen some awesome upgrades: a Front Runner Rack, Baja Design lights, Threat Wheels, a rooftop tent, and a tray and canopy combo from Summit Expedition Trucks. While the original fire truck markings were covered before it was imported, there are plenty of unique details. Without a doubt, this Patrol will turn heads on the trail and in town.

Nomad Wheels – 1993 FJ80

Another Cruiser, another pop-top, but this is a totally different approach than the previously mentioned example. For starters, this FJ80 is leaning hard into the ’90s vibes with some awesome graphics. Specifically, it’s a 5-speed triple locked diesel 80 that’s left-hand drive from France. On the exterior, a snorkel, a rear tire swingout, solar, an aluminum storage case uptop, and, of course, Nomad wheels, make this rig fully outfitted for adventure and ready for the backcountry. It’s also rocking a 15-gallon water tank in the original spare location, a fridge freezer, Scheelman seats, an AluBox interior, and the Campteq Conversion providing a ton of living and sleeping space in a convenient and easy-to-set-up package.

A True Beauty – 1967 Nissan Patrol

We don’t see that many Patrols at Overland Expo, and even when we do, they’re usually imported rigs. However, this 1967 example was from a short run of Patrols sold in the US from 1962 to 1969. As a matter of fact, it was the earliest Nissan-badged vehicles available here. This particular example was a true barn find from Iowa and belonged to a Nissan employee before finding its way into the Nissan Heritage Collection. It has been restored down to every detail and feels like a true time machine. It’s always great to see a piece of 4×4 history in person.  

Supertramp Campers – Ford F250

Ah, the full-size flatbed life. We have to admit that this is tough to beat. A Bowen Customs flatbed plus side boxes provides an absolute ton of storage space. The Supertramp Camper Flagship LT provides 360-degree views, a modern and strong composite interior, and an electric lift system that makes setting up camp a literal push of a button. If you still want to use the F250 for truck stuff, the whole camper can be removed with jacks within minutes. And we’d be remiss not to mention the comfort of traveling in a full-sized rig. Supertramp outdid themselves with this build.

Long Range America – 2000 Land Cruiser 78

Alright, stay with us. Another pop-top style Cruiser, and it’s kind of the middle ground between the Nomad Wheels 80 and the Desert Tech build. The Headspace Camper provides a NYC apartment’s worth of interior space, but when it’s closed, it looks nearly stock. The Long Range America truck hasn’t been built out yet, but we can’t wait to see the interior outfitted. These 70 Series trucks are legendary, and this one has been taken to the next level.

Some of these vehicles will be on site at another Overland Expo this year, along with many other rigs you’ll have to attend an Expo to see for yourself. Buy your tickets for MOUNTAIN WEST or EAST today to be sure to get in on the fun! Click the buttons to learn more and secure your spot!

Garmin’s newest navigators offer a bevvy of useful upgrades, including brighter displays, larger touchscreens, faster performance and additional mapping options to make off-roading even more fun — and reliable. For overlanders, these upgraded navigators will be crucial in staying safe in the backcountry.

Both the Tread 2 — Overland Edition and the Tread 2 — SxS Edition feature 8-inch high-resolution, ultra-bright, glove-friendly touchscreens — so you can use them anytime, in any condition. They are each built to withstand extreme temperatures and weather, and both have an  IP67 dust and water rating.

The Tread 2 — Overland Edition is particularly rugged, and comes with a heavy-duty suction cup and robust magnetic-assisted locking mount to secure onto a vehicle’s dashboard, no matter how many washboards and rock crawls there are to navigate on your chosen route.

The Tread 2 — SxS Edition comes with a tube mount kit, making it easy to install on a powersport vehicle. If you’re really seeking adventure, you’ll appreciate the Great Rides feature, which explorers can use to locate the best off-road places to explore, rate a trail’s difficulty and even upload pictures to the Tread mobile app.

Here is a breakdown of some of the key features both versions of the Tread 2 include:

• Off-road mapping , including turn-by-turn navigation
• Off-road riding area identification
• Garmin Adventurous Routing: Discover alternate routing options for more hilly, unpaved and challenging routes
• High-resolution satellite imagery
• Land boundary identification
• Route planning through the Tread app
• Custom routing and road warnings, based on the size and weight of your vehicle
• Campground directory with over 46,000 camping locations across the U.S.

The Tread 2 — Overland Edition and the Tread 2 — SxS Edition are both available now through Garmin’s site and other authorized dealers, starting at $999.99

With that disappointing thought in mind, ARB’s offerings are still cool to see. For starters, a hooped and hoopless bull bar will provide impact protection up front and a more aggressive look to the controversial front end of the Tasman. For even more protection on the trail, the hooped bullbar can be paired with front rails.

On the opposite end of the truck, half and full canopies are available for the tray bed. Uptop roof racks for the cab and tray provide plenty of cargo capacity. ARB also lists bash plates, tub lids, rock sliders, and more as part of the Tasman product catalog. All of this, in addition to 40+ items, will be available directly from Kia.

Image via ARB

Image via ARB

Image via ARB

Image via ARB

Image via ARB

Image via ARB

Image via ARB

Image via ARB

Without a doubt, the Tasman isn’t for everyone. The previously mentioned grill and front clip were a bold choice, and the fender flares are a unique design, but when you look at the options, it will make a great work truck or overland rig in the countries where it’s available. Somewhat surprisingly, the starting MSRP of $43,000 AUD (around $28,000 USD, not that it matters) puts it squarely in the middle of the Hilux price bracket, and the top-of-the-line X-Pro trim is just shy of $75,000 AUD (nearing $49,000 USD). Once again, this is close to a top-spec Hilux.

