I鈥檝e slept on glaciers, mountains, beaches, and鈥攎ore than once鈥攗nder roadside bushes mid-hitchhike to a trailhead. But few camps have required more preparation than my latest: one night in a backyard in a bougie Chicago suburb.

Let me explain.

In normal times I live deep in the Wisconsin Northwoods with a team of sled dogs. But for the past few months, due to a combo of family illness and my husband running the Iditarod, I鈥檝e been staying in the city with my in-laws鈥攁nd I鈥檓 starting to lose my mind. The place is completely jarring to me. You鈥檝e never seen such perfect grass. There are no bugs (how?!). And while my in-laws are as kind, warm, loving, and funny as people can get (if they weren鈥檛 my family, I鈥檇 be plotting secret ways to make them my family) they鈥檙e also the kind of people who, when I wonder aloud if it鈥檚 stopped raining, turn away from the window to pull out their phones and check an app. Needless to say, I soon started feeling awfully disconnected from the natural world.

Luckily, someone I know well has spent years giving advice on how to connect with nature from the suburbs鈥攁nd that person is me. Yup: over almost a decade of writing an outdoors advice column, I鈥檝e counseled many a letter-writer about accessible ways to get outdoors, and one of my go-to pieces of advice has been to sleep in the backyard. Have I tried it? Well鈥o, actually. Not since childhood. But it鈥檚 not like sleeping outside is hard, right? You just grab some blankets and lay out under the stars. A night like that was exactly what I needed, and anyway I had access to a great yard, shaded with maple and pine. It abutted four other backyards, separated only by a low picket fence, but surely the neighbors wouldn鈥檛 care.

鈥淛ust wait,鈥� said my cousin-in-law, with something like relish in his voice. 鈥淭hey will call the HOA on you.鈥�

鈥淔or sleeping in your own yard?鈥�

鈥淭his is the suburbs,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is almost certainly against the rules to sleep in the yard.鈥�

Challenge accepted. I dove into planning the mission like any good adventurer with bad cabin fever. First, I consulted the HOA bylaws, which were 28 pages single-spaced, and felt encouraged by what I found. They mentioned nothing about sleeping outdoors, but I could legally pitch a tent or canopy for 72 hours, after which I鈥檇 receive a written warning and have 14 days to correct the violation. By my calculations, this meant I could actually camp for 17 days before incurring my first $50 fine. That would bring my total cost to $2.94/night鈥攃onsiderably less than the expense of campsite rental at a national park! After the fine, I鈥檇 be invited to attend a violation hearing, which would presumably involve a light chat over free snacks. If the neighbors did call the HOA on me, at least now I was prepared.

As for the actual sleeping arrangements, I didn鈥檛 have overnight gear with me and wanted to keep things cheap, so I had to get creative. It was supposed to rain all week, so I bought an ($11.37) and four ($0.98 each), figuring I鈥檇 lie out on the grass. Temps would drop to the low 50s, so I鈥檇 be fine with household blankets and my fleece pajamas. Just as I was gathering supplies, I looked out the window and saw a plague doctor staring back at me鈥攐r, upon double-take, a green-uniformed man in PPE, spraying pale mist around the house from a stiff hose. The pieces came together: This was why the yard had no bugs.

I went outside and asked which pesticides he used; he didn鈥檛 know. So I called the company and spent almost an hour switching from one customer-service agent to another, all of whom seemed completely baffled as to why I鈥檇 care. I treat my own gear with permethrin鈥擨鈥檓 not completely opposed to insect repellents鈥攂ut I wasn鈥檛 loving the idea of sleeping on grass glistening with fresh toxicants. So, I bought a . I鈥檇 been wanting a hammock anyway, and at least this way I鈥檇 be off the ground.

By then it was early evening, and I was feeling decidedly cranky about the whole endeavor. Even with a ton of outdoors confidence and relatively low standards for comfort, I鈥檇 still put in a few hours鈥� effort and over 60 bucks for my supposedly free and easy campout. Plus, the weather was gray, the kind of endless drizzle that seems to come from nowhere and seep into everything all at once. Sleeping in storms is one thing in an expedition, but leaving a plush guest bed for a damp suburban yard felt entirely less enticing. Anticipating a stiff and soggy night, I trudged to the far corner of the yard to hang the hammock and pitch a quick rain fly. The tarp鈥檚 tie-downs would be at a better angle if I tied them to the shared picket fence, but that seemed like a provocation.

Every campsite has its wildlife, and this one was no exception. No sooner had I wedged myself into the hammock than the neighbors鈥攁 man and woman, mid-50s鈥攃ame out and stood on their deck, just 20 feet away. I popped my head up and said 鈥淗i!鈥� but they didn鈥檛 respond. Abashed, I retreated, pulling the edges of the hammock over myself, peering through the crack with one eye. Were they calling the HOA on me? The man looked at his phone, then dropped it back into his pocket.

鈥淭he woman鈥檚 wearing a long dress that disappears against the beige siding of her house, perfectly camouflaged to her environment,鈥� I texted my cousin-in-law.

鈥淲hy are you like this?鈥� he texted back.

The neighbors seemed to be pointedly gazing at everything except me. They pushed a deck chair several feet to the right, considered, then returned it to its original position. They knew I was there. I knew they knew. They knew I knew. None of us acknowledged it. After a few minutes of angsty silence, they went back inside.

That鈥檚 the thing about most wildlife. They鈥檙e more scared of you than you are of them.

The hammock swayed, and despite my wariness, I felt relaxed. I heard a sound like flapping; it was, I guessed, a kid on a snare drum a few houses down. Nearby, something crackled. Was it insects dying? No, just leaves, blowing gently around me, and the porch lights flickering on next door. The dark sky, peeking through roofs and branches, was the most familiar thing I鈥檇 seen in a long time.

I slept lightly in the hammock, swaying in and out of dreams. There was that snare drum sound again. Maybe it was a bird; maybe it was both. The squirrels, the shifting branches, the windows opening and closing, all melded into one layered sound, and the abutting yards鈥攚hich had struck me at first as structurally enabled nosiness鈥攂egan to seem more like a communal watering hole, the exact kind of shared space I鈥檇 been missing. When the sun rose, through mist, another neighbor came out and stood silently on the grass.

Backyard camping wasn鈥檛 quite as easy or cheap as I鈥檇 preached. And I didn鈥檛 feel connected to wilderness. But I felt like part of a place again, and maybe that mattered even more.

The post I Tried Camping in My Own Backyard. It Was Way Harder Than I Thought. appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Whether your hot beverage of choice is coffee, tea, or matcha, you鈥檝e likely adopted a favorite travel mug to carry your magical morning elixir to the office or the trailhead. But do you know how its performance stacks up against the competition? Instead of relying on haphazard observations and product claims, the 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab @ CU Denver set up an experiment to find out which travel mugs are the best at keeping beverages warm.

In the lab鈥攁 new test facility in the university鈥檚 engineering department鈥攚e used professional lab thermometers to determine which insulated travel mugs and bottles kept drinks hot at room temperature and in a cold setting the longest. We rounded up 38 of the most popular products available, divided them into three categories (tumblers, travel mugs, and thermoses), and got to work.

We tested the products in each category identically and compared only the results from our objective tests. Below are the products that performed best in each category.

Updated May 2025: We added six new tumblers, six new travel mugs, and three new thermoses to the 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab testing groups, and highlighted some new top performers based on results. We also updated info and pricing on previously included mugs/bottles.

At a Glance

• What the 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab Tested
• How We Tested Mugs at the 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab
• Spill-Proof Tumblers
  • Top Performer:
  • Runner Up:聽
  • Honorable Mentions
  • Rest of the Test
• Leak-Proof Travel Mugs
  • Top Performer:
  • Runner Up:
  • Honorable Mentions
  • Rest of the Test
• Large Thermoses
  • Top Performer:
  • Runner Up:
  • Honorable Mentions
  • Rest of the Test
• Final Thoughts

What the 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab Tested

We selected popular models of the three most common types of insulated travel mugs and bottles specific to hot drinks.

