Trails To Go
Some runners aspire to extended running trips, from a week to months or more. Here's what you need to know to set yourself up for success.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
While most trail runners are locked down at work during the week, many hit the open road for a weekend of trail adventuring and car camping. Others might aspire to more extended trail-running road trips, from a week to months or more.
Morgan Sjogren, who three years ago gave up on nine-to-five grind, bought a Jeep and camps out of it year-round, while exploring trails across the West.
“I’ve always been a nomad, so the life change suited me,” says Sjogren. “Being on the road pushes me to leave expectations behind. It’s all about the unexpected, the mystery and the adventure.” Whatever your schedule and whims allow, here are some tips and tricks for picking your vehicle for life on the road.
RELATED: Kilian Jornet Founds New Brand, NNormal
Your Daily Driver
Using a reliable vehicle you already own is likely your most affordable option, and, with a proper car-camping kit in
the trunk, you can live like a king. Most campers already have the outdoor gear you need—a tent, a sleeping bag and pad and a camp stove/cook kit. A basic setup can be affordable even for the most fiscally conscious.
For simple overnighters or weekend trips in moderate weather, a car offers a simple, efficient option.Simple upgrades won’t break the bank. A spacious new tent can cost a few hundred bucks, and fun accessories like lanterns, string lights, folding camp chairs, double-burner stove, etc. may cost as much as a few trips to Starbucks. For extended trips where you’ve got more gear, a rooftop storage box is a worthy splurge.
A roof tent is a great option for year-round adventure mobiles. This popular set-up includes a solid, good sized tent that packs down to a storage box on the top of your car. Simply pull up to the campsite, pop it up and you’re ready to rest.“With a tent, backpacking setup and sleeping bag you have just as many possibilities to enjoy life outdoors as in a fancy van,” says Sjogren. “Throw some leftover pizza, water and snacks in your pack, lace up your running shoes and get ready to see the world!”
Pros: Your cheapest option, using your car will save you money on more experiences while you’re on the road.
Cons: Your tightest option. You’ll find that you fill out your space quickly.
The SUV
From a Subaru Outback to a Chevy Suburban, a SUV/hatchback is a versatile option because the vehicle is multi-purpose and likely already your daily driver. It offers the option of sleeping in a hard-sided abode, providing more protection in inclement weather and personal security. This is especially useful if you plan on mixing your driving between open spaces and crowded cities.
As opposed to a Corolla or Camry, a SUV’s back seats folded down can work as a nice sleeping space. You’ll want to carry the same things you would if you were camping.
Pros: Versatile vehicle that can be equal parts comfortable and driveable.
Cons: Not very customizable and will have a lack of space economy.
RELATED: 5 Must-Do Trail Running Camps
The Pickup Truck Camper Shell Combo
With its capability to handle different types of terrain, a truck with camper shell provides a comfortable, protected place to sleep and more privacy than a car-tent setup. Also, trucks with 4WD can handle rougher, high-clearance roads, allowing you to access more remote trails.
Truck caps are usually fiberglass and can cost up to $2,000, depending on truck size and options, but less- expensive and used options are available. How you kit out the shell area can run the gamut from tossing your car-camping kit in the back to built-out palaces. For a super-practical setup, consider a simple framed-out wood bed platform, with organized storage underneath. Pullout drawers have long been a favorite of dirt- bagging road warriors.
Pros: In short, driving a truck will give you everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Cons: Minimal headroom is one drawback of this setup.
Start Here: The Toyota Tacoma is undefeated in durability and comfort. Most owners get well beyond 200,000 miles.
RELATED: Running Toward A More Equitable Future
Van Life
Vans come in all shapes and sizes, from old-school VW Vanagons to built-out cargo vans to the popular kitted-out Sprinter. Overall, vans are great because of the space economy they provide, giving you enough room for storing the essentials and a comfortable, relatively private hang space.
A van will offer you a great blank slate to keep a simple set-up or the opportunity for a full renovation. With a Sprinter, or similarly sized van, you’re able to corral in as many extras as you’d like, including a full kitchen, bathroom or a full sized bed.
“As much as we love the Colorado mountains, we thrive on the road,” says Cat Bradley, the 2017 Western States champion. “Having a van opened that up for us.”
In 2020, Bradley and her partner, Ryan Lassen, rented a van for a couple weeks while traveling to the start line of the Bandera 100K in Texas. When they returned to their home in Colorado, they purchased their own van, a 2020 Dodge Pro Master.
“People should dive in,” says Bradley, “don’t let the process intimidate you.”
Renovations, in a van or a home, are a big task. Luckily, plans and other tips and blueprints can be found online so those first couple of cuts and drills in the van aren’t as scary.
Pros: Space, space, space. You’ll be able to fit bikes, kayaks and any other sort of outdoor gear for your trip. Plus, the ability to spread out gear and the access to cleaning up is a big perk when you’re putting in miles.
Cons: This won’t be like driving your regular car. It’ll handle differently, so be ready to get used to a new experience.
Vans We Love: The E-line class from Ford offers a no-nonsense van that will give you plenty of space and stealth. If you want to pare down to a smaller van, Ford’s Transit Series has become quite popular for its van-like qualities with a truck-like size. If you want to look at Sprinter-sized models, the Dodge Pro Master is the best bang for your buck.
Slide-In Truck Campers, Popup Campers, and RVs
For those short on time or handyman capabilities, purchasing a pre- fabricated, kitted-out camper has long been popular for people who are ready to go. Truck campers, pop-ups and RVs are popular options that are equal parts rugged and comfortable.
These will cost you a pretty penny if you’re looking to buy new, with RVs being the most expensive option. Truck campers and pop ups will equip you with the amenities that you might find a kitted-out van or truck. As this is an auxiliary item to your vehicle, most likely, make sure that your car has the capability to take on the extra towing or weight.
Pros: Pre-fabricated means you’re ready to roll. Also, having the ability to tow a slide in or pop up gives you the ability to not always carry it with you.
Cons: Can be limited with going on certain public lands and roads, as it will not always be as durable. Will need to get insurance for access to towing, flat changes and other mechanical help should something go wrong.