There’s something romantic about living on the road and having the freedom to explore the great outdoors. On Instagram, there’s no shortage of photographers taking pictures of their traveling life via van or other vehicle. Maybe that’s why living in a van, camper or RV is becoming a dream for many outdoor enthusiasts. Not everyone, though, is able to make the jump to being a full-time nomad.
Those who love an outdoor lifestyle want to be ready to ditch the daily routine at a moment’s notice, no matter the weather, to get an outdoor detox. An adventure mobile is your ticket to getting out there fast. And, they can be customized to fit various personalities, from full-time dirtbag to weekend warrior.
I’ve interviewed my extended crew of REI teammates to learn more about the decisions it takes to become an adventure-vehicle owner. Activities, gear, events and experiences have put most on the road to finding that home away from home. Many didn’t want the shoulder seasons to stop them from going outside. A season that’s a little too rainy, cool and dark to pitch a tent and pack it up is the perfect time for weekend adventure mobiles!
Below are the inspirational weekend vehicles I see while walking around REI’s campus, as well as tips I’ve picked up through my conversations.
Jon A. is a product manager in merchandising for the last nine years and enjoys white-water kayaking. Jon and his wife camp to facilitate their outdoor activities, and with that, they tend to be “early to bed, early to rise” to take advantage of the day. Jon’s reasoning for the van: “Most campgrounds are closed during the winter months. And in Western Washington, winter usually means rain. Lots of rain. We actually enjoy camping in the rain. But often what is a dry tent site in summer becomes a small lake in the rainy season. Plus, drying out the tent and fly after every trip is never fun.”
