It is rapidly closing in on the one year anniversary of when I had attended Overland Expo West in May of 2017 and a few of you had noticed that I hadn’t really posted up any photos of the event. I do have some video up of each day of the event (on YouTube here), but otherwise I didn’t get too carried away with sharing photos, despite snapping hundreds of photos at Expo West.
Although Overland Expo West 2018 is on the adventure list for this year, I can’t guarantee making it again this year. I do have a lot of other adventures planned and don’t have any ideas of where I might even be around the time of the event. But, if I do make it to Expo West 2018, what will I do differently – or the same this year? My advice to myself would be the same advice I’d give to any other visitor to Overland Expo West. From the new visitor to those who’ve been here before.
Prepare for Weather…
Coming from “the north”, I was already equipped for a wide variety of weather conditions. During the event, the weather was great. Every day was sunny and warm, but there was some wind. Mornings were cool, and clearly “uncomfortably cool” from visitors from the warmer southern climates. Be sure you’re bringing clothes to keep you comfortable during a variety of weather conditions from rain to snow to summer-like heat. Don’t forget sunglasses and a hat! If adventure puppy is along for the trip too, be sure to bring supplies for him (or her) too!
adventure puppy needs water
Check the Step Counter…
A few people managed to bring their bicycles into the event. My advice is don’t be tempted to do the same. Walk instead. You need the exercise anyway. Plus you don’t want people tripping over your bikes, and you don’t want to have to juggle your vendor purchases and ride your bike at the same time. So that being said, just walk. Bring comfortable footwear and some extra socks if you have sweaty feet like I do.
Hey, it’s those guys from 410 Canadian Overland!
Sleep on Site…
Skip the hotel and skip the off site camping. Book your on site camping asap and you’ll get to enjoy after hours socializing with like-minded explorers. Even just roaming the on site camp grounds could be considered an event all within in itself. You’ll make new friends and be able meet your favorite social media overland stars.
roam the camp grounds to see some amazing rigs
Cash is King…
Although every vendor I stopped at was taking credit cards, the processing was slow and sometimes troublesome due to spotty internet availability. Bring some cash if you’re tempted to buy! On that topic, don’t get too carried away buying stuff, think it through before pulling out the wallet!
Post Expo Adventures…
Keep some time available after Overland Expo West for some post adventures with your new friends. Unfortunately for me, 2017 was a busy work year and I had to say “no thanks” to so many new friends that invited me along to a variety of new adventures.
Conclusion…
Overland Expo West is an amazing event. Bringing together thousands of adventurers into one pop-up community for a few days. Check out the new gear, sample some of the on site food, take in some of the seminars. But most importantly, socialize with your fellow travelers. Roam the camp sites, check out visitor rigs. Be inspired and have fun!
