The HeimPlanet Inflatable Ground Tent

HeimPlanet, heim planet, heim planet tents, inflatable tents, ground tent, camping tent, car camping tent, overlanding, over land, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

When German brand, HeimPlanet reached out to see if TAP would like to test their inflatable ground tent, I jumped at the chance to try something different. HeimPlanet first launched their inflatable tent design back in 2011 and the company’s goal is to offer exceptional adventure travel equipment for any destination and style of adventure. Our test was carried out in classic Southern Californian winter desert conditions. In other words, windy!

The Cave XL in Cairo Camo

The futuristic geodesic dome design of the HeimPlanet Cave XL, is certainly for the style conscious adventurer. This tent will turn heads and if you enjoy spending time talking to other Overlanders about your tent, this is the tent for you. It reminds me of the early days of Roof Top Tents, when everyone wanted to know about them.

The Cave XL has a footprint of 58 sq/ft and is marketed as a 3 person, 3 season tent. Yes, 3 people could sleep in it, but I feel it’s more comfortably suited to two people + gear. The weight is quoted as 11.9lbs (without pump) and frankly, that puts this tent into the car camping category. We comfortably fit the tent and high capacity pump in a 65L Duffel.

The Cave XL tent is constructed of 40D High Tenacity Polyester with Double Ripstop throughout. According to HeimPlanet, this fabric has a higher tensile/tear strength than regular polyester yarns, is lighter, falls better, rustles less and is softer to the touch. I tested the tent in fairly windy conditions and would agree that noise levels were low.

The outer inflatable Airframe is made from High Tenacity Polyester and has a multi-chamber safety system that prevents deflation of the entire tent if a tube rupture occurs. Attaching the pump to the valves can be initially awkward, but I soon got the hang of it. After full inflation, the geodesic structure is certainly stable.

Setting it up:

The tent ships to the consumer with the inflatable tube framework, flysheet and inner tent separate from each other. That said, don’t make the same mistake I did, which was to assemble it for the first time in windy conditions in-field. This made clipping everything together a chore. My advice is to assemble the tent before heading out. Note that once it’s assembled, it never needs to be assembled again. You’ll find that it packs up easily and will be ready to go once you reach your destination.

HeimPlanet quotes that the tent can be set up in less than a minute and that’s fairly accurate. Raising the tent is as simple as staking out the ground sheet, closing the tube valves and attaching the pump to an open valve. The high velocity pump is extremely efficient. Note: It is important to pump as much air into the chambers as possible, to ensure the structure is firm and ready to withstand the elements.

Our Verdict:

The HeimPlanet Cave XL is a premium, high quality product that is exceptionally easy to use. When I initially heard it was inflatable, I doubted its stability in bad weather. Those thoughts quickly evaporated once I started using it. The geodesic design aesthetic is not simply pleasing, it is extremely functional and the tent felt stable and protective in the desert winds. I think the ease of set up would be very appealing after a long, exhausting day on the trail.

Pros:

Futuristic geodesic design
Simplicity and speed of set up
Stable and rigid in high winds
High quality construction
Relatively small and low weight carrying size

Cons:

Price!
Relatively small with a fairly low ceiling
Too heavy for serious backpacking

So would we recommend this tent? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. If you’re looking for an alternative to a RTT and your rig has limited space and weight capacity, this could be just what you’re looking for. Also, on multi-day trips such as BDR’s, this tent would be ideal, simply because of the ease of set up. The price is steep, but the quality and design is premium and yes, you’ll spend hours talking about it to fellow adventurers!

If you’re interested in the HeimPlanet tent range CHECK HERE

Now you need a great Sleep system to go with your tent, so Check Out Born Outdoor

Garmin inReach Mini 2 – Satellite Communicator

Andy Palmer

Garmin, SOS, Satellite COMMUNICATOR, inReach Mini, inReach, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading,

Why the Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator should be your next purchase!

In full disclosure, we personally use this product and have for several years. We are not sponsored by Garmin or paid commission on any sales. We pay the monthly service rate, like all subscribers.

Backcountry adventure travel has inherent risks and we’ve all seen the YouTube stories of things gone horribly wrong. Unfortunately many people don’t take the risk seriously and throw caution to the wind. Here at TAP we don’t and I’ve seriously never understood why people happily throw down thousands of dollars to look the part, but when it comes to a few hundred on a device and system that could save their life, they cry foul about the costs. Of course the choice is yours, but IMHO, satellite communicators are definitely worth the money and an insurance policy that you don’t need, until you do!

