Escapod Unveils Their Award-Winning Topo2 Nomad: Sets the Bar High for Teardrop Campers

Folks, the name Escapod has surely grazed your eyeballs before. After all, we've covered their work on several occasions. Well, here they are, again, hitting the RV and camper industry with their idea of a unit done right, and I must say, I agree with them. Oh, and so do the Red Dot Design Award committee and the folks over at iF, too. Yes, this bugger has swept up awards from internationally acclaimed design conglomerates. Starting to understand what we're up against?

If you still need some help, let me point out that the unit you see in the image gallery starts at no more than $33,990 (€32K at current exchange rates). A price that's sure to spark nearly anyone's attention. Sure, this is for a standard unit, and once you're done with upgrades that suit your vehicle and adventure style, you'll be looking a bit more.

How much more? Well, after going through the configurator and only adding things like off-road tires, electric brakes, a roof rack, an awning, and a fridge, I was looking at a unit that cost just $37,510. This also included the roof package and 140 W solar panel mounted to the galley hatch. The most expensive upgrades include a second battery and a roof-top tent from iKamper, another crew whose gear I've come to love. Be sure to explore the full list of options and upgrades.

As for the rest of this article, let's take a closer look at what Escapod is offering us. What we see begins with nothing more than a monocoque shell crafted using composite materials, a big deal if you plan on exposing your camper to the elements.

It all starts off with fiberglass, but its core is crafted from recycled milk cartons, or PET. Using vacuum infusion, fiberglass and resin are pressed together around the integrated PET core, and ta-da, a Topo2 Nomad! The process is a bit more complicated than this, but the results are shells that can withstand a beating more than hand-lain or sprayed fiberglass structures. Furthermore, it looks good, with an edgy feel, so it's definitely modern enough and built around the same proven teardrop layout, so we can understand why the awards.

But the shell's story doesn't end there; Escapod set out to design a camper that you can use whenever you feel like it, even on ski trips. That said, the Nomad is a 4-season travel trailer with full insulation, no external plumbing, and ready to be beefed up with the heaters and AC units you need to explore the Mojave or the peaks of the Rockies.

Up next, the suspension on this bugger is worth noting. Overall, 23 in (58 cm) of ground clearance stands between your unit and obstacles. When you do happen to run over something, up to 5 in (13 cm) of independent travel from Escapod's proprietary Freeride suspension takes over and smoothens out your ride. And no, it's not a torsion system, but rather, inspired from A-frames with trailing arms and shocks and springs, you know, like the heavy-duty stuff.

Now, teardrop campers have to be one of my favorite styles of the unit simply because they really help you get into the whole outdoor living idea. For example, the interior of the Nomad is to be used for nothing more than storing essentials, recharging devices, sleeping, and testing the unit's suspension. Again, nothing but the basics, although you can be sure to enjoy the stargazer window each unit has integrated into its shell.

Some notable features of the newer interior include a mud room, a feature that Escapod units have incorporated before, and reconfigured cabinetry. The latter is responsible for a 30% increase in storage space, so bring along some extra shirts, shoes, and socks, and up the time spent in the wild by a few days. Then there's the tongue box, integrated into the shell and ready for goods and gear that can handle a bit of exposure to the outside world.

Last but not least, the all-important galley is my favorite space on any teardrop camper. For the Topo2 Nomad, Escapod has redesigned the kitchen to not only fit more goods and utensils but also to include water and electrical systems. A Dometic Go Hydration setup with three 11 L jugs offers the water you need to wash veggies and hands, and behind whatever cooler tray, your battery bank and charger are found.

These changes have been made in order to maximize space, granting the Nomad around 25% more space than the Voyager model by eliminating the "utilities closet." Throw in a large countertop, "the industry's thinnest high-performance two-burner stove," as an option, and enjoy your meals. All the while, light rain or sunshine is taken care of by the hatch over your head.

All that's left to do now is imagine yourself in the middle of this off-grid-loving action, and once you're done daydreaming about a different kind of experience, give old Escapod a call and go from there. They'll be able to put things into an even better perspective. But, as I mentioned, have those checkbooks balanced because you might be driving away with a new teardrop.