Looking for a great off-road rig to support your passion for overland photography? Then check out this walkthrough by Professional Photographer, Nick Page as he takes us through his very nicely built Chevy Colorado ZR2.
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Always a brand that pushes the limits of design and function, iKamper launches the new Blue Dot Voyager RTT Series.
In homage to the Voyager 1 spacecraft and its infamous photograph of Earth where our planet is a ‘pale blue dot’, this new iKamper tent is designed for anyone looking to explore this little spinning rock.
The Blue Dot Voyager (BDV) features an exoshell design, which reinforces the fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) hard shells. This system is load bearing, allowing for gear or integrated solar panels to be easily mounted. Accessories and gear can be mounted on along the base or the top of the tent via the T-track, allowing the tent itself to act a versatile roofrack and opening the ability for permanent or temporary gear fitment.
A quick flip of two latches and the tent opens, with the gas struts doing the work for you. The struts will lift the top along with 100lbs of your favorite gear mounted on top (think surfboards, bikes, etc). Three giant window/doors immediately appear. Attach the ladder to the tent under of any of those three and climb up into the 55” tall space.
Once you are inside, everything is about comfort. The tent ships with a high-density polyfoam mattress but can be replaced with one of iKamper’s inflatable options. The large windows will provide plenty of cross- breeze for warm nights, but the rainfly and polycotton wall material will keep the rain and cold at bay if you are out in rougher weather.
When it’s time to move camp, climb out, collapse the ladder and pull the tent closed. Throw the latches closed and hit the road. The Blue Dot Voyager is simple, easy and quick.
Capacity Dimensions Weight Max Load
BVD Solo
Capacity: 1-person
Dimensions: 40.25″ x 90″ x 6.75″
Weight: 130 lbs
Max Load: 400 lbs
BDV Duo
Capacity: 2-person
Dimensions: 56″ x 90″ x 6.75″
Weight: 150 lbs
Max Load: 600 lbs
There’s a little green light glowing from just under my little standup desk. The light is coming from a tiny digital screen counting numbers down as I drain its battery. Like many nights in the camper, I’m standing in the darkness tinkering away. My computer screen lights up my small corner of the world filled with cameras, hard drives, and notes. Our pup Sequoia in the galley way just under my feet snoring. The furnace kicks on again just before a slight chill sets in. The girls are sound asleep in our king-sized bed that rolls high above our Tacoma’s four wheels. Just outside is the massive remote wilderness of Alaska. I’m preparing for a shoot here in Denali National Park and like with many shoots, I’m restless standing in place looking up maps, building shot sheets, mapping out schedules, and trying to wind down after another day of exploring. Imagine living, working, and existing in the smallest room in your house, with your whole family and your dog. Then imagine it really only being half that size and that’s what we adventure in. But let me back up a bit.
It’s been an absolute crazy journey these last 8 plus years, to say the least. Overlanding and living life out on the road has been an endeavor that has challenged me to the extreme core. This chapter of my life was a decision based on my curiosity of who I’d become by the end. My through hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, if you will.
I’ve sold it all twice to move and live full-time on the road. The first time was in 2014, it was just my wife Erica, myself and our three dogs. Jax, Lola, and Sequoia. It was an entirely different experience being a little younger and exploring the world for ourselves. It was so simple. The world hadn’t gone remote yet so camping and off-roading was easier. We were exploring places for the first time. It was a solid two years of what felt like an eternity.
Now to the present. After living in Bend, Oregon for two years Erica and I needed to hit the road again. It’s hard to explain, but when the road and Vehicle Supported Adventure calls you gotta go, so we set sail again in early summer 2019. This time however, the family was larger. I was a new father with the goal of sharing this beautiful world with my new little baby girl, Endellion. Well then, the surprises began. Later that year to our HUGE surprise we found out we were pregnant with our second child, the soon to be Helie. Shocked, but optimistic due to a mountain of new work coming my way in 2020, we could now think about planning our new life on the road with a growing family. Well, that’s when the world went sideways. Helie joined the world right at the start of a global pandemic, maybe you’ve heard about it. Within two weeks of the lock down we had baby Helie, and all my work evaporated for the foreseeable future. Now we had a family of four with three dogs living in our truck and nowhere to go. This, you can imagine, led to some tough decisions. We had to let two of our dogs go and retire with our extended family. Thankfully they went to a wonderful home where we could still see them. We hid in the mountains isolating from family and friends while only going into towns only when it was absolutely necessary. All parks we closed, libraries, basically everything that allows this lifestyle to work.
Fast Forward as the days and months went by and the world began to open back up. Our struggles began to ease, and the dust began to settle. We started to catch our stride and begin to enjoy life on the overland road again. I feel incredibly lucky and thankful for my friends at Four Wheel Campers and all my other sponsors for allowing us to roll on during such a crazy time.
This is the perspective I’m talking about. I guess I asked, and life delivered. As a father to two beautiful children and a husband to a gorgeous and courageous wife we’ve managed to fight on and persevere through the toughest time in our lives. It’s given me an opportunity to step back as the world was looking inwards analyzing at our place on this planet. I’ve connected with so many wonderful people through this journey that it almost brings me to tears as their smiling or masked faces flash through my mind. My kids have seen incredible places and have traveled the entire western part of North America. And now as I sit in Alaska feeling fuller than I ever have.
