Casper isn’t just a van – he’s a trusted travel companion with a story all of his own. Officially, he’s a VW T5 T30, powered by a sturdy 2.5-litre diesel engine, the kind of reliable workhorse that Volkswagen built with long days and big miles in mind. But Casper’s life didn’t begin in the adventure world. He started out as a taxi, shuttling people from A to B, playing his part in everyday life before a new chapter opened for him. Six years ago, he was lovingly converted into a campervan, given a fresh identity, and kitted out with everything needed for life on the road.

I first crossed paths with Casper in June 2025, and from the moment I bought him, he’s been more than just transport – he’s been my adventure scout. Friendly, dependable, and always up for the next journey, he’s quickly become a character in his own right. Every time I fire up his engine, it feels like setting out with an old friend who knows the road ahead and is just as excited as I am to see where it leads.

Step inside, and Casper’s character shines even more. His U-shaped interior gives plenty of space for stretching out after a long hike or settling in for a night under the stars. The gas hob and sink make cooking a simple pleasure, and with his leisure battery, Casper is fully capable of going off-grid. He’s built for independence, the sort of camper that doesn’t need to chase campsites every night but can happily tuck himself away in a quiet corner of the countryside.

Since joining me, Casper has already clocked up some impressive adventures. We started off exploring closer to home – the Malvern Hills. These rolling ridges are where I spend a lot of time walking, and Casper has quickly settled into his role as base camp. Parked up at the edge of the hills, he’s been the place where I’ve brewed early morning cups of tea before setting off, and the cosy shelter I’ve returned to after long treks in wind, rain, or sunshine.

The Brecon Beacons came next. Driving through winding valleys and parking up beneath the looming peaks, Casper was the perfect partner. After days spent climbing summits like Pen y Fan, he was there waiting at the foot of the mountains, kettle ready, a snug little retreat against the often-changeable Welsh weather. Sitting inside him with rain pattering on the roof, I came to appreciate the joy of a camper that feels both sturdy and homely.

From there, our journeys grew bigger. Together we headed down to Bournemouth, where Casper proved himself just as happy by the sea as in the hills. Long sandy stretches of beach, sea air blowing through his open doors, and the ease of pulling up somewhere scenic – this was when I first realised that owning Casper meant freedom. No hotel bookings, no schedules, just the open road and the choice of wherever I wanted to call home for the night.

But perhaps Casper’s biggest adventure so far was the 1,200-mile round trip up to the Scottish Highlands, a journey that also included the magical Isle of Skye. This was the test of both van and driver – long stretches of motorway giving way to single-track lanes, mountain passes, and some of the most dramatic scenery the UK has to offer. Casper took it all in his stride. Whether we were parked beside a loch, overlooking rugged peaks, or winding our way across the Skye Bridge, he never faltered. On the island itself, he became the gateway to exploration: the Cuillin mountains in the distance, fairy-tale waterfalls, and wild coastal roads, all with Casper faithfully waiting to provide warmth and rest at the end of each day.

What makes Casper special isn’t just his practicality – though his off-grid setup, his comfortable interior, and his reliable engine all deserve plenty of praise. It’s the way he has personality. He feels like a companion who shares in the highs and lows of travel. When you’re tired, he’s a welcoming space. When you’re excited, he’s there with you, ready to carry you to the next place.

Every van has its quirks, its history, and its character. Casper has already proven that he’s more than up to the adventures I have in mind. From the gentle slopes of the Malverns to the rugged peaks of the Highlands, from the seaside of Bournemouth to the green valleys of the Brecon Beacons, he’s shown that he’s happiest when he’s part of the journey. And for me, that’s exactly what he is: not just a VW T5 campervan, but a friend who makes every road feel like the start of a new story.

Some pictures below of his adventures

Casper the Campervan