1. Spill-Proof Tumblers: Mugs with lids that typically slide or flip open
2. Leak-Proof Travel Mugs: Bottles with a fully sealed 鈥渄rink through鈥� lid that can be thrown in a bag without leaking
3. Traditional Thermoses: Large bottles that keep drinks warm all day

Note: Several brands use lead soldering to seal their products in manufacturing, a process still approved by the FDA. Though the lead never touches the inside drink surface, and rigorous testing is done to ensure no lead exposure to customers, this is a potential health concern if the product is damaged. We focused our efforts on heat retention performance, and did not test for lead. Check with the brand for their current process.

How We Tested Coffee Mugs at the 国产吃瓜黑料 Lab

To test the heat retention of each container, we filled them with hot water and used a lab grade digital thermometer with wire thermistor probes (thin temperature-sensitive wires) to take the temperature of each travel mug or bottle every hour and each large thermos every six hours. This lets us get a quick, accurate temperature reading without fully removing the lid, preserving an accurate representation of real-world use. At the beginning of each test, we used an infrared camera to look for any noticeable heat leaks, but failed to find any significant enough to point out.

We set the start and end points for what constitutes 鈥渉ot鈥� in our testing based on common brewing, serving, and drinking temperatures for coffee. Start temperatures were different depending on the category of travel mugs being tested. Tumbler and leak-proof mugs started the tests at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, considered the standard serving temperature for coffee which needs to cool slightly before drinking. Large thermos bottles were started at 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the low end of brewing temperature (found at the finish of brewing), but too hot to safely drink. A higher start temperature was used for this category since it鈥檚 typically filled with the intent to pour the beverage into a cup later and let cool before drinking. We stopped all tests once the water inside the bottle reached 125 degrees Fahrenheit, which, according to brewers, is on the low end of the accepted drinking temperature for coffee that is still considered warm/hot.

The lab setting lets us control key variables like environmental temperature, allowing us to create conditions for each category that simulated their typical use environment and remained stable for the full length of each test. During each test we used a second thermometer to track temperature and humidity over long periods of time, verifying the environment remained stable. All samples were first tested in a controlled room temperature environment (70 degrees Fahrenheit) with their lids fully sealed to set a performance baseline.

Since tumblers aren鈥檛 often exposed to cold temperatures for very long during commutes and at the office, we only tested them at room temperature. Samples were also tested with the drink mouth left open to add another data point to the performance and help sort those that had similar results when closed.

Travel and thermos bottles, however, are often exposed to cold environments for hours at a time, such as when thrown in a pack or set on the ground while we鈥檙e out exploring. These two groups were placed in a controlled refrigerator set to 39 degrees Fahrenheit to mimic the cold environment and stress their performance limit.

At the end of the temperature test we closed the lid on each sample and tested for leaks. Prepared to get wet, luckily no longer by hot water, we shook each sample and then turned them upside down for one minute. All of the leak-proof labeled bottles passed without a drop, making our lab tech happily dry.

Best Spill-Proof Tumblers

The term 鈥渢umbler鈥� is used to describe a lot of products, so we stuck to those that hold 16 to 20 ounces and are specifically marketed for use with hot drinks. These are the most common travel mugs, often with quick flip or slide lock lids over the drink opening to protect from basic spills and splash black.

This convenient drink lid is often left open between sips, letting heat escape. To simulate real-world use we evaluated heat retention both with the lid closed (results reflected in the performance graph) and with the drink mouth left open (results not displayed in the graph but used as a second test to investigate the full performance). The size and design of the drink mouth can allow more or less heat to escape and affect the overall insulation performance.

Best in Test

Zojirushi Stainless Tumbler SX-FSE45

Heat retention shined on this tumbler that kept drinks hot for five and half hours with the spill-proof lid closed. Performance did suffer when the lid was left open, but the beverage still stayed warm for more than three hours. The twist-close lid is easy to use, protects from spills, and comes with a removable stainless steel tea leaf strainer that attaches to the underside for those who want to brew their leaves on the go. The Zojirushi鈥檚 relatively small package and classic shape works well with cup holders.

Runner Up

Contigo Streeterville Stainless Steel Mug

Hot: 5.25 hours

This tumbler delivered good heat retention with its slide lid closed, and was equally impressive when the lid was left open in the drink position. Keeping drinks hot for at least five hours in both scenarios gives confidence when using this Contigo mug during long mornings. The slide lid doesn鈥檛 lock but is easy to use one handed, and the mug has a non-slip rubber base for added desk security.

Honorable Mentions

All of the mugs offered enough insulation to get you through normal commutes to the ski hill, trailhead, or office without letting your coffee go cold. A few tumblers surprised by performing just as well with the lid open as closed. We chalk this up to the size of the drink opening and thickness of the lid, but did not dig deeper to find out.

Thermos Alta Series Stainless Tumbler

Hot: 5 hours

Delivering consistent performance, the Thermos Alta Series impressively recorded the same failure time in both the closed- and open-lid tests. Based on our lab results you can rely on it to keep your drink hot for five hours even if you leave the lid open for constant sipping.

Ello Campy

Hot: 5 hours

Our testing showed that the Ello Campy can be trusted to keep your drink hot for up to five hours, matching other top performers in the category. It has the added benefit of a cork inlay handle that is comfortable to hold and is set higher on the mug to fit most cup holders, which gives it a classic look. The slide lock lid opens and snaps closed easily with one finger to keep spills at bay.

Yeti Rambler Travel Mug

Hot: 5 hours

The Yeti Rambler offered five hours of heat retention with the MagSlider magnetic lid closed. This above-average performance, however, was cut in half when the slider was left open, only staying hot for two and a half hours. The MagSlider lid locks in place and does not move unless intentionally pushed, which helps prevent spills and heat loss. Based on our testing, this well-built mug is a great option when used properly.

Rest of the Test

• 
  Hot: 4.5 hours
• 
  Hot: 4.5 hours
• 
  Hot: 4.5 hours
• 
  Hot: 4 hours
• 
  Hot: 4 hours
• 
  Hot: 3.75 hours
• 
  Hot: 3.5 hours
• 
  Hot: 3 hours

Leak-Proof Travel Mugs

When you鈥檙e headed further afield it鈥檚 key to ensure your coffee stays secure and hot under more extreme circumstances. These bottles/mugs are purpose-built with leak-proof, drink-through lids that offer access without the need to remove the top.

To replicate a cold morning spent outdoors exploring, we set the mugs in a refrigerator with a controlled temp of 39 degrees Fahrenheit. While not extreme, this is a good representation of the average exposure when considering residual insulation from being in a pack.

Best in Test

Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-SF48

With category-leading heat retention performance, the Zojirushi Stainless Mug SM-SF48 proved that it can keep your drink hot during long adventures no matter the environment. You can trust your coffee or tea to still be hot after half a day when in pleasant temperatures, and up to nine hours when out in the winter cold. The flip-top lid is easy to open with the push of a button. A small slide lever next to the push-button allows you to lock the lid closed to prevent accidents when on the go. The size is surprisingly svelte for the 16-ounce capacity and this level of insulation performance. Combined with the locking lid, this bottle is perfect for throwing in a pack and hitting the trail (or skintrack).

Runner Up

Thermos Stainless Steel Direct Drink

The Thermos Stainless Steel Direct Drink bottle was a close second in the category. When indoors or out in milder temps you can expect your drink to stay hot for up to 11 hours. If venturing out in the cold, you can trust the Thermos to keep beverages warm for eight hours, matching the room temperature performance of the next best options. The bottle has a flip lid that locks in place with a small clip to keep it securely closed without fear of accidentally opening, making it a great option to throw in a pack and forget until you need a pick-me-up on those all-day outings.

Honorable Mentions

The remaining products provided good, if not quite as long, insulation performance and all passed the leak-proof test, letting you travel without worry.

Yeti Rambler Hot Shot

With heat-retention performance ranging from eight hours at room temperature to six and a half hours in the refrigerated cold environment, this bottle is a great choice for on-the-go needs. The unique twist-lock drink lid conveniently allows sipping from all sides (though it doesn鈥檛 offer any visual clues for when open or closed). The mug鈥檚 sturdy feel inspires confidence for outdoor adventures.

Miir 360 Traveler

Keeping drinks hot for eight hours when at room temperature, and six hours in the cold, the 360 Traveler from Miir earns an honorable mention. Adding to its appeal is a unique lid design that uses a top 鈥減ush-button鈥� to provide, as the name states, 360 degrees of drink access. We suggest carrying this bottle in its own pocket, like the side mesh on your pack, to keep the push top from being accidentally opened.

