The Smuggler Series was designed for those who want to explore deep into the backcountry and not have to leave any adventuring gear behind. The Smuggler’s industry-leading storage space and lightweight design allows users to free up room in their vehicles, enabling them to explore safely and adventure further. The Smuggler also comes with a full kitchen, on-demand water heater, exterior shower, and an optional solar charging system. It’s the perfect rig for those who want to take the road less traveled, but not have to compromise on what fun-accessories will come along.
“The public reaction to The Smuggler launch so far has been overwhelmingly supportive and positive,” says Kass Kremer, co-founder of Sasquatch. “We wanted to make a rugged, expedition camper that gave people the confidence to journey into the backcountry, and I believe the Smuggler really hit the mark. Its storage versatility and capacity allow you to bring anything you want along the way – bikes, climbing gear, snowshoes, you name it. We’re really proud of the attention to detail in our designs and are excited to bring this new product to market.”
The Smuggler Series launched in June 2022 and incorporates an advanced, in-house designed coil-over suspension system and low center-of-gravity water tank to keep users safe and in control of their journeys. Sasquatch Campers are also some of the lightest expedition campers on the market as each is designed with an aluminum frame and cab, giving explorers more control navigating difficult terrain.
As part of their launch, Sasquatch Expedition Campers is raffling off a 2022 Smuggler to raise proceeds for the families and children of Southwest Colorado. One lucky winner will be announced on October 15th and tickets can be purchased by https://go.rallyup.com/silverton-raffle. Need not be present to win.
Sasquatch Expedition Campers was founded in 2021 in Silverton, CO when two long-time, adventure seeking friends, Kass Kremer & Daryl Magner, came up with the idea during a backcountry camping trip in the Rocky Mountain’s San Juan Range in southwest Colorado. After an exciting day exploring the area and finding camp, they watched as every other person had to head back to town for their hotels and RV sites. Although it was a picturesque night under an incredible, expensive sky, it left them wondering how they could help others have that same experience. With their decades of experience in mechanical and manufacturing design, they began Sasquatch Expedition Campers to provide the most rugged products on the market to outdoor enthusiasts so that their adventures didn’t have to end when the sun went down. Every Sasquatch Camper is designed, built, and tested right in the middle of the rugged Rocky Mountains. They are made right in the terrain they’re meant to be used, built rugged for the rugged.
Back in early January this year, Garmin, arguably the leader in navigation devices, introduced three new editions to their popular Tread Line. In a world of app based competition, this was a big move by Garmin. TAP has been using the Tread XL Overland for the past few months and here are our thoughts.
Features:
Turn-by-turn navigation on trails and unpaved roads with the Adventure Roads and Trails map content (utilizing OpenStreetMap (OSM) and US Forest Service (USFS) Motor Vehicle Use Map data)
Built-in inReach technology allows for satellite-based communication: two-way text messaging, location sharing, and SOS emergency medical/SAR response (requires an active subscription)
Tracking of compatible smartphones or other Tread devices using the Group Ride Mobile feature in the Tread App.
Public and private landowner information (in the US)
iOverlander points of interest, public campgrounds, wild and dispersed campsites
Street-routing based on the size and weight of your rig
Birdseye satellite imagery (no subscription required)
Size and Build Quality:
On opening the box and handling the product, it’s obvious this is a rugged device that certainly feels like it can handle the rigors of Vehicle Supported Adventure. It is water (IPX 7) and dust resistant (IPX 6) and has a solid drop test rating (MIL-STD-810). All are certainly relevant features in the open to elements ATV category, but perhaps a little overkill for in cab overland use.
The Tread XL Overland is a certainly a beast and comes with a super bright 10″ touchscreen. A large screen obviously helps with navigation and reading pertinent data on the trail, however the device does take up a significant amount of space on the dash. When using the windshield suction cup, be aware that in California (and others I am sure), it is illegal to mount devices that hinder vision through the windshield. While on off-road tight trails, we also felt that it hindered our trail awareness. Our advice would be to find an alternative method of attachment that allows for the Tread XL to be positioned away from the windshield.
