I’ve realised that I’m one of those people who smugly declares that they never watch TV (literally none for months at a time) but then realise that I actually watch hours of Youtube videos whenever I get the chance! So here are a few of my favourite Vanlife/Outdoor/Travel Youtube Channels that have motivated me and kept the psych for vanlive and adventure high.
The Indie Projects
In the world of vanlife The Indie Projects surely need no introduction. Hours and hours of videos of travel, van building, alternative living and van tours can be found on their channel, and I’ve binge watched the majority of it. If you’re not already subscribed then, frankly, why not!?
Somewhere Indefinitely
The fact that this channel almost persuaded me to put aside my hatred of cycling and set off on a bike to find adventure is a good indicator of how good these videos are. Short, snappy, artistic, entertaining updates of a bicycle ride from the UK through Europe and beyond.
Vanlife TV
As with The Indie Projects this was one of the channels that I watched early on in my deciding to buy and convert a van. Just simple enjoyable videos about living the van life, along with tips and reviews.
A World Less Travelled
Some people just seem to have the dream life. This climbing couple have a seemingly blank cheque to travel and put up new routes all over the world whilst ticking off awesome established climbs as they go. The videos are awesome, the wanderlust and travel envy they give me even more so!
Hugh Tube
Another really good van channel. I watch these videos more for inspiration to get on with my next van build, and to poach ideas for how I’ll lay out and design my own. Really practical creative ideas on fitting everything you need into a tiny space, and great tips on van conversions.
Nate Murphy
Climbing, travel, vanlife, it’s all documented on this channel in a really professional and watchable way. Loads of solid tips for converting or living/traveling in a van, plus plenty of potential for vicarious adventuring. And more recently a vanlife cookery show. Whats not to like!?
Kirsten Dirksen
Another way I got inspiration and found ideas for my first van conversion was by watching videos on this channel. Tour after tour of small spaces, tiny homes, eco buildings, busses and vans. You can get an idea for what works and doesn’t work, what you could/couldn’t live with and without, and just generally get inspired by other peoples creations.
Netflix
My other TV replacement is Netflix. It was a revelation to me when I recently discovered that with the Netflix App you can download certain films/programs and save them to your phone to watch later. This would have been perfect for life in the van, and I utilise it now when working in areas with no wifi, or when living out of a tent. Just download whenever the wifi is strong enough and top up your inspiration with some of these titles…
Valley Uprising
No movie has ever gotten me as psyched to get out and climb as Valley Uprising does. It’s so good that I show it to any new climbers I’m working with to doubly ensure they get hooked on climbing! If watching this doesn’t make you want to stretch your comfort zone, get outside, and soak up some incredible outdoors scenery, then I don’t know what will.
Given
This film about a family of surfers traveling the world for perfect waves is told from the perspective of their young son. Immediately after watching it I started planning a trip away, its infectious. It’s also interesting to see that it is possible to travel with a very young family, so if you’re trying to use that as an excuse to not up sticks and go this film may be worth putting on the top of your to-watch list!
Happy
This documentary talks about what it actually is that makes us happy. It’s one of those thought provoking pieces of film that can give you a different perspective on something you thought you knew. One part that I found very interesting was the link between happiness and financial income, and how after a certain point (around the average household income) increased earning has virtually no effect on improving overall happiness. Something to bare in mind before sacrificing family time for a few hours of overtime?
Minimalism (a documentary about the important things)
This is along the same vein as Happy in that it looks into something you’re probably already aware of, but shows you a little more than you knew. I’ve dabbled in minimalism myself and drastically reduced my belongings to fit them all into a van. It was cool to hear other peoples opinions on something that I feel quite strongly about, and recharged my own motivation to only own things that I feel I actually need or benefit from owning. Definitely worth a watch.
180’ South
This is my go-to wanderlust film! It follows a journey to Patagonia, via Easter Island, on a boat. The main focus isn’t the ocean, or the mountain, or any of the characters along the way. Just the journey, the world the film makers travel through, and the human impact on our planet. Its hard to watch this and not want to just up sticks and go… anywhere
Hopefully this has given you plenty to go at for inspiration to get outside and plan your next adventure big or small. Or just stay indoors where its warm and adventure vicariously!? Whatever you do, enjoy watching them and getting psyched!