Just over a year ago, we parted ways, and it had been coming for years. You saw it coming and so did I. Heck were were together full-time for 8 years! Yet, the off-and-on nature this year has been, well, complicated. With a little a spring tease wandering the secluded roads of Idaho looking for hot springs to soak in under the milky way to the month long summer fling to the mountains of Colorado, I’d say I am a bit… confused. Yes, we said it would be a casual, but I don’t really think this is casual.

After an enjoyable hotel breakfast—that isn’t a joke, I love those waffles—I walked the couple of block to the Salt Palace for day two at Outdoor Retailer. If you read the day one recap, you know my immeditate take on the tradeshow, but I was hopeful that today would be a bit better. I still had a little less than half the showroom to walk and chat with brands. So, let’s dive in:

After a full rest day and the burning desire to find a body of water to dip into, Kristin and I chatted over morning coffee about a game plan. The conclusion, wrap up the morning, pack up, go rock climbing for a half day, then head to a body of water somewhere around Salt Lake City.

After graduating college I was lost and lived on the road. During that time, I fell in love with the physical and mental challenge rock climbing provided, but I never got that great in comparison to others who’ve dedicated the same amount of time to the craft. In my hay-day, I would on-sight low 5.11 and project harder 5.11 rock climbs. My base has always been an average 5.10- climber. But, rock climbing has expanded my mind on what is possible and places to explore. A prime example, visiting City of the Rocks. If I did not rock climb, there is no reason I would have visited this Idaho destination. Sure, it is pretty, has a historical connection to the California Trail, and there is some good hiking, but there are a lot more places in the world I would visit first. However, with my climbing gear taking up substantial space in the back of van, this stop was a no-brainer.

I have to be frank, I didn’t think Idaho was going to be very fun and begrudgingly agreed to this section of the road trip. It isn’t on Instagram, magazines don’t write about Idaho, and, well, I just think of potatoes when I think about Idaho. Asking a few long time locals if this is by design, they shook their heads agreeing and disagreeing. The best response I have gotten so far, “Idaho is out of the way. No major trucking routes that force you to pass through regardless. You go to Idaho by choice and most people would pick a different place in the US to go on vacation.” The response was spot on, but, I would say Highway 75 should be on somebodies road trip list because you can do just about anything an outdoorsy person would like to do during the day, then relax in a hot spring. Don’t believe me, read what we did today.

We all have those days when the alarm goes off at 5AM and you hit snooze. The alarm goes off a second time and you hit snooze, again. Well, 5AM came and went for us this morning, finally crawling out from under the covers around 6:50-something. I missed sunrise. A trade-off I assumed was going to happen when going to be at 11:30PM the night before. Why? Getting distracted hanging in the hot spring, editing images, stretching since we have a campsite with an area perfect to put the yoga mat, and tapping away on the keyboard. Those are my excuses, the real reason, though, are the endless daylight hours of summer that are making so much room for activity, I just can’t bring myself to embrace the FOMO on daytime activities. So, I wait for the sun to set, roughly 9:30PM, right now, to start the editing and writing process. But, today is a little different.

The morning light warmed my face through the open door. Blinking my eyes open, I found Chestnut staring at me, panting, and the van’s surfaces to have a layer of fine dust coating every surface. This must be what it was like to live in the Dust Bowl, I thought to myself as I grabbed my camera in hopes of capturing something in this golden light. Kristin was up as well, so all three of us wandered down to the water’s edge, without caffeine in our systems, not really saying a word. Chestnut wanted to play. I wanted to photograph. Kristin just looked out at the nature with a smile on her face.

Clothing, kitchen, coffee, SUPs, rock climbing gear, dog necessities all needs to fit into 72 square feet as well as Kristin, Chestnut (our 60 pound dog), and myself. It’s tight, our cabinets are often full, and adventure awaits us. Packing the van is a given when you go on a vanlife road trip like we are doing around Nevada, Idaho, and Utah, but there are so many little things you forget about until it is time to leave like finding someone to water your plants, cleaning the house so you can come home to a cleanish house, putting the mail on hold, and all that “adult” stuff we didn’t think about as kids. Growing up, road trips were a staple. Every holiday, besides Christmas, that I wasn’t swimming, the family packed up our “toys” and went somewhere in an RV. None of these RVs were fancy, but they got the job done. So, maybe that is why I love to road trip as much as I do, or, maybe it’s the freedom of the open road. I don’t really know, however this morning made it clear packing always takes longer than expected.

