You're about to make a significant investment in your Tacoma's functionality, and choosing the right camper shell can transform your truck from a basic hauler into a versatile adventure machine. Whether you're planning weekend camping trips or need secure storage for work gear, the shell you select will impact everything from fuel efficiency to cargo protection. There's more to this decision than just matching your truck's color – you'll need to weigh the pros and cons of different materials, consider numerous height options, and evaluate security features that protect your valuables. Let's investigate how to make this important choice that'll affect your Tacoma's utility for years to come.

I dream of having a dedicated off-roader, an overlapping vehicle that I can take anywhere and not have to worry about dents or scratches messing up my everyday car. This is an aspiration for a lot of guys and while it would be easy to say "just go buy a Landcruiser", most of us don't have that kind of money to plunk down on a weekend getaway vehicle. So, if you're looking for the perfect used SUV for your overlanding adventures it can be a real headache. Trust me, I know the struggle of searching for something that fits the budget, can be upgraded easily, has the right specs and won't leave you stranded. In my quest, I've looked at vehicles like the Toyota 4Runner and even an old Jeep Grand Cherokee since they're built to handle rough terrain and you can find used ones for not that much money compared to buying new. However, with something like this it's not about buying a car it's more about purchasing a platform that can be easily modified and upgraded to serve your specific needs as a camping and overlanding vehicle.

When most people think of visiting Santa Barbara, the image of a resort on the beach or something downtown within walking distance to the "Urban Wine Trail" comes to mind. We did things a bit different though and spent some time getting back to nature and relaxing in style at the El Capitan Canyon located about 20 minutes west of Santa Barbara and directly across the highway from el Capitan State Beach Park.

A few years ago I had the opportunity to go rafting in Vermont and I had a blast. Whitewater rafting is a perfect opportunity for male bonding as it requires strength, balance, wits, intelligence, and courage. Most of all, it requires teamwork and leadership or else your whole group is going to tip over or worse. The idea of becoming a rafting guide is certainly appealing when you consider they get to do something awesome every day and meet some cool people, but what does it take to become one? Are you ready to become a whitewater rafting guide?

We are all clearly waiting eagerly for the as of yet unannounced "Ranger Raptor" to arrive but those of us in the United States will just have to keep waiting. In the meantime though, Ford continues to offer factory-built off-road options that bring us closer to that ultimate eventuality. With their latest update for the 2021 Ranger they are introducing the Tremor Off-Road Package complete with off-road tuned FOX shocks, Grabber all-terrain tires, a wider stance, and connections designed to make adding off-road accessories even easier. Only yeah and plenty of decals and cosmetic updates to make sure everyone knows that you are driving a Ranger Tremor!

Conventionally you might think about hiking or using Jeep trails to go explore the history of the wild west mining boomtowns. However, Virginia City, Nevada has a bunch of bike trails that you can take to explore the history of what was once a vibrant mining town and today is one of the top places anywhere in the world to go explore an authentic wild west town that somehow manages to be family-friendly despite it's rough and tumble appearance.

The California desert is a weird and wonderful place full of mystical energy and people drawn there by it. That's why it makes such an amazing place to explore since there are stories and places that seem almost too weird to be true. One of these that I heard about earlier this year is simply known as Giant Rock. As you can imagine, it is indeed a giant rock out in the middle of the desert but over the decades it also served as a gathering point for UFO conventions, a guy even lived below it (before blowing himself up), and before that it was considered a sacred site by the indians inhabiting the area. It is also a great trail for beginners looking to get familiarized with off road driving since it's only three miles long and you'll have cell phone reception the entire time... but you feel like you entered a whole different world when you get there.

I’ve been a Jeep Wrangler owner for years, and I wouldn’t trade the vehicle for anything; It’s just too much fun. My love affair with Jeep began with the growth of my family. I wanted something fun to drive like a convertible, but I also found myself with the need to be able to transport three kids and a wife. Enter the Jeep Wrangler. It ticked all of the boxes and more. It was a convertible that could go anywhere and fit the family. Perfect….Sorta.

For enthusiasts who crave soul-stirring, legendary off-road performance and a new level of on-road performance, Jeep® introduces the V-8-powered 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392.

Summer camp is a fun and exciting experience for kids. It's an opportunity to make new friends, explore the outdoors, and try lots of cool activities. But with all that excitement comes responsibility - parents need to share helpful advice on having a safe and enjoyable time at summer camp to make the experience a positive one. From packing wisely to looking out for fellow campers, here are some vital tips every parent should pass along before their child heads off to camp this summer.

