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Overland Expo Mountain West is almost here, and while the days will be packed with world-class education, epic vehicles, and hundreds of exhibitors, the fun doesn’t stop when the show floor closes. This year, Overland Expo Mountain West returns to Loveland, Colorado with an expanded Oasis Bar & Food Court experience, more food trucks than ever before, multiple bar activations spread across the newly updated fairgrounds, and a packed schedule of after-show events. Whether you’re camping on-site for the weekend or simply sticking around after the event wraps up, here’s everything you need to know about eating, drinking, and celebrating at Overland Expo Mountain West 2026. Fourteen Food Trucks The Oasis Bar & Food Court once again serves as the social hub of Overland Expo Mountain West, but in 2026 attendees will find even more opportunities to grab a bite to eat thanks to additional food trucks and three bar activations. Fourteen food trucks will be serving everything from wood-fired pizza and gourmet mac and cheese to crepes, coffee, and Colorado comfort food throughout the weekend. Returning favorites include: Corn Doggies Espresso On The Move Funky Pita Bigs Meat Wagon Ni De Aqui Be Crepeful Polar Bros New additions for 2026 include: Simply Pizza Truck Sweaty Moose Cookie Trailer Mac Trailer Travelin Toms Coffee Downtown Fingers County Truck (name to be announced) Whether you’re fueling up for a day on the show grounds or grabbing dinner before the evening festivities begin, you’ll have no shortage of options just steps from the action. Happy Hours and After-Hours Events The overlanding community is built around campfires, shared meals, and swapping stories from the trail. Mountain West delivers plenty of opportunities to do exactly that throughout the weekend. Thursday, August 20 Welcome Happy Hour | 5 PM – 7 PM Location: Oasis Bar & Food Court The festivities officially kick off Thursday evening with the Welcome Happy Hour. It’s the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet your camping neighbors, and ease into a weekend full of education, inspiration, and adventure. Grab a drink, explore the grounds, and start your Mountain West weekend the right way. Friday, August 21 Happy Hour | 5 PM – 7 PM Sponsored by: Bowen Customs Location: Oasis Bar & Food Court After a full day of classes, demos, and exploring the exhibitor booths, head back to the Oasis for Friday’s Happy Hour hosted by Bowen Customs. It’s the ideal place to unwind, compare notes from the day’s adventures, and catch up with fellow travelers before the evening activities begin. Toyota Game Night | 7 PM – 9 PM Sponsored by: Toyota Location: Booth C11 Join Toyota for an evening of interactive music bingo, prizes, and good company. Guests can enjoy complimentary dinner while testing their music knowledge and competing for prizes in a laid-back atmosphere designed to bring the community together. Whether you’re there to win or simply enjoy the entertainment, Toyota Game Night promises plenty of laughs and a memorable evening. Rider Justice Moto Party | 7 PM – 9 PM Sponsored by: Rider Justice Location: Outdoor event space adjacent to the Oasis Bar & Food Court Adventure riders won’t want to miss one of Mountain West’s signature after-hours events. The Rider Justice Moto Party returns with dinner, an open bar, live music from Loop Story featuring Luke Story, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow ADV riders from around the country. Admission requires a separate ticket purchase, but the combination of food, music, drinks, and community makes it one of the most anticipated evenings of the weekend. Saturday, August 22 Camp Subaru LIVE! | 3 PM – 5 PM Sponsored by: Subaru Location: Booth H112 Camp Subaru LIVE! returns with light bites, beverages, and plenty of opportunities to relax and recharge before the evening festivities begin. Beer, wine, soda, and water will be available, and everyone is invited to stop by and join the fun. Happy Hour | 5 PM – 7 PM Sponsored by: Wanderfox Overland Location: Oasis Bar & Food Court Saturday’s Happy Hour provides one last chance to celebrate an incredible weekend with friends old and new. Hosted by Wanderfox Overland, the Oasis transforms into the unofficial gathering place for stories from the trail, favorite discoveries from the show floor, and plans for the next adventure. Women Who Wander Community Conversation & Networking Event | 6 PM – 8 PM Location: Oasis Area Start Saturday morning with inspiring stories and meaningful conversations at the Women Who Wander networking event. Hear from incredible women throughout the overland and off-road community while enjoying mimosas and connecting with fellow adventurers in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Overland Expo Foundation Raffle | 7 PM – 9 PM Location: Oasis Bar & Food Court Wrap up Saturday evening while supporting a great cause. The Overland Expo Foundation Raffle helps support the Foundation’s mission of preserving access, promoting stewardship, and investing in the future of vehicle-based adventure travel. Raffle tickets can be purchased online before the event or on-site throughout the weekend at the Overland Expo Foundation booth. After Hours at Overland Expo Mountain West The evenings at Overland Expo Mountain West are a chance to slow down after a full day of classes, conversations, and exploring the show. Grab a meal from one of the food trucks, meet up with friends at the Oasis, or settle in for one of the many after-hours events happening throughout the weekend. We’ll see you in Loveland. 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Overland Expo Mountain West will be coming back to Colorado in just a few short weeks. Join overlanders from all over the world in Loveland, Colorado to get educated, equipped, and inspired to continue your overlanding adventures. Over the next few weeks, we’ll have more news about the deals you can expect, educational opportunities, the special events happening throughout the weekend, and much more. For now, check out the world class sponsors and exhibitors that you’ll find at Overland Expo. In the meantime, we wanted to share the exciting list of sponsors, exhibitors, and partners already lined up for Overland Expo Mountain West 2026. Among the brands listed here, you’ll notice plenty of familiar faces and some new names bringing innovative products to the overlanding world. You can find the full list of current exhibitors below. ExHibitor list Title Sponsors We’re excited to work with some of the best in the business as our Title Sponsors for Overland Expo Mountain West 2026. Each of our sponsoring companies is helping Overland Expo Mountain West 2026 be one of the largest overland gatherings in the world, with more to offer attendees than ever before. Thanks to Airstream of Colorado, Subaru, Wanderbox, Dometic, ROA OFF-ROAD, Elevation Off Grid, Four Wheel Campers, Pederson Toyota, and Toyota for their support as Title Sponsors. Title Ride and Drive Sponsors Huge thanks to RAM, Winnebago, and Winnebago x Transwest Ride & Drive for their sponsorship of the event’s Ride and Drives. They give you the opportunity to get behind the wheel and test drive their vehicles around a custom off-road track. Supporting Sponsors Our Supporting Sponsors are a long list of companies that we all rely on to make our adventures happen. Huge thanks to Alldogs Offroad Coop, Urban X Campers, Kelderman Mfg., Mountain Yotas, the City of Loveland, Nokian Tyres, and AlphaRexUSA for their supporting sponsorships. Special Area & Event Sponsors Sponsored Evening Activities The fun doesn’t stop once day makes way to evening at Overland Expo Mountain West. Friday night, start off at 5:00 pm with the Happy Hour sponsored by Bowen Customs. For the adventure motorcycle enthusiasts in the crowd, come to the world-famous Moto Party sponsored by Rider Justice at 7:00 pm. Experience a night of dinner, entertainment, great conversation, and an impressive set of raffle prizes. Tickets for the Moto Party can be purchased with your ticket to the event, or email [email protected] to add on a moto party ticket to your current order. Saturday evening’s festivities get underway with Happy Hour sponsored by Wanderfox Overland 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 with every event, and some truly impressive gear that just might be going home with you. Sponsored Educational Opportunities For many, the breadth of educational opportunities is the highlight of the weekend. Thanks to our educational area sponsors, we are able to offer more classes than ever. EarthRoamer is sponsoring the perennially popular Backcountry and Culinary Pavilion, where you can level up your camp cooking skills or focus on other skills that make your time in the wilderness safer or more enjoyable. GME will sponsor our Overland Essentials Area, where classes will focus on a wide range of fundamental skills for overlanding, including trip planning, communications, map reading, and more. For those seeking adventure inspiration, the Storytelling Pavilion sponsored by Storyteller Overland 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. Our Bivvy 1 sponsored by Hankook Tire, will be hosting a series of smaller, less formal classes all weekend. While there, you can also relax in comfortable camp chairs and recharge your electronics place to recharge your electronics before getting back to the hustle and bustle of the event. Media Partners We’re also excited to work with a great Media Partners team that will cover Overland Expo Mountain West during and after the event. Be on the lookout for coverage from the Overland Collective, Off-Road Travel TV, OVR, and OutdoorX4 Magazine on their respective outlets. Don’t miss out on the action! With all of these incredible sponsors, exhibitors, classes, and evening events, be sure to get your tickets for Overland Expo Mountain West happening in Loveland, Colorado, August 21-23, 2026, at the Ranch. BUY TICKETS NOW View the full article

Ultra runners and overlanders may move at very different speeds, but they share one thing in common: the further you get from civilization, the more preparation and self-sufficiency matter. That philosophy is at the heart of a new collaboration between Rivian and Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear). Together, the two brands created the “Ultimate Aid Station,” an off-grid support ecosystem designed to bring critical services to some of the most remote sections of ultra-marathon race courses. The concept debuted at the Siskiyou Out Back (SOB) Trail Race in Ashland, Oregon, where runners tackle rugged terrain high above the Rogue Valley while facing heat, fatigue, and the challenges that come with pushing beyond 100 miles on foot. Bringing Support Where It Matters Most Nearly 30 percent of runners fail to finish 100-mile races, often because support becomes harder to access in the most remote sections of the course. At the center of the Ultimate Aid Station sat the custom-built R1T Recharge Truck, a purpose-built collaboration between Rivian and Nike ACG designed to serve as the primary hub for hydration, nutrition, and recovery while leveraging Rivian’s onboard power, innovative storage solutions, and off-grid capability. And yes, it featured a built-in slushie machine. Integrated directly into the bed and powered by the truck itself, the system dispensed antioxidant- and electrolyte-infused ACG-orange slushies designed to help runners lower core temperatures and keep moving through some of the toughest miles of the race. The truck’s Gear Tunnel transformed into a slide-out nutrition station stocked with energy gels and quick-access fuel, while a custom frunk insert kept ice frozen and ready for hydration pack refills. Overhead, a Nike ACG Radical AirFlow canopy provided shade and integrated lighting while showcasing the same technical materials found throughout the brand’s outdoor apparel line. READ MORE: Don’t Miss These Show Specials at Overland Expo Mountain West More Than Just a Slushie Machine The integrated slushie machine may have grabbed the headlines, but some of the most interesting details were the thoughtful modifications that transformed the R1T into a purpose-built support vehicle. For overlanders, many of the ideas probably felt familiar. The awning system created immediate shade, the frunk became cold storage, and the bed and Gear Tunnel evolved into purpose-built support infrastructure. It felt less like a concept vehicle and more like a glimpse at how EV platforms can become highly specialized mobile base camps. Looking at the truck, it is easy to imagine similar applications in the overland world. A race support vehicle today could just as easily become a trailhead coffee bar, remote photography platform, mobile workshop, or backcountry command center tomorrow. As a fan of both brands, what stood out most was how authentic the collaboration felt. Rivian brought vehicle innovation and adventure-ready capability, while Nike ACG contributed decades of athlete insight and technical outdoor design. It is exactly the kind of partnership I hope to see more of in the outdoor and overland space, where thoughtful modifications, technical innovation, and a shared passion for adventure come together to help people go further. View the full article

The bed rack, roof rack, and storage pros at Leitner Designs have debuted a new ACS ROOF platform rack for the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX 550. Sharp-eyed attendees at Overland Expo West may have noticed a few exhibitor rigs sporting this new offering from Leitner, but now it’s available for everyone. The Leitner Designs ACS ROOF rack is engineered to the highest standards, thoroughly tested in rugged conditions, and is ready to handle any terrain the rig can cross. The ACS ROOF platform rack is incredibly engineered, and it’s packed full of details that help it stand out. For starters, it uses the widest load bars available, measuring in at 4 inches wide, and these are attached via Grade 10.9 fasteners mounted in the tensile configuration. Even this small detail makes a huge difference in the overall strength of the rack. In short, tensile configuration involves forces pulling a material apart along its central axis, causing it to elongate. In contrast, shear configuration involves forces acting parallel to the material’s surface, forcing internal layers to slide or twist past one another. This means that every piece of hardware that Leitner Designs used in these racks is providing significantly more strength than the alternative. The load bars also feature two T-slots per bar for tons of mounting options. READ MORE: Don’t Miss These Show Specials at Overland Expo Mountain West That’s not even close to the end of the lengths the Leitner team has gone to make sure this rack can stand up to the travels expected from the Land Cruiser nameplate. The rack gets its structural integrity from the external frame versus the bars, and that means it’s easy to move the bars to better balance weight or for tricky mounting solutions. The ACS ROOF also includes toothed channels along the external frame to lock the bars in place with Leitner’s custom Torx bolts. “People waited years for these trucks,” said Leitner Designs Founder and Chief Designer Bernhard Leitner. “They didn’t wait that long to bolt stamped metal to the roof. The ACS ROOF is the only rack that matches the Land Cruiser’s strength and the Lexus’s refinement.” The ACS ROOF is rated at 1,000 lbs of static capacity, 500 lbs on-road dynamic, and 250 lbs off-road dynamic. Leitner Designs tests all of their gear on a loop that leaves from their shop in Corona, California, and traverses hundreds of miles of off-road. This is how you know you can trust the gear to stand up to life on the trail. For additional storage, we suggest pairing the GearPOD ROOF with the ACS ROOF. Leitner’s GearPOD lineup has made our Best of Expo Gear list, and they’re some of the most secure, customizable, and easy-to-access roof boxes we’ve come across. We were excited to check out the early release of this rack at Overland Expo, and we’re excited to see it out on the trails. The ACS ROOF is available for the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and the Lexus GX 550 for $1,950. LEARN MORE View the full article

Overland Expo MW 2026 is just around the corner, bringing with it an exciting opportunity to score exclusive show-only deals. Taking place June 26–28 in Redmond, Oregon, the event will draw thousands of overlanders ready to explore the latest vehicles, gear, and camping innovations. Many exhibitors will be offering special pricing, bundled packages, and limited-time promotions available only during the event. It’s the perfect chance to upgrade your setup, discover new equipment, and connect with the community while experiencing everything Overland Expo MW 2026 has to offer. Check out the list below for a preview of some of the exclusive discounts and promotions you can expect throughout the weekend. More specials will be added as they are announced. CompanyBoothShow SpecialAdventure WagonD131$4000 Off new RUV purchaseAPEX by SeaviewA26Cable Seals starting at just $20Beachside Custom VansD209 PRIMEBook a spec build at the Expo and get $1,500 offBlack Flag OutfittersD348 PRIME$100 Non-Polarized & $130 Polarized Oakley Ray-BanEberspaecher Climate Control SystemsD215 PRIMEShow-only pricingHESTD313Save 20% off almost everythingOutpost CampersC136 PRIMEFREE Roof Rack + Ladder – a $1790 value!Prep Em WildF412 PRIMEExclusive Overland Expo DiscountsRhino USAE342 PRIMEDeals you can only get at Overland Expo!SHADY RAYSK85Show SpecialsVanEssentialE336Show exclusive discount on window covers, bug screens, storage solutions, l-track, headliners, and more.VMACS, IncE323Show-only pricing Come camp, explore, shop, and learn with us in Loveland, Colorado, in just a few weeks. Whether you’re planning your next build, stocking up on essentials, or checking out the latest gear hitting the market, Overland Expo MW is the place to see it all in person and take advantage of show specials. BUY TICKETS View the full article

