Overland Expo West is a three-day off-road celebration that draws more than 10,000 outdoor and overlanding enthusiasts to the Flagstaff, Arizona area. Whether you travel by 4×4 truck, dual-sport motorcycle, camper van, or another motorized rig, the event gathers people who share a passion for exploring remote places and self-reliant travel.
We attended Overland Expo in our 1989 Toyota FJ62 and camped on a Yakima Skyrise rooftop tent. The tent proved easy to deploy and comfortable for three nights. We kept our devices charged with an EcoFlow River portable power station and relied on Milwaukee Tool lighting to illuminate camp after dark — compact, reliable power and lighting make a big difference when camping off-grid.
Education at Overland Expo
Overland Expo offers a robust education program with more than 200 classes for every skill level. Newcomers can learn trip planning, route selection, and basic vehicle recovery, while experienced overlanders can take advanced off-road driving and expedition skills sessions to refine their technique. Major manufacturers such as Land Rover, BMW, and BFGoodrich run test drives on off-road courses, giving attendees hands-on experience with capable vehicles and tires.
The Vehicles: Trucks, Vans, and Rigs
A major draw at Overland Expo is the wide variety of vehicles on display. From classic Land Rovers, Jeeps, and FJ40 Land Cruisers to contemporary full-size trucks like the Nissan Titan XD Project Basecamp and the Ram Power Wagon, the show presents rigs outfitted for extended adventures. Exhibits range from minimalist builds optimized for lightweight travel to lavish expedition vehicles equipped for months on the road.
High-end expedition rigs — including six-figure EarthRoamers, customized Sportsmobiles, and fully fitted Sprinter vans — always draw crowds. Restored and modern Land Rover Defenders, especially the Defender 110, remain crowd favorites for their combination of capability and classic styling. The range of setups on display highlights different philosophies of overlanding: self-sufficiency, comfort, simplicity, and extreme capability.
Overland Expo is also a place to compare equipment and ideas. You can see rooftop tents, drawer systems, portable power solutions, refrigeration, advanced lighting, recovery gear, suspension upgrades, and communication systems side by side. Vendors and builders are available to answer questions, and booths often include real-world demonstrations and build breakdowns that help attendees decide what gear fits their goals and budget.
Whether you’re planning your first overnight trip on dirt roads or dreaming of a months-long continental expedition, Overland Expo offers inspiration and practical knowledge. We had a fantastic time this year and are already looking forward to attending more events, including Overland Expo East in Asheville, North Carolina later this summer.
