Overland Expo SoCal 2026 is less than a month away, and it’s going to be a jam-packed weekend full of exhibitors with the latest and greatest gear, must-see classes and sessions, and thousands of rigs to inspire your build and future adventures. Before you head to Costa Mesa, CA, for the first Overland Expo of the year, be sure you pack the essentials. You’ll be putting down the miles checking out everything the expo has to offer, and you’ll need to be prepared for all conditions. Here are some suggestions for things to pack for Overland Expo.
Helios Sun Hat
Sun protection goes a long way towards making sure you have a great weekend. That starts at the top with a good hat that will protect your face, ears, and neck. We’re big fans of Outdoor Research offerings, especially the Helio Sun Hat. It’s lightweight, provides plenty of coverage, and packs away when you don’t need it. Plus, the foam brim provides flotation if you forget to use the handy cinch cord on aquatic adventures.
YETI Rambler
You have to stay hydrated to stay on top of your game, and at Overland Expo, you don’t want to miss anything, so keep a trusty water bottle at hand. The YETI Rambler is a great option with double-walled stainless steel construction that keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for hours. On the outside, a durable coating provides grip and an opportunity for self-expression. How cool is that Moon Dust color? And the best part is the Chug cap that includes a wide and narrow mouth option, plus a grab loop in one expertly engineered package.
Helinox Savanna Chair
While you’re taking a break, reviewing the class schedule, and chatting with friends back at camp, it’s great to have a comfortable seat. For a packable and surprisingly lightweight option, the Savanna Chair is tough to beat. With cup holders, a high breathable back, and even a storage bag that works as a pillow, this chair packs a lot of features into a 4 lb. package.
GCI Stowaway Rocker
For the ultimate in camp comfort at the end of the day, you’d be hard-pressed to find something better than the GCI Outdoors Stowaway Rocker. Padded armrest, multiple pockets, patented Spring-Action Rocker Technology, and a fold flat design are all covered by a 3-year warranty. GCI Outdoors has been redefining what a camp chair can be for years. If you haven’t tried one yet, this is a great time to change that.
READ MORE: Instructor Spotlight: Jess Stone
JackRabbit OG2
We’ve seen some cool ebikes, and they’re definitely handy for zipping around Overland Expo, your neighborhood, or the campground, and none of them are as compact and convenient as the JackRabbit. It may look like a BMX bike, but with a folding design, scalable battery capacity, and a powerful motor, the JackRabbit offers all the benefits of larger ebikes with tons of added convenience. It’s even FAA-compliant, so you can fly with it!
Ombraz Teton Sunglasses
SoCal is known for the sun, and to block the rays, you can rely on Ombraz for a comfortable fit, UVA/UVB protection, and hassle-free on and off as you duck into classes, exhibitor tents, and awesome expedition vehicles. The integrated cord in place of the traditional arms keeps them snug, makes them easy to slip on and off, and, most importantly, eliminates a common failure point on sunglasses. The Teton caught our eye, but Ombraz has a wide range of styles with all of these awesome features.
Midland GXT67 GMRS Walkie Talkie
Call us old school, but even with smartphones in everyone’s pocket, we still appreciate a good walkie-talkie. No matter if we’re hitting Overland Expo or the trail, we like to have some radios handy. We’ve been rocking these handheld GMRS units from Midland for a couple of years, and they offer excellent battery life, great coverage across rough terrain, and they’re waterproof. It’s a great way to stay in touch with friends while exploring Overland Expo, and you’ll be bringing these along on adventures for years to come. You can check out our review of the Midland GXT67 for more info.
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Shopping Bag
You’ll definitely pick up some swag, you might want to carry an extra layer you’ll shed throughout the day, and you really never know what you might find at Overland Expo, so having a bag to carry stuff is a must-have. This one from Sea to Summit is unbelievably small, and when it’s packed into the integrated stuff sack, it literally fits into your hand. Don’t let the size and lightweight material fool you: the Ultra-Sil Shopping Bag holds 30 liters, and it’s been tested to hold a shocking 286 lbs. It’s the perfect size to toss into your pack or pocket, and forget about it until you need a trusty carry companion.
Ruff Wear Hi & Light Trail Shoes
If you’re bringing your furry friend, be sure to protect their feet from hot concrete and asphalt. These booties from Ruff Wear are easy on, offer great protection for your dog’s pads, and are breathable. This will keep them happy, healthy, and excited to be there. Also, be on the lookout for hydration and shade opportunities depending on the temperature and your dog’s sensitivity to heat.