Sarah and Cameron, aka @homeonthetrails, are a husband-and-wife team based in Fraser, Colorado, but they spend plenty of time on the road exploring in their truck. While exploring all across the US and internationally, they stay busy skiing, biking, diving, and more. They’re great folks, with a truck to match (more on that soon), and they’re part of the Overland Expo team that’s integral to the events. Read on to learn more about this amazing couple, and we guarantee you’ll be inspired. OE: The two of you spend a lot of time on the road. Can you tell about your rig? S&C: Our baby and the vehicle that’s truly shaped our overlanding lifestyle is our 2017 Toyota Tacoma topped with one of the original Go Fast Campers. Back in January 2018, we put down a deposit on a prototype GFC camper and ended up receiving camper number 17 in May of that year. We’ve been building and refining the setup ever since. Our current setup includes a 2.5-inch lift kit from Bilstein, Tembrin bump stops, Total Chaos UCAs, PowerStop rotors, Deaver Heavy Leaf Springs, 16” EVO course wheels with BFG KO3 295s, a steel RCI skid plate, custom-made steel rock sliders, yellow top OPTIMA batteries powering our BlueSea Fuse box to run our accessories such as the fridge and power station in the bed of the truck. As for cooking, we have a 5-pound propane tank mounted on the GFC and a Coleman stovetop. A diesel heater is located inside the camper for those Rocky Mountain nights. Because we both work remotely, connectivity has always been a major focus for us. Like many overlanders, we’ve experimented with just about every cell booster and internet solution available. We started with multiple generations of WeBoost systems and eventually upgraded to Starlink, which has been a game-changer for working on the road. One of our most recent upgrades came just before heading to Arizona this year. Cameron and a few friends welded a new, more aggressive off-road hitch setup so we could carry two bikes while still fully opening the tailgate. At this point, many of our upgrades revolve around improving accessibility and efficiency. After years of traveling, we’ve learned that easy access to gear and a functional camp setup often matters more than adding more equipment. During the height of COVID in 2020, we took the opportunity to completely build out the truck bed ourselves. We installed a 13-gallon water system, countertop, sink with running water, fridge/freezer, charging station, dual batteries, solar capabilities, insulation, flooring, and a bench with cushions that doubles as a comfortable place to relax at camp. What we love most about the Tacoma and GFC combination is its simplicity. It’s taken us across Baja, through countless national parks, deep into the Colorado backcountry, and has served as our home for stretches of up to six months at a time. It’s not the biggest or fanciest setup at Overland Expo, but it’s been built around how we actually travel—and after all these years, it still feels like home. READ MORE: Rad Women, Real Rigs: Women Are Reshaping Overlanding OE: It’s a great truck! What initially led you to begin overlanding? S&C: Honestly, it started with our love of road trips and adventure. Sarah came to Colorado for what was supposed to be a three-week visit in 2015, met Cameron, and decided to stay. Not long after, we took our first two-week road trip together through the southern United States on our way to Florida. Since then, we’ve been hitting the road whenever we can. As our travels grew, so did our interest in exploring places beyond paved roads. Over the years, we’ve taken our Tacoma through some incredible areas, including Baja, Mexico, Engineer Pass in Colorado, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Death Valley, Holcomb Valley, Mojave Desert, Moab, taken the back roads into Joshua Tree National Park and Bryce Canyon, US-1 California, and many other trails throughout the West. Every trip taught us something new and pushed us to continue exploring farther from home. What started as road tripping eventually evolved into overlanding, and now it’s become a major part of how we travel and experience the world. One of our biggest goals in life is to eventually complete the Pan-Am trail. OE: How did you initially become involved in Overland Expo? S&C: As overlanders and outdoor enthusiasts, Overland Expo had always been on our radar. When the Loveland event came around in 2021, we knew it was something we wanted to be a part of. We reached out about volunteer opportunities and were thrilled to be accepted. We volunteered at the Loveland event for our first two years before being invited to join the staff team. Since then, we’ve attended Loveland four times and were excited to finally make it to Flagstaff, Arizona, to work the 2026 event. One of our favorite parts of Overland Expo is the people. From the staff to the attendees, we’ve met so many passionate travelers, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Every year we leave feeling inspired to travel farther, explore more, and come home with new ideas for our rig and future adventures. Overland Expo has become much more than an event for us—it’s a community we’re grateful to be a part of. OE: And, how have you seen it change over the years? S&C: One of the biggest changes we’ve noticed over the years is how much Overland Expo continues to grow while still maintaining its strong sense of community. Each year, there seem to be more vendors, more educational opportunities, and more innovative products and rigs to explore, which keeps the experience exciting for both attendees and staff. We’ve also seen continual improvements to the staff experience. The staff camping area has improved every year, and we really appreciate that the Overland Expo team actively listens to feedback and considers the needs of the people working behind the scenes. It’s clear that they value their staff and want everyone to have a positive experience. Another thing we’ve appreciated is how connected and involved the staff remains as the event grows. Despite the larger crowds and expanding footprint, there’s still a strong sense of teamwork and community. We always feel welcomed, supported, and included, which is one of the reasons we keep coming back year after year. OE: We’re happy to hear that! We couldn’t do it without such a great team and the community at large. We try to improve everyone’s experience event after event, year after year. You both have an incredible amount of overlanding experience; if you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting, what would it be? S&C: Just start somewhere. When we first began camping together, all of our gear fit inside a single plastic storage bin. We didn’t have a built-out truck, fancy equipment, or a perfect setup. We had a tent, a few basic supplies, and a desire to get outside. Over the years, we’ve definitely accumulated more gear than we ever imagined, but we’ve learned that the gear isn’t what matters most. The best way to learn is by getting out there and figuring out what works for you. Don’t wait until your vehicle is perfect or you have every gadget. Start with what you have, take a weekend trip, and build from there. At the end of the day, overlanding is really about connecting with nature, exploring new places, and creating experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your life. 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The culture may be calling it a trend. At Overland Expo, it looks like something more durable. In June 2026, The Wall Street Journal published a piece titled “The Expensive Accessory Every Hot Girl Wants: An Old, Loud SUV.” The hook: affluent young women spending north of $100,000 on vintage Broncos and Land Rovers. The framing: fashion-forward, aesthetics-driven, “Instagram-worthy” and a little impulsive. I was super excited to see this story when it was first shared with me; it made for a compelling read, but as I read through it, thought about it, and talked with a couple friends in the industry, I realized there was another angle. At Overland Expo, we see what the lifestyle press doesn’t always catch. And what the data shows, across several years and thousands of attendees, is that women aren’t arriving at overlanding as a style moment. They’re rad women, arriving as serious participants, with clear intent, technical curiosity and real rigs to prove it. This is that story. The History of Overland Expo Overland Expo launched in 2009, was founded by Roseann Hanson – that single detail reframes the entire conversation. The current wave of women shaping overlanding isn’t arriving at a space built exclusively by men. They’re extending a legacy that began with a woman, defining what the event would be and who it would serve. Hanson, a writer, conservationist and lifelong explorer, shaped Overland Expo into the gathering it became: part classroom, part marketplace, part community. Her fingerprints are on the format itself with an education-first approach. The emphasis on real skills over spectacle and the idea that overlanding is something you learn, practice and share. So, when the data shows women arriving as owners, builders and buyers, it isn’t a departure, it’s a continuation. Women didn’t just find their way into overlanding, they helped write the blueprint. The Numbers Don’t Suggest a Fad Female attendance at Overland Expo has grown steadily and without interruption: 19% in 2023, 20% in 2024, 22% in 2025. That’s not a spike driven by a media cycle, it’s a compounding trend, building year over year across multiple events and regions. The growth matters not just as a demographic footnote but as a signal about how overlanding is evolving. Every percentage point represents real people, showing up with gear questions, build plans and a desire to go further – and farther. The next question wasn’t whether women were attending, it was what they were doing when they got there. Women at West 2026: The Behavior Behind the Attendance Overland Expo West 2026 produced some of the clearest behavioral data yet on women attendees. 68% owned an overland vehicle: Of those, 38% described their setup as complete, 30% were still actively building and 15% said they were just starting out. That leaves only 13% who don’t consider their mode of transportation an “overland vehicle”. Together, those numbers paint a specific picture: this is not an audience watching from the sidelines, it’s an audience across every stage of active participation. 67% expressed interest in vehicles and accessories: That’s not passive curiosity, it’s sourcing intent. And 48% attended specifically to outfit their rig, which places women overlanders firmly in the same headspace as any serious expedition builder: show up with a list, leave with answers (& gear). The old assumption, that overlanding’s technical side skewed heavily male, doesn’t hold up against data like this and it probably never did. What Classic Overland Is Seeing on the Floor Nolen Yapp, Brand and Operations Manager at Classic Overland, builds and restores custom Defenders. He works a show floor the way most builders do: read the room, talk to people, figure out who’s serious. At West 2026, his read was unambiguous. “Of approximately 30 substantive conversations I had at the show, more than 60% were initiated by women,” Yapp noted. The vehicles drawing the most attention from those buyers? Custom build Defenders and Defender 90 soft tops. And the way women approached the conversation was distinct; not less informed, but differently prioritized. “Women lead with design philosophy, balance, and home-like design logic,” Yapp observed. “The questions centered on luxury and functionality together: hot showers, organization systems, ease of cleaning, outdoor utility that doesn’t sacrifice livability.” Classic Overland currently has three cars in production for women buyers. That’s not a marketing anecdote. That’s a builder responding to demonstrated market demand. The women asking those questions weren’t performing interest in overlanding. They were commissioning vehicles. “The questions centered on luxury and functionality together: hot showers, organization systems, ease of cleaning, outdoor utility that doesn’t sacrifice livability.”—Nolen Yapp, Classic Overland Women Who Wander: Programming That Reflects Reality Overland Expo launched Women Who Wander in 2024 by our very own female Programming Director – and long-time overlander -, Azure O’Neil. Since then, the program has appeared at Overland Expo events across the country: SoCal, West, Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and East. While Overland Expo had always held women-specific programming, the goal from the beginning, was straightforward: provide women-oriented education, networking and training within the broader Overland Expo experience. What it became was one of the fastest-growing and most consistently engaged programming tracks at any event it appears at. At Overland Expo SoCal 2026, Women Who Wander hosted a networking brunch sponsored by MAXXIS Tires, featuring a Q&A with experienced women from across the overlanding community and a presentation by Jess Stone, who is riding around the world with her White Swiss Shepherd on the back of a motorcycle while raising funds for the nonprofit Girl Up. The event drew attendees looking for both connection and craft. Women Who Wander isn’t a side room. It’s become one of the reasons people come. That shift matters. Early inclusion programming often operates as an add-on: a gesture toward a demographic, a single panel, an acknowledged absence. Women Who Wander has moved past that. Consistent presence, real programming, industry sponsors treating it as a platform worth investing in. Building More Than Vehicles In April 2026, Storyteller Overland announced a partnership with the Jessi Combs Foundation to launch the Trailblazer Tour Van, a fiery red Storyteller Beast MODE van that serves as a mobile platform for outreach, education and inspiration. JCF scholarship recipients are driving it nationwide, connecting communities with hands-on educational experiences and representing the foundation’s work to expand opportunities for women in manufacturing, welding and the skilled trades. “Jessi is our modern-day ‘Rosie the Riveter,’ proof that grit, skill and determination have no boundaries,” said Dana Wilke, co-founder and executive director of the Jessi Combs Foundation. The Jessi Combs Foundation was established in 2019 following the death of the Guinness World Record holder and skilled trades icon. Its mission: educate, inspire and empower the next generation of women entering manufacturing, welding and related fields. Storyteller Overland’s partnership puts that mission on the road, literally, through one of the most capable vehicles in the overland category. It’s a clear signal: the industry’s most respected builders see women not just as buyers, but as the next generation of the trade itself. This Isn’t a Side Story The WSJ piece framed women buying old Broncos as a lifestyle quirk. An accessory. Something interesting to write about. The Overland Expo data tells a different story: these women are not shopping for expensive accessories to match an outfit. They are serious travelers, builders, and explorers who are buying vehicles, investing in gear, and shaping the future of overlanding with intention and authority. My Final Thoughts Too many women are shaping this space to name in one story. Alyssa Ravasio built Hipcamp into the outdoors’ biggest booking platform. Patty Upton logged 56,000 miles around the world, including the first all-land crossing of the Darién Gap by vehicle. The Women Who Wander community grows louder at every Overland Expo. So, let’s kill the accessory narrative for good. Women aren’t decorating this culture…they’re driving it, in every sense of the word. The industry can keep calling it a trend, we’ll call it the future. View the full article

The Overland Expo Mountain West experience starts before you walk through the show gates. For many attendees, the adventure begins the moment they point their vehicle toward Colorado. Whether you’re traveling across the Rockies, coming from nearby states, or turning the event into a longer road trip, camping is a big part of what makes Overland Expo special. This year, attendees have even more ways to make the journey memorable, from the new Hipcamp Adventure Route to an enhanced moto camping experience and improvements at The Ranch Events Complex. Camp On-Site and Stay Connected Staying on-site is one of the best ways to experience Overland Expo. After the show floor closes, the campground becomes a gathering place where attendees share stories, compare builds, cook dinner, and connect with fellow travelers. Festival-style camping keeps you close to exhibitors, classes, demonstrations, and evening activities, making the entire weekend feel like one shared adventure. For those looking to elevate the experience, Premium Camping offers prime placement, exclusive perks, and added amenities that make your stay even more comfortable. Where Moto Riders Call Home for the Weekend Mountain West is a favorite stop for adventure motorcyclists, with dedicated moto camping offering riders a place to connect, share stories, and settle in alongside fellow ADV enthusiasts. The motorcycle camping area keeps riders close to Motorcycle Village, classes, and demonstrations while creating a community within the campground. Whether you’re arriving solo or riding with friends, it’s a chance to swap routes, compare setups, and connect with fellow travelers. Friday evening’s Moto Dinner Party & Raffle, sponsored by Moto Justice, gives riders another opportunity to keep the adventure going after the show floor closes. Add the event ticket during checkout and join fellow riders for dinner, music, giveaways, and a good time. Huge Upgrades at The Ranch Attendees will notice the brand new improvements throughout The Ranch Events Complex this year. Upgrades are focused on creating a smoother, more elevated experience across exhibits, education, camping, and gathering spaces while preserving the community atmosphere that makes Mountain West a favorite Overland Expo destination. Attendees can look forward to improved flow throughout the event, expanded spaces to relax and connect, and enhanced areas for exhibits, demonstrations, training, and evening gatherings. The updated layout creates a more comfortable and intuitive experience from arrival to departure. Camping Elevates the Overland Expo Experience Camping at Overland Expo Mountain West is about more than where you park at night. It’s about becoming part of the event. Some of the best moments happen around campfires, over morning coffee, and during conversations with people who share the same passion for adventure. With camping accommodations for every preference, a dedicated moto community, and the chance to swap stories under the stars, Mountain West is best enjoyed when you trade the hotel for the campgrounds. Buy Tickets Make the Journey to Mountain West An Adventure The road to Overland Expo is part of the experience. The new Hipcamp × Overland Expo Adventure Route makes it easier to discover campsites, scenic drives, and destinations before and after the show. For Mountain West attendees, the route offers opportunities to explore Colorado beyond Loveland, whether you’re planning a multi-day adventure or simply looking for a unique place to spend the night along the way. View the full article

