Hidden Gems, Off-Roading & Backcountry Exploration: Epic Van Life Adventures - Living The Van Life

This adventure unfolds in my custom 2020 Mercedes Sprinter 4x4, purpose-built to take on the challenges of rugged backcountry exploration. In this episode, I dive deep into the heart of Colorado, starting with a stroll through a charming mountain town that feels like stepping back in time. The rich history comes alive as I venture into abandoned mining districts, exploring remnants of a bygone era tucked away in the mountains. But the real test of van life—and my Sprinter—comes when I leave the paved roads behind. I tackle some of the most intense off-road trails I’ve encountered yet, winding through towering peaks, dense forests, and unspoiled wilderness that seems to stretch forever. Each turn brings new challenges and unforgettable views, reminding me why I chose this life on the road. This is more than a journey—it’s a story of discovery, resilience, and the beauty of living life on your own terms. So join me for an epic ride through the backcountry, where the spirit of adventure is alive and thriving. This is van life at its most raw and authentic. Support The LTVL Channel: -------------- Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/livingthevanlife Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LivingTheVanLife Follow me: Van Life Instagram: @LivingTheVanLife https://www.instagram.com/livingthevanlife/ Personal Instagram: @chad_derosa https://www.instagram.com/chad_derosa/ My Current Film Production - “Rockets and Titans”: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaekVy98pF50VoCwWHwl2ZA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocketsandtitans/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rocketsandtitans/ The gear I use while Living The Van Life: Battle Born Off-Grid Battery System: ————————————————— Battle Born GC2 LiFePo4 Batteries: https://bit.ly/3t24Gaj Victron Inverter/Charger: https://bit.ly/3eTNuif Victron Distributor: https://bit.ly/3vjPuqu Victron Solar Controller: https://bit.ly/3t0YLCm Secondary Alternator: https://bit.ly/32XIFPc Wakespeed Alternator Regulator: https://bit.ly/3xGeUkf Battle Born Batteries Affiliate Link: http://battlebornbatteries.com?afmc=Living+The+Van+Life FlareSpace Flares: ————————— Full Flare/Bed Package: https://bit.ly/3nCAQYH Agile Offroad Lift, Suspension, Skid Plates ———————————————————— Agile Offroad RIP Kit: https://shorturl.at/fnrFK Agile Offroad Rear Locker: https://shorturl.at/tHZ09 Rear Diff Skid Plate: https://bit.ly/3nxtHcb Engine Skid Plate: https://shorturl.at/cyBG9 Wheels & Tires: ——————— Agile Offroad: https://shorturl.at/amvx8 285/70r17 BFGoodrich KO2 All Terrain Tires: https://bit.ly/3xx91ph ARB Air Compressor: https://amzn.to/3u4QOgB Off-Road Recovery Gear: ———————————— Warn Winch: https://amzn.to/3dZ6rkc Snatch Block: https://amzn.to/3dZcqFu 8’ Tree Saver: https://amzn.to/3u1clXu MaxTrax Recovery Boards: https://amzn.to/2PvqcGw Off-Road Lighting: ————————— Baja Designs LP9 Pro LED: https://amzn.to/3gRG5lV Baja Designs XL Pro LED: https://amzn.to/3nwxcQ1 Rigid Industries Scene Lights: https://amzn.to/3FuSckW Camp Fire & Cooking Equipment: ———————————————— NEW: Matthew Paul Ankou Knife: https://www.mpknives.com Chef Knife: https://amzn.to/3F3jYDy Esee 5 Surival Knife: https://amzn.to/3fnQSkQ Solo Stove Ranger - Portable Fire Pit: https://amzn.to/36JD28f Lodge Dutch Oven Tripod: https://amzn.to/3gnqgjy 8" Dutch Oven: https://amzn.to/3ilGFH7 Cooking Gloves: https://amzn.to/2BXdIjU Jetboil Cooking System: https://amzn.to/2TH3yrF Bottle Top Propane Stove: https://amzn.to/2SS82P0 Solo Stove Titan - Twig Stove: https://amzn.to/3cbYAeZ Solo Stove Pot 1800: https://amzn.to/3gxNioK Forestry Tools: ——————— Trayvax Trek Field Knife - 10% Coupon Code: VANLIFE - https://bit.ly/2BpqaJh Esee 5 Surival Knife: https://amzn.to/3fnQSkQ Schrade SCHF9 Camp Knife: https://amzn.to/2Mwr7Ru 21" Folding Saw: https://amzn.to/2RQjFmO Campcraft Canvas Sheath: https://amzn.to/2T4aJMr Gransfors Bruk Hand Hatchet: https://amzn.to/2SFqLMg Hults Bruk Akka Foresters Axe: https://amzn.to/2tQx6LD BareBones Living - Japanese Nata Tool: https://bit.ly/2yHBXRL Winter Van Equipment: ——————- 5KW 12V Diesel Heater: https://amzn.to/2OSFrGC Personal Wear: ——————— Oakley Sunglasses: https://amzn.to/2Y7URcu Carhartt Pants: https://amzn.to/2CvdbTM My Camera Gear -------------- Canon EOS R5 Camera: https://amzn.to/3t8czLq Canon EOS RCamera (Backup): https://amzn.to/3u1dUVm Canon RF 24-105 f/4L Lens: https://amzn.to/3e30UJa Rode VideoMic Pro Plus: https://amzn.to/2PfKTjC DJI Mavic 2 Zoom Drone: https://amzn.to/3nuaBnc Living The Van Life YouTube Channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, ​an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com FTC Disclosure Statement: Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these.