Our "Hi-Lite" Hybrid Bumper System

You've probably heard of the term Hybrid Bumper before, but we're here to redefine it. Rather than using "hybrid" to describe 2 different aesthetics, we use "hybrid" to describe 2 different materials in the same bumper – Aluminum and Steel. This allows us to strategically use the benefits of both materials in one package for a "best of both worlds" bumper.
  • 26lb
    Aluminum Shell
  • 54lb
    Steel Winch Cradle
  • 80lb
    Total Bumper Weight
  • 1
    1 Man Installation

A Smarter Bumper Design

Is Our Bumper Right for You?

We designed this bumper system to be an "in between" option. A perfect balance of strength from steel and weight savings from aluminum, with out sacrificing functionality. If you're an aggressive rock crawler who bashes hard on everything, this may not be for you. If you're trying to save every pound possible on your build and don't plan to winch hard, then this also may not be for you.

When building out an overland rig, we believe most people want full coverage protection, strong winching and recovery points, and to be as lightweight as possible. That's why we're here.
Backwoods Adventure Mods engineers testing the winching strength of the Hi-Lite Series Off Road Bumpers
Toyota Tacoma with a Backwoods Adventure Mods Hi-Lite Series Bumper utilizing the winch while off roading

Strength Test Video

Strength where it matters most: Recovery points and winch plate.
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Real Customers. Real Accidents.

  • White Toyota Tacoma with a Backwoods Adventure Mods Hi-Lite Series Front Bumper parked on the side of a highway after a collision with a deer

    65 mph Deer Strike

    Our good friend in Montana hit a buck head on, center mass going around 65 mph. He needed a new hood, some grill components, and a new bumper shell. But after the repairs, this truck is still on the road today.

  • Front view of a customer's black Toyota Tacoma equipped with a Backwoods Adventure Mods Hi-Lite Series Front Bumper following a front end collision.

    Side Swipe Collision

    A customer sent this to us after a horrific side swipe accident with a Ford Escape. We don't have much detail of this incident, but we know the other car was completely totaled. This 4Runner was able to live another day.

  • Beige Toyota Tacoma overland truck with a Backwoods Adventure Mods Hi-Lite Series off-road bumper installed following a front end collision.

    Neighborhood Crash

    Our very own Marketing Director had an accident where a car backed out of their driveway into the front side of his truck. To get it road worthy again, it just needed a new headlight, fender, hood, and bumper shell.

  • Customer's Black 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner with Backwoods Adventure Mods Hi-Lite Series hybrid aluminum and steel off-road front bumper following a front end collision.

    Head on Collision

    A customer and his son left without a scratch after a hard collision. This vehicle was totaled, but they said our bumper saved their lives. The other vehicle was totalled and it's occupants went to the hospital in stretchers.

  • Close-up of the front of a Toyota Tacoma equipped with a Backwoods Adventure Mods Hybrid-design Hi-Lite Series off road bumper following a front end collision at night

    Another Life Saved

    Our friend, Bena, was struck by a drunk driver down the passenger side of his Tacoma. He sent us videos and pictures saying how thankful he was that his bumper saved his life and protected from even further damage.

"When I purchased my Backwood’s HiLite Overland Front Bumper, its role was to be a winch mount and light protection on tight Ozark trails. I loved the lighter weight on my 5th Gen 4Runner. My only concern was what would I be giving up on protection versus a heavier solid steel bumper? Unfortunately, on New Year’s Eve that questioned got answered. Early that morning my son and I were running errands when a sedan crossed into my lane resulting in a very violent accident. Both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions at 40+ mph. I jerked the wheel which narrowly avoided a head on collision. A witness said when our vehicles collided, my 4Runner jumped and did a 90 degree turn in the air. My 9 year old son’s seat was on the side of the impact. Any parent can imagine how horrible of a feeling it was to push through airbags to make sure he was okay. Both passengers in the other vehicle were transported to the hospital by ambulance. Side note, they are out and doing good. My son and I walked away a little beat up but safe and sound. My Backwood’s bumper took the full brunt of the impact, doing it’s job and keeping my son safe. In Northwest Arkansas, it is not uncommon to see damage from car accidents and deer. If you are on the fence, I hope my story compels you to buy that additional piece of mind. As for me and my family, full Backwood’s bumpers are necessary insurance moving forward. I am picking out my new one for my next 4Runner build. Stay safe out there!"
Chris C.
Backwoods Customer
White Toyota 4Runner with a competitor's full steel bumper installed following a crash
Blue Toyota Tacoma with a competitor's full steel off road bumper after a front end collision
Example of a Black Toyota Tundra with a competitor's full steel bumper following a front end impact

But isn't Steel Indestructible?

The truth is, it doesn't matter what kind of bumper you have, steel or aluminum. All of them can fold and crumple in an accident, and if you don't believe us, we're happy to send you more photos to prove it. Sure, full steel can be better, but only so much.

We're not trying to say our bumpers are as strong as full steel bumpers, but we want you to be correctly informed with real world examples that steel has it's limits.
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"And listen, I've seen 1/4" bumpers get crumpled, full plate bumpers get crumpled, so if you hit any bumper hard enough, you're going to be able to damage them. Don't be scared to save some weight if you want to run an aluminum bumper."
MountainYotas Logo and review of Backwoods Adventure Mods Hi-Lite Series Off Road Bumpers
Dwight Howser
Owner of Mountain Yotas