In a few short weeks, Overland Expo Mountain West will be back in beautiful Loveland, Colorado, and it will be a weekend filled with awesome rigs, the latest gear, and, of course, thousands of like-minded adventurers coming together to get inspired and outfitted. Amongst the hundreds of exhibitors, you’ll find those that are off-road and vehicle-specific, but there’s also plenty that offer everything you need to get outdoors, no matter where you’re heading out on foot, by bike, or on four tires. You can check out the expansive exhibitor list below, and continue reading for a preview of the gear you can expect at Overland Expo Mountain West. The classic outdoor brands are here to keep you ready for your next trip to the backcountry. Danner Boots will be displaying their latest models and the classics. Danner has been making rugged footwear for 90 years, and it’s safe to say that they have a model for your off-trail hikes, rugged tracks, and even the local trails you hit weekly. To complete the head-to-adventure ensemble, check out the apparel experts at 686 and Kuhl. From the technical to the casual, they have you covered, literally. If you’re looking to explore beyond camp without breaking down, it’s tough to beat a bike. Rack experts at Kuat can get your bike into the backcountry without worry. They offer a wide range of options including hitch racks, bed racks, and more. Plus, they have an option for everything from gravel bikes to mountain bikes to e-bikes. If you’re more the type to hit the water or slopes, Kuat has you covered there with a line of racks and accessories for kayaks, snowboards, and skis. We’re big fans of having a knife handy because you never know when you’ll need to slice up some snacks, cut some cordage, or start a fire. Spyderco and Boker will be on site in Loveland with a wide range of blades for every cutting task and type of adventure. From lightweight folders for everyday to dedicated bushcraft blades that can help you survive in the toughest conditions, these brands will have what you need. One of the most recognizable adventure companies in the world will have their line of bags, packs, and apparel on display at Overland Expo Mountain West. Fjallraven’s classic waxed pants are ubiquitous with adventurers for good reason. They’re functional, durable, and comfortable, and that ethos carries over to the entire product line of Fjallraven. READ MORE: Overland Expo Mtn West is Getting a Huge Upgrade! Every adventure needs to have food and water covered, and you’ll find the best gear for both at Overland Expo. Grayl and Jet Boil have been huge supporters of the overland community, and we’ve put their gear to use on countless trail miles. Check out Grayl’s line of innovative water purifiers and supporting gear for clean water no matter where you roam. Jet Boil has been making innovative cook systems for every style of traveler for decades, from the classic Flash for fast and light trips, to the innovative Genesis system that packs everything you need for extended trips into a compact package. Both of these booths should be on your “must-see” list. Speaking of food and water, we consider coffee a strong third place for every trip, and VSSL’s line of coffee gear is top-notch. After reviewing their pour-over setup on trips, we find that we use it as home. The quality is top-notch, and it makes a consistently great cup of coffee at home, the office, or the campsite. You’ve probably heard of most of the brands that we’ve mentioned so far if you’re in the outdoor recreation scene, but Overland Expo is also a great place to find new brands you’re going to love. Some of these have been with us for years, and some are brand new exhibitors. For example, Kargo Gear makes some of the nicest packs and bags we’ve come across, and they’re made just down the road in Lafayette, CO. Manteo Poncho is a new Overland Expo exhibitor, and we’re excited to check out their poncho that can also serve as a sleeping bag, neck pillow, and ground blanket in one convenient package. Another new exhibitor, Snake Staff Systems keeps you safe no matter where you travel with their trusted and convenient products. A quality first aid kit, including a tourniquet, should always be readily accessible on your travels. We love connecting awesome brands with customers, and these three are just a small sample of the wide range of cool gear you can expect at Overland Expo Mountain West. View the full article

Overlanders value durability over trends, so the choice of a vehicle is a high-stakes decision. It has to be tough enough for technical trails, reliable enough for remote tracks, and simple enough to maintain when you are miles from anything. The 2026 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X meets every one of those requirements. That’s why we chose this platform for the 2026 Overland Expo Ultimate Overland Vehicle. Long before overlanding was a household term, Nissan established its reputation in the world’s most demanding environments. From the early Hardbody pickups to the legendary Patrols used by global organizations, Nissan engineering has always focused on mechanical endurance.  We chose the Frontier because it embodies a “get-home in one piece” philosophy. It’s a rugged, midsize platform that prioritizes real-world capability over unnecessary complexity. The Foundation: Why the Frontier? The midsize truck segment is more competitive than ever, but the Frontier stands out by staying true to its roots. While other rigs grew increasingly oversized and tech-heavy, the Frontier PRO-4X stayed nimble. Its dimensions are ideal for the tight forest service roads and technical switchbacks that define North American travel. At its core, the PRO-4X is a purpose-built tool. It features a fully-boxed high-strength steel frame designed to handle the increased payloads of a full build. While many trucks feel maxed out once you add a bed rack, tent, and gear, the Frontier’s suspension and chassis are engineered to easily carry that weight. The Frontier, to borrow from the old XTERRA ads, is everything you need and nothing you don’t. Trail Cred: Performance and Drivability The heart of this build is Nissan’s 3.8-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. In the backcountry, on loose rocks or in sand, power delivery is more important than raw numbers. The Frontier’s V6 provides steady, predictable torque that allows controlled technical climbs. When the pavement ends, the PRO-4X’s factory-installed hardware takes over. The shift-on-the-fly 4WD system is intuitive, and the electronic locking rear differential provides the mechanical traction needed for loose grades or deep ruts. Underbody protection is handled by a series of factory skid plates that shield the oil pan, fuel tank, and transfer case from trail damage. What sets the Frontier apart is its mechanical feedback. The steering and suspension feel connected to the terrain. This gives the driver clear information on what the tires are doing, which builds a level of confidence that digital drive modes can’t replicate.  Capability Without Excess One of the primary reasons we selected the Frontier is its lack of gimmicks. The interior is functional and ergonomic, featuring physical buttons and knobs that are easy to use by feel while you’re focused on the trail. Visibility is also excellent, which is a critical safety feature when spotting through technical sections or watching for obstacles. The Frontier is fully ready for anything. It doesn’t require a massive list of aftermarket fixes just to make it trail-worthy. It’s a truck that invites you to become part of the journey rather than isolating you from your surroundings. The Build: Purpose-Driven Upgrades To transform this Nissan Frontier PRO-4X into its final form, we’ve partnered with the experts at All Dogs Offroad Coop in Lincoln, NE. Known for their deep technical knowledge of the Nissan platform, they are focusing on a purpose-built evolution of the truck. Our goal is to enhance the truck’s strengths without changing its character. The build will feature a curated selection of the best gear in the industry, including upgraded suspension components, a lightweight camper, and modular storage solutions, to name a few. We chose every modification to improve self-sufficiency without compromising the reliability that makes the Frontier a great rig in the first place. A Vehicle with a Mission The 2026 Ultimate Overland Vehicle is not just a showpiece. It will spend the year on the road, traveling to four Overland Expo events: West, Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and East. We’ll use it as a remote basecamp for staff adventures. Journalists will get to take it out to experience the joy of exploration. It will serve as a mobile classroom and a hub for the community to see what a balanced, well-thought-out build looks like in person. Following its tour, the vehicle will be auctioned, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Overland Expo Foundation. These funds support public land access, outdoor ethics, and a diverse community of travelers. The 2026 Frontier PRO-4X build proves that the best rig isn’t the one with the most screens. It’s the one that gets you home after a long backcountry trip. Stay tuned as we detail the full gear list and trail testing throughout the year. View the full article

From navigating across continents to finding the nearest fuel stop, GPS has become indispensable during modern exploration, and Garmin has been defining GPS for nearly 40 years. Their first dedicated unit specifically designed for overlanding debuted to the public all the way back in 2019. This off-road focus model, appropriately dubbed the Garmin Overlander, was a huge hit, and since then Garmin has expanded this line and shifted it under the Tread nameplate series with several models available for off-road adventures. We’ve been testing the Garmin Tread 2 Overland Edition for several months, and we’ve tested it against other options on trails near and far, and we even finished up the review with it as the only “smart” device in a decidedly analog truck we’re building. Before we dive into the specifics of our time and experience, let’s review the high points of the Garmin Tread 2 Overland Edition. 8-inch high-resolution ultra-bright touchscreen IP67 construction withstands dust, rain, vibration, and extreme temps Dedicated turn-by-turn routing on and off-road Preloaded maps including topographic and 3D terrain layers Public and private land boundary overlay Excellent customization offerings to help you explore READ MORE: Best Rigs of Overland Expo PNW Built for the Rough Roads As soon as this Garmin GPS is in hand, the build quality is obvious. It’s not some lightweight, delicate tablet, and I never worried about a drop damaging it. After months of use, with some time riding around in a pouch with the mount when not in use, the only marks are on the rubberized bezel. Even these have to be caught in the right light. More importantly, the 8-inch touchscreen is still immaculate. Sharing the same off-road-ready construction is the suction cup mount. The Tread 2 snaps into place via the magnetic mount with a reassuring thud. While I can’t imagine jostling it from its perch, there’s even a physical locking clip for extra security. This mount is easy to swap between landscape and portrait orientations, and it has yet to fall from admittedly less-than-spotless windshield. One thing I’ve noticed over the full summer and winter seasons I’ve used the Tread 2 is that, even on the hottest days with many hours in the dash, I’ve never received a heat warning. I’ve seen this cause issues with smartphones and dash-mounted tablets on many occasions, but the 113-degree Fahrenheit range is accurate. On top of that, the touchscreen is visible in even the brightest sunlight with very minimal glare. To me, that’s a huge plus for any outdoor device, especially one that might be used on a motorcycle, SXS, or even a Jeep or Bronco with the top off. A couple of buddies have been using previous generations from this lineup, and even one still has an original Overland in use; the upgraded processor in the Tread 2 Overland Edition is noticeable. Even when loading zoomed-in maps with lots of detail, it never lags. In comparison to other GPS options, I’ve noticed the accuracy is very impressive. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, the dense foliage and deep hollows can often cause poor signal, but none of my routes have drifted from the trail, and even tracking multiple trips over the same track, the accuracy has held true. While all of my testing was in a truck, I can see how the Tread series would be very appealing to the ADV Moto and SXS crowds. Even in the elements, there’s no fear of failure, and these units offer some great functionality for every type of off-road adventure. Choose Your Own Adventurous Routing The Adventurous Routing feature is one of my favorite features on the Tread 2. It makes it super simple to dial in how much “wandering” you want to do on the way to your next destination. A simple slider selects one of four levels that changes how far off the “direct” route the Tread 2 will take you. It’s a great way to see some unexpected side routes while still heading the right direction. READ MORE: Overland Expo PNW Recaphttps://www.overlandexpo.com/compass/pnw-recap/ In a similar vein, if you’re looking for a great ride in a hurry, Garmin has you covered. The Tread mobile app features a curated collection of trails selected by the Garmin community. The app allows you to automatically sync these with your device, and they’re displayed by proximity. After you complete your own trip on a selected Great Ride route, you can even add your own photos and difficulty feedback. While I’m always in a truck when I’m exploring trails, you can also set up different vehicle profiles in the Tread 2, and then it will select routes appropriate for the rig you’ve selected. I can see this being a super helpful feature for someone that overlands with the family, but then heads out on a motorcycle or SXS for other trips. More than a GPS Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to test some of the extended capabilities that the Tread 2 offers through the PowerSwitch compatible options. This allows you to control lights, air compressors, and even lockers directly from the touchscreen. This is a great way to consolidate aftermarket 12-volt accessories into one place. As I continue to work on the Tundra, this will be a great way to keep accessory controls clean and easy to integrate. And if you’re already in the Garmin ecosystem, the Tread 2 Overland Edition adds tons of other functionality. With the Group Ride Tracker accessory, you can stay in touch with your group and track them in real time, plus with push-to-talk communicators you can even communicate hands-free with a helmet or headset. The Tread 2 can pair with your inReach satellite communication device for two-way texting without cell coverage and send interactive SOS messages to the Garmin Response team. With a compatible Garmin GPS Dog Tracker, you track and retrieve your dog in the field. Pros Incredible build quality. I can’t imagine a scenario that would begin to test the durability of the Tread 2 Overland Edition that wasn’t a vehicle fire or catastrophic accident. Massive ecosystem support and integration with other Garmin products. The PowerSwitch possibilities alone make this a huge boost to the functionality of this device. Mobile app works well, and the Great Trails integration is a nice touch. The initial sticker shock should be the only cost considered. Garmin offers free wireless map and software updates, so this can be a one-time purchase that backs years of off-road travel. Con Garmin’s UI has a bit of a learning curve, but once I used it for a weekend, I was good to go. Just don’t open the box, hit the trail, and expect everything to be easy to find. While robust, the included mount may not work for every use case, but Garmin offers additional options on their site. LEARN MORE View the full article

