In a blend of sustainable energy and outdoor adventure, Jackery is redefining the concept of off-grid living with its latest innovation: a rooftop tent that doubles as a powerful solar generator. Debuting at CES this year, this 1000W system, featuring retractable solar panels, is not just a fleeting showcase but a promising reality set to enter production in the latter part of 2024. Positioned atop a pickup, the tent unfurls to reveal a sizable solar array, angling gracefully toward the sun. The retractable panels are designed to generate up to 4.96kWh daily in the sunny western U.S., diminishing slightly to 4kWh as one travels eastward. While details about its wind resilience are pending, the focus, for now, is on its remarkable energy-harnessing capability.
Designer: Jackery
Rooftop tents equipped with solar panels aren’t novel, but Jackery’s approach is. Traditional setups often rely on lightweight, flexible panels that don’t fully utilize the available surface area, leading to suboptimal energy conversion. Jackery changes the game by covering the entire roof with solar cells and extending them outward, ensuring maximum power generation and neatly integrating the necessary wiring to feed the Jackery power station.
The concept feeds into a separate 1.26kWh E1000 Plus power station, boasting 2000W of AC output, enough to power a range of appliances from a portable air conditioner to an electric cooker. Interestingly, the E1000 Plus isn’t just sun-dependent; it can also recharge from your car or a wall jack, offering flexibility for various travel scenarios.
Beyond power, the tent promises comfort and convenience. It’s equipped with a memory foam mattress, insulation, dimmable and color-controllable lighting, and waterproof fabric with blackout windows. The promise of an “onboard charging module” in the production version adds a layer of anticipation to what’s already an exciting proposition.
As Jackery prepares to bring this concept to life, outdoor enthusiasts and tech aficionados alike wait with bated breath. The company’s innovation not only offers a greener way to travel but also promises a blend of comfort and convenience that’s often lacking in off-grid adventures. While we await more details and the eventual roll-out in Q4, one thing is clear: the future of outdoor living looks a lot brighter, and it’s powered by the sun.
We have seen some interesting and capable camper vans through 2023. A successful year for the industry is about to wrap up but Terracamper – based out of Germany – wants it should do so on a high. It is therefore giving Mercedes enthusiasts, others of course included, the opportunity to enhance their outdoor activities this winter, and going forward into the summer, with the new Tecrawl G-Camper kit.
Yeah, it’s the G Wagon and not the ideal and beloved Sprinter van that forms the basis for this conversion. The 4×4 G Class Mercedes has been outfitted with a basic layout and modular accessories to make a camper van worthy of being taken out for a longer spin than a weekend.
Designer: Terracamper
Taking of which, the German camping marque has just about done justice to incorporate the luxury a Merc may demand. The idea of the conversion kit is to keep things simple yet focus largely on utility. The Tecrawl, therefore, comes with a full thermal insulation pack for the colder months and a 31-L compressor cool box for the summery days. The power requirement is taken care of by the optional solar energy system and the integrated 150Ah lithium battery.
The renewable energy system renders the Tecrawl capable of camping off the grid. For comfort inside, the Tecrawl provides the G Wagon with a comfortable sleeping unit for three people. The main sleeping section is crafted in the provided rooftop tent – accessible via a ladder – while the convertible dining table morphs into a sleeper for the third person. This table also fulfills the third function: It flips into a work desk beside a side sofa ideal for the needs of a mobile workaholic.
Terracamper furnishes the Tecrawl G-Camper with decent interior storage and provides a retractable awning to extend the living space when you’re camped. Here you can also pull out the kitchenette from within the camper van for the culinary requirements. The pull-out kitchen offers a two-burner gas stove, fold-out counters, a prep area, and a utility fridge. The water requirement is catered to by a removable 20-L fresh water canister and a portable dry toilet space you trip outdoors. Given its merits, the Tecrawl G Wagon camper van conversion kit starts at €11,000 (roughly $11,900).
Lithuanian kitchen maker Konga used the hefty supply of offcuts they had to create their own line of prefabricated tiny houses. They used the surplus material to build a good-looking and minimal non-towable home that can run both on or off-grid. The dwelling has a pretty low starting price point of US$59,000. The home isn’t built entirely from offcuts, but they have been used in the construction of the tiny home’s kitchen.
Designer: Konga
The tiny home is designed by the Danish architect Mette Fredskild, and it is finished in charred wood, giving it a rather unique and appealing look, while also providing protection against insects. It also helps to preserve the home, while accentuating its distinctive appearance. Generous glazing has been applied to the home, and most of it is operable. It is a well-insulated home that can deal with the cold weather and snow loads quite efficiently.
