Gear Showcase: Sleeping on the Trail

Photo By: Born Outdoor
Camp with us at Overland Expo West

After a long day on the trail, there are few things better than a great night’s sleep. The problem is, that’s not always easy to do when you are far from home. Thankfully there are a host of great options to maximize your sleep and get you ready for the next day’s adventure. We’ve gathered nine fantastic gear options to help you sleep like a baby while overlanding.

23Zero — Kabari XL

The 23ZERO Kabari XL is a wedge style, hard-shell, rooftop tents with a low-profile design for enhanced aerodynamics and reduced wind drag. It’s also a much bigger tent with a footprint of 55” wide and 84.5” long. It represents practicality, innovation, and integrated features designed for convenience and organization. It’s built to endure, with heavy-duty latches, a solid external shell, and a robust internal frame, complemented by a 5/8” rubber seal for weatherproofing. 

It has an integrated roof bar system which features two cross bars and pre-drilled supports for diverse mounting possibilities. The dual t-slot extrusion on the upper and lower edges means you can easily mount accessories. The tent’s X-frame design with gas struts facilitates rapid opening and closing, minimizing your set up and pack down time.  

The Kabari XL is a 4-season tent and accommodates two adults. The built-in power module is highly convenient including a 12V socket, USB, and USB C are all pre-wired through the base to an externally mounted SB50 Anderson plug. Lighting is also important with two independent USB 5V LEDs with three levels of white light settings.  

It has four windows and three entrances providing wonderful cross-ventilation so you can enjoy the expansive 360-degree views from your lofty perch.  

The Kabari XL is made from 23ZERO’s new sustainable ECO13B fabric which is 100% certified recycled 900D Polyester Oxford. It is produced using recycled PET bottles — it’s good for the environment while getting you out in the environment! It also includes 23ZERO’s revolutionary LST (light suppression technology) feature which reduces light penetration to almost zero light until any windows or doors are opened and maintaining up to 15% cooler temperatures inside the tent promising a better camp sleep than you’ve ever experienced before – a testament to 23ZERO’s “Made Better” principles.

Want to see more of the KabariXL? Here’s a short video on the new tent from 23ZERO.

MSRP: $3,199.00

Born Outdoor — Badger Bed 30 Sierra Bundle

Sleeping Bags Suck – Upgrade to Better Sleep in the Wild

The quest for quality sleep in the wilderness is a challenge! Traditional sleeping bags are restrictive and often leave adventurers tangled in a sweaty mess, sliding off their pads, and waking up exhausted rather than refreshed. We all know what provides comfort at home, which raises the question of why overlanders continue to settle for subpar rest in the field.

Born Outdoor addresses this challenge with their Badger Bed, a premier four-season system designed for adventurers who refuse to compromise on comfort. This revolutionary bedroll operates on a simple truth: better sleep, better adventures. The Badger Bed 30 Sierra Bundle mirrors the familiar setup of a home bed using a mattress, sheets and quilts. A 4-inch thick Therm-a-Rest MondoKing R7 rated mattress blocks all convection with the ground. The Cascade Flannel Sheets and a Sierra Down Quilt are rated for 30 degrees. For extreme conditions, additional layers like the Frontier Wool Blanket or another quilt can maintain warmth down to -10°F, while Sonoran Bamboo Sheets offer a cooler alternative for warmer nights.

The Badger Bed’s durability stems from its 610D PVC-coated bottom, which protects the mattress on the roughest terrain. Its breathable, two-way stretch top wicks moisture to keep users dry and features a DWR coating that repels light moisture. The innovative design includes sheets and quilts that connect with the bedroll, ensuring everything remains properly positioned while sleeping. When breaking camp, simply open the deflate valve, zip up the top layer, and roll everything together in a bedroll.

Whether used inside a tent, vehicle, trailer, or directly under the stars, the Badger Bed ensures adventurers consistently wake rested and prepared for the day’s challenges. It’s time to become the hero of your own adventures by following a simple formula: sleep better, explore more!

