The overlanding community brought the HEAT this weekend, and we’re not talking about the weather. Overland Expo Mountain West just wrapped up in Loveland, Colorado, and it was one to remember. 335 exhibitors filled The Ranch with everything from full-size expedition builds and adventure motorcycles to camping equipment and the latest overland accessories, while nearly 300 classes, demonstrations, and activities gave attendees plenty of opportunities to sharpen their skills. Add in two unique Ride & Drive experiences, evening gatherings, live entertainment, and the Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle, and Mountain West delivered another packed weekend for the overland and outdoor community. By the time the gates closed Sunday afternoon, 18,500 attendees from all 50 states and 14 countries had made their way to Colorado for another excellent Overland Expo. It was a great mix of attendees, including those who have never missed an Overland Expo Mountain West and over 9,000 first-time attendees who were welcomed to the community this weekend.
This year’s event also gave attendees their first chance to experience the newly updated grounds at The Ranch. Extensive renovations added more green space, improved walkability and gathering areas, while a regraded and leveled central event area created a more open and functional footprint for exhibitor displays, demonstrations, camping, and community spaces.
Rigs, Gear, and New Releases
Overland Expo Mountain West 2026 may have set a new record for the number of new products, rigs, and vehicle platforms debuting at an event. Following in the tire prints of previous new models, Toyota brought the all-new Tundra Trailhunter for its first public debut, along with a rugged off-road concept built on Toyota’s global Hilux platform and designed as a purpose-built overlanding rig. Heads up…the Toyota concept vehicle is definitely included in our ‘Best Rigs’ story that we’ll link here as soon as it’s live. VanCraft’s new Strata was on display, offering attendees a first look at a flexible layout based on the tried-and-true platform. Jeep JK and JL drivers got to check out Wanderfox’s Lair for Jeeps. AluCab’s newest camper, the ModCap Tailgate, was on display, offering a great backcountry home for overlanders traveling solo or with the family. And anyone looking for storage, organization, and cargo protection for their truck beds has lots of new options. TRUKD rolled out their Bed Cap that’s compatible with all of their racks, panels, and tents. Narwhal Truck Toppers also released their first production model for the F150, offering an incredibly durable topper with an almost unbelievably low weight. For full-on expedition travel, Supertramp Camper’s new Paragon is a great option that just hit the market. The comms expert at GME released their new XRS Handheld radios that are feature-packed. And last, but not least Lectric Boil debuted their battery powered induction cooktop that’s a revolutionary option for cooking on the go. Be sure to check out our Best Gear of Mountain West roundup for more great kit from the event.
“We’ve already picked up a Slouch Couch and we’re planning to buy something from ORIS Adventure Cooking today. We’re also checking out suspension upgrades, taking photos of the EarthRoamers, and exploring everything the event has to offer. We’re loving it here so far!” – First-Time Attendee, Overland Expo Mtn West
Get Trail-ready Behind the Wheel
All weekend long, attendees at Overland Expo Mountain West got hands-on experience and behind the wheel with a wide variety of rigs. The Ram Offroad Ride and Drive gave attendees the chance to compare a wide variety of Ram trucks and Jeep models on a course that matched real-world trail conditions. Winnebago rolled out their entire Backcountry Series so that attendees could compare the Revel, EKKO, and new ARKA at the Winnebago x Transwest Ride and Drive. These Ride and Drives provide unmatched feedback for attendees, helping them find the perfect rig for their future adventures.
Skills for the Next Adventure
A huge part of the Overland Expo experience is getting inspired and educated by world-class instructors. This weekend at Mountain West, more than 282 classes, demonstrations, slideshows, and more filled the days from early morning until the evening hours. With 282 session hours presented by 79 instructors, attendees could expand their knowledge of dozens of topics, from foraging wild ingredients for camp cocktails to traveling as a couple, and working full time while living on the road.
All across the Ranch event complex, center education areas were buzzing with attendees excited to learn. The Overland Essentials area sponsored by GME hosted sessions that shared critical knowledge for beginning and expert overlanders alike. The Storytelling Pavilion sponsored by Storyteller Overland was the place to get inspired and educated by talented content creators. We all know that meals taste better in camp, and upping your backcountry cooking skills was easy with delicious sessions at the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion sponsored by EarthRoamer. Throughout the weekend, the Bivvy sponsored Hankook Tire hosted smaller sessions designed to create a small attendee-to-presenter ratio so that everyone’s questions and concerns could be answered. Everyone travels differently, and the curriculum at the Learning Lab sponsored by Peak Performance Campers LLC was just as diverse, covering aspects of overlanding from across the spectrum. Throughout the weekend, the Roundtable Pavilion sponsored by Air Down Gear Up gathered experts from across the overland community to discuss a wide variety of topics.
Beyond the Kit, Courses, and Classes
Thousands of products, hands-on driving, and hundreds of course hours make for a great weekend, but there’s so much more to a weekend at Overland Expo. We kicked off the weekend with Friday’s Happy Hour sponsored by Bowen Customs and followed up with the Moto Party Dinner and Raffle sponsored by Rider Justice and the Toyota Game Night.
Saturday, the fun kicked off early with the Subaru Dog Adoption Event, with local rescues bringing out some canine companions to find new adventure buddies. The Women Who Wander Networking Event sponsored by VanCraft has become a great tradition at Overland Expo where attendees can meet fellow overlanders and get inspired by experienced travelers. The good times aren’t exclusive to after-hours, and Camp Subaru LIVE! was the perfect example with food, music, and drinks for attendees. Wrapping up the second day of the event, the Saturday Happy Hour sponsored by WanderFox Overland was jam-packed with hundreds of attendees, exhibitors, and Overland Expo team members sharing laughs and great conversations. Then everyone shifted over to the Overland Expo Foundation Charity Raffle for their chance to score thousands of dollars in prizes. The raffle raised over $13,000 that will support trail access, public land stewardship, and organizations working within the overland community over the next year.
Sunday is a short day, but it’s far from empty. Dogs & Donuts sponsored by Far Fetched Adventures educated attendees on how to care for their four-legged friends on the trail. Overland Expo is the place for the overland community to come together, and we don’t forget about those adventure pups. This weekend we saw over 700 canine companions at the Ranch getting plenty of pets and lots of love.
And with that, we’re down to one more Overland Expo in 2026. Overland Expo Mountain West was an unforgettable weekend spent with our community at an incredible venue with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop. Thanks to all of the exhibitors, attendees, and staff who came together to make it an inspiring weekend. Now we’re shifting our focus to Overland Expo East. Join us in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia October 23-25 for another weekend of training, gear, rigs, and community. The fall foliage should be showing off, and this is your last chance to make it an Overland Expo in 2026.
Mark your calendars for Overland Expo Mountain West 2027, August 20 – 22, heading to a NEW venue, the Riverdale Regional Park, in Brighton, Colorado. It’s going to be RAD.
