Overland Expo West, the world’s premier overland and adventure off-road show, drew 18,000 enthusiasts to Flagstaff, Arizona. I was one of them.
So why does this annual event keep drawing me back? First, the most extraordinary collection of overland adventure companies in the world—more than 400 expert gear vendors—assembles right here in my backyard.
Second, Overlanding Expo West is the best place to get insider tips from overlanders, gearheads and backcountry explorers. I’ll share seven things I learned, but first… what is overland?
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Table of Contents
What is Overlanding?
Overlanding is self-reliant travel—usually in a four-wheel-drive vehicle or adventure motorcycle—through remote areas. It’s not just about the destination but about the journey and the discoveries you make along the way. Overlanders seek out activities like hiking, kayaking, mountain biking and nature watching.
Unlike rock crawlers or rally racers, overlanders value camping and self-sufficiency using roof-top tents, 12-volt fridges, kitchen kits, winches and water purifiers to stay off-grid.
Every year or so, my husband Dan and I invest in the “Overlanding Expo West Experience” package. It gives us access to interactive driving courses, seminars and more than 175 focused classes. We’ve learned from filmmakers, authors and explorers and shared stories over craft beers and campfires.
Here’s what I learned at Overland Expo West and Overlanding Expo West:
1.) UV Light Wands Really Do Sterilize Water
Just days before taking the “Disinfecting Water in the Field” class, I was laughing with friends about people waving UV wands in dirty stream water. Turns out the joke’s on me.
UV sterilization is one of the most effective ways to remove viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemicals and pesticides. Bob Wohlers who wrote the book on treating water in the field, changed my mind completely in just one session at Overland Expo West.
2.) Spikes Go Up on MaxTrax Recovery Boards
I’ve seen orange or black recovery boards mounted to the sides of overland vehicles—they look like backboards to me—but I’ve never used one or seen them in action. That was until I went to the Overland driving course, which Overland Expo West experts designed to expose me to challenges I might find on my travels.
Like steep side slopes that I’ve ridden in Tanzania, or low traction situations (think one or two wheels in the air) or “elephant footprints.”
When I arrived on the scene driving my Toyota 4-Runner, I found a tricked-out Sprinter van with two sea kayaks on the roof high-centered on the course.
I was guessing that the stuck rig was worth at least $250K and that the group of guys conferring on what to do next had similar figures swimming in their heads. “Be careful; these vans can be top-heavy,” warned one of the anxious troubleshooters. They’d positioned the MaxTrax recovery boards with the spikey side up.
“I’ve never used these boards before,” I said. “But I would have thought that you put the spikey side down—into the ground.”
“Naur,” the instructor in the Adhoc recovery class said with a thick Aussie accent. “Spikes up so the tires get grip.”
3.) Travel the Canadian Maritimes Early Summer to See Ice Berga and Whales
Geologist Pam Standwell recommends exploring Newfoundland in early summer. Icebergs and whales are plentiful and she and her husband made no reservations during their 10-week overlanding trip—except for ferry rides.
Overland Expo West introduced me to travelers like Pam who share practical advice you won’t find in a traditional guidebook.
4.) Flagstaff’s Mother Road Brewery Makes a Red Beer!
One of my favorite Flagstaff breweries is an official craft beer sponsor of Overland Expo West. Mother Road Brewing released two special brews for the event: Upland Orange and Roy’s Red.
Even better, Mother Road’s Conserve and Protect Golden Ale helps fund wildlife conservation through Arizona Game and Fish. Cheers to drinking for a cause at Overlanding Expo West.
👉 While you’re in town, check out my favorite breweries in Flagstaff.
5.) In Baja a Left Turn Signal May Mean 'Go Ahead and Pass'
This one could save your life. In Baja, if the car in front of you has its left blinker on, it might be turning—or it might be inviting you to pass.
That’s why Overland Expo West and Overlanding Expo West are so valuable. The tips shared in classes and conversation can’t be found on YouTube.
Overland Expo www.overlandexpo.com
6.) Travel Journals Get a Boost from Hand-Drawn Maps
Maps are essential for overlanders but I never thought to illustrate mine with landscapes, wildlife and plant sketches—until I took a workshop from Roseann Hanson, former Overland Expo owner.
She reminded us that combining science and art is in our human nature. I now add hand-drawn maps to my journals, a habit inspired by explorers like Lewis and Clark—and sparked at Overlanding Expo West.
“Our human drive combines aesthetics and science,” says Roseann Hanson, former owner of Overland Expo, who now runs Field Arts Institute.
7.) Preparation Builds Confidence—Especially for Solo Female Travelers
Maggie McDermut, a solo female overlander who also drives a Toyota, says knowledge builds confidence. Whether it’s learning about your rig, backcountry skills or route planning, preparation is everything.
It’s also why I keep going back to Overland Expo West and Overlanding Expo West—to build skills, gain confidence and grow as an adventurer.
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Recommended Products
Live Long to Wander: Basic Survival for Vehicle-Supported Adventures by Bob Wohlers
MaxTrax Recovery Boards
Final Thoughts on Overlanding Expo West
What I learned at Overland Expo West could fill an entire book. These seven takeaways show the diversity of classes, workshops and hands-on experiences at the event.
Whether you’re new to overlanding or already living the lifestyle, Overlanding Expo West has something for everyone—from practical gear to philosophical insight.
I hope this post inspires you to attend Overland Expo West—or another Overlanding Expo West event near you. Planning a trip to Flagstaff? Don’t miss my picks for the top lodging in Flagstaff.
“UNSTOPPABLE Stacey” Wittig is a travel writer based in Munds Park. When she’s not traveling to Europe or Asia, she’s outdoors camping with her husband, Dan, in the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, AZ.
This blog, UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel, contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, Stacey earns a commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help reduce the costs of keeping this travel blog active.
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4 thoughts on “7 Surprising Things I Learned at Overlanding Expo West”
Great info…thanks, Stacey!
Thanks Julie! There were 100s of things to learn. Hopefully, this short list gave you an idea of the gamut of topics
I really really enjoyed this article about the whole OVERLAND experience. Wish I could have attended but your article and pictures made me feel as if I were there. Thank YOU
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment, Diane! FYI, Overland Expo East starts tomorrow at Arrington, VA, just in case you are still back east… https://www.overlandexpo.com/east/buy-tickets-east/