Even though it’s not exactly a budget option, some forecasts predict it will be a top seller for Kia in its respective markets. An estimated 20,000 units per annum would make it a quarter of the global production output of Kia. Based on a recent hint from Kia, they’re putting a lot of trust in the Tasman because an SUV version is in the works. However, I wouldn’t hold my breath for that to be available in the States either. Regardless, our overlanding friends in Australia

Photo by Jeep

Photo by Jeep

Photo by Jeep

Now, with a new Jurassic World film that features Jeeps hitting theaters next week, we have a sneak peek of the vehicles that are continuing the legacy of the franchise with these legendary off-roaders. This partnership isn’t just confined to the big screen. Jeep has produced a series of ad spots that include the same visual effects team as the film, highlighting several Jeep models that will be available with “Jurassic Trail Rated” badges this summer. Beyond this additional badge, later this summer, 2,000 U.S. Jeep dealerships will roll out Jurassic-themed point-of-sale kits, including posters, dino-themed mirror hangers, claw marks, and footprint decals.

Along with the various Wrangler models, the spot offers a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it glimpse at the upcoming Jeep Renegade model in the first few seconds of the video below.

It’s fun to see these types of partnerships for marketing and branding purposes. In the decades since the original Jurassic Park, we occasionally see DIY versions of the YJ Wranglers from that film at Overland Expo and out on the trails. As Jeep rolls out the special branding alongside Jurassic World Rebirth, we hope to have the opportunity to check out these touches on the new models in person soon.

Photo by Overland Solar

Photo by Overland Solar

Photo by Overland Solar

Photo by Overland Solar

The BugOut 130 Portable Solar Kit includes a panel with a Mini Anderson output, a 20-foot Mini Anderson to SB50 Anderson connection, an SB50 Anderson to SAE adaptor, and the option to add a Solar Controller Bundle. The panel is assembled and sewn in Boise, Idaho, and features Overland Solar’s two-year warranty.

Each purchase of Bug Out Safari Edition helps support the Game Rangers Association of Africa. This group was founded in 1970 and provides gear, best practices, training, and common strategies for anti-poaching ranger groups in 26 countries. Specifically, $25 from each Bug Out Safari Edition will go towards the training of new rangers.

Photo by Overland Solar

Photo by Overland Solar

Photo by Overland Solar

Photo by Overland Solar

Photo by Overland Solar

You can find out more about the kit and the partnership with the Game Rangers Association Africa here.

Overland Expo is fun for the whole family, and in just a couple of weeks, you and your crew could be enjoying a great weekend at Overland Expo PNW in Redmond, Oregon. Of course, there will be hundreds of exhibitors with the latest and greatest overland gear, classes and sessions covering every aspect of overland travel, and countless awesome rigs, but we wanted to take a moment to highlight family and kid-centric programming that you can catch during Overland Expo PNW.

The Overland Expo Foundation Kids RC Driving Course is always a big hit, and for good reason. Your travel-sized adventurers can steer remote-control rigs through an offroad course that rivals our Trail Course Experience sponsored by Comeup Winch USA on every level, except for size, of course. The RC Driving Course is open Friday, June 27, 1-4 PM, Saturday, June 28, 9 AM- 12 PM and 1-4 PM, and Sunday, June 29, 10 AM – 12 PM.

Ever imagine packing up your life and driving from Canada to Argentina in a self-built campervan—with young kids and a Mexican dog you didn’t plan on adopting? Buckle up for a wild ride through border crossings, breakdowns, backroads, and breathtaking landscapes as Diana, and Jeremy Bishop share the raw, real, and sometimes ridiculous truth of overlanding the Pan-American Highway as a family. From transmission mounts shearing at 16000ft in Peru to a cockroach infestation in the van while in Colombia. From the multiple roadside rescues to countless unexpected acts of kindness, this session is packed with hard-earned wisdom, laugh-out-loud moments, and the reality of raising kids on the road and crossing borders with a dog. Don’t miss Overlanding Unfiltered: From Canada to Patagonia with 1 Family, 1 Van, and 1000 Surprises with the Bishop family on Friday at 1 PM at the Storytelling Pavilion.

Join Daryl and Cayden Berden, the dynamic father-son duo behind Vancity Adventure, and their adventurous pug, Tosha, for The Vancity Adventure Experience: Turning Dreams into Epic Journeys at 3 PM on Friday at the Story Telling Pavilion. This inspiring seminar will fuel your passion for exploration and creativity. Discover how they’ve built a thriving YouTube channel showcasing overlanding, outdoor exploration, and family bonding. Whether you’re dreaming of launching your own channel, diving into overlanding or creating unforgettable memories with loved ones (and pets), this session will provide insider tips, real-world strategies, and captivating stories to ignite your next epic journey. Adventure awaits—let Vancity Adventure show you the way!

Be sure to swing by the Storytelling Pavilion on Saturday at 10 AM to meet the Lin family and hear their session, 17 Years Overlanding As a Family Across 49 States, 53 Countries, 5 Continents. They never intended for this journey to turn out the way it did, but here they are, and they’ve raised three children to adulthood, all while living on the road. Learn how this journey made the Lins who they are today and why they would do it all again.

On Saturday afternoon at 4 PM ,be sure to swing by the Kids Adventure Area for Top Tips for Overlanding as a Family Roundtable. This is a great opportunity to pick the brains of experienced overlanding families and to learn from those who have lived it.

Last but certainly not least, we’re wrapping up Sunday with Leave it Better Than You Found It: A Clean-Up Scavenger Hunt, taking place on Sunday from 1-3 PM. This is a great chance for your tiny adventurers to learn the importance of taking care of the environment while also enjoying a fun scavenger hunt with the whole family.