The interiors are well-designed and inviting. They measure 28 square meters, which is covered entirely on one floor, and feature a shared open-plan living space. The walls of the home have been clad in wooden oak veneer panels and teamed up with oak flooring. The cabin is filled with natural light, owing to the generous amount of glazing.
The kitchen is amped with a lot of features and amenities. It showcases a fridge, sink, and propane-powered gas stove, with loads of cabinetry and shelving. There is also a living room area with a sofa, a small dining table, as well a wood-burning stove to provide warmth. Two bedrooms have been positioned on either side of the kitchen. One of the bedrooms can be transformed into a home office, with sliding doors being installed to offer some privacy if need be. Both the toilet and the bathroom with shower are located in different rooms. The home also accommodates a small utility room, as well as a couple of storage nooks that have been nestled away throughout the house.
The cabin runs from an RV-style grid hookup, but buyers can opt for an optional rooftop solar panel setup and rainwater collection system. The wood-burning stove can be connected to a hot water system as well. The tiny home features a freezing toilet, instead of a composting toilet, and it basically freezes waste, ensuring the space stays odorless.
Designed by Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta in collaboration with engineer Tor Helge Dokka, this off-grid three-bedroom family home in Kongsberg, Norway is called House Dokka. It occupies 2045 square meters and is inspired by treehouse architecture. The home was created to share a serene connection with nature, allowing both to embrace one another. The house is also called Column House, and it was awarded the Architecture Prize for 2023 by the Kongsberg municipality.
Designer: Snøhetta x Tor Helge Dokka
The quaint House Dokka is deftly suspended over the stunning Norwegian landscape, as it is perched on large wooden columns, that have been firmly grounded into the rock, to minimize any kind of interference or disturbance to the surrounding environment. House Dokka was built using locally produced cross-laminated timber, and glue-laminated timber. Both the timbers ensure that the home can be easily deconstructed with minimal climate costs, whenever the life cycle of the home comes to an end. No nails were used in the construction of the home, which allows the materials to be easily sorted and recycled in the future.
Snøhetta’s goal of sustainability for the home is seen throughout the structure in the form of the large photovoltaic panels on the roof, superior insulation as well as a waterborne heat system that is linked to the ground via a source heart pump. In turn, the home produces more energy than it consumes in less than a decade! Besides generating energy for the house itself, energy is also generated for charging the family’s electric car, almost 75% of it.
The home has an eye-catching and appealing exterior which is accentuated by the black-stained timber paneling that clads it. The interiors of the home feature warm timber paneling and polished concrete flooring, which are paired up with massive black-framed windows that provide access to stunning views. The home contains two levels, with the upper floor housing an open-plan living and dining area, kitchen, master bedroom, hidden bathroom, and a timber outdoor terrace. The lower level accommodates two more bedrooms, as well as a home office, guest suite, lounge, laundry space, and a central shared bathroom.
I don’t really have a thing for hard-top campers, they look overly bulky and have a more rigid approach to the idea of accessible camping. Wilderness Vans Range slide-in campers (R1 and R2) have a little bias going their way, chiefly because these are designed for all-year-round off-grid camping, and are built spaciously with all the amenities onboard. In fact, windows and skylights allow a constant flow of natural light and fresh air, preventing the occupants inside the Spacekap Diablo from feeling stuffy but have a pleasant interior to themselves.
Diablo only forms the foundation of the slide-in camper designed to snugly fit the bed of any heavy-duty truck. Given its unibody design, the camper can be removed easily when not required or you want to install it on a new ride. The excitement about the Range R1 (three-person model) starts at the exterior which has a UV-resistant SK gelcoat you can have painted in a choice of color you want. The 6-foot camper has a well-thought-out floor plan accommodating a sliding bed, dinette, galley and storage.
Designer: Wilderness Vans
The Range campers are fully insulated for all weather usage. It comes with natural fiber and wool installation in the walls and ceilings and the cushioned wood flooring is layered with cell foam for thermal performance in winter and to keep the interior cool during the summer months. A diesel air heater is also included as an option. Since ventilation is essential in truck campers for an enjoyable camping experience; the Range campers make provision for it with curved windows, matching the contour of your pick-up body, and skylights adding to light and ventilation.
The pull-out bed at one end of the camper turns the small space into a nice living quarter without hampering the living space. The headroom is limited on the bed because there is no pop-up option (I told you hard shells are not my thing), but the ventilation makes up so you don’t at any time feel cramped in there. Access into the Range campers is through the 40/60 back doors that lead you first up into the galley spruced with storage options everywhere.
