My Minimalist Van Life Clothing Packing Checklist (after 9 years on the road)


After nine years of van life, including my first messy attempt at packing back in 2016, I’ve learned exactly what clothes and gear you actually need for van life. I now live full-time in my 100 square foot truck camper with my partner and young son, and my wardrobe is streamlined, functional, and clutter-free. In this guide, […]

My Exact Process for Finding Free Dispersed Campsites Away from Crowds


I’ve been doing van life for the last 9 years, and during this time I’ve tested just about every method and app out there for finding free campsites on public lands — also known as dispersed camping or boondocking. In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I find quiet, beautiful, free places to camp, even in […]

Best Sun Protection Shirts for Women in 2025 (Reviewed)


Long gone are my days of wearing tank tops on the trail. With all of the time I spend outside, all of that sun exposure really adds up. Between painful sunburns, visible aging, and my concern over skin cancer, protecting my skin when I’m outdoors has become a much bigger priority as I’ve gotten older.  […]

2025 REI Anniversary Sale: 35 Amazing Outdoor Gear Deals


My favorite sale of the year – REI’s Anniversary Sale – is here! Taking place May 16-26th, 2025, this is the REI Co-op’s biggest sale, and I’ll be honest that – in my opinion – it’s one of the best Anniversary Sales in years. There are so many brands on sale that rarely get discounted, […]

Camper Van Cooking Equipment I Swear By (a complete checklist)


I’ve been doing van life since 2016, and cooking awesome meals in my camper van (or now my adventure truck) is one of my favorite parts of van life. But now that I’m traveling full-time with my son, I’ve had to prioritize meals that are quick, convenient, and easy to clean up. With limited storage […]

15 Trail-Tested Tips for Backpacking With a Dog (What I’ve Learned)


The first time I ever tried backpacking with a dog was back in 2010 with my Rhodesian ridgeback, Johnny. Honestly, I had no idea what I was doing—and it showed. Partway through the hike, Johnny overheated and just… stopped. He refused to move. At 80 pounds, carrying him wasn’t an option. I panicked. It took […]

Rossmonster Baja Trail Adventure Truck Review


I started van life in 2016 and have since lived in three different Sprinter Vans, logging thousands of days on the road. But after attempting full-time travel with my newborn and two dogs, it quickly became clear that we needed more space to make this lifestyle feel sustainable. When searching for the perfect adventure vehicle, […]

Touring My 170″ Sprinter Camper Van: The Ultimate Adventure Rig


I started van life in 2016 and since then, I’ve owned three different Sprinter Vans. My second Sprinter Van was converted by Portland-based Outside Van, a well-known industry expert, and out of all my vans, this one – designed for 2 adults -had my favorite floorplan. Built on a 170″ chassis, this 4×4 Sprinter easily […]

Havasu Falls Hike: Your Complete Trail Guide (with map!)


I’ve been lucky enough to hike to Havasu Falls twice, and each trip was an unforgettable adventure. The waterfalls are absolutely magical and worth every ounce of effort it takes to get there. This iconic Havasu Falls hike, located on Havasupai tribal land, is a bucket list destination for many outdoor lovers. The trail is […]