OzTent USA Road Trip - Overland Expo 2013

On the road again, seems to be the way of life these days for OzTent USA, it's been a great time of traveling and camping in various parts of the country! Our road trip to Overland Expo 13 began on Mother's Day, we took a new route through Iowa & Kansas, then south to New Mexico. This turned out to be a lot of tumbleweeds, cow pastures and NO internet service, but we did find a great oasis for an overnight at Meade State Lake and park Campground in Meade, KS. (Be sure to fill your gas tank before heading out there). The joke throughout the trip was that if there was a capital of nowhere, this had to be it, LOL! (we will stick to the main routes from now on). We really enjoy the OVEXPO's new location in Mormon Lake, this was our 3rd year exhibiting. What a difference 295 miles north makes from our first year in Amado, no dirt devils or lack of shade in 115 degree temps. The new location has resulted in 6,000+ in attendance, with over 150 new & repeat vendors, packing out overland classes and open areas filled with campers ranging from roof top tents, Jet Tents and 30 Second OzTent's to big rig overland vehicles displayed and driven for training purposes. We also want to give a big THANK YOU to Roseanne, her team & sponsors for making this event such a huge success! We are looking forward to OVEXPO 2014, hope to see you all there!

Below are photo's of the event and travel destinations along the way, enjoy!

Find the 30 Second OzTent and more! www.FamilyTentCamping.com

Car Camping VS Overland Camping

Camping Trends: "Car Camping VS Overland Camping" How camping has evolved from the campground to the outback. In this issue we will be addressing the question "How is car camping different from Overland camping?" Both require vehicles, however, there is a big difference between loading up the standard SUV to camp at the local campground, and using an Overland vehicle that's been upgraded for off-road use and is equipped for driving into remote areas. These vehicles require more than just off-road tires.

When car camping your more likely to stay at a campground with all the modern conveniences of home such as hot water for showers, flush toilets, picnic tables, a fire ring and maybe even a swimming pool. When Overlanding, your camp is where you make it, whether on top of a mountain, a remote valley or a patch of dirt under a shady tree.

Car camping does not require nearly as much planning for a successful trip. You can load up your tent, sleeping bags and some groceries, then drive up, set up and have fun! For Overlanding if you "fail to plan,then plan to fail". You need detailed planning to assure your equipment is prepared. The last thing you want, is to drive into a problem that could leave you stranded in a remote area alone or stuck in rugged terrain. There is no grocery or camp store for last minute supplies when Overlanding, so planning food, water and tools for repairs is essential for survival.

When car camping you may cross a state line experiencing a Q&A by the border officials, but you are safe and have access to a doctors, hospitals and any other help if needed. When Overlanding you may cross International boarders which require passports, or searches and you will most likely have no access to medical or any other help. Again, planning is key so be sure to have a quality first aid kit and any other emergency items you might need. Also, it is very important that you let someone know the route you plan to take for an extra safety precaution.

Most important, whether car camping at the local campground or Overlanding across the great divide, HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE!!
For Overland gear visit www.OzTent.us