In the cooking space itself is a gas stove and sink, a fridge/freezer, and pull-out countertop surfaces. Just across is the dinette for two that converts into a bed for one additional person in the R1. In the 8-foot Range R2, this dinette is bellowing the extending bed and is slightly bigger to transform into a double bed when required. The bench here can accommodate a portable toilet underneath it to make the camping experience less stressful. For its outdoor ability, the Range Campers come with a 200-watt solar charging station to take care of the power needs in off-grid locations. According to the information on Wilderness Vans website, the Range R1 with its gorgeous yellow interior is priced at CA$56,200 (approx. $42,000).
The Raven is a striking and impressive tiny home designed by Canada’s Rewild Homes. It features an eye-catching all-black finish while boasting off-grid flexibility amped with a solar panel and a generator setup. The interiors of the Raven are beautifully designed, flaunting a U-shaped kitchen, and a cozy loft-based home library. It measures 30 feet in length and is supported by a triple-axle trailer with a sleek metallic finish.
Designer: Rewild Homes
As you enter the tiny home, you are welcomed by the living room, which has a generous amount of space for a sofa, storage cabinet, and some shelving. The home is powered by Philips Hue’s smart lighting, which illuminates the space quite effectively. Adjacent to the living is a U-shaped kitchen which is planned around a central oven with a four-burner propane-powered stove. The kitchen contains a breakfast bar with stool seating, a fridge/freezer, and a sink, as well as a generous amount of cabinetry.
The other end of the home features the bathroom, which is quite large and spacious for a tiny home. The bathroom includes a composting toilet, shower, and sink. There is a washer/dryer as well as some cabinetry in there. The walls have been finished in a lovely Shou Sugi Ban-treated wood, which is the Japanese technique of charring wood to preserve it.
The Raven tiny home is equipped with two lofts, the master bedroom is located in one, and it can be accessed via a storage-integrated staircase. This kind of space is quite commonly seen in tiny homes, and are usually outfitted with a low ceiling, and space for a double bed. The second loft also features a low ceiling, and it can be utilized as a home library. You can access this space via a sliding ladder that can be stowed to one side.
The tiny home is powered via an EcoFlow solar panel array and a battery setup that were added by the owners. These are also accompanied by a dual-fuel generator by EcoFlow, which runs using propane or gasoline, allowing the lights to always be on irrespective of the weather.
There are different kinds of people who go camping. There are those that really want to rough it out in the middle of nature, away from the bare necessities that we’ve gotten used to every day. But there are also those that want to stay close to their creature comforts while still experiencing some semblance of the great outdoors. If you’re more of the latter, this Mad Max-looking vehicle may be the one for you.
Designer: Bruder
The Bruder EXP-8 is the flagship vehicle from the Australian adventure trailer manufacturer. If you want to experience an outdoor adventure, you can do so in the comfort of this off-grid camper trailer that is “designed and built for all seasons and environments”. You will be able to drive through the most uneven of terrains and the most extreme climactic conditions as it has 12 inches of suspension travel and three times more usable wheel travel than others in its category.
On the outside, it looks like something out of a Mad Max movie, but with a sleeker and sturdier look. Inside, it is spacious and has a pretty luxurious set up complete with a fully functional kitchen, a living room, bedroom, a bathroom that looks like those you can see in hotels, and gallery windows so you can enjoy a good view of the outdoors. It also has solar panels, a 20 KwH battery, and a 500W inverter so you can get enough power for four people inside the camper.
While it looks tough and heavy, they used lightweight construction for the Bruder EXP-8. It is also able to calibrate its height to fit different kinds of tow vehicles. It can even level out on sloping camp spots so you can enjoy the best of both worlds while camping out in luxury.
Storyteller Overland has long been reckoned for its unwavering commitment to designing all-terrain camper vans that can tackle the wildest of terrains. The Alabama-based company is now taking a leap into uncharted territory in partnership with its latest acquisition, the Global Expedition Vehicles. The result is a mesmerizing off-grid heavy-duty camper truck dubbed the GXV Hilt.
It is a camper designed to take you deeper into the wild than you’ve ever ventured before, all while providing a level of comfort and confidence that feels almost surreal. The Hilt is not any average off-road vehicle; it’s a game-changer with a hydraulic smart suspension system, carbon fiber and Kevlar body, and an energy system to keep you away in the wild for much longer.
