Glamping Is Cheaper Than You Think: AT Overland Makes It Possible With the Habitat

Folks, The contraption you're looking at today is nothing more than the Habitat truck topper from AT Overland. Oh, AT Overland sounds familiar, does it? Of course, it does; we've featured their work before, and if we consider they've been in the RV industry for over 20 years now, you can bet your bottom dollar we'll be covering their gear as the future unfolds.

For the time being, however, I've decided to bring to light one of their more affordable off-grid living solutions you can get your hands on to get into the whole glamping craze that's been sweeping the world lately. Just so we're on the same page here, the Habitat comes in with a starting price tag of $13,900 (€13K at current exchange rates).

Now, for this sort of case, you can transform just about any full and mid-size pickup truck on the market. Best of all, you'll only need to make light modifications to your truck's bed, if any, and overall, only 340 lbs (154 kg) of weight is added to your vehicle. But what the heck are we adding to our trucks?

For starters, the Habitat is a topper camper, and on top of the main body/platform, AT Overland integrates an unfolding tent, ready with a bed rated up to 600 lbs (272 kg) and "wax-impregnated" cotton/poly tent canvas. Oh, and yes, that is aluminum you're looking at, but there's also a touch of composite materials in the Habitat. Throw in some LED lighting and carpeting, and that's the Habitat, or is it?

One of the most attractive aspects of this unit is the massive storage space created because of the topper. Think about what you can do with so much space to store goods. Actually, let's explore a bit of just what's possible.

Now, one obvious use for this space is that of a storage bay. Heck, some of the systems needed for functionality are already found in this space. But you can always bring along a mobile cooktop, a fridge or cooler, a solar power generator, and solar panels, throw in a beefy battery bank, pump, and heater, and off you go.

Then there are things like sleeping bags, clothes, shoes, a portable shower and toilet, and whatever else you can manage to fit inside. Heck, judging by the video below, there's even room for people, and this brings me to my next point.

Sure, you can bring along a couple of bikes and some inflatable SUPs, but if you want to really go wild, sleeping capacity can be expanded with a couple or one large folding cot. Why a cot? Because you can use it inside and outside, and if it's not needed, it can be easily stored without taking up so much space. Go ahead and get creative with this space.

Speaking of creativity, I liked seeing that AT Overland does have an idea of what makes a great and complete camper. With that in mind, be sure to check out the long list of extras this manufacturer places at our disposal. With a few thousand more, you can be looking at a rather ready camper that will handle off-grid use.

Now, for the remainder of this little piece of so-called literature, let's take a little trip through imagination to see what an experience with Habitat may be like. Also, I want you to pretend that you've dished out a few extra bucks and loaded up your camper with essentials like a solar power setup, an outdoor shower and toilet with a water pump and tanks, and a galley block.

The benefit of this setup is that you'll be able to trek just about anywhere your truck typically could. Be sure to keep an eye on torsion points and how such a unit can destabilize your truck a bit. Maybe you could look into a suspension upgrade.

Once you've made it to your destination, be it on some ridge, mountain road, or a beach, unfurl the Habitat, set up your outdoor galley and bathroom, and kick back and watch the sunset. It's a nice view this time of year, with some trees beginning to lose their summer tones, clouds that inspire figures in our mind, and a sun with a glow so warm you could stare at it for hours. At least use a pair of good sunglasses if this is your game.

Come nighttime, you and your significant other or up-and-coming family sit by the fire, roasting a s'more or two and catching a glimpse of the occasional shooting star. Once it's time for beds, everyone to wherever they fit, and let the crickets sing you to sleep. With fresh air coursing through your lungs all night long, you wake up feeling like a newborn, ready to take on the next adventure.

And to think, all of this can cost you as little as $14K, assuming you already own some systems. If you don't, you'll still fall under the $20K mark with a pretty decked-out Habitat. Something to think about over the next few days.