Sierra Rec Now Podcast | August 19, 2025| Episode 44

When it comes to outdoor adventures, sometimes it’s the gear that defines the experience. This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, host Charlie Pankey sat down with Stuart Rudolph, co-founder of Travoca, to talk about how one brand is changing the way we think about overlanding and outdoor living. From their Rigel Electric Cooler to sleek titanium drinkware and solar-powered off-grid solutions, Travoca’s mission is simple: make life outside not just easier, but better.

🎥 Watch on YouTube: Overlanding in Style: Travoca’s Rigel Cooler & Outdoor Living Gear
🎧 Listen on Spotify: Overlanding in Style: Travoca’s Rigel Cooler & Outdoor Living Gear

The Story Behind Travoca

Travoca’s origin wasn’t born in a boardroom — it started with a moment under the stars.

As Stuart recalls, co-founder David had never really camped before until one trip to rural Virginia changed everything. “Just the sky is full of stars and he goes, wow, I’ve never seen a night sky like that,” Stuart shared. That experience sparked a new vision: to build outdoor gear that could match the beauty and freedom of nature.

For Stuart and the team, that meant starting with a cooler that wasn’t just practical, but rugged, elegant, and versatile enough for the growing overlanding community.

The Rigel Electric Cooler: Rugged Elegance

The Rigel Electric Cooler stood out immediately at this year’s OMA show — not just for its sleek wood-paneled design, but for its smart functionality.

“We wanted a lid that not only opened in multiple directions, including coming completely off, but we wanted that lid to be strong enough to sit on, to stand on if you have to get something off the roof of your car,” Stuart explained.

Even more impressive, the Rigel is dual-zone, meaning campers can adjust each side independently. Steak on one side, ice cream on the other? Wine chilled and sodas frosty? No problem. As Charlie pointed out during the interview, “You never know how much wine you want to have or how much ice cream you want to have on one side.”

The design inspiration even nods to classic outdoor style: “Our industrial designer was inspired by the old woody station wagons,” Stuart said. Panels are DIY-friendly too — owners can remove, etch, or customize them with ease.

Beyond Coolers: Titanium Drinkware & Power Solutions

Travoca isn’t stopping with coolers. They’ve also introduced titanium drinkware designed to be durable, lightweight, and flavor-neutral. “Like all titanium, it’s bio-friendly. You don’t get a metallic taste. It doesn’t absorb food taste. Easy to wash up and no residual flavor,” Stuart explained.

Then there’s power. The team has developed a 1,500-watt-hour power station paired with a 200-watt solar panel, built to keep the Rigel and other camp essentials running for days. “We’re talking a minimum of three to four days that you can run that system together,” Stuart said. Better yet, it recharges in less than two hours when plugged into an outlet — perfect for those last-minute packers.

Overlanding for Everyone

Travoca’s philosophy is that overlanding isn’t just for the hardcore. Stuart breaks it into three groups:

  • Extreme Adventurists – off-roaders pushing rigs into the wild for weeks at a time.
  • Nomads – living year-round out of vans or trailers.
  • Explorers – weekend campers who mix backroads with campground stays.

“There’s a place for everybody in that spectrum,” Stuart said. “We believe life is better outside. All of our products now and in the future will be to enhance that around-the-table, around-the-fire experience you have when you’re outside with family and friends.”

Favorite Camp Treats & Final Thoughts

Of course, no camping conversation is complete without talking food. When asked about his go-to cooler items, Stuart laughed: “I gotta go back to ice cream because I really like that as a treat on a nice hot day after you get back to camp.” Others go bigger — converting the Rigel into a full freezer packed with steaks, popsicles, or even candy bars for s’mores.

As the episode wrapped, Charlie reflected: “Adventure is just not about where you go. It’s about what you do when you get there and how you live.” Travoca’s story is a reminder that the right gear doesn’t just support your trip — it can completely elevate it.

Learn More & Support Travoca