Significant Features:
InReach compatibility: The InReach feature is Garmin’s subscription based satellite communication system. We’ve been subscribed to it since before Garmin purchased the company and we highly recommend this safety application. The system allows for real time location tracking for those back home, SMS texting and push button SAR Emergency communication. All important features while out in the backcountry and a genuinely useful addition to the device. The only negative I feel, is that those with existing accounts, cannot transfer that accounts services between devices. So, as an example, we’d need to have two monthly subscriptions if we wish to use our highly mobile InReach Mini for hiking and the large vehicle based Tread InReach for Overlanding. I understand why, from Garmin’s point of view, but I was a little disappointed as a consumer.
ABC Sensors: Back in my FJ Cruiser days, I really liked the on-dash pitch and roll sensors, so I was particularly happy to see this feature on the Tread XL. Couple this with altimeter, barometer and compass and you have genuinely useful real time trail data.
iOverlander and Ultimate Public Campgrounds data: This interesting feature provides you with private landowner info, public lands, points of interest, a database of campgrounds, and more. Strangely the campground info is detailed on a separate campgrounds base map, and the detail is not linked directly to the main navigation map. So often, I think companies raise the feature levels, at the expense of simply making less features work perfectly in real world conditions.
Navigation features: The “turn by turn” trail navigation, downloadable high resolution Birdeye satellite imagery and pre-loadable Topo map with 3D terrain all work well. A caveat to this, is that I did not find the the software particularly intuitive. For me, this is very important, as I am not a big “read the instructions” (68 pages!) type of guy.
Route Planning and GPX File importing: If you’re using one of the popular pre run trail map services, you’ll enjoy the ability to import GPX files. After uploading all the waypoint information, the software allows you to input all your preplanned stops. With the additional Micro SD slot you also don’t need to worry about data levels.
Final thoughts:
Overall, the Tread XL Overland is a well build GPS device that is chocked full of features, that in general work well. The large 10″ touchscreen is bright and provides the driver easily read navigational relevant information. At $1500 it won’t be for everyone and will be a hard sell to consumers who already have tablets and use app navigation software like Gaia, onX and Trails Offroad. With compatibility to a large range of other Garmin products like InReach, Powerswitch, Group Ride Radio, Track your Dog, Back up camera and the Tread APP, I feel that the perfect customer is someone who already is or wants to be, deeply involved in the Garmin ecosphere.
“Outlanders” is a four-part documentary series that gives behind the scenes look at Overlanding in Jeeps and what it takes to be an adventurer and YouTuber. It takes place in November, when a renowned YouTuber and overlander, Shaun Walford (The Story Till Now), takes an outsider on his longest and most challenging trip to Death Valley.
David Var – the creator of this show, is an independent filmmaker from Canada and the founder of Stories.stream – the online cinema of inspiring stories. You can watch all four episodes of the Outlanders series at www.stories.stream
Most of us feel a little lost (rightly or wrongly) when we can’t connect to cell service in the backcountry, so when a brand comes along to help solve this, we were immediately intrigued and to be honest a little skeptical. We’ve been using the weBoost Drive Reach OTR for the past 4 months and here are our early thoughts.
Product Details:
Drive Reach OTR is our most powerful multi-user, in-vehicle cell signal booster for semi-trucks. It’s designed to reach cell towers at distances up to 74% farther than the weBoost Drive X OTR.
With its durable, redesigned omnidirectional OTR antenna, Drive Reach OTR stops dropped calls while improving voice quality, data speeds, streaming ability, and more while on the open road.
Drive Reach OTR works on all U.S. carrier networks and is compatible with all phones and other cellular devices (including ELD and telematics) as it simultaneously supports multiple users.
5G Compatible – weBoost is committed to the 5G movement, ensuring all our products work with 5G and support the latest in 5G technology.
Hotspot compatible
Boosts Vehicles GPS Signal
Runs off vehicles power supply
Installation:
The install was probably one of the easiest I’ve ever done and took approximately 30 minutes.
The weBoost antenna attached easily to our Prinsu roof rack and with the mast extensions, protruded over and above the Roof Top Tent (the higher the better for reception). It is connected to a robust spring that definitely stops it swaying around at high speeds and also should allow it to brush off low lying foliage (I am yet to test this).
