FIRST TIME out on the trail with the Topo Mesa camper

Getting out on the trail for the first time with my new Topo Toppers Mesa wedge camper, taking the opportunity to explore some western Oregon areas I've never checked out before.
For more details about the camper, see my recent video:
kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKSpoqiYl72XbLs
Topo Toppers:
www.topotoppers.com/
Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldogs-offroad-complete-lift-kit-w-koni-82-series-shocks-for-2nd-gen-nissan-frontier
Alldogs Offroad wheels for Frontier/Xterra:
www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldogs-offroad-rb6-16x8-alloy-wheel-for-nissan-frontier-xterra
ASFIR 4x4 skid plates:
www.asfir.com/skid-plate-set-591070b.html
Yankum Ropes:
yankum.com/?afmc=softroadingthewest
(use code SOFTROADINGTHEWEST for a discount off your purchase)
MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
adventure-imports.com/products/maxtrax-mkii-signature-orange
LED CoLight driving lights (my large round lights)
www.led-colight.com/products/colight-7-inch-mars-series-round-offroad-driving-lights
Warn winch:
amzn.to/3Bs9Q5u
(I bought this steel cable version and swapped in synthetic winch line from Yankum Ropes)
ScanGauge 3:
amzn.to/3HECOUe
Coleman Woodsman II camp chair:
amzn.to/38ZfcIo
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my Amazon links, even if you ultimately choose another product. Purchases made via my link at Yankum also provides a small benefit to the channel. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals support the ongoing creation of content for this channel. Thank you!
If you enjoy my work and would like to more directly support my efforts, consider joining my Patreon page with a small monthly contribution. Patrons receive access to exclusive extra content and other benefits:
www.patreon.com/softroadingthewest
MUSIC CREDITS All music fully licensed via artlist.io
Farewell for Now - by Boheme
Beautiful Day - by Elad Perez
I Want To - by Livingrooms
Blue in Your Eyes - by R.A.Y. Project

[@om617yota8]

No way that was a forest service cut tree, that stump was atrocious and begging for a barberchair. Donald, someone definitely didn't want you up there, and you possibly avoided a lot more trouble than just a ticket by not proceeding. Thanks for taking us along, and thanks for cleaning up the site as best you could.

[@metalmtn]

The ugly stump! Nasty

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, I decided not to go into it in this video, but I originally filmed some bits and pieces about sketchy activity I observed. Whether that tree was felled by the forest service, or by someone criminal trying to keep people out, either way, not something I care to mess with, heh. This trip just reinforced my usual policy of pushing much further than this from town to camp. This is a really beautiful bit of western Oregon wilderness but I doubt I will camp around this area again.

[@louiskudlak2241]

Just getting out is a win, loved it buddy, I reckon you get condensation on everything like rtt/tents etc , least it was not dripping, definitely not cut down by the forrest service

[@om617yota8]

@@softroadingthewest Glad you're safe, sir!

[@RVingwithG]

@@softroadingthewest I still wish I kept my Nissan frontier 6 foot long bed, that I tried to sell to you. Now I’m living in an RV on the road. PS I’ll be camped out at cougar Creek Crossing this summer. Maybe you can come over and see me.

[@crackerjackcreek]

A successful excursion is accomplished the moment you leave your driveway. Anything beyond that is all icing on the cake. Appreciate all of the videos

[@krisinva]

To me, a successful camping trip is one that I can enjoy the memory of (remarkably good or laughably bad), and that keeps me going back outside. Thank you for another great video!

[@24Alisonall]

It's about the journey!! Being in forest and near water is one of those perfect combinations, IMO. Thanks for sharing.

[@shaolin224]

I'm with ya on just getting out of the house and exploring and having an adventure. Also one of the perks of being a solo adventurer is that you don't have to please everyone in your group. If you don't feel comfortable in doing something, the ease of changing plans are less stressful. Luckily , from your past vids, the group you do explore with are laid back and give you the freedom to rest or explore when need be. Heck..some video creators don't even say a single word, out of the country, and just let a high quality microphone pick up natural sounds of nature whilst they go about their business. A few closed captions on certain things and that it. 1 million views in a week. The Frontier looks pretty cool with that camper from different angles BTW. Nice choice Donald👍

[@izrador2264]

The backing up in reverse confessional cam, I love it!

[@michaelchudzinskl3321]

Thanks for adding the footage most KZbinr's cut out. I think inexperienced people get discouraged when they don't find that perfect campsite the first time. Thanks for cleaning up others trash!

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

A successful trip is definitely just getting out there and exploring. You know you're always going to setup camp somewhere, exactly where is less important than the journey, no matter how close to home.