Okay, I’ll jump off my soap box and let’s take a look at the Garmin inReach Mini 2.

InReach Mini 2, satellite communicator, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

Features:

Global Iridium Satellite coverage

Emergency interactive SOS message to a 24/7 call center

Connectivity to loved ones without cell coverage – Two way messaging

Share Location with loved ones with MapShare

TrackBack routing feature – allows navigation back to starting point

Digital compass

Weather forecast service

14 day battery Life

Flexible Satellite Airtime Plans – Annual or month to month

Compact rugged Design – waterproof and shockproof

The Garmin Ecosphere:

Garmin love their ecosphere and actively encourage you to sync all of your Garmin Devices. The inReach Mini 2 is compatible with most Garmin devices and also with the Garmin Explore App, Garmin Earthmate App, Garmin Pilot App and the Garmin Messenger App. We currently have ours synched to the Garmin Tread XL Overland Edition and our Garmin Instinct Smart Watch.

Available Plans:

After you’ve bought the device (currently $399.99) you then have to sign up for a Subscription plan that makes sense for you. I personally like the available options, as one size does not fit all. TAP is currently enrolled in the Contract Safety Plan at $11.95 month and a yearly activation fee of $29.95. We also have the SAR 100 Insurance Plan (Helivac extraction), as extra coverage for $39.95 a year. ***Note that the SAR 100 plans have to be in the individual names and are not transferable***

Garmin inReach, Garmin inReach mini 2, satellite communicator, Garmin

Real World Experience:

We bought and primarily use the Garmin inReach Mini 2 as a safety device and most of the time aren’t checking in with those back home. That said, if you want to be interactive while in the field, you have two options. Firstly, you can use the pre-recorded messages that you write and feature on your personal account. These cannot be changed in-field. You only have 160 characters, but for essential messages this is fine. Think messages like “All going great, having a good time”, “Rig broken down and stuck, call Dave” and “injured, send help immediately”. Each message sent has data attached: time sent, location co-ordinates, current speed of travel, elevation and map of location.

You can also compose a message in-field, which is frankly a horrible experience due to the lack of keyboard and size of the device. Luckily you can connect your smart phone via Bluetooth, which mostly solves this issue. You can also receive messages, but only if you have a signal. The check mail feature allows you to refresh messages, to make sure everything has been downloaded.

Pushing the SOS button! Well, frankly we’ve luckily not tested this personally and hope not to. GEOS is the world leader in emergency response and operate 24/7. Once an SOS message has been received, your contact person is informed, as is local emergency responders. Time for help is obviously dependent upon local resources in your area. GEOS will also confirm to you that help is on the way and with two way messaging, there is the ability to provide them with further details (if you’re medically able). ***Note that without additional insurance, you will be responsible for the costs of the rescue which could run into the tens of thousands***

Conclusions:

The Garmin InReach Mini 2 has other features (as mentioned above), but to be honest, I don’t really use them. Personally, the core reason we have this device, is peace of mind, knowing I have a means of potentially saving our lives in case of disaster on the trail (that doesn’t mean calling for help to change a tire!). So why Garmin, not its competition? For TAP, it’s the two way messaging and the Iridium Satellite network. This network provides global coverage, even on the ocean. I have however heard, that even this network can experience some difficulty sending messages when in thick forest and no direct view to a satellite. Nothing is perfect!

To conclude, even if the Garmin device isn’t for you, we encourage you to think seriously about purchasing and using a Satellite Communication device on your adventures. As we said, you don’t need one until you do.

Garmin inReach Mini 2: $399.99 BUY HERE

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Gazelle Tent – T4 Hub Overland Edition

Andy Palmer

When you think Overlanding, you probably think of a tent on the roof of the vehicle. However, not everyone wants to raise their vehicle’s center of gravity, endure increased wind noise on the freeway or climb down a ladder at night to pee. In the last year, we’ve definitely seen an increased interest from the overland community in ground tents, so we decided to take a look at what was out there for the Vehicle Supported Adventurer. The Gazelle Tent range instantly caught our eye, so we reached out to them for a TAP Trail Test. Below are our thoughts, having recently spent some time on the ground, with the T4 Hub Tent – Overland Edition.

