2011 Overland Expo

2011 Overland Expo Project 4Runner Backcountry

Tucked away at an obscure freeway off-ramp in the tiny hamlet of Amado, Arizona is one of the most comprehensive gatherings of adventure enthusiasts in North America, known as the Overland Expo. Now in its third year and growing, overlanders from around the world came together for a weekend of classes, product showcases and community. For many, it was a chance to swap stories from the trail and catch up with old friends, while others were there to learn the basics of expedition travel.

We brought Project 4Runner Backcountry out to gauge response from showgoers, and found that it was right at home amongst the backdrop of the Expo crowd. We answered lots of questions and handed out free Four Wheelers all weekend long.

Our enjoyment didn’t stop at interacting with our readers, because we also enjoyed visiting with the many vendors who made the trek to show off their overlanding wares. Some of the vendors are familiar to the pages of Four Wheeler, while others were ones we had never seen before and which offered new solutions to common problems. Land Rover, which built its own off-road test track for the event, and Jeep also had displays at the show.

Attendees were kept busy all weekend checking out the real-world expedition rigs up close, and attending some of the many seminars delivered by highly experienced adventurers. Whether you wanted to know about how to use your Hi-Lift properly or how to complete field repairs in the bush, experts were on hand to share their knowledge.

Overland Expo 2011 was a success and a great weekend trip for those who enjoy a little adventure with their wheeling.

Reader favorites Turtle III and Turtle V were both on display in Amado. These are the vehicles that put Four Wheeler on the map as the original overlanding magazine.
Reader favorites Turtle III and Turtle V were both on display in Amado. These are the vehi
Dave Druck of Trasharoo shows off his trailworthy So Cal Teardrops trailer, proving that teardrops aren’t only found behind hot rods.
Dave Druck of Trasharoo shows off his trailworthy So Cal Teardrops trailer, proving that t
Mario Donovan of Adventure Trailers had his backcountry-ready Comanche with FlipPac camper on display. This pickup ranks up there as one of our all-time favorite MJs.
Mario Donovan of Adventure Trailers had his backcountry-ready Comanche with FlipPac camper

You know it is a good show when the parking lot is just as happening as the vendor area. That is where we found this fully outfitted Jeepster Commando.
You know it is a good show when the parking lot is just as happening as the vendor area. T
There is nothing like having supplemental power on the trail. Goal Zero makes portable solar panels to recharge and power everything from your iPod to your cabin in the backcountry.
There is nothing like having supplemental power on the trail. Goal Zero makes portable sol
A favorite product of ours at the show was the Kanz Outdoors Field Kitchen K120. This beautifully designed and hand-made kitchen box is completely self-contained; it can be equipped with a propane or Dual Fuel stove, as well as everything you need to cook for, and serve, eight people.
A favorite product of ours at the show was the Kanz Outdoors Field Kitchen K120. This beau

Expedition companies such as Pangaea and No Limit offer expertise and make overlanding accessible to anyone who has the yearning for a life-changing adventure.
Expedition companies such as Pangaea and No Limit offer expertise and make overlanding acc
Unimogs are popular with the overlanding crowd, and several examples on display were for sale. This fully equipped 2003 U500 model could have been yours for only $179,000.
Unimogs are popular with the overlanding crowd, and several examples on display were for s
It was probably the smell of great food that drew us in, but one of the most interesting booths at the show was Overland Gourmet, a company that promotes gourmet food in the outdoors by providing simple and delicious recipes, education, and equipment consulting for those on the move.
It was probably the smell of great food that drew us in, but one of the most interesting b

Zero One Odysseys was on hand to prove that adventure doesn’t have to come with a roof tent. Offering historical expeditions through the backcountry of Nevada, this is a unique way to experience the Wild West.
Zero One Odysseys was on hand to prove that adventure doesn’t have to come with a roof ten
Throughout the weekend, seminars were offered by experts in the industry to educate visitors of all skill levels to various aspects of this sport.
Throughout the weekend, seminars were offered by experts in the industry to educate visito
One of the more popular booths at the show was Maxtrax. These recovery devices are quickly becoming a must-have in any recovery gear toolbox.
One of the more popular booths at the show was Maxtrax. These recovery devices are quickly

Phoenix Pop Up has a camper that transforms any JK four-door into a mini-RV that can tackle the Rubicon.
Phoenix Pop Up has a camper that transforms any JK four-door into a mini-RV that can tackl
All-Pro Off-Road makes a number of products to turn Toyota pickups into bonafide exploration rigs. We especially enjoyed this smartly designed rack system.
All-Pro Off-Road makes a number of products to turn Toyota pickups into bonafide explorati
ARB, a company synonymous with outback self-sufficiency, had a display full of outback-tested products.
ARB, a company synonymous with outback self-sufficiency, had a display full of outback-tes

Jerry L’Ecuyer, owner of TemboTusk, demonstrates to us just how strong he builds his slides.
Jerry L’Ecuyer, owner of TemboTusk, demonstrates to us just how strong he builds his slide
This Unicat, which has travelled all over the world, is the epitome of a land yacht. The living quarters are mounted to their own suspension system, and the luxurious interior is built with marine-grade materials.
This Unicat, which has travelled all over the world, is the epitome of a land yacht. The l
Adventure Trailer’s JK Habitat is a replacement hard top for the four-door JK. It contains a full length Nemo tent that deploys as the top is opened over the hood of the vehicle, cementing even further the JK’s acceptance in the Overland world.
Adventure Trailer’s JK Habitat is a replacement hard top for the four-door JK. It contains

Snow Peak makes quality outdoor gear that works, as evidenced here by the Snow Peak team keeping cool in their booth.
Snow Peak makes quality outdoor gear that works, as evidenced here by the Snow Peak team k
For expedition-level protection, Buckstop Truckware showed off its line of bumpers, which cover most popular 4x4s.
For expedition-level protection, Buckstop Truckware showed off its line of bumpers, which
Some people need to mount tents to their roof, some just need extra cargo space. Either way, BajaRack has the answer with its all-inclusive line of roof rack systems. FW
Some people need to mount tents to their roof, some just need extra cargo space. Either wa