Outside Adventure Expo descends upon Salt Lake City
Last weekend, the Outside Adventure Expo was held for the first time at the State Fairgrounds in Salt Lake City, Utah. The gear, equipment, and personalities were well-represented. While attending the show, I realized that everyone was excited about interacting and socializing with one another about our shared interest in exploring outdoors.
The gear and equipment on display showcased everything from drink holders to expedition campers. Yep, it was all there. As I walked around with my wife, Louise and my friend, Brian, we marveled at all the exceptional gear and equipment offerings for today’s adventurer. The camping and overland world continues to evolve with equipment designed to help the adventurer explore in more enjoyable and efficient ways.
While walking around the event, the following items caught my attention:
Expedition Superstore is a new, one-stop shop located in Salt Lake City, Utah. They carry a variety of products for outdoors enthusiasts and overlanders alike. They displayed a variety of camping goods as well as how they can outfit a vehicle with items from Alu-Cab.
Solar was prevalent. Businesses like Goal Zero realize overlanders need large wattage to supply power for fridges, camera equipment, etc. Their panels fold easily for storage and transport. Stow and go!
POT-T displayed its ingenuity. Made from cardboard, this makes for an excellent toilet system. The POT-T can hold up a 300+ pound person and when finished, can fold down to the size of a small book.
Factor 55 offers the highest quality products for vehicle-based recovery. Excellent craftmanship is obvious and attention to detail is outstanding. Their many offerings can result in assembling an ideal recovery kit.
Escapod released a new trailer, the Topo 2, during the show. All new in body style and materials with the suspension improved and the interior refined. Chris Hudak, the owner, described their attention to detail and innovation. The inside was still in the process of being fine-tuned and is expected to be ready for production later this year.
The new Ford Bronco was on-hand from 4 Wheel Parts who, in collaboration with several other aftermarket vendors, has already engineered and produced aftermarket parts for the truck. Colen Duffey, the manager of the Salt Lake City store, highlighted a variety of parts already in production for the Bronco including lights, bumpers, side steps, and suspension upgrades.
Are you ready for the new Ford Bronco? 4 Wheel Parts certainly is!
The HEST inflatable sleep system offered my wife a short siesta. Comfortable? Ahhh, definitely! The foam mattress, with the combination of the supportive air mattress, creates a heavenly sleep system. It would make a great sleep system for van builds or a truck bed. It was so comfortable in fact that it felt more like a mattress for home than on the road.
Step 22 showcased a variety of organizational systems for camp life and overlanding. Their tool bag provides an outstanding way to carry and organize tools. The bathroom dab kit can be positioned on a roof rack. Organization is a challenge and a priority for all adventurers, and STEP 22 offers many right solutions to everyday adventuring challenges.
Equipt Expedition Outfitters carries the dependable National Luna line of fridges among other overland equipment. Many adventurers and overlanders believe that a 12-volt fridge is their favorite purchase. National Luna fridges are stainless steel and come in a variety of sizes.
Four Wheel Campers showcased their newest truck/camper build. The flatbed Hawk model features everything from interior fans to a power system featuring lithium batteries and controlled by the REDARC Power System. FWC produces slide-in and flatbed style campers. Got a truck? Get a camper!
If you get the opportunity to attend a similar event in your area, I highly recommend doing so. You’ll get the opportunity to see some cool gear and more importantly, meet fellow adventurists with stories and experiences that’ll motivate you to get outfitted and get out there!
OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible vehicle-based adventure travel and outdoors adventure