Designer: Storyteller Overland
The Hilt comes with a smart hydraulic suspension by LiquidSpring, which ensures that no matter how treacherous the terrain, your journey remains smooth and controlled. But what actually makes the Hilt stand out is its construction. Made from a vacuum-infused resin composite with carbon fiber and Kevlar, this off-road camper truck is made to withstand the harshest of conditions.
Powering this beast is a 6.7-liter diesel-powered Ram 5500 chassis that provides the backbone for all off-grid exploration. And for those moments when you need a little extra muscle, a 20,000 lb winch stands ready for self-recovery. But Hilt is not a wild maniac alone; it has its own commitment to sustainability. To that accord, it comes with a 1325W solar power system with two 3000W inverters and a 16.8 kWh lithium-ion battery to let you live in the wild for longer without compromise. All the essential electric systems are monitored and controlled by a touchscreen unit onboard.
Robust on the outside, the Hilt transports you into a spa-like oasis as you step inside. The interior of the Hilt is a fusion of modern, sustainable materials and has surfaces that elevate your living experience. The custom rear racks and storage system ensure that you have ample space to stow your gear, while the dinette cum living area comfortably seats four to five adults on an L-shaped sofa that quickly converts into a queen bed when needed.
The sitting area can be utilized for eating home-cooked meals, playing card games, or lounging in comfort after a day filled with adventures. With a stainless steel convection oven, microwave, air fryer, dual burner induction cooktop, countertop with large sink, and a built-in water purification system, the kitchen alongside is micro-sized but immensely equipped. The Hilt doesn’t hold back on comforts in the bathroom department either. The generously sized wet bath offers 120 gallons of freshwater tank, a shower, flushable cassette toilet, mirror, and a sink.
However, when it’s time to retire for the night, you will have to climb a short ladder to the loft with a queen bed awaiting your arrival. The space is outfitted with power outlets and a wireless charging station next to the mattress, while natural light from the skylight and side windows fills the area with warmth. If the commitment to functionality and toughness on the road has got you inclined toward the GVX Hilt, you may want to act instantly. The off-grid camper truck is currently selling for a strictly limited price of roughly $400,000, but this is not the final retail price.
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. And 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! From a VW ID Buzz electric camper to a Toyota Hilux camper that is the most rugged two-bed, pop-up roof overland rig you’ll ever ride – 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. X-Cabin 300
Designed by Japanese startup X Cabin, the X-Cabin 300 is a lightweight, all-aluminum camping trailer intended to transform and redefine your outdoor escapades with an innovative sleek design and high-efficiency features.
Why is it noteworthy?
At first glance, the X-Cabin 300 catches the eye with its glistening riveted aluminum exterior and classic rounded corners, reminiscent of the Airstream trailers. The X-Cabin 300 takes a different route with a plain, boxier design featuring a high-efficiency floor plan that optimizes every inch of space.
What we like
Showcases a solid foundation with its steel chassis crafted by the renowned German manufacturer AL-KO
What we dislike
2. The Citroën Type Holidays
The Citroën Type Holidays is an ode to the iconic Type H which pushed the boundaries of alternative travel. The masterpiece is based on the versatile Citroën SpaceTourer, and it provides the utmost comfort and clever features that would be appreciated by all travelers.
Why is it noteworthy?
It sports a retro exterior and interior that are sure to turn heads. The Type Holidays teaser showcases a blend of heritage and modernity with its unique grey color, a nod to the Type H.
What we like
The two-row bench converts into a bed at night, and can also be removed to create storage space. The camper has smart space-saving features
What we dislike
The amenities are pretty basic, and some people may want more
3. The Earth Camper
The Earth Camper is designed by ARB to accompany adventurers with their nomadic lives, and adventurous off-road expeditions. The camper features long-travel independent suspension, and all-terrain tires, allowing it to deal with all terrains.
Why is it noteworthy?
The gray gel-coated fiberglass-reinforced plastic shell of the Earth Camper, inside a one-piece exoskeleton shell, ensures durability and longevity, while 25 mm thick walls offer exceptional temperature and noise control.
What we like
Features 120W roof-mounted solar panels
Fully equipped to meet all your off-grid requirements
What we dislike
Hefty price tag
Limited availability, since it’s only available in Australia at the moment
4. The Habiton
The Habiton is a mini camper that is a lifestyle companion for singles and couples who want to adopt a life on the go. It features a sleek design and modular concept that provides the comfy feeling of being at home.
Why is it noteworthy?
At the heart of the Habiton allure is its commitment to the “Travel small, live large” philosophy of Bürstner. This micro camper features an inflatable roof tent, seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s silhouette, adding a touch of whimsy and practicality.
