Welcome to the digital home for all things from Dalton Johnson.
Traveling is something that has always captivated me. Yet, it's not about seeking grand adventures or specific destinations; instead, it's about embracing the idea of breaking away from routine and welcoming new experiences with open arms. Throughout my travels, I've discovered that the motivations behind hitting the road are universal, and there's something profoundly special about it.
Van life has captured the imaginations of adventure seekers, minimalists, and freedom lovers alike. The idea of hitting the open road with your home on wheels offers unparalleled freedom and a unique way to explore the world. If you're considering diving into the van life lifestyle, here's everything you need to know to get started and thrive on the road.
Timing is everything they say. We couldn’t have “timed” this outbound trip any better. With summer closing out and snow riding season just around the corner, we took advantage of a long weekend getaway to Mammoth Lakes, California.
We arrived at an unassuming-looking rustic hotel on Old Mammoth Boulevard. Outbound Mammoth, sits at approximately 7,500 feet elevation, conveniently in Mammoth Lakes, CA. As we drove up to the parking lot, a new sign was being hung, this cleverly incorporated the old wooden bears from the former owner. Curious about what we may find, we opened the door to the lobby.
Adventure and coffee have long been inseparable. A steaming cup of coffee before a dawn patrol surf session, a hunting expedition, or a day on the slopes can set the tone for an epic day. Now, VSSL Gear, known for its innovative outdoor equipment, is poised to elevate the outdoor coffee experience with the introduction of the NEST Collection. This groundbreaking system is designed to bring a barista-level coffee experience to adventurers, and it's set to change the game for coffee lovers on the go.
Merrell has always been my radar when shopping for shoes, thanks to its reputation for quality and durability, but for a while I thought they fell behind their competition. For the past 6 weeks, I've had the chance to try out four of their popular shoes: the MTL Skyfire 2, Moab Speed, Hydro Moc, and Agility Peak 5. Here's my personal take on each shoe, based on my experiences using them in various outdoor settings.
Yellowstone National Park, a place of awe-inspiring beauty and ecological diversity, has always held a special place in my heart. But there's something magical about visiting Yellowstone during the winter that takes its charm to a whole new level. It's a season of contrasts where the park's geothermal features, abundant wildlife, and pristine snowy landscapes come together to create a unique and mesmerizing experience. In this article, I will take you on a personal journey through the enchanting world of Yellowstone National Park in winter.
Seven years ago I bought my first van for $3500, which didn't last too long. A transmission here, a few electrical issues there, and the costs of repairing the van kept adding up, quickly, putting a damper on my nomadic van life dreams. That's what I get for buying a 16-year-old van with over 100k miles on it, but I was also broke at the time. While the 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 with the Tiara conversion got the job done, I wish I had known a few things before I committed to life on the road and pursuing the idealized van life craze.
Every curve has a story and each horizon invites new possibilities while living on the road. A journey that beckons the adventurous spirit, the nomad, a simple life. For those contemplating the shift from weekend warrior to full-time van life, this guide serves as a roadmap, blending practical insights with the allure of the nomadic lifestyle.
Van life has become a popular lifestyle choice for those seeking adventure, freedom, and a break from the conventional. The romantic allure of the open road, coupled with the idea of living in a compact mobile space, has captivated many individuals. However, behind the Instagram-worthy pictures and the apparent simplicity of van life, there lies a reality that involves overcoming numerous challenges. In this article, we'll delve into the hardest parts of van life, shedding light on the less glamorous aspects of this nomadic lifestyle.
The allure of van life, with its freedom to roam and explore, has led many individuals to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. However, sustaining van life requires a source of income that accommodates the challenges of life on the road. In this article, we'll explore the various jobs that align with van life, focusing on work-life balance, the choice between fully remote and seasonal jobs, and a comprehensive list of practical employment options.
Where the road is both your companion and your home, a good night's sleep is a treasure beyond measure, especially during van life. The constant hum of tires on asphalt, the glow of city lights through the van windows – it all conspires to keep you tossing and turning. But fear not, fellow nomads, for there's a sleep elixir that has become our secret weapon on the road – Blue Bear.
Van life has become a popular lifestyle choice for those seeking adventure, freedom, and a break from the traditional norms of society. As someone who has been intimately connected with the van life experience for over six years, I can attest to the transformative nature of this lifestyle.
Van life has gained significant popularity in recent years, with many individuals trading in traditional housing for the freedom of the open road. The allure of living in a compact, mobile space and exploring new destinations has captivated the imaginations of adventure seekers. However, amidst the romanticized images of sunsets and picturesque landscapes, there are aspects of van life that often go overlooked. Actually, the majority of difficulties living van life has are never talked about, so we feel it is time. In this article, we will explore seven reasons why van life may be overrated.
Outside of getting stuck in sand, because our vans are less capable than we think, van life isn't as straight forward as it seems. Actually, embarking on the van life journey is a thrilling adventure, offering freedom, flexibility, and a unique connection with the world, but, to ensure a smooth ride on this nomadic road, it's crucial to be aware of common pitfalls that many new van lifers encounter. So, that is my goal with this article, filling you in on the common mistakes, and mishaps, most new van lifers make. There really isn't a need to repeat history here, but if you feel inclined, I guess you should just stop reading. Without further ado, here are the seven most common van life mistakes:
The famous last words of any van lifer, "Do you need to go number one, or number two?" Living van life is an alluring prospect for many, offering the freedom to roam and explore with a home on wheels. However, one crucial decision that van dwellers often grapple with is whether to include a toilet in their mobile abode. While some embrace the simplicity of van life without a toilet, others find it to be a challenging compromise. Here, we will delve into the pros and cons of living the van life without a toilet and, ultimately trying to convince you, why having a toilet may be a crucial element for a more comfortable and sustainable lifestyle.
Paddleboarding, also known as Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP), is a fantastic way to enjoy the water, get some exercise, and explore new places. For beginners, however, getting started can seem daunting. Here are the top 10 tips to help you ease into the sport and enjoy your paddleboarding experience.
When it comes to tropical getaways, nothing quite compares to the allure of the Caribbean, and Royal Caribbean International knows this better than anyone. Their latest venture, Hideaway Beach, an adults-only paradise nestled on Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, promises to redefine luxury island retreats. Set to open its doors in January 2024 with the debut of the eagerly awaited Icon of the Seas, Hideaway Beach is bound to be the epitome of relaxation and indulgence.
The allure of van life has been growing steadily in recent years, with more and more individuals and families choosing to hit the open road in their DIY rigs. Baja California, the picturesque Mexican peninsula, is a prime destination for van lifers seeking sun, surf, and adventure. However, before you pack your bags and hit the road, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of van life in Baja to make an informed decision.
