What to Expect, Where to Go, and Why These Events Matter
Overland Expos are massive outdoor events where gear, education, and community unite for people who love vehicle-based adventure. Think rooftop tents, off-road rigs, survival skills, and the latest in camping tech, all in one place.
In 2025, these expos are more relevant than ever. The demand for self-reliant travel has exploded. More people are building out their vehicles, camping off-grid, and looking for gear that makes life on the road easier and more comfortable.
Whether you’re new to overlanding or deep in the game, these events are where you see what’s coming next. In this guide, you’ll find:
- A full 2025 event calendar
- What to expect at each expo
- The trending gear categories changing the game this year
Let’s dive in.
📍 2025 Overland & Outdoor Event Calendar (USA + Canada)
| Event Name | Dates | Location | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overland Expo SoCal | March 15–16 | Costa Mesa, CA | Kickoff event for the season – gear & training highlights. |
| Overland Expo West | May 16–18 | Flagstaff, AZ | Largest event – 400+ exhibitors, top-tier classes. |
| Overland Expo PNW | June 27–29 | Redmond, OR | Trail demos, moto events, and emerging brands. |
| BC Overland Rally (BCOR) | July 10–13 | Kelowna, BC | Hands-on training and family-friendly community camping. |
| HUBB Travellers Meeting | Aug 14–17 | Nakusp, BC | International travel talks, tech sessions, community feel. |
| Overland Expo Mountain West | Aug 22–24 | Loveland, CO | Gear showcases + skill-building for mountain adventures. |
| Overland Expo East | Oct 3–5 | Arrington, VA | East coast’s largest overland event. |
🧭 What to Expect at These Events
| Category | What You’ll Experience |
|---|---|
| Education | Classes on navigation, recovery, first aid, off-road driving, and expedition prep. |
| Hands-On Training | 4×4 obstacle courses, recovery demos, gear usage, and survival workshops. |
| Camping & Community | Thousands of campers. Live music, communal meals, fire pits, and overland stories. |
| Industry Networking | Meet brands, creators, and gearheads. Many businesses launch or collaborate here. |
🎯 Should You Attend One of These Events?
| Ideal For | Why You Should Go |
| Beginner Overlanders | Get exposure to gear, learn the basics, and build confidence. |
| Weekend Warriors | Discover better ways to upgrade your vehicle and camp more comfortably. |
| Full-Time Travelers | Stay up to date with the latest tech, gear, and community trends. |
| Content Creators / Brands | Network, collaborate, and build partnerships face-to-face. |
| DIY Builders & Tinkerers | See real builds, learn from experts, and test gear firsthand. |
🚫 When It Might Not Be for You
| Not Ideal For | Why You Might Skip It |
| Just Looking for Discounts | Not all vendors sell on-site—some just display prototypes or new models. |
| Hate Crowds | These events—especially West and Mountain West—can get busy and overwhelming. |
| Want Trail Rides Only | These expos are more about learning and gear than wheeling or off-roading events. |
| One-Brand Loyalists | You might not need the variety if you’re already dialed into one ecosystem. |
🍁 Spotlight on Canada: Overlanding Culture & Routes in the North
Since we’re proudly based on Vancouver Island, we want to shine a proper light on the incredible overland opportunities across Canada. Whether you’re looking for rugged trails, backcountry solitude, or coastline camp vibes—this country delivers.
Here are our top regional picks for Summer 2025 adventures:
🔹 North Vancouver Island (BC)
One of the most underrated overlanding zones in the country. Expect logging roads, deep forest, endless beach access, and zero crowds. Look into spots around Cape Scott, Holberg, Zeballos, and the Woss backroads.
🔹 South Chilcotin & Bridge River Valley (BC)
A remote but surreal combo of alpine trails, lakes, and wide-open terrain. Ideal for multi-day overland trips, with solid camping access and epic scenery.
🔹 The Kootenays (BC Interior)
Historic mining routes, endless backroads, and a culture rooted in rugged self-sufficiency. Great options around Slocan Lake, Nakusp, and Gray Creek Pass.
🔹 The Rockies (BC–AB Border)
The classics—Icefields Parkway aside, there’s an endless mix of fire roads and old routes around Elk Pass, the Forestry Trunk Road, and beyond. Glaciers, wildlife, rivers, and proper 4×4 adventure.
🔹 Sea to Sky Backroads (Whistler to Lillooet)
Explore lesser-known fire roads off the Sea to Sky Highway. Head up the Hurley, explore the area around Pemberton Meadows, or take a weekend loop toward D’Arcy and Anderson Lake.
🔹 Vancouver Island’s Backcountry Loops
From Lake Cowichan to Bamfield, Port Renfrew, Nitinat, and all the hidden spur roads in between, the island delivers a mix of dense forest, ocean access, and dispersed camping gold.
These are the kinds of trips you build a rig for. Some are weekend-ready, others deserve a full week—but all of them get you off-grid and into nature. We’ll dive deeper into each in future blog posts with routes, campsites, and gear recs.
Until then, air down, pack smart, and go get lost for the right reasons.
Looking for Gear?
Need a roof tent, awning, fridge, or rack? We’ve got it all. Visit KermodeOverland.com to gear up for your next adventure.
