ROVA Thirty-Eight: August/September 2023

There are tons of different types of RVers – weekend warriors, sometime sojourners, regular road-trippers and nonstop nomads. But what does it take to transition from only putting tires to tarmac every now and again to saying goodbye to a “real” home and taking life on the road? Many of us do things because we think we need to conform to what society expects of us, or make other people happy. We prioritize the concept of “normal,” or the needs and wants of our friends and family. But that's not going to work in the long run because the only way to live your best life (thanks, Oprah) is to put yourself first. Consider what you actually want from life, and if that is to knock down the white picket…

Comfort in the Driver's Seat Nothing is more annoying than driving for what feels like forever, only to find that the hours spent behind the wheel have left you stiff, sore, and unable to enjoy your destination. Save your spine with the Simply Seat Cushion from Purple—a mattress brand that knows a thing or two about comfort. Hidden under the easyto-clean, no-slip cover is Purple's classic colorful grid, which cushions your tailbone and keeps you cool and comfortable. The low-profile Simply Seat Cushion is a durable, hypoallergenic posterior-protector, so you can focus on the road and your next adventure, not on aching bones and tight muscles. purple.com A Recipe for Inspiration Rejuvenate your cooking and get inspired to plan a road trip to Canada with Feast: Recipes and Stories from…

Brighter Isn't Always Better The perfect antidote to high-beam headlights and harsh, fluorescent gasstation lights, the Edison Light Stick from Barebones provides all the charm and style of yesteryear with technology to keep your modern devices going. Designed to reference vintage lanterns, this gadget contains two forms of light: a warm LED rope that wraps around the cylinder, and a bright flashlight that'll help you focus on more precise tasks. If you don't use up to 80 hours of light between charges, you can even use it as a handy portable charger for your phone or other electronics. When you've exhausted the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, there is no need to fumble in your stash of cables—the Edison Light Stick charges via USB-C. barebonesliving.com, $74.99 Board, But Far from Boring There's…

Emily I have always wanted to travel the country, so last year I got a 22-foot Coleman trailer and started driving. My first trip lasted about six months, and I plan to do much more. I wouldn't change this lifestyle for anything, and I can't wait to see where else I end up. Instagram: @emilyontherhode Ashley and Tom Post-pandemic, downtown Chicago lost a bit of its glitz and glitter. As avid adventurers, we knew if we were ever going to set out on this epic adventure, it was now. In September 2023, we hit the road in our 30-foot Airstream and haven't looked back. While our possessions are minimal, we've realized that you need only about 90 percent of what you have. For us, the amazing friendships we've made, cultures…

Whether you want to head out for a weekend or spend months on the road, every square foot in a van counts. An adventure-ready rig means you never have to hold back, and it gives you the chance to explore parts of the world that few people will ever experience. What to Consider Price The sky is the limit when it comes to pricing on adventure rigs. You can save a ton buying used, especially if you're looking to do a DIY conversion. If you're handy (or willing to become handy), you can save a pretty penny and still have a rig done to your exact specifications. If you've seen camper conversion videos on YouTube—and I know you have—you'll know that anyone can build out a simple rig themselves if…

FOUR WHEEL CAMPERS For 63 years, Four Wheel Campers has been making simple, reliable, functional off-road pop-up campers. Perfect for the no-nonsense nomad who is also a no-discomfort nomad, Four Wheel Campers are a cinch to set up (set your timer to two minutes and you'll have time left over), and can tackle most challenging terrain. And once the driving's done, you have ultimate rain and snow protection, as well as a variety of floor plans to suit a range of needs. Four Wheel Campers' loyal customers use their pop-ups for everything: camping in national parks, boondocking on BLM and remote land, and traversing the wilderness of America and beyond. If you travel to a spot that's popular for rock climbing, fishing, surfing, overlanding, skiing or mountain biking, chances are…