Set up and Take Down:

The Overland Industry is obsessed with set up time and the Backpacking world is obsessed with weight. Gazelle Tent is no exception and they claim the tent is fully set up in 90 seconds. Like other tent reviews we’ve done, we’re going to dispute these marketing claims. Let’s be honest, if you take into account getting the tent out of the vehicle or off the roof rack, removing it from the bag, staking out the ground sheet, unfolding and erecting the tent and attaching the rainfly, you’re really looking at double that. That said, I still think that amount of time is extremely good and I am going to state that the set up and take down of this tent, was one of the easiest we’ve ever experienced.

t4 hub overland edition, ground tents, overland, overlanding, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

So, let’s discuss the set up itself. Once you’ve found your flat ground and staked out the ground sheet, it’s time to set up the tent. Frankly, it’s as easy as maneuvering the tent floor plan into place over the ground sheet and simply pulling out the 4 hub panels that make up the tents shape. The internal frame mechanism (wall hubs) feel spring loaded and once pulled out, the panels form a rigid shape. At this point, the rain fly easily fits on and lastly the roof is popped up to complete the solid structure. Taking down the tent, is the reverse and incredibly easy. See the Gazelle set up video below, as it clearly shows how easy this process is.

Quality:

The Gazelle T4 Hub Tent walls are constructed of 210 denier Oxford weave polyester material (waterproof up to 2000 MMHH) and the tent floor comes in at a rugged 300 denier Oxford weave material (waterproof to 5000 MMHH). These materials give a solid feel and a sense the tent will last. I particularly like the use of YKK zippers, as they are proven to be the best and cheap zippers always seem to be the first thing to fail. Another excellent feature is the ability to remove the floor for cleaning, something very likely to be needed after camping in wet conditions. Regarding the hub mechanism system, it is a clever design and appears to be very robust. Also, it’s worth noting that the tent stakes were sturdy and the oversized waterproof tent bag, allowed easy access and return of the tent. I can’t express enough how annoying it is, when it takes ten minutes to get the tent back in the bag! Well done Gazelle!

Features:

Two tight weave screened doors and six zippered windows allowed us to open up the tent and produce a cross breeze. This is essential for good ventilation and comfort in the warmer months. Couple this with a stand up height of 78″ and the tent feels airy and spacious. One comment on the doors, is that they are D shaped, being narrower at the bottom, making it easy to catch a toe getting in an out. Inside the tent is a removable gear loft (we placed a headlamp in it to illuminate the tent) and six large gear pockets for storing all the inevitable items like cell phones, headlamps, car keys etc.

Specifications:

Color – Sunset Orange/Sedona
Sleeps – 4
Height – 78″
Floor Dimensions – 94″x94″
Floor Space – 61 sq ft
Hub to Hub – 101″x101″
Collapsed Size – 8″x8″x67.5″
Weight – 34lbs

MSRP: $430 BUY HERE

Conclusions:

So far, we have used this Gazelle tent in classic desert conditions (strong and gusty winds), and experienced only a little material flapping and tent movement. It should however be noted, that one particularly strong gust collapsed a hub panel. Our solution was to replace the 4 guy rope stakes, with longer and sturdier versions and after making this change, we’ve not had any further issues. At 34lbs, this is a robust tent, obviously built for use from a vehicle. It is quoted as a four person and yes, four people could certainly fit in it. That said, from the POV of space and comfort, I really think it naturally fits 2 to 3 people.

Overall, I really like this tent, particularly the headroom and the ease of setting up and taking it down. It has a great design, with a high quality build, at an acceptable price of $430. If you’re looking for a ground tent to support your adventures, TAP feels confident recommending the Gazelle tent T4 Hub – Overland Edition.

Editor’s note: This is not a long term review and we’ll update this review at a later date.

You’ve got a good tent, now you need a good sleep system. Check out the Badger Bed HERE

The Badger Bed Sierra Bundle – Born Outdoor

Andy Palmer

Born Outdoor, The Badger Bed, sleep systems, camping bed roll, overlanding, overland, off-road, off-roading, vehicle Supported Adventure,

The Badger Bed: If you’re an avid outdoors person, then you know a good night’s sleep is essential to the success of your overall outdoor adventures. The challenge is finding a sleeping system that is comfortable, portable, and can be adapted to different environments. That is why Born Outdoor designed the Badger Bed, a modular sleep system that is flexible enough to take you through all four seasons, and rugged enough for you to sleep anywhere.

