OverlandExpoNews

Overland Expo PNW returns with one of its strongest educational lineups yet, continuing the event’s long-standing focus on hands-on learning and real-world experience. From foundational skills to advanced techniques, the weekend is packed with sessions led by experienced travelers, instructors, and creators. We want to make sure attendees stay cool and engaged during our educational offerings, so please note that the Round Table Pavilion, the Women Who Wander Pavilion, the Storytelling Pavilion, and the Learning Lab are located in air-conditioned classrooms inside the North Sister building. Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Rucker Knives Cooking is a huge part of overlanding, and we have a stacked schedule all weekend long that will have you ready to whip up dinner in the backcountry. And this area hosts plenty of sessions that go beyond the cooking side. These courses are designed to make you a well-rounded backcountry traveler. The Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Rucker Knives is a must-see at Overland Expo PNW. Just check out this lineup of classes, bring your notebook, and be ready to learn some new skills to wow your camping partners. Poc Chuc with Top Chef Finalist Chad White Overland Water Safety: Know Before You Go with Sharon Trammell Food Storage, Prep, and Provisioning with Connie Rodman Women Who Wander Women Who Wander remains a key part of the schedule, offering a mix of community-driven conversations and practical skill-building sessions. A standout this year is a two-hour, hands-on tire repair seminar, giving attendees the chance to learn and practice essential trail-side skills in a supportive environment. The programming continues to highlight the growing role of women in overlanding while remaining open and valuable to all attendees. Throughout the weekend you’ll find great courses in this area so don’t miss out! Directing a Driver: Marshaling and Spotting with Connie Rodman No Sink. No Problem. How to Maintain Your Self-Care with Little Water with Cyndee Schneidau Where Do I Park Tonight with Amy Wong Change it or Fix it? Tire Repair on the Fly (for women) with Connie Rodman Solo, Safe, and Self-Reliant: Women’s Overland Travel Confidence Camp with Misti Tokarsky And much more! Special Guest Speakers Overland Expo PNW brings together a strong group of voices from across the overland space: Graeme Bell shares deep expertise in vehicle setup and recovery Brad and Sheri St. Clair offer insights from decades of global travel Patty Upton brings a well-rounded perspective on long-term travel The Lin Family highlight what overlanding looks like as a family Storytelling Pavilion The Storytelling Pavilion continues to grow, featuring a range of content creators sharing insights on photography, filmmaking, and documenting life on the road. It is a must-stop for anyone looking to capture and share their own adventures. Education at PNW spans multiple dedicated areas covering everything from trip planning and gear organization to recovery techniques and international travel. This year, select classrooms move indoors, adding air-conditioned spaces for a more comfortable learning experience while maintaining the event’s hands-on feel. READ MORE: Booth Parties, Bingo, and More at Overland Expo PNW With a packed schedule and sessions happening all weekend, planning ahead is key. Whether you are new to overlanding or looking to refine your skills, Overland Expo PNW offers something for every level. Kids Adventure Area Overland Expo is for adventurers of every size, so be sure to bring the kids by the Kids Adventure Area. Throughout the weekend, smaller overlanders can check out the Kids’ RC Driving Course. Roundtable Pavilion For those wanting to go deeper into a topic, the Round Table Pavilion hosts roundtable panels and Q&A sessions with our experts. Topics vary across a broad range from budgeting to travel medicine to bringing your pet along for the adventure. Additionally, there are a number of regional Q&A’s happening all weekend long. If there’s a destination, domestic or abroad, you’ve been dreaming about, there’s probably a roundtable for you. Here’s your chance to interact with the people who have done what you want to do. Buy Tickets View the full article

