Hiker Trailers Side by Side - Eps. 1

Challenge accepted!
Friend of Hiker Trailers @PlayingwithSticks has put out a challenge to compare budget off-road trailer models. Bob Bosar, President of Hiker Industries, has tasked Robbie and Jordan to crunch the numbers and compare the competition to an equivalent Hiker Trailers build out.
View the results and see the data for yourself here: www.hikertrailers.com/side-by...
Start your very own custom built Hiker Trailer: www.hikertrailers.com/quote
Learn about our new sister company Becker Supply Co.: www.beckersupplyco.com
Check out the original video from Playing with Sticks here: • The PERFECT Compromise...

[@BoreasCampers]

Hey Hiker 👋 Thank you for the comparison video and to everyone for checking us out! We do think there is a difference between talking about price and value though. We could not find much information on your chassis. We consider the chassis to be one of the most important aspects of an offroad trailer, which is why we build ours out of 4" x 2" x 1/8" powder coated steel and design it around the off road suspension and hitch, the Cruisemaster CRS2 and Cruisemaster DO35 out of Australia. We also provide a lifetime warranty on our chassis. We do not believe an optional independent suspension on an "offroad" trailer can go hand in hand. Composite panels that are 1.8" thick with XPS foam for insulation does add quite a bit to the price compared to plywood with no insulation, yes, but adds even more to the value, as you will not have to worry about mold/mildew. Plus the insulation extends your camping season exponentially! We believe there is a market for Hiker and Boreas Campers, mainly because pricepoint and value will always be different. Thanks again for the comparison video! ✌

[@HikerTrailers]

Bob wanted us to reach out and say Thank You for the nice comment!

[@HikerTrailers]

@PlayingwithSticks Bob prefers bourbon!

[@kennethboatner8611]

2023 Midrange deluxe 5x9 owner here . The wood is one of my favorite parts of my Hiker . The other composite trailers feel bland and sterile . I wouldn’t change a thing about the wood construction. I camped next to a Boreas X model, don’t remember which one but I’ll say I was very proud of my well equipped Hiker. With roof AC , 23zero 270 , both walls and a straight awning on the left with tent room we were sporting next to the more expensive camper . I was very proud to show them my Hiker . People literally flag me down to ask questions and I let one person get inside and look around. I’d build another one tomorrow and yes I’d choose Hiker .

[@squaredropadventures]

OMG...I'm so glad you guys recorded this video! I did this same exact challenge and I really could not compare the two. The options were similar but didn't match up side by side, so it's hard. After I saw what I was trying to compare, I gave up as I didn't want to put that much time into it. Glad you guys did! You deserve that drink!

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Love it! Robbie and Bob, this is a great video. You guys have some good points for why folks should buy a Hiker Camper. Which is why we applauded Hiker at the beginning of our video. So to you overland folks out there, do I owe Bob and Robbie a drink? Remember our video wasn’t about accessories or the cheapest build. It was about finding a trailer at base that was better built for off-road conditions than the AT. I said this with confidence in the video, because I’ve never seen one. Would you choose this Hiker over the Boreas? Would you tow it behind a lifted, 4wd off-road vehicle, and use it full-time for off-road trails and rock crawling? If you believe this offers the same components or better than the Boreas AT, then I owe Hiker a drink.

[@bluemoose1972]

And don't forget Jordan, included With that Drink. 😎🐢🌽🌲🇺🇸🌎

[@Airomis34]

I watched your video when it came out and checked out Boreas myself. Not much of what they offered made me feel it was worth that extra price tag. I feel this was an excellent comparison and lived up to your challenge. I certainly hope you hold up to your end and buy these men a drink! ;)

[@garrettleaf6152]

I own a rather heavily equipped 2022 EOR. I can attest to the off-road capabilities of my Hiker as I have tested the limits of both trailer as well as my self in the last year. My Hiker more than holds its own next to my buddy’s Patriot and at the end of the day I can sleep inside. I realize this wasn’t about Patriot but they are considered to be very worthy off-road trailers and also cost roughly double what I paid all in for my Hiker. Wry happy with my choice so far

[@MicroOutdoors]

Drew, I feel they more than earned that drink! -- because of your video about Hiker is why I bought a Hiker. Thanks to your channel and the Hiker crew for promoting the outdoor lifestyle while keeping budget at the forefront.

[@vickaiser]

You absolutely do not owe them a drink. These trailers are apples and oranges. I would never take a wooden Hiker trailer on some of the off-road trails we go on, even if Hiker has "good technique". Ya. You're going to have to match the chassis, the warranty, the built in wiring and plugs everywhere and the storage. It's just apples and oranges.