It is no secret that overlanders are gear heads. One of our favorite parts of Overland Expo is exploring the hundreds of vendors in search of cool new products to support upcoming travel. Overland Expo PNW 2026 exceeded expectations with a healthy collection of new and notable gear, including a first peek at the long-awaited book on Loren and Patty Upton’s lifetime of travel adventures. Here are ten things that caught our eye that we think you should check out. Patty Upton – Road’s End to Road’s End: The Epic Voyage of the Sand Ship Discovery In the overland community, there are few people more impressive than Patty Upton and her late husband, Loren, who spent thirty years traveling the world in their 1966 CJ-5 Jeep, the “Sand Ship Discovery”. If you’ve had the pleasure of sitting in on one of Patty’s presentations at Overland Expo, you know what an epic collection of travel adventures she and Loren had, including a Guinness Book of Records entry for the first all-land crossing of the Darién Gap in that very Jeep. With writing partner Misti Tokarsky (an impressive adventurer in her own right), Patty has released a much awaited book, Road’s End to Road’s End: The Epic Voyage of the Sand Ship Discovery documenting her legendary adventures with Loren. While they quickly sold out of books at Overland Expo PNW, you can order a copy from Amazon now. Those of us who have already started reading it can confirm that it is a book well worth adding to one’s library. LEARN MORE Freedom Recovery Gear – Stage 5 Vehicle Recovery Kit We’ve long been fans of Freedom Recovery Gear’s kit for their top quality materials and manufacturing, as well as their thoughtful design and attention to engineering as well as providing loading and limitation documentation. Recently they released their Vehicle-to-Vehicle “VTV” Stage 4 Recovery Kit that is a one stop collection of all the gear you need to get your vehicle out of a bind in a VTV scenario. They offer four versions of the set matched to the weight of your vehicle, with the equipment in the package tailored to the loading and forces of the differently sized vehicles. Each kit contains eight items: their TuggERR kinetic energy recovery rope, two screw pin bow shackles (with a 6:1 safety factor), three TuffX Soft Shackles with chafe guards, a TuffX Winch Line Extension/Bridle, and a gear storage bay with YKK zippers. They are currently offering a very nicely machined receiver recovery adaptor and a waterproof and tear resistant VTV Field Reference as a bonus. LEARN MORE Agile Offroad – Agile Vehicle Diagnostic The INEOS Grenadier has become increasingly more popular as a modern expedition vehicle, but with its growth has come some growing pains. As with many modern vehicles, more and more of the vehicle systems rely on dealer intervention for maintenance, troubleshooting, and system configuration and depending on where you are in the world, a Grenadier service provider can be hours or days away. Agile Offroad is preparing to release software that provides owners and independent service providers access to vehicle diagnostics and maintenance functions that have traditionally required dealer-specific diagnostic equipment, with additional features planned in future software updates. The software connects to the vehicle through the OBD-II diagnostic port and provides access to electronic control modules needed to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and system configuration. Key functions include reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes, performing both quick and comprehensive vehicle scans, resetting and customizing service intervals, and generating diagnostic reports for maintenance records or technical support. The software also provides advanced TPMS configuration options, allowing tire pressure parameters and warning thresholds to be adjusted for different tire and wheel combinations. In addition, users can view, save, restore, and modify selected vehicle configuration settings, enabling customized operating profiles while preserving original factory settings. Stay tuned for more information and the release of the software and corresponding hardware mid-July. LEARN MORE Pelican – Crate After hearing about the new Pelican CRATE storage containers, we finally got to see them in person, and we feel comfortable predicting that they are going to be very popular among our crowd. For those not familiar, the Pelican CRATE line is a recently released family of heavy-duty storage containers designed for securely transporting valuable gear. They are manufactured from injection-molded HPX polymer providing a durable enclosure that resists impacts and is moisture and dust sealed. The product line is available in multiple capacities, including the 45-liter and 90-liter models they had on display this weekend. They have a common design that allows the containers to be stacked and secured for efficient packing, even with dissimilar sizes. They also come with a removable lid that can be positioned in multiple orientations, an automatic pressure equalization valve, and provisions for padlocks. An integrated ModRail attachment system enables accessories and organization components to be mounted to the exterior of the crate without drilling or other permanent modifications. Color us excited to see another high-quality storage option available. LEARN MORE Rucker Knives – Fireside Cleaver We are suckers for a good knife, especially when they are made by hand. Pair that with a family business that represents three generations of knife making, and you have us hooked. If you aren’t familiar with Rucker Knives, you owe it to yourself to peruse their website. They have a broad array of hunting, camping, and kitchen knives that have a unique design flair that will appeal to both collectors and the EDC crowd alike. Of the several hundred knives they had on display at Overland Expo PNW this last weekend, the one that most caught our eye was their Fireside Cleaver. The blades are made from recycled timber mill blades that have a unique story to accompany their eye-catching design. The carbide steel promises a sharp edge that holds up well to use. The knife comes with a handmade leather sheath and free lifetime sharpening. For those smitten with the design and story behind the cleaver, they also have a kitchen knife and cleaver combo that comes in a beautiful leather knife roll sure to up your camp kitchen cred. LEARN MORE RollerCam – Sandstake If you’ve ever had the displeasure of using a traditional stake in sand, you know how poorly they work. RollerCam has a solution in their new SandStake that is a dream for anchoring tents, awnings, and other gear in that unforgiving substrate. The SandStake works by providing a widened stake face that better distributes the load from the line across the sand and takes the connection of the line down into the sand where the forces work for you instead of simply pulling a traditional stake out. The stakes are manufactured from corrosion-resistant aluminum and provide a secure attachment point for ropes, straps, and guy lines used for anchoring. If you find yourself in the desert or at the beach, these are worth picking up. They really are a game-changer for staking in sand. LEARN MORE RalliTEK – Subaru Hidden Winch Mount RalliTEK had an impressive array of suspension, armor, and recovery equipment for Subaru platforms on display at their booth this weekend. One of the things that really stood out was their hidden winch mount, which integrates seamlessly with the OEM front bumper design for an array of Subaru models. The winch mount is made of 3/16″ powder-coated steel and accommodates a wide array of winches while also providing hard recovery points. Best of all, they are surprisingly affordable and can be ordered with or without the winch. If you are ready to push the capabilities of your Subaru platform, it’s well worth checking out what RalliTEK offers. LEARN MORE STōD Gear Co. – Woodgaiter If you transport fire wood on your overlanding adventures, you know what a pain it can be to transport it and clean up the aftermath of debris. STōD Gear Company had a solution to this predicament on display at their booth this weekend – the WoodGaiter. The WoodGaiter is a reusable firewood carrier designed to transport, store, and contain firewood while minimizing the spread of bark, dirt, insects, and other debris. It is constructed from heavy-duty, weather-resistant fabric with reinforced stitching and integrated carry handles and it is designed to support repeated loading and transport of split firewood. Adjustable closure straps secure the load during transport and allow the carrier to be rolled into a compact package for storage when not in use. When opened flat, the WoodGaiter also functions as a durable utility mat that provides a clean work surface for campsite activities, vehicle maintenance, or equipment storage. LEARN MORE Forage and Thrive – Eat Off the Land Cookbook We were lucky enough to sit in on Sharon Tramell’s class this weekend, “The Forage and Thrive Approach: Ethical, Safe, and Flavorful Wild Foods for Every Overlander,” which piqued our interest in wild foraged food. Fortunately, a trip by her booth revealed her new cookbook Eat Off the Land. The tome covers safe plant identification, food preservation, camp and home cooking techniques for foraged food, and more than 170 recipes for integrating wild foods into your diet and cooking routine. At only $25, it’s hard to pass up if you are curious about the world of wild foods. LEARN MORE Fjallraven – Splitpack The Fjällräven Splitpack is a travel duffel backpack with a couple unique takes on the classic design. The bag features a clamshell design that divides the interior into two equal compartments separated by zippered mesh panels, allowing contents to remain organized and accessible while helping distribute the load evenly. The bag is constructed from durable, abrasion-resistant fabric with reinforced handles and heavy-duty zippers, the Splitpack looks and felt like it will withstand years of travel and outdoor use. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps allow the bag to be carried as a backpack and can be stowed when not in use, while multiple interior and exterior pockets provide additional storage for smaller items. Our favorite feature was the end grab handles that make pulling it out from the back of a vehicle easy. LEARN MORE View the full article

It’s no secret that overlanders like to kit out our vehicles for our adventures, whether we plan to take them on weekend trips or around the world expeditions. For this month, we’ve hunted down a number of new and notable products, from sleeping platforms to radios and from lights to trailers, that expand your vehicle’s capabilities and comfort. CarToCamp — Sleeping Platform The CarToCamp Sleeping Platform turns any car into a comfortable and organized camper. It is engineered to level out the uneven slant of the folded seats to create a flat space for two people to sleep inside the car. Underneath the Sleeping Platform is easy to access storage space for all your camping gear. At the rear of the vehicle are openings to slide storage bins, camp chairs, solar panels, and more. At the front of the Sleeping Platform there is a hinged wing at each side, making it easy to lift up and access even more storage compartments. Depending on the vehicle size, the Sleeping Platform can be extended up to 74” in length and matches the curvature of the inside of the vehicle to maximize sleeping space. When the Sleeping Platform arrives at your door it can easily be assembled in under ten minutes without any tools required. Simply assemble the parts with notches and grooves – anyone can do it! Between camping trips the Sleeping Platform can be disassembled just as easily and stored flat in your apartment, garage, or even under your couch. Many customers choose to leave the back half installed in their vehicle year round to be used as a shelf storage system for everyday items like groceries. Proudly manufactured in Reading, Pennsylvania, the Sleeping Platform is backed by the CarToCamp Guarantee and highly reviewed customer support. Use the vehicle compatibility checker on the website to find the right Sleeping Platform for your car. Shop confidently knowing that since 2020 CarToCamp Sleeping Platforms have been meticulously designed, tested, and refined for hundreds of different vehicle models. MSRP: $695.00 BUY NOW Dreamhaven RV — Gladiator Force Engineered for serious off-grid travel, the Gladiator Force is made for extended backcountry runs beyond maintained roads, where travellers stay self-sufficient, and on (or off) the road longer. From high-country tracks to desert crossings and riverside camps, it is built for those who keep going when the pavement ends. Manufactured by Australia’s most awarded RV builder*, Dreamhaven RVs Gladiator Force is designed for real-world overlanding, not showroom conditions. Underneath is a six inch, dual stacked Australian chassis paired with off-road airbag suspension; delivering the strength, stability, and control needed to handle rough terrain with confidence. Where it earns its reputation is off-grid independence. A 460Ah lithium battery, 3kW inverter, dual 230W solar panels, Anderson-style input for portable solar, and advanced DC/DC battery management system work together to provide reliable power in remote locations. Dual freshwater tanks and a dedicated grey water tank support extended stays away from facilities, while portable induction cooking provides a safe and efficient cooking setup that still performs at altitude and in remote conditions. Inside, practicality meets comfort for extended travel. A private wet bath with cassette toilet, smart storage throughout, smart TV, and a twin-to-queen bed conversion create a functional living space, while external work lights simplify camp setup after dark. Every detail is designed to balance comfort with genuine self-sufficiency. Backed by more than 20 years of Australian RV manufacturing experience, Dreamhaven RV has built an overland trailer for serious travel, not weekend imitation. The Gladiator Force delivers durability, independence, and the capability to keep travelling long after the road disappears. Go further and stay longer in a Dreamhaven RV. Crusader Caravans is the most awarded caravan manufacturer in the history of the Caravan Industry Victoria, Australia (CIV) Hall of Fame and Industry Awards, having received the prestigious CIV Manufacturer of the Year award in 2019, 2021, 2024, and 2025. Crusader also holds the distinction of being the first and only Manufacturer of the Year to earn the esteemed Master Manufacturer title, awarded by CIV. MSRP: $83,590 BUY NOW Midland Radio — GXT67 GMRS 5 Watt Walkie Talkie – GXT67PRO When the next and greatest adventure takes overlanders further off grid and away from cell service, dependable communication becomes an essential part of the experience. The Midland® GXT67 GMRS 5-Watt Walkie Talkie – GXT67PRO is built to help overlanders stay connected, whether they’re navigating remote trails, coordinating with a convoy, or setting up camp after a long day off the beaten path. Powered by 5 Watts and featuring GMRS repeater capability, the GXT67 PRO delivers maximum two-way radio range, helping overlanders communicate confidently across challenging terrain. This extensive range ensures team members can reach one another while traveling together or when splitting up for activities like hiking, paddleboarding, or fishing. Ultimately, this powerful walkie-talkie serves as the perfect companion to in-vehicle base stations for seamless connection anywhere. Engineered with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, the radio is built to handle mud, rain, dust, river crossings, and unpredictable weather, making it a reliable tool wherever the trail leads. Because long days on the trail require dependable battery performance, the GXT67 PRO provides up to 16 hours of active operation or up to 4 days of standby time. When it is time to power up, the included 4-hour rapid charger quickly gets adventurers back on the move. The intuitive menu interface makes changing channels, adjusting settings, and accessing features simple, even during fast-paced expeditions.The system is straightforward enough that anyone on the journey can instantly use it for streamlined communication. NOAA Weather Radio keeps travelers informed of shifting weather conditions, imperative as users spend long periods of time exploring the outdoors. It gives them the time needed to get to safety should severe weather pop up. Designed for overlanders who venture beyond the pavement, the Midland GXT67 PRO provides the performance, durability, and communication needed to keep every adventure connected. When the next great adventure takes overlanders further off-grid and away from cell service, dependable communication becomes an essential part of the experience. The Midland GXT67 GMRS 5-Watt Walkie Talkie – GXT67PRO is built to help adventurers stay connected, whether they are navigating remote trails, coordinating with a convoy, or setting up camp after a long day off the beaten path. Powered by 5 Watts and featuring GMRS repeater capability, the GXT67 PRO delivers maximum two-way radio range, allowing overlanders to communicate confidently across challenging terrain. This extensive range ensures team members can reach one another while traveling together or when splitting up for activities like hiking, paddleboarding, or fishing. Ultimately, this powerful walkie-talkie serves as the perfect companion to in-vehicle base stations for seamless connection anywhere. Engineered with an IP67 waterproof and dustproof design, the radio is built to handle mud, rain, dust, river crossings, and unpredictable weather, making it a reliable tool wherever the trail leads. Because long days on the trail require dependable battery performance, the GXT67 PRO provides up to 16 hours of active operation or up to 4 days of standby time. When it is time to power up, the included 4-hour rapid charger quickly gets adventurers back on the move. The intuitive menu interface makes changing channels, adjusting settings, and accessing features simple—even during fast-paced expeditions. The system is straightforward enough that anyone on the journey can instantly use it for streamlined communication. Additionally, integrated NOAA Weather Radio keeps travelers informed of shifting conditions. This real-time tracking is imperative for anyone spending extended periods exploring the outdoors, giving users the vital time needed to seek safety should severe weather suddenly arise. Designed specifically for overlanders who venture far beyond the pavement, the Midland GXT67 PRO provides the performance, durability, and communication capability needed to keep every adventure connected. MSRP: $239.99 BUY NOW READ MORE: Best Rigs of Overland Expo Pacific Northwest 2026 Baja Designs — S2 Sport Universal Light Kit The Baja Designs S2 Sport is a bit of a do-it-all. It works as a chase light to increase safety and visibility on dusty trails. In camp, it’s a scene light to illuminate around your rig, and when you need to knock out some projects in the backcountry, it’s a great work light. It’s truly a universal kit that includes a single-light 2-pin harness with an on/off switch and a 10ft extension harness, making it compatible with nearly any off-road vehicle. The included extension harness makes installation easy and ensures reliable operation, allowing you to position your chase light at the rear of almost any vehicle. MSRP: $164.95 BUY NOW Front Runner — 4 Wolf Pack Pro Storage System Kit Front Runner is no stranger to the overland storage game. Their boxes are ubiquitous. This system is a great option for many SUVs, and Front Runner offers similar kits in different sizes. Front Runner Wolf Pack Pros, the heart of this modular storage system, are perfectly sized for kitchen supplies, dried goods, tools, camera gear, toiletries, even clothes. The cargo deck system is spring-loaded to secure your SBOX031 boxes in place, preventing vibration and excess movement. The top deck can also be used to mount Front Runner Cargo/Fridge Slides, and it’s finished with a clean bamboo surface. Plus, the whole thing can be installed in minutes, so you can upgrade your storage and hit the trail. MSRP: $1,062.00 Sale Price: $902.70 BUY NOW Kakadu — Outback Shower System Photo: Rick Stowe Photo: Rick Stowe Keeping clean in the backcountry greatly improves livability, and the Kakadu Outback Shower System makes it easy to maintain hygiene and other camp chores in a compact, dependable package. We tested this shower system over several months, and it was a great option for personal showers, dishes, and more. Check out our full review HERE. With an onboard thermostat, easy setup, and even an onboard battery, all you need is your own water source, and you’re good to go. The whole kit packs into its own bag for easy transport. MSRP: $499.00 Sale Price: $399.20 BUY NOW View the full article