In a few short weeks, Overland Expo PNW will be back in Redmond, Oregon, and it’ll be the weekend to check out awesome gear, get training from world-class instructors, and enjoy all kinds of great events over the weekend of June 26-28. One of the highlights of Overland Expo PNW that you don’t want to miss is the Women Who Wander Networking Event sponsored by MAXXIS Tires. Here, attendees can meet fellow adventurers, enjoy an awesome charcuterie spread, and learn from inspiring ladies during the chat. This bring-your-own-chair event is taking place June 26, 6-8 PM, just outside of the education area. Enjoy a drink, a snack, and some guaranteed great conversations. This event is open to all Overland Expo PNW attendees. During the event, we’ll learn from Luisa Graeme and Alyssa Ravasio, inspiring adventurers who are sure to inspire and educate everyone around the campfire. Alyssa Ravasio of Hipcamp Founder and CEO of Hipcamp, Alyssa has built the leading platform for discovering unique campsites, now spanning more than 140,000 locations. A lifelong camper, she is passionate about expanding access to the outdoors through technology. Also, be sure to check out a special collaborative project between Hipcamp and Overland Expo. The Epic 2026 Adventure Route is a great resource if you’re visiting any Overland Expos this year. READ MORE: Hipcamp and Overland Expo Launch the Epic 2026 Adventure Route Luisa Bell Luisa and her family have an amazing catalog of overland trips together over the course of the last 16 years. They have circumnavigated South America, traveled from Argentina to Alaska, crossed the United States multiple times, and driven from Europe to their native South Africa. Luisa and her husband Graeme co-wrote Travel the Planet Overland. Luisa is an excellent source of information as she’s learned plenty of lessons over countless miles, and her experiences are a great resource for everyone looking to overland alone or as a family. Women Who Wander Pavillion All weekend long, keep an eye on the Overland Expo Education schedule for great sessions happening in the Women Who Wander Pavilion. These courses are taught by experienced adventure travelers, and you’re sure to gain valuable experience during these sessions. Here’s just a sample of what you can expect throughout the weekend. Directing a Driver: Marshaling and Spotting with Connie Rodman No Sink. No Problem. How to Maintain Your Self-Care with Little Water with Cyndee Schneidau Where Do I Park Tonight with Amy Wong Change it or Fix it? Tire Repair on the Fly (for women) with Connie Rodman Solo, Safe, and Self-Reliant: Women’s Overland Travel Confidence Camp with Misti Tokarsky And much more! Be on the lookout for more information about Overland Expo PNW in the coming weeks, and if you can’t make it to Oregon, don’t miss our events in Colorado and Virginia later this year. View the full article

It’s time to gear up for summer and get out on the trails. This month features some of our favorite brands and products themed around outdoor recreation and lifestyle. From electric bikes and sunglasses to lanterns and utility decks, we have you covered. Boondock Decks — Utility Deck Boondock Decks is a Canadian-built brand focused on redefining utility, durability, and organization for modern overland and work-ready trucks. Designed and manufactured with real-world use in mind, their flat deck systems provide a rugged, streamlined platform that transforms a pickup into a highly capable expedition or jobsite vehicle. Built from high-quality materials and engineered for strength without unnecessary weight, Boondock Decks deliver a clean, low-profile design that maximizes usable space while maintaining a sleek, integrated look. At the core of the system is a purpose-built flat deck that eliminates the limitations of traditional truck beds. Its open, modular design allows users to customize their setup for hauling gear, mounting accessories, or supporting overland builds. The deck is reinforced to handle demanding conditions, from remote backcountry travel to heavy-duty daily use, all while maintaining easy access from all sides of the vehicle. Seamlessly incorporated into the design are Boondock’s precision-fit storage boxes, which are not an add-on but an essential part of the system. These boxes are engineered to sit flush within the deck structure, providing secure, weather-resistant storage without compromising deck space or aesthetics. The result is a cohesive solution where tools, recovery gear, and expedition essentials remain organized, protected, and instantly accessible. Boondock Decks prioritizes practical functionality, clean design, and long-term reliability. Every detail—from mounting points to material selection—is considered to ensure the system performs