Overland Expo SoCal is back, and it’s shaping up to be one of the best stops in the entire event series.
From March 14–15, 2026, the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, will welcome thousands of adventurers to the world’s premier overlanding event series. With 400+ exhibitors, 100+ hours of educational programming, and a community unlike anything else in the outdoor space, this is the event to attend if you’re serious about overlanding.
At the heart of the show is its exhibitor floor, packed with the most innovative brands in the industry. From trailers and truck campers to portable power, tire tech, and camp kitchen systems, you’ll find it all here. Whether you’re a seasoned overlander or still planning your first build, SoCal is where you go to see, touch, and compare the best gear available.
On top of that, the show features expert-led classes, hands-on demonstrations, roundtable discussions, and a Saturday Happy Hour. In short, it’s a place to connect, learn, and get inspired to hit the trail.
We’ve put together a list of 10 brands you need to see this year. Each one brings something different, and we’ve included booth locations and a map so you can plan your route. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
- SNO Trailers
- Morrflate
- Nomad Kitchen
- TRP4x4
- Dometic
- Kimbo Campers
- Freedom Campers
- Toyota
- Anker
- Toyo Tires
SNO Trailers
If you only visit one trailer brand at Overland Expo SoCal, make it SNO Trailers at Booth #10-211.
This Southern California-based, family-owned company builds what we consider the best expedition trailers on the planet. That’s a bold statement, and we stand behind it. We’ve tested their rigs extensively. Every time, we come back impressed by the build quality, the attention to detail, and the capability packed into a compact, towable package.
The Alpine
The Alpine is the flagship, and it’s the one that earns all those bold claims. Starting at $34,995, it tips the scales at 1,500 lbs dry weight with a 3,500 lb suspension load capacity. Underneath, you’ll find a powder-coated steel frame with an aluminum body and SNO’s proprietary anti-rust base coating.
In addition, standard features include a Renogy 100AH AGM battery with a waterproof solar charge controller, NOCO Genius battery charger, Switch-Pros control panels, and USB charging on both sides. You also get room for up to 30 gallons of water. The stainless steel kitchen pullout is ready to go right out of the box. Meanwhile, the wide body kit with dual side boxes gives you three internal drawers plus MOLLE panels on the side doors. Premium Method 17″ wheels wrapped in 275/70/R17 all-terrain tires round out the package.
Optional upgrades include a Fabtech suspension with shocks and brakes, Dometic stove and sink, Prinsu roof rack crossbars, and a Joolca hot water system. With a 40-degree departure angle, this trailer goes wherever your truck goes.
The Recon
The Recon is the lighter, more nimble option for those who want expedition capability without the full kitchen setup. Starting at $13,995, it weighs only 875 lbs dry (700 lbs for the ATV/UTV version). Despite the lower price, it still rides on a 3,500 lb HD Timbren axle-less suspension and shares the same frame and body construction as the Alpine.
Notably, the Recon features a large rear compartment with slide, two large side doors, and a front utility box. All the same upgrade options from the Alpine carry over, too. For someone looking to get into expedition trailers at a lower price, the Recon is an outstanding entry point with room to grow.
The Story Behind SNO
SNO Trailers was born when a family went looking for a high-quality overlanding trailer at a competitive price and couldn’t find one. So they built their own. Named after their rescue husky, Sno, the brand carries a motto that says it all: “Enjoy Life, Adventure More.” Since then, the company has partnered with Remington and TrueTimber for custom hunting variants.
If you’ve been researching expedition trailers, stop researching and go see these in person. Walk up to Booth #10-211, open every drawer, check every weld, and talk to the team. You’ll understand why we keep coming back to SNO.
Morrflate
Here’s a brand we don’t talk about lightly. Morrflate has been the only compressor system we’ve used personally for the last three years. That’s not a sponsorship line. Instead, it’s earned trust from thousands of miles of trail use.