So don’t delay, grab your tickets, pack up the rig, load up the family, and we’ll see you at Overland Expo PNW in a couple of weeks!

Since its inception in 2009, Overland Expo has grown exponentially, expanded to five events across the United States, each featuring hundreds of vendors, over 100 presenters, trainers, and VIPs, and more than 500 session hours of education. With so much to choose from, this can be both exhilarating and a bit overwhelming for the first-time attendee to an Overland Expo.

Here’s a brief introduction to what we have going on, along with some tips to get you going, whether you’re an Overland Expo veteran or a newcomer experiencing all the excitement for the first time.

Things to Do Before You Arrive

First things first. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet, head over here and do that. With your tickets in hand, be sure to download the Overland Expo app from your phone’s app store (links below). The official app gives you access to the event map, event schedule, and an easy way to find the vendors or classes you are looking for. Once you have the app, be sure to select “Overland Expo PNW 2025” as the event and let it download the event-specific data.

Once you arrive, the overland world is your oyster. Here are the highlights to get you on your way:

Educational Opportunities

A huge part of our event revolves around education. Classes are open to everyone* and run all day long in our education pavilion, and the DIY area. There are a ton of classes ranging from cooking classes to electrical and solar systems, first aid on the road, border crossings, overland marketing, and nearly two hundred other classes.

We have a number of education areas dedicated to overland instruction. Each of these locations have an broad focus or educational theme tying the classes offered there together.

For people newer to the overlanding world or people looking to refresh their skills, be sure to check out the classes in the Overland Essentials Area Sponsored by Midland Radio. There you can get a thorough education on foundational skills like trip planning, map reading and navigation, communications, and what to do if something goes wrong, among many other topics. Highlights include Graham Jackson’s How to Plan Your Overland Trip, a perennial favorite, Lori Perfect’s Baja Mexico: Gulf to Pacific in a Day, and a host of other great classes from new and returning instructors.

For those looking to deepen their backcountry skills or up their camp cooking game, there will be classes just for you all weekend long at the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion sponsored by Boss Lighting. Among a laundry list of great classes offered, check out “Ceviche in the Wild” with Top Chef Alum Chad White.

Looking to expand your technical skills up close and personal? Come by the Hands-on Pavilion sponsored by Quad Lock. We have great classes and demonstrations throughout the event. Here you’ll find classes on trail tire repair, the Overland Radio Hands-On Lab taught by Scott Jensen, several first aid classes by Overland Expo alum Zach Elsman as well as some great map and compass classes, and that’s just the start of what you can find there all weekend long. Check out the full offerings on the app.

For those seeking adventure inspiration, the Storytelling Pavilion will be the hub of great adventure storytelling all weekend. We have a stunning lineup of people who have traveled the globe and will be sharing the inside stories behind their travels, including the good, the bad, and the ugly of extended travel. You can’t go wrong with any of the presentations planned for the weekend, but you don’t want to miss Patty Upton’s The Epic Voyager of the Sand Ship Discovery. She and her late husband Loren circumnavigated the globe in a 1966 Jeep CJ–5, spanning over 5 years and 56,000 miles, including a Guinness Book of World Records entry for the “First All-Land Crossing of the Darien Gap. You can hear all about their adventures on Saturday at 11:00.

The Women Who Wander programming has been an increasingly popular part of Overland Expo since its start just a few years ago. Come to the Women Who Wander Pavilion where a wide variety of women-oriented classes, roundtables, and get togethers will offered throughout the event. Classes range from tips on offroad driving to mastering your offroad vehicle components, to safety and security as a solo female adventurer. If you are looking for some fun tales from the trails, check out Avis Cook and Cara McClellan’s Rally Stories from the Dirt Q&A on Saturday afternoon.

The Learning Lab will make its debut at Overland Expo PNW this year. The educational space is intended to provide more intensive education for those looking to do a deeper or more advanced dive into a given topic or area. The instructor / attendee ratio is smaller in this teaching area, allowing for open dialogue and complex learning. Topics range from budgeting to solo travel to mounting a conservation-oriented expedition among so many more topics.

For those wanting to go deeper into a topic, the Round Table Pavilion hosts roundtable panels and Q&A sessions with our experts. Topics vary across a broad range from budgeting to travel medicine to bringing your pet along for the adventure. Additionally, there are a number of regional Q&A’s happening all weekend long. If there’s a destination, domestic or abroad you’ve been dreaming about, there’s probably a roundtable for you. Here’s your chance to interact with the people who have done what you want to do.

If you have kids with you, be sure to check out the Kids Adventure Area, where we have kid-centric classes and adventure activities running all weekend long. The Kids’ RC Driving course is a particularly popular option. While the education is oriented toward kids, there is still a lot of great content for parents looking to bone up on their backcountry skills alongside the next generation of overlanders. One important note – parents need to stay with their kids at these classes.

While the Thursday Overland Expo Training Experience sponsored by COMEUP Winch USA is sold out, those attendees looking to get behind their own wheel to test their off-road skills are able to purchase add-on tickets for Friday on the Trail Course Experience. You can read more here, but don’t delay! Trail Course Experience time slots will sell out any day now.

Check out the Overland Expo app for a full schedule of classes.

Vendors

No doubt, the vendor area is one of the most popular parts of Overland Expo. This year, our PNW event has over 300 vendors, and the number is increasing every day. Just about anything overland-related you can imagine can be found for sale, but the most enjoyable thing may be just wandering around and discovering new and interesting kit. You’ll find some in-booth demos, giveaways, and demonstrations going on in the vendor area – a further reward for wandering about a bit. The complete list of vendors can be found here.

