For over a dozen years now, it has happened without warning. The weather starts to get sunny, the excitement begins to build, and you start to hear whispers of new products and fresh builds. It could mean only one thing: Overland Expo West is near.
If you are a regular reader of SkillsetMag, then it’s no surprise to you what I am all excited about. Overland Expo West is to the Overland community what SHOT is to gun owners, or SEMA is to car enthusiasts. Mazda enthusiasts, take note, as this year SKILLSET is doing it a little differently.
In years past, I’ve always taken my personal rides up to the expo and camped out just like everyone else. For years, it was my trusty red Cherokee, and for a couple of seasons, I even rode my KLR 650 and camped in Moto Village. Just like all other attendees, I spent the day enjoying seminars, doing hands-on training, or going on trail runs with other outdoor enthusiasts.
Skillset Teams up with Mazda?
But this year, Mazda USA decided to throw me a little curveball by offering up one of their sweet new chariots to check out. At first, I admit that I was a little hesitant. When you think of overland rigs, most likely visions of massive Jeep Gladiators and fully tricked-out Tacomas come to mind. As far as SUVs go, the Subaru Crosstrek is about the only vehicle you see geared up regularly. Can a Mazda SUV be outfitted successfully to enjoy some overland activities?
The exact model in question is Mazda’s new CX-90, an AWD luxury SUV complete with a third row and a roof rack. When I say luxury, I mean fully tricked out. Panoramic roof, heated and cooled seats, full leather interior, and much more. (full specs listed below). The Overland Expo is undoubtedly no stranger to luxury high-end builds, but something that is basically a mom’s daily SUV? Could this Mazda double as a weekend warrior capable of tackling the outdoors and creating some great memories? I am certainly ready to find out.
Time To Add Gear
First, we are going to need some gear, so what better place to start than the interior? Let’s face it: Most of your time is spent behind the wheel, just getting to the destination, so you want to make the best use of the space available and look good doing it. A quick trip to 511’s online store, and we are well on our way to making everyone jealous when we actually arrive.
Every great outdoor activity requires an ice chest, and I have been looking for an excuse to try out the new ALLHAULA 30-can cooler. Pair it up with the ALLHAULA 5L dry pouch for a maximum of “511 Flexing” at the Overland Expo. Organizing all the bags and any gear needed for the trip couldn’t be easier after tossing some 511 Hexgrid seat panels into the mix.
The panels attach to the vehicle’s seat using heavy-duty adjustable straps, allowing you to convert from daily commuter to weekend warrior mode in minutes. Depending on your application and needs, they can be mounted on the front or back of the seat. This will definitely come in handy with all of our personal gear needed for a great weekend trip to Overland Expo. The panels accept any 511 bag equipped with moly straps. So a mix of your new bags and your old favorites will work without a problem.
The Road Less Traveled
The newest Mazda CX-90 has plenty of power to charge all my devices and camera gear on the trip, thanks to multiple USB-C ports throughout the vehicle and 12-volt and 110-volt ports in the rear. And now that I have acquired all my 511 gear, all that remains is to pack it all for the trip.
Stay tuned to SkillsetMag in the coming weeks for more upgrades and gear breakdowns on the Mazda SUV leading up to Overland Expo West, and if you happen to be in attendance, be sure to say hi!
Vehicle Specifications:
2025 Mazda CX-90 3.3 TURBO PREMIUM PLUS
280-hp, e-SKYACTIV®-G 3.3L Turbo Inline 6
Rear-biased, i-ACTIV AWD
Sport/Off-road Modes
8 Passengers
511 Gear:
ALLHAULA™ 30-CAN COOLER
ALLHAULA™ INSULATED DRY POUCH 5L
VEHICLE READY HEXGRID® SEAT