The TenSix Compressor
Based in Sacramento, California, Morrflate makes portable 12V compressors and hose kits built for off-road use. Their flagship product is the TenSix, a dual-cylinder compressor that pushes 10.6 CFM at 0 PSI and 6.5 CFM at 30 PSI. With a 150 PSI rating and an 80% duty cycle, you can air up 6 to 8 vehicles on a single run before needing a break.
Noise sits at 70-75 dB from a foot away. In terms of power draw, the Gen 2 version runs at 12V, pulls about 50 amps running with 90 amps peak, and comes with a carrying bag. At 14″x7″x9″, the whole unit is compact and built to handle trail abuse.
PSI Pro and Hose Kits
For those who want automation, the TenSix PSI Pro Gen 2 at $325 adds a digital controller. Simply set your target PSI, walk away, and let the system do the work across all four tires simultaneously. If you need single-tire inflation, Tank Mode handles that too. The standard TenSix without the controller comes in at $230.
Morrflate also makes the FiveSix for smaller setups (29-35″ tires) starting at $160. On top of that, they offer a full range of braided hose kits. The Braided Quad kit handles vehicles up to 125″ wheelbase, while the Quad+ extends to 155″. Every component is designed for modular use, so you build the setup that fits your rig.
Our Experience
We’ve published a detailed two-year review of the TenSix PSI Pro Gen 2. Our conclusion hasn’t changed: this is the best portable air system on the market. It inflates our 35″ tires faster than anything else we’ve tested. The build quality holds up season after season.
Head to Booth #10-139 and see the full product line in person. If you’re still using a single-hose compressor and spending 20 minutes airing up, Morrflate will change the way you think about tire inflation.
Nomad Kitchen
Camp cooking is one of those things that separates a good trip from a great one. Nomad Kitchen has built an entire product line around making that experience better.
About the Company
Founded in 2019, Nomad Kitchen Co. is a small, family-operated company with a showroom in Seattle. They hold two US patents on their designs, and every unit ships fully assembled and ready to install. The concept is straightforward: a modular kitchen system that combines cooking, cleaning, and storage into one compact unit. Best of all, it mounts in your truck bed, SUV, cargo van, or trailer with zero permanent installation.
The Original Gen 3
The Original Nomad Kitchen Gen 3 ($1,249) measures 25″x20″x14″ and weighs 56.5 lbs. It includes space for a two-burner stove, a stainless steel washbasin, a bamboo cutting board, and a storage cubby drawer. There’s also room for a water tank. Their proprietary mounting strap system requires no tools and no drilling. You can install it in minutes and remove it in under two.
LT and Nano Models
The Nomad Kitchen LT ($1,649) stretches to nearly 5 feet long and was designed specifically for trucks with long tailgates, like the Chevy and GMC lineups. Notably, it adds a hidden pantry under a built-in countertop. Key features sit where you don’t have to reach over your tailgate. At 74 lbs with a 500 lb exterior shell capacity, it’s a serious piece of gear.
For smaller vehicles, the Nano ($999) fits behind rear seats of crossovers and hatchbacks. At 44.9 lbs and 22.75″x18″x11.5″, it still delivers the same stainless steel washbasin, bamboo cutting board, and stove platform in a tighter footprint.
Customer reviews sit at a perfect 5.0 stars across the board. In fact, Trail Tacoma published a two-year durability review and found zero issues. The system is waterproof, the materials hold up, and the design keeps improving with each generation.
Stop by Booth #PP-6060 and see the full lineup. If you’ve been cooking on a wobbly camp stove balanced on a cooler lid, Nomad Kitchen will change your setup for the better.
Learn more about Nomad Kitchen
TRP4x4
TRP4x4 showed up on our radar with a single product. That single product turned heads immediately. The 40L Mammoth Freezer & Fridge is one of the most unique portable fridges in the overlanding space. After four weeks of real-world testing, we gave it a full review on 4wdTalk.
Why the Mammoth Stands Out
What makes the Mammoth different? Start with the weight: 15 lbs. That’s it. For a 40-liter (roughly 42-quart) fridge/freezer with a compressor, that number is almost hard to believe. The secret is the EPP (expanded polypropylene) body, which provides strong insulation while keeping weight down to a fraction of traditional portable fridges.