You’ll find exclusive deals aplenty throughout the area, with some vendors offering their best prices of the year. If there is something particular you are looking for, check out our evolving show specials list to see some of the best deals to be had.

Relax at the Bivvys

When you’re ready to take a seat, recharge your phone, and plan your next move, but sure to stop by the bivvy sponsored by Hankook Tire or another one of the bivvys placed throughout the event. We also have a number of informal, small group classes taking place the bivvy in the Showcase and DIY Area throughout the weekend.

Evening Festivities

While you will spend your days attending classes, visiting our amazing vendors, and dreaming about your next overland adventure, we’ve got plenty in store for you in the evening with the hub of activities occurring at the Oasis Bar & Food Court.

Thursday night will kick things off with the 5:00 pm Welcome Happy Hour sponsored by Toyo Tires. Come and enjoy a refreshing drink and get to know the Overland Expo community as you get ready for an amazing weekend.

Friday night, start off at 5:00 pm with the Happy Hour sponsored by MAXXIS Tires and head over to the Backcountry and Culinary Skills Pavilion Sponsored by Boss Lighting at 7:00 pm for the Film Festival where you will be treated to an exciting collection of cinema-quality films created by our community.

If movie night isn’t your speed, head over to the Toyota booth where they will be hosting Toyota Game Night from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Alternately, head over to the Women Who Wander Community Conversations & Networking Event from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Women Who Wander Pavilion. Join us for a cheese and charcuterie board, conversation with Sarah Batten and complimentary drinks.

Saturday evening’s festivities get going with that evening’s Happy Hour sponsored by Pelican Products starting at 5:00 pm. Be sure to stick around after it for the Overland Expo Foundation Raffle which kicks off at 7:00 pm. The mountain of raffle prizes grows bigger and bigger every event with some truly impressive gear that just might be going home with you.

After you’ve gotten your fill of raffle prizes, head over to the Subaru of America Camp Subaru Live! booth for their in-booth party from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Ready to Join Us?

Now that you know what to expect and what can’t be missed, click the link below to make sure you join in on the fun later this month in Redmond, Oregon.

West

Let’s start with one of our favorite places to overland, the beautiful mountains of Northern Arizona. Overland Expo West has called Arizona home for nearly two decades, and one of our favorite areas just outside of Flagstaff is the Cinder Hills OHV Area. Affectionately dubbed “the Cinders,” this section of Coconino National Forest covers just shy of 400,000 acres and provides a maze of trails through the pines for days of exploration. This is unique to many other sections of the National Forest as it’s an open riding area, but if you’re looking to stick to an established route, Road 777 is a great option. It’s plenty wide enough for any vehicle and will give you a taste of the pine forest, open lake bed, and the namesake cinder cones with options to camp along the way. The Cinder Hills offer a unique driving experience along with neat geology, and of course, this whole region is criss-crossed with countless miles of overland adventure opportunities for further exploration.

Pacific Northwest

Between the more coastal cities and the flatter interior of Oregon, you’ll find a huge swatch of land covered by a chain of National Forests. Starting the north and heading south, you’ll find Mt. Hood, Willamette, Deschutes, Umpqua National Forest, and Rogue River National Forests stretching nearly uninterrupted from the Washington border down to the California line. Every year during Overland Expo PNW, we try to sneak away for a bit of exploring. Even if you’re just passing through on your way to or from Portland, Mount Hood National Forest provides some excellent options to explore via foot or vehicle, with plenty of hiking, camping, fishing, and more near route 26.

Mountain West

Colorado is an adventure lover’s dream, and one of our favorite areas to explore is Roosevelt National Forest. Last year, we spent a week after Overland Expo Mountain West exploring a 300-mile route that skirted just north of Rocky Mountain National Park before heading towards the Wyoming border, before circling back to Loveland. This route has it all, with high mountain lakes, great creekside campsites in the valley, and beautiful Rocky Mountain views along the way. This area offers great options for overlanders regardless of their rig, with everything from graded dirt to more difficult options, so be sure to check it out when you have the chance.

East

Admittedly, National Forest and other wilderness areas in the East are more segmented than the western regions, but you can still find some amazing places to explore. Depending on the time of year, you could be exploring through a green tunnel of rhododendron or experiencing amazing fall foliage, but regardless of the date, you’ll likely find trailside waterfalls, well-worn rock formations, and unique ecosystems dotted along the route. If you’re visiting Overland Expo East, you can literally see the mountains of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Here, you’ll find a great network of trails that zigzag through these ancient mountains. While the roads might be shorter, you can still put together an amazing route and explore the region far from the beaten track.

Southern California

Our newest event, Overland Expo SoCal, takes place in Costa Mesa, just miles from the Pacific Ocean, but just because you’re in the hustle and bustle of SoCal doesn’t mean you can’t retreat to the mountains with relative ease. Literally 10 miles away, you can check out the Cleveland National Forest. It’s a relatively small section of National Forest Service land, but it still offers a few routes and camping. Overlanders looking for a bit more room to roam can head further north to Angeles National Forest, where they’ll find a great trail system offering challenges from beginner to advanced. From there, Los Padres and several other great options are within easy weekend driving distance.

While this is a tiny sample of what the National Forest system has to offer, it just goes to show that all across the country, you can find wilderness respites that offer chances to recreate, explore, and unwind. Remember to follow Tread Lightly principles, and leave it better than you found it for the next adventurer.

