A first-time attendee’s highlight reel (spoiler: it was all highlights)
We are finally settling in back home after an incredible weekend at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona. Although I’m a longtime overlander, it was my first time at Overland Expo West and I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was everything I hoped and little that I feared: it was packed with excited vendors, exhibitors, and attendees, but not so much that no one could get close to products. There was plenty of water around so even though I did get thirsty, it was mainly because I was too excited to drink — not because I couldn’t fill my bottle. I forgot my sun hat, but luckily the Overland Expo merch booth sold them so I bought two: one with a big brim for the sun and another that cinched down tightly for the wind. And of course, what a thrill it was to finally meet so many cool overlanders, whether they were inventors showcasing their new products, educators who walked through how-to’s with patience and precision to make sure I and the rest of the class attendees understood the concept, or presenters who told their dreamy tales of adventure and set alight in me a new level of wanderlust.
But of course, there are some specific highlights worth showcasing as well:
We raised just over $19,000 this weekend at the raffle for the Overland Expo Foundation! Donations came from the following exhibitors, plus quite a few more: Vortex Optics, Nokian Tyres, Gazelle Tents, heat it, TEREN, Kuhl, Grizzly Knives, Civivi knives, Benchmade, Flated, 23 Zero, Peak Suspension, CBI, CYC Engineering, Lunatec, Bundatec, Rugged Radio, Midland Radio, Mammoth Overland, On Roads, Gaia, OnX, melin, and Adrenaline Addicts. This money will be used to help the Foundation support groups around the world in their efforts to provide sustainable water sources, protect natural resources, support veterans and Native communities, educate youngsters, and so much more.
Speaking of youngsters, 150 kids experienced the RC Driving Course and learned Overland Responsible Principles, setting the course for the next generation of people excited to go outside, explore the world, and protect it as they go.
Dozens of brands launched or unveiled new products. Dometic and Jeep Performance Parts partnered to develop an integrated Awning and Roof Top Tent (ARTT) designed specifically for Jeep Wrangler and showcased on the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Sunchaser concept. Toyota showcased the new 4Runner TRD Off-Road including special builds by designers like Westcott Designs, and we finally got to see — in person — the 2023 Jeep Wrangler-Rubicon that American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) built specially for Connie Rodman and Patty Upton’s upcoming Rebelle Rally competition.
Our Friday night Film Fest had a fantastic turnout for Capacity in Reserve, Savoring Joy, and Silent Battles: Riding for Life. We also unveiled our 2025 Ultimate Builds, backed by the hypnotic riffs of Owen playing an electric violin. The Ultimate Motorcycle, a 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE with upgrades to battery, cruise control, light system, and more, was introduced by longtime Overland Expo partner Eva Strupert. The Ultimate Vehicle, a 2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4X AEV Edition, was introduced by AEV pro Matt Feldermann. Happy Hour, sponsored by Barebones Living (Thursday), TOPS Knives (Friday), and Maxxis Tires (Saturday) were huge successes where attendees and exhibitors got together to relax after a big day, clink cans, and listen to music before dinner, film fest, raffle, and other evening events took off.
Meanwhile, news traveled fast: XOverland, Overland Journal, Expedition Portal, and XOverland Ranch announced a merger to form Overland Collective, which was celebrated with a Saturday night party with AT Overland. It continued a tradition of AT Overland parties at Overland Expo for the past 15 years, and the vibe was “adult house party” — the music was loud, but reasonable enough that people didn’t have to shout over one another. These parties have become known to be the place for exhibitors to get together, collaborate, and celebrate each other, and the energy was certainly celebratory among veterans and newcomers alike.
Also on Saturday, Rutledge Wood, of Top Gear USA fame, made a surprise appearance at the Toyota party. And just down the path, Subaru hosted an evening party with incredible live music that people were talking about the next day with songs stuck in their heads. Subaru kept the positive energy going on Sunday with a pet adoption event to find new homes for adorable dogs.
Overland Expo isn’t (just) a place to party, though. We had hundreds of educational classes and programs! Knot tying, splints and bandages, camp toilets 101, making a living while full-time overlanding, firestarters, keeping your rig organized, master route planning, overlanding with a Subaru, how to store your Space trailer vertically… The list goes on for days — literally. There were classes I wanted to take that I didn’t even realize were possible to learn in an education session. You mean I don’t have to learn the hard way, over and over, for years until it finally clicks? So many brands even offered classes on using their products so people who already use them can have a better experience and those who were interested can make a truly informed decision and walk away with a new product confident in how to use it. Meanwhile, Suzuki, Zero, and JackRabbit offered bike demos throughout the Expo so attendees could check out gas- and electric-powered motorcycles and e-bikes.
Women Who Wander was once again a huge success. In addition to the camaraderie of community and empowerment of hearing experts talk about working through fears, we also had classes on mechanics, self defense, hygiene, and other critical skills. Throughout the weekend, women encouraged one another, learned from each other, and lifted each other up with inspiring stories. There were so many radical women at Overland Expo West who had so much knowledge, experience, wisdom, and humor to share. While the conversations started in the Women Who Wander Pavilion sponsored by Rig Ready Systems, they spread throughout the Expo and will surely last long after this past weekend.
Post-expo cleanup was sponsored by Bronco Wild Fund and aided by seven volunteers. After rounding up all the larger trash items on Sunday, we spent Monday morning picking up micro-trash around the venue, then cleaning up the section of 89A adopted by the Overland Expo Foundation. In total, we picked up 390 pounds of trash between the two areas.
I’m already mapping my route to Overland Expo PNW, taking place June 27-29, 2025 in Redmond, Oregon. If you couldn’t make it to SoCal or West this year, don’t miss the chance to buy tickets to PNW so you can get in on the fun, the lessons, the deals, and the parties. Click the buttons below to learn more, secure your ticket, and join us in Oregon for an unforgettable Overlanding experience.
