Overlanding is a lot like backpacking, save for a few minor details—your backpack is a vehicle, you don't have to carry anything, and all the hiking is optional. Seriously though, there are a lot of similarities between the two hobbies and those who enjoy them—like the shared love of the outdoors, the comradery you’ll find among others you meet on the trail and the inevitable back and forth exchanges over gear.

If you’re already into overlanding, you know how great of an event James River’s Third annual Rooftop Tent Rally is going to be. The event tripled in size last year—and for good reason. I’m heading back this year for another great weekend of music, food and camping. Here’s what else you can expect from the 2019 Roof Top Tent Rally, Oct. 18-20.

 

1.) Community & Network

As a groundling—someone who doesn’t have an overland rig—I was blown away at how welcoming everyone was at the rally. I was greeted with warm conversation and genuine interest in where I was from, where I had been and where I was going. Overlanding is a unique thing—people have to stick together, especially when driving off into the wilderness—and that sense of community and reliance is on full display at the rally.

Assistant Manager of James River State Park and avid overlander John Fury says it’s the atmosphere of the event that makes it special.

“The RTTR weekend creates an intimate way for people to socialize and share their stories of Overlanding adventures. Each night ends with a huge bonfire. Folks who met up during the day talking about their rigs end up swapping adventure stories and relationships form around those experiences.  Whether it’s sitting around your vehicles and chatting, walking through the vendor area and talking with the experts there's plenty of time to discuss fun places to visit, make new friends and catch up with old ones,” says Fury.

2.) Education & Learning

Overlanding, like all recreational opportunities, has a learning curve. The stakes, too, can be high. Overlanders often ventures miles and miles away from established roads and help should the need for it arise. That’s why workshops and demonstrations are offered throughout the weekend.

“We plan classes focused on overlanding skills and interests. Visitors can attend workshops on topics like communications, cooking, documenting trips and trip planning. There are also many experts vendors who are more than happy to show off their rigs and the hows and whys of their setups and what they use on trips,” says Fury.

The rally is great for experienced drivers and those who just got into 4x4 traveling. The park also offers historic and nature programs throughout the weekend for kids and adults who want to take advantage of all the awesome resources James River has to offer.

3.) Gear and Inspiration 

It goes without saying that overlanding is a gear heavy activity. If you’re into trucks and off-road vehicles, it’s worth a trip to the park just to tour the field of the 250 or so rigs. Fury says that’s part of the experience. “You have to explore the camping area and talk to people about their rigs! We see them all--from 15 passenger vans to Subaru’s to diesel trucks.”

As a backpacker, I’m always interested in what people are cooking and man do people cook! I picked up a few ideas last year for backcountry meals and really enjoyed watching the contenders of the overland cooking contest—be sure to register if you think you’ve got a winning dish.

There’s also a vendor’s area full of gear companies that provide quality outdoor goods, rooftop tents, and camping necessities that fit everyone’s style. "There are tent & trailer companies, vehicle recovery gear, storage and organizing solutions and State Park merchandise.” says Fury. “The vendors are well versed in what you’ll need for your next excursion.”

4.) Good old fashion family fun

Even if you aren’t into overlanding, there’s still a ton of fun to be had for the whole family. Live music, great food and a weekend full of nature programs and outdoor skills workshops? Count me in.

From the kids, to the cooking aficionado, to the local draft connoisseur, to gear heads, to people who just enjoy the community atmosphere—everyone finds something at the rally,” says Fury.

Spaces are limited to 250 rigs this year, so those interested in camping out in the field are encouraged to register early. If you just want to tour through, you can enjoy the festivities at the daily parking rate of $5.