One of the founding tenets of Overland Expo is education, and every one of our events offers hundreds of hours of classes and sessions designed to give you the knowledge to adventure safely and confidently. When it’s possible, we love to get attendees behind the wheel, and in just a few short weeks, you could be piloting your overland rig through a custom-built off-road course at Overland Expo PNW.

At Overland Expo PNW, the Trail Course Experience sponsored by ComeUp Winch USA is designed to help you gain the confidence to tackle tough challenges on the trail. While any behind-the-wheel training is great, using your own rig takes your experience a step further. Overland Expo’s expert instructors will help you learn how your vehicle reacts to different types of obstacles so that you’ll know the best course of action the next time you find yourself in a similar situation out on the trail.

The Trail Course Experience sponsored by ComeUp Winch USA will also help participants learn how to best use the features of their particular vehicle. Different makes and models include modes, buttons, and options that can greatly affect how the vehicle performs on the trail. The instructors at the driving course will walk you through how to best use those functions when the going gets tough. No matter if you drive a 4×4 or an all-wheel drive, or if you’re traveling in a van or a lifted truck, this experience will be a huge boost to your off-road skills and confidence.

Photo by John Allen

Photo by John Allen

Photo by John Allen

Photo by John Allen

Photo by John Allen

Speaking of tough trails, when you’re dropping over a ledge or squeezing through a tight spot, a good spotter can be the difference between body damage and continuing on worry-free. That’s why spotting and signals are a big component of the Trail Course Experience sponsored by ComeUp Winch USA. Learning how to effectively communicate with your spotter will definitely come in handy on future adventures.

Last but certainly not least, the Trail Course Experience instructors will cover Tread Lightly principles and ethics with each participant. It’s important that we all know, understand, and implement these principles so that we can protect the areas we explore and do the best we can to ensure they’re available to the next generation of adventurers.

If you’re ready to take your overland driving skills to the next level, don’t delay! Buy your tickets for the Trail Course Experience sponsored by ComeUp Winch USA now, and we’ll see you at Overland Expo PNW in a couple of weeks.

The new operational model will see Earth Cruiser provide their EC MOD slide-in campers and TerraNova shells to select adventure van builders and upfitters across the US. This new model will see structurally complete EarthCruiser units delivered to the partner network, where they’ll be installed and finished to meet the customer’s own pace and budget. This new strategy allows EarthCruiser’s experienced engineers and design team in Bend, Oregon, to reach a broader audience and forge new partnerships with builders around the country.

“This shift isn’t just about distribution,” says EarthCruiser founder Lance Gillies. “It’s about realigning with the core values that EarthCruiser has stood for since the beginning — craftsmanship, innovation, and a genuine commitment to our customers.”

In the near future, EarthCruiser will debut the highly anticipated EVADO for Sprinter chassis builds and some towable options. This new offering will also be available at a number of build partners.

“Building a real overland vehicle requires a fundamentally different approach than producing large volume mass-produced assembly line RVs,” says Gillies. “It must be engineered from the ground up with experience and customer requirements front of mind, the real needs of the people who use them.” That takes a conversation, not always possible with the traditional RV dealer model. Experience counts.

The new business model isn’t the only news from our friends at EarthCruiser. They’re also launching Tag-Along Training Tours. These immersive adventures provide customers the opportunity to refine their skills, build confidence, and connect with the EarthCruiser community in stunning overland destinations.

We’re excited to see the EarthCruiser team continuing to innovate, and this model will undoubtedly make their high-quality goods more easily accessible nationwide. When the new EVADO is revealed, we’ll be sure to share that exciting option with the Overland Expo audience.

Overland Expo PNW 2025 in Redmond, Oregon, is one month away! This is a must-see event in the heart of an adventure-travel dream destination. The Pacific Northwest has beautiful coastlines, deep forests, and snow-capped mountains, all within a couple of hours of each other. You don’t want to miss out on the hundreds of vendors representing the best of the best in the world of overlanding and adventure travel, informative classes and round tables, and, of course, the thousands of awesome rigs. While there’s far too much to do and see for a comprehensive list, here are our Top 10 Things You Can’t Miss at Overland Expo PNW.

Backcountry & Culinary Skills Pavilion

Everyone loves a nice camp dinner, and the Backcountry & Culinary Skills Pavilion sponsored by Boss Lighting is the place to sharpen your camp cooking skills. All weekend long, be sure to keep an eye on this area because expert instructors will be breaking tips and tricks, sharing secrets, and helping level up your camping game.

The Overland Expo Film Festival

One of the longest-running Overland Expo traditions is the Film Festival — and with good reason. Be sure to check this out to get inspired for your next journey. This Film Festival features a film that highlights the Oregon wilderness and an account of a three-plus-year trip along the northern latitudes. Both are not to be missed, and the Film Festival is a great way to end a day at Overland Expo.

Women Who Wander Fireside Chat

The Women Who Wander events are now Overland Expo tradition, and each event is full of great conversations and new friendships. The focus is to create an environment for female overlanders to meet each other, learn from each other, and share their stories and inspirations. This event launched at Overland Expo PNW in 2024 and was a huge hit throughout the year.

Happy Hours

After a long day at Overland Expo, it’s time to head to Happy Hour! It’s a great place to enjoy a drink, grab a bite from the food truck, reconnect with friends, and, of course, make some new ones. From there, you can plan the rest of your evening, and you definitely have plenty of good options for evening activities. A huge thanks to our Happy Hour sponsors: Toyo Tires, MAXXIS Tires, and Pelican Products.

The Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again because it’s worth repeating. The Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle is one of our favorite parts of the event. Until you check it out, you won’t believe the prizes. Thousands of dollars in prizes from dozens of exhibitors are up for grabs. Plus, it all goes to help the Overland Expo Foundation protect wild places, clean up trails, and more throughout the year.

