How to Turn Any SUV into a Camper (With No Permanent Modifications!) – Kia Borrego Tour [VIDEO]

January 12, 2021VideosTristan

In this video we meet Laurie, who has turned her 2009 Kia Borrego SUV into a beautiful and functional little mini camper. (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

DATE FILMED: January 2020

Click here to follow Laurie on Instagram (@thebearcan)

GEAR IN THIS VIDEO
* Lucid 5-inch mattress
* Folding ottoman
* Fairy lights (These are the ones Laurie has, but they’re out of stock)
* Fairy lights (These seem to be the exact same thing and are in stock)
* Reflectix
* Ikea mats (Couldn’t find these online)
* Jackery Explorer 500
* Electric blanket
* Jackery 60-watt solar panel
* Rear cargo net
* Irwin Quick-Grip Clamps
* White and gray Target basket
* Reliance Hassock toilet

2021 Travel Plans! (New SUV?? New States??)

January 9, 2021VideosTristan

Happy New Year! Here’s what I’ve got planned for 2021. It’s going to be a great year! (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

GPS COORDINATES, etc.
* Trailhead for the hike we were on here (North Menan Butte, aka R Mountain): 43.78557, -111.98989

One Last Visit to Two of My Favorite Places (& Mouse Trouble!) [VIDEO]

January 2, 2021VideosTristan

In this video I head to two of my favorite places for one final visit. I also have an unexpected and unpleasant encounter with a little creature of the rodent variety… (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

DATE FILMED: Late October 2020

GPS COORDINATES, etc.
* Terraced Falls Trailhead: 44.1290, -110.8476
* Terraced Falls: 44.1475, -110.8656
* Cascade Creek Falls: 44.1301, -110.8474
* Snake River Picnic Area: 44.1367, -110.6659
* South Entrance Hot Springs: 44.1413, -110.6572
* Lakeview Picnic Area: 43.97664, -110.65649
* Campsite: 44.1292, -110.8199
* Mini waterfall by campsite: 44.1281, -110.8213 (Approximate location)

Big SUV vs. Small SUV: Which Is Better for Camping & Travel? [VIDEO]

December 26, 2020VideosTristan

In this video I discuss the pros and cons of camping and traveling in a big SUV versus a small SUV. Since I have a RAV4 and have traveled a fair amount in a Suburban, I use these two vehicles to help make the comparison. (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

OTHER LINKS
* Adventure Know-How – My membership site that offers access to a map of my campsites, monthly bonus videos, and more.
* Kamchatka Gear (My online store)
* Gear I use
* SUV RVing the book (Amazon affiliate link)
* Instagram (@SUVRVing)
* SUV RVing Facebook group
* My second YouTube channel (It’s about minimalist fly fishing)

These Incredible Campsites Are FREE?! [VIDEO]

December 19, 2020VideosTristan

In this video I head visit some places I’ve never been to in one of my favorite states. I end up camping at two of the most incredible free dispersed campsites I’ve ever been to, and I visit the site of one of the most infamous battles in US history. (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

DATE FILMED: Late September 2020

GPS COORDINATES, etc.
* Starting campsite: 46.9739, -104.7417
* Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument: 45.5700, -107.4299
* Old historic downtown Billings: 45.7807, -108.5034
* Big Dipper Ice Cream: 45.7821, -108.5060
* Four Dances Natural Area trailhead: 45.7766, -108.4670
* Four Dances Natural Area viewpoint: 45.7749, -108.4737
* Natural Bridge & Falls Picnic Area: 45.5499, -110.2081
* Ending Campsite: 45.4528, -110.1980

The Most Minimalist Minivan Camper Build You’ve Seen! (Complete Tour) [VIDEO]

December 15, 2020VideosTristan

In this video we meet up with Lesa, who lives full-time in her 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan. She has a very minimal, no-build setup that ensures she has plenty of space inside her minivan. (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

Follow Lesa:

This was filmed in January 2020 at the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) in Quartzsite, Arizona.

