Blog | 12° North Industries

Rooftop tent setup on a Toyota FJ Cruiser

Choosing the Right Outdoor Equipment Solutions

Let’s face it: the outdoor gear market is massive. You’ve got camping gear that promises a cozy night under the stars, climbing equipment that keeps you safe on sheer rock faces, and kayaking gear that turns any waterway into your playground. So, how do you decide what’s worth your hard-earned cash?

12° North Team

A Pristine Dealer-Prepped Chevy Truck Next To A Subaru STI Entombed In Mud

The Overlanding Hangover: Why the Market Feels Burnt Out—and What Comes Next

The fantasy of overlanding—freedom, adventure, self-reliance—collided with reality and "Outdoors-Cosplay". And reality hit hard. Trip planning fatigue set in. What started as spontaneous trail runs turned into spreadsheets of route mapping, permit deadlines, gear checklists, and weather contingencies. The logistics became relentless. Every trip felt like a mini-expedition, and the mental load rivaled a full-time job. Social media didn’t help. It amplified the pressure.

Brian Konold

Jeep Gladiator JT With A Color Matched Canopy and Rear Storage Boxes, Semi-Gloss Black UTE Tray w/Header

Why You Need an Aluminum UTE Canopy for Your Adventures

A UTE’s tray or tub is more than just a load space—it’s a mobile command center. It hauls your tools, your gear, your dogs, your livelihood. It’s where work meets road, and where utility meets grit. But that open-air setup? It’s vulnerable. Sun, rain, wind, and sticky fingers don’t care how neatly you’ve packed your gear. If it’s exposed, it’s at risk.

Oliver Klothshauf

Choosing the Right Outdoor Equipment Solutions

Let’s face it: the outdoor gear market is massive. You’ve got camping gear that promises a cozy night under the stars, climbing equipment that keeps you safe on sheer rock faces, and kayaking gear that turns any waterway into your playground. So, how do you decide what’s worth your hard-earned cash?

4 min read

The Overlanding Hangover: Why the Market Feels Burnt Out—and What Comes Next

The fantasy of overlanding—freedom, adventure, self-reliance—collided with reality and "Outdoors-Cosplay". And reality hit hard. Trip planning fatigue set in. What started as spontaneous trail runs turned into spreadsheets of route mapping, permit deadlines, gear checklists, and weather contingencies. The logistics became relentless. Every trip felt like a mini-expedition, and the mental load rivaled a full-time job. Social media didn’t help. It amplified the pressure.

11 min read

Why You Need an Aluminum UTE Canopy for Your Adventures

A UTE’s tray or tub is more than just a load space—it’s a mobile command center. It hauls your tools, your gear, your dogs, your livelihood. It’s where work meets road, and where utility meets grit. But that open-air setup? It’s vulnerable. Sun, rain, wind, and sticky fingers don’t care how neatly you’ve packed your gear. If it’s exposed, it’s at risk.

5 min read

Inspecting a UTE Tray From SET Being Prepped For Packaging And Shipping To A Customer

Steel vs. Aluminum UTE Trays: What Actually Matters

In the world of cab-chassis builds, the tray you choose isn’t just a bolt-on—it’s a commitment. Whether you’re hauling gear through job sites, navigating coastal terrain, or just building a rig that reflects your work ethic, the decision between steel and aluminum trays comes down to more than just weight and price tags.

5 min read

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