OPENROAD at King of the Hammers 2026: Real Gear, Real Conditions

Every winter, King of the Hammers (KOH) turns Johnson Valley, California into one of the most demanding off-road environments in the world. For more than a week, this remote desert becomes home to thousands of off-road enthusiasts, builders, and creators—surrounded by rocks, dust, wind, and nonstop movement.
KOH is more than a single race. It’s an entire ecosystem built around extreme terrain and real use. Vehicles drive all day across uneven ground, gear is constantly loaded and unloaded, and camps are set up and torn down night after night. This is the kind of place where off-road equipment doesn’t need to be explained—it simply needs to work.
During KOH 2026 (Jan 29 – Feb 7), creators attending the event brought their rigs outfitted with OPENROAD gear, using the week to experience KOH the way most attendees do: navigating Hammertown, exploring the surrounding desert, and living out of their vehicles throughout the event.

A solid setup starts with storage and protection. OPENROAD truck caps are designed to support extended trips by keeping gear organized and protected from dust and weather—especially important in an environment like Johnson Valley, where conditions change quickly throughout the day.
As vehicles move in and out of Hammertown, reliable access and secure storage make a noticeable difference during busy event days.

Recovery gear is another essential part of any off-road setup. An OPENROAD winch adds peace of mind when terrain becomes unpredictable, whether navigating uneven access roads or helping reposition vehicles in crowded areas. It’s the kind of equipment that’s often carried with the hope it won’t be needed—but appreciated when it is.

As the sun moves and the desert heat shifts, quick shelter becomes important. OPENROAD’s 270° awning provides flexible shade around the vehicle, creating usable space to rest, organize gear, or regroup between long days at the event.
Small details like fast deployment and stable coverage matter when conditions are constantly changing.

When the day winds down, comfort becomes part of recovery. OPENROAD rooftop tents offer a simple way to turn a vehicle into a reliable place to rest, helping users stay ready for the next day without overcomplicating camp setup.
In an environment like KOH, practical comfort isn’t a luxury—it’s part of staying focused and prepared.

King of the Hammers is known for its intensity, but it also represents everyday off-road reality at scale. Dust, movement, and long hours are part of the experience, and gear is expected to work quietly in the background.
As KOH Week continues, OPENROAD remains focused on what matters most: building equipment that supports real use, in real conditions, alongside the off-road community that relies on it.

Related OPENROAD Gear Featured During KOH Week:
• Truck Caps – Secure storage and protection for extended trips
• Winches – Confidence for tricky terrain
• 270° Awning – Flexible shade for camp setups
• Hard Shell Roof Top Tent – Reliable rest for long trips

👉 Explore the gear used during KOH Week