The Timberleaf Trailers Pika Teardrop borrows many of the features and design inspiration from its big brother, the Classic, such as the over-built fully welded and powder coated 2-inch by 3-inch 11 gauge steel frame, enamel baked aluminum sides, and our signature skylight.
Starting out at 1,025lbs, the Pika sits on a 54-inch by 96-inch frame and is well suited for travelers who are seeking a lighter, nimbler trailer, or don’t feel the need for the bells and whistles of the Classic, but do want the ultimate in comfort as they camp.
Available three suspension, our most compact teardrop trailer can be equipped with our Standard highway package, All-Road package, or Off-Road package to make a trailer well suited for all types of travel behind nearly any vehicle. The Pika is the ultimate in small camping trailers.
Bringing many of the details from our Classic Teardrop into the Pika, we offer all of the same retro-inspired laminate options to make up a 21-inch by 54-inch main countertop, and 10-inch deep upper countertop. A pair of sliding bypass doors, four USB ports, a 12-volt accessory port, and a 110-volt GCFI outlet. Dual overhead LED dome lights on the inside of the hatch are activated by a switch on the power panel adjacent to the USB ports.
Our standard Pika galley features two drawers in the center below the countertop and a cabinet with a door on either side. This layout has proven to be very popular and allows for a well-organized camp kitchen.
As an option, we have built the galley to accommodate a Dometic’s CFX3-35 12-volt refrigerator; with 35 liters of capacity, the fridge allows you to keep your food cold and fresh for days on end with no concern of ice ever again. The fridge slide can also accommodate a Yeti 35-liter cooler as well.
Compact and spacious, rarely do such words work so well together. The Pika’s cabin is built around a double size mattress, slightly more compact than our Classic, at 54 inches wide, the Pika comfortably sleeps two in its cozy cabin making it one of the most comfortable small camping trailers.
To maintain the spacious feel inside, we strayed from our tradition and introduce a series of compact cargo storage locations – one on either side of the mattress by the doors, and a larger one above the foot of the bed. We have also included a pair of USB ports and 110v outlet at the foot of the bed.
The cabin is illuminated by three LED lamps, all of which are warm white, which adds to the warm inviting feeling of our trailer.
Every Timberleaf Trailers Pika comes standard with our large skylight, skylight shade, 4-speed electric fan, two doors, two windows, and mattress. Add pillows and a destination, and you’re ready to camp the day you pick it up.
Yes, the electric vehicle overlanding world is upon us. It seems like not too long ago; the Toyota Prius rattled the vehicle world with its hybrid drivetrain. That was over 23 years ago. Today, we have so many choices to power a vehicle. Gas, hybrid, hydrogen, and electric provide viable vehicle powered options. Over the past few years, the all-electric vehicle market has expanded dramatically. The major vehicle manufacturers offer all-electric vehicle options for the consumer. But, what about the adventurer? What about the overlander? Is there something out there that accommodates the demands of the adventurer and overlander? A vehicle engineered and built to travel over dirt roads, mountain trails, obstacles with the capability of accessing the remote backcountry of the US? Well, the Rivian R1T might just be that vehicle!
“Okay, I will try to remember all of this,” I said while looking at the touch screen and feeling baffled and overwhelmed as I tried to memorize the many features of the R1T. A Rivian spokesperson guided me through the R1T’s features.
“Don’t worry, reassured the Rivian spokesperson, as you drive the vehicle, things will naturally make sense. Soon, you will feel more comfortable.” As I drove the Rivian R1T into the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, I immediately knew that I was driving a unique vehicle. Electric or not. Over the next few days, my goal was to test the Rivian R1T to validate if this is truly a worthwhile overlanding vehicle solution. Would an adventurer and overlander find the R1T a viable vehicle to purchase? Would I?
Overall Impressions
The Rivian R1T “screams” luxury. The leather seats are heated and cooled; making micro-adjustments makes them comfortable and helps reduce overall driver fatigue.The interior color is warm and inviting with wood accents; creatively, the Rivian logo is hidden throughout. Do you want style and thoughtful design? The Rivian R1T is that vehicle.