[@softroadingthewest]

Well put.

[@IronmanV5]

Great to see you out in the bush again.

[@christopheranderson8619]

Finally a non boring video 🤣I too recently converted from hammock, ground tent, RTT to a similar setup and the efficiency and internal living space is a game changer! Will still utilize the hammock/ground tent in certain scenarios but sure nice to just hop in and go. You are so right out is out!

[@Bikepro4x]

Donald I’m absolutely obsessed with your videos. I love that you put out quality Frontier content. It’s so inspiring and makes me want to keep building my Frontier along with you.

[@jeffmorris739]

Just finished phase one of my Tacoma build and I am chomping at the bit to get out. Next week the high elevation roads open in the mountains south of SMNP in Tennessee and North Georgia. It's time to go! I like the new setup, very versatile. Thanks!

[@Hansemotoh36]

You're right about the warm wet snow! It's hard to get anywhere and so easy to get stuck.

[@pixelshark6809]

New video!! Your videos are saving my sanity right now. TY Donald. It’s like comfort food. 💙🙏

[@dalecurrier5631]

Good job Donald enjoyed another camping trip with you !!

[@BackroadExploration]

Loved this adventure! Seeing the camper in action and keeping you out of the rain, amazing!!

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Jared!

[@insaynbcr]

Your new topper has so much potential for the buildout. Totally looking forward to seeing how this progresses.

[@rmsnwbrdr]

Your shots and story telling are getting better and better. Keep it up!

[@johndej]

Nice to see the new camper in action! This looks like a fun trip. Thanks for sharing!

[@brandonthompson6389]

Thanks for sharing! Love what you're doing on your channel!

[@bigkemna87]

What I like best about this is the drone footage and the video of the scenery and the fact that there was an extended period simply displaying the natural beauty of the area with sooothing music and no talking. Very inspirational and at the same time realaxing. As far as the best things about adventures such as these, I think the entire process is what makes such a foray so awesome! I really enjoy the build up during the planning process and then the packing and finally hitting the road and getting to see things that those who don't take the initiative never will. Each adventure to me is like a vault of memories that I can reach into that almost always makes me smile and is just more inspiration to do it again.

[@imhidingintheshop8889]

looks super comfy!

[@saltii2]

that mash potato snow has definitely been putting some wrenches into planned trips- especially in the coast range where its so uncommon to see snow late march. glad to see you still getting out there, trucks looking great

[@ChambersFamilyOverland]

What constitutes a successful excursion? - being able to come home. Getting my family or myself safely home. Haha. I’ve been stuck to the point where I camped right there, I’ve had amazing adventures with no drama… it’s all whatever as long as we come out alive 😂

[@softroadingthewest]

Ha, that's a fair definition!

[@TarziKV]

What I enjoy the most is just going places randomly and finding something spectacular. Safe journey 🖖

[@vince4316]

Looks great!! By FAR the best set up you've had

[@softroadingthewest]

Agreed, super happy and excited about this new chapter.

[@Oregontrailblazin]

I was wondering myself about that area you are in. And the fire damage. Thanks for Clarifying that so I don't go up and take that drive .. You are the best Donald. Love your neighbor.

[@garretlewis4103]

“Backwards backing up.” Isn’t that going forward? 😂😂😂. We went on a camping trip last weekend to go to the Highland Co. Maple Festival. We too ran into trash at camping sites. It is a shame people cannot pick up after themselves. It seems to be a growing problem. Not too many seem to care anymore and then we will loose access to the places we love to go. Our short trip was a success and we too picked up trash at our campsite. BTW….liked the Asfir 4x4 hat. Running those on my wife’s Gladiator and want to get to fuel tank skid to modify for my Colorado.

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

Those trips where nothing goes as planned but you keep on trekking to find a camp spot 💪🏼 great video!

[@GloryousJourney]

Thank you for sharing your adventure. I truly appreciate your channel and the amount of work it takes to produce. I'm looking forward to viewing more of your videos. Wishing you safe travels.🌲🌲🌲

[@scottymac5174]

When I was working full time every trip I did had to be planned out in advance to the Nth degree. Now that I am retired, it's become more of just choosing a general area and going there to see what I can find. Nothing is set in stone any longer.

[@softroadingthewest]

I really enjoy a little of both. I like having some kind of plan and some ideas of where I might find campsites, but I love improvising and have made some of my best finds just randomly exploring...I love that sense of discovery turning up an unplanned trail and finding something cool. 🙂

[@covewater]

I love the new build and can't wait to see future videos! It is so sad to see all that trash laying around. But thankfully we have good people like you in this world and for that I want to say thank you.