in harsh environments while remaining user-friendly. Whether outfitting a truck for overlanding, work, or both, Boondock Decks offers a unified platform that enhances capability, efficiency, and overall vehicle performance. MSRP: Varies BUY NOW Dillon Optics — Corsair PM-07 Dillon Optics sets a new standard in performance eyewear with its NIR Technology sunglasses — a precision-engineered solution for those who demand absolute clarity without compromise. Designed for professionals, athletes, and discerning outdoor enthusiasts alike, every pair reflects the same commitment to excellence that has defined the Dillon name across the precision optics industry. At the heart of these sunglasses is Dillon Optics’ proprietary NIR® lens technology, engineered to eliminate unwanted internal reflections that compromise visual performance in conventional eyewear. By neutralizing the light scatter and ghost images that typically degrade clarity, Dillon Optics’ NIR lenses produce a viewing experience that ranks among the clearest in the world. Whether navigating sun-drenched mountain terrain, open water, or high-glare field conditions, wearers benefit from an unobstructed, true-to-life view that performs as precisely as the instruments that inspired it. The exceptional optical performance is matched by an equally refined approach to frame construction. Dillon Optics engineers each frame from premium TR90 Nylon — a highly flexible, lightweight thermoplastic polymer renowned for its durability, impact resistance, and ability to hold its form under prolonged stress — combined with titanium components that deliver an outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and long-term structural integrity. The result is a frame that sits featherlight on the face yet stands up to the rigors of demanding environments, season after season. From the anti-reflection NIR® lenses to the aerospace-grade materials in every frame, Dillon Optics sunglasses represent the convergence of science and craftsmanship. They are not simply sunglasses — they are an extension of the precision philosophy that has guided Dillon from the beginning, now brought to the way customers see the world every day. MSRP: $279.00 BUY NOW Pawkymo — AR50 AWD Electric Bike AR50 2X2 comes equipped with dual motors and dual batteries, delivering exceptional power, extended range, and enhanced load capacity for riders ready to explore beyond the ordinary. Built for the great outdoors, unlike standard e-bikes, the AR50 2X2 is engineered as a heavy-duty electric bike designed for demanding terrain and utility use. Its AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system provides superior traction in mud, snow, and sand, making it an ideal choice for hunting, farm work, overlanding, and outdoor adventures. With a payload capacity of up to 330 lbs, it can handle both riders and gear with ease. Designed with versatility in mind, the AR50 2X2 features a modular and customizable platform that allows riders to swap components and adapt the bike for different scenarios and mobility needs. MSRP: $4199.00 BUY NOW Ombraz — Azzurro Armless Sunglasses The Ombraz armless retention strap system means no worries about breakage, meaning they will stand up on the toughest adventures. These were originally designed to stand up to the rigors of water sports so you know your eyes are protected should you want to hit the ocean, lake, or river and beyond for summer adventures. Choose between tortoise and black frames and either polarized grey or polarized rose lenses to suit your style and needs. MSRP: $195.00 BUY NOW Off the Grid Surplus — San Saba SS The San Saba SS shirt offers style and performance from a brand that knows overlanding. The western styling hides performance features with a front zippered vent and rear center line vent providing plenty of airflow for the hottest of your summer adventures. The 90/10 polyester/spandex shirt is lightweight and provides just enough stretch for active use. The San Saba SS offers five pockets including a large chest pocket, pen pocket, and roomy rear cargo pocket. OTGS’s rear cargo pocket is one of our favorites at camp, providing plenty of space to keep essentials at hand. MSRP: $75.50 BUY NOW Club Ride — Women’s X-Wind Jacket Built for the bike but perfect for any outdoor pursuit, this minimalist layer provides wind and rain protection in a small packable package. Reflective accents keep you safe while running or riding after dark, and a zippered pocket holds the essentials. This is a great layer