[@grnpnzer]

I think you just shifted the standard in review videos towards a feature by feature to cost comparison, which is what the consumer has needed for a long time. Great video.

[@HikerTrailers]

Thanks for watching and the kind words

[@rick6633]

I watched your video and appreciate the comparison for what it was. I think that the hiker is good for some and the Boreas is good for others. It appears that most of the comments are from those who have hikers or are ready to purchase Hikers. I get the difference in price. That being said in this case I really believe you get what you pay for. I'd be interested to hear a balance of responses which include more Boreas owners. Given some time, I'm hoping to see that. I also know that (as one responder has mentioned) it's very difficult to compare option to option. His example was the hitch system and the suspension system. I am a Boreas XT owner. I've had it for two seasons now and have dragged it through some pretty unforgiving territory on and off road. Ive had it loaded it with my KTM and two bicycles. It's built tough and designed with quality components. My last comment is this. Sometimes it's not what you talk about in the comparison, it's what you don't talk about. That's important to me. Not taking away from the Hiker. My Boreas XT is built very solid. It was my choice after looking at many teardrop style trailers. Including the Hiker.

[@user-ke1ye6ty1q]

I’ve been searching deep for a perfect camper and you hit this one on the nail. Thanks!!!!

[@HikerTrailers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mikeakervik1437]

I saw the video in question and love the response. Still have a couple more tweaks to my trailer that are possible because of wood panels. See you at Moore!

[@HikerTrailers]

We’re looking forward to the show! Make sure to stop by our open house at the Hiker Hang Out area that Saturday afternoon to chat with the 20+ Hiker Owners joining us during the event!

[@mikeakervik1437]

My wife and I are one of those 20+ owners hanging out with you. Excited to share our experiences and trailer set up.

[@sandraspears6389]

I am looking forward to the new adventure build. I have sat down several times using the regular build sheet and wasn't sure about some of the items listed. I love the fact with the new system you will have pictures.

[@bluemoose1972]

Outstanding!! Gentlemen, very well done . Bob , & everyone at Hiker deserves a nice Drink. 😎🐢🌽🌲🇺🇸🌎

[@jimsyoutubechannel]

Thanks for posting this video. I'd like to see a side by side comparison with the Runaway campers.

[@tomhettrick7813]

Excellent video I want a Hiker!!!!

[@bassplaya4556]

Nice , you guys went straight for Boreas' Jugular!! Proud owner of a '23 5x10 midrange xl. Love it!!

[@HikerTrailers]

We’re happy you’re happy with your trailer! Our intent is not to attack any competitors but provide a line by line honest comparison of options and pricing.

[@ryanjohnson3052]

Great video! Great info! I had yet to see the video that prompted your response but you handled it exactly as you should. While I've seen videos from that channel and have valued the insights, I feel bad giving that video an extra view just to get the backstory. Robbie and Jordan pointed out all the key points that made the comparison go from apples to oranges to apples to apples. How about them apples! :) If composite material is going to cost me $10k or $20k, I'll take wood any day. And if hauling a dirt bike is their other key feature, I'll use my $10-20k to buy a rack for my truck. As Bob pointed out, there have been Hiker trailers on the road for 12+ years. Those owners didn't seem to have an issue with the construction of theirs. I wish I could call myself a Hiker owner. I've been wanting one for a couple of years. The customization of the Hiker builds is a fantastic feature, not just for selecting the trailer you'll purchase but self-customization later. It looks like Boreas thinks they know you before they've met you. Hiker welcomed me in to tour their facility and Kyle did an excellent job explaining their process. Keep up the good work Hiker!

[@jseda7031]

Side by side with an EOR and Off Grid Expedition

[@OmegaGreedAK47]

Great video. I’m getting ready to pick up my trailer and I’m really excited to put it to use and make some content on it as well!

[@HikerTrailers]

Thank you for watching!

[@JeffreyTadlockPhotography]

Great video. That new builder coming on the new website looks really helpful to better understand options! Looking forward to that!

[@mixflip]

Ive always found it funny and ironic that wood gets a bad reputation from the overland guys specifically wood can rot when exposed to water. But people forget that companies like Chris Craft have wooden boats built in the 1930's that are literally soaked in water 24/7 for years and are subjected to hydraulic pounding of waves and engine vibrations on every outing....and those wooden boats are still on the water today. It boils down to how you build a wooden boat or in this case how you build a wooden camper. Another fact is that most people call themselves overlanders....but they are really more like over dirt roaders. That being said even the cheapest base model wooden teardrop trailer with leaf springs and street tires can handle what soft-roaders subject their campers to. They just need to be honest. If you are rock crawling then yes...spend the $30k on a tough camper built for rock crawling. I camped in a $7,000 Hiker and camped in a $30,000 Overland Expedition Vehicles full composite squaredrop (when they used to make them) and I honestly enjoyed both equally. I didnt test them off road but I got a good feel for them in general and I would be happy owning either one for just camping. Great video guys. See you at Overland Expo West!

