Tag: Goose gear

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Overland Expo East 2018

Thanks to American Adventurist, I have now been fortunate enough to attend my third Overland Expo East event.  Surprisingly, each one just happened to be the first at each location: the Taylor Ranch, the Biltmore Estate, and now the Reeb Ranch.  This event has grown beyond belief, I can remember the first Expo East with maybe 20 vendors at Taylor Ranch… fast forward to 2018 with over 154 vendors and it’s easy to see that Overland Expo has already outgrown this beautiful new venue, tucked away within the Blue Ridge Mountains south of Asheville, North Carolina.

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”7339″ img_size=”full”][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769197-841f02f0-fc76-4″ include=”7332,7333,7334″][vc_column_text]If the 2018 event had a theme, it would have been “improvise, adapt and overcome” due to Mother Nature making sure that this would be one of the more memorable Expos on record. Benjamin Franklin said it best – “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail”. Those who failed to watch the weather prior to the event, and plan accordingly, paid the price at Mudderland Expo.

When the American Adventurist team rolled into Reeb Ranch on Wednesday, we were greeted with beautiful green pastures and blue skies, which was the calm before the storm.  Everyone was soon to be tested with what felt like 30 hours of continuous rain along with freezing temps.  Our American Adventurist team is a well equipped group who’ve been in every climate on earth, so a little precipitation and chilly weather wasn’t going to dampen our spirits.  Despite the inclement weather, we felt fortunate to be able to be in North Carolina to share our passion for vehicle based adventure travel with thousands of like-minded folks.  Excuse our foggy lens and shaky hands here folks, and enjoy![/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769197-5335d9cc-6a0c-0″ include=”7347,7343,7342,7428,7346,7345,7348,7344,7349,7417,7335,7350″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Now let’s get to what you came here for….The gear…  The rigs… The vendors… The EXPO!

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OK4WD

OK 4WD was our neighbor and had one of the biggest vendor sections showing off a nice selection of Alu-Cab products including several models of the Khaya camper and one sweet American Expedition Vehicles RAM 3500 with a tilting bed tray.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769201-65ce29b9-0438-10″ include=”7351,7352,7377″][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769202-65981120-51db-5″ include=”7386,7378″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Genesis Offroad

Genesis Offroad had their new Jeep JL dual battery system on display, a very well thought system with high quality components.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769204-a53b9498-d808-9″ include=”7353,7354,7355″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Kinsmen Hardware

A newcomer in the North American awning market is Kinsmen Hardware who teamed up with Blue Ridge Overland Gear.  They had their Rapid Deploy 270°awning along with the Rapid Deploy Camp Shower Stall on display, both very well made with Sunbrella marine fabric and powder coated steel and stainless-steel hardware.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769205-4cb160bd-19ea-4″ include=”7360,7358,7361″][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769206-e48275c2-891f-0″ include=”7357,7356″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Sloop Imports

Fresh from their debut at SEMA, Sloop Imports had their Camp King Industries heavy duty and light pickup truck accessories including their 12 Volt Mate Portable Dual Battery System.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769206-fab84e8f-f455-1″ include=”7362,7366,7365″][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769206-0dc049b3-30dc-6″ include=”7363,7364″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

EarthCruiser

EarthCruiser’s new EXD chassis-mount camper for 1-ton trucks was a sweet home on wheels capable of going off the beaten path. A nice plug and play option for HD truck owners.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7376″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Black Series Campers

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Overland Experts & ARB

Overland Experts put on a class at the ARB booth on how to replace a valve stem on the trail using their new ARB hydraulic recovery jack. ARB had some seriously nice equipment on display including their new lineup from Old Man Emu.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769210-5f005cfd-c170-2″ include=”7379,7380,7381,7382″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Kenda Tires

Kenda Tires had their full display of tires for everything from bicycles to motorcycles to 4×4’s. They also had their awesome diesel Suzuki Samurai SJ410.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769212-7fd9f6f5-40a1-4″ include=”7383,7385,7384″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Rhino Rack

Rhino Rack had their soon to be released and newly redesigned Pioneer Platform and Backbone System for the new JLs.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769213-67310a0a-7367-7″ include=”7388,7387″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

WARN Industries

WARN was there showing off their black Epic Sidewinder.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769214-30d714ca-0960-3″ include=”7410,7411″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

New 2019 Ford ranger

I had the opportunity to take the new 2019 Ford Ranger for a spin. We’re looking forward to the competition and innovation that this will bring to the mid-sized truck market.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769215-1f20d129-9292-8″ include=”7391,7392,7393″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Classes

7P Overland’s Mark Farage was on hand instructing recovery classes.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769217-3e66d7b5-97af-4″ include=”7395,7394,7396″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Builds

And who doesn’t like a Sprinter Van with 37″ mud-terrains? Or an easily mired Earthroamer? Lots of big tires and big budget builds at Overland Expo.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769218-ba5c2e42-1b5f-9″ include=”7415,7429,7431,7448″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Gear!