Simple Modern Kona w/ Locking Flip Lid

Budget-friendly Simple Modern鈥檚 Kona travel mug tested equally as well in both environments as the Miir mug, and nearly as well as the Yeti. The mug delivers this impressive performance鈥攄rinks stay hot for six to eight hours鈥攁t a cost $10 below the competition. An easy-to-use lockable flip lid ensures your drink stays secure no matter where the mug is stored or how much it gets tossed.

Rest of the Test

• 
  Room Temperature Test: 7 hours hot
  Cold Test: 6 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 7 hours hot
  Cold Test: 6 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 7.25 hours hot
  Cold Test: 5.5 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 7 hours hot
  Cold Test: 5 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 6 hours hot
  Cold Test: 4.5 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 6 hours hot
  Cold Test: 4.5 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 3.5 hours hot
  Cold Test: 4 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 4.25 hours hot
  Cold Test: 3.25 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 4 hours hot
  Cold Test: 3 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 4 hours hot
  Cold Test: 3 hours hot

Large Thermoses

The classic thermos has a large capacity (25+ ounces) with an extended insulation time rating and typically comes with a cup lid, so the liquid inside is meant to be poured out before being consumed. These bottles are great for carrying drinks (or other hot liquids like soups) to base camp to share, on long hikes that end with a picnic, and during overnights where you want to reduce early morning tasks by brewing in advance.

Large thermoses during testing. All bottles were marked with their start time and had an individual alarm set for each temperature recording. Thermometer used to monitor the room temperature for the duration of the test can be seen at the top of the image. (Photo: Adam Trenkamp)

Since thermoses are used similarly to leak-proof travel mugs鈥攌eeping what鈥檚 inside hot while the surrounding environment is cold鈥攚e tested them in the same controlled refrigerator. The tests differed, however, in the starting temperature. We started the liquid in the thermoses at 180 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the low end of finished brewing temp, since these bottles are designed for transporting but not direct drinking.

Best in Test

Thermos Stainless King Beverage Bottle

The long-lasting performance of the Thermos Stainless King Beverage Bottle stood out as the most impressive result of all our testing. This bottle kept the beverage warm for 33 hours in the cold environment and for 40 hours when at room temperature.

We initially took temperature readings every six hours, and then checked it more frequently as the water cooled and approached the end of the test. When the Thermos brand bottle was still going strong at the end of day two, there came the harsh realization that a very early morning was in store for the lab techs. In the end, a 2:00 am wake-up call was required to record the final hours.

The Thermos Stainless King鈥檚 top-tier insulation is accompanied by classic thermos styling, with a side carry handle, twist and pour stopper, and cup lid to enjoy each serving without bringing a separate mug鈥攑ure camping nostalgia.

Runner Up

Zojirushi Stainless Bottle SJ-JS10

With a 35-ounce capacity and all-day performance, you can take the Zojirushi JS-10 vacuum insulated thermos on overnighters to help kickstart morning camp for two to four people鈥攐r keep it to yourself to pour fresh cups from it all day. Heat retention was recorded as over 24 hours, even in the cold. In warmer climes, you can expect liquids to stay hot for up to 31 and a half hours.

The bottle comes with a cup lid and a unique pour-through stopper that opens with a simple one-touch button that鈥檚 different from any design we鈥檝e seen previously. This setup reduces heat loss when open and helps to control the flow when pouring. Removing the screw-on stopper reveals a wide opening that makes cleaning and refilling easy.

Honorable Mentions

Our results showed that every large thermos on test provided enough heat retention to keep their contents hot until the end of a long day (or night) but not all are as capable of making it to day two. The remaining are great options if you鈥檙e more confident in the weather conditions and length of your adventure. Equally important, as soup spilled in your bag can quickly ruin a trip, every bottle was leak-proof no matter how hard we shook them.

Stanley Classic Legendary Bottle

Room Temperature Test: 30 hours hot
Cold Test: 24.5 hours hot

Test results are impressive considering how long Stanley has been making this product鈥攖hough it has had some modern updates through the years, the style has remained relatively the same since 1913. This classic bottle (as the name implies) comes with a twist and pour stopper, side carry handle, and cup lid to help you transport and enjoy any drink with ease.

Ello Therma Insulated Thermos

Room Temperature Test: 31.5 hours hot
Cold Test: 24 hours hot

This thermos provides top-notch performance in a simple, convenient design regardless of the weather on your outdoor excursion. Drinks will still be hot even after 24 hours of the bottle being exposed to the cold. The aesthetic is classic, but the pour-through stopper with magnetic slider is a nice upgrade to the user experience that makes pouring into a cup easier, reduces spills, and improves heat retention.

Klean Kanteen TK Pro Insulated Bottle

Room Temperature Test: 26 hours hot
Cold Test: 24 hours hot

With impressively consistent performance in all environments you can trust this bottle for a true full-day outing, sunrise to sunrise, no matter the season. A pour-through stopper and double-wall cup lid are included to make enjoying a drink easy whenever you鈥檙e ready.

Rest of the Test

• 
  Room Temperature Test: 26 hours hot
  Cold Test: 19 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 22 hours hot
  Cold Test: 18 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 21 hours hot
  Cold Test: 15 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 18 hours hot
  Cold Test: 12 hours hot
• 
  Room Temperature Test: 13 hours hot
  Cold Test: 9.5 hours hot

Final Thoughts

Across all three categories, one of the longest-running names in the insulated mug space, Thermos, consistently performed at or near the top, despite the significant growth in competition over the last decade. It’s an impressive run for a brand that has been around since the beginning; they produced their first stainless steel vacuum insulated bottle in 1966. Another standout brand in every category was Zojirushi, a Japanese manufacturer with a history as deep as Thermos and Stanley. Over the last decade, their products have become more widely available and immediately emerged as fan favorites for performance, quality, and clever design features.

Klean Kanteen, a newer brand in the space, offers products with solid heat retention performance while also being environmentally responsible: they鈥檙e climate neutral, a Certified B Corporation, and a member of 1% for the Planet.

Budget-friendly options can be seen popping up at big box stores like Walmart and online retailers. Two of these brands, Simple Modern and Contigo, offered good insulation performance and unique designs to rival the big brands at more affordable prices. We found a noticeable decline anytime the products were introduced to a cold environment, but the overall performance, especially if you spend most of your time in milder climes, makes them worth considering.

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The post The Best Insulated Coffee Mugs and Thermoses: Lab Tested appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Most of the vehicles displayed in the booths at Overland Expo West are showpieces. They鈥檝e been built to catch your eye and highlight the newest gear. There鈥檚 nothing wrong with these adventure rigs鈥攖hey鈥檙e works of art that any overlander would be excited to drive. But, because they sit at the very top of the overland gear pyramid, they don鈥檛 exactly represent the reality of everyday overlanding.

Consequently, our team always spends a day out in the nearby campgrounds. It鈥檚 out there, under the trees and in the dirt, where you find trucks, vans, and other creations that represent the best of DIY culture and showcase the kind of rigs that people actually use on global adventures. Here are our favorite DIY overlanding rigs from this year.

Also check out: The Best Trailers, Campers, and Van Conversions of 2025 and The Best Tents for Car Camping

The post The 7 Best DIY 国产吃瓜黑料 Rigs from Overland Expo West 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I went to my first show for 国产吃瓜黑料 in 2015. At that time, Overland Expo East was held in Asheville, North Carolina, and I begged my editors to let me fly out and cover the event. No one in the office had really heard of the event back then, and a few were skeptical that 鈥渙verlanding鈥� was something the 国产吃瓜黑料 Online audience would care about.

Turns out, people did care. A video tour I shot of an Earth Cruiser ended up being one of the site鈥檚 most popular videos for years, and a decade later, overlanding is more popular than ever.

This year鈥檚 Overland Expo drew more than 28,000 people, and there were 423 registered exhibitors showing off the latest and greatest stuff the industry has to offer. As we鈥檝e done for the last 10 years, we scoured the show for the best gear and most innovative rigs. These are the four new campers that impressed me most at this year’s expo.

(from $39,995)

Durango-based Outpost Campers launched their 6.5 slide-in truck camper last Summer, but this was their first time at Overland Expo West. This company is actually the same team behind 鈥攖hey re-branded and put a pause on van builds due to the demand they were getting for truck campers. After taking a look at Expo, it鈥檚 easy to see why given the impeccable craftsmanship, open floorplan, and the great value they pack into that $39K price tag.

