Silvana & Tillmann's TentBox Story: Six Weeks on the Road

Midsommar by an Ice-Cold River

Ask Silvana and Tillmann for a favourite spot and they can't settle on just one, but northern Lapland is the one they come back to.

"For us, our absolute favourite spot was in northern Lapland, Sweden, where we spent Midsommar next to an ice-cold river. Together with our friends, we made a huge fire from an entire tree that we had collected and felled ourselves, baked our own bread and then went swimming in the river."

That's the kind of trip their TentBox has made routine for them – pick a remote spot, stay as long as it holds their attention, and go again.

A Petrol Station in Montenegro, a Plateau in Bosnia

Not every stop has gone to plan, and some of their best stories are the ones that didn't.

"Another unforgettable moment was when we had to stay in our TentBox at a petrol station in Montenegro after our car broke down. We met so many helpful and kind people there, and they helped us get our car fixed much sooner than expected."

Bosnia gave them a similar lesson in trusting a place before you understand it.

"In Bosnia, we once found a sleeping spot on a plateau so far from any civilisation that we were genuinely afraid of the few people who lived there. But the next morning, they invited us in for coffee and turned out to be some of the warmest and kindest people we have ever met."

It's a pattern they've come to expect wherever they stop.

"In general, we have made so many friends while travelling that every single one of these moments is a true gem in its own way."

Weeks Into Armenia and Georgia

At the time of writing, they're deep into their longest trip yet.

"We are currently on our longest trip so far, travelling through Armenia and Georgia. We have already slept among the tea fields in the Turkish Black Sea highlands, close to a waterfall, and met some of the most wonderful people along the way. They came to our tent, curious about where we were from, and we shared some lovely moments with them."

Tea fields, a waterfall, people wandering over to ask where they'd come from – it's the same rhythm as Lapland and Bosnia, just further from home.

Why the Cargo in the First Place

Before the TentBox, that rhythm wasn't possible – not for more than a night or two at a time. Silvana and Tillmann were already sleeping in the back of their car, but every evening meant unpacking it first.

"Every evening, we had to move clothes, food and camera equipment around just to build a bed, which was very time-consuming and especially uncomfortable in bad weather."

They wanted longer trips and more flexibility in the mornings and evenings, and after comparing options, one stood out.

"We searched the internet, spent hours reading and comparing different options, and eventually realised that the TentBox Cargo was 100% the perfect choice for us."

They bought it in May 2022. The only thing they were unsure about was the weather, but those worries soon disappeared:

"There wasn't really anything we were worried about. The only question we had was how waterproof the tent would be during heavy rainfall, but we have never had any issues with it!"

What Changed

The Cargo didn't take them somewhere new so much as it let them stay wherever they already wanted to be.

"Travelling with the Cargo allowed us to go on much longer trips – sometimes for up to six weeks! It completely changed our flexibility and how long we could stay on the road. It really expanded the way we explore the world."

"You can simply pack a bag with whatever you need for a couple of days and go wherever you want. No big preparation needed. Just freedom."

A Kit That Hasn't Needed to Change

Their setup has stayed close to what they started with – a gas stove, a 20-litre water canister pressurised with a bike pump for a homemade shower, their photography gear, and the fairy lights that came with the tent.

"We are still sticking to our roots – a gas stove, our 20-litre water canister pressurised with a bike pump, and our photography gear. You really don't need much more if you have a TentBox!"

Asked what they'd tell someone on the fence, there's no hesitation.

"Just do it!"

Next on their list: mounting stronger outdoor lights to the Cargo's roof bars, for better lighting when they're camped somewhere remote.

Build Your Own Setup

Silvana and Tillmann's whole approach is proof that a simple kit, built around the right roof tent, can take you a very long way – from a Lapland riverbank to tea fields in Georgia. The TentBox Cargo is the model behind their six-week trips – fast enough to use as a picnic spot without even opening it, and durable enough for the miles they've put on it since 2022.

• TentBox Cargo – the model behind their six-week trips, still going strong since 2022.