ICUPDRUGTEST

Looking for the best portable toilet for van life? After 9 years on the road and testing just about every popular toilet option – cassette toilets, pee jars, foldable toilets, and even the Trelino – the Compocloset Cuddy Lite is hands-down my favorite.

I’ve been using the Cuddy Lite every single day in my camper for the past four months, and it’s the first toilet I’ve tested that actually controls odors, feels sturdy, and is easy to empty. While it costs more than some competitors, it’s worth every penny if you want your van to not smell like a bathroom.

In this review, I’ll explain exactly how the Cuddy Lite works, how it compares to the Trelino and other camper toilets, and why I think it’s the best portable option for full-time van life.

Oh and if you’re thinking about getting the Cuddy Lite for yourself, I’ve got a discount code to share. You’ll find it at the bottom of this post once you’ve read my full review.

*This post is sponsored by CompoCloset. I only recommend products I truly love and think you will love too. If you have any questions about the Cuddy Lite, drop a comment at the bottom of this post!

Cuddy Lite Overview

Specs

• Dimensions: 17″ deep x 15.2″ wide x 16.3″ tall
• Weight: 19 lbs
• Pee jug capacity: 1.7 gallons
• Poop bin size: 3. gallons

see on the CompoCloset website

Cuddy Lite Pros

• Excellent odor control: There is no smell with the lid closed and far less odor when the lid is open compared to other portable toilets
• Retractable solids cover: This blocks odors and hides the poop from your view when peeing. There is also a small hole at the front of the solids cover that drains into the pee jug, which helps when your aim isn’t perfect.
• Bag-lined solids bin: This makes it so easy to empty the poop bin, and there’s no agitator to clean. Plus, it doesn’t require any special bag.
• Pee jug indicator light: Powered by a 9V battery, this light tells you when the 1.7-gallon pee jug is full, eliminating the guesswork.
• One-way pee jug valve: This is effective at trapping strong ammonia smells. As an experiment, I’ve gone up to 10 days without dumping the pee, and it still had minimal odor.
• Black pee jug: The pee jug is black and completely opaque. This hides the contents and makes emptying it in public restrooms less awkward.
• Sturdy and stable: At 19 lbs, the Cuddy Lite doesn’t slide around in my camper bathroom and feels secure even if I sit on it while we’re driving.
• Hinged lid and seat: The seat stays upright when lifted, making it easy and sanitary to access the pee jug and poop bin when it’s time to empty them.
• Completely portable: It works without power and doesn’t have to be vented to the outside like most traditional composting toilets.

Cuddy Lite Cons

• Pee jug requires two hands to carry when full: The two small loops make it awkward to carry when full.
• Retractable cover can be tricky to clean: It moves around when you wipe it, and I wish this could be locked in place.
• Not waterproof: It needs to be moved out of a wet bath before showering due to the indicator light.

How does the Cuddy Lite work?

The Compocloset Cuddy Lite is a portable urine-diverting “composting” toilet that diverts the pee into a pee jug while poop goes into a bag that you can throw in the garbage. Here is a step-by-step process for going to the bathroom using the Cuddy Lite:

Is the Cuddy Lite a Composting Toilet?

The Cuddy Lite is not a traditional composting toilet. Both the Cuddy Lite and a traditional composting toilet divert the pee into a pee jug. However, they differ in how the solids are handled.

A normal composting toilet has an internal agitator that mixes waste with a composting medium (like coconut coir) so the material can begin breaking down inside the unit, which means you need to manage moisture levels, stir the contents, and eventually dump a heavy bin of partially composted material.

The Cuddy Lite skips all of that. Instead, solids drop directly into a bag-lined bin with no agitator. After you go poop, you just tie off the bag and throw it in the trash. This makes the Cuddy Lite easier to empty and clean.

If you want to use the same bag for a few days without throwing it away, you can add compost material over each poop, but it isn’t technically “composting” your waste inside the toilet.

Overall Design

The Cuddy Lite is completely portable. It doesn’t require power, permanent installation, or to be vented to the outside, like many traditional composting toilets.

One of the first things I noticed about the Cuddy Lite is how solid it feels. The Cuddy Lite’s lid and seat are connected to the toilet via a set of heavy-duty hinges that keep the seat upright when it’s time to empty.

Sitting on the Cuddy Lite feels sturdy and stable. At 19 lbs, it has enough weight that it doesn’t shift around in our camper bathroom that much, unless we are driving on a rough dirt road.

I’ve even sat on it while we were driving (not something I make a habit of, but sometimes road life calls for it), and it never wobbled or felt like it might tip. The seat height feels comfortable and natural, similar to a regular household toilet. This isn’t always the case with compact RV toilets.

The retractable solids cover is one of the best features and a key difference from the Trelino. It sits over the solids bin and opens and closes with a turn knob.

This cover on the Cuddy Lite solves two major problems:

• The view — it covers the poop bin so you don’t have to look at your poop when you open the lid to pee.
• The smell — the cover creates a barrier, so odors stay relatively contained even if there in poop in the solids bin

The retractable poop bin cover is designed to be closed when you are peeing and open when you are pooping. If you accidentally sit too far back while peeing and some pee lands on the retractable cover, there is a small hole at the front of the cover that funnels those dribbles into the pee jug instead of letting it pool in the solids bin. This further helps keep odors down and makes the whole system more forgiving to use, especially for women who don’t have the luxury of perfect aim.

For anyone extra sensitive to smell, Compocloset offers an optional fan kit that pulls odors through a carbon filter. In my experience, I haven’t felt the need to install this. The fan does require power, so it’s best to consider this during your build process and not as an afterthought.

Pee Jug

The pee system on the Cuddy Lite has been a huge upgrade for me compared to any camper van toilet I’ve used.

The pee jug has a capacity of 1.7 gallons. I’m the primary person using the toilet for pee, and I typically need to empty the jug every three days. My partner mostly uses a Nalgene bottle, which helps stretch the capacity.

When you pee, the liquid drops through hole, into a one-way silicone valve that funnels the pee into the pee jug. The purpose of the silicone valve is to trap strong ammonia smells inside the pee jug.

To fully test it, I left urine in the Cuddy Lite for two weeks during a humid East Coast heat wave, and I was surprised by how little it smelled. I could pick up on it – but only when the toilet lid was open, and it never got so pungent that I’d be embarrassed to bring friends into my camper.

Compocloset recommends replacing the valve every 6–12 months (a two-pack runs about $15, and it’s very easy to replace). After four months of full-time use, I haven’t noticed any serious odors creeping up from the jug, which tells me the valve is still doing its job.

Another feature that sets the Cuddy Lite apart is the full-tank indicator light. It’s a little LED (powered by a 9V battery) right next to the seat that turns bright red when the jug is full. At first, mine didn’t work, but after some trial and error, I realized the squishy side of the cover has to face inward for the sensor to work. Once I fixed that, the light has functioned perfectly, and it’s a great reminder to dump it before it overflows.

Unlike a cassette toilet, the Cuddy Lite doesn’t require chemicals in the pee jug. This means you have a lot more flexibility with where you empty the pee. Ideally, you should use a toilet or dump station, especially in high-use areas.

But if you’re off-grid and there is no toilet available, it’s technically ok to dump urine on the ground as long as you’re following Leave No Trace principles. This means you want to walk away from your campsite and disperse the pee widely, away from vegetation and more than 200 feet from a water source.

The pee jug is black, so the contents aren’t visible when you’re emptying it. That may seem like a small detail, but when you’re dumping it at a public restroom or campground toilet, not having everyone see what’s inside makes the whole process feel a lot less awkward.

The jug itself is easy to empty, but the first couple of times, I misjudged the pouring angle and ended up spilling it all over the toilet I was emptying it into. That goes to say that the first time you’re emptying it, go slow and aim carefully.

If I could change anything on the pee jug, it would be the handle design. Instead of a proper handle, the jug has two small plastic loops, which means when it’s completely full, you need two hands to carry and pour it. It’s not unmanageable, but a built-in sturdy handle would make a big difference.

Solids Bin

The solids system on the Cuddy Lite is one of the main reasons I chose this toilet, and after four months of daily use, it’s proven to be a great solution to common van life bathroom woes.

The 3.9-gallon solids bin is lined with a bag, and the bin is surprisingly spacious. It can easily hold up to a week’s worth of waste (for one person), including toilet paper and cover material, without pushing its capacity.

If there is a trash can available, my preference is to toss the poop daily after both my partner and I have used it. However, there have been times when we didn’t have access to a trash can, like when camping off-grid, and we’ve let the bag sit for up to three days. Even then, I never felt like our camper was stinky from it. I also haven’t experienced nearly as much condensation as I did with the Trelino despite spending my entire summer in a humid environment.

If I plan to reuse a bag for a couple of days, I always add a layer of absorbent material after each use. I’ve tried both coconut coir and wood chips, and I think the wood chips are easier and less messy since you don’t have to rehydrate them first.

The retractable solids cover, which I discussed above, makes an enormous difference when it comes to locking in smells and being able to use a single bag for a few days before throwing it out.

As for bags, I’ve experimented with a few options. The bin fits a 30-liter bag best, which makes it easy to line and tie off. Personally, I prefer using black trash bags since they’re opaque and keep things discreet, especially when tossing them at a campground dumpster. Compocloset also sells compostable liners, which are the most eco-friendly option for minimizing plastic waste. Both work fine, and the Cuddy Lite works with any bag that fits.

Cleaning

One of the biggest perks of the Cuddy Lite is how little cleaning it requires compared to a traditional composting toilet or a cassette toilet. Since the solids go straight into a bag-lined bin, there’s no agitator or compost chamber to scrub out. Once the bag is tied off and tossed, the bin is essentially clean.

For daily upkeep, I spray the urine diverter and seat with a vinegar-and-water mix to prevent any residue, then follow with a pleasant-smelling cleaner to keep it smelling fresh. It takes less than a minute but makes a big difference.

If I could change one thing on the Cuddy Lite, it would be the ability to lock the retractable cover in place. When I’m cleaning the cover, it tends to move around as I wipe it down, and I have to hold the knob in the closed position to keep the cover from sliding from one side to the other. It’s not a dealbreaker, but a locking mechanism would make the whole process easier.

The only real cleaning challenge is the inside of the pee jug. The opening is too small to get in there with a brush, so it’s pretty much impossible to scrub out any buildup that forms over time. All you can really do to clean it is rinse it out with water, and if the jug ever gets too gross, Compocloset does sell replacement pee jugs.

Cuddy Lite vs. Trelino

Since the Trelino is the closest competitor to the Cuddy Lite, I wanted to provide my comparison now that I’ve used both.

Before getting the Cuddy Lite, I was using the Trelino in my truck camper. After a few months using the Trelino down in Baja, I was really disappointed with it — and honestly confused why my experience didn’t match all the glowing reviews I’d read. That frustration is what pushed me to keep searching for a better solution.

While the Cuddy Lite and the Trelino, are designed to do the same thing – separate liquids and solids in a compact, portable toilet – my experience with them couldn’t have been more different.

So how does the Cuddy Lite compare to the Trelino?

