The Tribe pad is one those products in life (especially as a mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast with a truck) that I didn't initially realize I needed or would make much of a difference in the end, but after some use, I quickly realized I had been missing out.
Not only is the pad well-made, the right size, and stylish, it's saving me the time and hassle of strapping on a full pad when I don't really need one. Yes, it's only a matter of minutes to strap one on, but when you're already gathering a bunch of gear for a ride, it's one less thing to do. Lately, I found myself not bothering with my full, 3-strap tailgate pad on rides when I didn't think I would be shuttling and would just toss my bike in the bed, only to run into someone on the ride and wish I had it. Now with the Tribe pad, it's so fast and easy I throw it on every time, giving me a pad for 2 bikes on the gate and a 3rd in the bed if necessary. Even on bigger shuttle rides where I use my full pad, I bring it since it rolls up easily and acts a a pre-/post-ride changing pad if it's all dirt/rocks, or for a comfy, post-ride brew hang spot on the ground or in the bed of my truck. Might be time to pick up a second Tribe pad and do away with the full for good!
Outside of biking, I've used it to haul my surfboard, kayak, and for hauling 2x4s. And when I get home, I can just throw it on the side of my steel garage cabinets for storage thanks to the magnets!
My 2013 Tacoma tailgate is steel on the exterior so the magnets stick great, but most Tacomas have a composite inner liner (I have a powder-coated aluminum Trailgate) that magnets won't stick to, so Chris includes a T-strap that easily attaches to a lower loop and secures it into the tailgate-bed gap when closed. And since I have a locking tailgate handle, it's extra secure while I'm on the trails. It's also easy to just throw in your cab if you're worried about it getting nabbed.
It's kind of silly how excited I've been about this pad. Chris did a great job designing and executing this pad. You can tell he's put a lot of thought and effort into addressing the different needs of riders and wide variety of tailgate shapes and materials. He's great guy and will be happy to answer any questions/concerns you might have.
Stoked to be part of the Tribe!