There are travellers who follow guidebooks, and then there's Theo Vanden Wyngaert. A mechanical engineer from Belgium, Theo discovered that the best adventures begin when you ditch the itinerary. What started as a reluctant solo trip became a life-changing revelation about freedom, resilience and the joy of waking up to wild brown bears in Scandinavia.
We chatted to Theo about his Isuzu D-Max, Alu-Cab Canopy Camper and insatiable appetite for exploring the unknown.
From Chemical Plants to Arctic Circles
"I'm Theo Vanden Wyngaert from Belgium. In daily life I'm a mechanical engineer in a chemical process plant. I'm also an amateur photographer."
During the week, Theo troubleshoots industrial equipment. But come the weekend (and sometimes for up to 5-week stretches when he can), he's documenting wolverines in Swedish forests or fly-fishing under the midnight sun. You don't need to quit your job, it's rather about your priorities.
The Evolution of a Rig
Theo's current setup? A 2019 Isuzu D-Max with an Alu-Cab Canopy Camper that represents his hard-earned lessons from years on the road:
"I had a Land Rover Defender with a soft shell RTT but quickly found the soft shell wasn't ideal. With the Isuzu I installed the Alu-Cab RTT, then made the switch to the Canopy Camper in 2024. Overland evolution!"
His upgrade wasn't about luxury. Instead he was looking to solve very real problems:
"During weeks of Swedish rain, I missed having interior space. The Canopy Camper solved that and the Shadow Awning means I'm set up in minutes."
The Moment Freedom Hit
Ask Theo about his most memorable experience, and he won't mention the wildlife photos that would make NatGeo jealous:
"The best moment was during my first solo travel. After two days, the feeling of freedom hit me. Not knowing where you'll sleep that night, just checking maps for nice spots... It was addictive."
This epiphany reshaped his entire philosophy:
"There's a quote: 'We only live once. No, we live every day and die only once.' I recently decided to work less and travel more."
Hard-Won Wisdom for New Overlanders
Theo's advice cuts through the Instagram glamour:
"Start small. Camp close to home first. See what you actually enjoy before big expenses."
His practical checklist for new builds:
- Talk to experienced owners
- Visit shops/exhibitions
- Plan for failures (spare parts, comms systems)
- Design around food and water storage
Why He Travels Solo (and Loves It)
What began as a compromise became a revelation:
"My first solo trip happened because my companion canceled. I discovered I thrive in nature's silence and ironically, connect better with other travellers when alone."
His essentials for solitary journeys?
- Satellite phone ("Non-negotiable for safety")
- 12V fridge ("Cold drinks are morale boosters")
- Instant hot water system ("Luxury becomes necessity")
The Scandinavian Playground
Theo's beaten path leads repeatedly north:
✅ Swedish Lapland - His spiritual second home
✅ Remote fishing spots - Where trout replaces GPS coordinates
✅ Improvised routes - "I travel by weather, staying where it feels right"
Next mission? A fluid loop through:
- Norway's coast (maiden sea fishing attempt)
- Arctic Circle crossings
- Finland's backroads
- A Vaasa-Umeå ferry hop
Unexpected Trail Magic
Theo's favorite souvenirs aren't fridge magnets:
"Once I traded Belgian beers for a local's secret fishing spots. Another time, a stranger unlocked a 'closed' gate to my dream campsite. These kindnesses outshine any purchased souvenir."
Parting Shot
Theo's story proves adventure isn't about:
✖️ Quitting your job
✖️ Buying the most expensive gear
✖️ Chasing Instagram spots
It's about:
✔️ Converting lessons into upgrades (RTT → Canopy Camper)
✔️ Finding courage in canceled plans
✔️ Measuring wealth in fishing spots discovered
Ready to design your own freedom? Theo proves the first step isn't a big purchase. It's parking somewhere new this weekend. Where will you go?