300+ Exhibitors

If you’re looking for the latest and greatest gear in overlanding, then you’re in luck. Overland Expo is the place where you’ll find a veritable who’s who, and at each event, new gear debuts. For many of these brands, this is your only chance to get up close and personal with the products. Plus, the exhibitors are there to answer your questions, provide guidance on their products, and to be as excited about overlanding as you are.

The Roundtable Pavilion

From planning trips to modifying your vehicle, it’s always best to bounce your ideas and burning questions off of the experts, and that’s exactly what you can expect at the Round Table Pavilion. Throughout the weekend, you can get the lowdown on traveling internationally, the ins and outs of solo overlanding, and much more from our curated group of experts. These roundtables are always the source of great conversation and insight, so be sure to keep an eye on the schedule and stop by for a chat.

Showcase and DIY Area

A huge part of any Overland Expo is checking out all of the incredible rigs, and the Showcase and DIY Area is the place to see the coolest of the cool. Every event sees different rigs in this area, so you’ll always see something new and inspiring. From a family of four plus their dog that travels the world in a Defender to a custom-built Unimog designed for month-long off-grid living, there’s something for every overlander.

Camping with Friends

The Pacific Northwest is obviously an adventure-loving region, and it really shows during Overland Expo PNW. No matter if you live “just over the mountain” or you’re driving in from the other side of the country, camping is the best way to get the most out of the event. You’ll be close to all of the action, and it’s easy to swing back by camp between classes and explore the event; you can grab a layer before the evening event, and you’re sure to make some new friends.

Upgrade Your Overland Skills

The Overland Essentials Area, sponsored by Midland Radio Corp., and the Hands-on Pavilion, sponsored by Quad Lock, are the spots for beginners and experts alike to learn from the pros. All throughout the weekend, this area hosts a wide array of classes that can help you streamline your travel and prepare for future adventures. We have the best instructors out there, and this is where they share their tips and tricks for everything from setting up comms to trailside repairs.

Shown fully packaged on top of the Jeep® Wrangler 4xe Sunchaser concept: Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar has announced an innovative, conceptual camping solution for the Jeep Wrangler. The Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept was created in partnership with Dometic to provide a premium, lightweight, low-profile all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system.

Shown fully set up on top of the Jeep® Wrangler 4xe Sunchaser concept: Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar has announced an innovative, conceptual camping solution for the Jeep Wrangler. The Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept was created in partnership with Dometic to provide a premium, lightweight, low-profile all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system.

Shown fully set up on top of the Jeep® Wrangler 4xe Sunchaser concept with an integrated awning that swings out 270 degrees: Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar has announced an innovative, conceptual camping solution for the Jeep Wrangler. The Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept was created in partnership with Dometic to provide a premium, lightweight, low-profile all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system.

Shown fully set up on top of the Jeep® Wrangler 4xe Sunchaser concept: Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar has announced an innovative, conceptual camping solution for the Jeep Wrangler. The Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept was created in partnership with Dometic to provide a premium, lightweight, low-profile all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system.

This all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system seamlessly integrates into the Jeep Wrangler, and at Overland Expo West, the ARTT was mounted to the 4xe Sunchaser concept that originally debuted at Easter Jeep Safari. The ARTT addresses the issue of poor aerodynamics and added high-mounted weight normally associated with rooftop tents, and packing the ARTT into a carbon fiber shell that only adds minimal height to the stock JLU hardtop.

“The lightweight and compact JPP Awning and Rooftop Tent concept is the perfect accessory for adventure-seeking Jeep Wrangler owners, whether they are overlanding across long distances or decide to go on a spur-of-the-moment quick weekend getaway,” said Mike Koval, senior vice president and head of sales operations, Jeep brand. “We’re excited to see consumer reaction at Overland Expo West to our newest innovative concept for our enthusiast Jeep brand customers.”

Beyond the impressive stowed size, the ARTT’s cantilever design and internal access to the sleeping area provide exceptional livability to the design. With room for a queen-sized mattress, the ARTT is perfect for two adventurers or a solo traveler looking for a spacious sleeping system. The tent also incorporates Dometic’s AIR Frame Inflation technology and an integrated 270-degree awning.

Shown fully set up on top of the Jeep® Wrangler 4xe Sunchaser concept, with access from inside the Jeep Wrangler, the tent system includes a removable step to protect the center console: Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar has announced an innovative, conceptual camping solution for the Jeep Wrangler. The Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept was created in partnership with Dometic to provide a premium, lightweight, low-profile all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system.

Jeep® Performance Parts by Mopar announced an innovative, conceptual camping solution for the Jeep Wrangler by unveiling the Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept. Designed specifically for the four-door Jeep Wrangler, the ARTT concept was created in partnership with Dometic, a global market leader in the mobile living industry, to provide a premium, lightweight, low-profile all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system.

Jeep® Performance Parts by Mopar announced an innovative, conceptual camping solution for the Jeep Wrangler by unveiling the Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept. Designed specifically for the four-door Jeep Wrangler, the ARTT concept was created in partnership with Dometic, a global market leader in the mobile living industry, to provide a premium, lightweight, low-profile all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system.

Jeep® Performance Parts by Mopar announced an innovative, conceptual camping solution for the Jeep Wrangler by unveiling the Awning and Rooftop Tent (ARTT) concept. Designed specifically for the four-door Jeep Wrangler, the ARTT concept was created in partnership with Dometic, a global market leader in the mobile living industry, to provide a premium, lightweight, low-profile all-in-one awning and rooftop tent system.

