If you’re ready to start off-road touring, seasoned guidance matters. It’s easy to find at Overland Expos, ideal gathering places to dream big and discover the ideas and equipment to fuel your next journey. At four stops of this cross-country event series (most recently at the 2025 Overland Expo PNW in Redmond, OR), Hankook Tire shares in the spirit of exploration, offering hands-on driving experiences and connecting with adventurers.
But if you can’t make it to an Overland Expo stop, we’ve captured the best moments from the series, plus outlined why to start (and how). Aaron Mulkey is one of our three expert overland adventurers who provide all the inspiration and insight needed to plan your trip, rig your ride, enjoy your camp, find your way, and upgrade your tires. Here, Mulkey shares his top overlanding gear upgrades after assessing the best options displayed at the expos.
Erin McGrady (pictured below) is another featured expert who shares her lessons learned from the road. Having traveled in an adventure vehicle for the past nine years, the freelance writer, commercial photographer, and award-winning filmmaker has simple advice to start: Don’t get lost in the dream rigs. “If you’ve got a 4WD vehicle, you’re closer to jump-starting your overland journey than you realize,” she says. “With eight inches of clearance, a small handful of key purchases can get you immediately out exploring desolate dirt roads.”
When it comes to rigging your ride and preparing for an off-road adventure, consider McGrady’s seven favorite overlanding equipment extras, then go deeper with 100 Ways to Make Your Escape.
Prep for Recovery
Recovery gear isn’t one piece of gear—it’s an assorted kit of contingency items assembled to get you out of various jams. Depending on the terrain and your vehicle, you’ll generally want the following:
Recovery boards: These are essential. Often attached to vehicle sides for quick access, they’re an easy go-to for getting unstuck. Maxtrax MKII boards are trusted for their reliable durability and aggressive teeth.
Rugged ropes: Beyond recovery boards, Plan B is often recovery ropes like Maxtrax Kinetic Ropes—safer than chains in the event that something fails. Maxtrax ropes are designed to be used with a Maxtrax Fuse Shackle.
Gloves and shovel: When Plan C becomes digging, you’ll want a real shovel. Bulldog offers a solid option to dig you out.
Rooftop Tent
Don’t sacrifice quality sleep in the backcountry. Rooftop tents have made major advances for faster setup, lighter hauling weight, and stronger wind-ready designs. Spend more on a fancier hardshell or hybrid if you plan on overlanding for the long haul. As they say, “buy once, cry once.”
Upgraded Tires
No piece of equipment has a more direct impact on your ability to overland than tires. Look for tire versatility: between performance on uneven, varied terrain (both wet and dry) and a smooth, quiet ride on the highways. And don’t overlook sidewall protection, which is key to preventing punctures or blowouts, especially when you’ve aired down.
Traction first: The Hankook Dynapro AT2 Xtreme delivers aggressive off-road performance with power-packed shoulders and sidewall cross-scoops that enhance grip on challenging trails. Multi-directional grooves and biting block edges provide traction in every direction, making it just as capable crawling over rocks or slinging through mud as it is tackling snow—backed by its 3PMSF certification for severe winter conditions.
High-depth sidewall blocks protect against impacts and cuts, allowing you to air down confidently without risking damage. On the highway, the Dynapro AT2 Xtreme stabilizes tread blocks and features tie-bars that reduce road noise for a smooth, quiet ride—proving you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for toughness. And if you’re an occasional adventurer, the broader Hankook Dynapro lineup offers all-terrain options designed for lighter off-road use without compromising daily driveability.
Spare aware: Find where your spare tire is located—and then replace it. Don’t rely on the one that came with your vehicle.
A Vehicle Logbook
Track progress so you can note when you change your oil or add a new component. Reference the log (or even a simple spreadsheet) for calendar reminders on fluid changes, filter swaps, etc. Pro tip: Add purchase notes and a warranties column so you’re prepared should you need a replacement.
Read all of McGrady’s overlanding advice and see more videos from this year’s slate of Overland Expo events.
Hankook Tire’s Dynapro is a tire brand designed for SUV/Light Trucks with strong driving and braking performances on all terrains and through every type of weather, including on- and off-road conditions.