Vanlife has captured the imagination of many adventurers, offering a unique blend of freedom, mobility, and simplicity. However, like any lifestyle change, beginning vanlife requires careful planning, especially when it comes to costs. I can say, after building two vans myself, estimating the costs can be tricky. So, I put this article together, based on my last eight years of living vanlife to help you get a realistic idea of what it costs to start living vanlife.

So, you want to vanlife the Last Frontier? Well, Alaska isn’t for the faint of heart, but it does offers vanlifers unparalleled opportunities to experience a rugged landscapes, see an abundance of wildlife, and enjoy remote beauty unlike anywhere else in North America. From the iconic Denali National Park to the breathtaking Kenai Peninsula, Alaska’s vast and varied terrain provides endless opportunities for exploration and connection with nature. Whether you're chasing the Midnight Sun in the summer or witnessing the magic of the Northern Lights in the fall, vanlife in Alaska promises unforgettable experiences for those seeking freedom and adventure off the beaten path.

So, longstory short, yes, you can vanlife Alaska. The real question is what do you want to experience while vanlifing in Alaska?

Starting vanlife is an exciting but challenging adventure. Adjusting to life on the road takes time, and developing a routine can help make the transition smoother. While flexibility is key to thriving in vanlife, having a framework for your days ensures you stay grounded and maintain a sense of balance. Here are four practical tips to create a routine that works for your unique vanlife experience.

Finding overnight parking for van life takes some time to understand. Every city, county, and state have different laws that you need to understand. If you are moving around from place to place in your van, you will quickly realize the laws are not shown. So, to find places to sleep in your van on your van life journey, you need to understand what your options are for boon-docking. I hope these six options have painted a picture of what your options are for sleeping in your van.

In the ever-changing landscape of adventure travel, where the open road calls and exploration becomes a way of life, you have two options while living on the road: van life or RV life. Growing up as a kid, I spent every holiday in an RV somewhere around the United States or Mexico, but when I graduated college, reality slapped me in the face that living solo in an RV was, well, extra. I didn’t need all that space, so, I built out my own van and lived full-time on the road for seven years. Now, however, I have a committed girlfriend and dog, so van life isn’t ideal anymore.

Stretching from the Mexican to Canadian border, the Pacific Coast Highway spans the entire length of the United States west coast and is one of the great American road trips. With just over 1,650 miles filled with breathtaking coastal views, often glorified in surf media, and some of the cutest towns in America, it’s no wonder this the Pacific Coast Highway is calling the names of all those whom live van life. Yet, who will answer the call? Maybe, not enough. However, for those who road trip along the kinda terrifying, winding, two-lane road of the PCH, memories from a once-in-a-lifetime trip that will leave you reminiscing on the grandeur of this van life road trip. So, click that seat belt and continue reading about why you should drive your van the entire length of Pacific Coast Highway.

Van life offers a unique blend of freedom and adventure, allowing you to explore the world from the comfort of your own mobile home. For those new to van life, the transition can be both exciting and overwhelming. These 12 pro tips will help you navigate the essentials of van living, from choosing the right van to managing daily routines. With these insights, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your van life journey and make the most of your adventures on the road.

Living in a van offers a unique blend of freedom and adventure, especially in a diverse and picturesque state like California. However, navigating the legal landscape of van life can be tricky. While it is generally legal to live in a van in California, there are specific regulations and ordinances that you must follow to avoid fines and legal issues.

Living the van life offers a unique blend of freedom and simplicity. It’s a lifestyle that appeals to those seeking adventure and minimalism. However, when it comes to parking and living in residential neighborhoods, there are several factors to consider. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of van life in residential neighborhoods, the legal implications, key things to look out for, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of this lifestyle choice.

In the fast-paced world of modern travel, where jet-setting to multiple destinations in a short period is often the norm, a counter-culture movement has emerged known as "slow travel." This approach to exploration emphasizes savoring each moment, immersing oneself in local culture, and prioritizing sustainability and affordability. Let's delve into what slow travel is all about and why it's gaining popularity among adventurers, digital nomads, and those seeking a more meaningful travel experience.

Are you tired of the 9-to-5 grind, yearning for adventure and the freedom to explore the world on your own terms? If the idea of becoming a full-time traveler is calling to you, you're not alone. More and more people are embracing the nomadic lifestyle, trading cubicles for sunsets, and routines for new horizons. While it may seem like a dream, it's entirely possible with the right approach. Here are four tips to help you on your journey to becoming a full-time traveler.