The Overland Expo was held in Loveland, Colorado this past August 23 to 25, 2024. Founded in 2009 by Roseann and Jonathan Hanson, the Expo celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this year. What began as a trade show has grown into an internationally recognized event with four locations throughout the United States: Redmond, OR; Flagstaff, AZ; Loveland, CO; and Arrington, VA. The Overland Expo is described as the ?world?s premier event series for do-it-yourself adventure travel enthusiasts.? Attendance at the Mountain West venue seemed to verify that claim ? over eighteen thousand participants from forty-nine states flocked to Colorado during the Expo weekend to learn from experienced instructors and shop for gear. Attendees could choose from a list of 250 classes, with themes ranging from legal advice for content creators to winter survival tips in extreme backcountry conditions. An impressive list of over 300 exhibitors with pop-up booths covered every inch of green lawn at the outdoor venue. To passersby on the interstate, the Expo probably looked like the mother of all farmer?s markets? if farmer?s markets catered to the needs of suped-up overlanding rigs.
Photo by Meg Tocci

Having grown up in Colorado, I?ve always loved the outdoors. However, my interest in exploring and connecting with nature has grown throughout my twenties and is something I?m continually prioritizing for myself. My recent purchase of a Bronco Sport this summer encouraged me to dip my toe into the...