Overland Expo Southern California 2026: Event Highlights and Gear Trends
This was my first time at the Southern California Overland Expo, and wow! The crowd was huge, but it was the curiosity and enthusiasm of the attendees that stood out most. A much more youthful crowd (not necessarily in age), and many had kids in tow. SoCal car culture is far from dead.
At the Overland Collective, the joy we get from attending events comes from interacting with other travelers, hosting training sessions, and gathering feedback on how we can make XOverland, Overland Journal, and Expedition Portal better. This event did not disappoint. While walking the show, we found a treasure trove of new and innovative overland gear and vehicle-based products to share in this event wrap-up.
New Vehicle Builds and Overland Platforms
One of the biggest debuts at Overland Expo Southern California was the American Expedition Vehicles F-350 FXL, which includes a complete suspension system, front and rear bumpers, fender flares, and 40-inch tires. AEV continues to push the limits of full-size overland truck capability—and it looks exceptional.
aevconversions.com
Innovative Camper Systems and Pop-Top Designs
Check out this automotive-finish pop-top from Wasatch Overland. The Super Cap 80 matches the fender radius of the 80 Series and features a lifting mechanism that provides nearly a foot more headroom than a clamshell design. The system utilizes a structural subframe to support the hinge and struts, helping prevent leaks while maximizing bed length, extending nearly to the A-pillar.
Wasatch Overland Super Cap 80
12-volt Air-conditioning and Heating Systems for Overlanding
There is a new air conditioning and heat pump system on the market that runs on 12/24/48/120 volts (12-volt and 24-volt require a 48-volt step-up accessory sold by Cybertake). It delivers 5,100 BTU of cooling and 6,100 BTU of heating. The heater is suitable for moderate conditions in the Desert Southwest, with a suggested lower operating limit of around 40°F. Systems like this allow overland travelers to extend their travel season while eliminating the need to store and refill propane.
Cybertake S2 Pro system
Overland Gear Innovations and Accessories
Dethloff Manufacturing has developed an innovative rear bumper system that integrates a large drawer slide for tools and recovery gear. It gets the weight down low and improves accessibility, while the lid doubles as a functional work surface.
dethloffmfg.com
Rigid continues to lead in off-road lighting. Their new Phoenix pod light is compact (5 inches) yet powerful (1,554 lux at 10 meters). The modular design allows multiple units to be linked into a light bar or rack-mounted system.
Rigid Phoenix pod light
We have always liked Vssl products, as they combine premium materials with clever storage and functionality. Their new heat-resistant camp cook mat protects sensitive surfaces like wood or bamboo countertops, while their updated tumbler features a locking lid and tether—ideal for overland travel.
vsslgear.com
Overland Equipment, Tools, and Vehicle Systems
Benchmade has been on a rapid innovation cycle, continuing to release well-designed knives for overlanders. From their wood-handled Station Knife in Maple Valley Richlite to their latest folders, they meet the needs of most travelers—even those in regions with restrictions on blade length or one-handed opening.
benchmade.com
The Shadowline roof tent mount solves the problem of attaching a rooftop tent as low as possible while still allowing quick removal. The mounting pins use rubber bushings and stainless hardware to reduce rattles and withstand harsh environments.
tentmount.com
Most trucks do not have enough payload for a traditional overland camper, and many are delivered with short beds (around 5 feet). This has driven innovation from companies like Tune, delivering lightweight truck caps that extend the interior width to match the vehicle’s track. At around 550 pounds, these campers work well on mid-size and half-ton trucks.
tuneoutdoor.com
The ComeUp winch remains one of the highest-quality offerings in vehicle recovery. Their newest sealed unit features a low-profile design with both wired and wireless controllers. With 76 feet of line and a 9,500-pound rating, it is well suited for modern vehicles with tight bumper packaging.
comeupusa.com
Agile Offroad continues to expand its offerings for the INEOS Grenadier, including Apex air sway-bar links for improved articulation and a cleverly packaged rear footwell water tank. Their growing catalog includes wiring systems, suspension upgrades, and dual battery solutions.
View the full Grenadier catalog
Kuat continues to produce some of the most refined rack systems on the market, combining low weight with robust construction. Their Dek cab rack integrates lighting into the leading crossbar, a thoughtful feature for both utility and aesthetics.
kuat.com
GME has entered the North American market with a full lineup of GMRS radios, including compact remote-mount units and weather-resistant options. Their antenna systems are particularly well regarded for performance and durability.
gmeus.com
Supporting the community remains a core part of overlanding. The Overland Expo Foundation continues to fund land use initiatives and veteran programs through events like the Rivian Theater.
Overland Expo Foundation
MaxTrax introduced a new trail shovel that mounts directly to their recovery boards, making storage and deployment quick and efficient.
maxtrax.com.au
Leitner Designs continues to evolve its rack systems with new low-profile options and improved mounting solutions, maintaining their reputation for durability in global travel conditions (They also won our Editor’s Choice Award .
leitnerdesigns.com
Ignik continues to impress with clever cooking systems like the Skullet, combining heating and cooking into a compact solution. Their commitment to real-world exploration adds credibility to their designs—they are the real deal.
ignik.com
We could easily write a much longer article on this event, with hundreds of noteworthy products and vehicles. There is simply too much to include here, but attending an Overland Expo is the best way to experience it firsthand.
Final Thoughts on Overland Expo Southern California 2026
Overland Expo Southern California continues to establish itself as one of the most important gatherings for the overland community, bringing together travelers, builders, and innovative brands. This year highlighted a clear trend toward lighter, more efficient, and more integrated systems—from 12-volt climate control to modular lighting and compact camper designs.
The industry is evolving quickly, with a growing focus on maximizing capability while minimizing weight and complexity. This is especially relevant as modern trucks face tighter payload limits and more users demand vehicles that can serve both daily driving and extended travel.
Events like this reinforce that overlanding is as much about community as it is about equipment. The Overland Expo remains one of the best places to evaluate gear, learn from experts, and get inspired for your next journey.
