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All in Vanlife
Rising like a stone spire from the desert floor, the Totem Pole is one of the most iconic formations in Monument Valley—and one of the trickiest to photograph up close. Whether you're chasing sunrise light or dreaming of a long-lens shot that captures the scale of the Southwest, here’s how to see and photograph the Totem Pole respectfully and effectively.
As a kid, my dream was to see the world. My oldest core memories come from road trips with my family growing, which is why I think I love them so much still to this day. Every year, I try to take at least 3 or 4 "big" road trips to new places. However, whenever I can return to a location that blew my mind, I get very happy. And, I must say Monument Valley is one of those locations.
The ISLE Switch Compact is a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and kayak hybrid that promises convenience, portability, and versatility for anyone looking to get out on the water with ease. I recently tested it out on Lake Tahoe with my dog, and here's my honest review of this product.
In the back of my van, you will always find two Big Agnes Big Six camp chairs. They’re simply the best. After countless road trips and nights spent boondocking—including an unforgettable journey through Alaska—these chairs have earned their permanent spot in my gear collection. Every night on the road, as we set up camp and cooked dinner, these chairs were my go-to for comfort and relaxation.
When I first considered using walkie-talkies on a road trip, I wasn’t sure they’d make much of a difference. But after experiencing the challenges of driving through Baja’s unpredictable roads with a group of friends in separate vehicles, I’m convinced that Rocky Talkies were an absolute lifesaver. Here’s why these rugged two-way radios became our ultimate communication tool during the trip.
When I drove to Alaska with my dad and later returned with my girlfriend Kristin, one thing remained constant: the Tamron 150-500mm lens was always attached to my camera. If there’s one thing you learn quickly on a road trip to Alaska, it’s that wildlife can appear at any moment. Whether it’s a bear lumbering along the roadside, an eagle soaring overhead, or a moose grazing in a meadow, you’re constantly surrounded by incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Having the Tamron 150-500mm on my camera ensured I was always ready to capture those fleeting moments, no matter when or where they happened.
The best gifts don’t have to break the bank, at least that is what we think here at The Adventure Travel Network. To show this, we put together a list of our favorite gifts for 2025 that are all under fifty bucks. These gifts are perfect for birthdays, stockings, or just anytime gifts. One thing is common between all the gifts, they help you adventure!
When I first got my hands on two Oru Kayak Lake, I had little to no kayaking experience. These foldable kayaks instantly reminded me of inflatable stand-up paddleboards because of their portability. They fold down into a compact package that fits in the back of a car, making them perfect for spontaneous adventures. My girlfriend, Kristin, and I decided to load them into our converted van and road trip along Highway 395 to test the Oru Kayak Lake.
When I upgraded to a new backcountry ski setup, I faced a problem familiar to many: shuttling gear to and from the car in a haphazard, inefficient way. Enter The North Face Base Camp Gear Box. What started as a general-purpose gear hauler has become my ultimate boot bag, streamlining my ski days into a grab-and-go dream. But there’s more to this gear box than meets the eye, and it’s worth exploring its features and versatility before deciding if it’s right for you.
When fall arrived in the Tetons, I found myself facing the harsh reality of freezing temperatures. Nights dipped into the 20s, and my van became an icy box by morning. With just a sleeping bag and some sheets, I woke up shivering and surrounded by frost. Running the van’s engine all night for heat wasn’t an option, so I needed a solution fast. That’s when I discovered the Mr. Buddy Heater.
I drove to the nearest Home Depot, grabbed a Mr. Buddy heater and a small propane tank, and hoped for the best. It worked—kind of. After years of living vanlife through all seasons, I’ve learned what you need to know about using a Mr. Buddy heater to survive cold nights in a van.
Rarely do I get to write a review about a product almost two years after purchasing it, but today I have the pleasure of discussing the Benchmade Station Knife. This culinary knife is the ultimate “one-knife quiver” that truly does it all. Two years in, the edge still scares me—it’s that sharp—and I use it daily. From meal prep at home to cooking on the road, this knife has proven itself time and time again.
After eight years of living vanlife and using camp chairs and camp tables almost daily, I can confidently say that the Helinox Table One is one of the most stable and useful camp tables I have ever used. Compact, sturdy, and lightweight, it has become an indispensable part of my setup. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different options, but none have matched the reliability and convenience of this table.
When I picked up a pair of the Sonos Ace, my expectations were straightforward. I wanted a solid set of over-ear headphones that could help me drown out distractions while working and deliver high-quality sound for my lazy music-listening days. I didn’t expect them to become my daily companion for just about everything. But here we are, and the Sonos Ace has proven to be far more versatile than I could have imagined, integrating seamlessly into so many aspects of my life that I often forget how limited my previous headphones were in comparison.
Kristin and I were camping in Sedona, AZ, at the free dispersed camping sites with our converted van. It was winter, and the weather had been unpredictable. Some days were ideal for hiking, while others brought rain and even snow. After a particularly wet day of hiking, we woke to a crisp, clear morning—perfect for drying out and warming up.
There’s something magical about cooking on the road—whether it’s a warm meal shared around the campfire or a solo cup of coffee enjoyed in nature’s stillness. A travel kitchen that’s both functional and inviting can make those moments even better. This guide is your go-to for thoughtful gifts that upgrade camp kitchens, from must-have tools to clever gadgets. Perfect for vanlifers, road trippers, and anyone who finds joy in cooking while traveling.
