After 5+ Years of Full Time Van Life, This is What I Think... (tips for getting started)

I reflect on the last 5+ years of van life with some thoughts and tips for getting started. Thanks for watching!
Merchandise:

Summit Map:

[markakira-tphg]

For every Foresty Forest who goes out and takes massive action, I guestimate 99.8% of people thinking about van life cannot commit mentally. I still watch the long distance bike videos. Have a great weekend.

[_tripsa]

I appreciate the simplicity and straightforwardness of your van. It's refreshing to see that you prioritize functionality over unnecessary embellishments commonly associated with glamcamping. Your approach is honest, as you only utilize items that serve a purpose and make logical sense. It's commendable that you haven't compromised your integrity by seeking sponsorships and promoting products through fabricated reviews for things we don't actually require. While it's true that people have different preferences, there are many like-minded individuals who appreciate a minimalist and practical van build that caters to their specific needs without unnecessary complexity.

[llaus]

When I am about 95 years old, I should imagine I shall be still enjoying seeing Simon in his solar powered flying machine still doing his alternate lifestyle 🚀🛸

[roundstone]

Not only do you have thousands of fans that love you, you honestly have helped so many peoples mental health that you can be proud of that. Plus you have the best dog on YouTube.

[dallastrujillo]

Awwww…look at Rocko sleeping in the front window!

[joeyjo-jojr.shabadoo]

Please keep the intro song! Enjoy hearing it again lately.

[wallywang]

I cannot believe it has been five years. I still remember when you first posted here about stealthy living in your old minivan in a city, and how you survived a super cold winter storm. Here's to another five years of Foresty Forest and his van, and amazing videos about mountains!

[sparklepea]

Rocko has been a great addition to all our lives 🐶

[GotMountains]

Still the genuine article. Hard to find YouTubers that don't forget their roots as they get famous. 🤘

[pawsinn]

Hey, Simon. I've been doing vanlife, rvlife and trucking for 21 years, 16 as a trucker. You're one if the few I can relate with, and you're one of the few who I feel is 110 % genuine about your lifestyle.. I hope to one day cross paths with you. Keep up the great work, and hopefully, I will catch you one day for coffee.

[aubreyjackson]

I remember back in the beginning you would always say Thanks for keeping me out of the factories or something like that, I was new to YouTube and you were the one that introduced me to this whole vanlife adventure of mountain climbing and long hikes and beautiful scenery. I climbed my first mountain last summer I'll be 60 in September and it was life changing ! Standing that high above everything else in my view was something I can't describe. Thank you for introducing a 60 year old woman to a world I didn't know existed...and then there's Rocko the coolest dog to ever climb a mountain! Next winter when you come to Washington and Oregon I hope you do a meet up I would love to meet you in person and I know lots of other people would want to as well. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us.

[robadams]

I lived for over a year in a Honda Civic hatchback and a tent. It wasn't always great, but you can put up with a lot when you are young and it's something I always remember fondly.

[Nomad_Dad]

Rocko is an absolute machine, the epitome of what jack russell terriers are.

[yungdj]

The more I watch these van life videos, the more I consider living this life. Congratulations on 5+ years, Simon.

[notguilty]

living close to where you work is in my opinion one of the fundamental best lifetime decisions you can make. living IN your job.. next level

[StickyBaldieAdrian]

5 years in my VW Transporter and I’m still everyday happy I chose vanlife. No messy housemates, saving on rent, and better sleep! I work nights and snowboard days, couldn’t be better!

[viddygames]

You've come a long way Foresty! I still think your first build in the spaceship is one of the most impressive builds I've ever seen. Rocko is just the best too.

[jennyguy]

I remember when you were first living in the mini van! I found your channel because I wanted to see what was the smallest thing a person could make into a home.

[JonHewson]

I watch a million of these van life channels and Rocko is by the cuttest pet out there. She's pure magic. You have a really special one.

[kevhead]

Practically noone is entirely self contained and off the grid. But Foresty comes close. An able man with many talents. It's been fun watching.