What we like
It can effortlessly slide into multi-story car parks
Clever utilization of space
What we dislike
Being situated above the vehicle, it may be difficult for older people to enter/exit the camper.
5. Love Campers VW ID. Buzz Camper Van
The Love Campers VW ID. Buzz camper van was the result of a collaboration between Love Campers and Wild Drive. The drool-worthy automotive can be rented in the UK and is a fun and quirky-looking camper outfitted with a lime yellow and bright white dual-tone exterior, and matching interior. Stepping into it feels like you’re in a literal work of art!
Why is it noteworthy?
The interior of the VW ID. Buzz is designed to maximize space. The sofa slides out to transform into a snug double bed, and the kitchen area – bang opposite – includes a sink with a foldaway faucet and an induction hob.
What we like
Sustainable design perfect for couples or solo travelers
Outfitted with a 77KwH battery and rooftop solar panel to take care of the power needs of the electronics onboard
What we dislike
It only has a portable toilet, which is not a comfortable option for everyone
6. The GMC Hummer EV EarthCruiser Upfit
EarthCruiser and Hummer have teamed up to create the GMC Hummer EV EarthCruiser Upfit. It combines the raw power of an all-electric Hummer pickup with the comfort of an EarthCruiser truck camper!
Why is it noteworthy?
Stepping into this unique camper you get 80 inches of headroom space at the entry and 76 inches as you walk into the hallway. This space trims down to 35 inches in the bed section. However, you get a tri-layered pop-up roof, creating a feeling of spaciousness to maintain a comfortable atmosphere within.
What we like
Features a 650W solar system that keeps the adventure going by recharging the 460Ah lithium 12V battery on board
Equipped with a convenient flat-pack toilet
What we dislike
There don’t seem to be any options for customization
It isn’t available until 2024 so we don’t have first-hand experience with it
7. BCR Off-Road Camper
Called the BCR off-road camper, this build by Truckhouse features the Prospector XL RA 3500 chassis from the AEV. It is a commendable collaboration between the Truckhouse and AEV and is intended to be a full-featured carbon fiber hardshell camper.
Why is it noteworthy?
The new BCR exterior is designed to leverage the ruggedness of the Prospector XL and boasts 40-inch tires, a snorkel, a 20,000-pound winch in front, and a 3-inch lift that not only enhances the camper’s off-road capabilities but also contributes to its overall four-season appeal.
What we like
Equipped with large skylight and windows to provide access to the lovely views on the way
Features solar panels to support an off-grid lifestyle
What we dislike
The first deliveries are expected in Spring 2024, so we don’t have first-hand experience with it.
8. Tune M1
This lightweight and adventure-ready camper is called the Tune M1, and it features utmost comfort and versatility. It is intended to take you anywhere in the day while offering you complete rest within the truck’s pop-top canopy extension by night.
Why is it noteworthy?
The lightweight truck camper, starting at just 360 lbs, allows the cabin to be used for sleeping, cooking, remote working, or even for toy hauling when you’re venturing out for a ski, fishing, or snowboarding adventure.
What we like
Features a sleeping loft, while the pop-up roof (up to 6ft 10-in of interior headroom) allows you to stand in the living area effortlessly
What we dislike
The expanded cloth structure may not be protective enough in case of bad weather
9. The Romotow
The Romotow is truly a one-of-a-kind trailer with a fixed chassis that supports a rotated closing living unit. It can swivel around the full 90 degrees to provide extra outdoor living space!
Why is it noteworthy?
In transit, the 30.5ft Romotow remains closed and when it’s stationed for overnight camping, the main living unit with panoramic glass windows on both sides can swivel open: this form factor creates two sections, a large deck, and a sleeping/living cabin.
What we like
Features a 395W solar panel on the roof supporting an off-grid lifestyle
What we dislike
The trailer needs to rotate a complete 90 degrees, and that free space may not always be available
10. The BR75
This SUV adventure camper is called the BR75, and it is a Toyota Hilux that has been converted into a comfortable and innovative camper for four people. Since the Toyota Hilus is a robust and mobile vehicle, it makes for a rugged and tough camper.
Why is it noteworthy?
A camper module is attached to the back of the Hilux, creating an all-terrain overland rig that keeps you cozy and comfortable no matter where you travel! The Japanese SUV Adventure Camper BR75 doesn’t compromise on the mechanics or the form factor of the five-seat pickup.
What we like
Equipped with seats and a folding table, which can transform into a double bed on demand
Comes with an optional pop-up roof
What we dislike
There is no reference to a toilet onboard, you’d probably have to carry a portable seat along