Goose Gear, Engel Coolers, REDARC Electronics, L.T. Wright Knives… and many more. SO MANY VENDORS TO SEE!!![/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769219-06ba6807-db4a-5″ include=”7418,7421,7419,7422,7425,7426,7423,7439,7430,7436″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Hard Korr Lighting

New on the scene here is Hard Korr Lighting. They’ve been making really cool stuff for the Australian market for years and we were super impressed by the sheer size and scope of their product lineup. We’re a bit jaded when it comes to LED lighting, but we have to say their products are extremely innovative and well made.

Their UNILIGHT wins our BEST NEW PRODUCT AWARD for the show – we’re not posting a picture of it so follow the link to check it out – these are flippin’ amazing! They’re really nice people too so check them out and tell Marty we sent ya![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7420″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Veteran’s Day weekend

With this year’s event falling on Veteran’s Day weekend, and the Marine Corps birthday, the American Adventurist crew stood tall to honor our American Veterans.  On Saturday night we put out an all hands call for U.S. Marines past and present to proceed to our booth at 1900 for the reading of the annual birthday message from the Commandant of the Marine Corps followed by the traditional cake cutting ceremony. This birthday celebration has been taking place every year for 242 years, in every clime and place, and we made sure that this was a truly a memorable experience for all who attended.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769222-8e3c2a81-88bb-0″ include=”7486,7397″][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769222-74b1fc87-6537-3″ include=”7398,7401,7399″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Meanwhile, out and about in the main camp areas.

You never know what rare and interesting vehicle you’ll find camped out at the show.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1546370769223-fadad3e0-514b-5″ include=”7456,7455,7454,7446,7444,7443,7450,7442,7440,7453,7452,7449,7441,7438,7437″][vc_column_text]For me I have just as much fun if not more walking around these many “regular people” camps surrounding Expo.  Seeing all of the cool rigs and meeting new folks is a major highlight.  Because let’s face it, there are plenty of rigs to drool over, and putting your hands on the hot new products is fun.  But the best reason to attend one of the Overland Expos is the people you meet and the stories and knowledge that are shared.  Next time you are at one of the Expos stop by our booth, say hi, and share a story.  Oh…and don’t forget to ask Dave for your free hug.  Tell him I sent you![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”7433″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Desert Rendezvous 2018

American Adventurist began at a campfire near Anza Borrego.  There’s just something inherently right about spending time around a campfire with good people, and we wanted to do more of it.  Fast forward eight years to a long weekend running trails with barbecues, gear raffles, potlucks and classes on everything from astrophotography to advanced vehicle recovery techniques, these times spent around the campfire are some of our best memories.  In the end it’s all about the people, and for the last eight years we’ve been teaching people how to have fun in the desert while leaving Anza-Borrego better than we found it.  This is the 8th Annual Desert Rendezvous hosted by American Adventurist.

For 2018, we came up with too many activities to pack into three days, so we added an extra day to all of our events.  This year the event started on Thursday and people came from across California, Nevada, Arizona, and as far away as Texas to join in on everything that is Desert Rendezvous.

Unlike most outdoor enthusiasts, the average American Adventurist is completely self sufficient in the backcountry.  Most vehicles have been tastefully modified and are properly equipped for unsupported, vehicle dependent travel.  There are no toilets here, no running water, no fuel or stores for many miles.  Fuel, water, provisions and toileting arrangements are all carefully planned for in advance so that they are always prepared, and once they leave a campsite there is no trace.  Just tire tracks in the sand.

One of the great things about the desert is that it allows people to spread out a little rather than being crowded in like a trade show.  People took advantage of this by arriving on Thursday, making camp at a leisurely pace and mingling.  Renowned 4WD guru Bill Burke of Bill Burke’s 4 Wheeling America and his sidekick Henry even showed up to say hi and donate to the raffle.

Friday morning started the way all mornings should – watching the sunrise while coffee percolates.  After breakfast, a number of folks lined up their rigs for the trail runs while other folks took time to relax in camp and hang out or even attend classes.  That’s one of our founding “rules” at a Rendezvous event – do as much or as little as you like. There’s an event schedule, but you’re really on your own program.

Trail runs departed and soon classes were underway in camp.  Joey Pitts, an I4WDTA Certified Trainer and owner of Pitt’s 4×4 Company, came all the way from Texas to instruct classes on off-road skills focused on safely utilizing commonly seen recovery gear to resolve a variety of “stuck vehicle” scenarios and other mobility challenges typically encountered during off-pavement desert trips.

