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The Firefly NASA Inspired Micro Camper: A Modern Take on the Vardo?


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Earlier this year I showed you NASA’s former senior architect’s Cricket RV trailer.

Well, Garret Finney is at it again! This time he’s working on an even smaller micro camper.

It’s called the Firefly. And it’s something that can be used for camping trips and traveling.

But it can be more than just a weekend camper too. I’ll explain below.

Introducing: The Firefly

Firefly Micro Camper

Finney thinks the Firefly can be used in industrial and disaster-relief situations as base camps in areas with little to no infrastructure or where systems have been temporarily compromised as well.

I’d rather see people like you and me using them for lightweight and fun travels though. Anyway let me show you more of Garret’s modern take on the vardo which you can put on a small utility trailer, in the back of your pick up truck or on its legs (yes, it has legs).

Camper in Truck Bed Mode

Micro Truck Camper

The Firefly weighs just 600 lbs so it’s really lightweight and can even be towed by 4-cylinder vehicles just like most teardrop campers and just like Finney’s Cricket trailer. But even lighter!

The Modern Camper on its Legs

Firefly on Legs

It also has legs that can be deployed so it can be set up at campgrounds (or anywhere, really) just like most truck bed campers have.

On a Utility Trailer so you can Tow it

Firefly Micro Camper on a Trailer

The Firefly also has lots of utility features that make it easy to bring your stuff with you.

Let me take you inside…

firefly-micro-camper-05 Inside the Firefly Micro Camper Building the Firefly

You Can Even Tow it with Small Cars!

Firefly Being Towed by Subaru

If you’re interested in purchasing the Firefly when it’s out I encourage you to fill out this form so that Finney and his team can keep you informed as to when it’s available to the public. To see more photos go here.

firefly-micro-camper-09

Images: Firefly

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Alex

Alex is a contributor and editor for TinyHouseTalk.com and the always free Tiny House Newsletter. He has a passion for exploring and sharing tiny homes (from yurts and RVs to tiny cabins and cottages) and inspiring simple living stories. We invite you to send in your story and tiny home photos too so we can re-share and inspire others towards a simple life too. Thank you!
{ 15 comments… add one }
  • Cahow
    October 28, 2013, 2:00 pm

    So, it’s a bed in a box? Gee, I camped for decades and part of the beauty is sleeping outdoors, in a tent. I suppose if the weather was rubbish, you could use it as a hidey-hole but then, what are you going to do for cooking if it’s pouring Cats & Dogs outside?

    It looks as if it sleeps 2; pretty expensive digs if FEMA is involved in your life.

    • Ralph Sly
      November 1, 2013, 11:14 pm

      Hi buddy, I live in black bear country and where many tent it, I am a weenie and want at least a breath of solid sides between me and the bear. I am in the mountains more than home (which I discovered hosted two of those furry friends) One brushed and slapped the side of my get away camper, I found fur on the trucks chrome that was pulled off and did feel the vehicle rock but just once and he was on his way. Tents for me are a no bloody way.

  • October 28, 2013, 3:34 pm

    http://www.cascadiatents.com/

    Other clever solutions.

    • Ralph Sly
      November 1, 2013, 11:21 pm

      Very clever Robert, these were actually around in the 20s and families lived in them during the depression. I would sleep in this on top of a van where I travel to of I didn’t have other options.

  • J
    October 28, 2013, 3:58 pm

    I would have either made it a little more aerodynamic …. or …. I would have made it a LOT more aerodynamic. But then what do I know, I’m not qualified to design stuff for NASA.

  • jerrryd
    October 28, 2013, 4:43 pm

    It’s just as ugly and not aerodynamic, as the Cricket!! Terrible, costly design.

  • Doc
    October 28, 2013, 5:36 pm

    i liked the cricket, this one not so much as that. it’s functional. that’s all i got.
    cahow there is that largish awning out the back for inclement weather, other than windy.

    • October 28, 2013, 7:05 pm

      Sorry I don’t get the innovation, it’s just a box, there are no facilities and with the bed done like that little chance to add any. Hang out on the teardrop or Expo forums and you’ll see 10 of these a day, all with a 100x more features.

      The Cricket is pretty ugly but at least it seems to be practical.

  • October 28, 2013, 7:07 pm

    Sorry Doc, that was supposed to be a general reply, not specifically to you.

  • Ralph Sly
    November 1, 2013, 11:06 pm

    Ok Alex, I will get the photos taken of my little get out of townee. Not much bigger than this but with the Pop up top and low overhead it beats the hell out of this one. I have a fridge, stove, porta potty and furnace. They don’t make it anymore and that a shame. it weighs in under 700 pound and I leave it on the truck all the time. You don’t even have to pop the top to get in cook or use the potty. It is a great little number and i love it. Over the past year and half I pretty well lined in it for 7 months.

  • Terry L.Cook
    September 10, 2019, 6:01 am

    I think this firefly is great but I realize it’s price is because of its newness for I’m on disability and my income is too low to afford one large enough to fit in back of my 06 F150 XL but I love it !

  • Mark Deerheim
    April 4, 2020, 12:45 pm

    Trying to see if it is available to the public and if so, where?

  • Michael Coyner
    February 19, 2021, 1:50 pm

    Can I please! Get a response from the original designer of this. I need really good dimensional measurements of it.. I was going to do my own, till I saw this on T.V. what the thickness, and insulation?

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