At CACHE, we don’t use the phrase "World's Best Tailgate Pad" lightly. It’s a goal we chase every single day. But we also know that bold claims invite bold critiques.
A few years back, the reviewer "Sourpatch" @ The Loam Wolf tested our first-generation pad. To be honest? He was tough on us. He liked the idea, but felt the execution had room for improvement.
We spent the last year overhauling our design, tightening our tolerances, and reimagining what a tailgate pad can do. When the Basecamp 3.0 launched, we knew we had to send one back to Sourpatch to see if we finally hit the mark.
The review is live, and the verdict is in.
The "Huge Improvements"
The review highlighted exactly what we set out to achieve: rugged durability and a modular ecosystem that actually works.
"Cache has done a great job addressing my critiques from the 1st generation Basecamp Pad review... [It is] extremely durable and well built."
The review praised several key features that set the Basecamp 3.0 apart from the sea of generic pads:
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Security: We are the only pad on the market with a built-in lock (steel cable + locking carabiner).
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Modularity: The new Skid Plate and Cargo Net accessories were standouts, keeping gear organized and bikes secure without sliding.
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Durability: The thermoformed exterior handles mud, rain, and sun better than standard fabric pads.
The Honest Truth on Fit
We value transparency, so let's talk about the critique. The review noted that on his specific older truck (a 2015 GMC with a thin tailgate), the pad sat a little loose.
However, when he tested it on a modern F-150? It was a perfect, snug fit.
We designed the Basecamp 3.0 specifically for the geometry of modern, thicker tailgates found on today's trucks. As the review noted:
"If you have a newer vehicle, or a vehicle with a thicker or curved tailgate, the Basecamp 3.0 is an easy recommendation."
The Bottom Line
The reviewer summed it up best: "The Basecamp 3.0 is night and day better than its predecessor."
We are proud to have built a product that can turn a skeptic into a believer. It’s rugged, it’s secure, and according to the review, it's a "massive improvement" over the competition.