[@TerraFirmaX]

Better suspension would be great, it's probably my number one hangup when considering a trailer from you folks. I'm still in the market for a trailer so give me a shout if you have anything in the works

[@HikerTrailers]

Heard loud and clear. We hope to share more info later this year about suspension options

[@nnis8545]

Off gassing, I hadn’t thought of that and thank you for thinking of it. I chose my flooring for my house with some of that research on off gassing. I guess I should put the same consideration into my potential trailer.

[@newkey1106]

This is so good for you all to do this thanks for this it helps in the decision I am making in tear drop research

[@HikerTrailers]

Glad we could help. We'd love to see you choose a Hiker Trailer if it's right for you, but we know we aren't right for everyone. We at least think some consumers could use a little more help during their buying process, and believe that all companies should be open and honest about their pricing and options.

[@gopackgo69]

Keep up the good work!

[@garrettleaf6152]

Ok boys, have watched the video and the only thing I really miss on my EOR (and plan on building and incorporating soon) is/are pullouts in the galley to include cooking top and sink.

[@HikerTrailers]

We have seen this feedback from several customers lately. We are actively looking into options for this in the future. We’d love to see your final results in one of our Facebook groups when you’re done!

[@djwambach6192]

Great job. This video made me a subscriber.

[@danthetreeman2745]

I loved the comparison between Hiker and Boreas. Could you do a comparison with the Zion modular trailers and Hiker? Of course the Zion base model is stripped down and the stage 5 is completely outfitted. I’m seriously looking at a purchase and your trailer is in the running! Thanks

[@misplacedoverland]

What type of selling model does each manufacturer use? Factoring in a dealer margin can be a large part of why some MSRP prices are larger than others.

[@HikerTrailers]

This is a good idea. We will add this to our feedback for the next one

[@marcinmichigan2772]

Please do a side-by-side with a TC Teardrops.

[@HikerTrailers]

Thanks for the suggestion. We’ll keep note

[@marcinmichigan2772]

Thanks, those are my 2 choices

[@markall8641]

Ok, here are the questions… I have a Hiker EOR don’t have a fridge box yet but was looking at getting one this year maybe later if there is an option of bigger. When will bigger be an option? Also not that it’s an option for me… but the Boreas has insulation in the walls is this an option at some point with the hiker? I know 2” in ceiling but walls and floor would be nice.

[@markall8641]

I have a suggestion for Hiker/ Bob, please make the platforms on the EOR E- Track compatible. This will be a selling point for you and help people strap stuff to the platforms with more options. I tried the current ones are to long and maybe to wide.

[@curronhill2744]

You must include the cost of the build materials. Yes yours is cheaper, but it is not a generational material. Do you give a lifetime leak warranty?

[@alandickson1629]

But what about Pathway trailers. I would say basically identical to Hiker. Is there a side by side comparison to them?

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

Is the factory showroom open to the public? I'm planning on being in Columbus for the eclipse and I would love to see these trailers up close and personal.

[@justinwilliams8032]

Call them. They are more than accommodating! I believe they’re having an open house on Monday 4/8 from 12-5

[@LifeAtTerminalVelocity]

@@justinwilliams8032 Yup, I have an appointment for today!

[@bevinmodrak4997]

I didn't see where weight was compared. What tough engineering this is. Need to be light, durable for extreme off-road use and hit a price point. Kind of glad I'm not in that industry. One thing I do wonder about is the construction. I've built "stitch and glue" boats and know plywood can be really durable but I haven't seen how your trailers maintain their strength and water resistance. I understand that's probably proprietary and a competitive advantage but just using pocket screws isn't convincing to me.

[@normegaskins]

Does Hiker offer a lifetime warranty on your frames? If wood is so good, do you have a lifetime warranty on the body?

[@semorebutts3613]

You get what you pay for.

[@HikerTrailers]

This isn’t always the case. That’s why we laid out the options side by side

[@semorebutts3613]

@@HikerTrailers but you guys compared option to option but not the quality of the option. For instance the cruise master suspension on the xt is far more superior. The D035 hitch is far more superior. The frame is superior( you can put a 400lb motorcycle on it). That’s why I say comparing option to option is misleading. That’s like saying a Toyota has four wheels and two headlights just like a Ferrari has four wheels and two headlights. Therefore they’re the same?