One of the things I always enjoy about Overland Expo is seeing the incredible variety of vehicles that come together for a single weekend. While the classes, exhibitors, and community are what draw people in, it’s often the builds themselves that leave a lasting impression. Walking the venue at Pacific Northwest, there was no shortage of inspiration. Some represented years of careful planning, while others showcased what today’s manufacturers and aftermarket companies are capable of creating together. Here are a few of the rigs that stood out to me throughout the weekend. 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser “Turbo Trail Cruiser” Toyota brought plenty of eye-catching vehicles to Overland Expo PNW, but I kept coming back to this beautifully executed 1985 Land Cruiser. Built by Toyota Motorsports Garage, the “Turbo Trail Cruiser” seamlessly blends old and new with a twin-turbo i-FORCE 3.4L V6 from the current Tundra tucked beneath its classic sheet metal. Finished in period-correct Silver with a subtle 1.5-inch lift and 35-inch all-terrain tires, it looks remarkably close to factory. It’s the kind of build that respects the heritage of the FJ60 while quietly showcasing what modern Toyota engineering can do when it’s done right. 1997 Toyota Hiace Super Custom “Dad-Van” Nicknamed the “Dad-Van,” this imported 1997 Toyota Hiace was one of the more relatable builds at the show. Owned by Nate, a Les Schwab employee of 26 years, the right-hand-drive van was built with family adventures in mind, hauling his family of five to campgrounds, ski slopes, and trailheads throughout Central Oregon. The retro styling immediately caught my eye, while the Nomad wheels, Mazama Open Range A/T Plus tires, roof rack, and rooftop tent add just the right amount of capability. Sometimes it’s the builds with a little personality that leave the biggest impression, and this one certainly did. Storyteller Overland GXV Wild Expedition campers aren’t exactly uncommon at Overland Expo, but the Storyteller Overland GXV Wild stood out for taking a different approach. Built on a Ram 3500 single cab with a 6.4L HEMI V8, it’s designed to be lighter, more nimble, and easier to maneuver than many of the larger expedition rigs on the market. One of my favorite features is the rear cargo deck, which provides dedicated space for bikes, motorcycles, or other adventure gear without sacrificing the living area inside. Step into the cabin and you’ll find a thoughtfully designed interior built for extended time off the grid. Starting at around $300,000, it’s an impressive package that blends capability, comfort, and smart design in a way that feels approachable despite its premium price. Drew Simms’ Long Range America Ram 2500 Professional photographer Drew Simms’ Ram 2500 immediately caught my eye in the Long Range America booth. Built around a Four Wheel Campers Project M, the truck strikes a great balance between capability and simplicity, with a clean, functional interior that reflects Drew’s travel-focused lifestyle. A set of Method wheels wrapped in 37-inch Toyo Open Country R/T Pro tires gives the truck an aggressive stance while providing the traction needed for remote destinations. As someone who’s spent years documenting adventures around the world, it’s no surprise Drew has another epic journey on the horizon. This rig looks more than ready for wherever the next assignment takes him. SHERP Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicle Some vehicles stand out because they’re beautifully built. Others stand out because they look like they belong on another planet. One of the more fascinating vehicles at the show was the SHERP owned by Shaun of @TheStoryTillNow, displayed in the onX Offroad booth, definitely fell into the latter category. Riding on massive low-pressure tires, the amphibious all-terrain vehicle is designed to tackle terrain that would stop almost anything else, including mud, deep snow, swamps, and even open water. While most attendees probably won’t be adding one to their garage anytime soon, it was impossible to walk past without stopping for a closer look. Sometimes Overland Expo is just as much about seeing what’s possible as it is planning your next adventure. READ MORE: Overland Expo PNW 2026 Recap Overlander Ridge XT While this wasn’t our first time seeing the Overlander in person, it remains one of the few expedition-ready RVs that consistently draws us back for another look. The thoughtful blend of capability, comfort, and build quality continues to set it apart. Built on the proven Ford E-Series chassis, the Ridge XT strikes a compelling balance between a traditional Class C motorhome and an overland-ready adventure vehicle. The Toyo Open Country R/T Trail tires hint at its capability beyond the pavement, while the interior feels more refined than you’d expect from a compact expedition RV. For travelers who want the comfort of a full kitchen, dedicated sleeping space, and room to relax without giving up the ability to venture well beyond the campground, the Overlander continues to stand out as one of the more thoughtfully executed RVs in the growing overland segment. Agile Offroad Ineos Grenadier The Ineos Grenadier is already one of the most capable platforms on the market, but Agile Offroad showed just how much more potential it has. Rather than simply displaying the finished product, the team removed a front wheel to showcase its suspension system, giving attendees a rare look at the engineering behind the build. Upgrades like FOX shocks, Agile’s brake kit, integrated power solutions, and BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO3 tires on Agile wheels create a well-rounded package that’s ready for everything from daily driving to serious backcountry travel. It was one of the more educational displays at the event, proving that sometimes what’s underneath the vehicle is just as impressive as what you see on the outside. ARB Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 Every Overland Expo needs a classic Land Cruiser, and this beautifully restored FJ60 delivered. Sitting in the ARB booth, it blended old-school Toyota styling with carefully selected modern upgrades, including polished retro-inspired wheels, Nitto Ridge Grappler tires, an ARB Altitude rooftop tent, and the brand’s signature bumper and recovery equipment. It never felt overbuilt or overcomplicated. Instead, it served as a reminder that some of the best adventure vehicles are the ones that continue to evolve while staying true to what made them iconic in the first place. Goose Gear Ford Bronco with Ursa Minor Camper As a Bronco owner, this was one of the builds that really caught my attention. It was my first time seeing the Ursa Minor camper in person, and it immediately became one of those modifications I’d seriously consider for my own Bronco. Displayed in the Goose Gear booth, the build paired the pop-top with Goose Gear’s rear seat delete and modular camp kitchen, creating a compact, highly functional camping setup without compromising the Bronco’s everyday usability. The thoughtful storage, slide-out kitchen, and integrated sleeping space make it an ideal solution for weekend adventures, while still keeping the vehicle nimble enough for daily driving. It’s the kind of build that leaves you walking away with new ideas for your own rig. Winnebago ARKA 20Z The Winnebago ARKA continues to stand out as one of the most compelling expedition campers we’ve seen. We’ve previously taken a deeper look at the Winnebago ARKA, but seeing it in person again reminded us just how refined this platform really is. Built on the RAM 5500 chassis, the 20Z blends genuine off-grid capability with an interior that feels more boutique hotel than backcountry camper. The warm lighting, premium materials, and thoughtful layout immediately make it feel inviting, while features like integrated lithium power, robust solar, flexible sleeping arrangements, and smart storage are clearly designed for extended adventures. If you’re looking for a platform that doesn’t force you to compromise between comfort and capability, the ARKA deserves a spot near the top of your list. View the full article

The Pacific Northwest doesn’t do anything halfway. Towering pines, volcanic high desert, rivers that cut through canyons like they have somewhere to be. It’s the kind of country that practically dares you to load up your rig and disappear for a week. So, when Overland Expo PNW 2026 rolled into the Deschutes County Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, June 26-28, it felt less like a trade show and more like a homecoming for everyone who’d rather sleep under the stars than under a roof. A Vendor Village That Refused to Quit Walking the show floor was an adventure in itself. With 295 exhibitors on-site, every stroll through the grounds uncovered innovative gear, incredible vehicles, and plenty of “I need that” moments. Our title sponsors set the tone early. Toyota turned heads with an awe-inspiring display anchored by the 1985 Turbo Trail Cruiser; a build based on a 1985 Land Cruiser FJ60 that honors Toyota’s legendary Land Cruiser legacy while flexing some seriously modern engineering and reliability. It was the kind of rig that stops you mid-stride and makes you forget where you were going. Subaru brought a different kind of energy, packing their booth with hands-on demos that covered everything from how to successfully live out of your Subaru to outfitting your rig for adventure and taking it off-road. Practical, inspiring and packed with real-world tips for the Subaru faithful. American Expedition Vehicles showed off several killer vehicles including the Ford Super Duty FXL that they launched earlier this year, and it is STILL drool worthy. Four Wheel Campers and ROA Off-Road proved that home really can come with you, while Dometic turned camp comfort into an art form with coolers, power and gear that blur the line between roughing it and living well. Expion360, showcased batteries and solar set ups that keep the lights on for weeks in the backcountry. Overland Vehicle Systems rolled out awnings, tents, and recovery gear built to take a beating while providing top-class living space in the backcountry. Wanderbox brought out their expedition-ready rigs that really are a home on wheels, Pelican Products showed why their cases survive everything short of the apocalypse, 58 Peaks reminded us that our coffee can get a kick of flavor no matter where we’re brewing it, and Ford’s series of Tremor-equipped rigs had us dreaming of new builds. Then there were the exhibitors who turned browsing into an obsession. Rucker Knives put serious steel in serious hands AND sponsored the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion. A perfect match for trail ready meals. Tires, Beer, and Good People Our supporting sponsors kept the good times rolling. Nokian Tyres showed up with rubber built for whatever the backcountry throws at you. And pFriem Beer? Let’s just say nobody walked away thirsty after a long day on the grounds. The special area sponsors made the community feel like, well, community. Hankook Tire anchored Bivvy #1, the central hub where strangers became friends, stories got swapped, and future travel plans were solidified. As always, the action at Overland Expo doesn’t stop when the exhibitor rows close. Friday night Happy Hour sponsored by OGO Compost Toilet/Configure Brands kicked off the evening activities. From there, the Women Who Wander Networking Event sponsored by MAXXIS Tires created a welcoming space for female overlanders to connect, share routes, and prove the trail belongs to everyone. And if that wasn’t enough to keep attendees busy during the evening, they could still choose between the Toyota Game Night with plenty of laughs, snacks, and good times, or head over to the Overland Expo Film Festival to get inspired by incredible films showcasing overland journeys from a host of talented filmmakers. This night of adventure films reminded everyone exactly why we do this. Saturday evening, the action kicked off even earlier with Camp Subaru LIVE! delivering tunes and good vibes before Happy Hour sponsored by Guild Outfitters brought everyone together to share stories of good gear, new friendships, and more from the day. Post happy hour, the Overland Expo Foundation once again saw tons of prizes going home with attendees, and it raised $18,000 that will go towards expanding access, protecting trails, and helping the overland community at large. Where the Real Learning Happened Gear gets you started. Skills get you home. That’s why training and education sit at the heart of every Overland Expo. This year, 138 trainees climbed behind the wheel for hands-on driving instruction, working one-on-one with expert instructors on a custom-built off-road course. Recovery drills, technical maneuvers, the works. People who showed up nervous left ready to tackle terrain they’d only dreamed about. The classroom side delivered too. Across 212 sessions and 221 hours of education, attendees soaked up everything from navigation and trip planning to vehicle maintenance and Tread Lightly principles. Beginner or expert, nobody left without learning something new. The Stories Continue Big thanks to our media partners who help tell these stories all year long: OVR Magazine, Off Road Travel TV, OutdoorX4, and Overland Collective. They keep the overlanding spirit alive long after the tents come down. When the dust settled, 16,000 attendees had made the trip to Redmond. That’s 16,000 people who chose community, adventure, and the open road over a quiet weekend at home. The high desert got loud, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Missed It? Don’t Make the Same Mistake Again Photo by Overland Expo Photo by Overland Expo Photo by Overland Expo Photo by Overland Expo Photo by Overland Expo Photo by Overland Expo Photo by Overland Expo Photo by Overland Expo Here’s the part where the FOMO really kicks in. PNW 2026 is in the books, but the road doesn’t end here. Next stop: Overland Expo Mountain West in Colorado. Picture alpine passes, big mountain air, and a whole new crew of overlanders ready to swap stories and trade trail tips. The vendors, the training, the films, the community, it’s all heading to the Rockies, and you’ve got another chance to be a part of the 2026 Overland Expo road trip. So fuel up, check your tire pressure, and point your rig toward Colorado. The world is out there. Let’s go find it together. Ready to road trip with us? Grab your tickets for Overland Expo Mountain West, and we’ll see you in the mountains. BUY TICKETS View the full article