I am feeling so appreciative of the hard work that has gotten us through. Our overlanding journey continues out here. There will be a book someday that goes into much more depth, but as for now we are still out here, but this chapter is different from the last and now as I see the world reflect in my daughter’s eyes, now 5 and 2. I’m proud knowing that they are developing a deeper relationship and appreciation with humans and land alike. I’m ecstatic knowing these little stewards are going to come after me and light up this world in the best of ways. I am humbled to no end at how this journey has shaped us all.
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Overland Gear Guide: As the dog days of summer fade and the leaves start changing color, it’s time for us to serve up some gear ideas that could support your Fall/Winter adventures.
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Midland’s MXT575 MicroMobile® Two-Way Radio packs a punch with power and features unlike anything else.
With 50 Watts of power, the MXT575 is the most powerful GMRS radio allowed by law. With this power, outdoor adventurers will be able to take their explorations to new levels. Not only does the MXT575 increase radio range, it also brings unbeatable voice clarity to ensure crisp and clear communication.
One of the MXT575’s most popular features is the Fully-Integrated Control Microphone. With all the controls on the microphone you can stash the radio unit away. The MXT575 brings power to adventure without crowding the dashboard.
With the addition of NOAA Weather Scan, the MXT575 gives outdoor adventurers peace of mind. This weather technology keeps adventurers alert in the chance severe weather rolls in unexpectedly, giving them the time they need to react.
The MXT575’s radio unit also includes a USB-C charging port for the fastest charge time on devices like walkie talkies, tablets, and cellphones. Other features include eight repeater channels, split tone repeater capabilities, and 142 privacy codes to minimize unwanted interactions. The MXT575 operates on both narrow and wide bands.
When you’re off-grid, you can trust Midland to keep you connected.
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The Armadillo X features an aerodynamic tapered front ABS polycarbonate shell for reduced wind resistance and noise during travel and the black high-gloss finish wicks away snow, rain, and dust, making for a polished clean-up.
It’s raised X-Frame design allows for super-fast set-up and take-down. It’s unique gas-strut-assisted hinge glides open and pulls close with little effort. A comfort grip pull-strap coupled with stowable shock cord reduces tent billowing and tuck time for a seamless one-motion close. The window opposite the entrance is quickly accessible to store and access your gear without having to fully deploy the tent, so you can store your sleeping bag and pillow inside.
Side deployment preferences are available to allow for optimized placement on your choice of overland rig.
The Armadillo X also includes Light Suppression Technology® (LST®) – a leading-edge fabric which is a combination of UV treatment and an advanced Polyurethane coating maintaining up to 15% cooler temperatures inside the tent. And there is almost zero light penetration until any windows are opened so you can sleep better than ever in our roof-top tents.
The 2 inch Rebound Foam® mattress is newly engineered with a higher latex content to resume its original shape much faster than traditional high-density foam mattresses. A water-resistant, breathable, removable, and quilted topper ensures supreme comfort.
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“I need coffee in the morning but french presses are a pain and I won’t drink instant coffee”. “When I overland I don’t even make coffee because of the mess”. Do either of these sound like you? If so, Wildland was made for you. We put delicious, freshly ground coffee into compostable tea bags. Think french press quality coffee but with the ease of tea! We didn’t think it would be possible either until we did it. Whether you love a smooth medium roast or a bold dark roast, Wildland has something for you. Wildland was started by Zach Frantz in March of 2021 and his vision is to be the #1 coffee brand for the outdoor enthusiast.
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The Seeker 3 L is a durable, ultra-light hydration storage system for all your camping, backpacking and multi day adventures. A weather-resistant pour handle, and two side lash points for hanging or pack attachment make it the perfect backcountry tool. The leakproof, tethered cap is compatible with most 42mm threaded filters so you can filter more water in the backcountry. You can freeze it to use as an ice pack or pack it away in its included stuff sack and keep it in your camp kit for your go-to filter bag.
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Being outdoors is about being together. Dometic makes that even easier with its Compact Camp Bench, which provides a comfortable, sturdy seat for two people, whether you’re sitting by the fire, enjoying your morning coffee, or watching the stars. Our versatile bench is constructed of lightweight aluminum and heavy-duty 300D fabric and has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds. Use as seating, as a cooler holder, or even as a makeshift table; you’ll find plenty of uses for it on the campsite and beyond. Smaller than a chair yet built for two, the bench folds down to an ultra-compact size, leaving you plenty of room to pack other essentials for your next off-road adventure. Combine two benches with our Table to create an instant picnic table anywhere you go.
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The Moja Single Burner Camp Stove is easy to carry along, yet robust enough to hold bigger pots. A perfect sidekick when cooking over an open fire, when an extra burner is needed while barbecuing or is the optimum solution when creating an ultra-compact kitchen solution in a boat/van.