MSRP: $880.00 for the bundle ($420.00 for just the Badger Bed)

Deepsleep Overland — Solo Mat Sleep System for Ford Bronco

The Bronco Solo Mat Sleep System is the ultimate sleep solution for off-road adventurers and overlanding enthusiasts. As the first of its kind, Deepsleep was designed with rugged durability in mind. The Solo mat sleep system was engineered to fit seamlessly into Ford Bronco vehicles, providing unmatched comfort without sacrificing space. Originating from a need for a high-quality, vehicle-specific sleeping platform, the Bronco Solo Mat is crafted using top-tier materials that cater to both casual campers and extreme expeditionists alike. Made from high-density memory foam, the “air+foam” combination provides support while contouring to your body, ensuring a restful sleep no matter where the road takes you. The water-resistant and tear-resistant outer shell protects the mat from dirt, moisture, and the harsh elements, making it ideal for all-weather conditions.

Unlike standard camping mattresses, the Bronco Solo Mat is custom fit for the rear cargo area of the Ford Bronco, eliminating the hassle of awkward setups. Its rollable and compact design allows for quick deployment and easy storage, making it an essential piece of gear for solo travelers. Whether you’re setting up camp deep in the backcountry or simply need a comfortable rest on the go, this sleep system ensures maximum support and insulation from cold surfaces (15.1 ASTM R-Value), keeping you warm and well-rested.

Built for those who crave adventure without compromising comfort, the Bronco Solo Mat Sleep System is the perfect blend of innovation, practicality, and resilience. With its lightweight construction, it is easy to transport and its durable materials guarantee long-term reliability. Whether you’re an off-road warrior, a weekend camper, or a full-time outdoor-lifer, this sleep system transforms your Ford Bronco into a mobile retreat, providing the comfort of home in the wildest terrains.

Starting at $189.99

READ MORE: Editors’ Choice: First Aid Kit and Equipment

Gazelle Tents — T4 Hub Tent Overland Edition

From Bag To Base Camp In 90 Seconds!

Gazelle Tents rugged design and ease of set up makes the perfect ground tent for your next overland or car camping excursion. You can upgrade your base camp with the T4 Hub Tent Overland Edition. This tent has all the same great features of our most popular T4 Hub Tent, with additional features designed specifically for overlanding.

The T4 Overland Edition includes a durable 300 denier polyester footprint for floor protection. Use the upgraded All-Terrain stakes to set up camp in even the toughest soil conditions. The oversized water-resistant duffle bag makes packing up your tent simple.

The T4 Hub Tent Overland Edition easily accommodates up to four people with plenty of room for additional gear. It stands 78” tall at its center and features a spacious 94” x 94” interior. It comes ready to use right from the bag, no assembly, or loose parts. You can be set up from bag to base camp in under 90 seconds.

Constructed with a 210 denier polyester shell material is waterproof up to 2000MM HH rating and has a UV50+ rating. The floors are constructed from a 300 denier Oxford weave polyester that is waterproof and simple to remove for easy clean up. In addition, the rain fly can be used both on and off your tent weather permitting. Let the T4 Hub Tent Overland Edition take your base camp to the next level.

Additional Features:

  • 78” tall allowing you to move around freely
  • Six, tight-weave mesh windows
  • Two D-shaped doors with tight-weave mesh screens
  • Beefy YKK zippers for durability
  • Removable floor for easy clean up
  • Removable gear loft and six gear pockets
  • Removable rain fly to protect you from the elements
  • 210 denier Oxford weave polyester shell material is waterproof up to a 2000MM HH rating and has a UV50+ rating
  • 300 denier Oxford weave polyester floor material is waterproof up to a 5000MM HH rating

MSRP: $629.99

HighCountry Unlimited — Camp Mansion Shorty

 Custom-Built UTV Camp Trailers

HighCountry Unlimited designed their campers to offer unparalleled convenience for off-the-ground camping and hauling more gear than ever before. Their custom-made trailers are specifically designed for SxSs and UTVs Off-Road Use. With their full Aluminum Frame, they are lightweight enough to be towed by most SxSs and UTVs. With their Unique Suspended Walking Beam Suspension System, they can easily handle extremely rugged terrain.