Quick take: After a year of exposure to the elements, camping in all conditions, and rolling down tight trails, this the Skycamp DLX Mini still looks as good as new, and we expect it will provide a restful backcountry home for years to come. iKamper pioneered hardshell rooftop tents back in 2017, and their Kickstarter raised a staggering $2.37 million in backing, making it the most successful tent campaign in Kickstarter history. Since then, their dedicated team based in South Korea has been designing and manufacturing a range of rooftop tents with incredible attention to design and craftsmanship. Currently, several iKamper models are available with huge discounts, including the Skycamp 3.0 Mini and Skycamp 3.0, both of which are over $1,000 off! iKamper Skycamp DLX Mini: Compact and Feature Packed Now in their fourth generation, the iKamper team has continued to refine their Skycamp series of tents. We just finished up an all-seasons review of the Skycamp DLX Mini, which is currently out of stock. No doubt, because it’s a great option for overlanders looking for a tent that provides an incredibly comfortable living space that’s lightweight and compact when closed. However, the same features can be found in the Skycamp series, which includes the updated 4.0 and 3.0 ranges that offer tents in sizes to fit every rig. Like most of our reviews, the real experience with the iKamper Skycamp DLX Mini started with the installation. It was easily completed with the help of a friend since the tent weighs in at 140 lbs. The included mounting hardware made positioning and mounting the tent incredibly easy. iKamper’s Mounting Brackets are designed to work with low-profile and flat roof racks, and it’s some of the easiest we’ve ever used. This mounting system is especially handy if you plan to remove the tent when you aren’t using it, but it’s so comfortable and easy to set up you’ll be tempted to head out camping as much as possible. Once it was mounted on the Rover, opening the iKamper was as easy as popping a couple of latches, opening the tent, adding the spring poles, and attaching the ladder. The self-inflating mattress rolls out and can be topped off via pump. The cord-lined floor offers insulation so this tent can easily be used in three seasons, and with the optional insulation tent pushed into deep winter travels. It also helps with sound dampening and helps keep the overall weight of the tent down. READ MORE: A Newcomer’s Guide to Overland Expo PNW Integrated bi-color LEDs and USB power are nice touches that add a lot of livability to the iKamper. Just plug in your power source, and you can dial in the lighting inside and outside of the tent to fit your needs. Photo by Rick Stowe Photo by Rick Stowe Photo by Rick Stowe Photo by Rick Stowe iKamper does an incredible job with their accessories lineup, from the previously mentioned insulation kit to padded stairs for their ladders. They also have a full line of awnings and annexes to work with all of their tents. This product line makes it very easy to dial in the exact features that you want for your tent. Don’t just take our word for the build quality and excellent design that iKamper offers. iKamper is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified for quality and environmental management, meaning they have met strict quality management systems to consistently meet customer and regulatory requirements while minimizing the ecological footprint of their production process and facilities. This is one of, if not the best, compact tents that we’ve reviewed, and we can’t wait to see what’s next from iKamper. With their thoughtful design process, each generation of tent has been better than the last without forgetting what works. After a year of exposure to the elements, camping in all conditions, and rolling down tight trails, this the Skycamp DLX Mini still looks as good as new, and we expect it will provide a restful backcountry home for years to come. View the full article

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 PNW 2026” as the event and let it download the event-specific data. In addition to the official Overland Expo app, we’ve teamed with onX Offroad to bring you a complete venue map with point-to-point navigation instructions via the onX Offroad app. Discounts for onX Offroad subscriptions will be available at the event. apple ios ANDROID OS Once you arrive, the overland world is your oyster. Here are the highlights to get you on your way: Education One of the highlights of Overland Expo is the quality (and quantity) of overland education offered all weekend. PNW will feature more than 220 unique classes in 10 different education areas and nearly 400 session hours taught by more than 120 instructors. With that many classes, there is no shortage of opportunities to learn a new skill at the Backcountry and Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Rucker Knives, get inspired by your fellow travelers, brush up on your fundamentals, or engage the experts at a roundtable. You can learn more about the weekend’s classes, including descriptions of all 10 areas, suggested classes, and the jam-packed schedule here. Exhibitors No doubt, the exhibitor area is one of the most popular parts of Overland Expo. This year, the PNW event will have more vendors than ever, with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing thousands of products to support your vehicle-based adventuring. 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. Relax at the Bivvys Swing by the Bivvy sponsored by Hankook Tires to find a place to sit, rest for a bit, recharge your phone, fill your water bottle, and plan your next move. Multiple Bivvys will be set up around the venue, so enjoy the time between classes and plan your next move during an action-packed 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. Friday Start off your evening right by heading to the Oasis Bar and Food Court for Happy Hour sponsored by OGO Compost Toilet and Configure Brands. Mingle with your newfound overlanding friends and expand your circle before the rest of the evening activities ramp up. Happy Hour runs from 5-7 PM. Don’t miss the Women Who Wander Networking Event sponsored by MAXXIS Tires 6-8 PM at the Education Area. Following the happy hour, there are several great opportunities vying for your attention. From 7-9 PM, come to the Hiline Home Hall for the Overland Expo Film Festival where you can enjoy an evening of inspiration and great storytelling through the medium of film. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, come by booth FG19 during the same time slot for Toyota Game Night. Test your knowledge and luck at music bingo, win some great prizes, and enjoy a complimentary dinner from the Toyota team. READ MORE:Expand Your Backcountry Capability at Overland Expo PNW 2026 Saturday Get your evening rolling at Camp Subaru LIVE! 3-5 PM in booth FG7. There you can find live music, snacks, and drinks from our beer sponsor, PFRIEM Beer. Plus, swing by the Subaru booth throughout the weekend for the Subaru Loves Pets adoption event, and you may just leave with a new four-legged adventure buddy. From there, join hundreds of fellow overlanders for Happy Hour sponsored by Guild Outfitters at the Oasis Bar & Food Court from 5-7 PM. While you are there, make sure to stop by the Overland Expo Foundation booth nearby to stock up on raffle tickets and find a good seat at the Oasis Bar & Food Court, where the world-famous Overland Expo Foundation Raffle runs from 7-9 PM. Come for a chance to take home some amazing prizes from a truly impressive cache of overland gear donated by sponsors and exhibitors. It really does take two hours to give away that many prizes! All proceeds from the raffle tickets go to supporting the charitable work of the Overland Expo Foundation. You can learn about the impact the Foundation had last year through the raffles here. 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 in just a few short weeks at the Deschites County Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. BUY TICKETS View the full article

Specialized Bikes is calling the new S-Works Levo 4 X “the birth of Electric Overland.” Do you agree? Like everything else, overlanding is changing, and one of the bigger shifts is that more and more backcountry travelers are looking at electric vehicles. And that trend is not limited to just the four-wheeled adventure rigs. Plenty of overlanders carry a bike with them; more and more of these bikes are e-bikes in recent years. Again, with extended range, less sweating, and arguably more fun, e-bikes have become immensely popular for recreation, commuting, and exploration in the last few years. Now, bicycle industry giant Specialized has debuted the S-Works Levo 4 X, an eMTB like no other, specifically geared towards extended off-road travel with racks for gear and more impressive features. They’re calling it “the birth of electric overland.” Do you agree? At first glance, the Levo 4 X looks like a capable full-suspension mountain bike, albeit with some very interesting racks on it. Full suspension bikes have been around for decades, and some adventurous bikepackers even use them for extended trips in rough terrain, but the Levo 4 X brings more to the table. It’s purpose-built for supporting extended self-sufficient trips. The front and rear racks have a combined carrying capacity of nearly 50 lbs. Which is more than enough for camping gear, food, and water. Check out Specialized’s video below to see the Levo 4 X in action. A powerful 850-watt motor with 111 Nm of torque is designed to help riders get through tough challenges, and the 840Wh battery is ready for prolonged adventures, providing four to five hours of riding range on electric power. That translates to 30-45 miles depending on the terrain and the weight of the rider plus gear. There’s also an optional 280Wh Range Extender that bumps total onboard capacity up to 1,120Wh. The S-Works Levo 4 X isn’t a one-size-fits-all eMTB. The MicroTune Assist systems available through the Specialized App let the rider fine-tune the Eco, Trail, and Turbo modes available on the bike so that the right balance between range and electric assist can be dialed in on the fly. Photo by Specialized Bikes Photo by Specialized Bikes Photo by Specialized Bikes Photo by Specialized Bikes Of course, the bike boasts more performance features beyond the electric bits. It’s rocking what the bike world affectionately calls a mullet wheel setup with a 29-inch front tire and 27.5 inc in the back. This offers a good balance between the roll-over capability of the larger size while providing better geometry for a nimble ride on tight trails. The GENIE suspension shared with other high-end full-suspension bikes is fully adjustable. It makes sure the bike doesn’t bottom out, even when loaded with gear, and provides a comfortable ride even at high speeds over rocky trails. Beyond the trail, the Levo 4 X could replace an automobile for plenty of rides when they’re headed to work, the grocery store, or even down to the beach with their surfboard. The combination of range, cargo room, and performance provides heaps of functionality across many use cases. For overlanders, this bike opens up a lot of options. With the kind of range you could explore away from your main rig and base camp, even for an overnight trip. It’s capable of scouting even the toughest terrain, and in a pinch, if your rig is stuck or broken down, this new offering from Specialized could get you back to civilization. If you’re torn between exploring on two wheels or four, this could be a great addition to your loadout so you can get the wind on your face while putting down some trail miles without fully committing to an adventure moto. The S-Works Levo 4 X is available for $11,999, and if you’re looking for other options, the Levo range provides capable eMTBs across a variety of price points. View the full article

Overland Expo PNW 2026 is just around the corner, and with it comes a longtime favorite – the Overland Expo Film Festival. The film festival takes place on Friday, June 26th, bringing an evening of inspirational films documenting vehicle-based travel adventures both near and far. Be ready to be blown away by exceptional storytelling and world-class cinematography. FILM FEST: FRIDAY, JUNE 26th at 7:00 PM FILM: No One Falls Alone No One Falls Alone delves into how a motorcycle trip can and will change you. It’s a story about what happens when the road strips everything away—leaving only what matters: the people riding beside you. Across Colombia’s unique and challenging terrain, strangers become brothers. Not through likes or group chats—but through breakdowns, rainforest, mud, and shared miles. This isn’t about the destination. It’s about who shows up when things get hard. Filmmaker: Maxwell Frost Maxwell Frost believes that stories have the power to shape culture in profound and lasting ways. That’s why he’s dedicated his life to the craft of telling meaningful stories across a range of mediums. As the founder of Wolfzilla Productions, he leads a multi-award-winning production company recognized with over 20 awards in 11 countries. They specialize in crafting impactful narratives that leave a lasting imprint, helping to shape culture and inspire change. FILM: Savoring Joy A film about biking over 450 miles to celebrate a crucial expression for a Navajo child. The adventure marries bikepacking with wild horses, canyons, and new life as every pedal stroke gets Mylo closer to his homeland, Dinétah. The teachings of his Elders help guide Mylo in enduring to the end and deciding which path to take, even if it means helping one family. Filmmakers: Ben Weiland and Brian Davis Ben Weiland and Brian Davis are two filmmakers who have been working together for nearly 10 years. Their friendship goes back even further. Their interest in making movies brought them together to form Fielder Films, a small studio with a focus on craftsmanship, artistry, and imagination. The films they make are about independent stories of people, exploration, and creative pursuit in places of imagination across the planet. are two filmmakers who have been working together for nearly 10 years. Their friendship goes back even further. Their interest in making movies brought them together to form Fielder Films, a small studio with a focus on craftsmanship, artistry, and imagination. The films they make are about independent stories of people, exploration, and creative pursuit in places of imagination across the planet. FILM: Perseverance On an open-ended ride through the Americas, Logan’s solo motorcycle journey unravels after a sudden crash sends him into a spiral of unrelenting challenges. What begins as a dream ride becomes a raw test of grit, resilience, and the will to persevere. Filmmaker: Logan Olausen Logan Olausen is an adventure filmmaker and photographer who has spent the past decade exploring the world by motorcycle. Beginning as a backpacker riding through Vietnam on a 110cc Honda Win, Logan gradually progressed to larger bikes and longer journeys, exploring the remote corners of the UK and New Zealand while developing his craft as a storyteller. These early adventures laid the foundation for his biggest expedition to date — an open-ended solo motorcycle journey from Argentina to Los Angeles on a purpose-built Suzuki DR650. READ MORE: Expand Your Backcountry Capability at Overland Expo PNW 2026 FILM: SOFNG8FL Motorcycle Relief Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing five-day adventure motorcycle rides and workshops geared toward PTSD and other invisible injuries. This short film documents that journey for several participants. Filmmaker: Keith Dishong Keith Dishong is an avid motorcycle rider, guide, and instructor. He’s an amateur documentary filmmaker and sits on the board of directors for Motorcycle Relief Project. FILM: Hammer Down 6 Six years ago, we started our journey across the United States on the Transamerica Trail. The Transamerica Trail is a network of dirt and subsurface backroads, 4WD tracks and hidden gems that connect the eastern US with the West. Our plan was atypical. Instead of driving the whole route in one stride, we opted to break it up and travel as far as we could within a week – where we stopped is where we started each year. After 5 years on the road together, we’re starting this adventure in Utah, and we’re aiming for the Idaho border. Filmmaker: Jason Specht Mountain State Overland has published over 270 videos on YouTube recounting their travels through 32 states and Canadian provinces since 2013. Each year they film their guided tours and earmark a multi-week cross country overland adventure reserved specifically for their team members. Whether their powering across the country on the Trans-America Trail or leading new adventures in the Appalachian Mountains, the Mountain State Overland team is dedicated to curating the most memorable experiences on film and on the trail. FILM: Ancient Cities & Endless Dunes: Overlanding Morocco | Desk to Glory: Why We Overland EP07 Richard and Ashley Giordano of Desk To Glory take their 2008 Toyota Tundra through Morocco and into the Sahara, exploring Ait Benhaddou, Erg Chegaga, local food traditions, and the annual International Nomads Festival at M’hamid El Ghizlane. Filmmaker Bios In 2016 Richard Giordano completed a 48,800-kilometer overland journey from Vancouver, Canada, to Ushuaia, Argentina, with his wife, Ashley, in their well-loved but antiquated 1990 Toyota Pickup. That trip launched Richard into a career as a photographer and freelance video producer. He has crafted commercials for Toyota Canada, is lead photographer and camera operator on Expedition Overland Apex series, and currently on the road in Central Asia. If you see Richard out in the wild, he’ll most likely have a smile on his face, a strong coffee in one hand, a camera in the other, and Ashley by his side producing the project or planning their adventure. Join Us at Overland Expo PNW The Overland Expo Film Festival is included in your ticket to Overland Expo PNW, June 26-28, at the Deschutes County Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon. buy tickets View the full article

Overland Expo is about more than exploring the outdoors. It’s also about protecting the places that make adventure possible. At Overland Expo PNW, attendees are invited to join the Overland Expo Foundation’s “Leave It Better Than You Found It” cleanup effort on Sunday, June 28, at 4:30 PM. Hosted at the Foundation Tent, the cleanup helps remove the microtrash and debris that can accumulate throughout a busy event weekend. The Foundation works to leave every venue cleaner than when it arrived by providing exhibitors with trash bags and organizing a community cleanup before everyone heads home. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, and participants are encouraged to stay afterward for food, drinks, and time with fellow overlanders who share a passion for protecting public lands and outdoor spaces. Throughout the weekend, attendees can visit the Overland Expo Foundation’s blue tent next to the Ultimate Overland Vehicle to learn more about the organization’s mission, purchase raffle tickets for the Saturday evening raffle, and see how Foundation grants are making a difference across the overlanding community. The Foundation’s impact extends far beyond Overland Expo weekends. Through grants and partnerships, it supports organizations and projects focused on land stewardship, outdoor education, conservation, and responsible recreation. Attendees can learn more about the work being done by past grant recipients and the positive impact these initiatives are having on public lands and outdoor communities by visiting the Foundation’s project archive. READ MORE: Expand Your Backcountry Capability at Overland Expo PNW 2026 Visitors can also explore the Foundation’s growing list of supported projects and conservation efforts, as well as learn about volunteer opportunities available at upcoming Overland Expo events, including Pacific Northwest, Mountain West, and East. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Overland Expo Foundation supports initiatives that preserve access to public lands, promote responsible recreation, and help ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the wild places we all value. Donations are tax-deductible and directly support the Foundation’s work throughout the year. Stop by the Foundation Tent during the event or visit the Foundation online to learn more, get involved, and help protect the places we all love to explore. View the full article

