Overlanding Guide: Adventure Rigs We Love

Overlanding emboldens adventure seekers to explore hidden gems in backcountry areas, from deserts to mountains to forest meadows. This form of self-reliant camping is just as much about the journey as it is the destination. That’s why nothing but the best overlanding rigs will work to take you off the beaten path and onto secluded rugged terrain.

We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite overlanding rigs below, including campervans, expedition vehicles, and adventure trailers, with special attention on off-road and off-the-grid capabilities. 

Once you have your rig picked out and set up, browse Hipcamp’s collection of nomadic campsites best suited for self-contained rigs and curate your camping options with our off-roading (OHV) and vehicle restrictions filters on the Hipcamp map.

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What to look for in an adventure rig

Choosing the best overlanding rig for you depends on your particular needs and preferences. Even though there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several key factors that can help guide your decision:

• Self-reliance: Your adventure rig should come equipped with all your basic living essentials with no reliance on external hookups. This may include a functional kitchen, water filtration or purification, and large water tanks for an outdoor shower.
• Energy independence: A reliable solar setup is a great way to stay powered while off-the-grid. Propane generators are common, but they require fuel and make a lot of noise.
• Ground clearance: Adventure rigs require higher clearance than travel trailers built for paved roads. Tough all-terrain tires are also a must.
• Storage considerations: You may need to pack a lot of overlanding gear to have everything you need for the full duration of your trip. Balance the need for ample space against your vehicle’s payload and/or towing capacity.  

Overland vehicles and rigs also come in different types and configurations. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. 

• Campervans: Easier to maneuver than trailers, but could lack ground clearance
• Pop-up truck campers: Offer better height clearance, but may have less storage space and are often top-heavy for your typical trucks
• Towing an overlanding trailer: Allows you to unhitch it at base camp, but it may limit access to tighter trails
• Rooftop tents: Free up the truck bed for your gear, but they leave you the most exposed to the elements

Consider your priorities, including your typical trip duration and expected terrain, when choosing your overlanding build. Also, think about the space you have to store your adventure rig when it’s not in use. 

Scout Yoho Pop-Up Camper

A pop-up camper for mid- and full-sized trucks, the Scout Yoho provides 75 inches of sleep space for up to four people. Standard dual 100-watt flexible solar panels provide off-the-grid power while panoramic soft-wall windows offer plenty of natural light. 

Stand-out features: Scout’s Easy Rise System makes it, well, easy for solo travelers to set up and take down this pop-up camper with no power needed. All-season modularity also means you can customize your kit to suit your needs.

Availability/MSRP: Starts at $27,900 at scoutcampers.com 

TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth Overland Edition

A compact travel trailer built for off-the-grid adventuring, the TAXA TigerMoth features an indoor/outdoor design with a slide-out camp kitchen and room to sleep two adults. Add the optional rooftop tent for room for a third adult. 

Stand-out features: The standard TigerMoth already offers 15 inches of ground clearance, but the Overland Edition steps it up even higher with a full 18 inches of ground clearance. It also offers upgrades like an articulating lock-n-roll hitch, an axle-less suspension, and larger 16-inch alloy wheels. 

Availability/MSRP: Starts at $19,650 at taxaoutdoors.com

Boreas Campers EOS-12 Camper Trailer

For the ultimate overland trailer, look no further than the Boreas Campers EOS-12. The fully insulated 12-foot cabin comes with a permanent queen bed and over 6 feet of standing room (with the roof open). It also includes a three-burner kitchen, exterior shower, and up to 1,000 watts of Go Power solar panels.

Stand-out features: With a full composite and metal construction, a powder-coated steel chassis, and Cruisemaster XT air suspension, the EOS-12 is ready for any wild adventure you throw at it.

Availability/MSRP: Starts at $84,990 at boreascampers.com 

Winnebago Revel Off-Road Adventure Van

The Revel offers the quality and convenience you’ve come to expect from the Winnebago name in a package that’s optimized for off-the-grid exploration. From its powerful turbo-diesel engine to innovative WinnSleep mattress technology, this is overlanding with comfort. 

Stand-out features: Custom insulation and high-tech honeycomb composite flooring keep you warm during cool nights in the backcountry. Plus, you can stay off the grid for up to a full week with the Winnebago Power Max system.

Availability/MSRP: Starts at $245,463 at winnebago.com

AT Overland Aterra XL Flatbed Truck Camper

If you prefer a hard-wall truck camper over a pop-up in your truck bed, the AT Alterra XL may be for you. It offers practical storage solutions and room for two (and a pet) in a thermally efficient design. Bamboo counters and dimmable LED lighting add to this premium overlanding experience. 

Stand-out features: Stay off-the-grid longer with a 30-gallon freshwater tank, 20-pound propane tank, 400 watts of solar, and a 105Ah lithium battery. Bonus: Integrated bug screens keep creepy crawlies outside while you sleep peacefully.

Availability/MSRP: Starts at $76,000 at atoverland.com

Escapod TOPO2 Teardrop Trailer

Whether you choose the essential NOMAD trim or the elevated VOYAGER trim, the Escapod TOPO2 Teardrop Adventure Trailer is built with a single-piece composite body for a fully durable design. The large stargazer window is a highlight from the 6-inch memory foam mattress.

Stand-out features: Each entry door has a mudroom and coat hooks to pull off dirty boots and hang wet rain jackets. And since it weighs as little as 1,650 pounds, the TOPO2 is easily towable by many vehicles. 

Availability/MSRP: Starts at $33,990 at escapod.us

Roofnest Condor Overland 2 Rooftop Tent

Ready to go overlanding in your 4Runner or other SUV? The Condor Overland 2 from Roofnest now comes in a tougher all-aluminum skin to handle more extreme journeys. Climb the 7.5-foot telescoping ladder to reach the sleeping area that fits up to three people. 

Stand-out features: At just 12 inches tall when closed, the Condor Overland 2 makes it easier to clear low-hanging branches while overlanding through forested regions. Free up cargo space inside your vehicle with an internal duffel bag for bedding. Optional crossbar mods support up to 160 pounds of additional cargo too.

Availability/MSRP: Starts at $3,745 at roofnest.com

SylvanSport GO Camping Trailer 

The SylvanSport GO Camping Trailer may seem small at first, but it sure is mighty. The versatile compact travel trailer doubles as a gear and toy hauler—when it collapses down, there’s a roof rack system on top for your kayak and bike. You can unhitch and deploy the tent in under 15 minutes to open up its more than 6 feet of standing room and an expansive sleeping space for a family of four.

Stand-out features: At just 840 pounds, the GO Camping Trailer is towable by a wide range of vehicles, including EVs. You can also pop up the cargo deck to stow your adventure gear. 

Availability/MSRP: Starts at $14,995 at sylvansport.com

Leave it better: Overlanding

To preserve our natural spaces for future overlanders, follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. As you explore increasingly remote areas, minimize the impact of your presence on the environment around you. 

Similarly, be sure to keep these T.R.E.A.D. principles in mind during your next overlanding adventure: 

• Travel responsibly
• Respect the rights of others
• Educate yourself
• Avoid sensitive areas
• Do your part 

Stick to designated trails, respect private property, plan ahead, and leave the area better than you found it so that your next overland adventure is as beautiful as the last one. 

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