to keep stashed in your rig or pack, so you’re never unprepared for pop-up storms. MSRP: $120.00 BUY NOW Barebones — Beacon Hanging Light In terms of camp vibes, it’s tough to beat an old school lantern, but the performance and hassle aren’t ideal. Get the best of both worlds with the Beacon Hanging Light from Barebones. The Beacon can hang from the included carabiner or stand, and it provides customizable light between 20 and 300 lumens. It’s small, lightweight, and is available in 9 colorways. MSRP: $69.99 BUY NOW READ MORE: Meet the 2026 Ultimate Vehicle Build: Overland Expo Showcases the Nissan Frontier as the Perfect Mid-Size Overland Platform Kokopelli — Rogue Lite Pack Raft The Rogue Lite Pack Raft weighs in at just 5 lbs. 3 oz. and packs down to an impressively small footprint meant for backpacking or through hiking. You can inflate it with little effort in just a few minutes using the inflation bag system and have an 85 inch long, 37 inch wide raft ready for a flatwater adventure. At a compelling price, the Rogue Lite Pack Raft can be with you on just about any adventure, ready to take you downstream when the opportunity strikes. MSRP: $1,049.00 BUY NOW Dometic — Zero Concrete Table Add some style to your camp kitchen with the Dometic Zero “Concrete” Table. The 23.62″ x 35.43″ composite table top has a concrete aesthetic that both looks great and is durable. The adjustable height legs top out at 28.35 inches providing a nice height for having a meal or playing cards once you get to camp. The table weighs in at 10.3 lbs. and includes a carrying bag. MSRP: $239.99 BUY NOW View the full article

Ford has teamed up with Filson to introduce the first-ever Bronco Filson, a new limited-run SUV that blends the Bronco’s off-road capability with Filson’s heritage in durable outdoor gear. Built on the Bronco’s proven platform, the Filson edition comes standard with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 and the Sasquatch package, including 35-inch tires, locking differentials, and Fox shocks. Trail-focused features like Trail Turn Assist and multiple G.O.A.T. Modes reinforce its backcountry intent. Inside, the focus shifts to material quality and utility. The cabin features quilted leather, rugged woven fabrics, and Filson-inspired storage, including removable saddlebag-style door pockets and modular cargo bags designed for gear-heavy travel. Ford also refined the experience for longer trips, adding improved cabin insulation, ventilated front seats, and upgraded tech, creating what it says is the quietest Bronco yet. photo by Ford Motor Company A limited First Edition will launch with exclusive styling details and serialized badging, with orders expected to open this fall ahead of showroom arrivals early next year. Alongside the vehicle, a limited-edition Bronco x Filson collection will be available starting June 4 through Filson stores and Filson.com. For more information or to sign up for updates, customers can visit Ford.com or Filson.com. View the full article

Within the Overland Expo community, we’ve met some amazing folks, and in a new series, we’re highlighting those individuals with great stories to tell. They love their rigs, they love the lifestyle, and we want to share their passion with our audience. Our first installment features Nolen Yapp, Overland Expo team member turned exhibitor. Today we’re sharing our chat with Cynthia Scheidau. Cynthia is a full-time overlander and often shares her knowledge with courses at Overland Expos. Before the weekend ever kicks off, Cynthia also lends a hand with exhibitor move-in, swag bags, and more. OE: Thanks for taking some time to chat with us! For starters, can you tell us a bit about yourself? Hobbies, travels, etc. CS: I have been traveling full-time in our DIY overland build since November 2025. I am never one to shy away from a DIY project. I’ve remodeled kitchens and bathrooms, refurbished and built furniture, installed and fixed plumbing and appliances, removed popcorn ceilings, installed molding, carpet, tile, hardwood, etc. So, building a tiny home on wheels was not something far outside my wheelhouse. I’m not afraid to get dirty, but love getting mani-pedis and enjoying a spa day. My love language is cooking delicious meals or crafting cocktails for others to enjoy. I have traveled all over the US, Canada, Europe, and Central America. From backcountry camping to staying in luxury resorts, I love it all. My favorite part of traveling is meeting and connecting with people. OE: That’s great. Sounds