Father’s Day is right around the corner, and let’s be honest. Dad probably doesn’t need another tie, coffee mug, or novelty T-shirt. What he really wants is more time outside, more campfires, more trail miles, and maybe a few pieces of gear that make the next adventure even better. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned overlander, a weekend camper, or the dad who’s always planning the next trip, we’ve rounded up ten gift ideas across a variety of price points that can improve life on the road, around camp, and everywhere in between. Give the Gift of Adventure Before we get into the gear, consider giving Dad something even better than a new gadget: an experience. With three Overland Expo events still remaining on the 2026 calendar, there is still plenty of opportunity to get inspired, learn new skills, discover the latest gear, and connect with fellow adventurers. The next stop is Overland Expo PNW in Redmond, Oregon, June 26-28, followed by Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado, August 21-23, and Overland Expo East in Arrington, Virginia, October 2-4. As a Father’s Day bonus, Overland Expo is offering 20 percent off tickets beginning Thursday with promo code DAD20, making it the perfect opportunity to plan an adventure together. Dometic Tumbler 650 Whether it’s coffee before sunrise or a cold beverage around the campfire, a quality tumbler is one of those items Dad uses every day. The Dometic Tumbler 650 features double wall vacuum insulation, a durable stainless steel construction, and a spill resistant lid that makes it equally useful around camp, at work, or on the road. Adding to its versatility, Dometic’s new interchangeable lid and collar system allows users to customize their drinkware for different beverages and situations, helping one tumbler pull double duty from the morning coffee run to the evening campfire. For a relatively affordable gift, it delivers something every overlander appreciates: keeping drinks at the right temperature no matter where the day leads. MSRP: $35 Nomad Sport Band Adventure does not stop when the trail ends. For dads who wear an Apple Watch every day, the Nomad Sport Band offers a durable upgrade that is equally at home in the office, at the gym, or exploring the backcountry. Available in several colors, the Sport Band gives the Apple Watch a more rugged and capable look while providing the comfort needed for everything from daily commutes to backcountry adventures. Made from waterproof FKM rubber with a secure fit and all day comfort, it is designed to handle sweat, dust, water, and whatever the day brings. MSRP: $60 Statik TireHero Wireless Air Pump Few things are more important on the trail than proper tire pressure. Compact enough to store in a glovebox or gear drawer, the Statik TireHero Wireless Air Pump can inflate everything from vehicle tires and mountain bikes to paddleboards and sports equipment. It also functions as a flashlight and backup power bank, making it a practical and affordable addition to any overland kit. It is one of those tools that often gets overlooked until the moment it is needed. MSRP: $59.99 READ MORE: Overland Expo Mtn West is Getting a Huge Upgrade! Infinity X1 2000L Camp Site Light Lighting can completely change the camping experience, and the Infinity X1 2000L Camp Site Light offers one of the most versatile solutions we’ve seen. The system combines a detachable lantern with an extendable six foot tripod, allowing it to function as both a portable task light and a powerful campsite area light. At only $45 from Costco, the Infinity X1 punches well above its price point, offering a level of versatility and campsite coverage typically found in lighting systems that cost significantly more. Weighing just 2.2 pounds and packing into an included carrying case, it is easy to bring along on any adventure. The rechargeable design and quick setup make it especially useful for family camping trips, dispersed campsites, and evenings spent at Overland Expo campgrounds. MSRP: $50 UAG Metropolis Kevlar Wallet A wallet may not seem like an adventure essential, but it is one of the few pieces of gear Dad carries every single day. The UAG Metropolis Kevlar Wallet combines premium materials, modern functionality, and sleek styling in a compact package designed for life on the move. Built with a lightweight Kevlar inlay, it delivers impressive durability without unnecessary bulk while offering secure storage for cards and cash, an integrated kickstand for hands free viewing, and magnetic compatibility with supported phone cases. With clean lines and thoughtful features, it’s a stylish upgrade that blends everyday convenience with rugged durability. MSRP: $60 Danner MTN45 The Danner MTN45 combines the comfort and agility of a modern trail runner with the durability expected from one of the most respected names in outdoor footwear. Featuring a nitrogen infused EnduroFoam+ midsole, generous toe box, Vibram Megagrip outsole, and a supportive TPU rock plate, the MTN45 is designed for long days on the trail without sacrificing comfort. Perhaps most impressive is that the shoe is fully recraftable, allowing Danner to extend its life long after most footwear would have been retired. For dads who spend their weekends hiking, exploring, and discovering new trails, the MTN45 is built for the journey ahead. MSRP: $165 on sale Ombraz Classic Armless Sunglasses Few pieces of gear get used more frequently than a good pair of sunglasses, and Ombraz has completely reimagined the category by replacing traditional sidearms with an integrated adjustable cord. The result is a pair of sunglasses that is more comfortable, more secure, more durable, and easier to pack than conventional designs. Combined with premium ZEISS optics and a timeless style, Ombraz sunglasses are built for everything from long days behind the wheel to hiking, paddling, fishing, and exploring camp. For outdoor dads who are hard on gear, they may be one of the smartest upgrades in the entire guide. MSRP: Starting at $160 NEMO Satellite Reclining Camp Chair A comfortable camp chair can completely change the camping experience. New for 2026, the NEMO Satellite Reclining Camp Chair brings premium comfort to camp without sacrificing portability. Its reclining design allows users to kick back after a day on the trail, enjoy a morning coffee overlooking camp, or relax around the fire at night. Lightweight and easy to pack, it is the kind of gear upgrade that quickly becomes one of the most used items in camp. MSRP: $200 Benchmade Bugout Vapyr The Bugout has earned a reputation as one of the most popular everyday carry knives on the market, and the new Benchmade Bugout Vapyr takes that proven platform to an entirely new level. Designed for those who appreciate premium craftsmanship, the Vapyr features Benchmade’s new VAPYR handle material paired with a premium M390 stainless steel blade that offers exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. Lightweight enough to disappear in a pocket yet capable enough for everything from campsite tasks to everyday use, the Bugout Vapyr blends performance, durability, and elevated design into a knife that’s built to be carried and used for years to come. For the dad who appreciates finely crafted gear, it’s the kind of gift that quickly becomes a favorite companion on every adventure. MSRP: $375 HOWL R1 Portable Fire Pit Every memorable campsite seems to have one thing in common: people gathering around the fire. The HOWL R1 Portable Fire Pit delivers that experience almost anywhere while eliminating the smoke, sparks, and hassle associated with traditional campfires. Roughly the size of a shoebox when packed, the R1 is easy to store in drawers, cargo boxes, van garages, and other tight spaces. Folding Gullwing legs provide a stable platform at camp and tuck away for transport, while the proprietary FlexDome Windscreen keeps the flame fully visible for a more natural campfire experience. Approved for use during Stage II Burn Bans in all 50 states, subject to local regulations, it’s a premium upgrade that helps keep the campfire tradition alive wherever the adventure leads. MSRP: $374 The Bottom Line The best Father’s Day gifts are not necessarily the most expensive. They are the ones that encourage more time outside, make adventures more enjoyable, and create memories that last long after the trip is over. Whether that means surprising Dad with tickets to an upcoming Overland Expo, upgrading his camp setup, or helping him prepare for his next road trip, these gifts are designed to support a life well lived outdoors. View the full article

If you’ve checked in at a recent Overland Expo, chances are Arvin Monarrez was there to help you get settled into your campsite or exhibitor spot. With his warm smile, Arvin welcomes thousands of Overland Expo community members, setting the tone for the weekend and playing a vital role in keeping our event running smoothly from start to finish. As we continue our Community Spotlight series, we’re excited to share more about Arvin’s passion for overlanding, quality gear, and memorable adventures. OE: Tell us a bit more about yourself. What are you up to when you aren’t at Overland Expo? AM: My home base is in Southern California. I am a weekend warrior overlander and car camper. I love traveling the country whenever I can with my Boston Terrier and my girlfriend. My favorite vacations involve traveling to new towns and exploring new eateries to get ideas for outdoor cooking. It’s always so exciting to find new flavors to experiment with. My hobbies include playing guitar, video editing, ping pong, and of course cooking. OE: And, how did you initially become involved in Overland Expo? AM: I have always enjoyed being part of something that connects communities together. Initially, I became involved with the Overland Expo by volunteering, and when the opportunity arose, I quickly jumped on board. I think being part of a community with so many like-minded individuals was more than enough to stick around. Not to mention just how immersive the event is. Since I’ve signed on, the expo has grown tremendously. Things have shifted in such a way that it’s hard to fathom just how immensely the community has grown. READ MORE: Overland Expo Mtn West is Getting a Huge Upgrade OE: Obviously, we all have at least a bit of a gearhead mentality here at Overland Expo. Tell us about your rig. AM: I drive a white 2016 short bed Toyota Tacoma SR5! With its Toyo shoes and 16-inch Method wheels. I sleep on an iKamper rooftop tent with a 270 awning that works like a charm. I also have a little gas-powered mini bike. I call it the Frankenstein build because it’s not only a little monster of a thing, but It’s been built with different parts throughout the years. It’s currently being transformed into an electric mini bike! OE: It’s a great rig! What is one piece of gear you cannot live without? AM: One piece of gear I cannot live without is my gear management box. It’s by Kitworks. It is such a fantastic product and does exactly what I need it to. All my gear is managed and organized exactly the way I need it to be. This way, I never have to worry about where anything is. It’s a great little system. OE: Over the years, what’s your favorite thing you’ve seen at Overland Expo? AM: Over the years here at Overland Expo, I’ve noticed that the number 1 thing I always look forward to seeing is the community. Everyone is so passionate about this lifestyle that being surrounded by like-minded people continues to bring me back. OE: When you’re not at an event, do you have a favorite spot to get away from it all? AM: Every year since graduating high school, my friends and I have always made an effort to reunite at this most amazing spot in Sequoia National Park. It was my first camping trip as well, so it holds a special place in my heart. OE: Any plans for upcoming trips? AM: Yes! I actually am currently planning a couple trips to kickstart summer. One of the main ones is Big Sur! And perhaps the Grand Canyon. All increasingly exciting! OE: If you had one piece of advice for someone getting started, what would it be? AM: If I had to give anyone any advice on getting started, it would be to not get so hung up on having the perfect setup. It’s not about how much you have but what you’re looking for out there in the wild. I remember camping when I was younger with all my friends, and we barely had anything. Best time of my life! Focus on experiencing the outdoors in your own style, and you will know what specific gear you need for your setup. It took me years to get to where I am, but not once did I allow myself to feel deterred because of what I had or didn’t. When the wild called, it was enough. OE: Before we wrap it up, can you tell us your favorite Overland Expo memory? AM: Every year and every event I’ve been to gives me memories I will always cherish. That being said, my very first expo holds a permanent place in my heart. I remember signing up to volunteer without knowing what to expect. Yet, driving seven hours up to Flagstaff for the first time and meeting the crew was and is, to this day, my most fond memory. I barely made it in time for my shift, and I was so nervous, but everyone was so welcoming and allowed me to learn without judgment. View the full article

The Benchmade Bugout has long been a favorite among overlanders thanks to its lightweight design, dependable AXIS Lock, and ability to disappear into a pocket until needed. For 2026, Benchmade has taken that proven formula and pushed it further with the new Bugout Vapyr 534BK. Designed to be lighter, thinner, and more durable than the original, the Vapyr is aimed squarely at those who appreciate premium gear that performs without adding unnecessary weight. At the heart of the Vapyr is a 3.25-inch CPM MagnaCut drop-point blade finished in black Cerakote. MagnaCut has quickly become one of the most sought-after blade steels on the market thanks to its combination of edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Whether you’re cutting paracord around camp, preparing food on the trail, or tackling everyday tasks, the steel is designed to stay sharp longer while standing up to wet and demanding environments. photo by Benchmade photo by Benchmade photo by Benchmade photo by Benchmade The biggest change comes in the construction. Benchmade replaced the traditional liner system with a linerless 6061-T6 aluminum chassis, creating a knife that is approximately 33 percent thinner than a standard Bugout while weighing just 1.72 ounces. The result is a remarkably slim profile that virtually disappears in a pocket, pack strap pouch, or vehicle organizer. Finished in black with subtle Taiga Green accents on the thumb studs and backspacer, the Vapyr delivers a refined, understated look that feels right at home in an overland kit. While its $375 price tag places it firmly in premium territory, the combination of MagnaCut steel, ultralight construction, and Benchmade’s proven design makes it one of the most advanced Bugout models to date. For overlanders looking to upgrade their everyday carry setup, the Bugout Vapyr is a compelling blend of packability, performance, and durability. View the full article