Load the Trailer, not the Side-by-Side!

According to HighCountry, they were “tired of trying to cram, pack and strap a week’s worth of camping gear onto our side-by-side. And let’s be honest, most recreational side-by-sides aren’t designed to haul heavy weight, which can limit the amount of gear you can bring on your outdoor adventures.” The Camper Mansion Shorty is a solution that utilizes towing weight instead of hauling weight while still getting sleepers off the ground for a better night’s sleep.

MSRP: $35,000.00 (fully configured)

Pacific Adventure Works — Hideaway Sleeping Platform

Reed, the owner of Santa Cruz’s Pacific Adventure Works believes the best tent in the world is your existing SUV, truck or van. The Hideaway transforms your vehicle’s cargo area into a flat, spacious sleeping platform with ample room for gear storage below. From early-morning climbers to summer music festival-goers, families out on the weekend to overlanders traversing continents, the Hideaway was created for everyone.

It’s patent-pending modular design, height adjustable legs, and telescoping length guarantee that it fits thousands of vehicles – whether or not the rear seats fold down perfectly flat. PAW adventurers arrive at camp like everyone else but they don’t fumble with tent poles and janky zippers. Their beds are already made. When the wind picks up and the storm clouds come, they’re sound asleep with their gear organized neatly beneath them.

Setup or breakdown can be done by one person in just a few moments with the entire platform weighing in at less than 25 lbs. Unlike those with rooftop tents or homemade DIY creations, there isn’t the need for bulky, permanent modifications to your vehicle. It’s a simple solution that’ll completely change your camping experience.

Built in Santa Cruz, The Hideaway is built to last using proven outdoor gear materials: 6063 anodized aluminum, rugged 500D Cordura fabric, stainless hardware, and injection molded nylon. The Hideaway’s bomb-proof durability is proudly backed up with a 7-year guarantee.

Launched last January, Pacific Adventure Works was honored with the 2024 Outdoor Retailer Innovation Award, and has already been featured in Gear Patrol, Surfer Magazine, Gear Junkie and Forbes.

MSRP: $699.00

Red River Rigs — The American Safari JXL Extended Jeep Camper Conversion

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you had the excellent off-road capability of a Jeep Wrangler, the full cargo room of a mid-sized SUV, a built-in camper, plus all the accessories and options to make your vehicle your own personal, self-contained, interior camping system? Now, you can with the America Safari JXL Extended Jeep Camper Conversion. The “JXL” adds 50% more cargo room to a stock Jeep with the addition of an ingenious body extension system. The longer top which contains the integrated pop up tent, bed bunk, wash and cook platform along with the extended bumper system nestling a self-contained entrance ladder, completes the perfect solution for your overlanding adventures.

The American Safari JXL, from Amarillo, Texas-based Red River Rigs, is a unique, self-contained Jeep camper accommodating room for the whole family with dual-level sleeping options suited for four adults. Different interior camping furniture configurations add to your off-grid enjoyment. All JXL systems come with an interior cooking and wash platform with integrated sink. Optional water, shower, and cassette toilet systems are easily fit within the spacious rear cargo area.

For the serious Overlander who needs even more capability, the JXL offers optional patent-pending accessories such as the two-tiered Expedition Roof allowing for a plush four-inch mattress and increased head room, the unique Swing-Out Cargo Rack for easy gear access, and the innovative Ring Rack for mounting awnings and lights while still permitting the roof and tent to raise without interference. The steel Expedition Bumper includes extended side armor, integrated side storage, rear lights, a spare tire swing out receptacle, and interior access ladder.

