Episode 1: Zach Daudert — From First Van to Vanlife Outfitters

Vanlife Roadmap begins with a conversation that sets the tone for the series. 

In Episode 1, we sit down with Zach Daudert – co-founder of Vanlife Outfitters and Peace Love & Vans – to talk about his path into vanlife, long before it became an industry. 

Zach shares stories from building and living in his first van as a teenager, following the Grateful Dead, and learning van systems through trial and error. He explains how documenting his own build turned into a blog that exposed a major gap in the vanlife world – and why that gap ultimately led to the creation of Vanlife Outfitters. 

The conversation also explores the philosophy behind Peace Love & Vans, why community matters more than commerce, and what first-time DIY builders often misunderstand when starting their own camper van conversion. 

This episode is for anyone who wants to understand vanlife beyond the surface – and make smarter, more intentional decisions along the way. 

www.vanlifeoutfitters.com