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The B Turtle Microcaravan for e-Bikes Sleeps Two Adults, Renders Bikepacking Obsolete

Just because you’re not a car guy (or gal) or aren’t looking to invest yet in a larger leisure vehicle doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of the occasional, extended outdoor stay. Bikepacking is not for everyone, so for those for whom it is too much of an inconvenience, there is such a thing as an e-bike “microcaravan.”
The B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bike 22 photos
Photo: GentleTent
The B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bikeThe B Turtle microcaravan makes RV-ing possible with an e-bike
The B Turtle is billed as a microcaravan for e-bikes, but a more accurate description would be that of an inflatable tent on top of a trailer. It offers sleeping for two adults and comes with a heightened degree of comfort compared to a regular tent, including a standing-height lobby and enhanced weather protection. Plus, it’s easy to tow, easy to deploy, and relatively fuss-free.

Introduced in 2018 by GentleTent, the B Turtle was presented as the first product of its kind, one that combines the compactness of a tent with the convenience of an actual caravan. It wants to be the best of both worlds rolled up in a single product and beats bikepacking variants because it allows sleeping for two. Add to all this the fact that you can tow it with your e-bike (or traditional, pedal-powered bicycle, if you’re feeling particularly strong), and you get a CO2-free form of RV-ing.

The name stands for “bike” (B) and the shape of the “microcaravan” (Turtle) in travel mode. It is actually a 29-kg (64-pound) cargo trailer that holds the inflatable structure. Made from aluminum, the whole rig is lightweight enough to not put a considerable drain on the bike’s battery and make longer escapades more bearable. There is the option to remove the tent and use the trailer for hauling cargo, so you’re getting double functionality.

The B Turtle microcaravan makes RV\-ing possible with an e\-bike
Photo: GentleTent
At camp, the trailer has support legs for more stability and Drop Stitch reclining platform that becomes the base for the bed. Over that platform comes the 210 x 130 cm (82.6 x 51-inch) inflatable tent, made of high-quality Tencate fabric, with three windows for ventilation and a lobby that offers standing height. The lobby has an integrated floor, so you can use it to change clothes or shoes before going to bed – a seemingly basic feature but an incredibly handy one.

The trailer uses Weber coupling for easy connection to the e-bike. The entire rig measures 113 x 73.5 x 79 cm (44.5 x 29 x 31 inches) in travel mode, and there’s a “secret,” 120-liter (31.7-gallon) transport tray in which you can store your camping gear, additional inflatable mattress (highly recommended, because the base of the bed is on the hard side), and whatever small items you need to take with you. With the included double-stroke hand pump, going from “turtle mode” to camp mode is a matter of 15 minutes.

Bike trailers are not uncommon, but the B Turtle claims to have certain advantages that put it in the lead, including the low weight, extra stability, extra comfort, and the bigger size that can sleep two at camp. Other trailers of the kind are either too heavy or too tall, which, as any cyclist will tell you, is far from ideal on longer rides.

Speaking of advantages, another ace up the B Turtle’s sleeve is weather protection. Since it comes with a separate storm cover, it is rated as waterproof, wind and storm-proof. In less tempestuous weather, it is UV-resistant and, by the mere fact that it offers sheltered space, protects from the rays of the sun. In another way, it sure beats unwillingly toasting yourself while you’re trying to nap or catching up on your reading.

The B Turtle microcaravan makes RV\-ing possible with an e\-bike
Photo: GentleTent
“The B Turtle stands for a completely new freedom of travel with memorable experiences in nature without sacrificing comfort,” reads the official description of the microcaravan. “Traveling by e-bike and micro-caravan means maximum independence,” and it also means companionship, which is not something you can say about bikepacking.

If you’re wondering how much this kind of bike-towable RV-ing will set you back, the B Turtle retails for €3,499 ($3,449 at the current exchange rate). It might seem like a lot for occasional extended trips to the great outdoors, but it could be a smart investment if you also happen to need a bike cargo trailer on a more frequent basis.

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About the author: Elena Gorgan
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Elena has been writing for a living since 2006 and, as a journalist, she has put her double major in English and Spanish to good use. She covers automotive and mobility topics like cars and bicycles, and she always knows the shows worth watching on Netflix and friends.
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