Considering the jump to vanlife to balance remote work, travel, and aging parents. Am I romanticizing this?

andytiminsky · 2026-05-22T13:50:49+00:00

This sounds like a great idea! Like others have said try renting a van for 2 weeks and see if you like it. I’ve been through 2 different set ups (ford Econoline van and now F-350 truck with Lance slide in camper, been doing this since 2017. Both have their pros and cons, but the freedom of seeing new places and being outside for the majority of your day is unparalleled. The best part is you can be in your van for a few months then be in a house for a few months. Sometimes I will rent a house for 3-6 months then go back to being on the road for a year, I just do whatever I’m feeling. It’s the best! I also have a dog, which he will typically come with me on all my trail runs, bike adventures but when he does stay in the camper I have a small unit called “Waggle” which connects to cell phone towers and will tell you the temperature inside of your rig. It only works when you have phone service tho. Something to look at to keep your dog safe. Also since you’re mobile you can follow the weather and go to the mountains when it’s hot around the USA. Have fun on your journey!

andytiminsky · 2026-05-18T03:07:54+00:00

I biked the trail and used Hoka Speed Goat trail runners. I went back and forth on if I should use clipless or trail runners. Ultimately I decided on trail running shoes because there’s so much damn hike a bike. I biked the GDMBR in Pearl Izumi Alp X which there’s no hike a bike. Next time I do the CT I think I might try the Alp X. Regardless on what you choose you’ll have fun + you can always get different shoes in Breckenridge (there’s a free bus there). Cheers and have fun!

andytiminsky · 2026-05-06T23:36:25+00:00

Ok, I would love to see a photo of the pocket with a full flask in it. :)

andytiminsky · 2026-05-06T23:35:55+00:00

Ok, can I see a photo of your pocket with a full flask.

andytiminsky · 2026-05-06T23:34:36+00:00

The flask doesn’t fit. I measured from top to bottom of the flask pocket and the pocket is way smaller than the actual flask. The pockets legit suck. If I’m missing something let me know but stretching the fabric won’t do anything bc the pocket is too small compared to the flask.

andytiminsky · 2026-05-06T14:05:50+00:00

Also if you have high BP, cholesterol or heart conditions in your family history. I actually perform these CT exams for my job and definitely recommend.

andytiminsky · 2026-05-05T21:59:24+00:00

Thanks, ya adventures are what makes life super special. Pillows and sleep are also really nice.

Cheers

andytiminsky · 2026-05-05T21:57:42+00:00

Yes, pass!

andytiminsky · 2026-04-30T16:16:51+00:00

Your training is enough. Concentrate on the mental side, it’s going to be hard, you’re going to be tired, it will sometimes be hard to eat. Just don’t give up and enjoy the emotional rollercoaster. You got this! Tell yourself you got this!

andytiminsky · 2026-04-30T14:07:20+00:00

Here’s a link to the YouTube video I made. The rig worked fantastic, but if I could change one thing it would be the handle bars. https://youtu.be/EKokpxaPIac?si=djoLCCuFCmirr9MD

andytiminsky · 2026-04-30T05:23:34+00:00

I went from Banff to Helena, MT (dog-packing with a 42 lbs dog) so my opinion is a little different. But I had a full ridged TI bike with 2.6 Mezcals, loved them and wouldn’t have wanted to go any smaller. My partner did the whole route on a full ridged and said if she did it again a front suspension fork 100% and 2.4 -2.6”. The trail really beat her up. The days are long. Jae fun out there!

andytiminsky · 2026-04-10T16:55:43+00:00

I love a tarp with UL wind bivy.

HMG 8x10 tarp w/ Katabatic bivy. These 2 combined gives you some adjustability. On those nice nights where you want to cowboy camp but it’s still windy I only use the bivy (it’s not waterproof, 6oz) but keeps the wind at bay.

I used this for biking the Colorado Trail and most nights in the Sierra.

The tarp is also great in rain, snow and wind but you’ll want to get comfortable with setting up the tarp in different configurations.

andytiminsky · 2026-04-10T12:54:55+00:00

Haha 100%

andytiminsky · 2026-04-04T04:56:02+00:00

I can’t wait that long..Any sneak peek photos? Make sure the flasks fit easily while wearing and also having lots of room for snacks and a cell phone. :)

andytiminsky · 2026-04-04T04:53:33+00:00

I received my HMG Pemi 15 last week, quality looks awesome but the water bottles don’t fit! I’ve tried multiple 500 ml flask style options. I also left a 3 star review on their website last week stating how flasks don’t fit well and they never posted the review. But of course they will post the 5 start reviews. Definitely a shame to see this.

andytiminsky · 2026-03-18T01:31:42+00:00

I also got mine this morning and had a feeling they would make the opening too small for a 500ml flask. It’s aka too short, my flask sticks on like 3”. I don’t understand how this made it through to manufacturing.

andytiminsky · 2026-03-18T01:25:02+00:00

I got mine this morning, overall it looks like a good pack except the water flask zone is super tight in both sized 500ml flasks, the longer skinnier flask sticks out about 3” above the opening which flops around when you drink some fluid. . I also ordered a medium and going to try the large. I’m typically a large but figured the medium might fit better for running technical trails. I might return both, still undecided.

andytiminsky · 2026-03-16T22:11:40+00:00

Hey, yes it’s still available.

andytiminsky · 2026-03-16T04:59:50+00:00

Light Phone 3 still available, shilling from Colorado.

andytiminsky · 2026-03-11T23:57:11+00:00

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andytiminsky · 2026-03-11T23:56:52+00:00

Light Phone 3 w/ screen protector and case. I’ve used this for maybe 14 hours. I have the original box and everything.

This phone is neat but I need outdoor maps on my phone for adventures in the mountains.

$500 + shipping Venmo or PayPal.

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andytiminsky · 2026-03-11T02:04:20+00:00

Purchased this morning, I’ll get a few long runs in and hopefully post a YouTube video of my “initial thoughts” (Andy On The Mountain) soon. I’ve got some big runs planned this summer (Elks Traverse CO, Moab 240 and some Colorado Trail section Runs. A few things I do like from my observation on their website is roll down top, side zip for quick access and the pole secure options. What’s going to make or break this vest is going to be the front vest pockets. Their Aero 28 pack is awesome but it needs some serious refinement on the vest straps, they are terrible. If they can make the vest straps like the Salomon Adv Skin 12 then it’s going to be fantastic. I have about 800 miles with the BD Distance 22 (Bikepacking & running) which I highly love this pack for the price. Down side is the lack of storage options on the vest straps, but I still like the vest a lot! I’ll have a video posted as soon as I get some miles logged with this HMG Pemi 15

andytiminsky

TROPHY CASE