The Camper Office Revealed
I’ve always been a believer that you can make any place in the world your very own office.
Airplane seats, laundromats, libraries, backyards; as long as there’s a lap for my laptop, I’m good to go. The key word for working from anywhere is: adaptability.
For almost two years now, my home and office have been inside a 25’ Airstream with my partner, Isaac and Rico the dog. Needless to say, there has been a lot of adapting. From a workspace perspective, there are many things to consider in order to create a productive work environment:
The GoalZero Yeti 150 is the power pack that I use to charge my MacBook Pro. When the power pack is fully charged, it’s usually able to recharge my laptop battery to 100%.
Custom built convertible standing desk made extra ergonomic with laptop stand, external keyboard and wireless mouse. When the desk isn’t in use, it can be collapsed and the couch beneath it is fully functional.
Camper office views at Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada.
Electricity: We often dry camp on public land where there are no water or power hookups. To power my laptop, I have a GoalZero Yeti 150 power bank that’s solar powered by a GoalZero Boulder 50 solar panel. If it’s not sunny, I have to resort to using a generator or going into town to power up.
Internet: Between Isaac and I, we have hotspot capabilities via Verizon, AT&T and T Mobile. Between the three carriers, we’re almost always covered in non-remote areas the US and Canada. There’s also a WeBoost cell booster affixed to the camper antenna (originally intended for TV), that helps give us a few extra bars in areas that have a weak signal. We never camp anywhere during the week without cell reception. To check cell coverage before we arrive at a spot, we use an app called OpenSignal that has a user-generated coverage map for each network.
Workspace: I work long hours on a laptop and have severe neck problems, so, while lounging on a couch or hunching over a coffee table is okay for an hour or two, it’s not a sustainable work habit for me. Isaac retrofitted a convertible standing desk in the camper which I’ve supplemented with a portable laptop stand, external keyboard and wireless mouse.
Alternative Options: There are some days when the landscape and environment are just too distracting, or the internet just isn’t fast enough to upload that big PDF I need to send off. I always like to be aware of my alternative options such as coworking spaces, libraries or coffee shops.
It takes a lot of research, work and – most of all – self-discipline to maintain a productive on-the-road workspace, but it’s definitely worth it when you look out the window and see a beautiful landscape.
Photos by: Isaac Miller Photography
My overhead compartment filled with design books, Wacom tablet, notebooks, and art supplies. Trust me, this isn’t all of it. There’s another entire bin of art supplies under the bed!