Mike Richard
Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 1496 articles
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites of industry-leading publications for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, National Geographic, and Vagabondish. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Massachusetts home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.
This portable jump starter could save your next overlanding trip from disaster
Recovery gear is probably the most unexciting overlanding gear to shop for, but it’s literally the most important. If your portable fridge, Starlink Mini, or digital camera dies out in the backcountry, it’s no great shakes. But if you blow a tire, get bogged in mud, or wake up to a dead battery, you could […]
Honda Base Station hints at the future of compact electrified travel trailers
While Honda is a household name for many reasons, building futuristic electric travel trailers isn’t one of them. Now, the iconic automaker is looking to change that with the debut of its all-new Base Station concept. While Honda lists its new Base Station as a “prototype,” it hints at a very bright future for electric […]
Hyundai’s sleek new Staria electric campervan is a beauty, but there’s a catch
Electric RVs are almost certainly the way of the future, and campervans are no exception. Hyundai just unveiled a fully-loaded, off-grid-ready version of its understated Staria van, and it’s a thing of beauty for vanlifers. But there’s a catch. The reimagined Staria is an all-electric camper van from the powertrain to the fully-applianced kitchen. Hyundai […]
Airstream’s World Traveler 22RB is among the company’s most affordable RVs ever
Few names are as synonymous with road-tripping as Airstream. But the brand’s iconic “silver bullet” travel trailers often come with a sky-high price tag. Now, the company wants to change that with the debut of one of its most accessible models ever. The new World Traveler 22RB relies on the same World Traveler chassis that […]
Deuter’s Duffel Pro Roller 90 might be the year’s best adventure travel bag
Yes, we’re only two weeks into 2026. But, I’m calling it now: Deuter may have just created the year’s best, most versatile bag for adventure travelers. The all-new Duffel Pro Roller 90 is a near-perfect hybrid bag. It combines the roomy packability (90 liters, as the name implies) of a duffel bag with the free-wheeling […]
Poseidon XL is a near-bulletproof power bank for serious outdoor adventures
Even the most hardcore, tech-averse campers are packing digital cameras, drones, portable electric fridges, and more for their off-grid escapes. All those gadgets require serious power, but even the best power stations are big, bulky, and barely portable. That’s where Dark Energy’s Poseidon XL comes in. It’s a compact power bank that measures roughly the […]
Level-up your campfire-building with this 162-mph “jet-powered” handheld blower
I’m rarely a fan of “technology for technology’s sake,” especially when it comes to car camping. But, every once in a while, a tool comes along that I didn’t even realize I needed. Enter: The Hedgehog Jet. The Jet is a versatile, heavy-duty handheld tool that combines the size of a household compressed-air can with […]
Nirvana Bike Camper is a featherweight, four-season shelter for serious cyclists
Teardrop travel trailers are the epitome of roadtrip minimalism. While most are built for the open road, many long-distance cyclists and bikepackers are also learning to enjoy the “creature comforts” of these featherweight tow-behind campers. Case in point: Nirvana Van’s simply named Bike Camper. The company’s debut bicycle camper borrows heavily from traditional teardrop design, […]
Ecno Evil’s Unit-1 is a hardcore, trail-ready “pod camper” in a category of one
Competition in the RV industry is steep, and it’s forced many manufacturers into a race to the bottom. Poor-quality construction has been rampant for years across every segment, from the fanciest Class A motorhomes to the most pared-down teardrop travel trailers. But California-based Ecno Evil is looking to right the ship with an all-new model […]
Delivery drone helps stranded hiker in first-of-its-kind Arizona mountain rescue
Drones have become a nuisance for many hikers despite strict laws prohibiting their use in US National Parks and other wilderness areas. But this recent story out of Arizona proves they can also be used for good. Earlier this month, a helicopter flying a routine patrol over Phoenix’s Camelback Mountain spotted a hiker attempting to […]
CanvasCamp’s panoramic Mouflon car camping tent sets up in under a minute
There doesn’t seem to be a ton of revolutionary innovation happening in the car camping shelter market these days. So, when something novel pops up (pun intended), we tend to notice. Enter: The Moulon tent from CanvasCamp. On paper, the “bones” of the tent appear much like any other traditional A-frame camping tent. But the […]
2026 Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops is overlanding-ready with exclusive factory winch
Jeep’s Gladiator is already an overlanding-worthy rig in almost any off-the-rack configuration. But now, the iconic automaker is looking to up the ante (again) next year with the limited-edition Shadow Ops package. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops is built on the extremely capable Rubicon platform but upgraded with even beefier, trail-ready accessories and features. […]
