Among the sea of events that dot the adventure travel landscape, there are few that are truly unique and worthwhile attending. One of those events is the Outpost series, which is held in locations like the redwoods of Northern California, and now in downtown Los Angeles. This was the first year of the LA event, the venue an expansive garden complex called Rolling Greens, just blocks from the Arts District. The crowd is equally eclectic, made up of everyone from television producers, to global adventurers, to distinguished creatives. It is not an Overland Expo (and is not billed as such), but is no less worth attending for anyone looking to be inspired and connect with very interesting people. It is also chock-full of companies that represent the interests of overlanders and travelers.
The organizers also make an effort to feature round-table discussions and training sessions on numerous topics, including “Why Adventure Matters”, a panel that I participated in as an overland traveler. The group of my fellow panelists included chairwoman Jen Murphy (@jenrunsworld), philanthropist Michelle from blackgirlstrekkin (@blackgirlstrekkin), filmaker and overland cyclist Dominic (@domgill1980), and Founder and Editorial Director Jeanine of This is Range, (@
Continue below for a photographic tour of the event and the interesting products we discovered along the way.
The event was well attended, and included free regular admission (with RSVP) . The audience also embraced the Nissan Frontier on display, which was chock full of overland accessories.
You cannot support a travely, hipstery, and overlandy (sorry) croud without good coffee, and Stumptown was slinging scrumptious shots of espresso from direct trade relationships with farmers in Colombia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.
Iron and Resin had their Russian Ural on display for all to lust after.
Iron and Resin also had a beautiful (and mostly original) Jeep Wagoneer on display.
Architec clothing had a display featuring their newest garments, all made in the USA and designed specifically for the adventure traveler that requires technical performance. We like to support quality-minded new startups, and this company is one of them. Their newest travel jacket, the Endeavor (in the photo), is running on KickStarter.
I have been a longtime fan of Mission Workshop, a California-based company that specializes in Made-in-USA luggage and apparel. They just released an understated and high-quality camera bag called the Integer (24L volume).
The Power Practical Luminoodle products are perfect for camp and vehicle lighting. Simple.
Harley Davidson is making a real effort to connect with new audiences. Having a motorcycle that accelerates quickly and handles like the Livewire will really help with that. 0-60 in 3 seconds… Yes please.
Nissan had their Destination Frontier on display, complete with Hellwig suspension , Dometic Fridge, CVT Tent, Warn Winch, and Leitner Designs Rack
Off the Grid had one of their popular rental teardrops on display. Given the cost of a new teardrop, renting makes so much sense!
I thought it was the LA smog… but it was an ever-present cannabis cloud that surrounded the Old Pal travel bus.
The Signature Air Mattress company had a small display with a Jeep Cherokee. For those that want to sleep in their car, this is the best-fitting mattress system I have seen to date. Each mattress is specifically designed for the vehicle. $189 too, which seems like a fair deal.
The Airstream Basecamp was on display, and was the perfect size to tow behind most SUVs. I have seen these models in some remote areas, so off-highway travel seems feasible, and it has a shower! 
An image of one of the many discussion panels throughout the day.
