Can one trailer really haul all your gear, handle off-road travel, and become part of your camp setup?
Traveling the country with Road Trip Angler means I rarely pack light. I’m often hauling multiple boats, fishing gear, and everything needed to camp along the way.
I also want the freedom to leave the pavement behind and reach less-traveled fishing spots. Finding an overland trailer that could haul everything I needed while still handling off-road terrain wasn’t easy.
That’s where the Expedition Trailers Outback Sportsman came in. After putting it through several trips, I’ve found a setup that gives me the versatility I was looking for.
Why the Outback Sportsman?
I needed more than a standard camping trailer. With Road Trip Angler, I’m often hauling kayaks, inflatable boats, fishing gear, and everything needed for camp. I also wanted another sleeping space without sacrificing room for all that gear.
The bigger challenge was finding a trailer that could handle those jobs off-road. I wanted something capable enough for rough backroads and trails, but still practical for long highway miles.
That’s where the Outback Sportsman stood out. Instead of locking you into one layout, Expedition Trailers starts with a utility-focused platform that can be built around how you adventure.
My XL setup has two levels, allowing me to haul a boat on the bottom and another above it. When I don’t need the second level, I can remove the rack and open the space for motorcycles, bikes, or larger gear.
That adaptability is what really sold me. Rather than owning separate trailers for camping, boats, and other toys, I can change this setup depending on where the next trip takes me.
How Does This Off-Road Trailer Perform?
The real test came when I started putting miles on the Outback Sportsman. I’ve hauled it down the Florida Adventure Trail, explored local backroads, and covered plenty of highway miles between trips.
A big part of that performance comes from the independent suspension. Each wheel can move separately over uneven terrain, while the articulating CruiseMaster hitch gives the truck and trailer more freedom to move independently.
What impressed me most was how controlled everything stayed. Even on rougher sections, my boats weren’t bouncing around, and the gear inside the storage boxes stayed where I put it.
That matters when you’re carrying expensive fishing and camping equipment. A rough road can quickly expose the weak points in a trailer, but so far, the Outback Sportsman has handled everything I’ve thrown at it.
Camping and Gear Storage
Once I get to camp, the Outback Sportsman becomes more than a way to transport my gear. It turns into a functional part of the campsite.
The rooftop tent gives us another dedicated sleeping area, which is especially useful when traveling with a camera person. On each side, a 180-degree awning creates covered space for organizing gear, charging equipment, or simply getting out of the weather.
One of my favorite additions is the onboard power system. I can charge camera batteries, trolling motor batteries, and other electronics without relying on campground power. The system can recharge while I’m driving and can also support solar for longer off-grid trips.
The enclosed storage boxes give smaller gear a protected place to live, while keeping it easy to access. For the kind of trips we do on Road Trip Angler, having camp, storage, and power built into the same trailer makes life on the road a lot easier.
Is the Expedition Trailers – Outback Sportsman Worth It?
The Outback Sportsman comes with a premium price, especially once you start adding features. My build includes the rooftop tent, awnings, power system, upgraded suspension, and several custom additions.
For me, the value comes from how much use I can get from one trailer. Instead of buying a dedicated boat trailer and a separate camping setup, I have one platform that supports both.
That won’t make sense for everyone. If you only need something to haul a kayak or spend weekends at established campgrounds, a simpler trailer will cost far less.
But for someone who regularly travels with a lot of gear and camps in remote places, the Outback Sportsman offers a level of functionality that can justify the investment.
Who Is This Overland Trailer Best For?
My review on the Outback Sportsman comes down to how easily this trailer adapts to the adventure.
After months of hauling boats, camping, and traveling throughout the Southeast, I’ve been able to change the setup depending on where I’m headed. That makes it a great fit for anglers, overlanders, and anyone carrying serious adventure gear.
If you only need a basic camping or utility trailer, this is probably more than you need. But after owning around ten different trailers, the Outback Sportsman has become my favorite. It’s the most capable and versatile trailer I’ve owned.
FAQs
What is the Expedition Trailers Outback Sportsman?
It's a customizable off-road adventure trailer designed for hauling gear, camping, and overland travel.
Can the Outback Sportsman carry kayaks?
Yes. My build can carry multiple kayaks and larger inflatable boats using adjustable bunks and racks.
Is the Outback Sportsman good for off-road travel?
My trailer performed well on backroads and the Florida Adventure Trail. Its independent suspension helps manage uneven terrain.
Who is the Outback Sportsman best for?
It's best suited to outdoor adventurers who need one trailer for camping, gear hauling, and multiple activities.
Can you customize the Expedition Trailers Outback Sportsman?
Yes. The platform offers numerous configuration options for racks, storage, power, tents, awnings, and other adventure gear.
Want to see this camping setup in action? Watch Part 1 and Part 2 of my Florida overland adventure on YouTube, where we put the Outback Sportsman to work hauling boats, gear, and everything we needed for the trip.
You can also check out my Florida overland camping blog for a closer look at the trip, the fishing, and what it was like exploring Florida’s Forgotten Coast with this setup.
