Colorado or Bust: Overland Expo Mountain West 2021

Overland Expo Mountain West almost didn’t happen. For most of us, the last year+ was like a dystopian B movie on many levels, complete with terrible casting and an even worse plot line. Because of all that, there was an uncomfortable feeling right up until the day I drove away from Florida for Colorado that this event would somehow get derailed too. I know the event organizers likely aged a few years with worry and lost sleep over the what if’s that were spawned in our minds as a result of 2020.

Spoiler Alert: The pandemic and shutdowns of 2020 conspired to put Overland Expo out of business, but Lodestone and this community are RALLYING in 2021. My hat is off to all those at Lodestone from the very top all the way down to the volunteers on the ground that made this happen in Colorado. This event was a huge success!

Colorado or Bust

We’ve covered almost every Overland Expo event to date ( see here and here and here and here ) so being able to physically attend this inaugural event in Colorado was a big deal for us, especially after being Virtual in 2020. With all systems go on my end, and a last minute confirmation from my contacts inside the puzzle palace at Lodestone, I headed west. Now the fun began, with three back-to-back 10 hour days across six states and nearly 1,500 miles “overland” to get to this event and cover it. A three hour nap in a “picnic area” off I-20 in August heat in East Texas reinforced my need for a fan in my Quick Pitch roof top tent, and a full night’s sleep and hot shower in camp in New Mexico made all the difference when I finally rolled into “The Ranch” on Thursday for work.

Linking up on site with fellow Adventurist and Founding Member Tim Bleau, check in was made easy by the Expo staff and we quickly established our forward operating base for the long weekend at Overland Expo Mountain West in Colorado. Reinforcements soon arrived when John Tate and Adam Wright joined us on site as well. With tens of thousands of attendees on the way, and hundreds of vendors, this was an extremely busy weekend and I could not have done it without the boots on ground presence of these fine Americans. Hand salute!

Once we were set up, we watched the fields and surrounding facilities at The Ranch Events Center in Loveland fill up as more and more vendors and companies rolled in by the hour. Like usual, we saw representation from around the globe. Having attended Overland Expo since it was a modest once a year gathering down in Amado, Arizona, it’s truly mind boggling to see how this once “niche” overland community of ours has grown and become truly global. Overlanding is clearly MAINSTREAM now with companies like Winnebago, Thule, Yakima and even GMC jumping onboard today.

I spent the next three days walking the expansive grounds here, talking to people and vendors, and sniffing out innovation and things I thought would be of interest to you and the overland and outdoor segment at large. Our on the ground “live” coverage from the event included 55 InstaGram and Facebook posts and four “live” sessions on InstaGram. It took me a few days just to wrap my head around the hundreds of photos I walked away with and the sheer magnitude of what was gathered there in one place.

It wouldn’t be an Overland Expo without extreme weather. Thursday night was a real treat as the Ghosts of Expo’s Past roared through the Ranch bringing dust storms and 65 mph wind gusts. This was a great opportunity for one of my favorite Expo pastimes, E-Z Up Kite Watching. Several of them took flight that evening and once their parachutes were expended, they quickly lost altitude like angry metal spiders, thrashing other booths. Thankfully, the remainder of the weekend was beautiful with no more angry wind gusts. Pro tip: stake down your booth before you go to the hotel!

Below, you’ll see that the 4WD, Overland, and Outdoor industry did not take a vacation during 2020, they were burning the midnight oil in garages and shops and factories across the globe to create new things to show off at Overland Expo Mountain West in 2021!

Camping at Overland Expo Mountain West

Before we cover all the mercantile stuff, let’s take a walk through what I call “Gen Pop” camping, or general population. People travel from all across North America to attend this show, and rather than stay in hotels, they’re using their gear and actually living the overland lifestyle on site. We’ve always done the same at our booth, and camping here is a great way to meet some interesting people. This is where you’ll find some of the best ideas and examples of what really works when people are living “out there” on unsupported trips in the backcountry. Many of these people are full time overlanders, so I like to make it a point to lurk here, looking for unique solutions and rare vehicles among the campsites and other parking areas. Here’s a few of the best of those, and some other cool rigs and “Feature Vehicles” that caught my eye.

UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät anyone?

Toyota TownAce 4WD

Swag City!

Expedition Prius?

Onward to the Main Event!

Walking around the event on the business side of town was a lot of fun too. Like SEMA, companies come out in force at Overland Expo and it’s cool to see OEM vehicle manufacturers like GMC bringing their latest and greatest offerings out to be seen in public.

Guaranteed Mountain Climbers

GMC’s new Hummer EV drew lots of attention and features new tech like the “crabwalk” feature that lets it drive diagonally (the rear wheels turn 10 degrees), underbody cameras, and “extract mode” which raises the vehicle six inches through it’s active air suspension system.

We wanted to crabwalk all over it ourselves but they were quick to let us know this one was an early “hand build” and as such, we couldn’t touch it or get any closer up than what you see here even with media credentials. As a gearhead I love my combustion engines, but I have to admit that as this EV technology matures, vehicles like this will change the overland game forever. Just give me a 500 mile range and a money tree and I’m all in.

GMC also debuted the new Canyon AT4 OvrlandX concept at Overland Expo Mountain West. This is a serious entry featuring factory front and rear lockers, OEM winch, and 10 inches of ground clearance. I wonder when Toyota will wake up and notice they’re no longer leading this lucrative segment?

Hill People Gear

Not everything at Overland Expo is about trucks. Some of our best adventures happen out on foot, far away from the comforts of camp and the safety of our vehicles. Many top shelf outdoor gear manufacturers attend these events, and we took advantage of the opportunity to get some good deals on some important kit. The need for sturdy clothing and gear in the backcountry cannot be overstated.

When your life depends on it, when you need the absolute best, choose American made, choose Hill People Gear!

67 Designs

We have one of their mounts in our Jeep that’s several years old now and still going strong. Simply the best way to secure devices in a vehicle, and 67 Designs is made in USA.

ARB

The Australian powerhouse known as ARB is still developing new products, and they had their loaner Bronco test mule on display with new bumpers, Old Man Emu suspension, ARB Solis lighting and some other bits. Competition is good for everyone and we’re excited to see what what Ford does with this new 4WD platform.

AluCab

AluCab‘s newest RTT offering is impressive, and very well thought out right down to the box. But, I have no clue how they get that tent into, or out of, this box!

Redtail Overland

Redtail Overland has a killer build and more importantly, an airy, carbon fiber hard sided rooftop tent that made me stop and stare for a few minutes. So many features, so many high level options, so much innovation.

Redtail Overland Roof Top Tent
Redtail Overland Roof Top Tent
Redtail Overland Roof Top Tent

Ryder Offroad

The guys from Rig.Talk made the long trip out from California for this event and brought their new line of wheels from Ryder Offroad.

Adventure Motos

This segment at the show continues to grow every year, and the big splash this year was Harley-Davidson and their all-new Pan America. I’ll be the first to tell you that Harley is not playing games here, they went all-in on this bike from thr ground up and mere photos do not do this bike justice. The buzz was truly warranted and my overall impression is that Harley nailed it with this long awaited entry into the ADV space, it will only get better once the aftermarket swoops in to fill any small gaps.

There were tons of other ADV bikes out and about with strong showings from both BMW and Yamaha, with the riding courses and clinics remaining ever popular at Overland Expo.

Dometic

Dometic went all in this year, and showed up with a slew of new products that they’ve been developing. Aside from their strong presence in the 12v fridge/electric cooler segment, Dometic is launching an entirely new line of lifestyle enhancing products ranging from camp furniture to storage, traditional coolers, scene lighting, and on-demand drinking water delivery.

They even have heated seating pads for those chilly nights in camp when the backside is 180 degrees from the campfire. And no, their camp furniture is not white labeled Snow Peak, it’s all from Dometic, and it’s all legit. They remain in our top 10 companies to watch, and we looking forward to what they do in the overland market in 2022.

Leitner Designs

Another great company that sets the bar very high when it comes to quality and innovation is Leitner Designs. Their entire ecosystem is not only beautiful to look at, it’s extremely well thought out and over-engineered. Their new Shower Pod caught my eye along with the rest of their burly rack accessories. The only limit with their system is your imagination!