Odor Control

• Trelino – The poop bin does not have a cover. Every time I opened the lid to pee, I had a clear view of the poop, and the smell filled my camper. The silicone valve on the pee jug also wore out quickly. I had to replace it monthly because ammonia smells crept back into the van.
• Cuddy Lite – A retractable solids cover hides waste from my view and blocks poop odors. A small hole at the front funnels stray dribbles into the pee jug, which also helps reduce smells. I’m on month 4 with my Cuddy Lite, and the silicone valve still hasn’t needed to be replaced.

Design & stability

• Trelino – The seat and lid are one piece that has to be completely removed from the toilet and set on the floor when emptying the pee or poop. This felt a bit unsanitary. The Trelino comes in a few sizes, but the comparable Evo L weighs 10.8 pounds and is lighter to carry. The Trelino cover has a soft-close mechanism which is a nice touch.
• Cuddy Lite – The hinged lid and seat stay upright, making it cleaner and easier to empty. The Cuddy Lite is heavier (19 lbs), which it a bit tougher to move…but it also helps keep it from sliding around in the camper. The seat feels a little more like a standard household toilet.

Pee System

• Trelino – The Pee jug is blue and is more transparent. The Trelino Evo L has a larger pee jug (2.6 gallons), so it has to be dumped less frequently. The Trelino doesn’t have any indicator that lets you know when the pee jug is full, which, in my experience, resulted in it overflowing several times. The handle on the Trelino pee jug makes it easier to carry than the Cuddy Lite.
• Cuddy Lite – The pee jug is black and completely opaque. The pee jug holds 1.7 gallons. There is red indicator light that signals when the jug is full, letting you know it needs to be emptied. Carrying the Cuddy Lite’s pee jug when it’s completely full requires two hands due to the placement and size of the handles.

Where can you buy the Cuddy Lite?

If you’ve made it this far, you’re clearly serious about upgrading your toilet setup. As a thank-you for reading, I’ve got a little bonus for you.

Use the code “BEARFOOTTHEORY30” at checkout on Compocloset’s website to save $30 on your purchase of the Cuddy Lite.

The Cuddy Lite is also available select RV and van-life gear retailers. However, ordering direct is usually the best option since they offer free shipping to the US and Canada and a free 30-day return policy for unused products. This means if you buy it and it doesn’t fit in your van like you thought it would, you can return it without a hassle.

The Compocloset website also has a great resources page that is worth checking out if you have general questions about composting toilets.

Coming Soon: Cuddy Lite S 1 Upgrade

If you’re already loving your Cuddy Lite, there’s exciting news on the horizon! Compocloset is launching the S 1 Sealing Toilet, a dry-flush system that takes what the Cuddy Lite does well (separating liquid and solid waste) and adds an auto‑sealing bag mechanism for the poop.

How will the Compocloset S1 work?

• You use the toilet just like you do now. The pee will still go into the pee jug and the poop into a bag
• After you poop, there will be an internal mechanism that uses heat to automatically seal the poop bag closed and drop it into the solids bin. You won’t even have to touch the bag during this process
• The bin will be able to hold 3–5 sealed bags, so you’ll be able to poop several times without having to empty the bin.

Having each poop sealed is going to be a game-changer, especially when you are dispersed camping and don’t have access to a trash can. This means you’ll be able to leave the sealed poop bags in the solids bin without having to worry about compost material or any smells escaping.

And the best part is if you already own the original Cuddy or the Cuddy Lite, you won’t have to buy a whole new toilet. Compocloset will be offering an S 1 Adapter Kit, complete with the sealing unit, battery, control panel, and a new solids bin. That means you’ll be able to upgrade your current Cuddy into this auto-sealing version when it’s released at the end of 2025.

I’m really excited about this and will most definitely be giving the S1 upgrade a try.

Final Thoughts

After testing toilets in my vans since 2016, the Compocloset Cuddy Lite is the best compact portable toilet I’ve used in 9 years of van life. It outperforms the Trelino and other urine-diverting toilets in odor control, usability, and overall design.

Yes, the Cuddy Lite costs more, but it’s worth it for something that makes dealing with poop and pee so much easier and less stressful on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have you tried the Cuddy Lite or another composting-style toilet in your van or RV? I’d love to hear about your experience. Drop your questions or thoughts in the comments below.

The post Compocloset Cuddy Lite Composting Toilet Review appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

This is what I have: When I first hit the road in my first Sprinter Van (nearly a decade ago!), I packed way too much stuff. My kitchen cabinets were overflowing, I packed clothing I never touched, and had a lot of gear that just didn’t hold up to the realities of van life.

Dusty dirt roads, limited storage, and constantly shifting routines quickly showed me what gear was actually useful vs what was just taking up space. Since then, I’ve lived in multiple vans and now travel full-time with my family in a Rossmonster truck camper.

With each setup, I’ve refined my gear list to the essentials—the things that get used regularly, make life easier, and help keep our camper functional and enjoyable.

Now, I’m sharing the gear that’s truly earned its place – so you can skip the clutter, pack smarter, and make the most of your time on the road. For more recommendations, check out my Van Life Clothing List and my favorite Camper Van Kitchen Gear.

Van Kitchen Must-Haves

Van Bathroom Essentials

Everyday Van Essentials

Van Patio Gear

Van Life Clothing Essentials

Van Life Organizational Gear

Van Electronic Essentials

Must-Have Recovery & Safety Gear

Best Van Life Cleaning Supplies

Essential Van Life Memberships

The post 42 Van Life Essentials that Make Life on the Road Easier appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

After nine years of van life, including my first messy attempt at packing back in 2016, I’ve learned exactly what clothes and gear you actually need for van life. I now live full-time in my 100 square foot truck camper with my partner and young son, and my wardrobe is streamlined, functional, and clutter-free.

In this guide, I’ll help you downsize your closet with confidence so you can feel prepared, comfortable, and ready for adventure — without overflowing cabinets and clutter everywhere. By the end, you’ll know how to create a simple, versatile wardrobe that works for an active, outdoor lifestyle on the road.

The Power of Packing Light

When you have too many clothes in a van, a few things start to happen. I promise you, I’ve been there, and none of these make life on the road easier…

Downsizing your wardrobe isn’t just about saving space, it’s about making life on the road feel more manageable.

How to Decide What Clothes to Bring

The kind of lifestyle you’re planning will shape what clothing you actually need. If you’re spending a lot of time in cities, you might want a few more stylish pieces. If your focus is more on hiking trails than hitting restaurants, function is going to matter a lot more than fashion. Or maybe you’re working remotely and need a decent top or two for Zoom calls.

The goal is to build a wardrobe around your lifestyle—so as you read these tips, think about what you do most and pack accordingly.

A good rule of thumb? If you don’t wear it much at home, you probably won’t wear it on the road. The clothes you bring should be the ones you reach for again and again—the ones you feel good in, that fit well, and that make sense for your day-to-day activities. Otherwise, they’ll just sit in a bin, taking up space and collecting dust.

And don’t forget to think seasonally. If you’ll be following the sun, your layers will look different than if you’re chasing snow. Know when you might swap out gear, and plan space in your van for that rotation.

Van Life Clothing Tips

When it comes to choosing clothes for van life, simplicity and versatility are key. You want pieces that are comfortable, low-maintenance, and can keep up with your lifestyle—whether you’re hiking a dusty trail, lounging at camp, or grabbing coffee in town.

How to Organize Your Van Life Clothing

I’ve been using packing cubes for years, and they make van life organization so much easier. I separate my clothes by type—tops in one, bottoms in another, underwear in a third, and one just socks. If you’re sharing your van with a partner, color-coding your cubes is a simple way to keep things separate.

One thing I love about packing cubes is they create a natural limit—once the cube is full, that’s your sign to stop packing. They also make it way easier to find what you’re looking for without tearing apart your whole drawer. In addition to the cubes, I keep a small duffel in my rear storage box with off-season gear, like heavier winter layers, that I can rotate in as the weather shifts.

Van Life Shirts

When it comes to van life clothing, I keep things simple, functional, and low maintenance. I look for breathable, quick-drying materials that don’t wrinkle or hold odor, and I stick to neutral colors that hide dirt and mix easily. For shirts and pants, I gravitate toward looser fits that keep me comfortable both on the trail and around camp, and I’ll often buy multiple colors of the same piece once I find something I love.

Since I live on the road full-time and don’t do laundry more than once or twice a month, I wear each item for a few days before tossing it in the laundry bag. If you’re packing for a shorter trip, you can adjust the numbers based on your needs.

Patagonia Cool Capilene Daily Long Sleeve

Tentree Hoody

REI Sahara Sun Shade Hoody

One of my fav t-shirts

Jackets

Weather can shift fast on the road, so I pack a few jackets in different weights to stay comfortable without overpacking.

Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody

Patagonia Nano Puff

Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket

Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody

Van Life Shorts and Pants

For bottoms, you’ll want options that are comfortable enough for long drives, durable enough for outdoor activities, and versatile enough to wear in a variety of scenarios. These are the pants and shorts I pack in my rig.

A lot of these tops and pants also show up in my What to Wear Hiking blog post. When you live on the road, having van life clothing that works from trail to town is key.

Vuori Miles Ankle Pants

REI Trailmade Shorts

Black Leggings

Freebie!

Van Life Packing Checklist

Get this free PDF that will help you pack up your van in a jiffy.

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.formkit-field,.formkit-form[data-uid=”1411cbd0a2″][min-width~=”800″] .formkit-fields[data-stacked=”false”] .formkit-field,.formkit-form[data-uid=”1411cbd0a2″][min-width~=”700″] .formkit-fields[data-stacked=”false”] .formkit-submit,.formkit-form[data-uid=”1411cbd0a2″][min-width~=”800″] .formkit-fields[data-stacked=”false”] .formkit-submit{margin:0 5px 15px 5px;}.formkit-form[data-uid=”1411cbd0a2″][min-width~=”700″] .formkit-fields[data-stacked=”false”] .formkit-field,.formkit-form[data-uid=”1411cbd0a2″][min-width~=”800″] .formkit-fields[data-stacked=”false”] .formkit-field{-webkit-flex:100 1 auto;-ms-flex:100 1 auto;flex:100 1 auto;}.formkit-form[data-uid=”1411cbd0a2″][min-width~=”700″] .formkit-fields[data-stacked=”false”] .formkit-submit,.formkit-form[data-uid=”1411cbd0a2″][min-width~=”800″] .formkit-fields[data-stacked=”false”] .formkit-submit{-webkit-flex:1 1 auto;-ms-flex:1 1 auto;flex:1 1 auto;} .formkit-form[data-uid=”1411cbd0a2″] .formkit-header{margin-top:-20px 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Undergarments

These don’t take up much space, so I like to pack enough so that running out of clean underwear isn’t what sends me to the laundromat. I stick to moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics so I can rinse a pair in the sink if needed, and they’ll be ready to go the next day. Comfort is key—especially when you’re moving, sweating, and sitting for long drives.

Here are the undergarments I pack in my van:

For additional underwear recommendations, check out our guide to the best women’s underwear for outdoor adventures.

Hats

Hats are an important part of your van life wardrobe. They help cover up your hair when it gets greasy and protect your face when you’re in the sun all day.