The heavy duty grade cable easily routed into the cab through a space behind the rear taillight, before connecting to the Drive Reach Booster positioned mid cab. The slim profile inside antenna was attached with industrial grade velcro to the side of the driver seat and then routed back to the booster. All cables were hidden under our Goose Gear Rear Seat Delete platform. The system was plugged into the 12V cigarette lighter fixture, located between the front seats.
Does the weBoost work?
The simple answer to that is a resounding YES! Let’s be clear though, a booster doesn’t create signal. It picks up the outside cell signal and amplifies it inside your vehicle for better talk, text and data. Below are a couple of screen grabs (“Speed Test Master” app) taken in Anza Borrego Desert State Park, that clearly show the boost advantage of using the weBoost system.
As you can see, it’s not a massive gain, but in a backcountry scenario it’s often just enough to allow us to be able to use our cell phones. At $520 it’s not inexpensive, but if you’re like us, having (1) added security and (2) the ability to post social media while in-field makes the investment worthwhile. TAP recommended.
Last month we were handed the keys to the Nimbl Evolution Max Expedition Vehicle and took it for a four day spin in the Mammoth Mountain and east Walker River area. Let’s be clear, this is a monster rig and if you want to blend in, it’s not for you. Everywhere we went, people wanted to talk to us about it and frankly, who can blame them!? So, here’s our thoughts and a run down of what you get when you order up such an impressive expedition vehicle.
Ford 550 Lariat Super Duty:
As we said, this is no shy retiring flower. Its size is immediate and a little intimidating on first approach. That being said, once behind the wheel it’s a steady, smooth, and easy drive. The 6.7l Power Stroke and 10 speed transmission makes light work of freeway travel. Off-road, the 1,050 foot pounds of torque also delivers power on command and gave us a real sense of confidence over the miles of dirt roads we covered. Over the four days we drove 1,200 miles and achieved 13MPG (surprisingly only slightly less than the TAP 4Runner). The rigs tires, were gigantic Continental 43.6″‘s and despite an easy to use winch system to lower the spare, I was definitely hoping not to have to make a change (I didn’t). The rig’s exterior package was rounded out with Bodyguard Industries front armor which was aesthetically pleasing. Sometimes I feel that big rig armor can be overkill and detract from the overall look and feel of a vehicle.
F550 Lariat Details:
Tires: 43.6″ Continental
6-17 differential gear ratio
6.7L Power Stroke with 1050 foot pounds of torque mated to a 10 speed transmission
Bodyguard Front Bumper w/ 16.5K winch with synthetic winch line
Rigid Industries Amber LED Fog Lights & offroading lighting via 3 Rigid light bars mounted to front bumper
1080P rear view mirror/camera
ActionTrac Steps
Flatbed Construction:
The custom Aluminum Flatbed is a work of art in its design. It is mounted to the frame using an aluminum channel, slats, and vibration mounts. From a design POV it truly supports (figuratively and aesthetically) the Nimbl Vehicles Camper. Practically, it also provides copious storage opportunities, with lockable and sealed rear and side storage cubbies/drawers. We spend a lot of time on the trail and can attest to how important a feature this is, as it allows you to separate all necessary outside gear (recovery, camp chairs, fire pit, tools, etc) from the internal living requirements (food, clothing, cookware).
Custom Aluminum 10′ Flatbed with lighted storage boxes. Flatbed is mounted to frame rails using aluminum channel, custom made aluminum slats & 6 vibration mounts.
Custom Nimbl aluminum rear bumper – Rear drawer is 6′ with an 8′ option
4″ drop nearest the cab to accommodate for the custom spare tire cage with automatic winch lifting system using 2500 lb ATV winch & storage box with removable shelving
Compressor & tank are added to the boxes/under the flatbed
Axe & Shovel in one of the storage boxes
Stair Lighting in flatbed
The Nimbl Evolution Camper Design:
Made from a seamless Monocoque design. “Monocoque is a structural technique in which stresses are reacted by a thin membrane or a shell of material, rather than a collection of beams. Such structures are stiff in bending, and light, and are therefore ideal for weight-sensitive vehicles”.
What I truly loved about the Nimbl Camper is that it operates with a smooth and quiet automatic Hydraulic Lifting Mechanism (which of course comes with a manual override and remote control). The advantage of this is two fold; (1) it creates a low profile, aerodynamic structure when driving, but obviously allows for significant living space when deployed and (2) while other lifting camper roofs tend to be human assisted, this was truly an easy setup.