like you stay busy. How did you initially become involved in Overland Expo? CS: My hubby, Rodger, first attended West in 2023 after learning about it from friends. After coming home, he said I’d love it. We booked tickets for PNW. After PNW, I put together a few classes to teach at East. We missed the 2025 season due to kids graduating high school and college and building out our full-time rig. We are excited to teach and showcase our rig in the 2026 season. READ MORE: Booth Parties, Bingo, and More at Overland Expo PNW OE: And, how have you seen it change over the years? CS: Through teaching, participating in round tables, and being in DIY, we have come to make more meaningful connections year after year. OE: Obviously we all have at least a bit of a gearhead mentality here at Overland Expo. Tell us about your overlanding vehicle(s)! CS: Our first overlanding vehicle was a Honda Odyssey with a rooftop box stuffed with sleeping bags, pads, and a tent. We had a small camp stove, gallon jugs of water, and freeze-dried food. Next, we had a Land Cruiser. Over the years, that grew into a customized SmittyBilt Scout, and two rooftop tents. Our current rig is a 2003 Stewart and Stevenson M1083 with a DIY habitat with approximately 168 square feet of indoor living space. Photo by Cyndee Schneidau Photo by Cyndee Schneidau Photo by Cyndee Schneidau OE: What is one piece of gear you cannot live without? CS: My husband. He can fix anything. OE: When you’re not at an event, do you have a favorite spot to get away from it all? CS: It’s hard to pick a favorite, but our recent trip to Valley of the Gods, Utah was incredibly relaxing. OE: Do you all have any exciting plans for upcoming trips? CS: Next we’re heading to Overland Expo PNW and then Overland Expo Mountain West. After that we have a trip to Ireland and Scotland, followed by another trip to Overland Expo East. In 2027, after Overland Expo West, we will travel to Tuktoyaktuk, BC, and Alaska. OE: What led you to begin overlanding, and what keeps you on the road? CS: Being curious about the trails less traveled, and there’s so much yet to discover. OE: And lastly, tell us your favorite expo memory? CS: My favorite Expo memory was East 2024. We met a young man named Carson, who made knives that were works of art. Our son just started forging knives himself. When Wyatt approached Carson’s booth and shared that he makes knives too, Carson took the time to chat. We invited Carson and his wife, Ashley, to our camp for dinner that night. We sat around a fire and chatted and laughed late into the night. View the full article

A new player in the outdoor and mobility space is stepping into the spotlight. Aboard, a Southern California–based startup redefining modern mobile living, will formally launch at Outside Days in Denver, Colorado, beginning May 29 and continuing through the festival weekend. The debut will give attendees an early look at the company’s first product and a broader vision for how people live and travel on the move. Aboard is positioning itself beyond the traditional RV space, introducing what it describes as a new category of mobility. Its first product is an extended-range electric (EREV) travel trailer engineered more like a vehicle than a conventional towable. Built as a fully integrated platform, the trailer combines energy, mobility, and living into a single system. The approach delivers a quieter electric experience with built-in energy independence, vehicle-level towing assistance, and automated comfort features, all supported by automotive-grade manufacturing including high-precision stamped body and door systems. The company’s debut comes alongside a key milestone. Aboard recently closed its Pre-Series A financing round, bringing total funding to $13 million. The round was led by Ondine Capital and Llama Ventures and will support the next phase of growth, including final product validation and refinements as the trailer moves toward mass production. The investment signals confidence in Aboard’s holistic approach, which aims to simplify and elevate the travel experience through a system designed for ease of use while maintaining a modern, yet familiar feel. READ MORE: Booth Parties, Bingo, and More at Overland Expo PNW Inside, the Aboard Travel Trailer blends residential thinking with compact design. A fully equipped kitchen, flexible sleeping configurations for up to four, and a mudroom-style bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower access reflect a focus on practical, everyday usability. Large