Cotopaxi Tech 5 Panel Hat

Wallaroo Sedona

My fav simple beanie

Swimwear

Footwear

Shoes take up more space in your van than you’d think, so it’s important to stick to the pairs you’ll actually wear. Most days, I’m in sandals or low-ankle hiking shoes, but I also keep a pair of sturdy boots in my Rossmonster Baja Trail truck camper for longer hikes and backpacking trips. I store my family’s shoes in a large hamper in the truck—and it still fills up fast—so choose carefully and keep it minimal.

Here are my favorite shoes for van life:

To get more shoe recommendations, check out my roundup of the best women’s hiking shoes.

“Going-Out Clothes”

We don’t go out often, but I like having a few pieces in the truck for those unexpected nights out—a concert, a nice dinner, or meeting up with friends. I keep a couple of nicer tops, a cozy sweater for cooler evenings, and one sundress that’s easy to throw on but still feels put-together. I try to choose pieces from sustainable outdoor brands so they last and align with my values on the road.

Here are the “going out” clothes I pack for van life:

a cute sundress

Carve Designs Dyland Gauze Shirt

A comfy pair of jeans

a cozy sweater

Am I missing anything from my van life clothing packing list? Let me know in the comments, and be sure to sign up for my weekly van life newsletter!

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The post My Minimalist Van Life Clothing Packing Checklist (after 9 years on the road) appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

I’ve been doing van life for the last 9 years, and during this time I’ve tested just about every method and app out there for finding free campsites on public lands — also known as dispersed camping or boondocking.

In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I find quiet, beautiful, free places to camp, even in popular areas. I’ll break down which apps and websites I rely on (and which I don’t), plus how I go beyond the top search results to find campsites away from the crowds.

Whether you’re a new van lifer, an overlander, weekend road tripper, or just trying to stretch your travel budget, this guide will help you confidently find free campsites across the U.S.—and enjoy the kind of solitude and starry skies that make life on the road worth it.

Some Helpful Terms

Types of Public Lands Where You Can Camp for Free

Understanding different public land designations will help you find free campsites. For example, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands with dispersed camping are very common out west, but are non-existent in the midwest and along the entire east coast.

In those regions, National Forests, State Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas will be your best bet.

As a starting point, here’s a breakdown of the most common types of public lands that allow for free dispersed camping. After, I’ll get into the apps and tools I use to find actual campsites in these areas.

Note that the Forest Service and BLM also operate a ton of paid campgrounds, so not all camping on these lands is free.

My Step-by-Step Process for Finding Dispersed Campsites

After nearly a decade of van life, I’ve figured out a reliable system for finding free campsites—without spending hours scrolling through apps or ending up at a crowded pull-off. There are so many tools out there now, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed thinking you need to download them all. You don’t.

In this section, I’m breaking down the exact step-by-step process I use, including which apps and tools are actually worth your time (and money) and which ones you can skip.

1. iOverlander app

iOverlander is an app that’s long been a favorite among van lifers—and it just got a major update with the release of iOverlander 2. The platform relies on user-submitted info about campsites, making it one of the most comprehensive crowdsourced databases of free camping across North and South America.

I’ve used iOverlander throughout my years of full-time travel, and it’s still the first app I open whenever I roll into a new area. While it doesn’t list every free campsite, it gives me a solid starting point. In my experience, if there’s one site on iOverlander, there are usually a few more unlisted spots nearby worth checking out—you just have to explore a bit (which leads to Step 2 down below).

iOverlander has a free and paid version ($5.99/month). I think the paid version is 100% worth it, primarily because it allows you to download regions for offline access so you can search for campsites on the go. This is valuable because sometimes you arrive at a site, only to find it’s already occupied by someone else already. In this case, I can open the app (even when I don’t have service) and see what else is nearby. It also allows you to download multiple regions to your phone at once, with access to different map layers.

Most recently, I used iOverlander extensively while traveling full-time in my Rossmonster adventure truck through Baja. It helped us find incredible beachfront campsites, along with places to fill water, do laundry and more —making it a go-to resource for full-time travelers.

One of the app’s best features are the user reviews and real-time updates. You’ll often find recent comments with road conditions, closures, safety notes, and tips that can save you from pulling into a site that’s no longer accessible. I also love how you can favorite campsites in the app, making it easy to return to places you love or bookmark spots that look promising as you’re planning.

One of the biggest downsides of iOverlander is that its most popular campsites can be, well…too popular. As more people rely on the app, many of the easily accessible or scenic spots—especially near national parks or along major road trip routes—see heavy traffic.

My advice? Use iOverlander as a starting point, but don’t stop there. If you find a marked site that looks crowded or worn down, drive a little farther down the road. Often, you’ll find lesser-used sites that offer more privacy and a better overall experience. The best campsites I’ve found rarely show up at the top of anyone’s list—they’re the ones I discovered by taking a detour or digging a little deeper.

2. Google Maps app

Once I’ve narrowed down the general area I want to camp — usually using iOverlander — I switch over to Google Maps in satellite view. This is one of the most useful and underrated steps in my process for finding free campsites that aren’t already listed in every app.

In Google Maps, I zoom in and look for pullouts, clearings, or flat areas along forest roads or inside BLM land boundaries. You can usually tell the difference between a true campsite and just a random clearing by zooming in and looking for signs of use, like a fire ring, a vehicle-sized bare patch, or a short spur off a main road. Sometimes you can even see RVs and trailers, which is a pretty sure bet that camping is allowed there.

Satellite view is especially helpful in areas where crowdsourced apps might only list one or two spots—but there are likely several more nearby. In case you didn’t know, you can also download Google Maps to your phone for offline use.

3. OnX Offroad app

After checking iOverlander and scouting with Google Maps, I’ll open onX Offroad. This is one of the most powerful tools I use to discover dirt roads so we can explore beyond the well-known campspots that are pinned in the popular apps.

What makes onX so helpful is its detailed trail and land use overlays. You can view dirt roads and trails color-coded by difficulty level, which helps me decide if I can safely access a spot with my rig. I can quickly tell whether a road is mellow and 2WD-friendly or if it’s going to require 4×4 and high clearance.

But what really sets it apart is the land ownership overlay. I can see exactly where the boundaries are between public and private land, so I’m not accidentally pulling onto someone’s property. It shows federal land like BLM, National Forests, and state-owned parcels—and there’s a layer that shows (in yellow on the map above) where dispersed camping is allowed.

onX also lets you save maps offline, drop custom pins, and track your route in real time even when you don’t have service. This means you don’t have to worry about accidentally turning down the wrong road and ending up lost…which I have done in the past, and it’s not fun!

I don’t rely on onX alone for finding campsites, but when I want to be 100% sure I’m on legal ground, or I’m trying to get away from crowds and find something more remote, it’s one of my favorite tools. Memberships start at $34.99/year.

4. Benchmark Road Atlases

Since I now have Starlink on my roof of my truck camper and can always access the internet, I don’t rely on paper maps as much as I used to. Before I had a constant connection however, I was happy to have an old-school paper map to navigate with.

Benchmark Road Atlases are my go-to paper maps that are very handy for discovering free campsites sans technology. I own one of these atlases for every state I’ve spent an extended amount of time in. They generally run about $20 each, and the maps show recreation activities, established campgrounds, and public land ownership lines so you know if you’re on public or private land.

These maps also show dirt roads categorized by 2wd or 4×4, and in my experience, these indicators have been pretty accurate. When it says 4×4, the road really is rough. Just having a sense of the terrain and accessibility is a good place to start.

The way you can use these maps to find free dispersed camping is by looking for nearby dirt roads on public lands that your van or camper can handle, and then driving down them to explore. You won’t always find campsites this way, but when you do, it’s extremely satisfying.

Other Tools I use

While iOverlander, Google Maps, and onX Offroad are my core tools, I also use a handful of other apps and resources depending on where I’m traveling. These aren’t always essential, but they’ve helped me find last-minute spots, check land boundaries, or confirm whether overnight parking is allowed. Here are a few other tools I keep on my phone or bookmark for trip planning.

The Dyrt

I actually prefer using The Dyrt when I’m looking for paid campgrounds—especially if I want to book ahead or know exactly what I’m getting. The app has a huge database of campgrounds across the U.S., and what sets it apart is the volume of user reviews and photos.

Many reviewers even include specific site numbers, which makes it easier to avoid bad spots or snag one with shade, privacy, or a good view. You can also search by required amenities. Let’s say you need Wifi to get some work done or need a location with showers or even a pet-friendly location, you can narrow your search down using all types of parameters.

The Dyrt does include information on dispersed camping, but you’ll need a Pro membership to access those listings. The Pro version also gives you offline access, map overlays for BLM and National Forest land, and a few discount perks at select campgrounds. But honestly, I find that other tools—like onX or iOverlander—do a better job for free camping.

That said, if you’re planning a route that includes a mix of paid and free camping and you don’t want to go too remote, The Dyrt is definitely a solid planning tool. Check out my full Dyrt review for more thoughts.

*The Dyrt is currently offering a FREE 30-day membership to The Dyrt PRO to Bearfoot Theory readers (use the code “Bearfoot” if signing up on mobile!). Try it out and see how you like it!*

FreeCampsites.net

If you don’t want to download a paid app or prefer to search on a computer or browser, Freecampsites.net is a desktop tool that allows you to zoom in on a map to locate campsites wherever you’re going. Additionally, it also has a trip planning option that will allow you to create a route using free dispersed camping options. You can even search by the type of access road to the sites.

When you select a site, you’ll be given the GPS coordinates, elevation, and the local weather so you can pack accordingly. This isn’t my go-to, but I’ve found that freecampsites.net sometimes has free dispersed sites that aren’t found on iOverlander or other apps.

Harvest Hosts & Boondockers Welcome

Another great option is Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome. Memberships start at $99/year, and as a Member, you get to park overnight for free at a variety of wineries, breweries, farms, museums, golf courses, and other attractions. We’ve even “camped” at ski areas and church parking lots. It’s not true camping, but it’s a much better option than stealth camping when you need a safe, legal place to park overnight.

Harvest Hosts is only for fully self-contained campers with a toilet, so if you are tent camping or sleeping in the back of your Subaru, you won’t be able to stay at Harvest Hosts sites. Use this link to get 30% off your first year with the code FRIENDS30.

Boondocker’s Welcome, their sister website, connects you with private property owners who welcome overnight campers. These are often in driveways, fields, or backyards and some allow multiple-night stays. You can add Boondockers Welcome to your Harvest Hosts plan for 30% off the first year as well. (Note: You also must be self-contained to use Boondocker’s Welcome).

Helpful Tips for Finding Free Campsites

When you’re first starting out, finding free campsites might feel intimidating (I know it was for me). Here are some ways to ease into your first free camping trip:

Remember, it’s ok if you don’t have to have an Instagram-worthy campsite every night. Adopting this mindset will reduce the pressure to find the perfect free campsite. Some nights you might be in the forest with no view or you might be parked in a big open area near a lot of other campers.

When you end up staying at free campsites that are less than stellar, just remember that you can always pack up in the morning and move on to somewhere better. All you really need is a flat spot with enough space, and the biggest thing is that you feel safe at your dispersed campsite and you aren’t blatantly breaking the law.