The Badger Bed is a fresh take on the classic bedroll. The outer shell of the Badger Bed uses a weather-resistant fabric made from 100% recycled water bottles. This weather-resistant fabric provides protection from the elements to keep your sheets, mattress, and insulation layers dry. To protect your camping mattress from being punctured by rocks and other sharp objects, a durable 610D ripstop tarpaulin material is used on the bottom of the system. Included in the system are corner straps that secure the Badger Bed to a ground tarp made from the same material if you want to add extra ground protection.

The interior design of the Badger Bed includes organizational pockets to secure your keys, cell phone, and other essentials, like a headlamp. A genius part of the design are the elastic straps to secure the mattress in place, and side walls to provide structural support. The system is compatible with most 30 inch and 25 inch wide mattresses and allows you to change the quilts and sheets according to your outside temperature. Designed like your bed at home, Born Outdoor created a clever sheet set and quilt connecting system using YKK snaps to prevent getting tangled up while sleeping. The mattress sheets and quilts are easily removed and can be machine laundered to keep them fresh for your next adventure. Another unique part of the bedroll design is the full-length YKK zipper system allowing for both left and right entry, which can also be removed for washing.

As far as temperature rating goes, ASTM does not have a rating system for bedrolls. Field tests have shown the Badger Bed is comfortable with Born Outdoor’s Sierra Quilt at 30 F / -1 C, 10 F / -12 C with their Baja Quilt added, and 0 F / -17 C with two Sierra Quilts. Rolling the bed is simple. G-hooks and three adjustable straps secure the bedroll in place while burly exterior handles and carrying straps make for easy transport. The entire system, when rolled, can be loaded into the Portage duffel bag for rooftop transport.

Lastly, Born Outdoor has bundled their most popular configuration, the Badger Bed Sierra Bundle which includes the Badger Bed, a Sierra Down Quilt, a Cascade Flannel Sheet and a Therm-a-Rest MondoKing XXL mattress.

Overall, the Badger Bed is a game-changer in the world of outdoor sleeping gear. Its modular design, durable construction, and customizable features make it a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast looking for a portable yet deluxe sleeping experience. Wherever your vehicle-based adventures take you, the Badger Bed is your perfect companion for every season.

MSRP: $825 BUY HERE

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**This featured article is Sponsored Content*

Alaska – An Overland Adventure

Contributor

Next Meridian, Alaska, Overlanding Alaska, Tundra, Dalton Highway, overlanding, overland, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

Alaska – An Overland Adventure: When we announced our intention to go to the northernmost drivable point in Alaska, we were told to expect clouds of mosquitoes, rivers of rain, dangerous trucks catapulting gravel, a useless drive up to a dead end we would need to drive back from, and of course starving grizzly preparing for winter. In other words, cold, boring, and dangerous. But what did we find? Poetry. The purest form of an overland trip, translated in the winds, the lights, the colors, the trails, and the sound of wild silence.

As we drove up north to Alaska, we said goodbye to the soft Canadian summer. Slowly we fast-forwarded time and were thrown into an advanced form of Fall. In Denali, we were surrounded by giant snow-caped mountains, entire valleys of yellow and orange trees and cold winds flowing along the large riverbeds. If the elements are so intimidating here… what will it be all the way up north? There was only one way to know, so we buckled up and set off with our Defender on the Dalton Highway.

There is a second between the 66 and 67 parallel when everything changes. The colors, the smell of the air, the wind intensity. Almost immediately after that, came the climb. Only 1400 meters elevation, but at this latitude it makes a world of difference. Even the last sparse bushes gave up and we were left surrounded by mountains made of gravel and sand texture rocks. This natural frontier protects trees and nature south from the arctic rough winds and cold. Beyond it, only the uneven tundra subsists in front of the arctic ocean.

We dive into a sea of fog covering the flatlands leading to the arctic ocean. With it came the rain and with the rain came the mud. Slowly but surely, our Land Rover Defender puts on layer after layer of mud and over the course of our repeated stops, we soon were just as muddy as our rig!

Then, when you finally make one with the road, when you feel like it is going to go on forever, when you almost forget it led somewhere: the road ends. We had made it to Deadhorse and the oilfields of Prudhoe Bay. A fascinating place, looking more like a space station on mars than anything we had seen before. A city of containers in a land made of mud and fog. There is not much to explore over there, this is an adventure where the saying: “it is the journey that matters not the destination”, takes on a true meaning.