Recovery Gear

Overland Expo continues to be a mecca for the latest and greatest innovations in recovery gear and techniques. We spent some time talking to companies we trust like Warn, Factor 55 and our friends at Deadman Offroad. We’ve also seen some snake oil salesmen show up in recent years peddling some questionable widgets to newbies so this is one area we recommend a good deal of research, and some hands on training from a reputable source like the I4WDTA, before spending your hard earned cash on the latest shiny bauble.

Step 22 Gear

Speaking of innovation, meet Adam Wood, the brains behind Step 22 Gear. This guy takes attention to detail to a whole new level through his design cues, unique features, and uncompromising choice of materials. If you need to maximize limited storage space on the road, and avoid yard sales in camp when you need something quick, check out Step 22 Gear and change the game.

Step 22 Gear’s Pangolin Tool Roll is simply without equal in this genre.

Step 22 Gear Tortoise gathers everything you need in a very small footprint.

Equipt Expedition Outfitters

It simply would not be an Overland Expo if “OG” Paul May and Equipt Expedition Outfitters didn’t show up. Back again this year with more of the very best gear from around the globe, a visit to this booth is like a pilgrimage each year for those of us who have been around since this event began. Sadly, there were no parties this year due to the venue’s concession rules but it was still great to see Equipt there doing their thing in Colorado.

MAXTRAX – Accept no substitute!

Hatchet Overland

I had not seen this top for the Jeep Wrangler before, and I liked how you could step up and stand inside the rear cargo area for ingress and egress to the sleeping area as well as changing clothes. Great idea and I can’t wait to see what Hatchet Overland does next with this minimalist concept.

Vanlife

This is another segment that continues to grow rapidly, and it was nice to get to see so many van companies there taking the #vanlife to the next level. We see a van in our not too distant future, and we spent quite a bit of time looking at Field Van as well as for upgrades. With the amount of coast-to-coast overland travel I’ve done these last few years, I can hardly imagine the comfort and ease of travel in one of these. I think this option is the bees knees so long as you stray no further than BLM or USFS fire roads etc. You could probably reach 85% of the spots we love in a van

Kokopelli Packraft

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could bring a boat or kayak with you on every trip, without the hit on MPG and aerodynamics? We were intrigued by Kokopelli Packraft and on closer inspection it was quickly evident that these things are not your kid’s pool toy. The materials remind us of the tough Zodiac boats we used in the military, and their ease of transport and deployment is a game changer when that perfect campsite (and priceless solitude) require some paddling to get to.

Off The Grid Surplus

Companies like Off The Grid Surplus are ensuring that we have better options for outdoor clothing beyond what’s available in a boring big box store. Because believe it or not, you don’t have to dress like a zookeeper or safari movie extra to get out and enjoy overlanding. We actually checked on Linked In and there’s no need for more lion tamers out there. Not even one.

RAM Trucks

RAM was there in a big way with a killer Rebel on display and an obstacle course where you could drive a new Power Wagon. The new split tailgate system and outfitting they did with Dometic on this new Rebel was way over the top. A serious fisherman’s camp on wheels!

Yes, that tailgate folds down too!

In Closing

The inaugural Overland Expo Mountain West was a smashing success, drawing 17,000+ attendees from all over the world, with 270 registered exhibitors, 87 presenters/instructors, and industry VIP’s.

Additionally, this event had TONS to do in the form of 300+ classes, seminars, demos, activities, slideshows, and films; totaling 365+ session hours of instruction. With so much going on all at once, it was simply impossible for me to cover it all with one camera. The place was literally covered in shiny stuff, squirrels, and Patagucci.

I could go on forever here…

…But I won’t. I have a deadline to make and we’re going to see most of you at Overland Expo West or Overland Expo East in 2021 anyway. I’ll dump more photos over HERE on our Forum where you can head over there to see everything else I forgot to talk about or poke fun at in this article. Until next time!

