Recap: 5280 Offroad Takes on Overland Expo Mountain West

5280 Offroad
Aug 28
5 min read

Published by 5280 Offroad

Born at elevation. Forged in mud. Grit is earned.

Alright, Tribe! We just got back from Overland Expo Mountain West, and let me tell you, if you weren't there, you felt it. For three days, Loveland transformed into the epicenter of all things overland and off-roading, a gathering where the passion for dirt, adventure, and meticulously built rigs was palpable in every corner. And 5280 Offroad? You know we were there, soaking it all in, eyes wide for the next level of grit.

Over the last five years, this expo has experienced explosive growth, a detail that was evident in the sheer number of vendors, products, rigs, and even content creators present. This wasn't just a trade show; it was a reunion of the faithful, a proving ground for the latest innovations, and a huge dose of inspiration for anyone who believes that the best views are earned off the pavement, because we know adventure begins where the pavement ends.

The Vibe: Shared Passion, Miles Wide

Stepping onto the grounds, the energy hits you immediately. It’s like a massive campground, a living gallery of every type of overland rig imaginable. There was everything there, from meticulously built and self-made rigs to full-blown EarthRoamers, massive in size and ready to conquer the wilderness. We saw everything from nimble Tacomas, 4Runners, Land Cruisers, and Lexus builds to rugged Jeeps, Broncos, GMC Canyons, and Chevy Colorados. Full-size builds including Tundras, Chevys, Fords, and Rams were abundant, and we even saw a Cybertruck with a bed camper pulling an offroad camper. We also saw the unexpected, like the Chrysler Pacifica Grizzly Peak Concept, and adventure bikes galore.

Everywhere you looked someone was demonstrating how something worked, sharing a story, or just admiring a fellow adventurer’s setup. This is where Forge Bonds, Not Barriers truly comes alive. We met so many of you, our extended 5280 Offroad family, and countless new faces, all buzzing with that shared desire to Explore Beyond Limits. It's a powerful reminder that this isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life, a community that's Born at Elevation. Forged in mud. Grit is earned.

Beyond the gear a highlight was getting to spend time with Kerry Garrison from Trail Traveler. It was a great time talking about wheeling and hearing about his trip from Colorado up to Alaska and back. He was at the expo helping out Dirtbox Overland. To learn more about Kerry, you can visit his Instagram at @trailtravler and his YouTube channel at @TrailTraveler. We also had an opportunity to hang out with @roadlesstraveledadventures for part of the day and his friends over at @lonepeakoverland!

Gear Drop: What's Next for the Trail?

We here at 5280 are always looking for gear that’s built rugged and trail-tested. Overland Expo is the place to see what’s coming next, and this year did not disappoint. We walked miles, talked to dozens of manufacturers, and got our hands on some serious kit.

From revolutionary new portable power solutions that could keep your camp running for days, to lighter, more durable camping setups that pack down smaller than ever, the innovation was real. We saw cutting-edge recovery tech, and new takes on vehicle armor that promise even greater protection for those gnarly Colorado trails. We’re talking about next-gen water filtration systems, coolers and refrigerators, smarter storage solutions for maximizing space in your rig, powerwalls for overlanding setups, and even some seriously impressive advancements in navigation and communication devices that promise to keep you connected (or safely disconnected) out in the wilds.

It was like a kid in a candy store, but for grown-ups who crave the outdoors. We’re already strategizing how some of these innovations can enhance our own rigs and, more importantly, how they can serve you better on your adventures.

Connecting with the Industry and the Tribe

Beyond the shiny new gear, the real value for us was the opportunity to connect. We had invaluable conversations with some of the industry's leading innovators, these are the folks behind the gear that takes a beating and keeps on performing. These discussions are crucial for us to stay ahead of the curve, ensuring that what we recommend, use, and feature in our own 5280 Offroad Community that meets the highest standards of durability and performance.

The energy this year was a direct reflection of a larger trend. According to the 2025 Overland Industry Report, the U.S. overlanding community has grown to over 12 million participants, a 50% increase from 8 million in 2024. This growth is driven by a new "core audience" of intermediate overlanders with one to five years of experience. These enthusiasts are taking more frequent trips and are more willing to invest in consistent vehicle upgrades, a demand that has been accelerated by the influence and inspiration of countless content creators who make the lifestyle feel both authentic and attainable.

But it wasn't just about business. It was about seeing the passion in the eyes of fellow off-roaders, swapping trail stories, sharing tips, and feeling that undeniable camaraderie that defines our community. Whether you're a seasoned Winch Warrior or just starting your journey, Overland Expo serves as a powerful reminder that we're all part of something bigger.

Bringing the Grit Home

We came back from Overland Expo Mountain West not just with tired feet, sunburns and a camera full of photos, but with a renewed sense of purpose. We're fired up about the future of off-roading, inspired by the creativity and dedication of this industry, and more committed than ever to bringing that knowledge, those experiences, and that top-tier, trail-tested gear back to you, the 5280 Offroad Tribe.

Our Top 6 Takeaways from Overland Expo Mountain West:

The number of vendors was astonishing. If you can think of it, it was there. From camping setups to recovery gear, the variety was endless.
A lot of the gear overlaps. Our advice: focus on quality, innovation, and manufacturing. Don’t get sucked into hype. Do your research, compare, and choose what will work and lasts.
The energy was electric. Nothing beats being surrounded by like-minded adventurers who live for off-road and overland life.
The weather was spot on. We got beat by the sun, but it was worth every second.
We had some incredible conversations with vendors and attendees! Swapping stories, learning, and sharing what works.
And of course, handing out 5280 swag. We always love seeing our Tribe rep the gear.

We left inspired, sunburnt, and grateful to be part of such a strong off-road and overland community. Already looking forward to the next one.

Why You Should Go to Overland Expo

Overland Expo isn't just about seeing the latest gear; it's about seeing what's possible. Whether you're a seasoned offroader, overlander, or just starting to build your rig, this is the place to get inspired, learn new skills, and connect with a community that’s as passionate as you are. We'll be back next year, and we hope to see you on the trail.

We've already started sourcing the most rugged, trail-tested products from the show. Expect to see some of these insights filter into our upcoming training workshops, our continually updated Colorado 4x4 Trail Report, and, of course, new additions to the 5280 Offroad Shop as we carefully vet and select the best of what's out there.

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Born at elevation. Forged in mud. Grit is earned.

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