When Jess and Doug first met, their connection was instantaneous. Both were independently chasing versions of the same dream—a lifestyle filled with adventure, freedom, and the kind of rugged mobility that only comes with living on the road. While their paths to that dream were different, they converged in a way that felt like the natural beginning of a shared journey.

Doug had already spent over three years living full-time out of various rigs—from a Sprinter van to pop-up campers and hard-sided truck builds. Jess, a competitive skier, had outfitted her Toyota 4Runner with a rooftop tent and regularly chased snowstorms across the western U.S. and Canada. When their lives aligned, it didn’t take long before they started planning their travels together.

“We both had the same vision of what life could look like,” says Jess. “Doug had the experience, and I had the desire to be out there full-time. Our relationship grew out of that shared passion for being outdoors, exploring, and making it all work from the road.”

Choosing the Right Setup

Transitioning from solo setups to living together full-time on the road meant rethinking what they needed in a rig. For Jess, a skier used to long, cold seasons in unpredictable weather, insulation and comfort were key. For Doug, the requirements were all about versatility, off-road capability, and practical functionality.

“Scout was the right balance for us,” says Doug. “It had the essentials—a diesel heater, fan, and enough room for us and our dog, Lucy—without going overboard. We wanted something we could live in full-time, but that didn’t compromise our ability to get to remote trailheads or navigate forest service roads.”

After evaluating several options, they landed on the Scout Yoho Hardwall, a lightweight, insulated truck camper mounted to Doug’s Toyota Tundra. The combination, customized by Juniper Overland, allowed them to balance comfort with performance. Juniper worked with them to build out a powerful Lithium battery system to enable Starlink using Dakota Lithium's 315Ah self-heated battery and a RedArc 2000W inverter, install a Wolfbox G840S full-time rear camera for peace-of-mind on long drives, and mount a MaxxFan Deluxe roof vent with powered lift and 10-speeds to keep temperatures comfortable in the summer.

“Starlink was a game-changer,” says Jess. “Doug works full-time from the road, so we needed reliable internet. Now we can camp off-grid and still check in on Zoom meetings and upload files from some of the most beautiful places you can imagine.”

Doug adds, “We did all the upgrades with intention. The fan helps regulate airflow for Lucy, the roof box holds our skis and extra camping gear, and the mattress topper? That made it feel like home.”

Living Together in a Tiny Space

One of the most common questions couples get about road life is: How do you manage living together in such a small space?

“It’s definitely not for everyone,” Jess says, “but it’s worked for us because we have such strong communication and we trust each other. We have a system that flows naturally now, and we really respect each other’s space.”

Doug and Jess divide up responsibilities in a way that feels effortless:

• Doug handles everything outside—from taking Lucy out in the morning to loading bikes, dealing with the roof box, and managing the Starlink setup.
• Jess is in charge of the interior—keeping things organized, locking down the camper before drives, prepping food, and creating a calm, clean space inside.

“We joke that Lucy’s job is just to look cute,” Doug laughs. “But really, our setup works because we’re both hands-on and care a lot about the lifestyle. We’re both a little OCD about cleanliness and organization, which helps.”

Their custom storage system under the bed was one of the biggest upgrades in terms of livability. Built specifically to suit their gear-heavy lifestyle, it allows for easy access to clothing, backpacks, tools, and Lucy’s supplies.

The Rhythm of Road Life

A typical day for Jess and Doug is a blend of structure and spontaneity. Doug’s work schedule means they usually anchor themselves in one spot for several days at a time, allowing Jess to scout nearby trails, ski zones, or camp spots. Mornings start with coffee and burritos, often made on the camper stove or outside if the weather’s nice.

Lunch is quick and simple—ramen, soup, or leftovers—while dinners are an opportunity to unwind after a big day: burgers, stir fry, steak, or brats cooked over a fire or on the stove.

“We definitely cook more easy meals,” Doug says. “You’re limited by the space and cleanup, so you learn to simplify. But the food always tastes better out here.”

The Scout’s minimalist layout encourages that balance—giving them just enough without feeling cramped. Combined with good weather, it lets them live outside more than in.

Facing Challenges

Road life isn’t without its hard days. Weather, vehicle issues, and logistics all play a role. But their favorite memories often come from the most chaotic moments.

“One of our most memorable challenges was my birthday in Whistler,” Jess recalls. “We were camped on a forest road and woke up to wet, heavy snow. Doug helped a friend dig out their camper, and then we got stuck ourselves.”

With snow piling up and rain pouring down, they worked for over an hour with shovels and Maxtrax to free the truck. What could’ve been a disaster turned into a story they now laugh about.

“It brought us closer, honestly,” says Doug. “That’s the kind of moment where your mindset makes all the difference.”

Favorite Destinations & What’s Ahead

Ask them about their favorite places and you’ll get a list that spans the western U.S. and Canada. For Jess, Mt. Bachelor stands out for its perfect bluebird pow day, great friends, and parking lot hangs with dogs running around. For Doug, it’s the backcountry of Rogers Pass in British Columbia, where the Selkirk Mountains frame every turn.

Their travels follow the seasons: winter to chase the pow, explore backcountry zones, and find solitude in the snow, and summer to seek sunshine, alpine lakes, and flowy singletrack.

Looking ahead, they have their sights set on the Pacific Northwest and a long summer trip through Alaska. For Jess, it’s her first time exploring that region. For both of them, it’s a new adventure they can tackle as a team.

Advice for Couples Considering the Road Life

If there’s one piece of advice Doug and Jess both share, it’s to go for it.

“It may seem intimidating at first,” Doug says, “but you only live once. If you feel called to this lifestyle, trust that. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be right for you.”

Jess adds, “Be patient. Give each other grace. Not every day will be epic. Some will be quiet, some will be hard. But those days build your foundation. And always bring good snacks. Seriously.”

A Partner in the Journey

For Jess and Doug, their Scout Camper isn’t just a vehicle. It’s a partner in their journey—a functional, reliable, and cozy home base that allows them to chase powder, ride trails, and wake up to new views without missing a beat. It’s the product of experience, priorities, and intentional outfitting that supports not just adventure, but lifestyle.

At Juniper Overland, we’re proud to work with people like Jess and Doug who are using our builds to live life on their terms. From Scout Campers to complete vehicle systems, our job is to equip you for whatever road lies ahead.

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