Nathaniel Wise’s travel addiction started when he began backpacking North Cascades National Park in the Pacific Northwest. The experience proved to be eye-opening, illustrating that he required very little to be happy, revealing that life can become unnecessarily complicated.
Following that adventure, he became obsessed with the simplicity of mountain outings. Consequently, he decided to pursue a career as an outdoor photographer and moved full-time into his SUV. Two years on, he continues to embrace this lifestyle.
“I chose this route over the typical vanlife because I enjoyed the challenge of a smaller space, and I appreciated the maneuverability of my 4×4. Everything I own is here with me, and that’s a really liberating feeling,” Nathaniel shared. He emphasizes that the key to his alternative lifestyle is organization; he has crafted a bed in the back that lifts up to store clothing and essentials, along with a small cooler for food.
“For anybody interested in life on the road, my advice is simply to try it. Experience it for a shorter period to determine if it’s sustainable (it may not be for everyone). A couple of weeks, a month, or even a weekend will help you to understand your preferences. Pack everything you’d need to live for a year and see how it feels. Some people love it while others realize they miss the comforts of a traditional home. Moreover, finding remote work is crucial; roadlife is affordable, but it is limited without an income. Fortunately, there are more telework opportunities available today,” he advised.
Although having the freedom to explore the great outdoors at a moment’s notice sounds appealing, Nathaniel’s lifestyle does have its challenges. “Maintaining a community is perhaps the hardest part. Friendships benefit from close proximity, and I’m often not in the same place. This lifestyle can lead to feelings of estrangement, and I face challenges daily, such as finding showers, secure places to sleep, and filling up on water. Normally, these logistical aspects are straightforward, but due to current restrictions, they have become more complex,” he shared.
Nathaniel has also mentioned that productivity can be challenging on the road, with numerous distractions. To mitigate this, he often works in libraries or coffee shops; however, these spaces have been limited due to the challenges presented in 2020.
Despite these hurdles, Nathaniel enjoys his time on the road, capturing breathtaking outdoor images which he shares on Instagram, where he has garnered a following of 165,000 fans.
Explore more of Nathaniel’s adventures featured on his official website.