The JPP ARTT concept system was developed as part of the Stellantis Star*Up intrapreneurship program, an idea incubator for Stellantis employees encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit and consumer-focused mindset, creating innovative mobility products and services.

We think an overland-focused product like this, directly from the manufacturer, is a huge step for the industry. Adding the ARTT to a JLU would give you a huge head start on having everything you need for comfortable extended stays in the backcountry. At Overland Expo West, a QR code invited attendees to participate in a survey to see how successful this product would be in the overlanding community. The survey was only available for the duration of the Expo, but we don’t doubt this product will be a big hit with Jeep fans and overlanders alike.

Photo by Transglobal Car Expedition

As a quick recap, the team set off on January 9, 2024 from the Explorer’s Club in Manhattan, and headed off on their journey to circumnavigate the globe by driving to the North Pole, then south through Europe, the Middle East, and Africa before crossing Antartica, and then heading back to New York via South and North America. Obviously, the team transported their rigs via boat between legs, but the route is still incredibly impressive. The group was made up of a core group of eight members, and along the way, assisting team members rotated in and out. The Transglobal Car Expedition was led by professional mountaineer Vasily Shakhnovsky. Vasily partnered with experienced mountaineer and expedition leader Alex Abramov to initiate the planning and execution of the trip. Amongst the core group were a host of experienced explorers, including Arctic Trucks Chairman Emil Grimsson, professional driver and rally champion Andrew Comri-Picard, mountaineer and polar explorer Vasily Elagin, and several more.

The fleet of vehicles used during the Transglobal Car Expedition ranges from the relatively pedestrian modified Ford Expeditions to the sci-fi-esque six-wheeled Yemelyas that were specifically built for the team to cross Antarctica. Several of the rigs were modified by Arctic trucks, including AT44 6×6, which starts life as an F-350 before being fitted with 44-inch tires, a 151-gallon fuel capacity, and the ability to tow a 1,100-gallon fuel supply as it traversed the ice.

In and of itself, this expedition is an impressive testament to the spirit of adventure, but the Transglobal Car Expedition team set off to do much more than just complete the route. Along the way, they completed a number of scientific projects and experiments, including ice thickness at the poles, the flow of cosmic radiation, light pollution studies, and human physiological changes in extreme environments.

It’s been great to follow along on what will surely become a legendary expedition, and we hope this type of epic overland journey inspires some readers to go a little further, even if that’s all the way around the world.

The company recently released the brand-new Traveler Summit, which is designed with a mix of convenient modularity alongside a fixed kitchenette and bathroom, bridging the gap between those who crave permanence with those who like to mix things up.

Like its other models, the Traveler Summit can be re-arranged via Happier Camper’s Adaptive Components — but it builds upon the Traveler that launched in 2020, which integrated a few crucial permanent components in the design.

The Traveler Summit’s is just 17 feet long and weighs less than 3,000 pounds, but it still includes enough space to fit 3-5 campers comfortably. The interior features two fixed elements: the kitchenette and the bathroom. While neither areas can be mistaken for luxury, they’re comfortable enough: the kitchenette includes a built-in stove, stainless steel sink, and a floor-to-ceiling console that holds a full-size fridge and microwave, while the fixed bathroom includes a shower, sink, dry-flush toilet, and storage.

The Traveler Summit also includes a full-sized bed and an entertainment area that can be converted into an additional sleeping zone, should the need arise. Like its earlier models, everything in the Traveler Summit — besides the kitchenette and bathroom — is modular, and can be re-arranged based on your personal preferences. Additional perks include a heater, AC options, solar panel options, built-in closet space and a wireless phone charger.

If you’re interested in an affordable, adorable, adjustable camper that blends old-school charm with new-school adaptability, the Happier Camper Traveler Summit is available for pre-order now through the company’s website, with the goal of shipping units in late 2025. The Traveler Summit starts at $69,950 and is the pinnacle of the Traveler Series; if you’re interested in something more accessible, the Traveler Essentials starts at $39,950 and the Traveler Adventure costs $54,950. Each model comes with a built-in kitchenette.

Arizona is an adventure motorcyclist’s dream destination, and next weekend, motorcycles of all makes, models, and sizes will ride into Flagstaff for the 2025 Overland Expo West. Those who prefer to travel into the backcountry on two wheels will find dozens of classes, moto community events, and plenty of awesome vendors geared towards the ADV moto crowd.

For starters, you don’t want to miss the Rider Justice Moto Party on Friday, May 16, 7-9 PM in the ADV Skills Area sponsored by Quad Lock. This additional ticket provides a great dinner, live music, and more.

If you’re looking to test drive some new bikes, get ready to run the gamut. For starters, Suzuki is bringing out some of their latest models so that you can take them for a spin. If you’re looking to go the electric route, Zero Motorcycles will have models available for demo. And everyone’s packable ebike, the Jack Rabbit, is back and available for demo rides. Even if you aren’t a bike rider, you need to check out JackRabbit Bikes. They’re small enough to pack into any rig, and it’s tough to find a handier way to zip around camp.  

Every Overland Expo is packed full of classes and sessions to help inspire and educate you for your future adventures. Amongst our programming schedule, you’ll find courses for adventure motorcycle enthusiasts of every skill level. A small sample of the variety of courses you can expect includes:

Buying vs. Renting a Motorcycle Abroad: What’s Better for Your Budget and Time? (Central and S. America) – Christian Riesenmy – Deciding whether to buy or rent a motorcycle while traveling can make or break an adventure. Renting offers convenience, minimal hassle, and access to well-maintained bikes, but costs can add up over time. Buying, on the other hand, may save money on longer trips and provide a sense of ownership, yet it comes with logistical challenges like registration, insurance, and resale. Factors such as trip length, budget, and local market conditions play a crucial role in making the right choice. Weighing the pros and cons carefully ensures a smooth ride‚ both on the road and financially.