[@JBlinky67]

We share the criteria for a successful trip. It's just about being out there. Thanks for a great trip.😎

[@chownzi2461]

I've been waiting to see this camper in action

[@MugOfPaul]

I suspect when/if you go with diesel heat, it will completely eliminate condensation. I’ve never had worse condensation than when I used a Buddy heater.

[@JonDZ_Adventuring]

The Topo Topper looks so good 👌. Love your new setup and excited to see how you build it out and get it dialed in.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Jon!

[@mikemorgan4670]

Nice video. Good to see you back on the road.

[@JS49614]

Being from this area as well, my immediate takeaway from this is the embarrassment and frustration from all the trash the squatters leave behind. The state "cant" or won't do anything about it. In return this ruins the great outdoors for everyone else. Same reason Weyerhaeuser closed down their land to permit only. It's a shame. Keep up the great videos, Donald, they are otherwise much appreciated

[@the.vanbuzz-campingandoutd4772]

Always good to get out and learn something new along the way. The journey is what matters, get there safe and get home happier and wiser.

[@TheMbn1972]

Such a sweet camper-topper!

[@jeffreyajello6046]

Great seeing the new setup in action and thanks for clearing up after those who are less thoughtful!

[@sagebrushbob2321]

I just got back from an overnight trip also. It doesn't have to be a huge trip into uncharted territory or a far remote place to be good. Anywhere I go out there I can feel the weight of being surrounded by people and commitments just fall away . A crackling fire, even a small one, and wind in the trees or on the canvas is enough to put me at peace with the world again. Your new camper is like a blank piece of canvas, waiting for the artist to bring it to life. What will it look like when you are done? What will it become in your hands? We are all waiting to find out. Good travels to you my friend.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks Bob! I am waiting to find out too! 😆 I have my ideas but as I use it, my vision keeps shifting a bit. I love that I don't have to rush the build and can get out and camp in the meantime while I fine-tune my ideas.

[@StacySalmans]

Good to see you out enjoying the new camper. It looks like it's going to be a great addition to your adventures. Getting out is better than sitting in an office any day and is a success.

[@fahrmboy]

6:10 that looks like the same stretch of road (NF-1824, almost to Saddleblanket Mountain) that I almost slid off of in similar conditions last year. Sketchy stuff, I don't mess with it, either. The area you visited is one of my favorites, too-thanks for reporting on it. I've been curious about it, because the 2021 Middle Complex burn area is fully closed, too.

[@marcericdavis]

Good to see the new setup in action.

[@RedSandAdventures]

Love the new topper and look forward to seeing some new adventures with it

[@campoutwestus]

I'm glad you were able to get out and use the new tent topper. It seems like a really good option and I look forward to seeing how you make it work for yourself!

[@philtelford410]

The way it was cut was incredibly unconventional and dangerous. I would guess it was not the forest service. I'm local to you and westfir is one of my favorite areas to camp up there if I need to get out for a quick trip. Great places to swim in the summer too.

[@markbalancehealth]

I was thinking the same thing - more like the tree (firewood?) got away from him - sketchy/amateur looking cut…

[@jodoharrison8357]

My first thought was it was someone up there that didn’t want company…I’m somewhat local to the area as well, and love the location. But the groups of people trashing the area is very disheartening. Thankful for people like Donald and his group of friends that do there part to help clean up, all while providing content for us all to enjoy.

[@softroadingthewest]

Yeah, I mean...there was a whole portion of this video I filmed about sketchy activity I observed, but it was just too complicated to explain in a video of this length. I can 100% believe this was done by someone other than the forest service. Either way...don't want to roll up there and find out. 😏

[@jcblackmon]

Great call on skipping the weeds and the bumper!! And your truck looks so good...great stance!! Awesome.

[@paullydca]

Successful.... simply that you got out. Love the camper idea. If I still had a truck that would be a perfect solution!

[@jaksdh-u4t]

Soooo much more work compared to your old set up but at least you can take your daughter with you know. Thanks for cleaning the place up!

[@lavenderau6326]

Just getting out of town limits and filling my senses with the bush is a succesful camp. Too often I think people focus on the plan with huge expectations where any deviation from that means failure and they see their trip as ruined. Rather you just found what doesn't work. I plan for what could go wrong and accomodate the best I can. Then I plan to go out, what happens after that is called adventure. Coming back in one peice is always the win and surviving challenges should thing go pear shape is a bonus.

