Inside Little Firs: An Off-Grid Skoolie Built for Adventures in the UK
Read the full interview by Alex Brown published in issue 13. Photos by Somewhere Wilder & Ryan Lomas.
The allure of travelling on a sizable vehicle like an off-grid skoolie, which is a converted American school bus, has captivated many in the vanlife community. Launched in mid-2024, Little Firs is a unique project making waves in the UK vanlife scene. This bespoke skoolie features upcycled upholstery made from Passenger Clothing, state-of-the-art Dometic tech, a cozy log burner, and a comfortable space for five. All aboard to meet Passenger ambassadors Somewhere Wilder, a couple who have come to visit the home on wheels in the stunning Lake District.
Meet Somewhere Wilder: A Life Rooted in Nature
Leo and Frida, the duo behind Somewhere Wilder, grew up immersed in the outdoors. Frida’s childhood memories are full of trekking through the wilds of Sweden, while Leo was raised near the breathtaking Alps in Switzerland. Their shared passion for nature laid the foundation for their adventurous lifestyle.
“When we met, we naturally spent a lot of time outside—even if our first trips together were more rustic, like camping in a tiny yellow Ford KA,” they recall. These early experiences sparked the dreams that fuel their current vanlife journey.
From Ford KA to Skoolie: A Journey into Vanlife
Their adventures have evolved considerably over the years. From the humble beginnings in a tiny van shaped like a microwave during a year in New Zealand, they craved something bigger and more capable.
Back in the UK, they found their ideal base: a Land Rover, which they gradually transformed over five years. The Land Rover became their home, transport, and adventure hub—fitted with a camper interior, roof-top tent, and recently, a pop-top allowing them to stand up inside.
Leo shares, “After many breakdowns and repairs across Europe, we’ve built a reliable rig that lets us explore the most remote gravel tracks.” But their stay on this off-grid skoolie is a whole new level beyond the smaller vehicles they knew.
Off-Grid Skoolie Little Firs: A Unique Passenger X Dometic Collaboration
Little Firs stands apart in the vanlife world, thanks in large part to its collaboration with Passenger Clothing. The bus’s seats and bedding are upholstered with fabric upcycled from Passenger’s clothing line, blending style and sustainability.
The skoolie is packed with Dometic technology: a powerful 920W solar array charges its battery bank swiftly, supporting an electric hob, large fridge, and advanced electrical monitoring system. A beautiful log burner by Anevay Stoves from Cornwall brings warmth and charm, perfect for moody, off-grid campouts.
Little Firs isn’t just a vehicle—it’s a cozy, self-sufficient tiny home on wheels designed for outdoor lovers.
Inspired by Somewhere Wilder’s off-grid skoolie adventure? Dive deeper into vanlife stories, DIY tips, and sustainable travel in Adventure Magazine. Subscribe today to fuel your next adventure with our print magazine!
Life with Dogs on the Road
Leo and Frida travel with their two energetic spaniels, Henry and Wally, who love the outdoors as much as their owners do. The couple’s vanlife setup ensures there’s room for their furry companions to relax and roam.
“Henry and Wally usually tell us if we’ve had a good trip by how tired they are at the end of the day,” Frida laughs. Making space for pets in a tiny home requires smart design choices and plenty of flexibility.
Nature Therapy: Why the Outdoors Comes First
For Somewhere Wilder, outdoor life is more than a hobby—it’s essential for wellbeing. Whether hiking alpine peaks, camping near remote lochs, or simply walking through local woods, nature is their therapy.
“Our home base in Scotland—a cosy stone cottage surrounded by trees—is the perfect place to reset between trips. We truly believe we could spend a lifetime exploring Scotland’s vast and varied landscapes and still not see it all.”
Advice for Aspiring Vanlifers
Leo and Frida emphasize that vanlife isn’t just for full-timers or influencers; it’s something anyone can fit around a regular 9-5 schedule.
“Social media may make this lifestyle look unattainable, but all our adventures fit into weekends or short breaks,” they explain. “Sometimes the best trips are the simplest ones, with no fancy gear—just heading out together.”
Their advice? Prioritise time outdoors, embrace the learning curve, and don’t be afraid to start small.
Excited to experience Little Firs yourself? You can book a stay on this one-of-a-kind skoolie through Canopy & Stars in 2025. Visit Passenger Clothing’s Little Firs page for more details and to plan your next off-grid adventure.
Based upon the original story in issue 13 of Advanture Magazine by Alex Brown @alexbrowndop
