This is partly what it was all about. Having the freedom to ‘get in the car and go’ somewhere, be self sufficient, live free, be anywhere. As of right now (2025) I am a road trip / vanlife absolute novice. This is the beginning of a beautiful thing. My first Scottish roadtrip was with my best friend in 2023. Since then, I have been building up to being able to go roaming free in my old 4×4.

The Car: Ford Explorer reg 2000 aka ‘The Beast’

This is was taken in Rannoch Moor – on the first overnight trip

What to pack for a short trip

Short list:

• Stuff to keep you warm enough to sleep.
• Water
• Torch (if your car runs out of battery, and your phone is dead.. this is for safety)

Longer list:

• Sleeping mat / inflatable
• Sleeping bag / duvet / blankets (the beauty of a car is that you can add bulky items)
• Water
• Food (not going into detail here, work out what you like and pack that)
• Battery charger (pre charged, to charge phone in emergencies)
• Change of clothes / snuggly pyjamas
• Change of shoes / something you can slip on and off easily if you need to get in and out

My Luxuries

• Jet Boil – so I can make tea / coffee and warm things in the mornings
• Hot water bottle – for snuggle factor (note: can fill this up before heading out or ask a pub/restaurant or coffee shop to do it, would take waaay too long in a jet boil)

If you have a gas guzzling old car then in addition you may want to pack:

• Jerry can
• Battery powered jump starter
• Tyre pump
• Things your car may run out of
  • Coolant, screen wash, oil

Who needs a dog when your car is this needy?!