[@lovinthepup]

Yet another extremely 'successful outing' (by any definition) resulting in your enjoyment with an added benefit of sharing an outstanding episode with your viewers for their enjoyment. No question a 'win win'! Exceptional and superb presentation as has become the norm with your channel. So real I felt I was there and was elated to experience the strike and resulting fight of the two pound trout landed from my first cast into the creek. Anxious to see your future build out creations for your Topo Topper, not to forget the hot tub.

[@grandeoverland6787]

Love seeing a Nissan out there pounding the dirt! That's a great campsite to end up at for sure. Very much dig the camping set up you put together. Looking forward to how that rear bumper turns out.

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL, me too. I've been working on it this weekend, some good progress, and some good mistakes. 😆 I'll share the good and the bad eventually.

[@grandeoverland6787]

@@softroadingthewest Never mistakes! Learning experiences...unless you do same thing 3 times, then we can call it a mistake. LOL

[@AnonymousItinerant]

Love the new setup. Congratulations

[@warrenscorner]

And he drives away while all of us are thinking, he has to come back for the camera. Glad the new setup is working out for you.

[@softroadingthewest]

😆

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

Looks like a nice getaway! I love building the trips at home, doing the trips in the field and then the documentary of the trip once I get home. I prefer routes and destinations. I don't like bumping around not knowing where I am going. Thanks! George.

[@pleinairbarnettoutdoors]

Hey Guy on youtube, Donald, I've been anticipating this follow up video since your topo camper reveal. I'm certain I wasn't the only viewer 👍

[@wanderantics2898]

Lovely to see another camping adventure! The new setup definitely looks neat and I hope it serves you long time!

[@yurizaitsef]

Man the fact that your so far out and you are finding camp sites with trash in them like that just makes me so freaken mad. I appreciate you cleaning up what you can man.

[@tjkrueger2655]

Donald- I'm sure you're three steps ahead on this, but have you thought about figuring out a way to connect the sleeping platform sections and put them on a hinge/fulcrum to raise up in one piece on a bungee or strut? Anyway, I'm jealous of that new setup, it's such a perfect solution. Great vid, thanks for showing the reality of exploring

[@softroadingthewest]

I've already been thinking of modding the bed, yes, though it didn't occur to me to connect the platform segments. I was thinking to just replace them entirely with a new solid platform on struts. I watched a friend of mine modify her wedge camper this way while she was staying here last summer, so I know it can be done. I was originally thinking to largely emulate what she did, though another commenter pointed out I could probably achieve the same thing just using something to prop the bed panel up, or some kind of hook to the roof, which is even easier than trying to integrate gas struts. For the moment, finishing the bumper and building out the "downstairs" of the camper are the priority. Manipulating the bed panels really isn't all that bad and I can live with it for now, though I'm certain I'll eventually mod this in some way. 🙂

[@pavementendstraveler6574]

While I was watching I thought we've had everything in this episode but closed roads. Should have known you wouldn't disappoint us, Donald. Thanks for taking us along on another overnight outing.

[@softroadingthewest]

LOL

[@wabashriver4700]

Enjoy all your vids

[@adventuretrails1ato]

Correct old slush is the worst kind of snow. Super hard to get through. I don't think people understand until they experience it themselves 🙌🙌!

[@metaglypto]

Agreed! Unplugging from the digital world and reconnecting with the real world is better than months of mental therapy. The natural world reminds and often forces me to live in the moment, and not in all of the 'what-ifs' of world politics and problems.

[@subjectadventure]

Great video Donald! So glad to see you out in the woods again!

[@jamesshell8457]

Camper looks great. Love that little firepit thingy!

[@prolificnorthwest]

Great video! The new camper looks perfect.

[@Western-Wild]

Nice work on getting into a new area! Usually can guess what part of the forest you are in pretty quickly, but it took an NF road sign for this one. That area has always felt like a bit of a no man’s land with various fire closures over the last 10 years. Thanks for sharing some cool spots out there!

[@fwdadventuresza254]

Always great to get out and that Topo looks to do the job well 👍🏻

[@black_widow_overland]

Very nice !!! Safe travels

[@maddrummerhef]

Fellow oregonian between the lingering snow, tons of areas still closed after fires and the massive amount of land owned by weyerhauser its getting real hard to find places to get out too

[@carolsmith7380]

I'd say that was a perfect camp site....sound of rippling water to put you to sleep, under the trees, off the road.

[@denisebernard3062]

Great video! Perfect choice Mesa Camper!

[@broinsocali]

From your video with the Forester. Got me into car camping with a 2021 Outback. Thanks for the ride along.

[@harrymills2770]

I really like the lower-profile pop-up. I think it's a great concept. I wonder if you could get one that extended over the whole cab of your truck, and the whole thing popped up. You could have a good-sized bed over the cab, and not have to fiddle between sleeping and waking configurations.