Water System:
Baffled 75-gallon Fresh Water Tank
24-gallon Gray Water Tank- Webasto ThermoTop Diesel/Petrol Hydronic Water Heater
Carbon Block Water Filtration System
GuzzleH20 DC Ultraviolet Water Sterilizer
Spacious Wet Bath with Shower and Cassette Toilet
Exterior Shower
Power System:
2 Battle Born 270 Ah Gamechanger Batteries (with the option for up to 1080 Ah total)
Victron 3000-Watt Inverter/Charger
Victron BuckBoost DC-DC Charger
Victron Smart BMV Battery Monitor
Victron Color Control System Monitor
Victron SmartSolar MPPT Charge Controller
570-Watt Solar Array Rooftop (3 Panels w/ option for a 4th panel)
Nimbl Evolution Camper Interior:
The campers interior was everything you’d expect of a premium build. With a large sleeping area, kitchen, dinette and shower/toilet. It was well designed and relatively spacious. We were only gone for four days on this trip, but I could easily see spending longer periods. In my opinion it’s comfortably suits a couple or possibly three people, if you’re all good friends (or family).
The bed was a comfortable east/west queen mattress (60″x77″) with underneath storage, which we used for our bedding while traveling. An enjoyable feature was the skylight window above the bed, that allowed for star gazing and extra air flow.
The kitchen provided a spacious fridge/freezer, induction dual burner cooktop and sink.
The dinette was comfortable with a removable/adjustable table that could be converted into a small bed if required. Visibility to the outside from the dinette was excellent and gave an airy feel to the interior.
Finally, the interior included a compost toilet and shower. As someone who’s a minimalist, I’m a shovel and hole guy, but I can fully understand that this is a fantastic feature for many consumers. The compost system works very well and has an additional outbound airflow system to help with odor control.
Other noteworthy features:
Custom Memory Foam Sleep System (East West Custom Queen, 60”x77”)
Dual Tern Overland Double-pane Euro-Style Windows with Integrated Shades and Screens
Isotherm Stainless Steel Refrigerator — 4.6 cu. ft., AC/DC (In-cab Prewire for additional refrigeration from camper battery system)
In Cab Fridge/Freezer
Maxxair Plus Dual-ceiling Fans
True Induction Dual Burner Induction Cooktop
Premium Leather Dinette Upholstery
Conclusions:
A four day trip in the mountains hardly produces an exhaustive review, however, it did provide us a great insight into the world of premium expedition vehicles. At a price range of $267k-400K, obviously the Nimbl Evolution is for a select audience. However, if you have the means and you’re looking for a truly capable expedition vehicle that is beautifully designed and atheistically pleasing, you need to take a serious look at the Nimbl Evolution. It should also be noted that the vehicle we drove, was the Nimbl Evolution Max, built on the commercially sized F550 platform. The Evolution can also mounted on any 1 ton pickup (Ford F350, Ram/Chevy 3500) which may be more practical for everyday overland adventure travel.
To read the story of our trip in the Nimbl Vehicle click HERE
The new 23 Zero Armadillo A. is a rugged, 14 GA, fully welded, Aluminum, 4-season, hard-shell roof-top-tent. It’s uniquely and aerodynamic styled with semi-textured, high-gloss, black, trail-hardened finish ready to deflect low hanging branches or high-speed roadways in all conditions.
It 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 before in our roof-top tents. Early summer sunrises, being bathed in light and sweating are a thing of the past! Control the light – control your comfort!
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 roof-top-tent mattresses. It feels firmer even though on paper it has the same specs as its predecessor. Side-sleepers will not slowly sink to the bottom. A water-resistant, breathable, removable, and quilted topper in 23 Zero olive green ensures comfort while matching the internal quilted headliner.
The 23 Zero Armadillo A. can be purchased with a right or left side deployment option which allows for optimized placement on your choice of overland rig ranging from smaller crossovers and wagons to bed mounted mid-sized 4×4’s, to monster custom builds. It comes in two sizes, the A2 which is a 2-person tent, and the A3 which is a 3-person tent – see our website for all of the dimensions, tech specs and other informative details.
