Karoo Adventure review: a robust but lightweight camping solution

This Finnish caravan concept is a small designer camper van intended for owners of electric vehicles who prefer not to sleep under the canvas. Karoo is a Finnish start-up that believes it can take camping to an even lower level of emissions, thanks to this lightweight and flexible camper trailer design.

(Image credit: Karoo)

Karoo has opened depots for its upcoming Adventure campervan, although the company admits deliveries won't begin until 2026. Despite this, the little caravan has already attracted a lot of attention, particularly from vehicle owners electrical, aware of the serious problems related to safety. range penalty imposed by towing.

The Karoo Adventure is certainly light: Airstream's smallest model, the Bambi, weighs just under twice the Karoo's 750kg base weight. It's also extremely streamlined, which helps preserve range (or reduce fuel consumption) and means you don't necessarily need to invest in a huge SUV to haul it around.

Electric power also comes into play with the Adventure Camper's onboard systems, which are complemented by roof-mounted solar panels and an integrated 6 kWh lithium-ion battery. This should be enough to charge electric bikes and scooters on the go.

The Adventure's strengths lie in its extreme flexibility, thanks to a modular interior and exterior design that goes beyond the usual Swiss army knife-style gymnastics of most compact caravans. A small open plan kitchen sits in front of the bathroom, which makes good use of the 'pointed' end of the aerodynamic style bodywork.

The main living space offers multiple configurations, with seating and a table that, of course, can be converted into a bed, or even folded down and completely collapsed to turn the space into a cargo area for long journeys. Another option is to install a fold-down child's berth above the main bed.

Large side windows flood it with light and views, and one side of the Karoo Adventure can be completely opened to extend into the multiple awning options. These range from a simple cover to a wrap-around tent that significantly expands the available living space.

Pyry Huhtala, CEO of Karoo, describes the Adventure campervan as a solution for consumers who “increasingly value simplicity and flexibility in their leisure purchasing decisions”, highlighting that this rapid evolution in the vehicle market Electric technology has not seen similar developments in the design of trailers and caravans. .

Designed for the Finnish wilderness, the Karoo Adventure should be suitable for year-round camping, whether for short nature breaks or longer hikes and trails.