Raymond and Tina live an envious two-rig lifestyle. Blending work and adventure, the remote nature of their work allows them the freedom to explore from a pair of Toyotas. Two rigs. One adventure. Couple goals.
Raymond's love of adventure was inherited from his father, who took him and his siblings on road trips in either his Land Cruiser FJ40 or the back of a dirt bike.
"I remember him taking us all over the Philippines back in the 70s and 80s. He’s 85 now, but it would be a blast to go on an adventure with him again."
Now, having found a partner who shares his passion, Raymond's able to pass-on his love of the wild to his children.
Remote Works
Originally from the Philippines and now based in Calgary, Canada, this couple has mastered the art of balancing their careers with adventure. Raymond works remotely as an Engineering Design Software Specialist, while Tina manages her real estate business from the road.
Their secret? A two-vehicle setup that offers flexibility and independence.
- Raymond's Rig: 2018 Toyota Tacoma with Alu-Cab Canopy Camper
- Tina's Rig: 2021 Toyota 4Runner with Alu-Cab LT-50 Roof Top Tent
The Journey So Far
Their most memorable trip was a 6,000-mile loop through the western U.S., from Montana to Arizona, while working full-time.
"Driving a massive loop from Calgary through the western US and back – covering Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah – stands out as our most memorable experience. What made it particularly unique was managing to work remotely from the back of my truck while we travelled."
The key to being able to successfully work remotely?
- Starlink & Garmin InReach for connectivity in remote areas
- Smart planning, researching routes and conditions in advance
- Alu-Cab’s Canopy Camper, a remote office that keeps the elements out
"My Garmin InReach communication device serves as my insurance policy for remote locations, allowing me to communicate when needed and, in a worst-case scenario, call for rescue. Maintaining a dust-free environment for my electronics (batteries, computer, etc.) is critical, as I often work from the truck bed, making these features essential for my needs."
Why Two Rigs Work
- Flexibility – One can work while the other explores
- Redundancy – If one vehicle has issues, they still have mobility
- Personalization – Each rig is optimized for their needs
The Canopy Camper is a remote office with dust-seals that allow Raymond to work from the back even if caught in a sandstorm.
The simplicity of Tina's LT-50 allows them to set up in seconds minutes, so that they never lose time when arriving late to camp.
Lessons from the Road
"Adventure Travel has transformed our perspective, it enriches our somewhat ordinary way of living. We find our souls rejuvenated every time we travel to remote places to soak in the majestic landscape views. Engaging with local communities along the way has deeply enriched our experience. Moreover, mastering the logistics of living and working within the confines of our Alu-Cab camper demonstrated our capacity to live fully and achieve more with less."
- Invest in Quality – "Buying cheap means risking breakdowns in remote places."
- Start Small – "Weekend trips prepare you for bigger adventures."
- Research Pays Off – "Knowing what to expect removes fear."
"Careful planning is the crucial first step for any build. When selecting parts, always opt for quality over cutting costs. Investing in reliable components drastically reduces the likelihood of breakdowns when you're out exploring and potentially far from help. Make sure to consult with knowledgeable off-road or overland shops for expert guidance."
Their next goal? The Pan-American Highway, with stops in the Yukon and Alaska first.
Final Advice
"Don’t overthink it—just go," Raymond says. "Adventure doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even short trips keep the dream alive."
"I do not need to wait till I’m retired to experience new places, cultures and people. I hope others feel inspired to seek out adventures whenever possible. Every trip doesn't all need to be huge undertakings – weekend getaways are great building blocks to prepare for bigger journeys. Take every opportunity to go on an adventure."
Keep up with on their YouTube channel, Wandering Trail Rider.
https://www.facebook.com/raymond.macapili