Snow Peak’s Field Rise is a clever rooftop tent that inflates in minutes
Since the 1950s, Snow Peak has garnered something of a cult following in its native Japan. Its outdoor camping products are among the most cleverly designed in the space. But the all-new Field Rise marks a first in the company’s history as its debut into the world of rooftop tents. Unlike ordinary pop-up rooftop tents, […]
Get your Jeep or Bronco holiday-ready with Mek’s “ugly sweater” vehicle armor
Your beer needs a koozie; your phone needs a case; and your dog needs a sensible jacket to go out on the cold. So it only makes sense to properly wrap your vehicle, too. Mek Magnet recognizes this need with its lineup of removable “vehicle armor,” including an all-new “Ugly Sweater” edition just in time […]
Airstream x Stetson x 6666 Ranch trailer captures the American pioneer spirit
Airstream already makes some of the most sought-after travel trailers in America. So when it announces an ultra-exclusive special edition collab with two of the country’s most recognized Western brands, it’s hard not to take notice. The limited-edition RV, officially dubbed the Airstream Stetson + 6666 Special Edition Travel Trailer, elevates the brand’s already luxurious […]
Columbia Sportswear challenges Flat Earthers to “find the edge” and win $100K
“Flat earth” — the idea that we’re not in fact living on a sphere, but rather on a dirt pizza, hanging stationary in space like a cosmic Christmas ornament — is among the whackier conspiracy theories of our time. So, Columbia Sportswear’s CEO decided to take a jab at it this holiday season by trolling […]
All-new Evotrex Camper might be the world’s first “power-generating” RV
The Achilles heel for most off-grid RVers is the power capacity of their rig. It’s feasible to pack several weeks’ worth of food and water, no matter where you’re headed. But a power setup that’s reliable in any weather just isn’t a reality. Evotrex is looking to change that as early as 2026. The California-based […]
This tiny, backpacker-friendly firepit might be the smallest we’ve ever seen
Firepits are practically required packing for car campers. But they’re bulky, heavy, and rarely portable enough for backpacking. Fire Maple is looking to remedy that with the release of its most compact firepit ever. The Antarcti is the brand’s smallest, most backpacker-friendly firepit model. It collapses down into a roughly three- to four-inch cube with […]
Daihatsu’s Kayoibako-K is a compact, overlanding-ready modular campervan
No one knows great small-space design like the Japanese. That’s doubly true when it comes to RVs, as some of the world’s best compact campervans were (are) born in Japan. Case in point: The Kayoibako-K. This fresh “microvan” concept from Daihatsu (a subdivision of Toyota) takes minimalist mobile living to a whole new level. The […]
The next-gen camping essential that’s changing life on the road
Pooping — more specifically, how and where to poop — is something van lifers and campers tend to gloss over on social media. Because, let’s face it: Doing your business in the woods is rarely a glamorous task. But Swiss brand Clesana is looking to make it a little less terrible with a clever new […]
Sub-two-pound bikepacking tent packs small, sets up in less than five minutes
Bikepacking — camping with a two-wheel support vehicle — relies on much of the same equpiment as backpacking with a few subtle differences. Often, those subtle design quirks make all the difference in how and where you can pack your gear. Now, Swiss newcomer Aper has its sights set on one of the most challenging […]
“Chopped” teardrop-inspired truck camper is a minimalist overlander’s dream
Grumpy Bear Campers takes the minimalist ethos of today’s most compact travel trailers to the extreme with its new Arctos Sport truck camper. It’s a unique, pared-down mashup that combines the stubby, trail-friendly size of a traditional teardrop with the versatility and streamlined drivability of a truck camper. The base level Arctos Sport DIY includes […]
You can tow this compact, 500-pound teardrop travel trailer with almost anything
Compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, teardrop trailers are the ultimate towable for road-tripping minimalists. But travel trailer brand Kleox is looking to do even more with even less via a fresh new addition to its 2025 lineup. The German-based brand just added another featherweight towable to its catalog. The new Festival Travel pushes the […]
HKC’s new Xplorer Toy Hauler is an overlanding-ready travel trailer with a twist
Hardkorr Campers' Xplorer Toy Hauler is a rugged, overlanding-ready travel trailer with space for dirt bikes or an ATV, a rooftop tent, solar, and an off-grid kitchen.
Infiniti’s QX80 Terrain Spec SUV is a bold new concept in “luxury overlanding”
Infiniti (and parent brand Nissan) are hardly staples in the overlanding community. But the recently unveiled QX80 Terrain Spec has us thinking the luxury automaker may finally have its sights set on the market. The Terrain Spec is one of two 2026 QX80 concepts (along with the on-road, performance-minded Track Spec) that Infiniti recently revealed […]
“Drive” your kayak like an electric car with Garmin’s hands-free Force Current
Garmin’s new Force Current trolling motor features wireless remote and pedal controls for hands-free kayak navigation in both fresh and saltwater. Starts at $2,999.