The 16-inch screen on the dashboard is easy to read as well as to navigate from one function to the other. Input on the screen appears immediately and responsively. Design features are thoughtfully and creatively. Need a light for a quick look at something? There’s a spring-loaded flashlight inside the driver’s door. The central armrest has room for storage; and; of course, wireless charging happens when the iPhone is placed onto it. The driver’s cluster (i.e., dash) features all electric components. I found the dash easy to read and understand.
The backseat is roomy and offers plenty of space for my 6 feet, 2-inch frame. If someone else yelled, “Shotgun!”, I would have no trouble sitting and traveling in the backseat. That’s a first for me. The LED lighting throughout the interior makes sighting and locating items easy. The only negative that I found inside was the enormous sky light. Almost the entire roof is one, large sky light. I do not prefer large skylights, expecting something to break them; but R1T’s skylight is sleek and follows the body lines of the truck. Overall, the interior is stylish, luxurious, thoughtfully designed, and well-crafted.
I found the truck bed to be just that, a truck bed. However, the built-in air compressor serves to inflate tires once off the trail. The pass-through storage space located in front of the truck bed allows for ample storage of bags and gear. A door on each side provides access to this space. A person can stand on either door to access the roof and gear; as well, someone can use it as a seat. Rivian R1T’s can be ordered with a slide-out kitchen in that pass through, but I like the fact of using the space for storage, etc. The front hood, of course, does not hide an engine but hides plenty of room (11 cubic feet) to store much needed overlanding gear. Honestly, I think you could pretty much store most of a weekend’s trip gear inside the space. I don’t like a couple of things about the truck bed. The fact that the tailgate is manual. With all of the electronics on the Rivian, that tailgate should close with a touch of a button. Also, the truck bed is short, at just under five feet (4.5 feet). Too short in my opinion. I could not sleep in the back while camping, which for me is important.
I most appreciate Rivian’s attention to detail. The yellow styling on the brake calipers and interior features matches the truck’s body color wonderfully. The Rivian logo appears in unique and thoughtful areas. I appreciate the lights from the front mirrors that illuminate the logo onto the ground next to each front door. The Rivian R1T atheistically pleases the eyes; and, let’s be honest, we want our vehicles to look good. Well-done Rivian!
The Drive
Ready? You better be. The Rivian R1T is a blast to drive. The immediate response as I stepped on the skinny pedal threw me back in my seat and simultaneously plastered a smile on my face. Yes, the R1T excels and drives more like a high-end sport’s car rather than a 7,000-pound truck. It brags of a 3.3 second from 0-60 miles per hour time. I didn’t officially time anything, but it’s fast. The 20-inch all-terrain Pirelli Tires handle well and feel balanced on the truck. Once up to speed, the truck handled with ease and steering was immediate and responsive. The one recurring problem while driving is that I forget I am driving a truck. No, the R1T does not drive like a sport’s car, but the immediate throttle response is addictive. Overall, the drive and ride feel compliant and stable. The different drive-modes make a noticeable difference on and off pavement. The air suspension makes a somewhat noticeable noise when lowering and raising. To me, it is a nonissue. The regenerative braking takes a while to get used to, but I love it! Driving the Rivian R1T is purely pleasurable.
Overland Worthy?
Sitting in the R1T high in the Wasatch Mountains, I set the drive mode to “Off Road” and watched the vehicle raise to almost 15 inches of ground clearance. Impressive to say the least. The R1T crawled up and over the large boulders impeding my progress. The general ride stiffened; and the vehicle drove up and over the obstacles without issue. Head roll was minimal, and driver posture remained stable as I drove through the quaking aspens of the Wasatch Mountains. Most noteworthy: during the drive, quiet prevailed, and I listened to the birds and nature with my windows down. Simply an enjoyable experience. No engine noise. No muffler sounds. Big deal? Yes, in my opinion, it’s a standout feature of the Rivian R1T (all electric vehicles, too).
As I returned to the pavement, I lowered the truck and filled the tires with air. While returning home, I questioned the viability of the R1T to the true adventurer and overlander. The deciding factors to me are the range, 300 miles, and the availability of chargers. I could literally care less on how a vehicle is powered. So, will the R1T work for you? Overall, the R1T is the nicest vehicle I have had the pleasure of driving. Period. The features and build quality are top notch. The creative and subtle ways of styling are unique and gorgeous. The truck is built with a purpose. For the adventurer and overlander in mind? Indeed!