When you’re deciding between synthetic winch rope vs steel, it’s a classic matchup. You are comparing modern material science against old-school brute strength. Synthetic ropes are light, flexible, and safer if they snap. Steel cables are workhorses, incredibly tough against abrasion and heat. The right choice depends on where you’ll be wheeling and your safety priorities. What you’re recovering also plays a significant role. Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide. Understanding the Core Differences Picking the right winch line is a huge deal for safe and effective recovery. This isn’t just a simple “new vs. old” debate. It’s about matching the right tool to the job. The arrival of synthetic ropes, made from materials like Dyema, changed the game. They offer incredible strength but are up to 80% lighter than steel. This weight difference makes them easier and safer to handle on the trail. To really get a feel for it, let’s put them head-to-head. For a deeper dive, check our guide on choosing between wire cable and synthetic rope. Quick Look: Synthetic Rope vs Steel Cable Here’s a quick rundown of how these two winch lines compare. This is a great starting point for figuring out which one fits your needs. Attribute Synthetic Winch Rope Steel Winch Cable Material High-Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) Braided Galvanized Steel Wire Weight Extremely Lightweight Very Heavy Safety on Break Falls to the ground with low energy Whips back violently (high risk) Handling Flexible, easy to handle, no burrs Stiff, prone to kinking and burrs Abrasion Resistance Vulnerable to sharp edges and rocks Highly resistant to abrasion Maintenance Requires cleaning, UV/heat protection Needs lubrication to prevent rust This table shows there’s no single “best” option for everyone. It’s all about context and how you use your equipment. The key takeaway is that neither one is always better. A steel cable is perfect for dragging logs across a rocky field. A synthetic rope is almost always the safer and more practical pick for a muddy trail recovery. When to Choose a Traditional Steel Winch Cable Even with the buzz around synthetic ropes, don’t count out steel winch cable. In certain nasty, demanding environments, it’s still the undisputed king. For logging or heavy construction, its raw toughness is exactly what’s needed. The durability of steel makes it the go-to when your line is constantly dragged over sharp rocks. It stands up to stumps or other abrasive junk on the ground. This makes it a reliable choice for the toughest jobs. This ability to take a beating is a huge deal. This is especially true when friction and heat are part of the job. A steel cable can handle high temperatures from a long pull without losing integrity. Durability Under Pressure Steel’s resistance to cuts and abrasion is what makes it so tough. Synthetic ropes are strong but vulnerable to nicks from sharp objects. Steel just shrugs off the kind of abuse that would shred a synthetic rope. Of course, you’ve got to take care of it if you want it to last. Regular checks for broken strands and some lubricant will keep rust away. Keeping it clean and dry after a pull is the best way to fight corrosion. “A key disadvantage of steel cables is their susceptibility to rust if not properly maintained, weakening the cable over time and increasing failure risk. The cost efficiency of steel cables—often 20-30% cheaper than synthetic alternatives—along with durability in abrasive environments, sustains their market dominance.” That cost-effectiveness, combined with its rugged nature, is why steel cable remains a major player. For more information, explore the comparison between steel and synthetic ropes on news.superwinch.com. Why Synthetic Winch Ropes Are Gaining Popularity If you’ve been around the off-road scene, you’ve noticed the shift away from steel. This move toward synthetic winch ropes is a smart evolution. It’s driven by serious performance upgrades. The biggest advantage is the incredible strength-to-weight ratio. These lines are often up to 80% lighter than steel. That huge difference matters when managing a recovery on a steep, muddy hill. This weight reduction makes the winching process faster and less exhausting. But convenience isn’t the main story here—safety is. Steel cables store a terrifying amount of kinetic energy and whip back with deadly force if they snap. Safety and Practical Field Use When you compare synthetic winch rope vs steel on safety, it’s not a fair fight. Synthetic is the hands-down winner. If a synthetic line breaks, its low mass means it just drops to the ground. This single characteristic drastically cuts down the risk of serious injury. To learn more, see what Equipment World has to say about synthetic winch lines. On top of that, synthetic ropes are much more flexible and way easier on your hands. You’ll never have to worry about the painful steel burrs that plague old cables. This flexibility also prevents kinking and makes spooling it back onto the winch drum a breeze. Another benefit is that you can repair them in the field. A snapped synthetic rope can often be braided back together for a temporary fix. This combination of safety and practicality explains why so many off-roaders are making the switch. Comparing Strength, Weight, and Safety in Practice https://www.youtube.com/embed/imJuNlAE3fQ When you put synthetic winch rope vs steel to a real-world test, the differences become clear. They might have similar load ratings, but how they handle that load is a different story. Synthetic rope has an elasticity that helps it absorb shock loads. Steel, on the other hand, is completely unforgiving. Every bit of jarring force is transferred straight to your vehicle’s frame. You feel it, and your rig feels it. It’s about practical handling. Lugging a heavy, greasy steel cable up a slippery hill is exhausting. It adds a layer of risk you don’t need in a tough spot. The Decisive Factor: Safety This is where the debate often ends for many off-roaders. A steel cable under tension stores a tremendous amount of kinetic energy. If it snaps, it whips back with enough force to be lethal. Synthetic rope stores far less energy due to its low mass. In the rare event of a failure, it tends to just fall to the ground. For many, this one characteristic is the deciding factor. The image below gives a great visual breakdown of how these materials stack up. It looks at service life, maintenance, and their ability to resist the elements. As you can see, steel’s vulnerability to rust and corrosion is a major drawback. This directly impacts its reliability and the amount of upkeep it needs. In-Depth Feature Comparison: Winch Line Materials Let’s break down the head-to-head matchup. Here is a detailed look at the characteristics that matter most when you’re stuck. Characteristic Synthetic Rope (HMPE) Steel Cable Handling Lightweight, flexible, and easy to carry. No sharp burrs. Heavy, stiff, and prone to “jaggers” (broken wire strands). Energy Storage Low. Drops to the ground if it fails. High. Whips back with dangerous force if it snaps. Abrasion Resistance Vulnerable to sharp rocks and heat. Requires a chafe guard. Excellent. Highly resistant to abrasion and direct heat. UV Degradation Susceptible over time. Best stored with a winch cover. Not affected by UV light. Water Absorption Can absorb water, which may freeze in cold climates. Does not absorb water. Maintenance Needs occasional rinsing to remove dirt and grit. Requires regular oiling to prevent rust and corrosion. Cost Higher initial investment. More affordable upfront. This table highlights the give-and-take. While steel wins on raw abrasion resistance, synthetic rope dominates in safety and ease of use. For more hands-on advice, see our guide on how to properly use a winch. Maintenance and Durability Across Different Terrains In the synthetic winch rope vs steel debate, long-term performance comes down to maintenance. Each material has its own weakness. You need to know what you’re up against to keep your line in top shape. The terrain you’re in also throws unique challenges that can wreck a winch line. For old-school steel cable, the number one enemy is rust. Any time you get it muddy or wet, you must clean and re-lube the cable. This prevents corrosion between the wire strands. Corrosion can rot the cable’s strength from the inside out. Protecting Your Investment With synthetic rope, you’re fighting a different battle. Its three main vulnerabilities are abrasion, UV damage, and heat. Unlike steel, synthetic rope gets chewed up by sharp rocks or burrs. Using a protective chafe guard during pulls is non-negotiable. After a muddy recovery, always unspool your synthetic rope. Give it a good rinse with plain water. All that embedded sand and grit acts just like sandpaper. It grinds away at the rope’s fibers every time you spool it in and out. The sun also degrades the fibers, slowly sapping the rope’s strength. The easiest defense here is a simple winch cover. A little bit of care goes a long way. It ensures your synthetic line is ready to perform when you’re in a bind. Making the Right Choice for Your Winch So, how do you pick the right winch line? Be honest about your needs and the terrain you tackle. Also, consider how much you prioritize safety. There isn’t a single “best” option here. Choose the one that makes the most sense for how you’ll use your winch. For most weekend trail riders, synthetic winch rope is the way to go. It’s lightweight, making recoveries less of a workout. More importantly, its safer failure mode brings peace of mind. This is especially true when friends or family are helping. Situational Recommendations On the flip side, if you’re doing heavy industrial work, a steel cable is still king. Its resistance to cuts and heat gives it an unmatched lifespan in harsh situations. If your line is constantly abused on unforgiving surfaces, steel is the reliable workhorse you need. Beyond your main use case, don’t forget these other critical factors: Your Budget: Steel cable is cheaper upfront, making it a solid, budget-friendly choice. Frequency of Use: If you winch often, the easier handling of synthetic might be worth the extra cost. Fairlead Compatibility: You need a smooth hawse fairlead for synthetic rope or a roller fairlead for steel to avoid damage. The global wire rope market was valued at around $14 billion in 2023. Synthetic ropes are projected to grab the largest market share. This is thanks to the boom in off-road vehicle sales and industrial demand. For a really deep dive into this whole debate, check out our complete synthetic winch rope vs steel cable guide. At Offroading.com, our goal is to provide the expert guides and tutorials you need to tackle any terrain with confidence. Explore our extensive resources to make every off-road adventure a safe one. Discover more at https://www.offroading.com.

That “MAINT REQD” light on your 4Runner’s dash is a common sight. Before you turn it off, it’s worth knowing what it means. It’s less of a warning and more of a simple, automated reminder for routine service. Think of it as a helpful nudge from your truck. It’s designed to keep you on top of your service schedule, like oil changes. Understanding Your 4Runner’s Maintenance Light It’s easy to panic when a dash light comes on, but this one is different. This is not the dreaded “Check Engine” light, which can signal a real engine fault. The maintenance reminder is much simpler. It is based purely on mileage to help you keep service intervals consistent. This system prompts you for essential upkeep. The light turns on around 7,500 miles after the last reset. You’ll see it blink around 5,000 miles as a heads-up. For more details, see this helpful forum thread on the system. Key Takeaway: The “MAINT REQD” light is your partner in vehicle care. It’s a simple heads-up, not an emergency alert. This confirms it’s a task you can handle yourself after doing the service. Knowing this distinction brings peace of mind. You’re not troubleshooting a complex issue. You’re just turning off a reminder after routine maintenance. How to Reset the Light on 4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009) If you drive a 4th Generation 4Runner (2003–2009), the reset is easy. It’s a simple mechanical sequence using your key and trip meter button. No digital menus are involved. A common mistake is starting with the wrong display active. Make sure your dashboard shows the main odometer reading (ODO), not Trip A or B. Tap the trip button until ODO is displayed. The Reset Sequence Once the display is set to ODO, you’re ready to go. The trick is to hold the reset button down through the whole process. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown: Turn the ignition key to the OFF position. Press and hold the trip meter reset button. While holding the button, turn the ignition key to the ON position (do not start the engine). Keep holding the button until the “MAINT REQD” light flashes and then turns off. That’s it; the system is reset. Don’t worry if it takes a couple of tries to get the timing right. Keeping these older 4Runners in top shape is key for any adventure. If you’re outfitting your rig, check out our guide on building a Toyota 4Runner for overlanding. Resetting the Light on 5th Gen 4Runners (2010-Present) For a modern 5th Generation 4Runner, the reset process is more streamlined. The steps are similar whether you have a key or a push-button start. There’s one critical detail to remember. The key is setting your display to ‘Trip A’, not the main odometer. Messing this up means the reset won’t work. First, cycle through the display options until you see ‘Trip A’. Then, turn the truck completely off. From here, the steps vary slightly by ignition type: Key Ignition: Press and hold the odometer reset button. While holding it, turn the key to the ‘ON’ position without starting the engine. Push-Button Start: Keep your foot off the brake. Press and hold the odometer reset button, then press the start button twice. The 5th Gen gives you clear feedback during the reset. The display will show a message like “Resetting Maintenance DATA”. It might even show a progress bar. This visual confirmation is a huge improvement. It removes the guesswork from the process. This procedure is much simpler now, especially on models from 2018 and newer. You can watch this straightforward 4Runner reset method to see how it’s done. 4Runner Maintenance Light Reset At a Glance Feeling lost in the details? This quick table helps keep the steps straight. It all comes down to which trip meter you use. Step 4th Generation (2003-2009) 5th Generation (2010-Present) 1. Select Display Cycle display to the main Odometer reading Cycle display to Trip A 2. Turn Off Vehicle Turn ignition completely off Turn ignition completely off 3. Press & Hold Press and hold the odometer reset button Press and hold the odometer reset button 4. Turn On Ignition Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position (don’t start engine) Turn key to ‘ON’ or press Start button twice (foot off brake) 5. Watch Display Hold button until the maintenance light turns off Hold until “Resetting” message disappears 6. Release & Start Release button and start the vehicle to confirm Release button and start the vehicle to confirm The table shows the one key difference. Use the odometer on older models and ‘Trip A’ on newer ones. Get that right, and you’re set. Troubleshooting Common Reset Problems So, you followed the steps, but the “MAINT REQD” light is still on. Don’t worry, it’s usually a simple hiccup in the sequence. The most common culprit is starting on the wrong display setting. Remember: ‘ODO’ for 4th Gen models and ‘Trip A’ for 5th Gen. This one detail solves most failed resets. If the light is still on, just run through the process again. The timing can be tricky. Pay close attention to holding the button down correctly. Alternative Reset Methods For some newer 4Runners, there’s an easier way. If your rig has an advanced multi-function display, you can skip the button sequence. Look in your vehicle’s settings menu on the main screen. You’re looking for ‘Scheduled Maintenance’ or ‘Vehicle Settings’. There, you can often find a simple digital reset option. If you have a 5th Gen with a conventional key, timing is critical. Here is a sequence that usually works: Turn the ignition to “ON” (don’t start the engine). Make sure the odometer is displaying ‘Trip A’. Turn the ignition completely off. Press and hold the odometer button while turning the ignition back “ON,” and hold until the light goes out. A stubborn maintenance light is almost never a big deal. It’s different from a check engine light. If you are in a maintenance mindset, consider other fluids like in our guide on changing the transmission fluid in your Toyota 4Runner. Maintaining Your 4Runner Beyond the Light Resetting the light is only half the job. The real goal is completing the actual service. This keeps your 4Runner running well for years. Good ownership habits create the legendary reliability of these trucks. Think of the light as a helpful nudge. Being proactive is the best way to avoid bigger problems later. Simple Tracking for Proactive Care Keeping up with your service history is easy. A couple of simple habits can make a huge difference. Keep a Logbook: A small notebook in the glove compartment is a classic for a reason. Jot down the date, mileage, and service performed. Use Digital Reminders: After an oil change, set a calendar reminder on your phone for the next one. It’s a simple trick that works. Expert Insight: Treating routine maintenance as non-negotiable changes your relationship with your vehicle. It shifts your mindset from reacting to problems to actively caring for your truck. This is the secret to getting hundreds of thousands of miles from a 4Runner. By tracking these tasks, you’ll ensure crucial jobs are never forgotten. This includes a regular 4Runner oil change. Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers If you’ve run into an issue, you’re not alone. Let’s clear up a few common questions. Maintenance Light vs. Check Engine Light These two lights mean very different things. The “MAINT REQD” light is just a mileage-based reminder. It’s like a pre-set alarm for an oil change. The Check Engine light is the one to take seriously. It means the computer has flagged a real problem. This could be with the engine, emissions system, or a related sensor. A maintenance light is a suggestion. A Check Engine light is a command. Never ignore it—get the code scanned right away. Can I Keep Driving with the Maintenance Light On? Your 4Runner won’t explode if you drive with the light on. It is safe to drive for a short period. The light itself doesn’t indicate an immediate failure. That said, it means you’re overdue for critical service. Putting off oil changes causes premature engine wear. It’s best to get the maintenance done soon. What If the Reset Just Won’t Work? You’ve tried the steps multiple times, and the light is still on. While uncommon, a reset can sometimes fail. First, double-check that you’re using the right process for your 4Runner generation. If you’re sure you’re doing it right, you might have a deeper electrical issue. This could point to a problem in the instrument cluster or a faulty sensor. At this point, let a professional take a look. A mechanic can run diagnostics to find the real issue. At Offroading.com, our goal is to help you know your rig inside and out. Check out our other guides to keep your 4Runner ready for anything. 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