Stand Out Where It Counts-The Hi-Vis Story, Brad Self

Stand Out Where It Counts

The Hi-Vis Story

Camping for me started when I was much younger. I grew up camping in Pisgah National Forest with a mountain bike locked up to a tree or bumper through the nights. My brother got me into most of my outdoor hobbies, camping and mountain biking has always stuck with me. I went a hand full of years without camping because I was stationed overseas in the military. Once I returned, I was missing something, so I got back on the bike and started finding camp spots again. Little did I know I was about to be starting one amazing life journey. My 2013 Jeep Wrangler was my clean barely used canvas. I began building it just for trails like most builds start out. Regretful modifications filled the beginning stages of the jeep build but I quickly found the route I wanted to take with the Jeep. I began to be exposed to the overlanding style builds and was quickly inspired. I was inspired so much that one of my early goals was to explore the northeast and make my way to Maine. Goals changed and my focus was shifted on attempting to travel the TransAmerica Trail. In February of 2017, I had a maiden voyage on the Georgia Traverse for a 4-day weekend. I was officially hooked, the TransAmerica Trail was in sight. I knew I had bit off more than I could chew, but that kind of seems to be what I do in life. I set out on a life changing journey along the TransAmerica Trail. At the time, it was 5,000 miles from Western NC to Southwestern OR. Hi-Vis Overland was created somewhere around Utah just before Salt Lake City if I'm not mistaken. I was really set out on that trail because I wanted to find out what I was supposed to do in life, and it took me roughly 9 days to realize that I was right where I needed to be. There were some ups and downs to that trip. The beta tent that I slept in for the TransAmerica Trail is what I now call the Crag Rooftop Tent. It is the flagship of Hi-Vis Overland and will always be my favorite tent.

The idea of Hi-Vis Overland started as just a way for me to camp at the trail head without having to drive all the way home after riding a few hours away. It has now evolved into so much more. The trail head camping

idea has now turned into an amazing base camp. Hi-Vis Overland has had the "Stand out where it counts" slogan since pretty much the beginning. This safety slogan was influenced by many safety briefs in the Navy due to working around aircraft. There are many things out there that can cause you harm. What if you're hurt... your camo tent or earth toned gear isn't going to signal or help be a beacon for assistance. Well don't worry, that's my goal. I am flooding our markets with safety influenced gear. No, not everything has to be orange... even though it would be sweet! As Hi-Vis grows and evolves, so will our gear and technology.

Hi-Vis Overland has introduced the new Hatch Rooftop Tent, which is an aluminum wedge style tent with load rated roof to carry your gear. The Hatch will also be paired with an optional cross bar and roof rack package. There will be another option that will brighten up the trails all around you too. The Hatch will have multiple lighting mount options that can carry camp lights all the way to the larger off-road lights. Fall of 2020, Hi-Vis Overland introduced a safer designed telescopic ladder for the Crag and Aerie Rooftop Tents and debuted the new rain fly with the SunShade Technology.

The future of Hi-Vis Overland is looking more red, white, and blue. The 13.50 Series is the new Hi-Vis Overland US made series of products. The 13.50 Series continue the Hi-Vis Overland safety mindset with unique reflective markings. The first product coming to the 13.50 Series is the newly designed Watchtower Rooftop Tent.

See you out on the trails or at an event. Safe travels.

Brad Self

Hi-Vis Overland

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www.hivisoverland.com