Performance and Value
Performance matches the lightweight build. Specifically, the Mammoth cools from 71°F to 31°F in approximately 12 minutes. You can run it in both fridge and freezer modes with a range of 5°F to 14°F. Built-in ECO and MAX cooling modes let you balance power draw against cooling speed. On top of that, the compressor is optimized for battery and solar use. Quick temperature recovery after opening the lid was a standout finding from our testing.
The price point is equally competitive. In a market where quality portable fridges regularly push past $800 or $1,000, the Mammoth comes in well below that threshold. As a result, overlanders who want cold food and drinks without adding serious weight finally have an answer.
Head over to Booth #12-317 and pick one up. At 15 lbs, you can carry it with one hand. That alone is worth the trip to the booth.
Dometic
If there’s one brand that touches nearly every corner of the overlanding world, it’s Dometic. From powered coolers and fridges to water systems, portable power, and climate control, they have their hands in everything. And they do it all at a high level.
A Century of Innovation
The company traces its roots back to 1922, when Swedish engineers Baltazar von Platen and Carl Munters invented absorption refrigeration technology. More than 100 years later, Dometic is the global leader in mobile living solutions, serving the RV, marine, automotive, and outdoor camping markets. Consequently, that depth of experience shows in every product they make.
The CFX Cooler Series
For overlanders, the CFX series of powered coolers is the centerpiece. The CFX3 line has been a staple in the community for years, offering reliable compressor cooling, dual-zone options, and rugged construction. More recently, the CFX5 series takes it further with vacuum insulated panels and variable speed compressors that cool down to -22°C. For example, the CFX5 95DZ dual-zone model ($1,499.99) gives you 95 liters of capacity with two independent compartments.
Beyond Fridges
Besides fridges, Dometic also makes portable lithium batteries. The PLB40, for instance, is a 40Ah unit built for running their coolers off-grid. Additionally, they offer solar charging kits, inverters, and a full ecosystem of RV and van accessories, including awnings, heating systems, and air conditioning units. If you’re building out a rig, there’s a strong chance Dometic makes at least a few things on your list.
Visit Booth #10-123 to see the full product range. Whether you’re shopping for your first powered cooler or upgrading your mobile power setup, Dometic has options at every level.
Kimbo Campers
If you want to see one of the swankiest truck campers on the market, Kimbo Campers at Booth #CM-120 needs to be on your list. This Bellingham, Washington-based company has delivered over 600 campers since 2016. Their approach to design and materials is unlike anything else in the truck camper space.
The Origin Story
Founder Mark King drew inspiration from an unlikely source: the USS Alabama, a nuclear submarine where his father served as Captain. That submarine’s efficient use of space informed how Kimbo designs every camper. Before building his first prototype in 2016, Mark had been living in a 19-foot Airstream since 2013, driving over 30,000 miles around the country. After living in the prototype for six months, he brought the brand to market.
The Kimbo 6
The Kimbo 6 is the original platform. It’s available as a Ready-to-Camp version ($27,990) or a Builder Platform ($19,990) for those who want to customize. The camper is built from a frameless 0.1″ 5052 aluminum monocoque shell. No wood, no rot, no compromise.
That aerospace-inspired construction keeps the base dry weight around 700 lbs for the shell alone, while fully equipped units run approximately 980-1,080 lbs. Interior height is 75″, and the full-size bed measures 75″L x 54″W. Thanks to R5 insulation and Arctic Tern double-pane insulated windows, this is a true four-season camper. Add a Dickinson heater, and you’re holding 70°F inside at 25°F outside.
Smart Use of Space
The use of space inside a Kimbo is where the design really shines. Every square inch is accounted for. The frameless monocoque construction means thinner walls and more usable interior volume. As a result, you get noticeably more room than traditional framed campers. Modular options let you add heating, AC, solar, a kitchen, and storage in the configuration that works for your travel style.