GEAR LESA USES
* Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite sleeping pad (Amazon)
* Outdoor Vitals 0-degree sleeping quilt (OutdoorVitals.com)
* 3-gallon water jugs (Walmart)
* USB rechargeable water pump (Amazon)
* Huggies Simply Clean wipes (Amazon)
* Dandy Blend coffee alternative (Amazon)
* Ozark Trail Double Wall Vacuum Sealed Stainless Steel Water Bottle (Walmart)
* A similar (but slightly more expensive) stainless water bottle on Amazon
* Scrubba portable wash bag (Amazon)
* Sterno Inferno stove (Amazon)
* Camp espresso maker (Amazon)
* Grocery cooler bag (Walmart)
* Walmart travel pillows (Walmart)
* I couldn’t find those exact pillow cases on Walmart.com, but there are plenty of others out there.
* Luci solar string lights (Amazon)
* Cascade Mountain Tech Camp Chair – High Back (I think this is the chair Lesa uses) (Amazon)
* Beaudens 100 watt solar panel (Amazon)
* Beaudens portable power station (Amazon)
* Headrest baby mirror (Amazon)
* Macally Heavy Duty Tablet Cup Holder for Car (Amazon)
* UltraPod tripod (Amazon)
* LED candle (I think these are the ones Lesa uses) (Amazon)

Note that the Amazon links listed here are all Amazon affiliate links.

A Controversial Opinion About This National Park! [VIDEO]

December 12, 2020VideosTristan

In this video I visit one of the least known national parks in the United States and am surprised by what I find! (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

DATE FILMED: Late September 2020

GPS COORDINATES, etc.
1. Petrified Forest Loop: 46.99610, -103.60482
2. Maltese Cross Cabin: 46.91688, -103.52625
3. Wind Canyon Trail: 46.98874, -103.48534
4. Buck Hill: 46.92656, -103.38948
5. Painted Canyon Nature Trail: 46.894811, -103.38298
Campsite: 47.64916, -103.31830
6. Little Mo Nature Trail: 47.59437, -103.33372
7. Cannonball Concretions Pullout: 47.59643, -103.33248
8. River Bend Overlook: 47.60985, -103.37762
9. Oxbow Overlook: 47.60289, -103.44160
10. Sperati Point: 47.59372, -103.44757

10 Winter Car Camping/Vanlife Accessories & Gift Ideas [VIDEO]

December 8, 2020VideosTristan

In this video I go over 10 accessories that will make your winter camping adventures more enjoyable, regardless of whether you’re camping in a van, tent, RV, SUV, or camper. (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

VIDEO LINKS
* 12-volt heated travel blanket
* Windshield frost blocker thing (the one I have)
* Similar windshield frost blockers on Amazon
* Drink Thermos (16 oz)
* Food thermos (24 oz)
* My indoor/outdoor thermometer
* A similar one on Amazon
* Electric hand warmer
* Down pants
* Packable snow shovel
* Kitty litter: Walmart, Dollar Tree, etc.
* Recovery boards

(Note that the Amazon links above are affiliate links.)

It’s Been on My Bucket List for 2 Decades! [VIDEO]

December 5, 2020VideosTristan

In this video I hit a trio of beautiful states (Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota) and see some of the best they have to offer! (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

DATE FILMED: Late September 2020

GPS COORDINATES, etc.
* Devils Tower loop hike trailhead: 44.59040, -104.71959
* Joyner Ridge trailhead/viewpoint: 44.59878, -104.72382
* Medicine Rocks State Park: 46.04250, -104.47540
* White Butte trailhead: 46.41002, -103.30041
* White Butte summit: 46.3870, -103.3026
* Campsite: 47.00147, -103.66764

Following in the Footsteps of a Wild West Legend [VIDEO]

November 28, 2020VideosTristan

In this video I continue my adventures in South Dakota by stumbling across impressive wildlife, visiting holdovers of the Cold War, and stepping back in time to the Wild West. (Click here if you can’t see the video below.)

DATE FILMED: Late September 2020

GPS COORDINATES, etc.
* Missile Silo (Minuteman Missile National Historic Site): 43.93161, -102.15986
* Berlin Wall segments in Rapid City: 44.08600, -103.22776
* Dinosaur Park: 44.07801, -103.24491
* Campsite: 43.987218, -103.406068
* Historic Main Street in Deadwood: 44.37647, -103.73073
* The graves in Mt. Moriah Cemetery: 44.375810, -103.725525