Into The Wild wasn’t able to make the East Expo but looks like it was a pretty awesome time (even with a hurricane). Outside Magazine made the trip so check out their report below! Be prepared to drool!
The coolest adventure vehicles we found at overland expo
We're ready to quit our day jobs and go to explore the planet
Each fall, adventure-travel enthusiasts gather on a ranch in Asheville, North Carolina, to check out hundreds of tricked-out adventure cars and trucks and to learn the ins and outs of overlanding. The event’s called Overland Expo, and it’s basically a dream come true for the editors at Outside. If you want to drool over the most badass, go-anywhere jeeps, trucks, vans, and bikes in the world, this is the spot. Hurricane Joaquin dumped buckets of rain on this year’s event, but we still spent a couple days walking around the venue rounding up our favorite rigs.
Outrider USA Horizon E-Bike
Photo: Bryan Rogala
This off-road tricycle from Outrider USA turned plenty of heads at the expo. It’s one of the coolest e-bike concepts we’ve seen. A different take on the company’s popular Alpha model, the Horizon uses mountain bike components and a carbon-belt electric drivetrain with a high and low range to power riders down trails or gravel roads. It’ll do 25 miles per hour and has a base range of 30 to 50 miles per charge. Opt for additional batteries to go farther and power your base camp at night.
Quebec Volkswagen Syncro
Photo: Bryan Rogala
Everyone loves a Vanagon, and the nicest one we saw belonged to Yves Rodrigue. He and his dog, Boogaloo, made the trip to North Carolina from Quebec, Canada, in this extremely rare ’89 Syncro 16 – basically a heavy-duty, limited-run version of the original Syncro—with a diesel engine from a Volkswagen Jetta. Rodrigue started a Facebook page called Maximum 100 km/h to document his travels.
Overland Journal/Hema maps Toyota Land Cruiser
Photo: Bryan Rogala
The folks at Overland Journal and Hema Maps brought their incredibly rare Toyota BJ74 Land Cruiser to the show, and we couldn’t stop staring. These 70 Series Land Cruisers have a well-earned reputation as the best overland expedition vehicles ever made, due to their simple, reliable, rugged nature. Production started in 1984, but they were never sold in the United States. Nowadays, they’re relatively easy to get, thanks to an NHSTA rule that makes it legal to import vehicles from another country if they’re more than 25 years old. This particular vehicle came from Landcruisers Direct, a company that specializes in importing iconic vehicles from Japan.
EarthCruiser FX
Photo: Bryan Rogala
For the uninitiated, EarthCruiser makes some of the most incredible, expensive adventure rigs on the market – they run upwards of $175,000. Designed and tested in Australia but now built in Bend, Oregon, EarthCruisers are based on a 4WD Mitsubishi Fuso platform and designed to be the go-anywhere, self-sufficient base camp of your dreams. These things get about 15 miles per gallon and can take you completely off the grid for months at a time, thanks to diesel- and solar-power systems and 80-gallon water tanks.
Toyota FJ40
Photo: Bryan Rogala
TAV Expedition Outfitters is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and has one of the nicest FJ40s we’ve ever laid eyes on. The company specializes in designing purpose-built off-road machines. The custom paint job and well-organized interior storage system made this one stand out.
Cummins Nissan Titan
Photo: Bryan Rogala
We’re excited about diesel engines making their way into lighter-duty American pickups, including the Ram 1500, the upcoming Chevy Colorado Duramax, and the new Cummins-powered Nissan Titan XD. The new Titan will feature a Cummins 5.0L V8 Turbo Diesel that puts out 310 horsepower and a staggering 555 lb-ft of torque.
Ford E350 V10 Chateau
Photo: Bryan Rogala
The guys at U-Joint Offroad have taken #VanLife to the extreme. Specializing in 4x4 van conversions, they brought several of their recent projects to Overland Expo, including this 2005 Ford E350 V10 Chateau, named V7. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more capable van, thanks to the six-inch front/four-inch rear lift, 35-inch tires, and custom roof rack.
Land Rover Defender 90
Photo: Bryan Rogala
Land Rover had a major presence at this year’s event, and it’s easy to understand why given its storied history in overland travel. This Defender 90 was absolutely flawless and was seen pulling out many other vehicles that got stuck in the hurricane-caused mud.
BMW F 800 GS Adventure
Photo: Bryan Rogala
Not all adventure vehicles have four wheels, and bikes like the BMW F 800 GS Adventure were quite popular at this year’s expo. It’s a more minimalist approach to overlanding but great for dirt roads and tight spaces. When loaded with a rack and panniers, you can cover a lot of ground plenty quick.