So here we are at the edge of the American continent, a hand in the arctic ocean, turning our heels and wheels 180 degrees and now looking straight south. At this instant, the snow fell. Covering the brown mud, the grey mountains, and the red tundra in a coat of immaculate white. A brand-new white page opening under our feet, inviting us to write our journey.

What did we tell you? Alaskan poetry.

Follow along on Youtube: Next Meridian Expedition: Mathilde Vougny and Nicolas Chazee.

For more Next Meridian Adventure’s, CHECK HERE

The Sitka Bluff Berber Jacket

Andy Palmer

Sitka Bluff fleece, fleece jackets, overlanding, overland, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure,

The Sitka Bluff Berber Jacket: If you’re a bow hunter, you know Sitka as a brand that makes high quality technical garments that quite frankly, get the job done! Well now you don’t have to look like a hunter, but you can still have all the quality and technical features rolled up into a fleece Jacket ready for the trail or around town. Sitka has taken the same plush Berber fleece fabric and GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ with WINDSTOPPER® construction found in their Fanatic Jackets and turned it into a jacket for everyday use. For added durability, it has reinforced elbows, collar and zippered chest pocket with a rugged Cordura® blend fabric. A relaxed fit allows for easy layering and plenty of mobility, resulting in a warm, windproof, and incredibly comfortable jacket.

Sitka Bluff Berber Features and Specs:

Relaxed fit for easy layering
GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ with WINDSTOPPER® technology makes jacket 100% windproof
Plush Berber fleece is the same fabric as SITKA’s beloved Fanatic Collection
Reinforced overlays on elbows and collar: 54% Cordura®, 40% nylon, 6% elastane
Zippered chest, hand and internal pockets secure essentials
Hand pockets are fleece-lined for warmth and comfort
Drawcord hem for easy adjustment

Sitka Fleece, sitka hunting apparel, winter jackets, overlanding, overland, off-road, off-roading, vehicle supported adventure, bluff berber,

Editors Note: This Sitka Bluff Berber fleece jacket is toasty and has become my go to layer when things turn cold and windy. Super well made and heavy duty construction at a price that makes sense as soon as you put it on!

MSRP: $249 BUY HERE

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Support us! TAP may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article.

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The Adventure Portal

The HeimPlanet Inflatable Ground Tent

The Cave XL in Cairo Camo

Setting it up:

Our Verdict:

If you’re interested in the HeimPlanet tent range CHECK HERE

Now you need a great Sleep system to go with your tent, so Check Out Born Outdoor

Garmin inReach Mini 2 – Satellite Communicator

Why the Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator should be your next purchase!

Features:

The Garmin Ecosphere:

Available Plans:

Real World Experience:

Conclusions:

Garmin inReach Mini 2: $399.99 BUY HERE

Gazelle Tent – T4 Hub Overland Edition

Set up and Take Down:

Quality:

Features:

Specifications:

MSRP: $430 BUY HERE

Conclusions:

You’ve got a good tent, now you need a good sleep system. Check out the Badger Bed HERE

The Badger Bed Sierra Bundle – Born Outdoor

MSRP: $825 BUY HERE

**This featured article is Sponsored Content*

Alaska – An Overland Adventure

Follow along on Youtube: Next Meridian Expedition: Mathilde Vougny and Nicolas Chazee.

For more Next Meridian Adventure’s, CHECK HERE

The Sitka Bluff Berber Jacket

Sitka Bluff Berber Features and Specs:

MSRP: $249 BUY HERE

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Setting it up:

Our Verdict:

If you’re interested in the HeimPlanet tent range CHECK HERE

Now you need a great Sleep system to go with your tent, so Check Out Born Outdoor

Why the Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite communicator should be your next purchase!

Features:

The Garmin Ecosphere:

Available Plans:

Real World Experience:

Conclusions:

Garmin inReach Mini 2: $399.99 BUY HERE

Set up and Take Down:

Quality:

Features:

Specifications:

MSRP: $430 BUY HERE

Conclusions:

You’ve got a good tent, now you need a good sleep system. Check out the Badger Bed HERE

MSRP: $825 BUY HERE

******This featured article is Sponsored Content*****

Follow along on Youtube: Next Meridian Expedition: Mathilde Vougny and Nicolas Chazee.

For more Next Meridian Adventure’s, CHECK HERE

Sitka Bluff Berber Features and Specs:

MSRP: $249 BUY HERE

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

**This featured article is Sponsored Content*