FIELD REPORT: BACK AT THE BIG THING: COMMUNITY FIRST, GEAR SECOND

Todd Rogers
Jul 14
1 min read

I really enjoyed heading back out to The Big Thing event at XOverland Ranch in Three Forks, Montana again this year.

The Big Thing festival with many cars, tents, and a red pagoda-style building beside a river, backed by hills and blue mountains. — The Big Thing layout from the Back 400 trails

In a space where a lot of events can feel like a slog, this one stands out. It is very much a true overlanders' gathering. It is less about selling products and far more about the core reasons we all got into this in the first place: camping together, hitting the trails, testing our rigs on the obstacle course, and hanging out around camp.

Off-road trucks at The Big Thing drive along a dusty mountain trail through sagebrush hills, kicking up dust under a clear blue sky. — The trail drives were spectacular.

BEATING THE HEAT ON THE POND AT THE BIG THING

The weather gave us plenty of sun and some pretty high temperatures over the weekend - think over 100º, but the organizers had a clever solution for everyone looking to cool off. They took their vehicle pontoon/ferry and converted it into a makeshift floating raft-island right on the pond.

Spending the hot afternoons swimming and relaxing on the ferry raft was definitely a highlight of the weekend and a great way to handle the high temperatures.

An evening shot at The Big Thing from the pond with overland rigs camping on the shore and a lighted pagoda style building in the background. — Evening on the pond at The Big Thing

IS THIS WORK, OR CATCHING UP?

Having been in the overland community for quite a while now, trips like this have evolved over the years. Going to these events has become just as much about catching up with a long-time network of friends as it is about work.

I really enjoy the work I get to do, but having a chance to sit down around the campfire with a Manhattan and good conversation makes it even better.