Overland expos and rallies are part tradeshow, part off-grid gathering — a place where anyone from seasoned rig builders to totally-new-and-overland-curious can check out gear, swap stories, and learn what actually works out there. You’ll see rooftop tents and rock sliders, sure — but also minivans with DIY drawer systems and folks just figuring out what to pack.
We just wrapped up three days at Overland Expo PNW—camped on-site, covered in trail dust, and trading stories with people from every walk of life. In short, it was everything we hoped for. (You don’t have to camp there, but if you do, it’s half the fun.) We’ve been to this one since it launched in 2021, plus a bunch of others west of the Rockies. Here’s what to expect — and what we’ve learned the hard way.
What Is an Overland Expo or Rally?
Think of it as a mix between a tradeshow and a campground. Typically, expos run for 2–3 days and bring together a blend of:
- Massive gear showcases — From rooftop tents to recovery tracks, it’s like REI and a military surplus store had a baby.
- Workshops and demos — You’ll get real-world training from people who’ve actually lived off-grid—not just posted about it on TikTok.
- Free classes with admission — Topics can range from camp cooking and wilderness first aid to rig recovery techniques and how to overland across South America.
- Optional community camping — You can camp on-site and see how others set up their rigs, or stay offsite and come in fresh each morning.
- Trail runs and driving courses — Some events also let you test your setup (or their demo rigs) on controlled off-road courses.
It’s a place to learn, meet other folks who get it, and figure out what works for your setup before dropping serious cash.
Who Should Go to One?
So, if any of this sounds like your idea of a weekend well spent, then good news—you’re exactly who this was made for.
- New to overlanding? Then this is the crash course you didn’t know you needed.
- Seasoned rig-builder? You’ll find new gear and smarter setups.
- Family adventurer? Many expos are surprisingly kid-friendly, with dedicated play areas, safer trails, and packing hacks you’ll actually use.
- Gear skeptic? This is where you see what survives actual trail abuse, not just Instagram staging.
I’ve seen everything from retired couples in tricked-out Sprinters to solo travelers in lifted Subarus. In other words, there’s room for all kinds of setups and stories—and that’s part of what makes the expo vibe so welcoming.
How Can They Help?
You’ll get three big wins out of going:
- Hands-on gear testing — Touch it. Climb on it. Ask the rep weird questions they didn’t rehearse for.
- Real-world advice — Want to know how a fridge handles dust storms or what water filter survived Baja? Ask the guy with bugs on his winch.
- Connections — Swap trail maps, get campground recs, join group convoys — all easier when you’re talking face-to-face between vendor booths.
Plus, most expos are held in scenic spots, so it doubles as a camping weekend if you’re up for it.
What to Watch Out For
A few things we’ve learned:
- Budget creep — Let’s be honest, you will want to buy something. So, plan ahead or leave your wallet in the truck.
- Overwhelm — there’s a ton to see. That’s why it helps to prioritize what you want to learn or test. In fact, most expos publish a vendor or exhibitor list ahead of time, so you can plan your must-visits before you even arrive.
- Hype gear — Just because it’s flashy doesn’t mean it’s field-tested. Talk to owners, not just vendors.
- Sun exposure — Most expos happen in the summer and you’ll be outside all day. Sunblock is a must, and don’t underestimate the utility of an umbrella — it’s one of the few items that works for both sudden downpours and brutal midday sun.
Also? Bring a hydration pack. Not just for staying hydrated (which you 100% need), but because the main pouch makes a solid stash spot for brochures, stickers, freebies, or the snacks you’ll forget to pack otherwise.
A notebook or your phone camera is handy too — whether you’re jotting down gear specs, snapping QR codes for giveaways, or taking pics of something you want to Google later.
If you’re looking for a full rundown on what else to bring, check out our Overlanding Gear Checklist: Essentials You’ll Be Glad You Packed.
Bottom Line
Overland expos and rallies are worth checking out — and not just for the gear, but for the community. It’s one of the few places where asking someone about their water tank setup isn’t weird. You’ll leave smarter, better-prepped, and probably with a wishlist a mile long.
Pro tip: Hydration pack, good boots, sunblock, and a way to capture info. That’s your overland expo starter kit.
Gear That’ll Actually Help at an Overland Expo
(The links below are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them — at no extra cost to you.)
Here’s what I’d pack again — and again — after doing these expos for years:
- CamelBak M.U.L.E. Tactical Hydration Backpack
Carries water, maps, stickers, flyers, and also the snack you forgot you packed. Minimal bounce and built tough. - Sun Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Doesn’t smell like a tiki bar and doesn’t melt your eyeballs when you sweat. - Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
Compact enough for your pack, but also tough enough for sudden weather shifts — rain or blazing sun. - Rite in the Rain Top-Spiral Notebook
Tough paper that won’t fall apart if you spill coffee on it mid-demo. - Maxpedition Mini Pocket Organizer
Perfect for stashing business cards, USB drives, stickers, and also the occasional emergency beef stick. - Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Extra storage for all the vendor brochures and freebie swag. Works solo or piggybacks your main rig pack.
Still Time to Hit the Next Overland Expo
If you’re thinking, “I want to go to one of these,” there’s still time.
Overland Expo Mountain West happens August 22–24, 2025, at The Ranch in Loveland, Colorado. It’s one of the biggest events of the season, with:
- 300+ gear vendors
- 150+ classes and demos (all included with admission)
- On-site camping (optional) and plenty of hotels nearby
- Trail rides, moto zones, food trucks, and happy hours
Grab a day pass or go all-in for the weekend. Military discounts are also available.
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