Watch: Inside the Outpost 6.5聽

Made from composite panels, the Outpost 6.5 is a true four-season camper with a very high insulation value. For 2025, the company started using a different composite panel that鈥檚 more durable and lighter than previous models, giving the camper a dry weight of 1,475 pounds. To me, what really sets this camper apart is what you get for the base price: a 5k Wh Ecoflow lithium battery and power station that includes a 3000 watt inverter, 60 Amp DC-DC charger and dual solar charge controllers, 250 watts of solar, a 20 gallon fresh water tank, aluminum cabinetry with bamboo countertops, an 86-liter fridge, an induction cooktop, a Maxxair fan, and more.

I built my own composite truck camper a few years ago, and can tell you that if Outpost had been around then, I probably would have saved myself the DIY trouble. I鈥檓 planning to take an Outpost 6.5 out for a proper test this summer, so stay tuned for a full review.

(from $56,879)

Cube Series launched their pop-up, a few years ago, but this was the first time I鈥檝e seen their new trailer in person. It鈥檚 one of very few on the market, and a super compelling option for anyone who needs their trailer to fit in a garage or just wants an easier towing experience.

Composite and aluminum construction keep the weight down to just 2,730 pounds, so it鈥檚 easily towable behind smaller SUVs and pickups. It comes with 25-gallon fresh and grey water tanks, an 18,000BTU furnace, and a DC-DC charger for charging the battery off your tow rig. Electric actuators lift the roof once you get to camp and give you over 7 feet of headroom inside. I’m hoping to spend some time testing this trailer later this year.

(from $21,449)

This one was a first for me at the show鈥攁 camper trailer specifically designed to be pulled by a UTV or side by side. The founders of spent a lot of time camping around the North Rim of the Grand Canyon out of their side by sides, and grew tired of trying to cram all their gear into the limited cargo space. Their solution was to create a trailer light enough to pull behind their rigs, yet big enough to haul gear and offer a more comfortable place to sleep.

At just 1,100 pounds, these trailers can be pulled behind most UTVs, and the company鈥檚 鈥渨alking beam suspension鈥� allows the little trailers to traverse some seriously gnarly terrain with ease. High Country Unlimited offers , including one with a rooftop tent and one with a Kodiak canvas tent made for a truck bed built in. You can add options like a diesel heater, portable shower system, and more to turn these little trailers into full-on campers capable of going anywhere your side by side will tow them.

(from $109,500)

The Pebble Flow was one of two fully electric travel trailers we saw at Expo this year that were specifically designed to be towed behind an electric vehicle. The Pebble Flow was originally announced back in 2023, and this was the first time we laid eyes (and hands) on one in person. Color us impressed.

The Pebble Flow is a 25-foot travel trailer with a dry weight of 5,800 pounds鈥攚ell within the 11,000-pound towing capacity of a . It differs from its main competitor, the Lightship AE.1 Cosmos, in that it doesn鈥檛 collapse down for driving and has some nifty, automated features like 鈥淩emote Control鈥�, 鈥淢agic Hitch,鈥� and 鈥淚nstaCamp” built in. We didn鈥檛 get to see these in action, but Pebble claims that the trailer will automatically hitch itself to your vehicle and decouple once in camp, can be maneuvered into a campsite via a remote control (without a tow rig attached), and deploy the stairs, stabilizers, and levelers with the push of a button.

There are, of course, built into this thing, like dual motors at the wheels that make towing easier and extend the range of the tow vehicle, regenerative braking, and a high-efficiency heat pump. While we鈥檙e still in the early days of high-tech, electric trailers, I’m excited to see these concept rigs like the Pebble Flow start shipping production units to customers this year.

(not yet available)

Ok, so technically you can鈥檛 buy this rig yet, but it鈥檚 too cool not to be included on this list. At first glance, I assumed this was just a run-of-the-mill Jeep Wrangler with a rooftop tent, but it鈥檚 not. Jeep Performance Parts calls this their 鈥淎RTT鈥� concept. It is a collaboration with Dometic, and is actually an integrated rooftop tent and 270-degree awning housed in an aerodynamic, carbon fiber shell that attaches directly to the roof of the Wrangler without the need for a rack. That saves a ton of weight, and it allows you to access the tent from the inside of the vehicle via the Jeep鈥檚 removable 鈥渇reedom panels.鈥� It鈥檚 pretty cool, and basically turns a Wrangler into a little mini camper without adding tons of weight and ruining the way it drives.

(from $138,000)

This one turned a lot of heads at the show, and it was our first time seeing a Bowlus in person. The Bowlus Rivet is a 25-foot, luxury travel trailer that weighs just 2,800 pounds dry. The company has a pretty interesting history鈥擧awley Bowlus made the first riveted aluminum travel trailer in 1934, which looked a lot like what you see here, but his company went out of business after Walley Byum created a very similar riveted aluminum trailer鈥攖he Airstream.

These days, Bowlus is widely known for building one of the highest quality trailers on the market, and it really shows when you get inside. The base model comes with 4k Wh of battery power (and can be optioned with up to 8k Wh), and 660 watts of solar, so you can literally camp off grid indefinitely without running out of juice. The trailer also features a hydronic heating system with five silent radiators to evenly distribute heat throughout the trailer. We also particularly liked the placement of the door, which allows you to easily load bikes, kayaks and other long, bulky gear into the trailer.

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The post The 6 Coolest Campers and Trailers at Overland Expo West appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Overlanders are arguably the most intense gearheads in the outdoor community. They鈥檙e willing to spend months (if not years) and thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars dialing in their perfect setup. As such, the overland product market is usually a rich place to find new and innovative gear. Some of it is way too specific and not much use to the general public, but a handful of items have a much broader appeal, and that鈥檚 what we鈥檝e rounded up below. Over three days, we scoured dozens of booths at Overland Expo West to find the gear that will help recreational campers enjoy summer camping trips that much more.

Watch: Our Favorite Rig at Overland Expo West

($269)

Air conditioning and adventure rigs have never really gone hand in hand. Usually, the AC units you see sitting atop travel trailers and RVs require a lot of electricity to run, meaning your rig needs to be plugged into a standard, household 120v outlet (or 鈥渟hore power鈥�). Twelve-volt AC units, like the or portable , are capable of running off your rig鈥檚 house battery, but they鈥檙e very expensive and run times are usually limited to a few hours without a massive battery bank. The Transcool E3, on the other hand, can run for up to 157 hours on a 100ah battery. It鈥檚 an Australian-made, portable evaporative cooler that holds a half gallon of water and only weighs 4.2 pounds. While it won鈥檛 cool down an entire rig or room the way a true air conditioner will, it could be the perfect solution for anyone looking to add a little cool air to their rig鈥攅specially since it costs just a fraction of a 12V AC unit.

($3,299)

, which until recently was called , makes these nifty little camper boxes that are meant to be mounted in a truck bed or on a flatbed trailer. At 180 to 190 pounds depending on the size you choose, they’re lightweight and designed to be easily removed from your truck or trailer when not in use. They鈥檙e also very well insulated鈥攖he two-inch, rigid foam walls have an R12-15 rating, which is incredibly high for a camper and means it won鈥檛 take much to heat or cool this thing. You can pick from either a truck mounting or during purchase, or you can simply strap the box down via ratchet straps.

($175)

Camping lanterns have been around forever, but Devos is changing the market with their LightRanger series of lights. The LightRanger 1200 is a USB-C rechargeable LED lantern that puts out 1200 lumens and comes with an adjustable light stand capable of telescoping the lantern up to 9 feet in the air. Raising the lantern that far overhead means it’s capable of lighting up a 60-foot area, and it鈥檒l keep the bugs up above you rather than buzzing around your camp table. It can run for up to 80 hours on its lowest setting (60 lumens), and nearly four hours on max.

(From $30)

We love it when someone finds a problem with an existing product and decides to make it better. Case in point, the Rollercam L Track Kit. The founder of Rollercam got sick of using traditional cam straps on river trips, which become difficult to tighten when friction builds between the cam and webbing. He designed a strap with a brass roller (hence the name Rollercam) integrated into it, which alleviates the friction problem problem and makes it easier to tighten the straps securely. Rollercam鈥檚 latest innovation is the L Track kit, which lets you pair different-length straps that come with L-Track fittings attached to the ends. As a result, you easily secure all sorts of gear to L-track systems commonly used in van builds, trailers, truck beds, and more.

