The Pacific Northwest doesn’t do anything halfway. Towering pines, volcanic high desert, rivers that cut through canyons like they have somewhere to be. It’s the kind of country that practically dares you to load up your rig and disappear for a week. So, when Overland Expo PNW 2026 rolled into the Deschutes County Expo Center in Redmond, Oregon, June 26-28, it felt less like a trade show and more like a homecoming for everyone who’d rather sleep under the stars than under a roof.
A Vendor Village That Refused to Quit
Walking the show floor was an adventure in itself. With 295 exhibitors on-site, every stroll through the grounds uncovered innovative gear, incredible vehicles, and plenty of “I need that” moments.
Our title sponsors set the tone early. Toyota turned heads with an awe-inspiring display anchored by the 1985 Turbo Trail Cruiser; a build based on a 1985 Land Cruiser FJ60 that honors Toyota’s legendary Land Cruiser legacy while flexing some seriously modern engineering and reliability. It was the kind of rig that stops you mid-stride and makes you forget where you were going. Subaru brought a different kind of energy, packing their booth with hands-on demos that covered everything from how to successfully live out of your Subaru to outfitting your rig for adventure and taking it off-road. Practical, inspiring and packed with real-world tips for the Subaru faithful. American Expedition Vehicles showed off several killer vehicles including the Ford Super Duty FXL that they launched earlier this year, and it is STILL drool worthy. Four Wheel Campers and ROA Off-Road proved that home really can come with you, while Dometic turned camp comfort into an art form with coolers, power and gear that blur the line between roughing it and living well.
Expion360, showcased batteries and solar set ups that keep the lights on for weeks in the backcountry. Overland Vehicle Systems rolled out awnings, tents, and recovery gear built to take a beating while providing top-class living space in the backcountry. Wanderbox brought out their expedition-ready rigs that really are a home on wheels, Pelican Products showed why their cases survive everything short of the apocalypse, 58 Peaks reminded us that our coffee can get a kick of flavor no matter where we’re brewing it, and Ford’s series of Tremor-equipped rigs had us dreaming of new builds. Then there were the exhibitors who turned browsing into an obsession. Rucker Knives put serious steel in serious hands AND sponsored the Backcountry & Culinary Pavilion. A perfect match for trail ready meals.
Tires, Beer, and Good People
Our supporting sponsors kept the good times rolling. Nokian Tyres showed up with rubber built for whatever the backcountry throws at you. And pFriem Beer? Let’s just say nobody walked away thirsty after a long day on the grounds.
The special area sponsors made the community feel like, well, community. Hankook Tire anchored Bivvy #1, the central hub where strangers became friends, stories got swapped, and future travel plans were solidified. As always, the action at Overland Expo doesn’t stop when the exhibitor rows close. Friday night Happy Hour sponsored by OGO Compost Toilet/Configure Brands kicked off the evening activities. From there, the Women Who Wander Networking Event sponsored by MAXXIS Tires created a welcoming space for female overlanders to connect, share routes, and prove the trail belongs to everyone. And if that wasn’t enough to keep attendees busy during the evening, they could still choose between the Toyota Game Night with plenty of laughs, snacks, and good times, or head over to the Overland Expo Film Festival to get inspired by incredible films showcasing overland journeys from a host of talented filmmakers. This night of adventure films reminded everyone exactly why we do this.
Saturday evening, the action kicked off even earlier with Camp Subaru LIVE! delivering tunes and good vibes before Happy Hour sponsored by Guild Outfitters brought everyone together to share stories of good gear, new friendships, and more from the day. Post happy hour, the Overland Expo Foundation once again saw tons of prizes going home with attendees, and it raised $18,000 that will go towards expanding access, protecting trails, and helping the overland community at large.
Where the Real Learning Happened
Gear gets you started. Skills get you home. That’s why training and education sit at the heart of every Overland Expo.
This year, 138 trainees climbed behind the wheel for hands-on driving instruction, working one-on-one with expert instructors on a custom-built off-road course. Recovery drills, technical maneuvers, the works. People who showed up nervous left ready to tackle terrain they’d only dreamed about.
The classroom side delivered too. Across 212 sessions and 221 hours of education, attendees soaked up everything from navigation and trip planning to vehicle maintenance and Tread Lightly principles. Beginner or expert, nobody left without learning something new.
The Stories Continue
Big thanks to our media partners who help tell these stories all year long: OVR Magazine, Off Road Travel TV, OutdoorX4, and Overland Collective. They keep the overlanding spirit alive long after the tents come down.
When the dust settled, 16,000 attendees had made the trip to Redmond. That’s 16,000 people who chose community, adventure, and the open road over a quiet weekend at home. The high desert got loud, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Missed It? Don’t Make the Same Mistake Again
Here’s the part where the FOMO really kicks in. PNW 2026 is in the books, but the road doesn’t end here.
Next stop: Overland Expo Mountain West in Colorado. Picture alpine passes, big mountain air, and a whole new crew of overlanders ready to swap stories and trade trail tips. The vendors, the training, the films, the community, it’s all heading to the Rockies, and you’ve got another chance to be a part of the 2026 Overland Expo road trip.
So fuel up, check your tire pressure, and point your rig toward Colorado. The world is out there. Let’s go find it together.
Ready to road trip with us? Grab your tickets for Overland Expo Mountain West, and we’ll see you in the mountains.