If you are looking for a badass off-road camper trailer, you can't get much better than this. While we suppose that "any camper" can be an off road camper if you go slow enough and avoid anything challenging, these bad boys are designed to literally go anywhere.  Plus they are designed to still carry all your gear - including firewood storage, bike racks, even a hot outdoor shower.

Polaris Off, the leader in off-road vehicle innovation, today unleashed two show-stopping limited edition offerings in partnership with iconic motocross, mountain bike and action sports brand Troy Lee Designs (TLD) - the 2023 Polaris RZR Pro R Troy Lee Designs Edition and matching RZR 200 EFI Troy Lee Designs Edition. While the RZR 200 EFI Troy Lee Designs Edition marks Polaris’ first ever limited edition RZR 200, both limited edition models carry the vivid, race-inspired design aesthetic that has become the calling card for TLD for nearly 40 years.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe is a vehicle of compromise offering iconic off-road prowess, interior comfort, and the torque of a V8 with the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The 2.0-liter four-cylinder PHEV drivetrain provides a combined 375 horsepower and an impressive 470 lb.-ft of torque, with a max towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. In addition to offering 21 miles of all-electric range and 370 miles of total range. Moreover, while running on hybrid gas-electric power, Jeep states the Wrangler 4xe MPG can achieve an impressive 49 miles per gallon/kilowatt.

The last time I rode in a Jeep Wrangler was during college, it was a beast of a car - cramped, bouncy, and generally closer to a tool than an enjoyable experience. That's all changed, but the Jeep Wrangler is still as capable as ever and that's a very good thing! Thank you Jeep for letting me borrow this amazing car for an adventure I won't be able to ever forget.

It's no secret that the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 is my absolute favorite off road truck right now. This truck is the Goldilocks of trucks designed for off road adventurers looking for a an OEM experience that can deliver style and performance as well as still performing well on-road as well as off. Our previous adventure with the ZR2 though ended up getting preempted by a freak snowstorm as we were traveling through the mojave desert. This time though would be different. Instead of freezing temperatures in the mountains, we were braving 120+ temperatures at near sea level near Ocotillo,  California. In retrospect, a jet black truck in the bright sun with those temperatures might not have been the best idea. Luckily this was more than just an ordinary truck and it stayed nice and cool with the AC blasting!

Chevrolet continues to crank out iterations of my favorite truck, the Colorado ZR2 and this time they've taken it to the next level. The Colorado ZR2 Bison is everything that the normal ZR2 is - but more rugged. For those of you who might not have thought it was tough enough, don't worry - it's now got steel bumpers, boron-steel skid plates, winch provisions on the front bumper and integrated fog lights. This was a partnership with AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) and while the normal ZR2 is a jack of all trades this is clearly for the overlander market. And those who just simply want a badass looking truck right off the dealer lot with a manufacturers warranty!

While most people are eagerly awaiting the launch of availability of the full-sized Bronco, the Bronco Sport is earning a special place in my heart. Initially I joined the chorus calling it the "baby Bronco" because it appeared to be a vehicle simply riding on it's big brother's legendary branding. After putting it through it's paces though and talking with Bronco Sport owners, I'm convinced that this may be the perfect off roader for all but the most die-hard and technically skilled adventurers.

Ever dream of sleeping under the Northern Lights? Unfortunately that will never be a possibility for most of us since it is DAMN COLD. Even with someone to snuggle up with, it's something that hasn't been a reality until recently because it requires organization and planning. We love what Off the Map Travel is offering now with their Aurora Bubble Sleds!

When you travel in the US, there are typically two options - hotels and camping. In other parts of the world, campervans are a popular option but until recently they haven't really been embraced in the United States. Luckily, that's changing as it offers a very cool alternative for those looking for a "back to nature" experience but still want to retain the warmth of comfort of a nice soft bed.

Grab your buddies, some grub, and your camping gear. It’s time to take a mancation. Leave the posh hotels and beach bathing to the ladies, because the rugged wild is beckoning. Every man welcomes the sight of mountains and rivers over the surf shop-lined boardwalks of the coast. The acres of wooded lands and miles of flowing streams provide a much more relaxing setting for any angler, hunter, or outdoorsman.