The Worlds First MTB-Specific Camper From Escapod

Booking lodging can often become a big hassle when planning MTB road trips and adventures to new mountain biking destinations. The next best thing is camping, but reaching remote trailheads or finding remote campsites can come with its own list of challenges when trying to stay fresh for big days on the bike. What if you could solve the camping or hotel booking issues and bring a portable bike shop and shower with you on your next adventure? Well, Escapod has the answer. 

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The new Escapod Topo2 MTB camper is designed to fix these issues, and after a few nights of being cradled in the arms of luxury, I can say that the world's first mountain bike-specific teardrop camp trailer has set the standards pretty high.

Escapod has been designing and crafting industry-leading campers since 2016. With almost a decade of experience behind them, the team has added the newest trim level to its exceptional TOPO2 camper options. The TOPO2 MTB has everything you could need and more to stay refreshed for days after days of riding, no matter how off the grid you end up. This new TOPO2 MTB is added to the already award-winning Nomad and Voyager trim levels but as a mountain bike-specific home base for those looking to get lost in style. I wasn't paid for this review, and we aren't earning any affiliate revenue from this review either, these are just my honest thoughts from my weekend of luxury in the TOPO2 MTB. 

Impressions

I recently spent a few nights in Moab, appreciating the features and design elements that make this portable basecamp such a premium option for those who want all the creature comforts that help with rest and relaxation for big days of pedaling. The TOPO2 MTB has all the essentials and amenities to stay rested, fed, clean, and more while on a big bike adventure.

The TOPO2 MTB is the world's first purpose-built MTB camper, and to achieve this, the team at Escapod has thought of just about everything. When I arrived, and Joshie, one of the experts at Escapod, gave me a white-glove tour of what I would be calling home for the next three nights, I felt totally overpacked.

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I brought my tool kit, camp kitchen equipment, power banks, portable shower, Yeti cooler, camp table, and more stuff that I expected to need. All of it was rendered useless during the trip. The TOPO2 MTB comes outfitted with a complete Feedback Sports tool kit, a massive water tank with hookups to clean the bike and yourself, an ARB fridge, and a solar harvesting system with an inverter to power the home base.

Living in the TOPO2 MTB for a few days was easy, but it should be no shock to anyone that there isn't much room in the cabin to hang out in. Camp chairs are the one thing I forgot to bring, but luckily, I was alone, so it wasn't a huge issue. Despite the lack of hang-out space inside, the mattress is exceptionally comfortable, and there is plenty of storage room for the essentials, along with wireless charging pads and multiple USB hookups to keep devices charged and ready. The added comfort of heated, running water was a massive plus during the trip, and I woke up refreshed and ready to rip every day. 

Related: A Mountain Biker's Guide to Moab, Utah

Features

The interior of the TOPO2 MTB is essentially that of the TOPO2 Voyager trim level, with a queen-sized 6” memory foam mattress, stargazer window, and ~42.5 inches of headroom. Both side doors have a small mudroom area for removing shoes, space for jackets or ride bags, and ample cabinet storage for cameras, helmets, glasses, or whatever else. The Baltic birch accents add a cozy touch to the cabin. The conveniently located system monitor is front and center in the cabin, which gives real-time usage data for power and water, as well as access to the Aqua-Hot system that controls heating for the water and central air.

On the outside, things shift to accommodate a mountain biker's needs. The full outdoor kitchen has a stainless steel sink and a 2-burner stove, but instead of a knife rack above the deep basin sink, you find the complete kit of Feedback tools, neatly stashed out of the way but quickly accessible. The galley was intuitive, and although the wind picked up in the evenings, the mornings were calm, and the galley was used to prepare breakfast and coffee before long days on the bike exploring Slickrock, Porcupine Rim, and all the other excellent trails across the canyon.

The main body is made from single-piece fiberglass, which makes it leak-proof and rot-resistant; thanks to the lack of wood supports and recycled PET core, it's also pretty light, wicked durable, and even has an R rating of 9, so it stays cool when you need it to, and traps heat in the colder months. The exterior features of the TOPO2 MTB really elevate it amongst the other TOPO2 trim levels, with rock sliders, 2” hitch accessory mounts, and a KUAT ION rack mounted to the Escapod Switchback Hitch.