Anvil Adventure Trailers
Photo: Bryan Rogala
Towables of all shapes and sizes made an appearance at the Expo, including this one from Anvil Adventure Trailers. A custom-built removable topper sits on a military trailer chassis, and has all the bells and whistles of the big adventure vehicles (think solar panels and camp showers), without the weight and large footprint. Most important, there’s enough room inside to sleep two adults and a dog.
Drive the Globe's Mercedes Unimog
Photo: Bryan Rogala
Michael Ladden from Drive the Globe Overland Adventures was on hand in his bright-orange Mercedes Unimog, which attracts loads of attention anywhere it goes. Originally produced for use on farms, Unimogs are some of the biggest, baddest vehicles ever built, thanks to their massive ground clearance and workhorse design. Full-time AWD means they manage to get most places pretty easily – if they fit.
Honda Element
Photo: Bryan Rogala
Much to our chagrin, Honda discontinued the Element in 2011. While it might not be the coolest-looking vehicle we saw, it’s flat rubber floor, removable rear seats, and massive amount of cargo space make for one incredible camping platform.
Toyota Tacoma
Photo: Bryan Rogala
It should come as no surprise that one of the most common vehicles in attendance was the Toyota Tacoma. It’s tested, reliable platform makes it one of the most popular overland vehicles on the market. It doesn’t hurt that they run approximately forever. We loved this Gen 1 Tacoma, which featured heavy-duty front and rear bumpers and a bed-mounted rooftop tent.
Exploring Elements EEXP
Photo: Bryan Rogala
Bryan Dorr of Exploring Elements turned a 2001 Dodge Ram 2500 into what he calls the EEXP. It was one of the most popular vehicles at the show, thanks to its custom XPCamper shell and plethora of adventure gear stashed on top.
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What Boreas Owners Are Saying
Joyce K.
I love my Teardrop from Into the Wild. It is up to any adventure, large or small. We have slept comfortably in rest stops in WY and the middle of nowhere UT. We have traveled for weeks, the kitchen has been great! The...
I love my Teardrop from Into the Wild. It is up to any adventure, large or small. We have slept comfortably in rest stops in WY and the middle of nowhere UT. We have traveled for weeks, the kitchen has been great! The awning and three-sided room gives us a place to clean up after a day in the wild! Matt provides incredible support, answering questions and tweaking anything that is needed.
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Nick D.
Matt builds an absolutely first-rate trailer. After months and months of research, I am confident in saying that the Boreas XT is one of, if not the best thought-out offroad travel trailers on the market. I'm consiste...
Matt builds an absolutely first-rate trailer. After months and months of research, I am confident in saying that the Boreas XT is one of, if not the best thought-out offroad travel trailers on the market. I'm consistently amazed at how well everything functions whether it's the interior shelf-turned-bunk for our toddler, the hot water shower, or the slide out fridge, stove, and sink in the galley. It also tows very smoothly and has handled some pretty rocky Colorado trails already this season. Matt has also been great about post-sale support, answering texts and email questions right away. We're extremely happy with our choice to buy from Into the Wild Overland!
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Nicci M.
Best decision made, worth the money hands down. Matt is great to work with and always makes sure his campers are top notch and work properly.
Michael G.
If you’re looking for a way to get away, check these out. Our Boreas has been one of the best purchases we’ve made. We keep it loaded and ready to go so we can get to the mountains at moments notice. Our trailer has h...
If you’re looking for a way to get away, check these out. Our Boreas has been one of the best purchases we’ve made. We keep it loaded and ready to go so we can get to the mountains at moments notice. Our trailer has helped us get further away and to get out more frequently.
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Shan M.
Owning a Boreas XT and working with Matt has been a pleasure! Customer service runs neck and neck with producing a quality product. From campgrounds in the Sawtooths, and friendly driveways in Haden ID, weeks out in N...
Owning a Boreas XT and working with Matt has been a pleasure! Customer service runs neck and neck with producing a quality product. From campgrounds in the Sawtooths, and friendly driveways in Haden ID, weeks out in Northern B.C., way, way off road Utah, and my parent’s backyard. We have found the design to be sturdy, efficient and fun to live in. The square (as opposed to curved) kitchen cover provides shelter to cook and sit even in rainy weather. The solar power system is just the right size for long-term camping. The independent suspension, unique hitch, and trailer brakes make it a dream to handle in the roughest off-road conditions. The well-balanced design makes it solid, comfortable and safe towing at freeway speeds, even in wind and weather. Thanks Into The Wild Overland for our home away from home!
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Franklin C.
We bought our trailer in May and we couldn’t be happier. I toured the shop before I bought and I saw the dedication they took to make a quality trailer. The build quality and materials are all very impressive. We have...
