Tiegear Review: For those who have suffered the pain of tents, awnings and tie down enclosures losing the battle with wind and rain – Meet Tiegear.

Tiegear set out to create an end-all/be-all tie down solution for a wide range of outdoor gear and equipment, and they absolutely hit the peg on the head. And given the product lineup was designed in Australia, the Tiegear crew knows a thing or two about extreme conditions.

Having had the chance to review Tiegear’s products firsthand, the quality is impressive. The Steadfast Collection brings together a range of accessories that combine to enhance setup efficiency and site stability.

All of the components in the Steadfast Collection lineup are made with zero frills and all function; each piece feels extremely purpose-built, a rarity in today’s market. The heavy-duty materials make setup and teardown straightforward, with all parts designed to work in harmony. It’s a product line that’s simply refreshing: heavy duty and built to withstand serious wear and tear.

There was substantial thought and design put into each element of the Steadfast Collection and each warrants discussion. Here’s our rundown on each piece of the Tiegear collection.

Each Steadfast Guy Rope is engineered for secure tension and quick setup. Tiegear’s cast alloy tensioner allows users to adjust and secure the 13-foot UV-stable nylon rope at any length, accommodating variable needs in shifting outdoor conditions. A standout in these ropes is their anti-tangle design, which saves time in tricky setups.

And when it’s time to pack, the built-in storage bag keeps them organized—no more rummaging around for tangled guy lines.

Tiegear’s heavy-duty soft springs provide essential flex, absorbing the shock of strong winds that could otherwise loosen or dislodge pegs. Or even worse, cause your awning or shelter to snap back against their fascining hardware and snap.

Designed specifically for wrapping around the drum of vehicle awnings, these springs offer secure points of connection while protecting surfaces from scratches—a real plus if you’re using delicate or polished materials in your setup.

The Hard Terra Pegs, made from forged 304 stainless steel, are equipped with a masonry-style tip for easy drilling into tough terrain. Each peg features a rotating double-hooked head, making it possible to secure multiple tie-downs at different angles, ideal for stabilizing complex setups in unpredictable terrain.

Crafted from UV-stabilized, reinforced nylon, the Soft Terra Pegs offer flexibility without sacrificing toughness. Like the Hard Terra, these pegs also have a double-hooked head, simplifying multi-directional tie-downs. Their 19mm head makes them compatible with standard caravan and camper stabilizing bolts, so they integrate seamlessly with other setup needs.

A small but critical addition, the Terra Driver features a 19mm socket that fits both Hard and Soft Terra pegs. Its drill-compatible design not only speeds up the anchoring process but doubles as a tool for stabilizing camper legs—a great way to reduce the tools you need to carry.

Constructed from a 12oz canvas exterior with an 18oz PVC lining, the STEADFAST Explorer Bag is designed for durability and ease of transport. It includes a breathable mesh lid, so gear can be stored even when wet without fear of mold or odor buildup.

With its removable PVC divider, the bag’s interior is easy to organize according to each adventure, keeping setup and teardown organized and hassle-free.

Each element of the Tiegear system can be purchased individually or you can select one of Tiegear’s purpose built bundles. The Overlander Bundle ($489.95) covers all bases with six guy ropes, soft springs, Hard and Soft Terra pegs, and a sturdy Explorer bag, each designed to optimize performance, packability, and ease of use.

At first glance, the $489.95 price tag might seem high, but considering the quality of each piece, it ultimately makes sense when considering the entire kit. With materials like stainless steel, reinforced nylon, and heavy-duty canvas, this bundle is built to withstand years of use, addressing needs beyond standard equipment.

And again, if you’re starting small or simply want to customize to your setup, Tiegear allows each item to be purchased individually, letting you build out your perfect kit without over-committing.

The Steadfast Collection can take on any final boss. Yes, the Tiegear product line is expensive. Pricing is a hangup when discussing internally with our team, but for those who have the room in their budget to add this to their kit, we highly recommend.