panoramic windows and floor-to-ceiling glazing create an open, airy interior, while integrated storage and multi-use spaces allow the layout to adapt to different types of travel. At the core of the platform is a hybrid-electric energy system offering more than 200 kWh of onboard capacity and up to seven days of off-grid capability. A 45 kW auxiliary drive assists with towing and maneuvering, while features like remote control via app, automatic leveling, and integrated camera systems bring a vehicle-like experience to trailer ownership. Aboard will make its public debut at Outside Days, where attendees can tour the trailer, meet the team, and explore available configurations, which are expected to start at $80,000. More than a product reveal, the launch is an introduction to a broader idea. Aboard is not just building a trailer; it is rethinking how people move, live, and connect with the outdoors, offering a fully integrated mobile living system designed for modern travel. View the full article

In just under a month, Overland Expo PNW returns to beautiful Redmond, Oregon, and we’re looking forward to another weekend of awesome rigs, new gear, and good times with the overlanding community. All of this takes place with the beautiful backdrop of the Cascades on the horizon, and you can find awesome places to adventure in every direction. If you haven’t made it out to Overland Expo PNW, it’s a great place to get inspired, educated, and outfitted for overlanding in the Pacific Northwest. After a long day of checking out rigs, learning from experts in all facets of overlanding, and getting up-to-date on the latest and greatest gear, there’s still plenty to do at Overland Expo, and you don’t want to miss these awesome after-hours events. Friday, June 26 Kick off your evening by swinging by the Oasis Bar and Food Court for Happy Hour sponsored by OGO Compost Toilet from 5- 7 PM. It’s a great time to catch up with friends, make new ones, and decide where you’re headed next. Friday night offers two great options. First up, the Women Who Wander Networking Event sponsored by MAXXIS Tires is happening 6-8 PM outside of the education area. Grab a drink and some charcuterie, sit around the campfire, and hear inspirational stories from amazing women in the overland community. This is a bring-your-own chair event and open to all Overland Expo PNW attendees. Up next is the Toyota Game Night happening in booth GG19 from 7-9 PM. Test your knowledge and luck at music bingo, win some great prizes, and enjoy a complimentary dinner from the Toyota team. It’s a laid-back evening that provides a little competition and plenty of good vibes, and it’s a great way to wrap up the first day of Overland Expo PNW. If you’re looking for even more to do, don’t miss the Overland Expo Film Festival in Hiline Home Hall, 7- 9 PM. We’ll be showing some inspiring films from talented creatives in the overland space. Saturday, June 27 On Saturday, we’re kicking off the activities even earlier. Starting off Camp Subaru LIVE! 3-5 PM in booth FG7. Start your evening with live music, snacks, and drinks from our beer sponsor, PFRIEM Beer. From there, you can head over to Happy Hour sponsored by Guild Outfitters at the Oasis Bar & Food Court from 5-7 PM. And that puts you in a great spot to wrap up your Saturday night with the Overland Expo Foundation Raffle from 7-9 PM. This is your chance to support the Overland Expo Foundation while snagging a chance to win some awesome prizes. This raffle will include dozens of great prizes from Overland Expo sponsors and exhibitors. You can purchase tickets on-site at the Overland Expo Foundation booth, or grab them from the website at any time. All Weekend Long There’s a lot to do and see all weekend long at Overland Expo PNW. When you’re ready for a snack or a refreshing drink, swing by the Oasis Bar and Food Court. Beer sponsor PFRIEM is bringing a wide selection of their fine brews, including a pilsner, a Japanese lager, a West Coast IPA, a Tropical Hazy, and a Mexican dark lager. Plus, you’ll find a dozen awesome food trucks to choose from, including: coffee, BBQ, Dippin’ Dots, flavored lemonade, Philly cheesesteaks, Hawaiian-style yakisoba noodles, Mexican dishes, corn dogs, poutine, mini-donuts, and more. If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, don’t delay. Overland Expo PNW is going to be a great weekend no matter if you’re a seasoned overland traveler or brand new to this community, and we hope to see you there. BUY TICKETS View the full article