Sam, Off-grid Engineer
Sam is a runner, climber, and most importantly, a family man. He and his wife, Emmie, share their home with their senior sausage dog, Tilly, and their beautiful daughter, Eilidh. When he’s not trying to put their Victorian house back together, he’s out exploring with Eilidh on his back or with a running pack strapped on.
For the past 15 years, around work, he has travelled throughout the UK and Europe rock climbing and photographing climbers. More recently, running has taken hold. He has completed the marathon distance or more 14 times, including five fully self supported runs.
His engineering roots go back to following his dad, an engineer, around as he fixed anything that broke. That curiosity led to a childhood of dismantling and reassembling toys, bikes, and homemade go karts. After school, he completed a three year NVQ in mechanical technology while working at a Volkswagen specialist garage focused on full restorations of classic models.
From there, he moved on to become a lead technician at one of the UK’s top leisure vehicle specialists, where he played a hands on role in all stages of vehicle builds. Most recently, he has worked for several years as a mechanical engineer at Sunseeker, building high end superyachts.
His first climbing trip to Fontainebleau in 2011 sparked more than a love of sandstone slopers, it introduced him to the possibilities of travel. That trip led to a backpacking journey through Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, deliberately unstructured and spontaneous. That mindset, that things tend to work out has shaped his approach to both travel and life.
Back in the UK, he bought a Peugeot 306 estate (affectionately named Pascal) and hung up some curtains to convert it into his first adventure vehicle. It served as the base for climbing trips across the UK and France. Eventually, Pascal was replaced with a Renault Trafic named Roche. With Emmie and Tilly along for the ride, Roche became a stealth camper packed with essentials. Nothing fancy, but perfectly suited for road tripping and climbing in North Wales, the Lake District, Luxembourg, Germany, France, and Spain.
Storms, missed proposals (thanks to a late ring delivery), and spontaneous detours were all part of the ride. Roche even became their home during a summer of full-time climbing.
Being part of a team with such extensive knowledge and firsthand experience of remote living is incredibly rewarding. I take great pride in designing systems that meet all our clients’ needs, ensuring they’re fully equipped for their adventures.
Sam Parsons, Off-Grid Engineer
Later, practicality required a downsizing, and the Volkswagen Caddy Maxi “Vandito” became their next travel rig. Though smaller, Vandito has hosted a honeymoon in the Highlands, more Fontainebleau trips, and a new passenger: their daughter. Fitted with genuine VW seats and adapted for family use, it’s been their base for many running events and climbing adventures. Bed space is now tight with two adults, a wriggly toddler, and a senior sausage, maybe it’s time to upgrade again?
He once ran a music blog, photographing, interviewing, and reviewing artists such as Jake Bugg, The Subways, Mr Hudson, Kae Tempest (as part of Sound of Rum), The Holloways, Bowling for Soup, and many more.
He’s notorious on climbing trips for always making the same meal, basic tuna pasta. So much so that it’s become a tradition. His personal record? Making, eating, and cleaning up tuna pasta in under 16 minutes.
He once gave Paul Hollywood a lighter. It’s his favourite unexplained fact but the real story is, Paul was staying in a chalet he worked at during a ski season and needed a light. Apparently, Paul smokes like a chimney!
Sam’s also known for doing a heel clicker any time he sees a camera during a race.
And although controversial, he always leaves the teabag in his brew.
Sam's heel clicker at the 2025 London Marathon.
Campervan electrics leaving you confused?
