This story is part of our end-of-year series This Year in Gear rounding up the most notable releases of 2020. For more stories like this, click here.
Among the far-too-many-other things that happened in this annus horriblis, 2020 was a year many Americans discovered the charms of camping. Camping allows you to get the hell out of your house; you travel in your personal vehicle, socially distant from others; and hopefully, you do some communing with nature, or at least get out of cell phone reception range.
We wrote about some spectacular campers and trailers over the past year, everything ranging from a mobile luxury apartment to a barebones, featherlight tent on wheels. Below, you will find 14 of our favorites from 2020.
Affinity Camper Van
Affinity
You’ve probably never heard of the Polish company Affinity. We hadn’t either — at least, until they unveiled their new camper van at the 2020 CMT Show in Stuttgart. Sleek and modern, Affinity’s new ride has one of the best layouts for a camper van we’ve ever seen.
The Airstream Nest is stylish, still well-made, and still packs a tremendous amount of features into a tidy footprint. But does a lack of aluminum mean that it lacks that Airstream soul? Not really. (Too bad it’s been discontinued.)
If you’re looking for a van that could truly double as a residence for just about anyone, yet still retains the proportions of a regular full-size van…you’d be hard-pressed to outdo the Alphavan.
Whatever your particular setup might be, the common element with all Sierra ZR trailers is off-road capability. With dual Outback Armour Offroad shocks on each wheel and a 40.7-degree departure angle, it can follow your off-road vehicle of choice pretty much anywhere.
It seems fairly apt that, among the products included in the Neiman Marcus fantasy gift collection this year, is one of the fanciest, most elegant travel trailers to grace 21st century roadways: a Bowlus Road Chief.
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Earth Traveler T250LX
Earth Traveler
Moving a trailer around often means dropping big money on a full-sized pickup truck, or at the very least a large SUV. The new Earth Traveler Teardrop trailers flips the script on that old idea. Weighing just 216 pounds in base form, the Earth T250LX camper is light enough for just about any car to tow it around.
As the name suggests, this model is designed for full-time living and spending substantial time off the grid. It’s a luxury apartment on wheels — one that will also minimize your energy consumption and water waste. And if you missed out on the Living Vehicle 2020 Series, don’t worry. There’s a 2021 Series.
The Mobi X is a tiny thing when set up in roaming mode: just a bit more than 12 feet long, less than five and a half feet wide, and about six-feet-three-inches from ground to rooftop. But once you stop, it transforms into a delightful little place to live.
In spite of the comparatively tidy proportions of a minivan, Oasis Campervans managed to cram all the comforts of home into a Toyota Sienna — though admittedly, you can’t use them all at once.
Outside Van’s latest custom Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based conversion, Mr. Blue Sky, is the perfect rig for people who want to experience the great outdoors the way you only can when camping…but also want to do a little gaming in their downtime (no shame in that).
The Beast Mode adds an Agile Offroad performance suspension that includes Fox shocks and heavy-duty leaf springs, an Owl swing-away tire carrier on the rear, LED off-road lights and a front bumper light bar, and roof, rear door and side-mount cargo racks — the latter made specifically for a surfboard.
While this hulking van — nicknamed “Bruce Banner” for reasons we hope we don’t have to explain to you — may have started out as a simple two-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cargo van, like the old Virginia Slims ads used to say, it’s come a long way, baby.
#Vanlife is not optimal for families. So for those needing a little more space, Winnebago has now released the all-new Ekko motorhome. The brand describes the Ekko as offering the efficiency of a Class B camper van with the capacity of a Class C motorhome. (They call it a “B+.”)
While the Winnebago Hike may not be as badass and capable as some of the true off-road camping trailers out there, we have a feeling many of those people would rather trade off a bit of capability for a lot more comfort.
TBô makes some of the most comfortable underwear that you’ll ever own, using super-soft, sustainable and breathable bamboo fabric. Right now, the brand is offering 33 percent off its best selling three-packs for Gear Patrol readers.
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Our Place Always Pan
$29 OFF W/ CODE BYE2020 (20%)
The internet’s favorite pan features a modular design that includes a detachable wooden spatula, domed lid and a nesting steamer tray. This thing can cook anything you want, from sauces to omelets.