[@brotherheed00]

That collapsible fire pit is sweet. Off to Amazon I go. Our buddy heater does make a lot of condensation in our tent as well.

[@pnwxplore]

Frontier is looking dialed! I need to make it over that way sometime and camp! For the condenstation, a diesel heater works wonders and can easily keep it at bay if you run it all night. If not, it can easily dry it all out if you crank it up in the morning before you leave. Thats what I used to do with my Tacoma.

[@softroadingthewest]

Thanks! Long To-Do list on this, and replacing my Mr. Condensation Buddy with a better heater is definitely on the list! :-)

[@jacktough]

Good stuff, man. Thanks 👍

[@williamkenyon9858]

Success= whatever you want it to be. My feelings match yours, A bad day in the woods is better than any day in the office. I say that having just come home from doing a similar trip last night. the infamous 12 hour campout is great, low expectations and can be whatever you want it to be. Great looking camper, Just what I want for my rig. Good Luck

[@greta4615]

I’m sure you have a folks more local (hi from UT where trash and rec are also issues)-what a great opportunity for a meet up/clean up of our public lands once areas are reopened.

[@daneboro6847]

Great content as always thanks for the video 📹 👍

[@EigerSummitOffroad]

Hey Donald. Take a look at the Goodyear Duratrac and/or Kanati Trail Hog AT4. the AT4 is pretty much a budget version of the Duratrac. Both are stellar tires and would really help in snow such as this as well as all other situations. Duratrac is arguably the best at/hybrid tire on the market. Pricey, but the AT4 makes for an affordable option. Just some food for thought.

[@stevenpeters467]

Nice job Donald! Please tell us about the gauge screen attached to the left side of your windshield.

[@softroadingthewest]

It's the ScanGauge 3. I'll make a video about it eventually. Not sponsored. I'm glad I bought it, satisfied with the purchase. More to come!

[@thomasquigley7040]

I think overland outings are a lot like skiing. As they say: A bad day of skiing is still better than a good day of work.

[@JeffBreyer]

The Mesa is pretty cool. Affording one is another thing altogether for me but I am glad to see some Frontier love. Not nearly enough support for that truck out there.

[@CJADVENTUREOREGON]

Enjoyed your video, Donald! The new camper looks cool-we are looking forward to checking it out in person! It’s so sad how much trash is just apathetically discarded in our public lands. 🙁 Thank you for picking up what you could. Also…..that cut tree……🤔

[@cliffmorgan31]

In warming spring with leftover snow/slush conditions, south facing slopes are your friend

[@YouTubeTyler]

Great to see you out there. Thanks for the vid!

[@mountainsmoore3657]

"Even bad adventures make great stories!" That is our tag line on our channel. Like I tell my students when they worry about performing well at competitions...I have three basic rules: 1) Learn something -if you learned something, it was a success. 2) Have fun. and 3) Behave and act respectful. This applies to my students, but it can also apply to our outdoor adventures, as well!

[@matthewlockhart3226]

I'd say it was a great test run! Looking forward to more videos with the Topo Topper!

[@lloydmarche7263]

That’s a really nice tent set up. 👍

[@aimlesslydriven]

Awesome preview Donald!

[@ourpnwadventures]

We feel your pain about trying to find camping spots with all of the mountain snow. Lol. Great video!!

[@StoryOfBean]

Came to check out the camper as I will be ordering one, leaving subscribed and very much enjoying your adventure/cinematography. Appreciate this content.

[@softroadingthewest]

Enjoy your camper and thanks for watching!

[@CraigG21]

Truck setup looks great! Looking forward to hearing how you like the “sliding bed panels” vs “bed base on struts” as you gain more time using it.

[@softroadingthewest]

Oh believe me, I'm already thinking about how I might mod this, but for now it's workable enough while I finish more pressing projects. 😄

[@nosnerd1967]

love this unit -Truck and all

[@godsbackcountryoverland]

Nice topper, I've been thinking about getting one for my Dodge Laramie the Bandlander. I think they're the best deal out there right now for the money it's a good choice for your Nissan with limited room.

[@bruceyyyyy]

Digging this new set up.

[@midnightadventureswa]

Glad to see that you are enjoying your new, set up and getting out there and enjoying your self hope that there going set up a time for a clean up In that area there is a app name son of Smokey that you can go on and put in the gps coordinate. For places that need to be cleaned up most of the time there’s a local group that looks at the page and will go out and clean up and after it is, they will put a message saying it was cleaned up. Something you should look into. But again great video and thanks for sharing.