The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Haul your car camping gear smarter and faster with the Orion powered smart wagon

With a 180-pound payload capacity, this next-gen wagon easily transports all your heaviest gear from A to B.

By Mike Richard Published October 11, 2024

Young couple walking with their dog alongside a Litefar Orion smart wagon. — Litefar

Campers have been hauling their camp loadouts with wagons for almost as long as people have been recreationally camping. But moving your favorite camp gear from A to B can still be a hassle. Hong Kong startup Litefar is looking to upend the wagon world (if there is such a thing) with its Orion powered smart wagon.

The Orion boasts four heavy-duty rubber wheels. Twin 500-watt hub motors (not unlike those found in many of the best e-bikes) power the rear, capable of propelling the wagon at up to 4.4 miles per hour. The speed is user-adjustable via the included LumiMote. This wireless remote has a range of almost 40 feet and features a joystick, an electronic brake button, and even a “hold” feature that essentially locks the Orion in place. The latter feature is particularly useful on hills or slippery terrain. Built-in AI enables additional smart features to, for example, send more power to the rear wheels on steep inclines or lightly apply the brakes when going downhill.

Wireless remote controlling a Litefar Orion powered smart wagon. — Litefar

It’s all powered by a beefy 24,000-mAh battery that Litefar claims will keep the Orion humming for more than six miles. Plus, that same battery doubles as a portable USB power bank for your tech gadgets at camp.

Recommended Videos

Most impressive, however, is just how much it can haul. Litefar is touting a payload capacity of 180 pounds, making it ideal for schlepping your heaviest overlanding and camp gear (think portable solar generators). Plus, it’s designed to tow more than 400 pounds!

Early adopters can secure one of the first Orion powered smart wagons on Kickstarter right now. Against a meager $9,000 goal, the project is already way overfunded, with more than $300,000 and counting at the time of this writing.

Topics

Camping

Contributor

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

Outdoors

Winter camping gear essentials: What to bring for the ultimate cold-weather trip

Not sure what to pack for winter camping? Here's what you should consider taking with you.

Snowy backcountry with ski tracks.

If your soul calls you to camp in a winter wonderland this year, you're not alone. Adventurous campers around the globe often love pitching their tents during the coldest season due to the peace, solitude, and gorgeous white scenery surrounding them during this time of year. It can be difficult to figure out what to pack when you plan to camp out in the cold, and it stands to reason you're going to need some specialized equipment you won't need in the summer. So, we've put together a list of winter camping gear to make your trip as easy as possible. Keep reading for our packing list for basic winter camping gear.
Shelter

You can't exactly camp without a good, sturdy shelter, and your tent is going to be your best friend while you are outside camping in the winter. Of course, while there are ways to make your own shelter out of snow in an emergency, using a tent will be much safer for you as well as being easier to set up. When choosing your tent, make sure that it's graded as a 4-season or mountaineering tent. These types of tents tend to be more robust than your average summer tent and will have handy features for winter camping that aren't present in your normal tent.
Heating

Outdoors

Camping in the rain? Here’s how to stay dry and comfortable

There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong gear. Stay camping in all weather with our top tips

Man camping in the fall

Waking up to a rain forecast on the morning of a long-anticipated camping trip fills most campers with a sense of dread. The thought of wet gear, muddy trails, and soggy clothes might be enough to make you second-guess your adventure. But before you cancel your plans, you might be surprised to that camping in the rain doesn't always have to ruin your parade. With the right preparation, you can turn this forecast into a positive and memorable experience. Don't let the rain dampen your trip! Here are our best tips for bad weather.
Know before you go

You should never go into the outdoors feeling unprepared, and the key part of your preparation is checking the weather forecast. The more you know about what you're getting into, the better prepared you can be for your trip. First, ask yourself the question: Does your proposed trip still work? Rain shouldn't stop play, but torrential rain can mean that certain hikes, trails with river crossings, and even some campsites aren't going to be an option. Evaluate carefully, and make the safe decision.

Outdoors

This easy trick tells you which merino wool base layer is right for your activity

Here's how to choose the best merino base layer for your outdoor adventures

Man at the top of a mountain wearing a Merino wool sweater

Choosing the right clothing layers could make or break your adventures in the outdoors. Merino wool is one of the most popular materials out there due to its moisture-wicking and insulating properties. It's warm and odor resistant and can keep you warm and comfortable. This amazing fabric comes in several different weights that suit varying activities. Fortunately, we've got an easy trick to tell which merino wool base layer is right for you.
Understanding merino wool base layer weight

Merino wool base layers, also known as thermal underwear or long underwear, come in various weights, typically categorized as lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight. That said, some manufacturers don't tell you what weight their wool is, so your next best bet is to inspect the tags and see if they mention a measurement in grams. This refers to the fabric's weight per square meter, which you can then use to figure out which category your clothing falls into.