Author: Patrick

A co-founder of life in utopia, a online platform that celebrates outdoor activities and travel. Patrick is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys skiing, hiking and backpacking. When he's not exploring the natural world, Patrick loves spending time with his wife and two dogs.

The Van

Van Build Series: Designing the Walls and a Ceiling

ByPatrick April 15, 2022November 19, 2023

As it turns out I’m not a carpenter either. I cannot scribe a wall or ceiling panel to save my life. I can get it close, but not close enough to make it look natural. I gave it a valiant effort though. In the Beginning, Bare Walls and a Ceiling Too. It all started out…

The Van

How to Insulate Your Camper Van like a Pro

ByPatrick March 30, 2022November 24, 2023

What comes to mind when you think of insulation? That pink stuff that makes you itch after touching it is what comes to mind for me, and I’m assuming it’d be the same for many people. Well, it’s true, it is pink, and it makes you itch, at least one type of insulation anyway. When…

The Van

Van Build: Are Windows Worth The Headache?

ByPatrick March 17, 2022December 4, 2023

I think there are only two camps for your DIY van build and the windows. You’re either going for stealth or not stealth. What do I mean? A stealth van is one where you do not have any windows other than the front windshield and the driver/passenger side windows. This post is not for the…

Designing Your Van Conversion Layout | Van Build Series Part 3

The Van

Van Build Series: Designing Your Layout for Maximum Comfort

ByPatrick March 3, 2022July 21, 2023

So you got a van; now what? You need to design your van conversion layout is what. Whatever your reason was/is for wanting to convert your van, a usable layout is either going to make your travels enjoyable or a nightmare. If you are a solo traveler, maybe a tight compact build is good for…

The Van

9 Essential Steps for Planning Your Dream Build | Part 2

ByPatrick February 16, 2022December 15, 2023

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” -Benjamin Franklin One can have many reasons when deciding to start a DIY van build. Ours was born out of the need and wants to travel. Before March 2020, we enjoyed traveling abroad several times a year and a handful of domestic trips. Our plan had…

Electrical Items Used In Our DIY Van Build

The Van

Our Build’s Electric Heart: Components That Drive It

ByPatrick February 16, 2022December 14, 2023

Here’s a list of electrical products I used to build our van. This is not a complete list, and I did not include all the little bits and bobs used. Victron Energy Electrical Products Victron Energy MultiPlus 3000VA 12-volt Victron Energy Orion-TR Smart 12/12-volt 30amp Victron Energy Cerbo GX Victron Energy Lynx Distributor Victron Energy…

The Van

Introducing ‘The Van’ a DIY Van Build Series Part 1

ByPatrick January 28, 2022December 15, 2023

The Van Where should I start, when it was just a faint dream to jump into the van life arena, or Covid had us locked down, and I was applying for an auto loan? How about a little bit of both? We’d been going down the various YouTube rabbit holes on van builds for a…

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