READ OUR REVIEW OF THE ALWAYS PAN
Mystery Ranch Mission Hybrid 40L
$108 OFF (45%)
Bring your briefcase up to speed by swapping it out for one designed by the same folks who create bags for wildlands firefighters and active-duty members of the military.
Men’s Bean Boots, 6″
$29 OFF (22%)
A unique take on one of the most well-known boots around, this edition of the Bean Boot looks great and still packs in everything you love about the Maine retailer’s iconic silhouette.
READ ABOUT THE BEST WINTER BOOTS OF 2020
Jabra Elite 75t
$30 OFF (17%)
The Jabra Elite Active 75t are sports-focused headphones with noise-canceling technology and great sound quality for listening to music and taking calls. This is one of our top picks for sports-focused earbuds.
READ MORE ABOUT WIRELESS EARBUDS
White Truffle Infused Hot Sauce – Limited Release
$7 OFF (20%)
The Rolls Royce of hot sauces, Truff delivers an unprecedented, high-class take on one of the most versatile items in your kitchen. Infused with White Truffle, this delectable sauce is considered “slightly hot,” with a 2500-3000 Scoville rating — the ultimate measure of hotness. If you’re looking to elevate your sauce shelf, this is a must-have.
Over time, Calvin Klein underwear has become a standard in the style world. These take the classics up a notch with the brand’s Body Modal fabric — an ultra-soft blend that keeps you comfortable all day.
READ OUR GUIDE ON THE BEST STYLE BASICS
Tushy Classic Bidet
$33 OFF W/ CODE MERRYTUSH (19%)
You may be skeptical about bidets, but it is the best thing you can do for your bum. Seriously, once you start using it, you’ll never go back to wiping with plain old toilet paper.
READ WHY YOU SHOULD BUY A BIDET
Proof Stealth Down Popover
$56 OFF (30%)
Proof has mastered technical apparel that captures city style while standing up to the harshest conditions. This popover boasts 80g fill down, DWR coating, and soft, stretchy material making it practical for everyday wear.
READ ABOUT THE BEST DOWN JACKETS OF 2021
Keysmart MultiTool – 4-in-1 Keychain Tool
Lodge Pre-Seasoned 10.25-inch Cast Iron Skillet
Branch Ergonomic Chair
$60 OFF (17%)
Since many of us are going to be spending our days away from the comfortable chairs and desks of our office, it may be time to invest in a nice chair for the home office.
READ ABOUT THE BEST OFFICE CHAIRS OF 2021
Levi’s Sherpa Trucker Jacket
$43 OFF (44%)
The trucker jacket has been part of the style zeitgeist for decades and doesn’t look to be going anywhere. Type III trucker style and a fuzzy sherpa lining join forces to make a jacket you will want to wear every day.
Foam rolling may seem a bit like torture, but the pain you experience in the moment will alleviate a ton of pain later. We love this roller for its straight forward design and solid price.
This smart air purifier has five fan settings, can cover over 1500 sq. ft. of space and can recycle all the air in a room twice an hour. Bonus points for not being an eyesore like most air purifiers.
Everyday Essentials Wide Grip 3-Piece Kettlebell Set
$15 OFF (19%)
At the beginning of the pandemic, kettlebells were sold out everywhere. They’re finally back — for now. Join the fitness craze with this set for your home gym.
A classic digital watch that’ll probably outlast you, and beloved darling of watch nerds of all types.
READ MORE ABOUT G-SHOCK
Otterbox Venture 45 Cooler
$105 OFF (30%)
Deemed our Best Upgrade Cooler for two years running, the Venture is rated to hold up for up to two weeks. It might be slightly less sleek than some of our other favorites, but it’s just as rugged and capable of keeping your goods cold for extended periods of time.
READ OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST COOLERS
Breville Nespresso Vertuo Next
Timex Marlin 34mm Hand-Wound Leather Strap Watch
$61 OFF (30%)
Timex’s Marlin brings the charm of hand-wound watches to the modern wrist in a supremely affordable package.
READ MORE ABOUT TIMEX
J. Crew Solid and Striped Socks Two-Pack
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