Overland Expo 2026

For those who love the journey as much as the destination, Overlanding might be for you. I recently attended Overland Expo Mountain West in Loveland, Colorado in August of 2026, to better understand this growing adventure community. I suspect I am not the only person who initially thought Overlanding was simply a more elaborate version of car camping. While camping can certainly be part of the experience, Overlanding is about much more than where you spend the night. With Overlanding, the journey itself is the adventure. Relying primarily on your own preparation, skills and equipment, you research, plan and outfit your vehicle for journeys that can take you across the country or around the globe. Adventures can range from weekend excursions into the mountains to extended expeditions that traverse multiple continents.

More Than a Vehicle Show

Originally conceived by Roseann and Jonathan Hanson, Overland Expo has grown from a small event into a multi-state series with events in California, Arizona, Oregon, Colorado and Virginia. The expo has become a gathering place for people at every level of the Overlanding experience, from those who are simply curious about getting started to seasoned travelers preparing for their next international expedition.

Walking through the expo, it quickly became apparent that Overlanding encompasses much more than vehicles and camping gear. The event brings together manufacturers, instructors, travelers and enthusiasts who share an interest in self-sufficient travel and exploring places that are often far beyond the typical tourist route. Attendees can explore everything from highly modified four-wheel-drive vehicles and rooftop tents to recovery equipment, navigation systems, cooking equipment, communications technology and emergency supplies.

One of the most valuable aspects of the expo is the opportunity to learn. In addition to the exhibit areas, Overland Expo offers an extensive selection of classes and hands-on training. These courses cover practical skills that can make the difference between a memorable adventure and a difficult situation in the field. Vehicle maintenance, recovery techniques, navigation, first aid, campcraft and other backcountry skills are among the topics covered. For someone new to Overlanding, the sheer range of information can be a little overwhelming-but it also makes the expo an excellent place to start.

Women have had a strong influence on the expo from the beginning. Azure O'Neill, the director of programming, works hard to make sure there are opportunities for women to learn about aspects of Overlanding that might otherwise seem intimidating. Courses on marshalling, vehicle maintenance and hygiene are all part of the expo's programming. The emphasis on education and confidence-building helps demonstrate that Overlanding is not limited by age, experience or gender. The goal is to give people the skills and confidence to get out and explore.

Gear for the Journey

Like any large expo, there were endless opportunities to check out the newest products and innovations in Overlanding. From concept vehicles and fully equipped expedition rigs to survival gear and communications equipment, there was something interesting around virtually ever–y corner. Many of the exhibitors weren't simply selling products-they were explaining how those products fit into the realities of traveling and living on the road.

A quick disclosure: the products below are ones I noticed while walking the expo floor, not samples provided to me for review, and I have no relationship with these brands.

SPOT Satellite Messenger had their full range of products on display, providing options for satellite tracking and communication when travelers are far beyond the reach of traditional cellular service. For anyone traveling into remote areas, the ability to communicate or share a location can provide an important additional layer of safety.

Radlight Survival Lighter demonstrated a waterproof, wind-resistant lighter designed specifically for use in challenging outdoor conditions. Even seemingly simple pieces of equipment take on greater importance when you're traveling somewhere that may be cold, wet, windy or otherwise difficult.

Grayl Water Filtration showcased its full line of filtration bottles, along with accessories such as the cook lid, stove and French press for the Grayl Titanium. Water is one of those basic necessities that becomes much more complicated when traveling remotely, making compact filtration and purification systems an especially interesting part of the Overlanding world.

Beyond the individual products, what stood out to me was the thought that goes into outfitting an Overlanding vehicle. Every piece of equipment has to earn its place. Weight, durability, storage space, power requirements and versatility all become important considerations when your vehicle is your transportation, kitchen, bedroom and sometimes your lifeline to the outside world.

Women Who Wander

The highlight of the event for me was the Women Who Wander Meet and Greet. It was an opportunity to hear directly from women who have embraced Overlanding and pushed the boundaries of where a vehicle-and a willingness to explore-can take you.

I had the opportunity to hear from Patty Upton, who is in the Guinness Book of World Records for completing the first all-land crossing of the Darién Gap with her husband, Loren. Her story offered a powerful reminder that Overlanding isn't necessarily about having the most expensive vehicle or the latest equipment. At its heart, it is about preparation, perseverance and the willingness to take that first step-or, in this case, first mile.

Patty offered simple advice for women interested in Overlanding: "Don't Wait, Just GO!"

That message may be one of the best takeaways from the expo. It is easy to spend years researching vehicles, buying equipment and waiting until you feel completely prepared. But part of the appeal of Overlanding is learning as you go. You don't have to begin with a months-long expedition across another continent. A weekend trip can be the first step toward a much bigger adventure.

Overland Expo Mountain West gave me a much better understanding of what Overlanding is-and why it appeals to so many people. Yes, there are impressive vehicles, innovative gear and plenty of gadgets to admire. But underneath all of that is a community built around exploration, self-reliance, learning and the desire to see what lies beyond the next destination. Don't wait. Just go.

Overland Expo East: October 23-25, Arlington, Virginia. Learn more here!