Consideration and Hesitation
For me, the hesitation to fully put money down on this vehicle and buy it is three-fold. First, the range of the vehicle, roughly 300 miles (other variants offer more), is tough for me to overcome with the remote backcountry places I travel in the West. Secondly, the range would not concern me if there were numerous charging stations. To Rivian’s credit, Rivian is installing the infrastructure as fast as possible. Fast chargers are in place along major highways and interstates. Rivian is placing chargers in the national parks. So awesome. However, in the many places I travel, chargers are simply not available. The lack of range and chargers would make me nervous as I adventure in the wilds of Utah’s Robber’s Roost or Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains. Lastly, Rivian is a new company. With any new vehicle company, determining the company’s long-term reliability is impossible. Is the Rivian R1T a capable, well-conceived adventure vehicle? Absolutely! Would it be a worthwhile and viable vehicle consideration when purchasing your next adventure/overlanding vehicle? Definitely! As always, check and map the infrastructure/chargers in place to lessen potential headaches. The R1T is a revolutionary truck and adventure vehicle. One to seriously consider for your next vehicle.
In-field contributors: Michael and Lilly Holland
Michael Holland is a professional educator and freelance adventure writer based in Park City, Utah. He travels with family and friends in and around the Western United States. During the spring and fall, they canyoneer through the slots of the Colorado Plateau or hike to remote rock art sites left by the Ancient Ones. In the summer months, they chase trout in the rivers of Wyoming and Idaho, mountain bike the single track of Colorado, and explore the backcountry landscapes. Mike’s passion is finding remote locations and the adventures there. Currently, Mike drives Abbey (named after author Edward Abbey), a fully-equipped 200 Series Land Cruiser.
Lilly Holland is entering 10th grade this fall. She loves exploring and adventuring outdoors in her home state of Utah. Her parents “drag” her to many natural wonders around the western United States. Her favorite activity is canyoneering through slot canyons of the Colorado Plateau.
A shovel literally saved us at 14,000ft in the Sierra when the TAP JKU was stuck on a high altitude pass. Now we never go anywhere without a good shovel, axe and tool set. Take a look here at the some of the leading brands.
Fire Pits for Overlanding: Choosing the Best Option
Overlanding combines adventure and self-reliance, and few things elevate the experience like a quality fire pit. A fire pit serves as a centerpiece for warmth, cooking, and socializing after a day of exploration. But not all fire pits are created equal, especially when tailored to the needs of overlanders. This guide will help you choose the best fire pit for your overlanding adventures while highlighting the key factors that matter most.
Why a Fire Pit is Essential for Overlanding
1. Portability
Overlanding requires gear that is compact and easy to transport. A portable fire pit provides the warmth and ambiance of a traditional campfire without the need for digging or disturbing the natural environment.
2. Leave No Trace
Many overlanding routes pass through environmentally sensitive areas. A self-contained fire pit reduces your impact, making it easier to adhere to “Leave No Trace” principles.
3. Cooking Versatility
Many portable fire pits are designed for dual purposes: heating and cooking. From grilling to boiling water, the right fire pit can become your all-in-one camp kitchen.
Key Features to Look for in a Fire Pit for Overlanding
1. Weight and Size
When space is at a premium, look for a lightweight, collapsible unit. Models made from durable materials like titanium or stainless steel are excellent for balancing weight and longevity.
2. Fuel Type
Wood-burning: Offer a classic experience with the ability to forage for fuel.
Propane: Clean-burning and easy to use in areas with fire restrictions.
Hybrid: Allow flexibility for both wood and propane use.
3. Ease of Setup
A quick setup is crucial after a long day of travel. Look for models with minimal assembly, tool-free operation, and a stable base for uneven terrain.
4. Durability
Choose a fire pit made from high-quality materials that can withstand harsh weather and repeated use. Powder-coated steel and rust-resistant finishes are ideal for longevity.
5. Safety Features
Prioritize fire pits with spark screens, elevated designs, and cool-touch handles to enhance safety while in use.
Fire Safety Tips for Overlanding
Check Local Regulations: Some areas have restrictions on open fires. Always verify rules before lighting a fire.
