Exploring Alabama Hills with Syncline: Behind the Scenes of an Outside Van Media Shoot
What is Alabama Hills?
Nestled to the east of the mystic Sierra Nevada Mountains in Southern California, Alabama Hills presents an awe-inspiring landscape that captivates the imagination. Governed by the Bureau of Land Management as a recreation area, it’s a treasure trove of natural beauty, surrounded by renowned national parks such as Death Valley, Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite. Famous for its rich history as a backdrop for classic western movies and modern car commercials, Alabama Hills offers an unparalleled off-grid van camping experience that adheres to the Leave No Trace Principles. Here, freedom and adventure meet the wide open and untamed wilderness.
Embarking on a Journey with a Purpose
The journey from Portland, Oregon, to Alabama Hills in California isn’t just a drive; it’s a mission to discover and showcase the essence of the nomadic lifestyle through Outside Van’s latest creation, Syncline. This 144 Mercedes Sprinter, off-road-ready adventure van is the epitome of freedom for one or two individuals passionate about exploring the great outdoors and embracing off-grid living. Our 15-hour trek from the rainy skies of Portland to the diverse climates of Alabama Hills was driven by the need to find the perfect setting for our extensive media shoot of Syncline. Despite the unpredictable weather, Alabama Hills proved to be the ultimate location to highlight Syncline’s capabilities and the spirit of adventure it embodies.
Ready to take your adventures to the next level? Secure your Syncline today!
Behind the Scenes with Syncline
Our media shoots are rare opportunities to capture not just the technical specifications and innovative features of our vans, but also the lifestyle they facilitate. Syncline isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a gateway to living beyond. With our team living in and out of the vans throughout the trip, we were able to authentically test Syncline’s performance and showcase the true essence of adventure van living in the picturesque Alabama Hills.
Meet the Team
Justin: Our videographer/director and tour guide through this adventure, wearing many hats along the way.
Jon: The photographer with a keen eye for adventure, always ready to capture the moment.
Cassidy: Social media manager and lifestyle talent, embracing the off-roader, van-life experience for the first time and earning the nickname “road dog.”
Danny: Quality control expert, lifestyle talent, and the team’s ultimate hype man and handy man in one.
A Journey Through the Elements
The Alabama Hills were formed through millions of years of natural processes involving the stretching of the Earth’s crust and erosion. Both the Alabama Hills and the Sierra Nevada mountains are made of granite, but they look different because of how the environment has shaped them. In the Sierra Nevada, cold climates and glaciers sculpted the granite into rugged peaks. In contrast, the warmer Alabama Hills were shaped by temperature changes causing the rock to expand and contract, and by erosion from water, wind, and biological factors. This process led to the smooth, rounded rock formations we see today, showcasing the diverse effects of natural forces on the landscape.
Media Day One
Our arrival the first night set the stage for a breathtaking start, surrounded by rock formations under a starlit sky. The early mornings and the chase for the perfect sunrise shots highlighted our dedication, with the serenity of Alabama Hills in February amplifying the experience. Despite the chilly temperatures, the perfectly diffused light from dawn till dusk allowed us to capture Syncline in all its glory all day long, amidst the natural beauty of Alabama Hills.
The unexpected snowfall on the second morning presented both a challenge and a unique opportunity, transforming our shoot into a winter wonderland experience! This shift not only tested Syncline’s resilience but also highlighted the warmth and camaraderie within the van! We documented all the interior features of this van that truly make it a treat to live in when off-grid. Just picture coffee making, blasting the heat, and using the functional bench and dining area to play board games. Ever heard of Quarto?
Our final day was a testament to the versatility and spirit of the adventure van lifestyle, capturing the beauty of Syncline against the backdrop of the iconic Alabama Hills. After driving the same stretch of dirt road about 30 times, we finally got the perfect roller shot of Syncline. Don’t worry you’ll get to see it soon. After taking a quick break to pass the frisbee, we got right to our primary lifestyle photoshoot, seizing the idea of what it means to live beyond, and how Outside Van assists in this journey. Danny took off on his mountain bike, while Cassidy went on a trail run through the rolling rock formations.
Beyond the Shoot
At the core of what we do on the Outside Van media team is a deep commitment to creating top-notch content for our audience and customers. We believe that a van conversion is much more than just a vehicle; it’s the key to new adventures, freedom, and creating unforgettable memories. That’s why we put so much care and effort into every piece of content we share, showcasing the quality, creativity, and love we put into each van. Our dedication to excellence makes us stand out. We’re here for everyone who values great craftsmanship and the stories behind the journey. Head over to our van gallery to get a glimpse of the magic we create. Start imagining your next adventure!
Stay Tuned for the Adventure
We’re thrilled to share the adventures of Syncline and our journey through Alabama Hills. Keep an eye out for our upcoming content and join us as we all make memories with Syncline, the ultimate adventure van.