This isn’t just another fabricated solution to a non-existent problem—it’s designed to handle extreme weather, making it a solid choice for seasoned overlanders.

All photos via the Tiegear website. This review was conducted independently, and no payment or compensation was accepted. All opinions expressed are based solely on the product’s features and performance.

First Impressions: Sleek, Sturdy, and Low-Profile

Roof Racks: Well-Built But Not for Every Budget

iBed Racks: High Load Capacity and Easy Mounting, But Heavy

Toyota Tacoma Bed Rack ($1,300 | Mid Height, $1,400 | Full Height)
Moving to bed racks, the Tacoma options (2005-2023) come in two sizes: mid-height and full-height. Both versions offer strong load capacities (440 lbs dynamic, 1,213 lbs static) but weigh in on the heavy side—115 lbs for mid-height and 130 lbs for full-height. This is a consideration if you’re already loading up on other gear. No-drill mounting keeps the installation straightforward, which is always appreciated.

Jeep Gladiator Bed Rack ($1,400 | Mid Height, $1,500 | Full Height)
For Jeep Gladiator owners, the bed racks offer similar specs with a slightly lighter build (109 lbs mid-height, 132 lbs full height). Load capacities are identical to the Tacoma racks, but with a slightly heftier price tag. If you’re looking for a rack that doesn’t require permanent modifications, this might be worth it.

Accessory Integration: iKamper Raconteur Team Is On It

A much appreciated differentiator for the Raconteur series is the focus on accessory integration. From awning brackets that simplify the attachment of popular setups to accessory panels that maximize space, these add-ons are well thought out and straight forward. The Lift Up Brackets, which provide additional clearance for rooftop tents, are a particularly smart touch that can make a big difference in set up and load out.

The accessory lineup extends to cross bars, recovery track brackets, and a wind deflector light bar that tucks neatly within the frame of the rack. iKamper has clearly put thought into the modularity of the Raconteur series, allowing users to customize their setups without having to improvise solutions.

The iKamper team is rolling out the accessory line up through October 2024 so not all items are available at the time of writing.

Final Thoughts: A Solid “Buy Once, Cry Once” Investment

The iKamper Raconteur Rack Series delivers on its promise of strength, ease of installation, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories. While the price points may deter some budget-conscious buyers, the build quality and thoughtful design could justify the investment for those who prioritize functionality and modularity. There are lighter and cheaper options on the market, but if you’re looking for a rack that integrates seamlessly with existing gear and doesn’t require a single hole drilled, give the Raconteur serious consideration.

• No-Drill Installation: Easy mounting without permanent modifications, preserving your vehicle’s integrity.
• High Load Capacities: Supports heavy loads with 400 lbs dynamic and up to 1,213 lbs static capacity, making it suitable for gear-intensive trips.
• Low-Profile Design: Sleek and unobtrusive appearance that maintains a clean look on your vehicle.
• Accessory Options: Thoughtfully designed accessories like awning brackets, lift-up brackets, and accessory panels add functionality without hassle.

• Multiple Components: The Raconteur racks use a multi-piece construction with numerous screws and bolts instead of a single weld design, which can lead to components loosening over time due to road vibrations.
• Heavy Weight: The racks, especially the bed versions, are on the heavier side, potentially affecting fuel efficiency and vehicle performance.
• Limited Vehicle Compatibility: Currently only available for select Toyota and Jeep models, limiting options for other vehicle owners.
• Accessory Availability: Some accessories, like the Rear Window Accessory Panel and Recovery Track Brackets, are still rolling out and not immediately available.

Overall, the iKamper Raconteur Rack Series stands out as a practical, well-built option for overlanders looking to enhance their vehicle setup. It’s not the most affordable choice, but it checks the boxes for durability, versatility, and ease of use, making it a solid contender in the overlanding rack market.

This review was conducted independently, and no payment or compensation was accepted. All opinions expressed are based solely on the product’s features and performance.