While Koni has a long history in the automotive world, the brand is still somewhat unknown in the overland space. This was Koni鈥檚 first year at Overland Expo West, and they were showing off their current line of shocks along with the new , which is the company鈥檚 first overland-specific shock. The Explorer is a 2-inch aluminum, monotube design that features the brand鈥檚 ACTIVE FSD, or Frequency Selective Damping, technology. Basically, it uses mechanical components to automatically switch between low and high damping forces depending on whether you鈥檙e driving on the highway or off pavement. In other words, these shocks will likely be perfect for the vast majority of overlanders out there.

($549)

It can be a little spooky to drive your overland rig out into the middle of nowhere, set up camp, and just hope that nothing goes wrong. Some people bring firearms for protection, but if that makes you uncomfortable, the Byrna is a great alternative. The device, which looks exactly like a traditional gun, fires less-lethal projectiles that are powered by a CO2 canister. Those projectiles, which are round and not designed to penetrate, come out at 400 feet per-second and will deter most humans and many animals within a 60-foot range. If you want added protection, you can also load the Byrna with rounds that are full of a chemical irritant that sprays out when the projectile makes impact. The CL is not classified as a firearm so you don鈥檛 need a permit or background check, but you do have to be 18 years old to buy one.

($122)

When we first walked up to the Kama booth, we were confused by the product on display but drawn in by the beautiful colors and designs. Owner and founder Rachel Dobronyi explained that what we were looking at were high-quality mats made from a 1000-denier nylon shell and lined with marine-grade foam. These mats spreadsout quickly but also pack up into a tight and easy-to-transport bundle. When we asked about their intended use, she gave us a laundry list. She said people use them as changing mats during ski, surf, and bike days, put them outside their vans as a place to hold their shoes, and even drape them over the back of their truck tailgate so they can transport mountain bikes without scratching any paint. We photographed the medium-sized offering but there鈥檚 also a larger mat that would be great for gatherings in the park, and a smaller version that people can use as a place to sit when backpacking or hunting.

($100)

When you head out camping, there鈥檚 always a question about how to transport and store the little stuff. We鈥檙e talking headlamps, walkie talkies, extra cords, flashlights, etc. The best place, based on lots of experience, is in a headrest bag like this one from Onwrd. With two big storage pockets, it will hold a family鈥檚 worth of headlamps, help you keep your cords organized and tangle-free, and also comes with a padded sunglasses pocket so you have a safe space to store your sunnies overnight. There are other companies out there that make headrest bags, but we think Onwrd’s design is the best because it slips over any headrest on the market via elastic bands and then can be tightened down with straps so it doesn鈥檛 rattle around on rough roads.

($699)

We鈥檝e been going to Overland Expos for a decade now and noticed that there鈥檚 a new trend in the market. Some people still want big campers and plush rooftop tents, but lots of other folks want to keep their camping setup as simple as possible. Enter sleeping platforms like the Hideaway, which slides into the back of your SUV or truck and creates a comfortable but ultra-simple way to sleep in your car when you鈥檙e adventuring off the grid. Similar to an extra-large cot designed for vehicles, the Hideaway come in three sizes (single, double, and XL) and is made in the U.S. from durable materials, including 500-denier cordura fabric for the cover and anodized aluminum for the legs. The legs are also adjustable so you get storage underneath, and when not in use, the Hideaway packs away and roll up into a similarly-sized package as a ground tent.

($400)

The Bugout is a wildly popular model from Benchmade because it鈥檚 the perfect size for everyday carry. At just 4.22 inches when folded up, it fits nicely in your pocket and never interferes when you need to grab your phone or keys. But at a respectable 7.46 inches when open, it鈥檚 enough knife for any everyday task鈥攃utting salami at the campsite, gutting a fish, opening a box, etc. This version of the Bugout recently launched and ups the ante by using a higher quality blade (CPM-S90V stainless steel) and by including the red richlite material on the handle that鈥檚 designed to come away with its own unique patina over time. The Bugout is not the knife you want for a hunting trip, or a survival outing, but you鈥檇 be hard pressed to find a nicer knife for everyday use.

($1,719)

Well-known as the premier bike rack company on the market, 1Up just expanded its offerings with a rack specifically designed for motorcycles. The Moto Rack borrows a similar design from the company鈥檚 original bike racks with two arms that clamp down on the wheels but don鈥檛 rub any of the frame compartments. It also comes with included wheel chocks that fit in the trays and sit snugly against the tires to cut down on wobble. If you want even more security, the rack has a mechanism to hold and tighten down ratchet straps that go over the arms (or any part of the bike) to create one more layer of assurance. Rated to carry motos up to 500 pounds with tires up to seven inches wide, the Moto Rack is not designed for big road motorcycles but instead for dirt and enduro bikes or other smaller, two-wheel motorized devices. An included ramp that pulls out of the tray makes loading and unloading a cinch.

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It鈥檚 going to be harder than ever to pitch your tent inside a national park this summer. Scoring a campsite at our popular parks is difficult during any stretch of warmer months, when parks see a surge in visitation. And the Trump-mandated National Park Service layoffs are adding an extra wrinkle to many summer travel plans. Some park units have had to delay the release of their campground reservations, while others are choosing to keep certain campgrounds closed for the summer due to staffing issues. In other words, if you don鈥檛 already have a reservation for a campsite in a national park,聽you probably aren鈥檛 going to get one.

Have no fear. I鈥檝e been in your shoes multiple times, rolling into national parks in search of a legal spot to pitch my tent, only to be turned away because every campground was fully booked. What I鈥檝e learned over the years is that the campgrounds inside national parks aren鈥檛 the only camping options available. Many of our park units are surrounded by national forest and BLM land, which often offer less crowded campgrounds, many of which are first come/first serve.

The rise of platforms like Hipcamp has resulted in many private landowners welcoming campers to their farms and ranches near parks. So if you鈥檙e hoping to explore some of our popular national parks this summer, you have more camping options than you may聽realize.

I鈥檝e consulted with the folks at Hipcamp, begged for secrets from other adventurers, and compiled some of my own favorite campsites to create this list of the best campgrounds near the most popular national parks in the country.

Yosemite National Park, California

Summer in Yosemite National Park is amazing. The waterfalls, the perfect weather, the picture-perfect granite domes.It’s so incredible that聽it can feel as if聽 all of America has descended on the valley to witness the beauty. All of Yosemite鈥檚 require a reservation during the summer, and those spots are snagged fast. Reservations are being released late this year because of the staffing issues, so there鈥檚 still a chance you could snag a campsite for fall (reservations for September 15 to October 14 are being released on June 15), but if you want to hit Yosemite during the summer, you鈥檒l need to camp elsewhere.

Evergreen Lodge: Groveland, California聽

is a full-on outdoor resort with historic cabins, a general store, onsite adventure guides and a campus full of lawn games like bocce and ping pong. It also has a campground full of brand new for 2025 glamping tents (from $210 a night), each of which comes with full access to the resort amenities, from the salt water swimming pool to the nightly s鈥檓ores around the campfire.聽The best part? It鈥檚 located just one mile from Yosemite鈥檚 less-crowded Hetch Hetchy entrance in the northwest corner of the park. From there, it鈥檚 a little over an hour to Yosemite Valley, but you don鈥檛 have to venture that far to experience the park. Hetch Hetchy is loaded with hikes, lakes, and waterfalls. If you鈥檙e up for an adventure, hike the 13-mile out and back to , which wraps around the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, in the shadow of Hetch Hetchy Dome, before ending at a long series of cascades through a narrow gorge just upstream of the eastern edge of the manmade lake.

on

McCabe Flat Campground, BLM Land聽

The BLM operates three established campgrounds on the Merced River off of Highway 140 near the western edge of Yosemite, all of which are first come first serve. is the best, with just 11 sites and access to a sandy beach and deep swimming hole on the river. Obviously, bring your swimmies and sunscreen.

Yellowstone National Park, Montana

Ah, Yellowstone鈥eysers, wildlife, and some of the most popular (read: hard to book) campgrounds in the entire national park system. Fortunately, Yellowstone is flanked by Custer Gallatin National Forest, which operates 14 campgrounds within 35 miles of the park. Add to that the bevy of privately owned campgrounds in the direct vicinity of Yellowstone, and you have plenty of options for bedding down this summer.

Canyon Campground, Custer Gallatin National Forest聽

Most of the forest service campgrounds near Yellowstone require reservations, which are released six months in advance, so you might have a hard time scoring one of those sites at this point. But has 17 sites (just $10 a night) are first come/first serve, and they sit near the Yellowstone River just 16 miles from the north entrance to the park. It鈥檚 not fancy (there are no showers, no hookups, but many of the sites are surrounded by large boulders, and you can鈥檛 beat the convenience or price. Get there midweek if you want to score a spot.

Camp Steelhead: West Yellowstone, Idaho聽

The privately-owned sits on two acres with three sites tucked into the pines, all of which are RV and van-life friendly. There鈥檚 plenty of space to spread out if you鈥檙e with a group (each site sleeps up to 12), and a trail on an old railroad grade begins on the property that delivers a view of the Buffalo River. The small campground has a porta-potty, water and electrical hookups, and it鈥檚 just 30 minutes to the West Yellowstone Entrance (from $85 a night).

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming聽

Jackson and Grand Teton National Park can feel like a zoo during the summer, particularly if you鈥檙e looking to pitch a tent in the. Reservations fill fast because of the scenery (the campground has loops on the picture-perfect Jenny Lake with the Tetons looming large in the background) as well as the fact that it鈥檚 the only campground in the park that doesn鈥檛 allow RVs and generators, so it鈥檚 a bit quieter. I just checked the availability for Jenny Lake and there鈥檚 exactly one site available on a random Tuesday night in July, so check out these options instead.

Mike Harris Campground, Targhee National Forest聽

Caribou-Targhee National Forest has four campgrounds in the Teton Basin Ranger District, just west of Grand Teton National Park, not to mention miles of dirt roads with established (and free) dispersed campsites to choose from. The wins based on its location: it鈥檚 situated on the Teton Pass, a few miles from Victor, Idaho, and just 22 miles from the Granite Canyon Entrance to the park, near Teton Village, and 20 miles from downtown Jackson. It鈥檚 a small campground, just 12 sites, half of which you can reserve six months in advance, the other half are first come/first serve. I like having some first come/first serve options, especially if you can get there mid-week, but get this; the last time I checked, there are still plenty of reservable sites available throughout the summer. The sites are tucked into a forest of lodgepole pines and Douglas firs with plenty of privacy, and you鈥檒l have access to Trail Creek, which has healthy populations of cutthroat and brook trout. Spots are just $17 a night.

Ranchita Corazon of the Tetons: Teton, Idaho聽

How about boondocking on a two-acre horse farm with an unobstructed view of the Tetons? That鈥檚 what you get when you book with , which has a single spot for RVs and van lifers complete with water and electricity. There鈥檚 even a sauna on the property. The farm sits near the Idaho/Wyoming border, under an hour from the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. Spots start at $70 a night.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park had more than 4 million visitors last year, making it the fifth most visited park in the country. That鈥檚 nothing new, as it has been a perennial favorite for more than a decade. I tried grabbing a campsite at the last minute several years ago, and ended up pitching a tent in a Yogi Bear鈥檚 Jellystone Campground well outside of the park. My kids enjoyed the campground鈥檚 putt putt course, but it wasn鈥檛 the serene campsite I envisioned.

Olive Ridge Campground, Roosevelt National Forest聽

There are plenty of developed RV-friendy campgrounds on the Estes Park side of the park (see my Jellystone story above), but if you鈥檙e looking for a more primitive and serene experience (read: no putt putt courses), head to inside Roosevelt National Forest, near the southeastern corner of the park. The 56 sites (from $29 a night) are surrounded by aspens and ponderosa pines, and half of them are first come/first serve. You鈥檙e close to the Wild Basin area of the park, with fast access to the , an 8.7-mile out and back to a backcountry lake sitting at 10,000 feet at the base of 13,916-foot Mount Meeker. And it鈥檚 just 14 miles south of the main entrance to the park in Estes Park. Take note if you鈥檙e going later in the summer, Olive Ridge is going to close for renovations on August 17 .

Arapaho Valley Ranch: Granby, Colorado聽

Most visitors hit Rocky Mountain from the Estes Park side, but , which has cabins, RV hookups, and tent sites, sits on the quieter western side of the park in Granby, within an hour鈥檚 drive of the Rocky Mountain鈥檚 Kawuneeche Visitor Center. The 100-acre ranch has a small lake for paddling and fishing as well as a slice of the South Fork Colorado River. There鈥檚 a hiking trail onsite that leads to an overlook of the Colorado River headwaters. Tent sites start at $85 a night.

Acadia National Park, Maine

Camping inside of Acadia is more limited than most national parks, as there are only a couple of established campgrounds on Mount Desert Island, the main region of the park that attracts most visitors, and there are no backcountry options for the adventurous. To be honest, there aren鈥檛 a lot of tent camping options outside of the park either, as Acadia is flanked by the Atlantic on one side and mostly privately owned land on the other. Like so many national parks, most of the private campgrounds near Acadia cater mostly to RVs, but we did find this one gem that should be on your radar if you have plans to hit Acadia this summer.

HTR Acadia聽

may as well be inside Acadia National Park, as its 10-acre campus is located on the Somes Sound, which splits Mount Desert Island in half. From HTR, it鈥檚 a 15 minute drive to downtown Bar Harbor, giving you fast access to Acadia highlights like Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, and the . Choose from 25 tent and RV sites starting at $69 a night, some of which are actually on Somes Sound. Cool fact: Somes Sound is the only fjord on the East Coast聽of the U.S. The water reaches depths of 175 feet and the mountains on either side rise 850 feet directly from the water. Bring a kayak or paddle board; private boat docks on the campground allow you to launch into the sound and explore.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: North Carolina and Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains is the most visited park in the country, attracting more than 14 million people in 2024. Booking a site inside the park can feel like winning the lottery, and the odds of winning decreased significantly this summer as the park is not opening several of their campgrounds due to a lack of staffing. The good news? The camping options just beyond the park鈥檚 borders might be even better than what you find inside the park.

Tsali Recreation Area, Nantahala National Forest聽

The 42-site campground at isn鈥檛 fancy (no glamping tents here), but you can鈥檛 beat the location. It sits on the shores of Lake Fontana, which forms the southwestern border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From Tsali, you鈥檙e a 15 minute drive from Bryson City, one of the park鈥檚 more laid-back gateway towns, where you can hit the trails of the area of the park, which is known for its waterfalls. This is one of my go-to campgrounds because it鈥檚 just over an hour from my home and has direct access to 30 miles of mountain bike trails in Nantahala National Forest, as well as Lake Fontana, which is one of my favorite places to paddle in search of rope swings. So bring your kayak or SUP and mountain bike. Spots are $20 a night.

Smoky Mountains Mangalitsa River Ranch: Waynesville, North Carolina聽

Choose your level of comfort at , a 95-acre farm (complete with horses and pigs!) near Waynesville, NC, on the eastern edge of Great Smoky Mountains. The ranch has cabins, glamping tents on platforms overlooking the river, and 10 primitive tent sites that either offer mountain views or river access. Bring your fly rod, becausePigeon River runs through the property. There鈥檚 even a fresh spring providing drinking water. Mangalitsa River Ranch is an hour from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, where you can see elk gather in the meadows most evenings. You鈥檙e聽even closer to the Big Creek Area of the park (about 30 minutes) where you can hike Mount Sterling Trail, a 5.3-mile out and back that ends at a historic fire lookout above 5,000 feet in elevation.

Graham Averill is 国产吃瓜黑料 magazine鈥檚 national parks columnist. He鈥檚 found himself inside a national park without a campsite on too many occasions, some times with small children and a disappointed wife in tow. He recently wrote about his love for Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the perfect sleeping platform that allows you to camp in the back of your car.聽聽

The post The Best Alternatives to Crowded National Park Campgrounds appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

Overland Expo West is always full of amazing adventure rigs, and this year the buzz was around electric vehicles. This was the first time we saw not just one, but two fully-electric trailers. It was exciting to see brands take the technology that鈥檚 been proven in electric cars and find clever ways to bring it into overlanding, and the R&D that went into these products will likely trickle down throughout the overland market.

Lightship AE.1 Cosmos Edition ()

Our favorite build of the show was the Lightship AE.1 Cosmos Edition. The Cosmos is the premier offering from Lightship, featuring its own electric batteries that power the trailer wheels. That means that when you鈥檙e towing the Cosmos behind your electric SUV, you鈥檒l have zero (or very little) range loss and not have to worry that the trailer weight is going to bog you down and leave you stranded. The trailer also has 1,800 watts of rooftop solar panels that help its batteries stay topped off. Inside, it鈥檚 one of the roomiest camping trailers we鈥檝e ever toured, with a huge space for hosting meals, an ample bedroom, a slick kitchen, and a well-featured bathroom.

The post Watch: Our Favorite Rig From Overland Expo West 2025 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

I was flummoxed, frustrated, and frantic.

It was the spring of 2024, and like millions of Americans, I was searching for a campsite 聽ahead of Memorial Day Weekend. I opened several dozen web browser windows on my laptop and pinged between websites like Recreation.gov, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, a regional RV resort finder, and yes, even Google Maps. If only there was an easier way to do this,聽I thought.

Memories of my campground folly came to mind during a recent call with 聽the founder and CEO of Hipcamp, an online campground reservation website. This Tuesday, May 20, Hipcamp launched the solution I so desperately needed: the company’s new smartphone app, which tracks more than half a million campsites

“I think we’ve built the best tool for finding and booking campsites that has ever existed,” Ravasio told 国产吃瓜黑料“Before this, there wasn’t one platform that had them all.”

The Big News

For 2025 has expanded its reach to 565,000 total campsites on its mobile app and website. This represents a two-fold expansion for sites available on Hipcamp.com, and five-fold growth for campsite inventory on the Hipcamp mobile application.

Yep鈥攏o more scrolling between browser windows. It’s all in one place now.

Hipcamp accomplished this massive expansion by adding thousands of RV parks, camping resorts, and off-the-beaten-path private campgrounds to its existing inventory of public and private campgrounds. According to data provided by the company, Hipcamp added 250,000 private campsites and 50,000 public ones in its latest expansion.

It’s as if you combined Airbnb, VRBO, and Hotels.com into one website and smartphone app.

“From National Parks to land trusts to blueberry farms,” Ravasio said.

You can’t book all of these campgrounds directly through the app鈥攆or some, clicking on the campground icon will take you to a booking website (such as Recreation.gov campsites).

But crucial information like real-time date availability, location, and even campground infrastructure is displayed.

“Camping has been a fragmented industry and it has made campsite research extremely hard,” Ravasio shared.聽 “We set out to become the one-stop destination for finding campsites, and it took longer than I anticipated.”

How the App Works

I recently watched Travis Green, the company’s head of product, demo the new app, and it’s very similar to the old model. You plug in your region, dates, and type of campsite (tent, RV, glamping) and then add any amenities (pet-friendly, shower, hot tub, etc) and the Hipcamp app pulls up a scrollable map with various campsites and prices on it.

As I watched the demo, I marveled at the dozens of campground pins that popped up in just one section of California near Yosemite National Park.

“Previously you’d see a lot fewer pins on the map,” Green said. “Now we show you everything.”

Another new amenity: Hipcamp shows campsite availability data on public campgrounds from Recreation.gov and from state agencies that manage campgrounds. Previously these campgrounds would appear on the app, but you had to click through to the other websites to see whether or not they were booked.

You still have to click through to Recreation.gov or to state agencies to book some public campgrounds.

A Goal to Make Camping Easier

The release marks a major milestone in the company’s history. Ravasio founded Hipcamp in 2013 after seeing the need for a platform that aggregates campground availability. By the end of Hipcamp’s first calendar year, it had 2,000 campsites under its umbrella.

“I was like, ‘wait, why is it so much easier to find a hotel room than a campsite?'” Ravasio said. “The outdoors deserves modern high-quality tools that improve the user experience.”

In 2019, the company scored a major victory when the federal government, through its contractor Booz Allen Hamilton, agreed to share data with 100,000 campsites from Recreation.gov, the national booking website.

Ravasio believes the recent expansion comes at a critical time for American campers. Budget cuts to the National Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management has left millions wondering if campsites will receive the regular service and maintenance they typically get during the busy spring and summer months.

Public campgrounds often fill up well in advance of busy holiday weekends. The new app聽may help campers locate private campgrounds that sometimes fall through the cracks.

“We’re hoping that by unifying all of the campsites, this tool gives campers the ability to spread out and find places they didn’t know about before,” Ravasio said. “Public land is the backbone of outdoor recreation. But these mom and pop campsites鈥攚e’re so excited to give them a chance to connect with campers.”

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Summer is right around the corner, so here are two ways to ensure it鈥檚 the best one yet.

1. Kick off summer with the , May 31 and June 1 in Denver, Colorado. The event blends music, film, keynote speakers, outdoor brands, and great food in the ultimate celebration of adventure. Last year鈥檚 inaugural event drew nearly 20,000 people, and the festival will be even bigger and better this year, with Khruangbin and Lord Heron leading the musical lineup and legends like Diana Nyad and Alex Honnold headlining the speaker series.

2. Spend more time outside. Warm weather and long days serve up the perfect conditions for camping, hiking, paddling, and more. Make summer鈥檚 precious days count by putting more adventures on the calendar and equipping yourself with the best gear.

Below are ten products guaranteed to upgrade the season. They鈥檒l help you sleep more comfortably outdoors, elevate your camp cooking with family and friends, and maximize fun on the water. Gear up and get out there.

Camp

REI Co-op Campwell 6 Tent

Got a big crew? Get a big tent. This cabin-style tent sleeps six comfortably with a spacious interior and elevated peak height (over five feet), so everyone can spread out and relax. Clear night? Roll back the fly and enjoy stargazing through the full mesh ceiling. It鈥檚 the perfect summer home for adventure-loving families and friends.

Exped MegaMat Sleeping Pad

When it comes to sleeping well outdoors, a key consideration is what you put between you and the ground. For a solid night鈥檚 rest, you want a pad that鈥檚 thick for maximum cushion and insulated for warmth. The MegaMat delivers and then some. It offers four luxurious inches of cushion, enough insulation for winter weather when paired with a winter bag, and easy inflation/deflation. Bonus: The surface fabric is soft against skin and made with 100% recycled material.

REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag

If you鈥檝e ever felt cramped by a too-narrow mummy bag, get ready for a revelation: The relaxed rectangular fit of this cozy sleeping bag offers plenty of roll-around room for a comfortable night鈥檚 sleep. The 20-degree temperature rating can handle the chillier side of mountain summers, and the two-way zipper lets you open the bag completely or even turn it into a quilt in warmer weather.

Hest Camp Pillow

They may look similar, but not all camp pillows are created equal. This one stands apart for its ultracomfortable memory foam, dirt- and water-resistant fabric, and removable/washable cover. Take it everywhere this summer, from camping to meadow napping to festival lounging.

Cook

AeroPress XL Coffee Press

If camp coffee鈥�good camp coffee鈥攊s one of your nonnegotiables, get the XL Coffee Press from AeroPress. It can brew up to six shots of espresso or two cups of coffee at a time, keeping you on your morning game. To brew, just add your coffee grounds and water, then stir and press. It鈥檚 that simple.

REI Co-op Graphic Camp Mug

What鈥檚 a pot of coffee without a mug to match? The REI Co-op Graphic Camp Mug is made of high-quality stainless steel, features an easy-sipping lid, and is double insulated to keep your drinks hot (or cold). Plus, you can match it to your personal style with a choice of eight colors and designs.

YETI Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler

This cooler is as close as it gets to summer on wheels. It chills up to 76 cans of your favorite beverage, and the PermaFrost insulation can keep ice frozen for days. But this is a Yeti cooler, so top-notch insulation is just the start. The whole thing is tank tough, and the NeverFlat wheels and telescoping handle make it easy to maneuver through festival crowds and over rough terrain.

Lodge Deep Camp Dutch Oven

Nothing says summer like cooking over a campfire. This cast-iron beauty is the way to do it for soups, stews, meats, and more. The deep eight-quart Dutch oven is preseasoned using a hot industrial oven so the oil is baked in, making it hand-me-down durable. That and the cast iron鈥檚 even heat distribution make the Deep Camp Dutch Oven a welcome addition to any camp kitchen.

Float

Bote Breeze Aero Bloom Inflatable Paddleboard with Paddle

Get on the water this summer with a limited-edition paddleboard from Bote. The Breeze Aero Bloom is inflatable and lightweight (just 20 pounds), so it鈥檚 easy to pack on road trips. Eco bonus: The deck pad is made with an environmentally friendly material sourced from harmful algae, removing it from the environment and returning clean water to the ecosystem.

Bote Highwater Hitchhiker

Whatever kind of paddling or boating you do, keep your valuables dry with the hip-pack-size Bote Highwater Hitchhiker. The TRU Zip zipper is fully waterproof, dustproof, airtight, and submersible, so you can focus on the water fun, not the risk of getting your stuff wet.

is the nation鈥檚 largest consumer co-op, with a growing community of 24 million members who expect and love the best-quality gear and outstanding customer service. The co-op is a purpose-driven and values-led company dedicated to enabling life outside for all.

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Thanks to instant coffee, which has been commercially available since the late 1930s, saving weight in the backcountry and still getting zooted on caffeine is not new. When I started raft guiding a century ago in the late 鈥�90s, we used to mix up heaping spoonfuls of Folgers with General Foods International Coffees Suisse Mocha and Orange Cappuccino powders to get fired up in the morning. We called this our 鈥渃oncoction,鈥� and while it was efficient, it tasted horrible and put every guide who drank it in immediate gastric distress.

So while instant coffee鈥攁nd its usefulness to weight and time-conscious outdoor enthusiasts鈥攊s not new, we are experiencing a relatively new phenomenon of super delicious premium instant coffees. These can please a genuine snob and will not necessarily send you directly to a porta potty or cathole once ingested. We tested 24 different instant coffee varieties to bring you our favorites so you can maximize your enjoyment without having to sacrifice ounces.

Watch: The Instant Coffee Winners

Best Instant Coffee Blends

Generally speaking, blends are more approachable and less bold. If you like to put cream or sweetener in your coffee, I would suggest opting for one of these blends.

Doma Deep Instant Craft Coffee

• Weight: 7 g
• Tasters鈥� Rating: 7/10

The first word testers used to describe the flavor profile of this special edition blend from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was 鈥渂ig.鈥� The boldness of this blend was matched with well rounded sweetness. 鈥淚t is so caramel-y I almost get butterscotch, and then the finish is like cherry juice,鈥� said Case. 鈥淚t is more three dimensional than some of the other blends.鈥� The Doma Deep Instant manages to be extremely drinkable while also having, well, depth at the same time. I found it to be a killer start to the earliest mornings thanks to its inviting sweetness.

Swift Coffee Mainstay

• Weight: 6 g
• Tasters鈥� Rating: 7/10

Swift has their own instant offerings, but it鈥檚 also the instant coffee manufacturer that independent roasters like Doma, Case, and Verve use to make their instant coffees. It is not a surprise that they have so many winners on this list鈥攖hey have their hands in most of the best instant coffees available to us. Their Mainstay Blend features flavors that were the most pleasantly integrated of the coffees that we tasted. 鈥淚 like the balance of it,鈥� Case said. 鈥淭here is no sharp acidity, but it has sweetness and is a little bitter, which is what I want in instant coffee.鈥� Testers noted that what the Mainstay Blend may have lacked in subtle notes, it made up for in a lovely even mouth feel.

Verve Wilder

• Weight: 6 g
• Tasters鈥� Rating: 7/10

I was thankful that we performed the cupping blind when testers described this blend as 鈥渨ild.鈥� The fact that testers used the same adjective the name uses to describe the blend鈥檚 fruitiness followed by a little bit of wildflower notes at the end proved that the Santa Cruz roaster absolutely nailed it. 鈥淭his one’s really juicy,鈥� Case said. I found that juiciness to be delightful and refreshing as an afternoon cup, and, hot or cold, this will be the blend I bring for trips with long days when I need a late pick-me-up.

Case Epiphany

• Weight: 7 g
• Tasters鈥� Rating: 6/10

Case made this list even though testers gave it a six because it was my personal favorite and, frankly, I wanted to reward my local coffee shop for being honest enough to give their own blend a number below its competitors. Coffee taste is subjective, and this super-rich and caramel-forward blend is extremely drinkable and reminds me of working from the coffee shop down the street from my house. That nostalgia is what put it on this list for me, personally. When asked about giving his own blend a score of six on a blind test, Case felt great about it. 鈥淲e aimed to make a chuggable blend, and I do think it absolutely is that,鈥� Case said.

Best Single Origins Instant Coffee

A single-origin coffee comes from one bean that delivers an extremely unique and often bold flavor. With a single-origin coffee, roasters are really married to the taste of an individual bean because they can鈥檛 blend it with others.

Swift Burundi Heza

• Weight: 6 g
• Tasters鈥� Rating: 8/10

The depth of flavor on this single-origin coffee was off the charts and a clear standout for the connoisseurs. 鈥淚t has acidity, but is also so savory,鈥� said Case. Testers caught notes of berries on the front with a savory finish that delighted those who enjoy a flavor profile with a lot going on.

Swift Brazil – Cerrado

• Weight: 7 g
• Tasters鈥� Rating: 8/10

One taster who traditionally does not like the taste profile of single-origin coffees from Brazil was surprised that this one proved one of his favorites during the blind test. 鈥淭his is much more fruity than other light coffees here,鈥� said Case. Tasters noted a distinct creaminess in this single origin instant from Swift which was offset by a pleasant sharpness on the front that smoothed out in the end. Swift says it can hold up to cream, but after testing it with oat as well as cow鈥檚 milk, I found it to be significantly better on its own.

Canyon Instant Coffee

• Weight: 6 g
• Tasters鈥� Rating: 8/10

The acidity in this coffee was lemon or lime like on the front but offered a sweetness that balanced out the intensity. 鈥淒efinitely fruit forward,鈥� Case said after slurping a spoonful of this Ethiopian. The liveliness of this coffee was really enjoyable as a wake up in the dark hours of the morning and was also a great refresher after lunch. My personal preference was to drink a cup after a big daytime meal to stave off a siesta thanks to its brightness.

Tandem Coffee Roasters Danche

• Weight: 7 g
• Tasters鈥� Rating: 7/10

The Danche from this Portland, Maine鈥揵ased roaster delivered a more acidic taste than the other Ethiopian blends (that dominated this test). While the Danche still offered enough balance between acidity and sweetness to remain enjoyable, the extra kick made it stand out from the other 24 coffees and drink more like a traditionally brewed cup. 鈥淚’m tasting lots of acid. It’s really nice to have this contrast in the table for sure. It really tastes less like an instant coffee,鈥� Case said.

The Instant Coffee Test

I started by trying to find the newest offerings of instant coffees from brands that I have tried in the past. While I haven鈥檛 ever performed a head-to-head instant coffee evaluation before, I have, by my estimation, tested more than a dozen different instant coffees for one-off review consideration for 国产吃瓜黑料.

I scoured the internet for best instant coffee reviews and took note of which brands received the highest marks. I reached out to those brands and received hundreds of servings of instant coffees. For ten weeks, I only drank instant coffee when making coffee for myself at home, making notes on the flavor and user experience. (I work from home and drink a minimum of two cups of coffee a day, so I had ample opportunity to get through the lot.) I also weighed a single serving of each of the coffees in their packaging on my kitchen scale to give an accurate idea of how many grams you are adding to your pack per serving.

I then took 24 of the coffees I tested to my satellite office, in Ashland, Oregon. Local award-winning roaster and coffee shop owner Tim Case helped me set up the last part of the test, which was a proper cupping of all 24 of the instant coffees we tested. Case and his team of two seasoned roasters poured eight ounces of water that was right around 170 degrees (as per the brewing instructions of the instant coffees) and stirred them up. We tasted them blind, waiting until the coffees cooled enough that the heat wouldn鈥檛 overload our palettes. We gave each one an individual score out of one to ten and took tasting notes. It is worth noting that coffee is pretty subjective, so we did our best to make sure the top picks would make everyone happy.

The instant coffees listed here made our final list because they taste as close to the coffee you can make at home with a pour-over or french press. While they would probably lose in a taste test to a properly brewed version of themselves, any coffee on this list tastes better than a traditionally brewed mainstream coffee like a Folgers.

More Gear Reviews

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The Best Sleeping Bags for Car Campers
The Best Backpacks, Duffels, and Roller Bags for 国产吃瓜黑料 Travel

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