Things to Know Before Camping at Dispersed Sites

One of the reasons I love dispersed camping is that it’s so much more peaceful and private than paid campgrounds. Plus, many free sites have even better views.

The sad thing is that many public lands that are at risk of being shut down due to overuse and because campers are trashing campsites, pooping and leaving toilet paper all over the place, and driving over vegetation to create new campsites. Basically there’s too may campers that have no respect for the environment that we are all out here to enjoy.

If you want free campsites to remain free, please follow Leave No Trace principles and keep the following in mind:

Is Dispersed Camping Safe?

Taking extra safety precautions when you’re camping is an important consideration, especially when free camping when you may be far away from other people and without cell signal. With that said, in my 9 years of van life, I’ve never encountered any issues while dispersed camping. However, here are a few ways to keep safety top of mind:

Options for Stealth Camping

I mentioned stealth camping at the beginning of this post, so I want to briefly touch on where you can stealth camp and sleep inside your vehicle. For more info, check out my post on how to stealth camp.

Here are some places you can stealth camp if you find yourself caught in town refueling on supplies and need a place to sleep for the night. Each location will have different rules, so your best bet is to look for signs or go inside and talk to the manager.

• Walmart
• Cabela’s
• Cracker Barrel (most have dedicated overnight parking spots in the back)
• Camping World (sometimes have free water, dump stations, and electrical hook-ups)
• Planet Fitness/Anytime Fitness/24-Hour Fitness
• Lowe’s/Home Depot/Menards
• Costco/Sam’s Club
• Casinos
• Rest Stops
• Truck Stops

What questions do you have about how to find free campsites? Do you have favorite tools to find dispersed camping that I didn’t mention? Share your experiences and tips with boondocking below in the comments!

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The post My Exact Process for Finding Free Dispersed Campsites Away from Crowds appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

Long gone are my days of wearing tank tops on the trail. With all of the time I spend outside, all of that sun exposure really adds up. Between painful sunburns, visible aging, and my concern over skin cancer, protecting my skin when I’m outdoors has become a much bigger priority as I’ve gotten older.

Rather than constantly needing to lather up with sunscreen, which gets expensive and can be loaded with chemicals, I’ve opted to simply cover up. Over the years, I’ve tried a number of long-sleeved sun protection shirts that are designed to be lightweight and breathable, making them a great option for hiking and other outdoor activities even when it’s warm and sunny.

Here is a round-up of the best sun protection shirts for women to help you minimize your sun exposure when you’re outside on those sunny days.

1. Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody

Pros and Cons

My Review

The Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody is my all-time favorite sun protection shirt for women. I own several colors and bring all of them with me on the road as part of my van life wardrobe. This shirt is a go-to for me no matter the climate, especially when I hike.

Made of recycled polyester and spandex, it is quick-drying and extremely breathable. With the soft, lightweight fabric, I find it extremely comfortable for hiking and hanging out at camp or even sleeping in at night if I’m backpacking.

The hood is a nice feature as it provides added sun protection on your neck and ears without making you hotter, but it also comes in a non-hooded version if you prefer.

This shirt doesn’t have an official UPF rating, but Patagonia’s tests found this shirt has a UPF rating that ranges from 17-45. While not certified, this is the shirt I wear the most on my adventures, and my skin has never shown any signs of the sun penetrating through.

While this shirt has odor control, I do find that it can develop a stink, but usually only after several days of wear, and that’s really the case for any of the shirts with odor control listed here.

As far as durability, these shirts last a long time. I’ve had mine for years and haven’t experienced any piling or loose strands, although I typically wash my clothes on the delicate cycle and run the dryer on low.

Like other Patagonia products, this shirt is made of 50-100% recycled material, fabrics are bluesign approved, and the shirt is sewn in factories where workers are paid fair wages.

2. REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie

Pros and Cons

My Review

The REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie is another one of my favorite sun protection shirts. I especially like the price, as it’s more budget-friendly than the other shirts on this list. It’s buttery soft and comfortable with a loose yet flattering fit.

The shaped hem is longer in the front and the back (kind of like a tunic) so it looks stylish enough to wear out in normal life. I also love the crossover style opening on the neck that provides a little extra cover.

This shirt also has thumb holes and covers your hands really well (the fabric goes all the way to my knuckles). This is a huge plus since I often forget to put sunscreen on my hands, or it just rinses off as soon as I wash my hands.

This sun protection shirt is slightly warmer and thicker than Patagonia’s Cool Capilene daily hoody so I don’t recommend it for hiking in extremely hot or humid temperatures.

It’s perfect for milder, sunny days on the trail and for lounging at camp. It’s so comfy that I like wearing it on road trips and for travel. I will say that the sleeves on mine are almost permanently dirty. It comes in several colors, and I’d recommend darker shades if your concerned about keeping it looking clean.

3. Outdoor Research Astroman Long Sleeve Sun Shirt

Pros and Cons

My Review

When my little guy was born, I started wearing more button-up shirts because they were easier to breastfeed in. The Outdoor Research Astroman Sun Shirt is one of my favorite sun protection shirts with buttons that I still wear today.

It’s one of the most lightweight sun protection shirts on this list (after the Outdoor Research Echo below), so if you run hot, this shirt would be a great choice for ultimate breathability.

Lighter colors provide UPF 30, while darker colors are rated to UPF 50+, so it will protect your skin during long days in the sun. It has a pocket on the chest as well as a hidden zip-up pocket on the right hip, perfect for storing money or a credit card.

Made of a nylon blend, it has a soft, stretchy feel and fits true to size. Out of all of the shirts on this list, this one can most easily be classed up if you want to go from the trail straight to town. My only wish is that it came in different colors. It also wrinkles quite easily if you are planning to travel with it in luggage or a backpack.

4. Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard

Pros and Cons

My Review

When I’m at the beach, I always wear a sun protection shirt because it gives me much longer protection than sunscreen, which tends to quickly wash off and can have harmful impacts on aquatic and marine life.

The Carve Designs Cruz Rashguard is one of the best sun protection shirts for women who want to stand up paddle board, surf, and snorkel. I own this shirt in two different colors and any time I’m going on a beach vacation, I throw both of them in my suitcase. It was a staple on my last trip to Hawaii and also down in Baja.

With the cinching on the sides, I find this shirt to be super flattering. It’s also got a high neckline (with a zipper) which provides a little extra skin coverage compared to some of the other shirts on this list. I wear a large in this shirt and I’d recommend sizing up if you want a more relaxed fit.

My favorite thing about this rashguard is that after I get out of the water, it continues to keep me cool as it dries, which is great for hanging out in the hot sand. If I get hot, I just hop back in the water and get it wet again. Once it dries, however, it’s a little thicker than the other sun protection shirts on this list, so I wouldn’t recommend hiking in it, unless there is water to jump into at your destination.

5. Free Fly Women’s Bamboo Shade II

Pros and Cons

My Review

The Free Fly Bamboo Shade II is one of my favorite sun protection shirts for daily wear and lounging around camp. Made primarily of bamboo, it’s ultra soft and one of the more environmentally friendly sun protection shirts on this list. I love the neutral colors this shirt comes in and find they go well with almost anything.

The shirt runs long and fits fairly loose which is nice for those who don’t prefer form-fitting clothing. I typically tuck it in since I have a short torso. One of the best features is the thumbholes which help keep your hands covered – an area that I often forget to put sunscreen on.

I don’t find this shirt to wick moisture all that well so it’s not the best choice for activities where you really work up a sweat. I once hiked to the top of Alta Ski Area wearing this, and it was pretty soggy at the top. Another downside is you are supposed to hang it to dry in order to prevent shrinking and piling, which I find to be a bit of a hassle.

6. Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie

Pros and Cons

Review

The Outdoor Research Echo Hoodie is the most lightweight sun protection shirt on for women on this list at less than 4 oz making it suitable for hot temps (like the Patagonia Cool Capilene). It’s also sweat-wicking and quick drying making it a great fit for hiking, climbing, and other high-exertion outdoor activities in the sun.

Like all good sun protection shirts, this one has thumb holes, and a good amount of stretch that allows for plenty of movement. And the women’s version has a ponytail port in the hood – a unique feature I don’t often see.

This shirt is a bit more technical looking than some of the others on this list, so you might not wear it out on the town. I do love the bright colors though, and it’s super functional for any sunny day outdoor adventure. Plus, this sun protection top is made from 100% recycled materials which I’m all about.

I will say that after wearing this for a couple of weeks, I’ve noticed the odor control isn’t quite as good as the Patagonia cool capilene. I wore it to Phish concert once, and was slightly embarrassed whenever I lifted my arms to cheer (lol). This one definitely needs to go through the washer more frequently.

Also, because this shirt is so lightweight, the UPF isn’t quite as high as the other shirts on this list. I’ve never gotten sunburnt through it though.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you have a favorite sun protection shirt for women? Any questions about these products? Let me know in the comments!

The post Best Sun Protection Shirts for Women in 2025 (Reviewed) appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

My favorite sale of the year – REI’s Anniversary Sale – is here! Taking place May 16-26th, 2025, this is the REI Co-op’s biggest sale, and I’ll be honest that – in my opinion – it’s one of the best Anniversary Sales in years.

There are so many brands on sale that rarely get discounted, and you can save up to 30% in this year’s REI Anniversary Sale.

To save you time scouring the REI website, I’ve handpicked my favorite deals on apparel, hiking, camping, backpacking, and van life gear. You’ll see in the photos below, I actually own and use this gear that I’m recommending here. These are items that my team and I love and think you will too!

REI Sale Highlights

First – here are some of the top deals that really grabbed my attention in this year’s REI Anniversary Sale.

Best Car Camping & Van Life Deals

NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad – 25% OFF

Gone are the days of uncomfortable sleep on car camping trips. The NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad is 4 inches thick, which means I never feel the ground, and it’s very easy for me to blow up with a self-inflation mechanism that actually works.

At 5 lbs 8 oz, I like how it’s lighter and less bulky than other comparable car camping sleeping pads or a traditional blow-up mattress. Trust me – once you try the NEMO Roamer, it’ll be on your “must-have” list for camping forever.

Looking for a 2-person sleeping pad? The NEMO Roamer Sleeping Pad – Double is also on sale. Read more about the pros and cons and my personal experience in my NEMO Roamer Double Sleeping Pad Review.

ENO DoubleNest Hammock – 25% OFF

What’s better than lounging in a hammock after a nice long hike or setting up camp? ENO helped pioneer basecamp relaxation, and I love using their DoubleNest Hammock on trips because it has ample room for two but packs down super small. I can easily toss it in my daypack to string up for a mid-hike nap!

All ENO hammocks are currently on sale, so you can take your pick of single or double and find just the right color or pattern.

Nomadix Quick Dry Towel – 25% OFF

Quick dry towels are a must for any trip, whether I’m car camping, backpacking, or traveling on a plane. From showering, drying my dishes, or lounging in the sun, I appreciate how these Nomadix Towels pack small and dry much quicker than traditional towels. I find that quick dry towels always come in handy, so pick up a few right now for 25% off.

