Life Between the Trails: Behind the Scenes of Outdoor Days

When most people think about outdoor days, their minds jump to the fresh air, towering trees, breath taking views, and the thrill of hitting the trails. But what they don’t see is all the magic—and sometimes chaos—that happens behind the scenes to make those perfect days possible. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on what life really looks like between the trails.

Early Mornings and Rolling Out of the Campervan

Our outdoor days start in the cosy confines of our campervan. While the world is rising, there’s the familiar routine: waking up to the soft hum of the van, often the patter of rain on the roof, pulling back the curtains, and deciding what day’s adventure looks like.

Packing for the trail isn’t about stuffing backpacks as much as it is about loading the van efficiently—everything from walking boots and drink bottles, to portable chairs and cooking gear fits in—a game of tetris. Don't forget the travel games for the kids, in case we stop for a cheeky pint, extra layers in case they get too cold and extra snacks in case they get too hungry!

Sometimes, it feels like we’re packing for a small army, but every item has a purpose. The key is to be prepared for anything, because the outdoors is unpredictable.

The campervan lets us keep all our essentials close, while the awning becomes our outdoor living room between adventures.

Setting Up the Outdoor Living Room

Once we find the perfect spot, the camper van’s awning comes out, instantly transforming the space. It’s amazing how that stretch of fabric creates a shaded, comfy hangout spot where we can cook, relax, and swap stories. There’s a rhythm to it, almost like a well-rehearsed dance. Each person has a role, and when everything clicks, the day flows effortlessly—well most of the time, there might be a few moans and groans—we're only human!

Setting up the kitchen is almost a ritual—unfolding the camp table, firing up the portable stove, and arranging snacks and drinks. This space becomes our social hub between trails, where we recharge and soak up the atmosphere without ever feeling far from “home”.

Adapting on the Fly: Campervan Life Meets Nature’s Surprises

A sudden pour of rain! Quickly piling everything back into the awning, full of laughter.... Rainbow.

Nature doesn’t always follow our plans. Unexpected trail closures, weather shifts, or gear failures happen more often than you’d think. That’s where teamwork and flexibility shine. Between the trails, we’re constantly communicating, adjusting, and supporting each other—whether that means brainstorming quick solutions around a campfire or cheering someone on through a tough climb!

Living out of a campervan adds its own layer of spontaneity. Weather can roll in fast, plans can shift in an instant, and sometimes the awning just isn’t enough to keep the rain off. When nature throws curveballs, we improvise—ducking into the van for shelter, rearranging the day, or just leaning into the chaos with a sense of humour—and lots of waterproofs!

This constant adaptation is part of the thrill. It’s not just about conquering the trail; it’s about rolling with whatever comes your way and turning the campervan into a sanctuary—no matter what’s happening outside.

Capturing Moments Without Missing a Beat

Part of what we love is sharing these adventures—through photos, stories, and videos. Having a campervan as our base makes it easier to carry cameras, and gear without worrying about weight or space. But even with this at our fingertips, capturing the true spirit of outdoor days still comes down to one thing: respect.

Respect for nature’s pace. For its quiet moments. For the fact that the best scenes can’t be rushed or staged—they have to unfold on their own. We don’t force the story. We let the environment reveal itself, and we try to blend into the background, moving with intention and awareness.

The goal isn’t just to document the trail—it’s to reflect the entire vibe of life between the wild and the wheels. That’s the real beauty behind the scenes: seeing how patience, presence, and a deep respect for nature shape the stories we get to tell.

Why It Matters

All the behind-the-scenes effort isn’t just for show—it’s what makes outdoor days safe, memorable, and meaningful. The real magic isn’t only in the trails or the views, but in the preparation, the people, and the quiet in-between moments that often go unnoticed.

There’s something uniquely special about combining the freedom of the road with the stillness of the trails. Life between the trails—especially with a campervan and an awning—means finding that sweet spot between adventure and comfort, spontaneity and preparation.

So next time you lace up your boots or plan a day outside, remember: there’s a whole world happening behind the scenes that makes those experiences possible. And sometimes, the most unforgettable moments aren’t the peaks or the summits—but the ones under the awning, with the van humming beside you and the wilderness quietly carrying on all around.