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Over the past decade, the Overland Expo series has evolved from a small desert gathering into the leading event series for adventure travelers, gearheads, and outdoor innovators. What began as a niche community meet-up in Arizona now spans four national events — Overland Expo West (Flagstaff, AZ), PNW (Redmond, OR), Mountain West (Loveland, CO), and East (Arrington, VA) — drawing over 85,000 attendees and more than 1,500 exhibitors in 2025.
As someone who’s been attending for the past four years, I’ve watched the industry explode with innovation. Each year brings smarter, tougher, and more sustainable solutions for how we explore the world — from sleeping systems and vehicle builds to off-grid cooking and portable comfort.
As Digital Marketing Director at HEST, I go to connect with the community, learn from other brands, and see firsthand what’s pushing the overlanding lifestyle forward. Below are my top picks from this year’s events — gear that truly stood out and that I’m excited to keep in my kit or camper.
Built for life on the move, the Ranger is Turtlebox’s most portable and rugged speaker yet. It delivers bold, crystal-clear sound with Party Mode that lets you pair an infinite number of Rangers, Original Gen 3s, and Grandes for a full surround-sound experience (note: it doesn’t connect to Gen 2s).
If you’ve ever rolled into camp after dark and wanted to kick back with tunes that actually carry over the wind, this one’s for you. It’s purpose-built for overlanders, paddlers, and anyone who lives outdoors as much as indoors.
We loved it so much that we actually picked one up for the HEST campervan this season. It’s become a go-to piece of gear for road trips and event weekends — durable enough to toss in the van, loud enough for campsite hangs, and reliable enough to power every HEST setup from sunrise coffee to late-night fireside sessions.
The Howl R4 isn’t just a campfire — it’s a furnace of good times. This propane fire pit pumps out serious heat, even in high winds and rain, and it’s legal to use during burn bans. It’s become a staple at Overland Expo West, where Howl hosts one of the best after-show gatherings every year — campfires, live music, and long conversations as the sun sets behind the pines.
It’s rare to find gear that’s both performance-driven and community-centered, but Howl nails both.
No Overland Expo experience is complete without stopping by the Benchmade booth to grab the annual free hat. It’s a small tradition, but one that’s become part of the Overland Expo culture — a subtle badge of honor for returning attendees.
If there’s one product that redefined the category this year, it’s the Ignik TapRack. For years, campers have been stuck choosing between bulky refillable tanks or disposable green bottles that clutter campsites and landfills. TapRack bridges the gap — a compact, safe, refillable propane system you can top off at any gas station.
No more dangerous hacks or throwaway bottles — just clean, reliable propane for every trip. This system is the kind of sustainability-forward innovation that truly moves the industry ahead.
The Skullet Deluxe brings 360° outdoor heat and a powerful camp cooktop together in one setup. Whether you’re feeding a crew or gathering around for warmth, it’s the kind of gear that turns any basecamp into the heart of the action.
If I ever decide to build out my Tacoma for a true long-haul overland rig, these are the two setups that have my full attention. Both represent different ends of the overlanding spectrum — one focused on rugged usability, the other on elevated design and luxury.
The Super Pacific X1 has become a benchmark for wedge campers, and for good reason. Its XL sleeping loft adds 20 inches beyond your mattress — ideal for extra gear or quick bed access — while its 9-ounce marine-grade fabric construction ensures it’s truly 4-season ready.
The Flow State™ vent system helps manage moisture and airflow, keeping you dry in any climate. If I ever build out the HEST Tacoma, this would be my top choice — a practical, bombproof design that’s built for people who actually live the adventure.
On the high-end side, the AntiShanty DWELL SHELL redefines what’s possible in rooftop living. It’s a hybrid between a truck camper shell and a hard-sided rooftop tent — an aluminum and composite-panel masterpiece that blends rugged performance with cabin-like comfort.
With sleeping capacity for two adults plus a child or dog, and dimensions of 86″ x 52″, it’s built for comfort without compromising adventure. The DWELL SHELL’s tagline says it best: “Haul gear like a truck. Camp like a cabin.” It’s futuristic, functional, and absolutely on my radar.
After four years of attending Overland Expos, I’m continually reminded that true innovation happens where dirt roads meet big ideas. The products above aren’t just “cool new gear” — they represent a mindset of exploration, sustainability, and craftsmanship that makes this community so special. At HEST, we live for that balance between rugged adventure and home comfort — bringing better sleep, better rest, and better mornings wherever you roam.
