Overland Expo Mountain West is just around the corner, and it promises to be a weekend filled with awesome community members, countless rigs, and plenty of opportunities to up your overland education. All weekend long, world-class instructors will be offering classes on every overlanding topic imaginable, and a few that probably don’t jump to mind.
While courses, round tables, and more are spread all throughout the event, you want to keep an eye on the Overland Essentials programming. This teaching area is focused on 101-level courses to help you lay down a solid foundation for camping, overland trips, and even long-term travel. This area is geared towards beginners and those making the jump from car camping to overlanding, but experienced backcountry travelers are also welcome. You can always pick up some tips and insight, no matter how long you’ve been exploring the trails. Here’s a quick preview of what you can expect to see there.
How to Plan Your Overland Trip
Planning overland trips involves a lot of factors. Where are you going? For how long? What is your range? What do you need for vehicle supplies? How do you deal with safety? Join us for a discussion on how to plan your next overland trip. For those new to overlanding or for those who have spent years traveling the world, there are always new things to learn, new tricks to apply, and new routes to be planned.
Intro to 4 Wheel Drive Systems
Not all vehicles are created equal, but sometimes the differences are hard to see. Attend this class to learn the difference between 4WD, AWD, full-time, part-time, and all the parts that make these systems operate the way they do. You will be a better driver with a more complete understanding of how the power from the engine gets to the ground and moves the vehicle forward.
The Recovery Kit You Need When Things Go Wrong
Learn how to plan and select gear for your own recovery kit. Labels and terms can be confusing, and they are not consistent across the board, but properly spec’d equipment is vital for safe and effective recovery operations. We will show you how it is done and even go into theoretical recovery scenarios.
READ MORE: On the Hunt: Wildlife Photography with Matt Suess at Mountain West
Pre-Drive Checks
“First Parades” is the Brit military term for the first task of the day–which for an overlander involves a warm beverage and then a comprehensive check of the vehicle and its systems. Join us as we cover the routine we now call Pre-Drive Checks that you should adopt to ensure your vehicle stays in good running order, whether you’re out for the weekend or a six-month excursion. It’s not just about checking the oil!
Keeping Your Gear Organized on the Road
Probably the second most common thing to start an argument on an overland trip is not being able to find that one thing you need. Whether you have a dedicated overland vehicle or are using your daily driver for shorter excursions, finding your stuff can be a challenge. This class will delve into some of the techniques that can be utilized to make sure that what you need is close at hand. Not an organized person by nature? Don’t worry, this class is taught by a self-described master of disaster.
Dishes and Laundry, the Day-to-Day Overland Essentials
If you are doing a round-the-world trip, or even a backcountry U.S. trip, the reality is that you are not always going to have access to a washing machine, and limited water carrying capacity can make efficient dishwashing a challenge, too. These two tasks are probably Connie’s least favorite chores while Overlanding, so she’s happy to show you ways of making these chores less arduous.
Overland Radio 101: GMRS and Convoy Communication
Communication in a convoy, or even in your family, makes long stretches of driving tolerable. This course provides an overview of various radio communications systems, with a primary emphasis on the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) for vehicular travel. We’ll explore radio types, frequencies, best (and worst) practices, and the exciting potential of these radio systems for personal, child, and convoy communication on Expedition and Touring.
Overland Radio 201: Repeaters, Installation, and Theory
As a follow-up to 101, this class deep dives into the world of repeaters: What? Where? And how? We’ll also discuss long-distance radio convoy communication techniques and effective convoy communication strategies.
Whether you are a seasoned overlander or nervous about getting out for your first trip, the education at Overland Expo Mountain West, this August 22-24 in Loveland, Colorado, will make sure you are prepared with the essentials for off-roading. Check out these classes, discussions, and more to help you get out there, stay safe, push your limits, and know you have the right tools for the trip. Click the link below to learn more and buy your tickets now to join us at Mountain West and get in on the fun. In addition to 350+ brands, we also have parties, a raffle, classes, RC courses, and so much more!
