Sēkr: Camp, Vanlife, Overland

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Don’t get me wrong, I like so many others, was super excited for this app to launch but everything about it rubs me the wrong way (mostly around poor data sharing standards). Let’s start from the beginning. Why do I HAVE to share the info of my travel vehicle down to if I’m full time, make/model, and 4x4 or not? That should be optional and I don’t see the value other than giving the creators and others something to instantly judge you on in your profile. Why do I HAVE to use my Instagram to signup/login? Again, this should be an optional profile bypass (like Gmail for other applications) but I should at least have the option to create separate credentials if I want to. Again, don’t see the value other than giving the creators and others to judge me by my social profile. Why do I HAVE to share my location in order for anything to work? If I want to take the extra time to find where I am on the Google map and see what resources are around me, that should be an option. Why do I HAVE to pay to be able to see those around me (the only value prop from other free apps)? It feels like I’m buying my way into Van Greek life and is so anti vanlife community, especially for those trying to spend less on the road. The idea was there, execution will unfortunately prevent me from using and paying for this app.

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I’ve been a full time van dweller for 1.5+ years and have used iOverlander, Wikicamps and other apps. This one is by far the least informative, and has so many annoying bugs that force you to force quit the app and restart it. Even in the city, this app is by far the worst source of information. I know for a fact the only spot here in my area that is recommended is NOT allowed for overnight camping . Because there are so few users on the app, it just doesn’t get updated I guess. Even ioverlander is far better, despite lacking the online community aspect. I was excited when I first heard about this app but it seems like the creators have yet to take any feedback into consideration and for that reason, I’ll be deleting it again. Maybe years from now it’ll finally be better - if another app doesn’t catch up and surpass this one first. Needless to say, though it was long awaited, the vanlife app does NOT live up to the hype :(

The VanLife App is an incredible tool, taking the most basic travel/camping apps and expanding on them. This isn’t an app to find a campsite, it’s a connection to the nomadic community we love. The ability to connect with others and share experiences on the road is going to change the way we travel. While providing resources like bathroom spots, dump stations, campgrounds, water fills, laundromats and so much more, this app is a one stop shop for anyone on the road. Thanks to the team behind this project for providing us with a tool that we can truly use!

Finally, an app that solves the need of connecting with others in their vans. In the past we would miss others in our area because we didn’t know they were there until days later. We can now host events, share our location so that we can join others in our proximity when we want and locate campsites or spots to complete our van chores. This app really feels like it’s invested in the Vanlife community and shares values that will improve all of those that are in it.

I’m so excited to finally be able to download this app! I love being able to store my resources for camping, dumping, finding water, etc. and know that together we are building a platform that helps each other on the road. I love that you get this for free! However, my FAVORITE thing (and WELL worth the upgrade) is the connection I’ve been finding on here. I am solo in my van and was able to immediately connect with two other vanlifers nearby. The community is what makes this life incredible!