Clay Nelson’s 1998 red Chevrolet Suburban bounced gracefully over a series of logs. He cleared the obstacle effortlessly, even though it was his first time driving in off-road conditions.

“The capabilities of my rig — knowing what I can and cannot do — that’s what I’m here for,” Nelson said as the stock Ford Bronco behind him stalled trying to climb the series of logs.

The 2024 Pacific Northwest Overland Expo, taking place last weekend at the Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, isn’t just for fancy Jeeps and expensive van builds. It’s also for newcomers like Nelson who are looking to learn more about their vehicles and how to get out to more remote areas.

“Overlanding is really about the vehicle-based adventure,” said Emily Boden, the director of events for Overland Expo. “And it’s about utilizing that vehicle in the most effective and efficient way possible to go anywhere you want to go. So no, it’s not just about the person that can buy the most expensive vehicle and put all the gear on it.”

That isn’t to say gear isn’t a big part of the Overland Expo.

Every year, more than 300 vendors come to the fairgrounds to show off their latest inventions. Visitors can browse everything from roof-top tents to solar panels to carbon-fiber hunting knives. It’s a one-stop shop for adventure no matter a person’s level of experience.

One way the Overland Expo helps guests work toward that goal is by offering classes — like the one Nelson was participating in — to help beginners and more advanced drivers become familiar with their vehicles. It’s a popular offering, Boden said, and this year classes were completely sold out.

As Nelson continued on with the obstacle course with his instructor, the next group of trainees waited at the entrance. With them was Alex Gonzalez, who was eager to learn how to use his first truck on dirt roads.

“I figured if I have a truck I might was well learn to use it. I do a lot of enduro-biking, so I’m familiar with the road, but I’ve never done it in the car,” Gonzalez said.

His goal is to start doing longer overlanding trips that take two or three days. While that is certainly the preferred method for some overlanders who like to camp off their motorcycles, Gonzalez is looking for something a little easier than his motorcycle.

“I can go anywhere in that thing, but it’s less convenient,” he said.

Along with checking out the exhibitors, visitors could attend educational programing and enjoy activities like the BF Goodrich Ride and Drive. There were also lots of opportunities for networking and connecting with the Pacific Northwest overland community through events like happy hour and Saturday’s charity raffle.

“This is a very diverse community, very welcoming community. It’s really about encouraging people to get out there and use their vehicles and see the world. So it doesn’t matter where you come from, what level you’re at, or your background … this community just wants to help you achieve those goals,” Boden said.