Nomadix Festival Blanket – 25% OFF

I always keep the Nomadix Festival Blanket in the van because it comes in handy for just about everything. Whether I’m heading to an outdoor concert, a beach day, or a picnic by the lake, this blanket is my go-to. Now that I have a toddler, it’s even more of a staple. It gives us a clean, comfy spot to sit, snack, or play wherever we are.

It’s lightweight, easy to pack, machine washable, and comes in tons of fun patterns. Plus, the material dries quickly and doesn’t collect a bunch of sand or dirt, which makes cleanup a breeze.

Rumpl Blankets – 25% OFF

Rumpl blankets are my go-to for camping and van life—I’ve used the 2-person Original Puffy as my comforter in the van since 2017. They’re soft, cozy, and surprisingly durable (even with a toddler and two dogs).

I love that they’re water-resistant, shake off dirt easily, and can be tossed in the washing machine when they need a refresh. Rumpl offers a few different insulation options, including recycled synthetic, NanoLoft, and down, depending on how warm you want to go.

Hydro Flask 32oz. Wide-Mouth Water Bottle – 25% OFF

With all the great options for reusable water bottles nowadays, there’s really no need (or excuse) to buy single-use plastic ones. The Hydro Flask Wide Mouth Vacuum Water Bottle W/ Flex Straw Cap is one of my personal favorites. It’s a good size for all-day hydration, keeps my drinks hot or cold, has a straw for easier drinking on the go, and it’s easy to clean and carry. If you’re looking for something smaller or a bottle without a straw, Hydro Flask has lots of different styles and options, and many are on sale right now during REI’s Anniversary Sale.

Hydro Flask Camp Bowl and Camp Plate – 25% OFF

I’ve been trying to phase out plastic out of my camper van kitchen essentials, so recently invested in a set of Hydro Flask Camp Bowls and matching Camp Plates. They are made of food grade stainless steel, are lightweight, super durable, and just the right size for everything from a big bowl of soup, my toddler’s meals, or a full camp breakfast. I love that they don’t get too hot or cold to the touch, which makes them perfect for eating outdoors or straight from the camp stove.

Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket – 25% OFF

I love to bring my dogs with me on my adventures, whether that’s on land or water. The Ruffwear Float Coat Dog Life Jacket features a strong handle that allows me to easily lift my dogs in and out of the water. I like how the life jacket is designed with clips, making it quick and easy to take on and off of my dogs. It also features a reflective trim so I can spot my dogs in the water right away.

REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel – 30% OFF

Duffel bags are incredibly versatile, serving purposes from organizing van life essentials to preparing for extensive travels. For quick getaways, my top pick is the REI Co-op Big Haul 40 Recycled Duffel. I love how I can just toss it in the back of my van during road trips.

During winter, I rely on my duffel daily to keep all my ski gear neatly stowed and easily accessible in my car, including my helmet, goggles, mittens, boot heaters, and midlayers. Something special that sets this duffel apart from others is its convenient stowable backpack straps and accompanying storage sack, allowing me to store it compactly when I’m not using it.

For those requiring smaller or larger capacities, it is also available in 28, 60, and 90, and 120-liter versions, as well as a rolling duffel equipped with wheels that would be perfect for overseas trips. All these styles are 30% off during the sale.

REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set – 30% OFF

In my van, packing cubes are essential for organization. I use the REI Co-op Expandable Packing Cube Set to sort my clothes (and make finding them much quicker and easier). This set includes three different sizes, making it convenient for me to know at a glance which one holds which items. I keep my tops in one, bottoms in another, and undergarments in the smallest cube.

Nemo Moonlander Dual Height Table – 25% OFF

This NEMO Moonlander Table is hands down my favorite compact camp table. It’s small enough to store in the gear box on the back of our rig, but sturdy enough to handle my toddler’s rough-and-tumble mealtimes. Herbie loves eating on it, and honestly, he’s gotten so good at setting it up he can do it himself in about 90 seconds (it takes me less than 30).

It has two different heights – standard camp chair height and a mode that’s low to the ground.

Helinox Sunset Chair – 25% OFF

I travel with two Helinox Sunset Chairs in our van, and they’re my favorite for kicking back after a long day. The high back is super supportive, and the built-in headrest adds comfort, especially if you stuff it with a jacket or towel.

They’re lightweight (under 3.5 lbs), pack down small, and we can even store them fully set up in the van, which makes campsite setup a breeze. The only downside I can think of is that there is no cup holder. They’re definitely a splurge, so the Anniversary Sale is a great time to grab one and save on the comfort and quality.

NEMO Stargazer Chair – 25% OFF

I don’t own the NEMO Stargazer Chair yet, but my partner Ryan has been begging for one for years. After lounging in a friend’s on our winter trip to Baja this year, I finally see what all the hype is about.

It really does feel like a hammock with the easy setup of a camp chair—perfect for kicking back, stargazing, or hanging around the fire. This is what I’ll personally be picking up during REI’s Anniversary Sale this year.

REI Co-op Base Camp 4 Tent – 30% OFF

The REI Base Camp 4 tent has been through it all with me—desert downpours, freezing mountain nights in Utah, even a dusty music festival—and it’s held up every time. It’s incredibly sturdy and does a great job in wind and weather. I love how much airflow it offers with all the windows, and you still get plenty of privacy when you need it.

At 5’5″, I can almost stand up inside, which makes changing clothes and moving around way more comfortable than your average tent. It’s roomy, reliable, and one of my favorite picks for car camping trips with the family. Check out my detailed REI Base Camp 4 tent review for more thoughts.

Best Deals on Hiking & Backpacking Gear

Garmin fenix 8 AMOLED Sapphire Multisport GPS Watch – $200 OFF

If you’re in the market for a GPS watch, you can snag the Garmin fenix 8 AMOLED GPS Watch for $200 off during REI’s Anniversary Sale! This watch is a pretty big investment, so it’s best for people who are serious about tracking their activities or upping their fitness game.

With its built-in GPS and topo maps, it provides accurate tracking of my route and location, so I don’t have to constantly pull out my phone.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 – $100 OFF

I think a Garmin inReach Mini 2 is a must-have item for all outdoor enthusiasts. This little handheld device keeps me safe in the backcountry where there is no cell service by tracking my location, providing 2-way texting, and sending out SOS signals should things go wrong.

I’ve also used it in my van. One time our battery died outside of Sun Valley Idaho in winter in sub-zero temps. I was able to text my dad with our GPS coordinates, and he then contacted a tow company to come help us. Without the Garmin inReach, we would have been waiting there for a very long time.

NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad – 25% OFF

The NEMO Tensor All-Season Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad is lightweight with insulated layers to keep you warm all night in the backcountry. The 3.5-inch thickness makes it a great option for side sleepers. I like how this sleeping pad packs down small in my pack, and once I get to camp, it’s quick to inflate with the inflation sack.

The NEMO Tensor comes in regular, wide, and long sizes, so you can find the perfect fit for your body! I personally prefer the wide, so I don’t roll off it in the middle of the night. You can find this sleeping pad in my collection of the best sleeping pads for backpacking.

REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag – 30% OFF

Coming in nine different unisex sizes, the newly updated REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag allows you to find your ideal fit for better sleep based on your measurements. BFT Contributor Kaylin Zittergruen tested this sleeping bag while backpacking in Havasu Falls and says, “I love how this sleeping bag is lightweight, warm, and soft. The 15-degree bag kept me really warm even when the temps dipped below freezing.”

Kaylin also said, “The design of the zipper makes it easy to unzip and rezip without snagging on the material, and the stash pocket fits my phone perfectly. I got some of the best nights of sleep I’ve ever had while sleeping in this bag!” To read more of Kaylin’s experience, check out her review of the REI Magma 15 Sleeping Bag.

Jetboil Flash Cooking System – 25% OFF

I’ve been a committed Jetboil fan for nearly 20 years. I got my first one right when they first launched back in 2004. I love the Jetboil Flash Cooking System because it heats water in ~90 seconds, and it’s just so easy to use. You don’t have to worry about knocking the pot off the burner, and the stove fits inside the pot along with a small fuel canister, so it takes up very little room in your pack.

The only issue I have with the Jetboil is the push igniter is sometimes unreliable. But you can quickly light it with a lighter or matches, which you should always carry with you on a backpacking trip anyways.

Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles – 25% OFF

I love my Black Diamond Distance Carbon FLZ Trekking Poles because they’re super lightweight and fold down smaller than other trekking poles, which makes them easy to pack for any trip (including air travel). They’re fully adjustable so you can change the length depending on whether you are going up or down, and they help me feel sturdier on steep, rocky trails. The foam grips are comfortable for long days, and the total weight of the pair is extremely light at ~1 pound.

Counter Assault Bear Deterrent Spray – 25% off

If you’re hiking or camping in grizzly country—like parts of Canada, Alaska, Montana, or Wyoming—carrying bear spray is a must. I always bring Counter Assault Bear Spray when I’m in these areas. It’s one of those things you hope you’ll never need to use, but having it on hand gives me peace of mind and an added layer of safety. It’s easy to carry, has a strong spray range, and is one of the most trusted brands out there for a reason.

Just make sure you know how to use it before hitting the trail—this post on wildlife safety tips walks you through how to carry and use bear spray properly.

Best Deals on Apparel

REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie – 30% OFF

You’ll hardly ever catch me outside in summer without a sun shirt on, and the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie (the men’s version is here) is one of my favs. I wore it for a week straight in Maui without washing it and found that it didn’t stink, and the loose fit keeps me surprisingly cool even in warm weather. It’s one of my staples in my truck camper too. I especially love how much coverage the hood provides.

Check out my full sun protection for hiking guide for more product recommendations and tips.

REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt – 30% OFF

The REI Co-op Sahara T-Shirt (the men’s version is here) is a BFT Team favorite. The fabric offers UPF 50+ sun protection, plus it’s breathable and quick drying, making it ideal for sunny days and extended outdoor adventures when you don’t want to wear long sleeves (like in high humidity).

REI Co-op Trailmade Pullover – 30% OFF

The REI Co-op Trailmade Pullover is a great lightweight, quick-dry shirt that is perfect for both outdoor and everyday wear. The buttons and loose fit provide for great airflow. This shirt has a boxy fit and runs short, so it may not work for people with long torsos. It also wrinkles easily, so that’s something to keep in mind if you plan to travel with it. But, for an outdoor shirt that can pass as dressy, I’m sold on the design!

Carve Designs Dylan Gauze Shirt – 25% OFF

I always pack one of these Carve Designs Dylan Gauze shirts in my truck camper for those moments when I want to wear something other than hiking clothes. The fabric is light and breathable—perfect for hot days—and it comes in a bunch of cute colors and patterns. It’s easy to dress up with jeans or toss over a swimsuit, and it hardly takes up any space. Just a solid, comfy staple that helps me feel a little more pulled together on the road.

I should add that the lighter colors can be a bit see-through so you’ll want to wear a light tank underneath or choose a darker color.

Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants – 25% OFF

The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants have been one of my staples for hiking and backpacking trips for several years now (in fact, I’m wearing them right now as I type this). The elastic waistband is super comfortable, and because there is no button, drawstring, or zipper, they work really well when I’m wearing a backpack with a hip belt since there is nothing that will cause rubbing or discomfort.

You can find the Dynama pants on my list of best women’s hiking pants.

REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts – 30% OFF

The REI Co-op Trailmade Shorts (the men’s version is here) have become a go-to in my adventure wardrobe. I wear them often on hikes and around camp, and I love the high-waist fit and lightweight feel. The elastic waistband is super comfortable, and the quick-drying fabric makes them perfect for active days on the trail. Plus, the pockets are actually functional—with plenty of room for snacks or small essentials.

REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket – 30% OFF

The REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket (the men’s version is here) is a budget-friendly piece made for all body types. The material is super soft, warm, and cozy yet breathable and quick drying.

The fit is loose and comfortable with room to move and has a high neckline for added warmth. I appreciate how the jacket is versatile, making it perfect for camping trips, outdoor adventures, and everyday wear. Plus, it’s cute to boot. Snag this jacket for 30% off during REI’s Anniversary Sale!

Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie – 25% OFF

I absolutely love the Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoodie (the men’s version is here) because it is incredibly warm, lightweight, and packs down small, making it perfect for everything from chilly morning hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.

The 800-fill down feels like you’re wrapped in a cloud, and the waterproof shoulders add extra protection if you get caught in light rain or snow. It’s one of those pieces I always have in my pack because it delivers serious warmth without taking up much space.

Nani Swimwear Cut Back Crop Swimsuit Top – 25% OFF

I’ve been loving the Nani Swimwear Cut Back Crop Swimsuit Top and matching ruched bottoms. The swimsuit top is very supportive for large-chested women like myself, and the bottoms are full coverage and very flattering. This swimsuit stays put when I’m active, so I don’t have to worry about it shifting around. When I was in Maui, I would wear this on hikes instead of a bra, that way I was always ready to jump in a waterfall.

Nani Swimwear makes their swimsuits out of recycled plastic water bottles and are an all-women ran company. All of their swimwear is 25% off during REI’s Anniversary Sale if you want to check out their other swim styles.

Nani Swimwear Hybrid Uinta Shorts – 25% OFF

Not only do the Nani Swimwear Hybrid Uinta Shorts make excellent swim shorts – they’re also perfect for hiking! I wore a pair of Nani hybrid shorts while adventuring in Maui and liked how I could wear them for walks on the beach and waterfall hikes. The quick-drying, stretchy material makes them comfortable to wear while working up a sweat on the trail or chilling on the beach.

Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Hat – 25% OFF

If you’re looking for a lightweight hat that will keep your head cool in warm weather, check out the Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Hat. This adjustable hat has a nylon strap and a clip closure, so you can get the perfect fit.

I like to wear it while hiking because it protects my scalp from the sun without making my head feel hot or itchy. It’s so light I can barely tell I’m wearing it, and it doesn’t push down on my sunglasses – so it’s really comfortable for hiking. It’s even cute to wear around town and to concerts.

REI Co-op All REI Co-op Brand Socks – 30% OFF

If you need new hiking socks, you’re in luck – all REI Co-op brand socks are 30% off in the Anniversary Sale! REI sock are lightweight, comfy, breathable, and sweat-wicking. If you’re between sizes, I recommend sizing down.

Oboz Footwear Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots – 25% OFF

I love my Oboz Bridger Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots (the men’s version is here), especially when I’m hiking in the rain or on wet trails. The mid-ankle design offers ankle support as I hike and keeps water out.

When backpacking with a heavier load, they’re my go-to boots thanks to their sturdiness, waterproofness, and grippyness from the lugs on the soles. Even better? No painful break-in period is required – the soft leather uppers make them ready for you to slip on straight out of the box.

Oboz Footwear Katabatic Low Hiking Shoes – 25% OFF

Unless I’m on a hearty backpacking trip, these days you’ll find me wearing lightweight hiking shoes instead of bulkier boots. The Oboz Katabatic Low Hiking Shoe (the men’s version is here) has become my go-to choice. They’re lightweight, supportive, and comfortable right out of the box, and they provide great traction too. I feel very nimble in these.

I opt for the low ankle, non-waterproof (more breathable) version for more mellow hikes, but they also come in a mid-ankle GORE-TEX version as well.

I’ve worn them on everything from mellow neighborhood walks to local hikes and even errands around town. At under 1 lb, 4 oz per pair, they’re one of the lightest hiking shoes I’ve tried, but still feel sturdy enough to handle uneven terrain. If you’re looking for a do-it-all shoe that can transition from trail to town, this is a solid pick.

How To Use Your Member Coupon

In addition to the sale deals, REI Members also get 20% off one full-price item, plus an extra 20% off one outlet item using the code ANNIV2025.

Here’s a few items I recommend using your 20% coupon on:

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What’s on your wishlist for the REI Anniversary Sale? Have you tried any of these items? Let me know in the comments below!

The post 2025 REI Anniversary Sale: 35 Amazing Outdoor Gear Deals appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

I’ve been doing van life since 2016, and cooking awesome meals in my camper van (or now my adventure truck) is one of my favorite parts of van life. But now that I’m traveling full-time with my son, I’ve had to prioritize meals that are quick, convenient, and easy to clean up. With limited storage space in our rig, I can’t pack everything I’d like, so I’ve pared down our campervan cooking equipment to the essentials we use the most.

In this post, I’m sharing my favorite tried-and-true van life kitchen equipment essentials — the cookware, utensils, and gear that make cooking on the road simple and stress-free. Whether you’re outfitting a new build or upgrading your current setup, these van life cooking essentials will help you eat well without cluttering up your space.

For more van life meal planning tips, see my guide to cooking delicious food in a tiny space.

Major Kitchen Appliances

Over the years, I’ve figured out what camper van cooking equipment is actually worth the space — and what we can live without. These are the major appliances I use the most in our van. Some people love having things like a toaster oven or an Omnia stovetop oven (if they cook with gas), but for our setup, this list covers everything we use to make cooking on the road easier.

Cooking Utensils

Below is a list of the cooking utensils I use most frequently in my camper. I recommend searching for a cooking utensil set that includes most of these items so you don’t have to buy everything separately. Look for food-grade silicone tools — they’re safe, heat-resistant, and easy to clean.

I keep things organized in my drawer with dividers so everything is always easy to find.

Get My Free Van Life Meal Guide

Want to make cooking on the road even easier? Download my free list of easy van life meals and must-have pantry staples. It’s packed with simple ideas and ingredients that make grocery shopping and meal planning a breeze — perfect for keeping your camper van kitchen stocked and stress-free.

Dinnerware

When it comes to dinnerware in our camper van, I like to avoid plastic as much as possible. Since we put effort into making good meals, it’s nice to enjoy them on normal-sized plates and bowls instead of tiny, flimsy camping dishes. Here are my recommendations:

Coffee/Tea

Coffee and matcha are on our morning menu in our van. Here’s the van-friendly kitchen equipment we use to get our fix.

Food Storage

When it comes to food storage in a camper van, saving space and keeping things organized is key. I like to use reusable, non-plastic options that are compact, durable, and easy to clean.

Clean-Up

Keeping your van kitchen clean is much easier when you have the right tools. I like to keep things simple with quick-drying towels and compact cleaning gear that doesn’t take up much space.

Final Thoughts

After years of part-time van life — and now traveling full-time with my son — I’ve learned that having the right kitchen setup can make or break your experience on the road. Keeping it simple, convenient, and easy to clean helps us spend less time dealing with dishes and more time soaking up the places we’re there to explore.

I hope this list of my favorite campervan cooking equipment and van life kitchen essentials helps you feel more confident in building out your own kitchen setup.

If you have any favorite kitchen gear you can’t live without, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

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The post Camper Van Cooking Equipment I Swear By (a complete checklist) appeared first on Bearfoot Theory.

The first time I ever tried backpacking with a dog was back in 2010 with my Rhodesian ridgeback, Johnny. Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing—and it showed. Partway through the hike, Johnny overheated and just… stopped. He refused to move.

At 80 pounds, carrying him wasn’t an option. I panicked. It took a lot of coaxing (and a lot of treats) to get him down to a stream where he finally cooled off. It was scary, and I was so worried for his safety that I never took him backpacking again.

Fast forward to now, and things look a lot different. The dog I got next is Charlie. He’s a border collie with boundless energy and trail smarts to match. He’s the ultimate hiking partner, and thanks to his athleticism—and everything I’ve learned over the years—I felt confident giving backpacking with a dog another try.

Since then, Charlie and I have done tons of overnight trips, and I’ve picked up a lot of knowledge about what makes for a safe, successful backcountry adventure with a canine companion.

In this post, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned from experience, including:

Whether it’s your first overnight or your tenth, I hope this helps you and your dog have an amazing trip.

1) Choose a Dog-Friendly Trail

The very first thing I check before planning a backpacking trip with my dog is whether the trail even allows dogs. A lot of National Parks are off-limits, which is a bummer, but National Forest and BLM lands are usually much more welcoming. When I’m not sure, I just call the local ranger station and ask.

Once I’ve confirmed dogs are allowed, I start looking at whether the trail is actually good for a dog. Just because dogs are permitted doesn’t mean the trail is going to be safe or comfortable for them. These are the things I personally look for:

2) Make Sure Your Dog is Physically Prepared

Not all dogs are built for backpacking. Breeds like bulldogs struggle with heat and endurance, so if you’re still choosing a dog, look for an active breed that enjoys exercise.

That said, size isn’t everything—small dogs – like my mini-aussie Gumbo – can totally hit the trail. They just might need help over obstacles and won’t be able to carry much.

If your dog is new to hiking, start with short day hikes and build up slowly. Dogs need to condition just like we do, especially if they’ve been mostly indoor pets. When Charlie was getting started, I took him on gradually longer hikes to see how he handled it.

Once your dog has some trail experience, pick routes that match their ability. Charlie can do big mileage now, but when he was a puppy, I kept it easy so he could build stamina and confidence. Don’t expect your dog to do 10-mile days right off the bat—they’ll enjoy it a lot more if you ease into it.

3) Keep Your Dog Under Control at All Times

Even if your dog is great off-leash (like Charlie usually is), I always carry a leash where I can grab it fast. You never know when you might run into wildlife—or a hiker who doesn’t love dogs as much as you do. If your dog starts to bolt after a deer, you’ll want a way to reel them in quickly.

When our dogs are off-leash, we use e-collars set to vibrate mode. It’s super effective for getting their attention when they start to wander or get distracted. If we need them to heel, a quick buzz usually does the trick.

If we’re on a trail where leashes are required—I use a hands-free waist leash. It makes hiking with trekking poles – see my favs here – way easier and keeps my hands free for navigating rougher sections.

If you’re thinking about letting your dog off-leash, make sure they’re fully trained and have solid recall. If they don’t come the first time you call, they’re not ready. And just in case something goes wrong, make sure your dog has current ID tags and a microchip.

4) Let Your Dog Carry Their Own Gear

Once Charlie started joining us on backpacking trips, getting him a backpack was a total game-changer. It lightened my pack and gave him a little job to do—which, as a working dog, he loves. Many dogs enjoy having a “task,” and carrying their own food and gear is a great way to keep them engaged on the trail.

I recommend starting with no more than 10% of your dog’s body weight.