We bought our trailer in May and we couldn’t be happier. I toured the shop before I bought and I saw the dedication they took to make a quality trailer. The build quality and materials are all very impressive. We have already towed it 1000 miles and slept in it six nights. We can back it into a spot and have camp completely set up, dinner started, and a beer in hand in under ten minutes. The other great thing about the trailer is it has better ground clearance than my truck and it can go anywhere my truck does with ease. We’ve already had it on some fun trails. Finally, everyone has been great after the sale. I had a minor issue and they just had me bring it by the shop and they fixed it in ten minutes while we waited. Love the trailer and love that I can rep such a great local company.
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Jake D.
Great people. Great product. Delivered when they said and what they promised. I rented a Boreas in June, and then had to have one.
Diane M.
We have had a Boreas XT for over a year and absolutely love it. Our adventures have tripled since we got it and already have several more trips planned for this year as well as a trip to Alaska for next year. We have...
We have had a Boreas XT for over a year and absolutely love it. Our adventures have tripled since we got it and already have several more trips planned for this year as well as a trip to Alaska for next year. We have had the pleasure of meeting Matt personally and have used his team for a few upgrades. You can't find a more pleasant group of people who work for Matt. They are continuously looking to make improvements and have been helpful in some of the upgrades we did on our own. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them for supplying you with one of your own to take on your own adventures.
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Bill M.
We have now had our Boreas XT for a year with some 3000 miles towing (Ford F-150 4X4) on various surfaces. We very much enjoy the life style made easy by this rugged trailer with its well designed accomodations and c...
We have now had our Boreas XT for a year with some 3000 miles towing (Ford F-150 4X4) on various surfaces. We very much enjoy the life style made easy by this rugged trailer with its well designed accomodations and convencies. Truly a four season trailer. Warm and cosy in the winter. Even in the hot and humid southeast (coastal Mississippi) the trailer's roof fan and insulation make for a comfortably cool night's sleep. But even more... the support offered by Matt (the owner) is truly exceptional. His availability and eager assistance has now, and am sure will in the future, given us confidence in a long term relationship.
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Christina C.
I don't usually take the time to post reviews, but I feel compelled to do so for this product and the owner Matt. We researched diligently to find just the right camp trailer for a year before we settled on the Boreas...
I don't usually take the time to post reviews, but I feel compelled to do so for this product and the owner Matt. We researched diligently to find just the right camp trailer for a year before we settled on the Boreas XT. We were fortunate to find one used and jumped on it promptly, and do not regret our decision. It is just the right size and functionality for our needs and has made camping even more of a treat than when we had to pack half of the house up to enjoy the outdoors. We are able to store it in a regular parking spot at our home and maneuvering it is very easy. Matt did not benefit from our purchase financially since we purchased it used from someone who moved to Florida, but he has answered every question we have, provided guidance, and generally been responsive within 24 hours of every request we sent his way. He truly stands behind his product. Thank you Matt
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Matt B.
Amazing company, customer service, and product! I knew going into this trailer purchase that I was interested in the Boreas XT. After dealing some with Adam and Maggie I was very drawn to the company and product, with...
Amazing company, customer service, and product! I knew going into this trailer purchase that I was interested in the Boreas XT. After dealing some with Adam and Maggie I was very drawn to the company and product, without ever seeing one in person. I won't say that the service provided sold me on the camper entirely, but it did pursuade me to make a deposit on one and travel 10 hours to see it. Seeing the camper in person, and doing my thorough inspection, I was truthfully trying to find a reason not to buy it and continue searching for the right camper for me. I couldn't find that reason and brought the camper home happier then I could have imagined. I went over that trailer 3 times at the dealership and a dozen more since it has been home and I cannot find anything but excellent craftsmanship, which far exceeded my expectations considering the reputation travel trailers typically have. This camper is on an entire new level. It easily fits everything we need for our trips, it is self sufficient, I have no worries of reliability, and it fits in my standard garage! I will continue putting the camper through its paces, but even if an issue were to arise I know I have that amazing customer support that attracted me in the first place to lean on. Thank you guys for the killer product!
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Alexandra L.
We’ve had two trips in our new Boreas XT and absolutely love it!! It’s everything we wanted when it comes to size, weight and functionality. We have 4 more big trips planned through the rest of the year and can’t wait...
We’ve had two trips in our new Boreas XT and absolutely love it!! It’s everything we wanted when it comes to size, weight and functionality. We have 4 more big trips planned through the rest of the year and can’t wait to spend more time in it. Also we’re both tall, my husband is 6’3 and I’m 6’0 and we both fit so comfortably in the bed and under the galley door when it’s open. We couldn’t be happier!
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