What an incredible weekend! The dust has finally settled at Oak Ridge Estate in Arrington, Virginia, and we’re still buzzing from the energy of Overland Expo East 2025. The weather was perfect and this event was a spectacular grand finale to our 2025 season. It brought together thousands of overlanders, adventurers, and innovators for a weekend packed with everything we love about the overlanding community. If you were there, you know what we’re talking about. If you weren’t, get ready for some serious FOMO. Our event recap covers it all.
This year’s event was one for the books, showcasing the absolute best of the overland world. From cutting-edge gear to jaw-dropping rigs and inspiring stories, Overland Expo East was a vibrant celebration of exploration. We are constantly amazed by the passion and camaraderie that fills the air at these events, and this year was no exception. It was the perfect way to close out our 2025 event season.
The Best Gear and Rigs Under Virginia Skies
Walking through the exhibitor area this year was an adventure in itself! We had 223 exhibitors showcasing the latest and greatest in overland technology and equipment. You could find everything from revolutionary rooftop tents and ingenious camp kitchens to robust recovery gear and state-of-the-art navigation systems. It was a gear-lover’s paradise, and it was nearly impossible to see everything in just one weekend.
The sheer variety of products on display was astounding. We saw companies unveiling brand-new designs that are sure to change how we travel. Whether you were in the market for a complete vehicle build-out or just looking for that one perfect gadget to complete your kit, the vendor area had you covered. The hands-on demos were a huge hit, giving everyone a chance to see the gear in action before making a decision.
Among the hands-on demos, several moto brands offered demo rides for attendees including Harley Davidson, Land Moto, and Yamaha. Because some models include ebikes and side by sides, you didn’t necessarily need your motorcycle endorsement to go for a quick test ride on Land Moto, or trail ride with Yamaha. No surprise, these were quite popular and attendees were clearly having a blast.
Of course, what’s an Overland Expo without the rigs? The parking areas and campgrounds were a rolling museum of overland innovation. We saw everything from classic, trail-tested Land Cruisers and Defenders to brand-new, fully-outfitted vans and massive expedition trucks. It’s always inspiring to see the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into each build, with every vehicle telling a unique story of its owner’s adventures.
A Community of Adventurers
While the gear is amazing, the real heart of Overland Expo is the people. This year, we welcomed over 14,000 fellow overlanders to Oak Ridge Estate. Travelers joined us from 48 states, and 7 countries.
If you’ve never camped at Overland Expo East, it’s truly a unique experience sitting within the picturesque landscape of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. The fall foliage was just getting started, and the weather was spectacular allowing hundreds of campers set up throughout the trees and field. When you walked through the campground, the sense of community was truly palpable where you saw new friends and old sharing meals and cooking around the campfire.
The Oasis Bar & Food Court, sponsored by Blue Compass RV / Airstream of Virginia provided a common space for people to swap stories and share tips. It also became a home for our nightly happy hours (Friday sponsored by Torque Wheels / Saturday sponsored by Toyo Tires), not only where new friendships were forged, but where you could truly feel the shared passion for travel and self-reliance.
The evening campfire stories and film screenings were, as always, a highlight. Moto Movie Night featured Boda Babes Ride! a story about 3 women’s moto travels through Africa. OK4WD teamed up with Mountain State Overland to premiere their new feature film showcasing highlights from their forthcoming series, Hammer Down 6. Hearing firsthand accounts of incredible journeys and watching stunning overland films under the stars is a truly magical experience. It reminds us all why we do what we do and inspires us to start planning our next big trip.
We of course can’t forget about Camp Subaru LIVE! because they have been throwing epic parties all year long. On Friday evening, their booth was packed with attendees to enjoy free beer, wine, and late night munchies (those hot honey garlic chicken bites were SO good), with live music by some seriously talented artists. On Saturday morning, working with the local humane society, Subaru kicked off their pet adoption, finding homes for 4 dogs.
Movie Premiere
Learning from the Best in the Business
Knowledge is the most important piece of gear you can carry, and Overland Expo East was packed with opportunities to learn. Our incredible team of instructors delivered 273 hours of educational programming. That’s an unbelievable amount of expertise packed into one weekend!
We had experts teaching everything from rigging demos and tire repair to wilderness first aid and gourmet camp cooking. No matter your skill level, there was something new to learn. These sessions are what truly set Overland Expo apart. Having direct access to seasoned professionals who have traveled the globe is an invaluable resource. You can ask questions, get personalized advice, and gain the confidence you need to tackle your own adventures safely and successfully.
The Overland Essentials Area, sponsored by Midland Radio Corp. included classes like “How To Plan Your Overland Trip” led by Overland Expo veteran, Graham Jackson and “Amateur Radio for Overland Travel” taught by Roman Brandau. It was really a place to help get newcomers started, and allowed more seasoned travelers to touch back on the basics.
The Women Who Wander Pavilion, sponsored by U-Haul International has really become a staple at any Overland Expo. This safe space allows anyone, not just women, to learn directly from influential women in the industry. Classes include safety tips, self-defense lessons, hygiene, health, and preparedness, all designed to be inclusive and inviting.
Giving Back to the Community
One of the proudest moments of every Overland Expo is seeing our community come together to support a great cause. The Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle was a massive success, and thanks to your incredible generosity, we raised over $19,000!
This money goes directly to organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving public lands, supporting travelers in need, and ensuring the future of overland exploration for generations to come. A huge thank you to all the exhibitors who donated amazing prizes and to every single person who purchased a raffle ticket. Your contributions make a real, tangible difference.
Until Next Year!
And just like that, our 2025 event season has come to a close. Overland Expo East was the perfect ending, filled with community, learning, and inspiration. We want to extend a massive thank you to our attendees, exhibitors, instructors, and everyone involved for making it such an unforgettable weekend. Want to see more of the numbers? Check out our East Event Recap here.
We are already counting down the days until we can kick off the 2026 season. Keep an eye on our website and social media for announcements about next year’s dates and locations. We have some exciting things planned and can’t wait to see you all on the trail again. Get ready for another year of adventure!