We use the Ruffwear Approach Pack, which has been perfect for Charlie. It’s durable, fits well, and the saddlebags are streamlined enough that they don’t flop around when he runs or scrambles over rocks. Ruffwear also makes a lighter version called the Front Range Pack if your dog’s carrying less weight or just getting started.

In his pack, Charlie carries a little bit of food, a collapsible bowl, a ziplock of treats, and poop bags – so nothing too crazy, but I find that it keeps him focused on the trail.

5) Make Sure Your Dog Gets Adequate Nutrition

Backpacking burns a ton of calories—for both you and your dog. When Charlie’s on the trail, he definitely eats more than usual, so I always bring a little more food than I think he’ll need.

I also pack lightweight treats to reward good trail behavior and give him an energy boost. Freeze-dried treats are my go-to—they’re light, don’t crumble, and Charlie will do pretty much anything for them.

If you’re backpacking in bear country, make sure your dog’s food and treats go in your bear canister, right along with your own. Not only will this protect it from bears, it’ll also keep out mice, squirrels, and other critters who would love to chew through your pack for a snack. If you’re not using a canister, still be smart—never leave dog food unattended in your tent or backpack.

6) Keep Your Dog Hydrated

Staying on top of hydration is one of the most important parts of backpacking with a dog. I always make sure Charlie has access to clean water throughout the day—just like I do for myself. And yes, I filter his water too (see my next point).

When we’re at camp or taking a break, I set out his collapsible bowl (we use one from Ruffwear that fits right in his backpack) and offer him water. On the trail, I make a point to stop every hour or two for a drink, and I watch for early signs of dehydration like a dry nose or extra panting.

7) Filter Your Dog’s Water

Just like I wouldn’t drink straight from a stream, I don’t let Charlie drink untreated water either. Dogs can get sick from the same pathogens we can—like giardia or other parasites—and the last thing you want is a sick dog in the middle of the backcountry.

So whatever I’m using to filter my own water, I use it for his too. I just filter some into his collapsible bowl, and we’re good to go. It’s quick, easy, and totally worth the peace of mind.

8) Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat

After what happened with Johnny, I’m super cautious about hiking in hot conditions. Heat exhaustion is no joke, and dogs can overheat fast—especially on exposed trails with little shade.

If it’s hot out, I build in more breaks, find shady spots to rest, and let Charlie cool off in streams whenever we come across one. He loves splashing around, and it does wonders for keeping his core temperature down. I avoid hiking in the middle of the day if I can, especially in hotter climates.

The main thing is to watch your dog closely. If they’re panting heavily, slowing down, or looking uncomfortable, stop and cool them off—don’t try to push through it. I’d rather arrive at camp late than risk my dog’s safety.

9) Protect Your Dog’s Paws While Backpacking

Your dog’s paws take a beating on the trail, especially if you’re hiking on rocky or rough terrain. I’ve learned to check Charlie’s paws regularly—usually at breaks and definitely at the end of the day—to catch any cuts, cracks, or rubbing early before they turn into real problems.

We’ve tried booties, but Charlie absolutely hated them. He would do anything to get them off. What works way better for us is a wax-based paw balm called Musher’s Secret. I put it on in the morning before we start hiking and again at night. It helps moisturize his paws and adds a layer of protection against rough surfaces and hot ground. You just have to make sure they don’t lick it off.

If you’re not sure how your dog’s paws will hold up, start by doing a few longer hikes on similar terrain and see how they do. And always pack a small paw care kit—mine includes Musher’s Secret, some gauze, tape, and a small pair of scissors—just in case we need to deal with a cut on the trail.

10) Keep an Eye on Your Dog at Night

Once we’re at camp, I like to give Charlie a little freedom to move around—but I still want to know exactly where he is. To make that easy, I clip a small LED light to his collar so I can spot him at a glance, even if he wanders into the trees or behind a bush.

It’s such a simple trick, but it gives me peace of mind. I don’t have to constantly call him or worry that he’s wandered too far—I can just follow the little glow bouncing around the campsite.

11) Follow Leave No Trace Practices with Your Dog’s Poop

Leave No Trace principles apply to your dog just like they do to you.

I was told by rangers in Yosemite that when you are backpacking with your dog, all poop should be buried in a cathole 6–8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water and camp. If your dog goes too close to a stream or right in the middle of camp, you can use your poop shovel to move it to an appropriate spot and bury it properly. Alternatively, you can carry it out in poop bags.

I store my backpacking poop shovel in a ziplock bag inside Charlie’s backpack to keep things sanitary and easy to access.

Leaving dog waste out in the open isn’t just gross for other hikers—it can contaminate water sources and disrupt the ecosystem.

12) Know Basic Dog First Aid

I’m not a vet, and I won’t pretend I know how to handle every possible dog injury on the trail—but I do believe in being prepared for the basics.

Before I took Charlie backpacking, I made sure that I understood how to treat common, minor issues like a cut paw or a scraped nose. I don’t need to be an expert—I just need to be able to keep things from getting worse until we can get off the trail.

I carry essentials like gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers, plus a few dog-specific items like paw balm and sometimes backup booties if they are absolutely necessary.

* Fun tip: If your dog hates booties, try putting a toddler-sized sock over their paw instead. You can use tape to tighten it so it doesn’t fall off.

If you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of pre-made dog first aid kits available online, and you can always customize one to fit your trip.

13) Give Your Dog Room to Sleep in Your Tent

If your dog is sleeping in your backpacking tent with you (which I definitely recommend), make sure there’s enough space for everyone to get a good night’s rest. When it’s me, my partner, and Charlie, we bring a 3-person tent so he has his own space.

To make Charlie more comfortable, we pack a closed-cell foam pad just for him. It weighs barely over a pound, but it gives him insulation from the cold ground and a soft spot to crash after a big day. It also helps him settle in quickly—he knows it’s his space when we set it down.

14) Be Prepared for Emergencies (Even If You Hope You’ll Never Need To)

I never expect something to go wrong on the trail—but I’ve learned to think through the “what ifs” anyway. Especially when I’m backpacking with Charlie, I like to have a rough plan in mind in case he gets injured or something unexpected happens.

I carry a Garmin InReach on all of our trips. I’m obviously not going to hit the SOS button if Charlie’s injured, but it’s peace of mind knowing I can text a friend or family member for help if we need to bail early or I can’t get him out on my own. It’s also a good backup if we lose the trail or run into bad weather.

Before heading out, I usually ask myself:

I don’t obsess about worst-case scenarios, but having a loose plan helps me feel more confident out there.

15) Wildlife Awareness on the Trail

Before you go hiking with your dog, it’s essential to brush up on basic wildlife safety tips so you know how to react if you have a run-in with an animal on the trail. I always carry bear spray, leash my dogs, and stay more alert than usual. It’s just not worth the risk to let them roam in areas where a wrong move could escalate fast.

Some animals, like moose, are especially aggressive toward dogs, and a loose dog can make a dangerous situation worse. When we were in the Canadian Rockies, our dogs stayed leashed the entire time.

I also treat dog food like human food—everything scented goes in a bear canister to avoid attracting unwanted visitors around camp.

Backpacking with your dog is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the outdoors. It’s not always easy—there’s extra planning, extra gear, and a few more variables to manage—but sharing those quiet mornings, trail miles, and campfire hangs with your pup makes it all worth it.

If you’re heading out soon, I hope this guide helps you feel confident and ready. And if you’ve already hit the trail with your pup, I’d love to hear about it—drop your best tips or trail stories in the comments!

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I started van life in 2016 and have since lived in three different Sprinter Vans, logging thousands of days on the road. But after attempting full-time travel with my newborn and two dogs, it quickly became clear that we needed more space to make this lifestyle feel sustainable.

When searching for the perfect adventure vehicle, I wanted something that would give our family of three more functional living space without sacrificing off-road capability or driveability. I didn’t want something so big—like a trailer or a massive slide-in truck camper—that it would limit where we could camp, but I also knew that another van wouldn’t give us the space we needed.

That’s what led me to the Rossmonster Baja Trail—a fully built-out truck camper designed for off-grid travel. It’s built on a Ford F-350 and features a hard-sided pop-top, giving us extra interior space when parked while keeping the truck’s low profile and maneuverability on the road.

I was also drawn to the Rossmonster Baja’s pass-through feature. Coming from a van, I didn’t want to lose the ability to move freely between the driver’s seat to the camper. The layout also seemed very functional — all without feeling cramped — with its two separate beds, kitchen, and full bathroom.

I picked up my Rossmonster Baja Trail in December 2024, and since then, it has become our full-time home on the road. With our house in Utah rented out, we’re fully committed to long-term travel, and so far, we’ve taken the Baja Trail through Arizona and all the way down to the bottom of Baja California. I’m excited to share all the little details—the things I love, what surprised me, and a few things I’d tweak.

If you’re considering a Rossmonster Baja Trail, this review will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you. If you have any questions, shoot me an email or message me on Instagram. If you do reach out to Rossmonster, let them know I sent you—they’ll take great care of you!

Ford F-350 Chassis

The Rossmonster Baja Trail is built on the Ford F-350 chassis, and I expected it to feel massive and intimidating to drive. I was so wrong—this truck drives like a dream.

One big appeal of the Ford chassis for me was knowing that we could get it serviced almost anywhere, even in rural areas and small mountain towns across North America. If we ever run into trouble, there’s a good chance we’ll be able to find a mechanic who can work on an F-350. That peace of mind was a huge factor in choosing this platform for long-term travel.

The Rossmonster Baja can be built on either the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel or a gas engine, but I chose the diesel because it’s more powerful and has extra torque which helps carry the weight of the camper. The diesel also gets slightly better fuel economy and has greater towing capacity should we ever decide to tow anything. Finally, diesel engines are built to last longer than gas engines, meaning it will hold its value longer.

Driveability

The Rossmonster Baja Trail accelerates quickly, even with the fully built-out camper on the back. I thought it might feel heavy and sluggish, but the turbo diesel engine is very powerful. We never feel like we’re struggling to keep up on highway passes.

The turning radius is surprisingly good, and despite its size, I can still maneuver in tight parking lots without feeling too stressed. The steering is smooth and responsive, making it much easier to handle than I anticipated.

The Baja comes with two backup cameras—one factory-installed that displays on the dash screen and a Wolf Box camera that replaces the rearview mirror, showing a constant live feed of what’s behind the truck. Having this full-time rear view makes lane changes and merging way safer since I always know what’s around me.

The truck also comes with a factory camera that shows the front of the truck from the bumper’s point of view when 4×4 is engaged. This makes it much easier to see rocks and ruts in the road when we are exploring dirt trails.

Off-Road Capability & Suspension

One of the biggest priorities when choosing a new rig was off-road capability. After years of pushing our Sprinter Van to its limits (and probably taking it places we had no business going), I wanted a rig that was at least as capable—if not more—when it came to tackling rough terrain and accessing remote trails.

With beefy tires, a low center of gravity, and a suspension specifically tuned for off-road performance, the Rossmonster Baja feels just as comfortable on the highway as it does on rugged backroads. We’ve tested it on beaches, rocky roads, and rough desert terrain, and it has handled everything impressively well.

