Skip to main content

Runaway Campers’ Venturist is a rugged “squaredrop” towable for minimalists

With more than 20 inches of ground clearance, this hardcore teardrop trailer has serious off-roading potential

By Mike Richard Apr 8, 2025 10:49 AM

A gray SUV towing a Runaway Campers Venturist teardrop travel trailer down a rocky trail. — Runaway Campers

I’m of the school of thought that “simpler is almost always better,” especially when it comes to camping. Whether it’s backpacking, RV camping, or overlanding, less is often more. It’s clear that Runaway Campers agrees. Case in point: It’s perfectly minimalist Venturist “squaredrop” travel trailer series.

Each of the three models in the Venturist series (or “V-Series”) comes standard with everything avid overlanders need and nothing they don’t. That means a steel frame construction, Timbren axle-less independent suspension, electric brakes, custom fenders, and 17-inch wheels on 33-inch BFG all-terrain tires. The setup provides more than 20 inches of ground clearance. Coupled with a pint-sized footprint, this travel trailer is purpose-built to be easy to tow and maneuver along even the tightest and gnarliest of backcountry trails.

Closeup of a Venturist teardrop/travel trailer at the Runaway Campers build shop. — Runaway Campers

Despite its minimalist nature, the Venturist series offers a surprising amount of standard components. Buyers can opt to keep things simple (and more affordable) and build out their rig along the way. But Runaway Campers also offers a long list of optional components designed to get you far off-grid in relative comfort. That includes RotoPaX setups, a roof-mounted vent fan, a beefy electrical setup with integrated solar, and even a front-mounted air-conditioner. The roof is also built to accommodate a variety of accessories, including rooftop tents, road showers, awnings, and gear baskets.

Recommended Videos

The Venturist travel trailer series is now available with a starting price of $9,950 for the Venturist 4×8 model or $12,645 for the flagship 6×8 trim. For an affordable, ultra-basic solution, the Venturist XS is among the brand’s most pared-down models, but it lacks any interior space, so you’ll almost definitely need to add a rooftop tent to the mix.

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South… Read Full Bio

Topics

Camping

Uncompromising: Ball and Buck’s collaborations with bestselling author Jack Carr are what outdoor retail dreams are made of

Jack Carr

The steam was how I knew it was done. Making food over an open flame feels different than making it on the stove at home. There is a feeling of ancient skill, an ability to survive on very little. You have dispensed with the comfort of the modern world and taken yourself back to the way ancient man made their food over a flame with wood gathered from the forest and minimal ingredients. At least, that is how it feels until I use my modern multitool to flip the steak on the cast iron skillet I placed over the fire I made with a modern lighter. Look, I am all about remembering who we used to be, but that doesn’t mean I want to dispense with ALL the comfort or the tools of today. Camping is one of the last activities of the modern family where you can leave all screens behind. And when I hit the woods, I like to go all out with something that will last me. Quality. Ruggedness. Dependability. Things that keep me taken care of. That is why I love Ball and Buck.

Something else I like to do when I go out there is read. Sure, it could be anything from a military memoir to instructions on how to make a steak in a cast iron skillet over an open flame, which may or may not be more done than it should be. But recently, it has been Jack Carr. The Fourth Option hit the shelves this summer, and it was one of the best books of the year. I love his work, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that he has an entire collection with Ball and Buck.

I tried the Yozma IN 10 Pro electric dirt bike, and it was nothing like riding an e-bike

i tried the yozma in10 pro electric dirt bike and it was nothing like riding an e img 0424

I’ve spent plenty of time riding e-bikes, but I’d never ridden an electric dirt bike before. When I had the opportunity to try the Yozma IN 10 Pro, I was curious to see how the two would compare. As it turns out, they’re completely different experiences. The IN 10 Pro is fast, surprisingly loud, and considerably more powerful than anything I’d ridden before.

I didn’t push the bike anywhere near its advertised top speed of 50 mph, and I didn’t need to. Even at lower speeds, riding the IN 10 Pro was a lot of fun. Between the powerful acceleration, responsive steering, and the way it handled gravel and dirt, there was plenty to enjoy. And despite all that power, the ride was surprisingly comfortable, even over uneven ground. It didn’t take long for me to understand why people love riding dirt bikes.

Arc’teryx x BEAMS: The blend of Alpine tech and Tokyo style

Arc'teryx x Beams

The new Arc’teryx x BEAMS collection celebrates the brands’ 25-year collaboration and the blending of technical function with street-savvy style. The line highlights a re-creation of the 1998 Arc’teryx Theta hardshell, a Gamma softshell jacket, and Jogen bouldering pants. All come in the signature Kōyō color palette, modeled after Japan’s autumn leaves.

I wore the Gamma Jacket and Jogen pants during the fall changeover in Virginia’s picturesque Shenandoah Valley, testing for warmth, wind resistance, and style. Here’s my take.