The Kimbo 8 Debut
The big news at SoCal this year is the Kimbo 8, making its public debut at the show. This full-size off-grid living unit doubles the insulation to R10 and adds a dedicated wet bath with cassette toilet and indoor shower. You also get a queen cabover bed plus convertible dinette, expanded solar capacity, and a dedicated generator bay.
Furthermore, the reinforced riveted aluminum monocoque shell gets a new hemmed design for added strength. Founder Series reservations are already sold out, with early production series reservations opening in March 2026. First deliveries are expected summer 2026.
It’s worth noting that Popular Mechanics voted the Kimbo the number one slide-in truck camper. The build quality, materials, and design set it apart from nearly everything else on the market.
Get to Booth #CM-120 early. The Kimbo 8 debut will draw a crowd, and you’ll want time to see both models up close.
Learn more about Kimbo Campers
Freedom Campers
Freedom Campers is our pick for the best budget-friendly camper in the overlanding space. It’s not close. Built by Redneck Outdoor Products in Lamar, Missouri, the Freedom Camper gives you a legitimate four-season truck bed camper at a price that opens overlanding up to everyone.
Versatility at Its Best
The concept is as versatile as it gets. Toss the Freedom Camper on a utility trailer one day and run it as a standalone camp unit. Then put it in the back of your truck the next day for a truck bed camper. Because of the quick-attach/quick-detach mounting system, swapping between setups is fast and straightforward. That kind of flexibility is rare at any price, and at the Freedom Camper’s price point, it’s unheard of.
Build and Specs
Construction is aluminum frame with fiberglass exterior, and the insulation system is rated to -20°F for true four-season use. Models range from the 6×12 (1,200 lbs, sleeps 2) up to the 8×16 (2,100 lbs, sleeps 6), with interior heights from 6’2″ to 6’6″.
Across the board, every model includes weatherproof sealed windows with blinds, roof vents with weatherproof covers, and sealed plywood flooring with vinyl covering. The 8×16 also adds a fold-out work/storage platform on the exterior.
The Price
At a sale price of $3,299, the Freedom Camper sits in a category by itself. You’re getting a four-season, multi-configuration shelter for less than many people spend on a rooftop tent. We featured Freedom Campers at Overland Expo East, and the response from readers confirmed what we already knew. This is one of the best values in overlanding gear today.
Stop by Booth #16-217 and see for yourself. The Freedom Camper proves you don’t need a huge budget to get out there and stay comfortable doing it.
Learn more about Freedom Campers
Toyota
Toyota needs no introduction in the overlanding world. However, what they’re bringing to the table right now deserves your attention. The return of the Land Cruiser to the US market has been one of the biggest stories in the overland space. If you haven’t seen one in person yet, Overland Expo SoCal is your chance.
The Land Cruiser Returns
The new Land Cruiser rides on a body-on-frame platform with a 2.4L turbocharged hybrid powertrain. As a result, it combines the rugged capability that made the nameplate legendary with modern efficiency and fuel savings. This is a vehicle built for the terrain overlanders seek out, and Toyota’s decision to bring it back signals their commitment to the adventure market.
The 2026 4Runner
The 2026 4Runner continues to be one of the most capable SUVs for overlanders. Built on the TNGA-F body-on-frame chassis, it’s available with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. That produces 326 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque with an estimated 23 MPG combined.
The Trailhunter trim ($68,000) comes factory-equipped with Old Man Emu 2.5″ forged shocks, rear piggyback-style remote reservoirs, an ARB roof rack, and 33″ Toyo all-terrain tires on 18″ bronze alloy wheels. Meanwhile, the TRD Pro ($68,200) swaps to FOX 2.5″ Internal Bypass QS3 shocks and adds a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism. Importantly, both trims include an onboard air compressor and pre-wired auxiliary toggle switches.
The Tacoma
Finally, the Tacoma rounds out the lineup as the mid-size truck that’s been a cornerstone of the overlanding community for decades. Toyota’s presence at the show gives you the chance to see all three vehicles side by side and talk with product experts about how each platform fits your adventure style.
