Overland Chat with Bernhard of Leitner Designs
Mar 19, 2026
This week on the Blueridge Bonfire Podcast, we’re joined by Bernhard, founder of Leitner Designs, for a conversation about truck storage, overland vehicle trends, and what it takes to build innovative products in the USA.
Founded in 2014, Leitner Designs is known for its modular storage systems for pickups and SUVs, including bed racks, roof racks, and accessories designed to help people carry gear more efficiently and stay organized on the road. Their products have earned a strong reputation for clean design, flexibility, and thoughtful details that make them just as useful for everyday life as they are for camping, overlanding, and travel.
In this episode, we dig into a range of topics, including:
- How Leitner Designs got started and the inspiration behind the company
- Why modularity and long-term adaptability matter in truck storage systems
- Bernhard’s take on full-size trucks as overland platforms
- The shift in the overland market from hardcore dedicated rigs to more daily-driven adventure vehicles
- Why American manufacturing still matters—and the challenges that come with it
- How fast iteration and in-house development help companies stay innovative
- Where smaller SUVs, crossovers, and even minivans may fit into the future of vehicle-based travel
- Why smart organization can make last-minute trips easier and more realistic
It’s a great episode for anyone interested in overland gear, product design, truck organization, or the evolving ways people are getting outside.
