Gas Free Micro Camper Review: An off-grid winter night away
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
When we design a campervan, we don’t just build it and hope for the best.
We use it. We live in it. We take it out in proper conditions and see how it performs day-to-day.
So at the end of January, Richard and Charlie his 8 year old son, headed off for a one-night winter test in our brand new gas-free Micro Camper and a simple aim: to see whether a smaller ‘van really works in real life.
Here's our honest, real-world gas-free Micro Camper review, based on how it actually performed overnight...
Before we get into the details, you can watch the behind-the-scenes of our full overnight test here.
Why test the gas free Micro Camper like this?
There is a common assumption that comfort in a campervan comes from having more space. Bigger layouts are often seen as the only route to feeling relaxed and well set up on a trip. Because of that, smaller campervans can sometimes be dismissed before people have really understood how they work.
Richard’s used to travelling as a family of four (plus the dog), so downsizing to a Micro Camper felt like the perfect challenge.
The question wasn’t can you sleep in it – it was:
🥶 Can you stay warm in winter?
🍳 Can you cook properly without gas?
🔥 Can you go off grid comfortably?
🚐 And can a smaller ‘van still feel like a proper camper?
The only way to answer that was to take it out and use it!
A winter overnight stay at Chatsworth
The trip took place at the end of January at Chatsworth (a campsite we know and love), which provided exactly the kind of conditions that reveal how well a campervan is designed. It was cold, damp and rainy, which makes warmth and condensation control particularly important.
To help retain heat, a thermal wrap was fitted to the pop top and the front screen. This wrap was not made specifically for this roof, so it was not a perfect fit, but it still made a noticeable difference. The interior stayed warmer throughout the night and, by morning, the front screen behind the wrap was completely clear of frost.
Even with a less-than-perfect setup, the Micro Camper felt warm and comfortable inside, which was a reassuring result for winter use.
Sleeping comfortably in a smaller camper
The initial plan had been for Charlie to sleep upstairs in the pop top while Richard slept downstairs. Once the beds were set up, they decided to change approach and bring the mattress down from the roof bed to use as a topper on the downstairs RIB bed.
This worked extremely well and created a large, comfortable sleeping area with plenty of space to stretch out. It also allowed them to settle in for the evening and watch a bit of TV before turning in.
For anyone travelling alone or as a pair, this flexibility is a real advantage, particularly if you prefer a slightly softer sleeping surface without carrying extra bedding.
The Micro Camper proved that a smaller footprint does not have to limit sleeping comfort when the layout is designed thoughtfully.
Off-grid cooking without gas
The following morning provided the real test of the gas free setup!
All cooking was done using a portable induction hob and a low-wattage kettle powered by the EcoFlow portable power station. Although mains hook-up was available on site, it was deliberately not used in order to see how the system would perform off grid.
Breakfast was a full cooked meal including scrambled eggs, beans, sausages and hot drinks. Multiple pans were used and the kettle was boiled, which is typically one of the highest power demands in a campervan.
The EcoFlow started at full charge and, after cooking and boiling the kettle, it was showing around eighty percent remaining. This meant that approximately twenty percent of the available power had been used to prepare a proper breakfast.
With solar input, the lithium battery system or a short drive, that power can easily be replenished, making off-grid cooking without gas a realistic and repeatable option rather than a compromise.
Day-to-day living in the Micro Camper
One of the most noticeable things during the trip was how usable the living space felt. The absence of a fixed hob created generous worktop space, which made food preparation straightforward.
The sink was a good size and the table allowed Richard and Charlie to sit opposite each other comfortably while eating.
Storage was more than adequate for an overnight stay, and nothing felt awkward or cramped. The layout worked naturally, which is exactly what good campervan design should achieve.
This trip highlighted how compact campers, when designed properly, can offer a lovely relaxed way of travelling.
For a more detailed look at how everything is laid out, from the kitchen to the sleeping setup, the full tour video below shows the gas-free Micro Camper in detail.
Our verdict on the gas free Micro Camper
Based on this winter overnight test, the gas-free Micro Camper proved itself to be practical, comfortable and genuinely capable off-grid.
It handled cold conditions well, provided flexible and comfortable sleeping options and allowed for proper cooking without relying on gas or mains power. Rather than feeling like a compromise, it felt like a well-considered solution for people who want something compact without sacrificing quality or usability.
For first-time buyers, it makes an excellent starter ‘van. For those looking to downsize or simplify, it shows that smaller campers can still open up big possibilities.
See the gas-free Micro Camper for yourself
The best way to decide whether a campervan is right for you is to step inside it, sit in the seats, open the cupboards and ask the questions that matter to your own plans.
You are always welcome to book a workshop tour and see how our campervans are built, meet the team and spend time looking around the gas-free Micro Camper properly. When you book a workshop tour, you will also receive a free mug set as a little thank you.
You’ll also be able to see the gas-free Micro Camper at selected shows in 2026, as well as at our open days and coffee mornings at the workshop. These are relaxed, informal ways to look around the ‘van and chat with the team.
Our promise is continuous care long after you drive away, because it is the little things that matter. If you would like to see the Micro Camper in person, we would love to welcome you.
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