Visit Booth #GG-1270 and spend time with the full Toyota lineup. The Land Cruiser alone is worth the trip.
Anker
Portable power has become one of the most important categories in overlanding, and Anker is making a serious push into the space with their SOLIX lineup. In fact, they’re a title sponsor of Overland Expo SoCal 2026, which tells you how committed they are to this community.
The SOLIX Power Station Range
The SOLIX lineup covers everything from compact daily-use units to full off-grid power systems. To start, the C1000 Gen 2 ($449) packs 1,024Wh of capacity with 2,000W AC output and recharges to full in 49 minutes via wall outlet.
For overlanders who need more juice, the F2000 ($849) delivers 2,048Wh expandable to 4,096Wh with 2,400W output and an RV TT-30 port. At the top of the line, the F3800 Plus ($2,499) offers 3,840Wh with 6,000W output and 120/240V dual voltage support. Even better, it expands up to 26.9kWh and accepts a massive 3,200W solar input.
Battery Life and Warranty
Every SOLIX power station uses LiFePO4 battery chemistry, rated for 3,000+ charge cycles and backed by a 10-year battery life guarantee with a 5-year full device warranty. By comparison, most competitors offer 800-1,000 cycle ratings with 2-3 year warranties. The gap is significant.
EverFrost Portable Fridges
Anker is also in the portable fridge game with the EverFrost 2 series. Both the 40L and 58L models feature dual-zone independent cooling, so you can run fridge-fridge, freezer-fridge, or freezer-freezer. The temperature range spans -4°F to 68°F, and a removable 288Wh LiFePO4 battery powers the unit for up to 39 hours.
For recharging, you can use a 100W solar panel, car socket, wall outlet, or USB-C. Cooling performance is impressive too: 25°C to 0°C in 15 minutes. The rain-resistant HDPE construction handles outdoor conditions well.
Head to Booth #GG-1000 and check out the full SOLIX ecosystem. Anker is also hosting light bites and beverages from 1-3 PM on Saturday, so plan your visit accordingly.
Toyo Tires
Toyo Tires has been a fixture at Overland Expo events, and SoCal 2026 is no different. Once again, they’re back as the official sponsor of the Saturday Happy Hour (5-7 PM at the Oasis Bar and Food Court). Naturally, they’ll be showcasing the Open Country tire lineup that has made them one of the most trusted names in overlanding.
Open Country A/T III
The A/T III is the all-terrain option for overlanders who split time between pavement and dirt. Features include a cut-and-chip-resistant compound and 3D multi-wave sipes for wet traction. You get a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty on P-metric sizes (50,000 miles for LT). On top of that, it carries Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification for severe snow, making it a true all-season, all-terrain tire.
Open Country R/T Trail
The R/T Trail bridges the gap between all-terrain and mud-terrain for those who want more aggressive off-road capability without the road noise of a dedicated mud tire. Available in 47 size and load combinations from 16 to 24 inches (up to 38″ overall diameter), this tire features extra-thick shoulder and sidewall lugs for digging into soft terrain.
A variable pitch tread pattern keeps road noise low, and the 45,000-mile treadwear warranty adds peace of mind. Toyo also offers a 45-Day/500-mile “No Regrets” trial on the R/T Trail, which takes the risk out of switching.
Open Country M/T
For those who go deep into mud, sand, and rock, the M/T delivers aggressive hook-shaped tread blocks and self-cleaning scalloped shoulder blocks. In particular, the high turn-up 3-ply polyester construction provides puncture resistance. Over-the-shoulder tread extends traction, while deep sipes add grip on wet surfaces.
What Sets Toyo Apart
Toyo’s casing construction wraps radially rather than as a single piece, which creates a more evenly weighted tire that’s easier to balance at larger sizes. Ultimately, that engineering detail matters when you’re running 35s and still commuting during the week.
Visit Booth #GG-2150 to see the full Open Country lineup. Make sure you stick around for the Happy Hour on Saturday evening. Toyo knows how to close out a day at the show.