FULL DISCLOSURE: This is not a sponsored article. None of the companies mentioned here paid for reviews or event coverage by American Adventurist. #IndependentMedia

Battle of the Boxes: AluBox vs Zarges

The average Overland style trip requires considerable planning and organization due to the tyrannies of time and distance involved. Too much or too little gear and provisions can negatively impact the success of any trip, and your load plan will be tested by rough terrain, inclement weather, and critters. And with our limited time off from work being so valuable, what’s the absolute best way to stay organized, avoid loss, and prevent the trip of a lifetime from being derailed?

We believe that hard cases provide a superior level of organization and accountability. Weather resistant and capable of being stacked and tied down, they ensure peace of mind when exposure to the elements is a risk factor and are a top choice for storage of gear and provisions inside or outside of any vehicle. Useful for long term storage with easy portability to and from camp or job site makes all-metal cases like the AluBox line an easy choice .

Recently we had the chance to put our trail tested and trusted Danish made AluBoxes up against their German rivals from Zarges.

Our subjects for this review are the AluBox 42 L and 60 L, and the Zarges K-470 series 40568 and 40678 boxes. These cases are nearly identical, yet inherently unique. Here’s what we learned researching them online and using them in the field when comparing both brands side by side in our “Battle of the Boxes”.

Yes, there’s a story somewhere about something between the Danish box and the German box companies but we won’t bore anyone with rumors or hearsay about industry politics. They’re both incredible products with some subtle features that differentiate them, so read on to learn more.

In this corner…

AluBox is a small, family-owned company based in Denmark and marketed in the U.S. by Equipt Expedition Outfitters. AluBox specializes in aluminum boxes, cases, and containers, and offers a wide-range of standard box sizes to customers around the world for use in defense, industrial, emergency services, transportation, and recreational use. AluBoxes are made of 1 mm thick 5754 (AlMg3) aluminum alloy. This aluminum is a mid-strength material, non-hardening alloy that offers excellent corrosion resistance against seawater and industrial polluted atmospheres. It is widely used in the food and chemical industries, vehicle construction, ship building, architecture, and interior design with 17 total sizes available that range from a modest 20 L to a massive 415 L option.

AluBox 42L kitchen

And in this corner…

Zarges was established by Walther Zarges in Stuttgart, Germany in 1933. Distributed in the United States by Charlotte, North Carolina based Zarges USA, their Tech Center offers in-stock cases, customization and rapid, custom cushion fabrication. The ZARGES K470 universal case is their classic design, constructed of 1.5 mm thick 5005 aluminum alloy which has a high corrosion resistance. These sturdy cases have been tested to withstand temperatures from -238 to 302 degrees Fahrenheit, with 25 sizes available and capacities ranging from small 13 L boxes to 829 L behemoths.

Zarges boasts three K470s that are listed as “bear resistant”; #40810, #40568, and #40678. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certification means that certain National Parks, including Yellowstone National Park, will allow campers to bring their food supplies into the park when stored in approved K470 cases.

AN INTERESTING DISCOVERY:

The AluBox 60 L and the Zarges K-470 #40678 are both advertised as weighing in at 5kg/11 lbs on their websites. Despite the differences in advertised material wall thickness (1mm vs 1.5mm), in my opinion the heft and construction appears identical with each box weighing in at 11 lbs.

NOTE: Both AluBox and Zarges have received Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certification, but tested or not we still wouldn’t leave any of these boxes all alone in bear country while we’re away from camp. We do recommend that you store your camp food in your (insert brand loyalty here) box and hang the entire box from a tree or a bear pole. Please remember to follow the proper guidelines at all campgrounds and campsites in bear country as they may differ from by region and state. Here’s more info about camping in bear country.

Zarges K-470 series 40568 outfitted as a camp kitchen

DETAILS AND DIFFERENCES:

AluBox versus Zarges

Zarges corners versus AluBox corners. The differences are subtle. The four AluBox rivet heads are exposed, Zarges are counter-sunk. Some say the Zarges corners stack better. Both are robust, both stack well, and the two brands can be intermixed for storage and stacking if you happen to own both.

