Overland Expo East, held in Arrington, Virginia, is more than just a trade show—it’s an immersive experience that brings together the best in overlanding culture, vehicles, and gear. Whether you’re an experienced overlander or someone looking to get into the hobby, this event offers something for everyone. This year’s expo was attended by over 14,500 people from 45 states and countries as far away as Argentina, Denmark, and New Zealand, creating an exciting atmosphere rich with international influence.

On this podcast episode, we explore the key highlights from Overland Expo East 2024: the camping experience, standout rigs, and must-have gear. By the end, you may be making your own Overland Expo reservations for 2025. 

To listen to this week’s episode of The RV Atlas please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

The Camping Experience at Overland Expo East

I attended the event and camped on-site, bringing my rooftop tent setup for a weekend of adventure. General admission camping at Overland Expo East costs $200 and covers camping from Thursday night to Monday morning, with full access to the expo. While the grounds were a muddy mess, thanks to recent heavy rains and the natural bowl shape of the venue, that didn’t dampen spirits.

My setup worked well despite the challenging terrain. I used a Thule rooftop tent(https://www.thule.com/en-us/rooftop-tents) and added comforts like a Cabela’s privy tent(https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/cabelas-privacy-shower-shelter) and Camco’s portable travel toilet(https://www.camco.net/portable-toilets), which made camping in the humid conditions more manageable. 

One of the benefits of Overland Expo camping is the ability to bring your own gear and truly test it in the elements, a key draw for overlanders. Campfires weren’t allowed, but propane fire pits, like the Big Red Campfire(https://www.campingworld.com/camco-big-red-campfire-propane-outdoor-portable-campfire-58164.html), filled the gap.

Next year, I plan to check out the upgraded camping area for better proximity to the vendors and bathrooms—a luxury that may be worth the extra cost, especially after seeing how challenging the conditions were this year.

 Notable Rigs at Overland Expo East

Overland Expo is known for showcasing a wide array of rigs, from compact teardrop trailers to serious overlanding trucks, and this year’s event didn’t disappoint. Several standout rigs caught my eye, including:

– Bean Trailers (Salt Lake City, Utah): These teardrop trailers, made of vibrant fiberglass, stood out for their unique designs and impressive outdoor kitchens. With models like the Bean Squared featuring pop-up roofs, these trailers are both functional and stylish, albeit with a price tag starting around $35,000 to $45,000.

– Escapod Teardrops (Utah): Known for their craftsmanship and durable outdoor kitchens, these trailers offered another beautiful option for those seeking a compact, adventure-ready rig.

– Taxa Outdoors This company has become a staple in the overland community, with its Cricket and Woolly Bear models providing a lightweight, innovative option for campers. I’ve been a fan of Taxa since their debut at the Florida RV Super Show.

– Four Wheel Campers (California) and Scout Campers (Washington): These truck campers attracted a lot of attention, especially for their rugged capabilities and suitability for overlanding.

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