7 must-know tips to ready your rig for any big overlanding trip
Camping usually requires serious planning, and that’s doubly true for overlanding. If you’re looking to venture far off pavement, knowing exactly what you need and actually packing it is critical, especially if you’ll be spending significant time away from civilization. But it’s easy to get so caught up in all the “fun” stuff — rooftop […]
Airstream pushes the limits of luxury RVs with major 2026 upgrades
For 2026, the famed "aluminum bullet" brand will upgrade every travel trailer in its catalog with a focus on new convenience and tech features
RV camping: What’s the difference between boondocking and dry camping?
You'll hear these two buzzwords thrown around a lot these days, especially as more RV campers and overlanders look to escape deeper into the backcountry.
The motorcycle slang every rider should know before hitting the road
Discover the ultimate motorcycle glossary of slang, biker lingo, and rider jargon. From old-school terms to modern phrases, learn the language every motorcyclist should know.
Ford Bronco gets its first-ever, fully integrated pop-up rooftop camper tent
No one had developed a fully integrated rooftop tent camping solution for the new Ford Bronco — until now.
Ovrlnd gets “girthy” with the new, extra-wide Chubby truck camper package
Ovrlnd Campers wants to remedy the typically cramped living quarters of most truck campers with a wider, more livable interior courtesy of its all-new Chubby package.
Torsus Praetorian Liberra is a luxe motorhome disguised as a rugged, off-road RV
Premium motorhomes typically trade off-road capability for luxury. But, for those who refuse to compromise, there's the all-new Torsus Praetorian Liberra RV.
The Pebble Flow travel trailer is packed with tech and ready to change vanlife forever
The battery-powered revolution has begun in the RV industry, thanks in large part to the official drop of Pebble's luxurious, all-electric Flow travel trailer.
Alaska Triangle explained: America’s most mysterious zone of disappearances
Since 1988, over 16,000 souls — including airplane passengers, hikers, locals, and tourists — have disappeared within the Alaska Triangle. But why?
Tune Outdoor’s new M1 Lite is a rugged, affordable, featherweight truck camper
Tune Outdoor's M1 Lite is a lighter, more affordable, more streamlined, version of the company's already light and streamlined M1 truck camper/topper.
5 simple things newbie overlanders should never forget (but usually do)
In reality, most people can start overlanding with nothing more than a stock SUV or vehicle with reasonably high clearance and a decent set of tires. Beyond that, there are a few basic things that every overlander should prepare for. Here's my top five.
Airstream’s new Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired travel trailer is an instant classic
With heavy inspiration from classic Usonian design principles, Airstream created yet another iconic travel trailer that's destined to be an instant classic.
Learn how to smoke a pipe the proper way with our guide for beginners
Learning how to smoke a pipe is a classy way to enjoy tobacco, but it only looks sophisticated if you actually know what you're doing. Here's the easy way to learn.
Lectric’s XP4 is the year’s best new folding electric bike under $1,000
With more standard and optional features than any other ebike at this price point, the sub-$1,000 XP4 might be 2025's most standout battery-powered two-wheeler.
Lightship’s all-electric AE.1 Cosmos travel trailer finally drops this summer
The bleeding-edge, all-electric design is purpose-built for sustainability and independence with the potential to camp off-grid almost indefinitely.
Jayco Crosstrail is a pared-down skeleton toy hauler for all your adventure gear
With an easy-access flat gear deck, beefy off-road chops, and unlimited customization options, it's a near-perfect toy-hauler for overlanding enthusiasts.
Razor-thin Mars Aeroblade claims to be the “world’s slimmest rooftop tent”
At just 3.5 inches tall, it's designed to minimize drag, maximize fuel efficiency, and to leave mounted to your rig year-round.
Gr8tops’ JPOD converts your Jeep Wrangler into a “Personalized Overlanding Den”
The one-of-a-kind JPOD conversion turns almost any stock Jeep Wrangler into an all-in-one teardrop truck camper that's ready for serious overlanding.
27North unveils the Venture X campervan built for luxurious off-road adventuring
The all-new Venture X is a modern, tech-forward campervan built for overlanders looking to adventure anywhere without leaving the comforts of home at home.
onX and Toyota join forces for nationwide trail cleanup and revival project
With our public lands facing unprecedented threats, two of the biggest outdoor-centric brands have joined forces to ensure nationwide trail access.
Go ultralight on your next flight with the best carry-on luggage
From travel backpacks and clever garment bags to expandable rollaboards, carry-on luggage keeps getting lighter and smarter. Here are our top picks.
Roofnest’s massive Condor 2XXL Air is the world’s largest hardshell rooftop tent
It's the largest hardshell rooftop tent on the market with space for you, your family, and all your favorite outdoor adventure gear.
Bean Pod “squaredrop” trailer is built for serious adventure gear-hauling
By cleverly flipping the traditional "sleep inside, storage outside" teardrop model, this adventure trailer can haul serious outdoor gear.