The Freeride Suspension System underneath the TOPO2 MTB gives 23” of ground clearance and smooth travel on rough terrain to reach the deepest cuts and most remote trails. The MTB trim cranks things up a notch over the Voyager and comes with a 240-ah lithium battery, 140W solar charging, 2000 Watt Pure Sine Inverter, and a 21-gallon freeze-resistant water tank that provides off-grid reliability and comfort.

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The subframe, rock sliders, and Switchback hitch are all hot-dip galvanized instead of powder-coated; this reduces overall weight a bit but also gives the exterior a more utilitarian aesthetic that won't chip or fade over time.

Daily Life

After a luxurious three nights and four days in the TOPO2 MTB, I could have honestly spent more time enjoying the endless trails and magical views that Moab is renowned for. The mattress is incredibly comfortable, and as someone who has had some less-than-ideal disc-related injuries, I really appreciated the sleeping conditions. The Aqua-Hot system kept the cabin cozy during the almost freezing temps at night and maintained an even temperature all day thanks to the R9 insulation rating. The Stargazer window made for some incredible views as I drifted off to sleep each night.

Cooking and making coffee each morning was easy, with the two-burner stove hidden just under the sink and the ARB fridge just next to it, I could heat my oats and boil water for a cup of coffee or tea each morning. I opted for mostly cold lunches and dinners since they were mostly eaten trailside, but there is a ton of counter space if you end up hosting neighbors or have multiple folks in your group.

The included Küat Piston ION E-bike Rack and Switchback Hitch make bike transportation and storage an absolute breeze. The Piston ION E-bike Rack is designed for RV-rated travel, and the extra weight of eMTBs ensures exceptional durability and reliability for outdoor adventures. Built to meet rigorous requirements, it reflects the craftsmanship of some of the finest bike racks in the world. When paired with the TOPO2 MTB, the Piston ION e-bike rack guarantees that your bikes reach their destination safely, always prepared for your next adventure. 

To be honest, I wasn’t prepared for how convenient everything would be with the TOPO2 MTB, and it took me a day to totally accept it. I was parked right near the Slickrock trailhead, and it made for easy laps from camp, but it wasn’t until coming back from the first ride on day one that I realized how easy my weekend would be in the camper.

Early March is not the warmest time of year in Moab, and temperatures still get low despite the sunshine. Being able to set the Aqua-Hot system to a nice 64 degrees ensured that I’d get back to camp and be able to change and shower in the warmth before cracking open some bubbly water and tucking in for the evening.

Waking up the following day, I realized I needed to swap a few things around on one of the test bikes. Rather than dig through the box of miscellaneous tools I brought from my shed, I popped open the galley and grabbed exactly what I needed from the Feedback kit, which is conveniently located right above the sink. The only thing I was happy to have brought was a bike pump since no pump is included in the TOPO2 MTB kit. I wonder how hard it would be to fit a compressor to the storage area or tongue? Not outside the realm of possibility, I imagine.

The Cost and the Value

MSRP: $53,990
Value: Infinite

This is the elephant in the room, and likely, if you are already in the market for something like this, you understand the financial implications. This is a tool that will be used frequently enough to justify the spend, and at $53,990 USD, the TOPO2 MTB is no light purchase. This portable basecamp will help unlock worlds of adventure and solitude for those dedicated to escape. For the right person, this is a home away from home and an easy decision. It’s the world's first MTB-specific trailer that is purpose-built to handle the gnarliest double-track, is quickly deployable, and is supremely comfortable.

These things aren’t cheap, and for good reason. A lot goes into creating such a specific machine, and Escapod prides itself on sourcing primarily domestic materials. This heightens the cost, but for those who recognize the process, it can also justify the price a bit more. I’m not saying this is for everyone because, honestly, not everyone can afford this. Still, Escapod recognizes this and offers a few financing options, including a $0 down payment option for select customers. These financing choices make these premium trailers much more attainable for a broader range of customers.

The value of having a premium trailer is entirely subjective, and for those interested in the nomadic lifestyle and already have a capable offroad rig that lacks five-star accommodations, the TOPO2 MTB isn’t just the best choice; it's the only choice. It has everything you need to comfortably escape and seek out remote trails or just soak up the sun and stars in the wilderness. 

Explore and Configure the TOPO2 MTB at Escapod.us