Gear, Grit, and Grizzlies

Checkin' out the goods at the first annual Montana Outdoor Expo.

The smell of elk jerky, the glint of hand-forged knives, and the unmistakable rumble of folks from all over Montana and beyond filled the Butte Civic Center during the first annual Montana Outdoor Expo, hosted by the Montana Outfitters & Guides Association (MOGA). Over 100 vendors sprawled across the arena floor; it was a playground for every type of outdoorsman.

As soon as the doors opened, the event buzzed with more energy than elk hunters on opening weekend. The expo had everything from custom RVs and telescopes to hunting rifles and gear you didn’t even know you needed. I meandered at a snail’s pace, drawn in by display after display featuring new innovations and time-tested gear.

As the final raffle tickets were drawn and booths packed away, all I could think about was how excited I was for next year's expo.

Apparel companies showcased Montana-made wares next to artisans handcrafting knives with etchings of mountains. Tables overflowed with camping snacks, trail maps, and enough stickers to wallpaper a small apartment. No matter what your activity of choice may be—hiking, rafting, fishing, hunting, or overlanding—there was something for everyone, dog lovers included.

One of the standout features of the event was tucked toward the back of the arena—a bear-attack simulator run by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Equal parts education and adrenaline, this crowd favorite had attendees role-playing in split-second bear encounters. After a crash course on bear behavior and how to properly discharge bear spray, participants were challenged to quick-draw their canisters and stop a life-sized charging-bear cutout moving at a terrifyingly realistic speed. It was Disneyland for wilderness geeks and gurus alike.

Among the many clever innovations on display, Hardside Hydration made a splash with their universal filtration hose, compatible with the bottles and bladders most outdoorsmen already carry. Nearby, ADS Holsters showed off a bear-spray system still in the patent process, featuring a strap-anywhere design with a built-in 130dB alarm—very loud, in case you were wondering—that activates when the canister is pulled. It’s a must-have for campers who prefer not to sleep with one eye open (check out our review of the ADS Holster here.)

It was Disneyland for wilderness geeks and gurus alike.

This wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a community-building event. Vendors and attendees mingled freely, conversations drifting from elk migrations to favorite campfire recipes. Some vendors poured coffee, others handed out dog-food samples. Danilo, founder of GuideTime Outfitters, even brought his dogs along—because we all know that dogs are integral to a good outing.

Over the three-day event, connections formed organically. Steve, the skilled craftsman behind MT Maker LLC, and Matt, a trail guide for riding the Hiawatha Trail, were vendor neighbors who met for the first time at the expo. By Sunday, they were sharing a meal and planning future trips.

Backed by the Butte Chamber of Commerce and Voices of Montana Tourism, the Montana Outdoor Expo wasn’t just a place to ogle over new, shiny gear—it was an opportunity for everyone in attendance to learn more about the outdoors, discover new opportunities, and connect with likeminded folks.

With the support of local businesses, radio stations, and affiliate partners, the expo spotlighted what makes Montana’s outdoor industry so rich: rugged creativity, deep knowledge, and a sense of shared purpose & community.

As the final raffle tickets were drawn and booths packed away, all I could think about was how excited I was for next year's expo. 

This expo weekend may be over, but MOGA has already set the date for the 2026 Montana Outdoor Expo coming back to Butte next spring. Gear buffs, prepare yourselves for another three days packed with more vendors and interactive booths.