Use a Fireproof Mat: Protect the ground underneath the fire pit from heat damage.
Extinguish Completely: Always extinguish fires thoroughly before leaving the area.
Avoid High Winds: Strong winds can spread embers and increase fire risk.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right fire pit for overlanding enhances your camping experience while respecting nature. Whether you prioritize portability, versatility, or eco-friendliness, the perfect fire pit is out there for you. Equip yourself with one of these high-quality options and enjoy memorable nights under the stars on your next adventure.
The Ignik FireCans are safe, easy, and packable for campfire anywhere you go. With a tried-and-true compact design, the FireCan™ is rugged and easy to store and transport, bringing the fun of campfire to places a traditional campfire can’t go. Featuring folding legs, a toolless, quick-release hose, and a removable lid everything you need is included in one easy-to-carry package. Sets up in seconds and provides an adjustable flame that is visible through the mesh sides and radiates heat to where you need it. Great for camping, the beach, overland adventures, tailgating, and any outdoor hang-out.
With the same ammo can design as its predecessor, the FireCan Deluxe™ features an all-stainless steel construction for optimal durability. Packed with all the ease, safety, and portability of the original FireCan, FireCan Deluxe includes a grease tray under the can, a Flame Adjustment knob for controlling the cook temperatures, and a removable grill insert for clean outdoor cooking. The firepit and grill also includes a dual-action fuel output designed with a quick attachment for ‘Grill Mode’ and ‘Fire Pit Mode.’ While in Grill Mode, the FireCan Deluxe emits smaller and hotter blue flames which allow for safe, efficient, and more complete fuel combustion that’s optimized for cooking. Fire Pit Mode produces larger orange flames, which offer a true campfire experience. When done using Grill Mode, users can simply remove the grill insert and switch over to Fire Pit Mode to enjoy a contained and safe campfire.
The FireCan Elite™ is the next generation of the FireCan™. Designed for Canada’s CSA Certification, the FireCan Elite™ comes equipped with an industry-first 5psi quick-connect hose providing 55k BTU/Hr, stainless steel housing, anodized aluminum lid, and an integrated flame control knob. This updated FireCan is truly an Overlander’s dream setup. Lighter, hotter, more durable, and ready to blaze.
Radius Gearbox 5500 Trail Test: In full disclosure, TAP was provided these products for free, but does not accept payment for the review or make any commission from sales that maybe as a result of this article.
“Nah, I’d rather sleep on the ground than in my rooftop tent.”
“I’m finally finished modifying my rig.”
“Storage? I’ve got plenty of it!”
Said no overlander, ever. When it comes to storage, we can never have too much. Clothes, blankets, food, electronic equipment, camping supplies, firewood, hiking and mountain biking gear…the list is endless, and there are just as many ways to stow it away on a trip. Some storage solutions are better than others and the Radius Gearbox 5500 is a classic example of storage done right.
My first real overlanding rig was a 2001 Tacoma that I bought new, threw a shell over the bed and slapped on an inexpensive lift and 33” tires. I built a platform in the truck bed under which I could store camping gear in cheap plastic under bed boxes. At the time, I thought I’d reached the apex of gear organization. That is, until the plastic cracked and the boxes began to fall apart less than a year later.
Flash forward 32 years and overlanders have countless ways to store and organize gear. Expensive aluminum boxes? Check. Packing cubes? Yup. Heavy duty roto molded plastic crates? They’re a thing. Of course, dollar store Rubbermaid bins continue to be a viable alternative. What if you don’t want to spend your kid’s college money on storage bins but you want a durable, well designed, and modular storage option? That’s where Radius Outfitters comes in. With three sizes of storage bins they call “Gearboxes” and multiple other rugged, yet stylish totes, tool rolls and seat back storage solutions, there’s something for everyone.
As a family of three plus pug who travel with an excessive amount of mountain biking, hiking, camping and photography gear, we need all the help we can get when it comes to staying organized. When I was offered the opportunity to try out a Radius Gearbox 5500, I jumped on it. We planned to spend the summer exploring Oregon in our rig, affectionately named the Funhawg, which would be stuffed full of all the tools we’d need to support our adventures. The Gearbox 5500 proved itself to be absolutely essential during our travels.