Red River Rigs offers the JXL System three ways. Turnkey American Safari JXL Jeeps are available with off-road builds and the JXL System already installed. JXL System installation for your overland Jeep is available at corporate headquarters in Texas. And the JXL System can be shipped for local installation.

Best of all, the JXL is now manufactured in the USA!

Starting at $19,499.99 for JKU and $25,999.99 for JLU.

2024 prices held over for 2025

READ MORE: The Best Gear We Saw At Overland Expo SoCal

ROA Off-Road — MDC XT12HRT Off-Grid Extreme

The all new 2025 MDC XT12HR Off-Grid Extreme is the perfect off-grid trailer for couples to escape the ordinary and create unforgettable experiences in comfort and confidence. The XT12HR is built on a hot-dipped galvanized steel frame backed by a lifetime warranty and featuring a Cruisemaster DO35 articulating hitch. The X-TRACK independent coil spring suspension, and 16″ alloy wheels with mud-terrain tires allows you to tackle the most challenging terrain. One of the lightest MDC trailers at only 4,340 lbs with a cargo capacity of 1,807 lbs, it is the perfect balance between features and towability.

Long-term off-grid capability is powered by the Renogy ONE Core system that allows everything to be easily monitored and controlled on your smartphone or display panel. The system includes 400 amp-hours of lithium batteries, 350 watts of solar mounted with the SolarAir™ thermal management system, and a 3000-watt pure sine wave inverter. The system is able to power your fridge, charge your devices, and even run the A/C when camping remote.

On the inside, the XT12HR delivers a modern and space-efficient interior design. Amenities consist of queen-size Olympic pillow-top mattress, convertible dinette with Lagoon removable table, and full wet bath with on demand hot water and a Thetford cassette toilet. Functional storage is included throughout, with overhead cabinets and a tall wardrobe offers room for all personal items and gear. Climate control is handled by top-of-the-line Truma appliances: the Aventa Eco air conditioner, AquaGo Comfort Plus water heater, and VarioHeat furnace that is ducted throughout.

Moving to the outside, the trailer has large storage compartments on both the driver and passenger sides. Included is a convenient stainless-steel slide-out kitchen that is covered with an electric awning and annex option for comfortable outdoor living. Every aspect of the compact XT12HR is built with purpose and packed with all the features and amenities to keep you off-grid longer.

MSRP: $69,500.00

RoamRest — Pioneer Overland Mattress

The RoamRest Pioneer Overland Mattress is a game-changer for your outdoor adventures! Designed to elevate your sleep experience, this 4-inch-thick mattress is stacked with advanced foam layers for peak performance. The multi-layered construction combines support, durability, and ultimate comfort with layers of soft conforming foam, gel memory foam, performance support foam, and a firm base layer, creating the ideal mattress for all types of sleepers.

Built to handle the demands of outdoor life, the Pioneer Mattress is crafted with exceptional attention to detail and skilled construction techniques. Its cover is made from water and abrasion-resistant materials, offering maximum dependability in various conditions. The soft polyester top adds a cozy feel, while the low-slip polyurethane-coated nylon bottom ensures it stays in place. Cleaning is hassle-free, thanks to its removable, zippered cover, which can be easily washed and air-dried to keep your mattress fresh and ready for your next adventure.

Customizability is another key feature of this mattress. It’s available in flat or bi-fold configurations and can be individually sized to fit your specific rooftop tent, popup camper, trailer, or any overland sleep system. Plus, the low-profile design and unique folding ability makes packing, storing, and setting up effortless.

Handmade in Oregon with CertiPUR-US certified foam, the Pioneer Overland Mattress is as eco-smart as it is tough. It’s free of harmful chemicals and made to last, giving you peace of mind along with restful sleep. Whether you’re scaling mountain trails or kicking back at a desert campsite, the RoamRest Pioneer Overland Mattress allows you to sleep better and explore further. It’s more than just a mattress – it’s the secret to your ultimate outdoor adventure.

MSRP: $485.00

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