The Big Thing event began with a simple idea: create something that feels like why we all fell in love with overlanding in the first place. Not for the gear. Not for the builds. But for the belief that adventure makes us better—because it brings people together and changes us along the way.
So, we opened the gates of the XOverland Ranch, tucked into the hills just outside Bozeman, Montana, and invited the community to come be part of something different. What unfolded was more than we ever imagined: campfires, conversations, hands-on learning, and moments of real connection that reminded us what this lifestyle is really about.
What Is It Exactly?
From night one, it was clear that The Big Thing wasn’t a typical event. It felt more like summer camp, for grown-ups and kids alike. Yes, there was off-road driving, recovery training, and hands-on sessions led by expert instructors. But there were also movie nights under the stars, spontaneous lake dips, sunrise coffee, and late-night fireside conversations.
People didn’t just come to learn skills. They came to build confidence. They didn’t just shake hands. They made real connections.
We wanted to create a space where people could pause, reflect, and ask: What’s my next big thing? So, in the Hub, we put up a wall with that exact question: “What Is Your Next Big Thing?”
By the end of the weekend, it was covered in dreams, some epic and some deeply personal. Some wrote about traveling the world. Others jotted down long-held goals: finishing a book 40 years in the making, starting a business, running a marathon, or becoming the parent their kids already believed they were.
That wall became a living reminder that this weekend wasn’t about crossing a finish line—it was about deciding where to start.
The Speakers: Real Stories That Stick With You
Throughout the weekend, we heard from travelers, builders, and storytellers. Not to impress, but to share hard-won lessons from the road:
- Patty Upton, whose emotional tribute to her late husband and their 741-day crossing of the Darién Gap left us speechless
- Micah Weber, encouraging attendees to pick up the tools and believe they can build
- Ellie and David Weir, showing how far a modest budget and an open heart can take you
- Clay Croft, opening the curtain on what it takes to tell meaningful stories that last
- Dan Grec, offering wisdom from global travel as a father, partner, and longtime overlander
- Peter and Kathy Holcombe, blending stunning visuals with heartfelt storytelling from their journey down the Pan-American Highway
- Scott Brady, breaking down barriers and giving practical steps and tips for attendees to plan their first international overlanding trip
- Karissa and Linhbergh, inviting us into the warmth and deliciousness of their off-grid cooking sessions
- Chris Collard, teaching the soul and technique behind compelling documentary photography
These weren’t polished presentations. They were real, human moments. Sometimes funny, sometimes raw, always heartfelt. And more than anything, they left attendees feeling like they could do it too.
The Training: Learning by Doing
Our priority was simple: make learning feel approachable and hands-on. Whether you were a seasoned traveler or brand new to camping, we wanted everyone to walk away with real tools—and real confidence.
Highlights included:
- Ironman 4×4’s Suspension Showdown, giving drivers a literal feel for the before-and-after
- Warn’s Recovery Clinics, filled with practical, real-world scenarios
- XGrid’s Overland Trailer Sessions, breaking down lifestyle-based decisions
- Rebelle Rally’s Navigation and Driving Clinics, empowering women through skill
- Micah Weber’s Welding 101, proving the garage belongs to everyone
- Tread Lightly! and RC X Overland’s RC Course, which became a surprise hit for all ages
- On Sunday, we wrapped with focused breakout courses: Women’s Off-Road and Adventure Training and Precision Shooting Clinics—giving attendees a final chance to push their skills and step a little further outside their comfort zones.
But the real impact showed up in the quiet moments. After welding class, one attendee turned to their friend and said: “I think I can finally do this—I’m actually going to start that DIY project I’ve been dreaming about. At the winching course, you could see the confidence build in real-time as complex techniques suddenly clicked. Again and again, we heard the same thing across the event: “I didn’t think I could. Now I know I can.” And, “This has completely changed my perspective of what’s possible.” That’s exactly what we hoped people would take home, long after the dust settled.
It’s the Little Moments
Looking back, the weekend wasn’t defined by one big talk or a single trail. It was a thousand small things: A stranger lending a wrench. A first-time driver beaming after conquering the course. A kid catching their first bass in the lake. A speaker hugging someone who’d been moved to tears by their story.
One of the most powerful moments came Saturday night when Patty Upton stood on stage. She didn’t talk about likes or followers. She talked about grit. About crossing the jungle one tire rotation at a time. About believing in something even when no one else does. The kind of story that makes you pause. Reflect. Feel.
So, What Was The Big Thing, Really?
It was never just about overlanding. It was about purpose. Growth. Believing your “Big Thing” might be waiting just beyond your comfort zone—and knowing that this community will be there to cheer you on.
We didn’t want this event to end with applause. We wanted it to spark something new. And as the rigs rolled out, coffee mugs in hand, dust trailing behind, and camp chairs packed up alongside new friendships, we hoped everyone left with two things:
Not a product pitch. Not a brochure.
But a few new friends and a spark to go take on their next Big Thing.
Listen more: Stay on the Road: Why the Overland Industry Needs Real Travelers with Basil Lynch
Images: XOverland
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