Camper Shell Construction

The Rossmonster Baja is built with a fiberglass composite shell and an aluminum frame, designed to be lightweight and durable. The big advantage of fiberglass is that it’s easy to repair if we were ever to get any dings or dents in the camper shell. Just about any body shop in the U.S. should be able to fix it.

On top of that, the shell is a single-piece construction, meaning there are no seams to worry about leaking or failing over time.

So far, the build quality has exceeded my expectations. The camper feels solid, well-built, and thoughtfully designed, and the interior is holding up incredibly well, even after driving rough roads down in Baja California. The materials and finishes are durable and functional, with no rattling or shifting while driving.

Hard Walled Pop-Top

Before discovering the Rossmonster Baja, I was hesitant about a pop-top camper. Traditional soft-sided pop-ups come with a few big drawbacks—they lack insulation for four-season use, they stay wet if you have to close them in bad weather, and they can’t support overhead cabinets, which I absolutely wanted for storage.

At the same time, I didn’t love the idea of a traditional slide-in truck camper either. Most of them are over 13 feet tall, which significantly limits where you can go, especially when it comes to tree clearance and off-road trails.

The Baja’s hard-sided pop-top solves all of these problems.

Interior Layout Overview

The layout of the Baja is one of the biggest reasons I chose this camper, and now that we’ve been living in it full-time, I can confidently say it works incredibly well for our family.

The width of the F-350 (about a foot wider than a Sprinter) makes a huge difference in livability—we all have room to move around without constantly bumping into each other. The high ceiling (6’5” when popped up) makes the space feel open and even my tallest friends can stand up straight inside.

Cabover Bed

When you step inside the side door, our bed sits above the cab. At 59″ wide by 74″ long, it’s about the size of a queen bed, giving my partner and me (plus our two dogs) enough space to sleep comfortably. The mattress it came with is fairly comfortable, but I added a 2-inch latex topper for extra cushion, which made a big difference.

The headspace in the bed is 32″, which is just shy of letting me sit up fully. However, there’s a skylight above the bed that adds about 6 extra inches of headroom when you’re positioned underneath it. I do wish there was a bit more vertical space, but since our bed is just for sleeping and watching our iPad at night, it feels plenty adequate for that purpose.

To get up in the bed, you use the ladder that stows flush against the wall when it’s not in use.

Full Bathroom

The Rossmonster Baja Trail LX is the floor model that comes with a full bathroom, including a shower and toilet—something I didn’t have in my last two vans. I only had 25 gallons of water in my vans, but in the Rossmosnter, I have a 40 gallon water tank. So having a shower in here makes a lot more sense, especially now that I have to worry about bathing a toddler on the road. With so much water, we can take showers without stressing about running out of water for drinking, cooking, or dishes.

The bathroom feels surprisingly spacious for a truck camper. I can sit comfortably on the toilet without my legs touching the wall, which isn’t always the case in smaller RV bathrooms. The shower height is 6’2″, so most people can stand up straight without having to hunch over too much. The shower head is detachable and has an on/off switch, allowing you to direct the spray exactly where needed while conserving water.

The shower has a slatted teak floor above the shower basin, which allows dirt and grime to rinse down while keeping your feet out of any standing water. Grey water drains into an 11-gallon tank, which has been enough for us to manage with regular dumping.

For hot water, the Baja uses a hydronic heating system. It takes about 5-10 minutes to heat up, but once it’s ready, you have unlimited hot water.

We went with the Trelino separating toilet, which has a pee canister and a waste bin lined with a bag that can be tossed in the trash. I like the bag system, but the toilet itself has room for improvement. The good news is it’s fully removable, so if I want to try a different toilet, it’s an easy swap.

I’m so glad we have a full bathroom (the LX model), but if you don’t need one, the Baja also comes in an EX model that prioritizes additional counter space and storage. Instead of a dedicated bathroom, it features a toilet tucked inside a small cabinet and a folding shower that sets up in the middle of the camper when you need a quick rinse. Both models also have an outdoor shower hookup that’s connected to the hot water lines.

Kitchen

The kitchen in the Baja LX floorplan is split galley style, with counter space on both sides, a two-burner induction stove, a fridge, a sink, and an additional flip-up counter next to the stove.

With two burners on the induction stove, I left our portable propane camp stove behind. While I do miss cooking outside occasionally, it’s one less piece of gear to carry, and we don’t have to deal with carrying propane. The induction stove boils water fast, easily wipes clean, and cools down quickly after use, so it’s not a lingering hazard in a small space.

The Isotherm Cruise Elegance fridge holds about a week’s worth of food. I’ve had this exact fridge in all of my van builds (it’s one of the industry’s most popular fridges), and while it works well, my biggest issue is that the freezer ices over monthly. Defrosting it requires pulling out all the food, which can be a hassle when there’s nowhere else to store it. Other than that, I don’t have any complaints.

I also love the spacious sink, which makes doing dishes easy. The faucet stows down while driving, so there’s no risk of it shifting or leaking. A custom cutting board fits over the sink, doubling as extra counter space when needed—a thoughtful touch that helps maximize functionality in a small kitchen.

Dinette / Second Bed

At the very back of the camper, the dinette serves as both a functional workspace and a comfortable lounge area. It comfortably seats four, making it perfect for meals, working, or just relaxing. The table is mounted on a Lagun swivel system, allowing you to quickly move it out of the way when needed. The seating is surprisingly supportive, and I can work on my laptop for hours without dealing with back pain—something I couldn’t say about all my previous setups.

When it’s time to convert the dinette into a bed, the process takes about two minutes. The tabletop drops down onto a pair of slats, and two of the side cushions fit on top to create a large, flat sleeping surface.

This second bed is big enough to fit my son’s travel crib right on top, and we installed L Track on the ceiling to hang a blackout curtain, giving him his own private sleep space. When he’s not sleeping, the bed mode creates a huge, comfortable lounge area where we can all hang out, read, and play together. It’s one of the most versatile parts of the camper and has made full-time life on the road much more enjoyable.

Pass-Through

Coming from a van, I didn’t want to lose access to the driver’s seat while inside the camper. When I first started van life in 2016, I was traveling solo, and being able to hop into the driver’s seat without stepping outside was one of the main reasons I chose a van over other types of campers. It made me feel safer, knowing I could drive away in an emergency without exposing myself to whatever was outside.

When I started looking at truck campers, I realized that very few models offer a true pass-through. The Rossmonster Baja is one of the rare exceptions. Between the back seat of the truck cab and the camper, there’s a 24” x 36” pass-through, which, while not big enough to walk through like I could in my Sprinter, is plenty large enough to crawl through easily. It gives me that same peace of mind I had in my van, knowing I have quick access to the driver’s seat if needed.

Beyond the safety aspect, I use the pass-through all the time for passing gear between the camper and truck cab. When it’s time to hit the road, I can easily pass water, snacks, my son’s toys, or anything else we need up front without having to step outside, which makes getting ready to go quicker.

My son loves climbing through the pass-through when we are camping, turning it into an extra play space. The dogs use it too. This is really helpful if we have to park and leave them in the truck for a bit, they can go to the back of the camper where it’s insulated and doesn’t get nearly as hot as the truck cab. The pass-through is one of those features I didn’t want to compromise on, and I’m really glad we have it in the Rossmonster.

Storage

I was initially worried about losing storage space compared to a van, and I won’t say I don’t miss the huge garage we had under our Sprinter bed. But with the combination of interior storage, extra space in the truck cab, and the gear boxes on the back, I’ve found there’s plenty of room for all of our essentials, even for full-time living. If you’re traveling part-time, it would be even easier to make it work.

Here are the major storage areas in the Baja Trail:

While the storage in the Baja isn’t as obvious as in a camper van, I’ve found that with some smart prioritizing and a little bit of Tetris, we can fit everything we need without feeling like we’re constantly shuffling things around.

Power System

The Rossmonster Baja is powered by a robust Victron Energy system, designed to handle all of our off-grid power needs. The setup includes a 1000Ah LiFePO4 battery bank, a 3000W inverter, 600W of solar, and alternator charging while driving, ensuring we have multiple ways to keep the system topped up.

A 1000Ah battery bank might sound like overkill, but I’m really glad we have such a high-capacity system, especially since we have AC, a microwave, and a Starlink Mini, all of which are big power draws. With this setup, we never have to worry about running out of power, even when using multiple appliances at once.

The 3000W inverter allows us to run multiple high-powered devices simultaneously without tripping the system. For example, we can use the induction stove and air fryer at the same time, which makes cooking much more convenient.

The 600W of solar provides ample recharge on days when we’re not driving, keeping the batteries topped up even when stationary. Since the batteries also charge from the alternator while driving, we rarely have to think about power management.

So far, the system has been performing exactly as expected, giving us more than enough power for daily life on the road.

Hydronic Heat System

The Aquahot hydronic heating system is an efficient and effective way to keep the inside of our camper comfortable in any weather. We have camped in single digits in the snow, and you could have never guessed how cold it was outside.

The Aquahot system runs on diesel fuel from the truck’s main fuel tank, eliminating the need for a separate fuel source.

The system works by heating a thermal mass of coolant in an exterior burner, which is then circulated inside the camper in three different ways:

What’s great is that these three functions can be operated independently, so we only have to run the portions we need at any given time, making the system more efficient and customizable.

Air Conditioning / Cooling

I’ve never had AC in any of my vans, so having an AC unit in here is a welcome addition. We haven’t had the need for AC yet, but in a quick test run, it did a solid job of taking the edge off the heat and making the camper more comfortable.

I’m not sure yet if we’ll be able to run it all night, as I still need to see exactly how much power it consumes over an extended period. What I’m most excited about is having AC for those moments when we need to leave the dogs in the truck for a couple of hours in the summer and being able to cool the camper down while my son naps during the day. Having that extra bit of temperature control will make summer travel so much easier.

In addition to the AC, the Rossmonster Baja Trail has windows all around, all of which have integrated screens and blackout shades, so we can get a cross breeze without dealing with bugs. There’s also a MaxxAir fan over the dinette and a large skylight with an integrated screen above the bed, both of which add to the ventilation. On warm days when we don’t want to run the AC, simply opening the windows and cranking the fan pulls in fresh air and keeps the camper feeling comfortable.

Exterior Accessories

In addition to the storage boxes on the back, there are a few exterior accessories on the Baja that I find useful for day-to-day life on the road.

Customer Service

Beyond the quality of the build itself, Rossmonster’s customer service has been outstanding. Like with any custom-built camper, a few small things have come up—one of the reading lights in our bed stopped working, for example. I let Rossmonster know, and by the end of the day, they had a new light in the mail, along with detailed instructions on how to swap it out. Their team is small, but it’s clear they take a ton of pride in their work and genuinely care about customer satisfaction.

Having a company that stands behind its product and is responsive when things need attention gives me a lot of confidence in this rig for long-term travel.

Final Thoughts

After the last few months of full-time travel in the Rossmonster Trail Baja Trail, I can confidently say it’s been the perfect rig for our family. It strikes the ideal balance between comfort and capability, giving us the space we need without limiting where we can go.

If you’re looking for a highly functional, rock-solid, adventure-ready truck camper, the Baja Trail is a fantastic choice.

Got questions about my Rossmonster Baja review? Leave them down in the comments below!

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