If planning for a large group for the jumbo batch of Paella, remove the lid to gain extra space and have the pot centered over the flame.
The powerful 3000 W burner with precise flame control allows for boiling or frying with accurate heat. Removable stainless steel burner grate and drip tray make for easy cleanup, and a wood-trimmed handle ensures a comfortable grip and locks the stove closed when bringing the Moja along.
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The Foamy contains two layers of enhanced memory foam that provide body alignment and pressure point relief for the best night’s sleep you’ll ever get camping. Designed to roll with you on all your adventures, the Foamy’s integrated compression strap and durable, water-resistant materials are ready for all kinds of camping in all kinds of conditions. Toss your foamy roll in your van and get after it! No pump or air is needed. Offered in two sizes a regular and wide width to meet all types of dreamers’ preferred sleeping dimension needs.
HEST was founded in 2017 with a simple mission: to revolutionize the way people sleep outdoors. HEST has built a line of products that takes all the best things from our beds at home into a portable, adventure-ready form.
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67 Designs released the Electric Blue Universal Phone Holder G2. Joining the Candy Apple Red and traditional black anodized aluminum.
Designed and made in the USA, these holders are hand made with care and attention to detail before hand assembly by our staff in Dallas TX. On the back of the holder is a 20mm ball for attachment to the black and colored carbon fiber arms.
“We developed these fun variations in response to a clients asking for additional easy to personalize their vehicles and add accents to the interior.” stated Pedro of 67 Designs.
The Electric Blue attached to the Carbon Fiber SeriesTM arms that can receive the 20mm diameter ball and is available now.
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Tread up your overlanding game with SJK’s super durable and functionable Utility Bin. It’s the best all weather spare tire storage bag for extra gear, firewood or packing out any trash you find on the trail. Or, line it with a trash bag for a quick cooler. Large main compartment secured with durable zipper and buckles, with drain hole in bottom. Zippered front accessory pocket for smaller items. Easily washes out when needed. Built to stay organized with multiple compartments and PALS — you won’t have to leave anything behind! Fits most tailgates and standard spare tires, plus larger off-road tires 35”-40”.
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Alloy-X offers dual-fuel rechargeable technology and a powerful 400 lumens all in a sleek and compact design. With its attached clip, the pen light can be secured to your pocket, belt, or pack for quick and easy access to light when camping, or countless other outdoor activities. With its 28 hour burn time on low, Alloy-X is ideal for use as a back-up light if others become drained on a longer adventure. Alloy-X also features textured knurling to ensure a firm grip, as well as a one-touch tail switch that ensures quick and simple use. Designed by Princeton Tec, manufactured in China.
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So, let’s talk tires. We recently spent a few days in the Owyhee Wilderness with the guys from Firestone Tires. We were there to experience the tires, not really test them. I say this as I drove multiple vehicles throughout the trip, some with Mud Terrains and some with All Terrains. The vehicles ranged from a FJ Cruiser, LR3, Lexus GX460 and Nissan Frontier. Obviously to remove the individual rig dynamics and perform a true tire test, we’d need to experience all conditions in the same vehicle with both M/T and A/T applied. Deep in the backcountry that wasn’t going to be practical. This being said, my experience with the Firestone Destination Series was excellent. Both the AT’s and MTs handled everything that was thrown at them with ease. Of course, it was obvious that the MTs provided greater offroad traction especially in the heavy mud scenarios, however at no point did I feel under gunned with the ATs.
The tire market is crowded, and one brands rubber often looks like another’s. I hadn’t used Firestone Tires before but can now genuinely say that I was impressed and wouldn’t hesitate to put them on the TAP Rigs. See below for specifications on each tire.
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Australian Off Road is distributed in the USA by XGRiD Campers. Located in Las Vegas, NV it is a boutique off-grid camping dealership that opened its doors in 2020. Loren Walker, owner, and CEO, wanted to create a place where the off-grid camping industry could come whether you were new to the lifestyle looking for your first trailer, or a seasoned Boondocker looking to upgrade – XGRiD campers has something for everyone. Carrying the top brands of trailers matched with the know-how, training, and industry knowledge customers can expect the highest quality service from Loren Walker and the team.
Australian Off Road has been building strong, reliable camper trailers and caravans since 2000. With every concept designed, they have pushed the boundaries of innovation to provide customers with the best off-grid camping experience. AOR is 100% locally owned and operated on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
In January 2022, XGRiD imported the first two Australian Off Road campers, the Sierra and Sierra ZR models into the United States. Designed with an ultra-lightweight narrow body, the trailers are built to follow your rig down tight off-grid tracks. The Sierra is adventure-ready, with a steel chassis, proprietary independent trailing arm suspension, and lithium batteries standard, also equipped with two water tanks that hold up to 52 gallons of water. Paired with extreme exit and entry angles, you can get to your favorite off-the-grid locations with ease.
The Sierra features an internal sleeping cabin with a double bed and a full kitchen. For additional space drop down the annex room or add a rooftop tent. Equipped with the Bush Company 180 XT Max awning – free standing, no poles, and capable of taking the toughest winds.
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