Adventure Motorcycling with a Canine Co-Pilot – Kim Brown – Have you ever thought about bringing your furry best friend along for the ride? Learn how to safely travel with a dog on a motorcycle from the creator of Alaska’s Adventures, a book series inspired by real-life travels with Alaska the Motodog. This session covers safety, gear, training, and real-world experiences from life on the road with a canine co-pilot.

The Art of Improvised Motorcycle Repair: Smart Hacks for the Unprepared – This one is for the chronically unprepared. In a past life (not too long ago), Christian had a habit of finding himself in less-than-ideal situations while being incredibly unprepared. Stranded deep in the jungle, stuck on top of a mountain, or miles from civilization in the desert‚ when there’s no mechanic, no store, and no easy way out, we have to get creative.

We’ll share some of the most useful (and surprisingly funny) tricks we’ve learned over the years‚ like using t-shirts or jungle vines as throttle cables, fishing a bike out of the ocean after an “accidental” swim, or even plugging a hole in the engine with a pack of cigarettes.

Everyone has left their toolkit behind at some point. Join us and learn how to be ready when you’re unprepared.

Crash Course: Managing Motorcycle-Specific Injuries in the Field – Lyndsie Zenker – Motorcycle travel comes with inherent risk, especially in remote and rugged environments. This class is designed to empower riders, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in the event of a motorcycle accident. Focusing on head, spinal, and pelvic trauma‚ three of the most serious injury types in motorcycle crashes, and we’ll break down what to look for, how to provide initial stabilization, and how to make critical decisions when help is far away.

Whether you’re riding solo or with a group, this session will cover real-world techniques for scene safety, injury assessment, and patient management, all tailored to the overland and adventure motorcycle community. No prior medical experience required‚ just a willingness to learn!

You’ll learn how to assess and protect the spine and airway after a crash; how to recognize signs of traumatic brain injury and what to do next; the importance of identifying and stabilizing suspected pelvic fractures in the field; plus, patient movement and evacuation techniques when professional help is delayed, and other potentially lifesaving skills and tips.

Plus, you can enjoy the following sessions and more:

• Motorcycle Packing Demonstration
• Planning Group Trips: How to Herd Kittens Without Losing Your Mind
• Top Motorcycle Trips Around Arizona
• The Coffee BEAN on the GO GO
• Motorcycle Camping 101 – Christian Riesenmy
• Following Lewis and Clark through the Mountains of Idaho and Montana
• Mastering Route Planning: Pro Tips from 10 Years of Experience
• Motorcycle Maintenance 101
• Motorcycle Dashcam Demo – Why You Need One Q&A
• Boondocking: Don’t Go There/It’s Not Fun/You’ll Die…NOT. Come Find Out What FUN You’re Missing

So if you haven’t already grabbed your tickets for Overland Expo West, get them now, and be sure to snag the Rider Justice Moto Party ticket during checkout. Not only is it a great event with like-minded explorers, but it’s tough to beat camping in Flagstaff in May, and you’ll definitely leave inspired and well-equipped for your next journey.

Image by Slate

Image by Slate

Image by Slate

Image by Slate

Image by Slate

Image by Slate

However, the Slate was designed to be personalized, and the options are far beyond the usual chrome bits and badges that we typically see as factory options. While all Slate trucks ship in the basic configurations, that’s merely a starting point. The customization process begins with choosing your body style. You can stick with the pickup, go for a five-seater SUV, or a sportier fastback SUV. Oh, and you can decide if you want doors and tops with either SUV option. From there, you can pick from one of over a dozen wrap options, including some partial wraps for a stylish touch. From there, exterior options include custom grills, upgraded lighting, highlight colors, tires, and wheels in multiple sizes, and even a rear tire swing-out bumper. Inside, you can customize colors, materials, a tablet mount, and more. And if you can’t deal with crank windows, there’s a powered option if you aren’t willing to go full vintage.

Admittedly, the styling is square, but at the same time, it still looks unique. Coming in a bit shorter than the Ford Maverick and close to the size of 1980s Toyota single-cab trucks, the Slate definitely bucks the trend of SUVs and trucks getting bigger and bigger. However, for a daily commuter or even a weekend DIY project rig, it has plenty of cargo space. Some of the comments seemed overly critical, and many seemed opposed to the lack of tech in spite of intentionality and price. However, one comment on a prominent automotive news social media post said, “It’s a 1990 Chevy S10 Blazer.” Is that supposed to be a burn? Because I think those were pretty cool, especially with two-tone paint. Please see my own personalized Slate render below for reference.

The Slate doesn’t require any additional charging station at home. It’s compatible with 120-volt household outlets, or if you have a 240-volt outlet, you can charge it even faster. The 120-volt Level 1 charging adds 20-50 miles of range overnight. Level 2 can charge the battery in 4-8 hours. If you want to take it a step further, Slate will offer a Level 3 charging station that provides 480 volts, plus Wifi connectivity and cable storage. This level can charge the Slate’s battery from 20% to 80% in 30 minutes.

The Slate is a simple, small EV without flashy styling. Obviously, it won’t be for everyone. But we applaud the team for taking some risks and bucking trends. We’re excited to see these rolling out of their Detroit plant, and without a doubt, some wild combinations will be amongst them. You can reserve your Slate with a $50 refundable deposit, and even if you don’t plan to buy one, the online builder is lots of fun.