In just a few short weeks, overlanders from around the world will gather in Loveland, Colorado, for Overland Expo Mountain West 2025. There you’ll find gear for every style of overland travel and the rigs to match. While there will be lots of cool “stuff” to see, a huge part of the event is the people who make up this wonderful community. Amongst this group, you’ll find experts in nearly every niche within overlanding. From amazing DIYers to international adventurers with countless miles of experience to share. So while you peruse the aisles of exhibitors, be sure to set aside some time to check out the classes, round tables, and demonstrations that are happening all weekend long at Overland Expo Mountain West. Below we’ve included a small sampling of the hundreds of course hours you can expect over the weekend. Be sure to check out the entire educational schedule linked below.
Planning Group Trips: How to Herd Kittens Without Losing Your Mind
August 22, 9-10 AM, Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion Sponsored by Rugged Luxury Motors, LLC
Planning a group trip can feel like herding kittens, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be chaos. Christian Riesenmy will share key strategies for keeping things organized and enjoyable, from securing early check-ins and setting a comfortable pace to balancing group needs, finances, and flexibility. He’ll cover how breaking into smaller groups on certain days can allow for different interests and energy levels while keeping everyone happy.
Overlanding as a Kid: What We Packed and What We Learned
August 22, 11 AM – 12 PM, Kids Adventure Area
Overlanding as a kid is way different than it is for adults. You’re stuck in the car, you need to stay entertained, and there’s never enough space for all your stuff. This class is for kids (and parents!) who want real advice from two kids who’ve been there. We’ll share what we’ve learned about staying busy on long drives, what we wish we packed, and what we totally didn’t need. We’ll also tell stories about the weird, fun, and crazy things we’ve done, like eating guinea pig or jumping off cliffs, because the best part of overlanding is trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone. Come hang out and get inspired to make your own adventures!
Medicine in the Wild: Improvised First Aid
August 22, 1-2 PM, Hands-on Pavilion
Being stuck in the wild while injured presents obstacles that, if not addressed, can be deadly. In this intensive hands-on session, we will show you how to create improvised life-saving devices such as tourniquets, splints for broken bones, stretchers for carrying someone out, and other basic fundamental skill sets that would need to be improvised in a worst-case scenario.
Tread Smart: Mastering Tires & Air Pressure for Off-Roading
August 23. 9-10 AM, Overland Essentials Area
Your tires are the only connection between your vehicle and the terrain, making them one of the most critical components of your off-road setup. But how do you choose the right ones? In this class, Charlene Bower breaks down the different styles of off-road tires – mud, all-terrain, and more that are vehicle specific – so you can make an informed decision as a consumer. You’ll learn how to decode every marking on a tire’s sidewall, from load ratings to ply construction, ensuring you select the best fit for your adventures. And, of course, we’ll dive into air pressures – how adjusting them affects traction, comfort, and performance in different environments. This session isn’t just about knowing tires; it’s about mastering them for ultimate success on and off the trail!
How to Get the Most Out of Overland Expo
August 23, 10-11 AM, Bivvy
Overland Expo is a massive event, and we’ve done our best to ensure that there is something for every member of your family (even if you’re here on your own). We know that attending your first Overland Expo can be overwhelming – hey, it can be just as overwhelming attending your 5th one! – so we’ve designed this session to give you a lay of the land, literally and figuratively. Join Chris Bradley, who has attended EVERY single Overland Expo, for an overview of the venue map, a list of his top picks for classes that are being taught today, the best roundtable discussions to join, and the best way to find the exhibitors you’re keen to visit while you’re at the show. Bring your questions for Chris!
Back to Belize – Adding Conservation and a Mission to Your Overland Trip
August 23, 1-2 PM, The Learning Lab Sponsored by Wanderbox
As a lifelong overlander and expeditioner, Graham Jackson started to realize that the wild places he loved to explore were starting to disappear. Being over-run by visitors, development and industry. As a scientist he thought of ways he could give back to those places yo help preserve them, and in this session he will share ways in which you can also help to preserve the places you love in surprisingly easy ways while adding a mission and a sense of greater purpose to your travels. You don’t have to be a scientist or an educated conservationist to do this, just drawing on your skills as an overlander will put you on a great path if you can understand the simple ways to leverage them. The presentation will be given in the contaxt of an expedition to Belize to complete a failed expedition from years before.
Directing a Driver: Marshaling and Spotting
August 23, 1-2 PM, Women Who Wander Pavilion Sponsored by Chrysler
Clear communication between the driver and spotter is critical for navigating difficult obstacles, but if both parties are not on the same page, it can lead to frustration, arguments, tears, and danger. We will work on clear hand signals, how to communicate, and what to look for. All are welcome, and couples are encouraged to attend together.
