It always makes me catch my breath: a rugged, tall, brawny, seemingly unstoppable vehicle trundling across a vast wilderness. Completely self-contained, its occupants hardy and self-reliant. There is always a part of me that wishes it were me.

In our own smaller way, Karin and I, with Howie (motorhome) and Ralph (4×4 pickup) do our brand of wandering. In fact, we’ve taken Howie farther into harm’s way than was wise, a few times.

We often puzzle over whether an XV (expedition vehicle) is in our future, and we constantly compare and calculate life with Howie versus life with a behemoth all-wheel-drive XV with 24″ of ground clearance and winches on both ends.

So far, we’re still wondering.

Meanwhile, we love going to Overland Expo (near Flagstaff this year) to see the fantastic array of methods of wandering. This year, over 300 vendors were there to show off wares, from knives to pop-tents to accessories, to $600,000 world-traveling vehicles, and everything in between.

EXPEDITION VEHICLES (XV’s)

The big guys were there in force, with many variations. Engines on these mobile boxes range from less than 3 liters to more than 8. Weights run from lows of less than 10,000 pounds to over 40,000 pounds. It’s not unusual to have massive 20,000-30,000 pound winches, on both ends. I won’t even try to supply any real detail — the images hopefully will speak for themselves. (Everything can be clicked for a full-size image.)

The one thing that all the big XV’s have in common is a price taller than their 12-14′ heights. Some of the XV customs are built on surplus military chassis. This lowers the cost quite a bit, but the military gear has a well-deserved reputation for high noise levels and harsh rides. Parts and service can also be very problematic.

SMALLER OVERLAND VEHICLES

For those who aren’t blessed with a $150,000-$700,000 budget, smaller and more conventional vehicles are the choice. Vans are quite popular, especially with pop-tops that allow stand-up room inside. Conventional platforms are built around Ford, Chevy, even VW (which also comes in a rare and coveted 4WD version).

And then there’s just the truly gnarly build-up.

Also more within the reach of the average working man is the pickup-and-camper configuration. Besides the classic box-in-the-bed camper, there are pop-up styles, the leader of which is the Four-Wheel brand.

Your basic overland vehicle is always personified by the iconic Jeep. This is the bare minimum (not counting the Zodiac on top). A Jeep and a tent will take you just about anywhere – – if you are willing to sacrifice some comfort, and brave the variables of weather.

Land Cruisers are in the same class…

This vendor was selling refurbished Scouts, which are out of production. Similar in size and capability, they are hugely popular for a variety of reasons, including affordability and great off-road performance. Apparently this guy didn’t think the affordability was that big an issue; his pricing is in the $120,000 range. But that includes a modern diesel engine and transmission and all the bells and whistles for a real overland 4×4.

ENHANCED LODGING

For a bit more comfort and convenience than a basic tent, pop-up tents abound. There are countless brands and versions. They can be mounted to a vehicle like this….

…. or attached to the top of a simple back-country trailer.

The “Transformer” configuration can get pretty elaborate, either mounted directly on vehicles….

…. or on larger off-road trailers.

The extreme in this theme expands out to the scope of a small home and garage.

ACCESSORIES for LIVING and DRIVING

Back to near-minimalism, some vendors supply off-road “utility kits”, such as this kitchen, bathroom, and brazier. There’s even a set of Henkel knives in there.

More toward REAL minimalism, motorcycles were everywhere. This is a Ural sidecar version. Motorcycles are great for squeezing through the tight spots, but they have pretty severe limitations in weather and on loose terrain or deep sand. Still, a LOT of overlanders opt for the in-your-face (literally) experience of motorcycling.

In fact, a whole section of the camping area was dedicated to bikers.

But let’s go to the max for a moment. Except for on-foot, there’s no more minimalist way to travel than by bicycle. This stalwart soul is pedaling from the Arctic Ocean (Deadhorse) to the Antarctic Ocean (Ushuaia). We wish them all the best.

In addition to transportation and lodging, many other smaller products were represented. This booth provided more than a drugstore’s worth of first-aid components. You could buy a kit, or build your own (shown). Blood clotters? Sutures? Those and much, much more. When you are many days’ travel from a hospital, you’d better be ready to take care of illness and injury, on your own.

What about vehicle accessories? But of course. A LOT of recovery gear (getting un-stuck), such as these winch bumpers.

I’m not sure who needs a 50,000-pound tow rope (maybe one of those big heavy XV’s?), but if I wanted one, I could get it here.

 

TRAINING

What happens if you get a serious breakdown, like a frame fracture, 200 miles away from any town or facility? At Overland Expo, you can learn how to weld — using car batteries. No kidding.

If you are still learning (aren’t we all?), classes on managing a vehicle off-road. Motorcycles….

…. and 4WD, all on a prepared course with obstacles, rocks, etc.

I didn’t see this makeshift bridge get put up. It’s probably just for show, but I’ve know people who have literally had to build their own bridges when crossing foreign countries (with poor road maintenance).

We absolutely LOVED walking around this show, and we spent two solid (and windy) days going past the exhibits, talking to people, coming up with ideas (and discarding most of them), and just having a grand time. There is just SOMETHING about being immersed in exploration, wild territory, traveling through the unknown, and being way out away from civilization. Being around all those kindred spirits was a soul-bouying experience. We will be back again and again, regardless of what we are personally driving or living in.

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STILL CURIOUS?

Overland Expo web site

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