Overland Expo West 2021 was an outstanding event. The show has grown substantially, and Fort Tuthill near Flagstaff, AZ provided ample space to accommodate the expanded exhibition.
It was energizing to reconnect with industry colleagues and to meet numerous vendors and media professionals who are excited to be back in person.
The overlanding and outdoor market is vibrant right now, with high consumer demand driving innovation and new product introductions.
Companies that continued to invest during 2020 are now meeting eager buyers looking for the latest gear and thoughtful design.
Below are some of my favorite new (and new-ish) products and brands I saw at Overland Expo West 2021, spanning established names and smaller upstarts offering fresh ideas.
Dometic Go Collection
Dometic, long known for quality powered coolers, introduced the Go Collection — a coordinated lineup aimed at car campers who want attractive, practical solutions for storage, meal prep, and water management.
I was especially impressed by their portable 11-liter water container, which integrates an optional filter for safe drinking water and supports an electric dispenser for easy access while cooking or brushing your teeth.
The Go Collection also includes modular storage bags for organized packing, bamboo-topped camp tables, and lightweight seating options such as chairs and benches. These products were slated to be available in November 2021.
Roam Adventure Cargo Boxes and Quick Release
Roam Adventure cargo boxes have become a common sight on well-crafted rigs, and with good reason: they’re durable, lockable, and available in appealing colors.
What stood out to me were the gas struts that hold the lid open and the new quick-release mounting system that bolts directly to Frontrunner or expedition-style racks. This eliminates the need to drill into the cargo box to secure it, simplifying installation and preserving the box’s integrity.
Gazelle Tents
Gazelle Tents, a small Wisconsin operation, have made a big impact with their fast-deploying hub-style tents. Their designs set up in seconds and prioritize ease of use without sacrificing durability.
Gazelle tents often sell out quickly, and I picked up their T4 Plus Hub Tent Overland Edition as a likely replacement for our older Coleman 8-person tent. I’ll publish a full review after some field testing.
Front Runner Wolf Pack Pro
Front Runner’s Wolf Pack Pro is an updated version of their popular stackable storage box. The Pro upgrades include more robust latches and an improved seal to keep dust and water out.
They also introduced 20L and 40L Pro water tanks with an improved spigot and a relocated fill cap on top for easier access when mounted or stored.
Forrest Tools
Forrest Tools, made in Durango, CO, produce American-made implements built for durability. Their Max multipurpose tool kit bundles essential tool heads into a single, compact kit that’s ideal for overland use.
The kit includes eight commonly used tool heads—pick, shovel, axe, rake, hoe, broad pick, mattock blade, and a McLeod—packaged in a lightweight, easy-to-carry case suitable for trail and camp tasks.
iKamper Skottle
Skottles have grown in popularity because they’re simple to use and deliver excellent cooking results. iKamper, known for pioneering hard-shell rooftop tents, is expanding into camp cooking gear with a skottle and accessories designed to pair with their camping systems.
iKamper plans to offer a cooking bundle that includes a skottle and a tripod system with a pulley for easily hanging a Dutch oven over a fire, making camp cooking more versatile and user-friendly.
Expect additional product announcements from iKamper as they expand their outdoor gear lineup.
Loki Basecamp Falcon 8 Slide-In
The show featured many expedition-ready vehicles, but the Loki Basecamp Falcon 8 Slide-In stood out as a livable, well-designed option. Its rear-opening design creates a dramatic entry and a functional flow between interior and exterior spaces.
Inside, the Falcon 8 feels modern and minimal, with clean lines and a Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic that emphasizes comfort and efficient use of space.
From the outside, the glossy black finish punctuated by topographic motifs and yellow accents makes a bold visual statement—an aesthetic that pairs well with the camper’s purposeful design.
Full-size, heavy-duty trucks are increasingly popular platforms for overland builds, and slide-ins like the Falcon 8 add significant functionality without the need to tow a trailer or permanently modify the vehicle.
More from Loki Basecamp
Overall, Overland Expo West 2021 showcased a healthy, creative industry filled with practical innovations that make outdoor travel easier, safer, and more enjoyable. I left inspired by the products and the people shaping the future of overlanding.