As the sun sets, everyone is back in camp as the American Adventurist Staff fires up grills and skottles to cook up a mountain of burgers and hot dogs for the barbecue social hosted by sponsor Pelfreybilt Off-Road.  No one ever goes hungry at a Rendezvous event and the shenanigans were soon underway again as night falls.

After dinner, a number of folks met up to learn about astrophotography while others congregated around the campfire.  Thanks to our friends at Goal Zero, we were able to bring along a computer monitor to show students what the instructors were doing with their cameras, and provide free solar charging for the entire event.  Nighttime photography in the desert is a special treat and we can’t wait to see what our members can do with these newfound skills.

Saturday’s schedule is packed with classes again with offerings in camp for kids and adults alike.  A number of rigs lined up once more for trail runs while others gathered to attend the classes.  The scavenger hunt was a big hit this year as kids raced around camp putting new compass skills to use while seeking out random items and staff members.  As always, sun and wind are a factor in the desert and this weekend did not disappoint with beautiful weather and mild temperatures.  There’s a reason we call this time of year “desert season”.

Pitts 4×4 Company was joined by Deadman Off-Road and Step 22 Gear to put on another great course on vehicle recovery in the desert.  Deadman has a revolutionary land anchor that’s capable of anchoring to just about anything – earth, trees, rocks, you name it.  The demo provided was both informative and entertaining, and we were VERY impressed by the results.  A very BIG thanks to all of these experts for coming out and teaching at Desert Rendezvous!

Just as this class was winding down, folks were drawn to the excellent smells of the Dutch Oven cooking class – a perfect appetizer for the evening’s Potluck and Dutch Oven Competition hosted by Front Runner Outfitters.  If you’ve never tried Dutch Oven (aka Potjie Pot) cooking while camping you’re missing out – everything from fresh bread to jambalaya to peach cobbler or even triple chocolate cake can be made completely off-grid.  Fire one up (or just mooch off your buddy) and you’ll be a believer – the only limit is your imagination.

On Sunday morning everyone in camp mustered for the Annual Desert Rendezvous Cleanup.  This year, the Bureau of Land Management provided two gigantic dumpsters large enough to park a full-size truck inside – and by the time the group of volunteers had worked its way from camp to the dumpsters they were filled with of all sorts of garbage and oddities that you wouldn’t expect to see abandoned in the desert.  Over the years, we’ve found everything from TV’s and freezers to wigs and prosthetic limbs.

Sadly, it seems too many people have no idea what it means to Tread Lightly! in even the most basic sense – as a Community we’re doing our part to change that by putting Tread Lightly! concepts into practice in hopes of keeping this and other areas open for future recreation.  Next year, we need your help.

At final tally, this year’s Desert Rendezvous Cleanup picked up over FIVE TONS of trash.

To be precise, American Adventurist members collected 5.36 tons, or 10,720 pounds of trash from our public lands.  In one day.

Let that sink in for a minute.  If you see any of these fine Americans out there on the trail, please thank them for their efforts.

With the dumpsters full, it was time for the Rendezvous raffle.  Coolers, tires, recovery gear, gift certificates, blankets, lights, knives – there were tons of awesome prizes to give away again this year.  American Adventurist is able to have such great raffles because our members give back to the community everywhere we go, and our friends in the industry recognize and support these efforts year after year.  Please support the companies listed at the end of this article – without their generous support, these events would be much more difficult to organize.

Desert Rendezvous is just one of three national level events hosted by American Adventurist each year in California and North Carolina.  Each event is held in a unique environment and steeped in the region’s local flavor.  All of our community events have the same core values and focus on friends, family, and an active outdoor lifestyle.  At American Adventurist we are not “just for profit” and as such we have an enduring commitment to give back to the local community at every event we host.
To learn more about our other events, please visit our EVENTS PAGE.
To join the American Adventurist community, visit our Forums and REGISTER and be sure to stop by and see us at Overland Expo West in Arizona in May ~ we’re the Official Forum Sponsors for Overland Expo!

Grassroots events like the Rendezvous and the causes we support wouldn’t be possible without continued support from a large number of outstanding companies. Please consider them first when you need gear:

4X4 sPOD
ARB USA
Baja Designs
Colby Valve
Deadman Off-road
Equipt Expedition Outfitters
Factor 55
Falken Tire
Fold A Flame
Front Runner
FunTreks
Goose Gear
Goal Zero
JRs_Knives
LT Wright Knives
Mojoe Outfitters
Pelfreybilt
Pitts 4×4 Co
prAna
Princeton Tec
Prometheus Design Werx
Rancho Suspension
Restop
Slumberjack
Safe Jack
Step 22 Gear
Tembo Tusk
Trasharoo
Warn
Wilco OffRoad
Wits’End
Yeti

Many thanks to all the STAFF that make these events happen and to Richard SooHoo (@synikalsoysauce) and Justin Pitcairn (@pitcairnoverland) for use of their photos in this article!  See you at Overland Expo!