One of the most significant differences between the Gearboxes and their hard sided counterparts is the ability to pack flat when not in use. In fact, when you unpackage it you have to first assemble the box, which my son and I managed in less than five minutes. The Gearboxes are sort of a hybrid hard/soft side construction. That is to say they stand up on their own, but they’re covered in a ballistic nylon material and lightly quilted, which does a fantastic job of keeping things quiet when you’re driving rough dirt roads. Each Gearbox comes with several dividers that attach inside the box with Velcro, allowing for a nearly endless number of ways to organize your gear. The lid also attaches via a long Velcro strip and locks closed using a slick magnetic Fidlock latch.
How we used the Gearbox evolved during our trip. Initially, it held my son’s mountain bike equipment but that transitioned into storage for kitchen items, and finally into a repository for extra drinks, snacks, dog food and a first aid kit. We kept it on the backseat of our rig, allowing easy access to items we found ourselves frequently reaching for. We also used it for beach campfire cookouts, where we’d grab the leather lined handles on each end to move all the food, plates and other necessary items from the truck to the beach. Then, we’d use the Gearbox lid as a table while preparing food and then as a footrest while chowing down on perfectly charred hot dogs!
Overall, I found the Gearbox 5500 to be a durable, adaptable and super useful storage solution. Is it perfect? Nope. But, my gripes are minor. The bottom of the Gearbox has two strips of Velcro that are supposed to stick to vehicle carpet, thus preventing the box from sliding around. When the box is used in sand – like on a beach – the Velcro fills up with sand and it’s tough to clean it out. There are three small pockets on each end of the box that could be useful, but the elastic tops don’t open wide enough. There’s no way to label the boxes for easy identification of the contents. If you only have one Gearbox, that’s not a problem but if you have several, it could be annoying. Lastly…I hope you like black, because that’s the only color these are offered in.
The Radius Gearbox 5500 retails for $249. That’s not cheap, but for the quality, durability and modularity these offer, I believe they’re a good value. So much so that we bought the Gearbox 3000 to further organize cooking gear that lives full-time in our camper. You could easily spend more – or less – but the Radius Gearboxes are a solid option in the overland storage market.
In-field contributor: Bret Edge – 2021 F250 and Four Wheel Campers Hawk UTE
Bret is a professional adventure and nature photographer in Moab, Utah. He, his wife Melissa, son Jackson, and adventure pug travel frequently throughout the West in search of the best trails to mountain bike and hike, and the most epic campsites for their 2021 F250 and Four Wheel Campers Hawk UTE. Some of his favorite places include the Sonoran Desert, Oregon Coast, Northern Rockies and the Cascades.
The new and improved 23 Zero Kestrel overland shower suite is the ultimate privacy solution for your changing, restroom and shower needs in the outdoors. Our improvements on this versatile enclosure focused on simplifying deployment and improving functionality so your privacy takes only seconds to set-up – just unzip the bag, undo the Velcro straps, and let it unroll down the side of the vehicle.
The Kestrel overland shower now comes with blackout, no-silhouette material and a removable roof ensuring your private space is kept private. It includes a new removable, PVC floor to keep feet clean and mud-free when having a shower. Accessing the shelter in the dark is no longer a hazard with the integration of a 36” LED USB light strip. And it features fewer adjustment straps and lockable aluminum support arms for greater ease of deployment.
You have the option to mount the Kestrel overland shower to the side or rear of a vehicle. All the hardware and ‘L’ shaped brackets are included for installation. It is adjustable to cater to different vehicle heights, and it has a two-way zippered rear wall so you can access a vehicle from inside the enclosure.
Weighted hems and tie out points at the bottom of each corner prevent the walls of the shelter from blowing up. A detachable shower hose holder is included so you can insert a shower head as well as two hook and loop attachment points on the support arms. On the inside you’ll find one water resistant pouch, one mesh pocket and one cord for towels, toilet paper, or clothes.
The Kestrel measures 36” L x 36” W x 67” H adjustable up to 14” from the support arms and weighs 20lbs.
The included transit cover is black, water resistant, made from Oxford Nylon and is purposely oversized so packing it away is effortless – simply roll it up, connect the Velcro straps and zip the bag. Quick and easy – it’s the ideal accessory for any overlanding or camping trip.
