Your name: Kami York-Feirn - @followthebeartracks
Location: Las Vegas, NV
Nickname: Shadow
Make & Model: 2013 Automatic Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4 Door)
HEST products: Foamy Wide & HEST x Benchetler Pillow (limited edition)
Critical dimensions for your bed platform: The trunk of my Jeep has very unique dimensions. With the back seat down and the front seats slid forward, the platform measures 55 inches wide and 70 inches long. I added 6 inch pillow extenders to the platform so when I am driving (or have a passenger), those get folded up and the platform is 64 inches long.
Length: 64 inches (70 inches with the pillow extenders)
Width (at narrowest point): 55 inches
Height: 10 inches high
Is this your daily driver or getaway car?
BOTH! My Jeep loves dirt roads so I use it more as a getaway/adventure car.
What do you like most about your rig?
I like that it is both a representation of my personality and that it allows me to camp in remote locations. I added the teal door handles and hood decal on my own and later upgraded the wheels. To me, those accents make Shadow into a true “trail boss.” I also love the 4x4 capability that allows me to find campsites that are more secluded.
On your average weekend adventure, what is the gear set up you bring with you?
It depends on the season but I am a big mountain biker and snowboarder. In the summer, I love taking my rig to a trailhead, putting in some miles on my bike, then finding a remote campsite where I can cook, have a beer and watch the sunset.
Now that I’m in my 30’s, sleep is very important. The HEST Foamy Wide makes sleeping a dream so I wake up, rested and ready to ride. When I’m not biking, I will bring my dog Bella along. She doesn’t love the car ride but is ecstatic about hiking and is a great foot warmer at night.
In terms of storage, I built my platform to have three compartments underneath where I keep my cooking supplies, emergency kit, off-road safety gear and my helmet/glasses/bike shoes. My duffel bag with clothes usually fits next to my Foamy.
Any cool custom details you’re proud of?
Right after I bought Shadow, I added a Colorado flag decal for my back windows. I think the flag is my favorite feature because no matter what state I live in, I am showing my love and pride for my home state.
In addition to building my sleeping platform from scratch, I purchased Shadow in 2020 and immediately added custom grill covers, teal door handles and “oh-s*&!” bars from Etsy. A few months later, I ordered a hood decal with the name “Shadow” and applied that myself as well.
Coolest place you’ve taken your rig to?
Moab! I love the desert because it has some of the most fun and technical mountain biking. I have a secret camping spot there that overlooks a canyon. Also, anywhere in Colorado!
Any projects in the pipeline to get your rig even more adventure ready?
She’s pretty dialed right now so I don’t have any current plans for my next project. I have a friend who is an artist and I’d love for her to paint sunflowers on the inside of my roof panels though :)
Biggest challenge in your build out?
The trunk of my Jeep has very unique dimensions. I scoured the Jeep forums and YouTube but not many people have built a sleeping platform like this and shared their plans online, so the hardest part was getting the measurements right. I used cardboard cutouts first to make sure the pieces would fit and then cut the plywood from that outline. There was lots of measuring and re-measuring haha!
Tips for others looking to do the same to their vehicle?
Make it your own! There are so many fun, easy and affordable ways to customize your vehicle. YouTube was a very helpful resource for me so I’d say - watch a few videos, decide what you want to build and get after it. You got this!
Want to submit your rig for our blog? Email us at info@hest.com to get started!