Zarges on left, AluBox on the right.
Zarges corner, latch and handle details

Handles. Virtually identical. Both super strong with the same number of attachment rivets in the same locations. Both use springs to stay in the down position. Zarges handle is slightly longer.

Locking Latches. Virtually identical in form and function. Style points to Zarges for their branding.

Hinges. Both brands feature sturdy piano hinges.

Zarges piano hinge

Zarges Dividers and Accessories. They have a good selection of internal accessories for organization.

Weather Seals. Zarges places the seal in the lid, eliminating any risk of damaging the seal during heavy use. This seal may be hard to replace if damaged though because it’s a foam material that’s applied with adhesive. That said, AluBox uses a rubber seal on the box which is inserted into a channel and easily replaced if needed. I’ve yet to have an issue with that.

Zarges K-470 series 40678 with aluminum divider. Note foam seal in lid.

Trekpak. I used this for organizing the interior of my AluBox kitchen box. They were bought out by Pelican awhile back, this stuff works GREAT if you can find it in stock, and if you can stomach the ridiculous price. You’ll have to cobble it together piece by piece to fit your project but once assembled it is a stellar option that looks good too.

Trekpak insert

Let’s get some pros and cons for BOTH brands settled.

PROS:

  • Drop dead gorgeous. Your family and friends will be jealous. Guaranteed.
  • Completely weather proof. No water (or dust) intrusion is happening.
  • Timmy the Trash Panda will need to seek his entertainment elsewhere. 100% critter and bug proof.
  • Latches on both brands can accept small locks to keep honest people honest.
  • Very light weight given their size and capacity.
  • Durable. Will not warp or crack in the sun.
  • Cases can withstand EXTREME temperatures.
  • Will not rust.
  • Will not shatter upon impact if dropped like some plastic cases.
  • Stackable.
  • Square shapes with vertical walls enable maximum use of available square inches.
  • AluBox rubber seals appear to be easily replaceable if damaged.
  • BOTH brands have received the coveted Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certification which means that certain National Parks, including Yellowstone National Park, will allow campers to bring their food supplies into the park when stored in IGBC approved cases.

CONS:

  • Sticker shock! The AluBox 42 L and 60 L (MSRP $290 and $295), and the Zarges K-470 series 40568 and 40678 boxes (MSRP $293 and $299) are a serious investment.
  • They may scratch easily in the field. Patina happens so embrace it.
  • Dents are possible. It hasn’t happened to me, but it’s a concern.
  • Metal gets hot. If you stack these boxes outside in the sun, wear some gloves.
  • Top plates (see Goose Gear) are an option hard requirement for overland use, and an added cost to consider if you want to use one as a step stool or table. Available for AluBox.
  • Top plates (see above) not available for Zarges at the time of this article. I do hear that Goose Gear may produce some soon.
  • Zarges foam seals on lid are well protected, but appear to be affixed with adhesive and may be hard to replace if damaged.
  • If you leave food in one of these and forget about it, you’ll enjoy an excellent science experiment and green cloud when you discover your mistake.
  • Ursus Maritimus can likely open all of these cases. Because Polar bears do what whatever they want.
Weather change while you were sleeping? No problems!
Sand and seawater resistant!

CONCLUSION:

So, which one is better? Like Jeep versus Toyota, which one is better really depends on who you ask. Each brand has it’s finer points and legions of fan boys who will argue them online. I will say that I am extremely impressed by the quality and customer service associated with both companies and can recommend both brands here with supreme confidence. Yes, they are expensive options as far a storage is concerned, but I always say buy once, cry once because you really do get what you pay for.

These timeless designs will be the last box you will ever need to buy.

Sadly, there are knock off boxes out there from companies like Swiss Link – so just say no to cheap Chinesium copies and buy the real deal from a reputable company like Equipt Expedition Outfitters or Zarges USA. They’re both pinnacle products that will be around a generation from now when your descendants find them in the attic or garage while marveling at your camping gear from a bygone era.

FULL DISCLOSURE: The AluBox products, Goose Gear top plates, and Trekpak featured here were purchased privately by the author for his personal use. The Zarges products featured here were provided at no cost to the author by Zarges for the purpose of this gear review.