Overland Expo
Last week, Overland Expo East 2018 descended upon Hendersonville, North Carolina. Now in its fifth year, the eastern version of Overland Expo has become a Fall tradition for many overlanders. This year Reeb Ranch debuted as the event venue. The property is tucked between multi-colored ridgelines with a small creek bisecting the fields served as a great taste of what Fall in the southern Appalachian Mountains has to offer. As is the case with each Overland Expo the rigs, the gear, and friends new and old made for an exciting weekend.
The range of vehicles present never ceases to amaze. This expo featured the debut of the Ford Ranger. The new model was featured in several configurations and available for test drives. There seemed to be a buzz around the relatively compact truck, and this definitely offers a new option for those looking for something in that truck category.
Of course there were plenty of the old favorites at the event. Jeeps, Toyotas of every shape and size, domestic market trucks, and the ever interesting stable of extra large adventure platforms were all represented. At the surface level no particular themes jumped out but a few subtle shifts in trends were noticeable. The uptick in full-size truck popularity seems to be holding strong. Likewise, since this year’s Overland Expo West the number of Jeep JL builds has increased. And, #vanlife is still in full swing with all varieties of models present. From the old school VW’s to every shape and size of Sprinter, these adaptable rigs always offer insight into the varying needs and solutions the owners address. The Cummins booth was populated with a variety of vehicles powered by the R2.8, an engine platform we look forward to reviewing in 2019, and it’s likely that more rigs powered by the turbo diesel will be present at future events.
Returning attendees would have noted a great mix of new and well-known vendors. Vehicle accessories, large and small including camping gear and outdoor tools, could all be perused. Additionally, wherever overlanders gather it seems good food always follows. The cooking workshops, products, and excellent on-site food trucks made sure everyone had options for a warm meal throughout the weekend. Nearly every imaginable camp accessory was on hand to check out or purchase.
In particular the new line of waterproof duffels from Big Agnes caught my eye. With a variety of sizes and efficient rectangular shapes, they offer a great option for gear storage. These bags would make great options for storage in the rear floorboards or roof racks of many vehicles, and when not in use they pack down to free up space.
On the opposite end of the gear storage spectrum from the Big Agnes 80L bag, the Cache Belt from Wazoo Survival offers a place to store all of the little things. Extra cash, an assortment of survival items, and whatever else you can fit can all be carried in the belt and accessed without removing it. All the while the belt doesn’t stand out from any other pants securing device so no one will think twice if you wear this to a nice restaurant, but you’ll be prepared to hit the wilderness immediately after dinner.
Of course, the best part of any overland gathering is the people. Overland Expo gave attendees the opportunity to train under trusted instructors, meet fellow enthusiast, and catch up with old friends. Even when mother nature throws a dampener on the event, Overland Expo always stands out as a highlight of the season. Everywhere you looked, attendees and vendors were reminiscing on past trips, sharing plans for the future, or just enjoying the company that comes with a shared hobby. Of course, some things could have been better, but the best we can do is reassess, adjust accordingly, and prepare for the next adventure. While it’s easy to talk about the “what if’s” and “should have been’s” in any situation, it’s always better to focus on the positives.
* OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation
