After a tiring week at work, with the weekend joyfully looming ahead of me, I often find myself fantasizing about a short sweet getaway! Just a few days away from my hectic life, and this hectic world, in a bubble of my own, where all my worries are nowhere to be seen. The pandemic may restrict my actual traveling plans, but it definitely cannot restrict my daydreams about vacations! Jetsetting on a flight may not be a practical option right now, but I do think Camping is a plausible plan. There’s nothing more comforting or exciting than lounging about in a cozy camper while you explore the countryside. You never feel out of place, because these little campers manage to feel like a home on wheels! Fill it up with your dear belongings, and it’s your home away from home. Not to mention the camper designs today are super innovative and inventive! These resourceful campers manage to cater to almost all of our needs, solving various problems, and turning our camping experience into a fulfilling and comfortable one.
1. The GO Camper
The GO Camper is a towable, lightweight camper that can attach to vehicles of any size, even a Mini Coop.
Why is it noteworthy?
SylvanSport, a USA-based, outdoor adventure goods company, developed their GO Camper to brace all elements while also providing an accessible and versatile living space while getting off the grid for a bit. Described by National Geographic Adventure as the “Coolest. Camper. Ever,” the GO Camper is a super lightweight, towable pop-up tent camper that can accommodate up to four people.
What we like
- Can be attached to vehicles of all sizes, even the tiny Mini Cooper
- An equipment rack provides extra space to keep all the accessory equipment that will make maximize any camping trip adventure
What we dislike
- No complaints!
2. The Lagom series
The pop-topper camper market is growing at a good pace as adventure junkies like the core idea of this clever design. Colorado-based Rossmönster Overland impressed hardcore travelers with the Ford F-150-based Baja and now they’ve set the stakes high with the Lagom Series.
Why is it noteworthy?
The go-anywhere camper has plenty of space and the silver lining is its floor-to-ceiling transparent panels for uninterrupted panoramic views to experience nature like never before. This luxury comes courtesy of the aluminum walls of the Lagom topper which folds down flat when in the driving mode. When it reaches the campsite, this setup can be deployed in mere seconds.
What we like
- The occupants have a bed-to-ceiling view that most campers will appreciate
- If you’re skeptical about privacy, the topper comes with window covers
What we dislike
- No complaints!
3. The Campervan Raptor XC
This ingenious expandable camper comes with a slide-out expansion option right above where the lift-up tailgate galley would be. This turns the compact teardrop into a full-sized caravan to accommodate a family of four. When completely expanded the camper makes enough room for a master bedroom, indoor kitchen, wet bathroom, and a sizeable dining area. So, we are talking of the best of both worlds – the compact footprint of a teardrop trailer and the airy layout of a large caravan!
Why is it noteworthy?
Demand for camper trailers is skyrocketing lately, as more and more people are fancying adventurous life on the road for a fortnight or even for life. This has had a surge in the number of camper trailers in production as makers try to fulfill the unique set of demands of customers who won’t settle for anything ordinary. The Campervan Raptor XC teardrop camper by Hunter Nature is another prime example of a rugged camper that has plenty of room thanks to its ingenious design.
What we like
- Loaded with BFGoodrich all-terrain tires in alloy wheels, and an independent suspension system to ensure a smooth ride.
- 160-W solar panels on top
What we dislike
- Made to be towed with a Land Rover Defender or Toyota Land Cruiser – which can be limiting
4. The Space X Air trailer
The Space X Air trailer is Australia’s first automatic opening, stabilizing, and inflating off-road camper for the ultimate glamping experience.
Why is it noteworthy?
Delivering one way for campers to enjoy the great outdoors with a bit of glamour, the Space X Air from Mars Campers is Australia’s first automatic opening, stabilizing, and inflating off-road camper. Attachable as a flatbed trailer, Space X Air self-inflates with the push of a button to reveal a spacious, integrated living space.
What we like
- The designers at Mars Campers were sure to include two 100L water tanks, a portable toilet
- Features a 200W portable solar panel
What we dislike
- No complaints!
5. The Maku trailer
The Maku trailer is a lightweight, multi-use camper that’s currently being used as a mobile radio station to capture the sounds of nature throughout Japan.
Why is it noteworthy?
Calling it the Maku trailer, Kuma’s mobile trailer finds durability through an aluminum frame that’s draped in layers of PTFE membrane for protection against the elements. Kuma also incorporated a transparent glass fiber insulation mat that’s positioned in between two membrane layers. The fiber insulation mat allows for year-round adaptability against extreme weather and temperatures.
What we like
- The Maku trailer glows like a warm lantern at night when interior lighting is turned on
- Traveling through Japan, those residing inside the Maku trailer will collect the sounds of nature to stream them from anywhere
What we dislike
- No complaints!
6. The Mini Pop Bee Active Gear
Mystic has outfitted this camper for off-road rides in a delightfully compact form factor that should not leave you wanting even if you have to extend the road trip for some reason. Despite sharing traits, the Mini Pop Bee Active Gear has a more integrated design than other similar truck campers on the market; it offers access from the rear door, and is aptly sized to accommodate up to four people. This is done comfortably by converting the small cabin into a bedroom and pop-up roof providing more space to sleep additional travelers in the flip-up bed.
Why is it noteworthy?
Camping in the wild is an experience none of us adventurers can resist. Therefore, the vehicle for our adventures should have the competence to negotiate rough terrains and present a glamping- esque experience. The Mini Pop Bee Active Gear based on the truck variant of the Daihatsu Hijet ticks all the boxes. Available in a 4-wheel drive model, the truck camper is fitted with rough terrain tires and suspension to bear the brunt.
What we like
- Affordably priced
- Option between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive models
What we dislike
- Old fashioned aesthetics
- No integrated stove in the kitchenette. You need to carry your own portable stove.
7. The Project Rhino
Whether we have an apocalypse or live in a dystopian future, owning a rugged house on wheels could be crucial when it comes to survival in uncertain times. The Project Rhino designed by Krug Expedition with the Mercedes Actros as the base is one such rugged off-road vehicle made for the toughest of adventures.
Why is it noteworthy?
The tough explorer carries the purpose of promoting sustainable tourism and a strong statement toward anti-poaching drives. Based in Ukraine, the company has been working on developing lightweight and highly functional off-road motorhomes. The 231 hp inline-four Atego has already got the air-sprung driver and front passenger seats (with lumbar support), fold-away seat, internal heating and cruise control too which come in handy for building the tough off-roader.
What we like
- Helps support rhinoceros and other wildlife anti-poaching efforts
- The intention is to donate a part of the proceeds from each sale or rental to the conservation efforts
What we dislike
- No complaints!
8. The Bailey Discovery D4-2 Camper Trailer
The Bailey Discovery D4-2 Camper Trailer is one such creation, tailored for adventure enthusiasts who can’t help but satiate their wanderlust – exploring the untrodden trails. The USP of this camper trailer is its inflatable awning which creates almost double the private space you need for your escapades under the star-studded nights.
Why is it noteworthy?
On the inside, D4-2 is equipped with all the amenities and a fully furnished interior. Enough to suffice the needs of a couple on their long road trip – with the odd guest coming along the way for a couple of days. The big windows on all sides and the skylight fills the interiors with enough sunlight for a calming feel. The lounge area includes two couches and a fold-down table. In the kitchen, you’ll get an oven/grill combo appliance, a drop-down worktop extension, and a sink. On the opposite side, there is a mini-fridge with space underneath to store food and beverages. You also get the convenience of a shoes and clothes closet along with a separate area for cabinet storage. Of course, there is a good-sized bathroom too!
What we like
- Feels like a separate space
- Made from weather-resistant fabric
What we dislike
- The attached sleeping tent is optional
9. Ford Transit PHEV Eco Evolution
The Ford Transit Custom PHEV is the midsize van well suited for camper conversions – as Dethleffs and Wellhouse Leisure have shown in the past. Now Campervan Co, known for its hybrid camper vans, gives outdoorsy people enough reason to explore their world with Ford Transit PHEV Eco Evolution.
Why is it noteworthy?
While on the outside the camper van looks like any the Ford Transit, on the inside it has all that’s required for a comfy life on the road. The customized camper gets powerful solar panels installed on the roof, generating around 1,000 watts of zero-emission power on a good sunny day. The fold-out solar panels can charge the Eco Evolution’s 3,000-watt Clayton Power leisure battery while it’s rolling on the road. This onboard battery is employed to power the modular kitchen, lighting system, and induction stovetop for living comfortably off the grid.
What we like
- The well-illuminated interiors will not make you feel bogged up at any time – especially during extended camping or road trips
- The removable kitchen modules give the occupants option to save space and improve the mileage when the Ford Transit will be used for daily commuting
What we dislike
- No complaints!
10. Romotow
Camping and caravanning have always been about getting down to the bare necessities of life, living life on the road and at the mercy of the elements. However, New Zealand-based design and architecture firm W2, has decided to help amp up the experience! Their revolutionary trailer design, ‘Romotow’, the name an amalgamation of ‘room to move’ contains all the usual RV features but with an innovative 90-degree twist.
Why is it noteworthy?
With the press of a simple electric button, it swivels open, rotating at 90 degrees, to reveal an open synthetic teak deck. With this, it increases the living space by 70 percent, and the area can also be used as a party deck! Measuring 30 feet by 8.5 feet and offering 290 square feet of living space (the same as a lot of tiny apartments these days), the caravan comes along with a living area, bedroom, kitchenette, and bathroom, all with stylish fixtures and spacious interiors.
What we like
- Designed with lightweight materials and supported by calculated aerodynamics
- Equipped with solar panels
What we dislike
- No complaints!
