Launch Code 469
Toyota Tundra + Switchback X1
Brier, WA
Brett Gaba is a fly fisherman and outdoor writer from Maryland. He and his family moved out to Washington about 12 years ago and the Pacific Northwest has been home ever since. Alongside his work in marketing and advertising, his book, Fly Fishing the Tidewater's of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay was published in 2015. Brett was the editor for Steelheader's Journal Magazine from 2018 to 2021, and more recently he's been a regular contributor for Fly Lords. He is currently the Marketing Lead at Super Pacific.
How’d you get started in the outdoors?
Growing up in Maryland, my family would go hunting and fishing a lot in the Appalachian Mountains so the outdoors was just something we did as a family. I didn't play a ton of sports when I was a kid, mainly just rode 4 wheelers around our land in Garrett County. I guess it just stuck. Combine that upbringing with being a moderately talented carpenter and it’s easy to see how the concept of truck camping took hold. A few years ago when I purchased a 2007 Toyota Tundra it came with a Leer cap. After looking on Pinterest for some ideas on how to set it up for camping, I saw some incredible ideas and builds and thought, "Shit, I can do that." Upgrading to a Super Pacific camper was something that I always planned on doing.
Does your camping rig have a nickname?
It's the #dirtbagchalet. As a steelheader here in the Pacific Northwest the simplicity of the truck camping dirtbag life immediately appealed to me. Why mess around with a tent or spend money on lodging when I could just sleep in my truck?
Top 3 favorite things about your current setup?
- Having dedicated seating down below, and a bed up above. It's just such an efficient use of space. I’ve got plenty of storage, the kids can watch movies on an iPad up in the bed, and I can cook, or we can all play Uno down below.
- The visual warmth that comes from the unfinished wood in my build. I had two old Ikea headboards sitting around and I cut those to use as storage and seating. There are a lot of great aftermarket storage solutions out there but I love being able to build something to solve a problem with scrap wood from my shed and some wicker baskets from Goodwill.
- I've got a Stage 2 Icon Suspension upgrade which gave me a tasteful 2.5" lift. I can fit 35" Micky Thompson Baja Boss tires on my Tundra now and it was exactly the look and stance that I was going for. The ride on pavement is great, and on those bumpy gravel river access roads I barely notice the washboard.
Favorite thing about your X1 Camper?
With my X1, I think I have the perfect balance between readiness, comfort, and general truck utility. First and foremost, I don't want to have to pack for a trip: I just want to be ready, so it's great having all of my gear ready to go at any time. And even with my storage and seating built below there's still a decent amount of open space for actual truck stuff. I can throw a kayak in the back, make runs to the dump, and move furniture when I need to. You just can’t do that with another style of camper.
I also have to say that the general weather and water resistance of my camper is a big reason why I bought it. The X1 is truly a 4-season camper. I've personally never had an issue with water intrusion or condensation, and I live in an extremely rainy part of the country. Even though it's a tent there are a number of ways to stay warm during the winter, and summers with the windows open and a breeze coming through the screen are amazing.
Top 3 Recommended / Favorite Super Pacific Accessories?
- The Sidekick and Dirtbag cargo packs mounted on the side doors are insanely convenient. I honestly thought I'd miss the light a visibility that come with side windows but the additional storage is just so practical. I can easily access things from the inside, or outside when the doors are open. I'm just so impressed by the design for everyday use.
- I have 2 Molle Panels mounted at the back and really like having these for storage and general mounting. I recently added shelves for additional storage and they have been great.
- The Buzzkill Bug Screen has been a gamechanger for the warmer months. As an angler, I find myself in some pretty buggy areas so it's super nice to be able to keep my tailgate down without letting a bunch of bugs inside. The install took less than 20min, and the fit for a full-size truck was perfect. I didn't have to cut anything at all. When I'm not using it, it rolls up neatly and I barely notice that it's there.
What's a personal goal you're working towards right now?
I'd like to be in the best shape of my life when I turn 50 in a few years. A second property in the Methow Valley is also a goal that my wife and I share.
When you die, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want my family to remember me as someone who loved them deeply, and I want the rest of the world to remember me as an inspirational storyteller. Some people write romances, science fiction, screen plays, or the great American novel. I just want to write my dirtbag stories and I hope to inspire more people to spend more time outdoors and on the road.
Favorite camping trip?
Damn, that's a tough one because I camp 12 months a year. To be honest, it depends on the season. During the Spring, I love exploring the lakes of Okanogan County in Washington. Summers in the North Cascades and Vancouver Island are tough the beat, and once Fall comes, I split time between the Deschutes and Skagit Rivers. Winters out on the Olympic Peninsula are also beautiful and you'll find me out there fishing for salmon and steelhead.
What is your most used emoji?
Unfortunately, it’s a 😊 because I'm naturally sarcastic but I'm also somewhat socially conscious and I worry about coming across the wrong way over text. So if you ever get a 😊 from me, it basically means, "Hey, there is no negative connotation with my last text and I did not mean for it to come across in a bad way."