Winter vanlife with Nano and Nui is a mix of magical snowy moments, a little chaos, and all the warm, fuzzy feels. Picture this: waking up in the heart of a snow-covered forest, with the van doors framing a magical winter wonderland. I know it sounds cheesy, but that’s my favorite van view!

Our mornings usually start with Nui sticking her nose out of the van, tail wagging, while Nano gives me a look that says, “Five more minutes, please.” And honestly, I don’t blame him—our little home on wheels feels extra cozy when everything outside is covered in snow. While I sip my morning coffee, Nano and Nui quietly take in the view too. It’s moments like these that make all the packing and occasional chaos so worth it.

Once I’ve bribed Nano out of bed with a treat or two (he’s not above negotiations), we all gear up for the day. This year, we’ve been testing the Hurtta Extreme Warmer III ECO dog witner jackets, which are designed to provide maximum warmth, even on the frostiest days. While I still love our Hurtta Expedition Parka dog winter coats—that we’ve been using for years—for their lightweight design and freedom of movement (perfect for when Nui’s in full zoomie mode), the Extreme Warmer dog jackets have become our go-to for days when the temperatures really drop. Especially for Nano, who looked all toasty and content wearing his new dog winter jacket (it’s not often I see Nano happy on cold days). Plus, knowing these dog jackets are made from recycled materials makes me feel even better about using them.

Once we’re outside, the real fun begins. The forest feels different in winter—quieter, softer—and I love exploring this winter wonderland with them!

But my favorite part of winter vanlife? Coming back from outdoor adventures to our cozy van. Wrapping ourselves in blankets, sipping hot chocolate, and munching on homemade cookies while the dogs curl up beside me.

Of course, winter vanlife isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. The hardest part? Managing the wet and the cold. Snow clings to fur, paws get soaked, and wet dogs in a van are a hard no. But we’ve got our system now: jackets go on before we head out, and towels are ready at the door when we return.

1. Hang Wet Gear Properly: After snowy adventures, hang jackets and towels somewhere they can dry completely before the next outing. Damp dog gear is no fun for you or your pups, and it helps keep the van feeling fresh.
2. Prevent Freezing Water: Store your water container inside the van, ideally in an insulated space. A good tip is to keep the container elevated from the floor to avoid direct contact with cold surfaces.
3. Ventilate the Van: It’s tempting to seal everything up when it’s freezing outside, but good airflow prevents condensation and keeps the van comfortable. A small vent or cracked window (combined with a heater) works wonders.
4. Stay Organized: Winter vanlife means extra layers, gear, and supplies, so keeping everything in its place is key. Use storage bins or hanging organizers to keep wet items separate from dry ones and have easy access to essentials like towels, blankets, and dog treats.
5. Keep the Van Warm: Insulation is key, but so is having extra blankets or a portable heater. If your dogs like to stay extra toasty, consider Hurtta Body Warmer dog overalls for those downtime moments in the van.
   
   Winter vanlife isn’t always easy, but with a little preparation and the right gear, it’s all about the memories you create. Happy vagabonding!