BLOG & TIPS
Off to the mountains with four bikes, skis, and two kids
Emmi & Family Out and About with the PUSHrack
In an interview with PUSH, Emmi explains how quickly space becomes the most valuable resource in a camper when you’re on the road with two kids, bikes, skis, and plenty of outdoor gear. That’s exactly why this family from Sweden relies on the modular PUSHrack system. Together with her husband, their two children, and their Bengal cat, Pow, Emmi spends every free minute outdoors in the mountains.
Emmi, it's great that you're telling us about yourself and your family. Where are you from, and how do you use your van?
I’m Emmi, a 41 year old outdoor lover from Sweden and a skier, a mountain biker, a kitesurfer and a mother of two adventurous toddlers. We’ve been living full-time in our van for months during parental leave and normally travel 5-6 week in the van during summer – and many weekends of course!
Where do you usually travel with your camper?
As we love adventures, we mainly go to the mountains. Either in Sweden, or to the Alps, Dolomites or Pyrenees. But also smaller trips from home, just checking out for the weekend and spending time somewhere close outdoors.
How long have you been traveling in a camper?
We built our first campervan in 2018, our second in 2020 and then we bought the Westfalia Columbus 600D in 2023 when we got our second child and needed more belted seats and beds.
What transportation solution did you use before the PUSHrack?
We had a standard rack system where you put two bikes standing. First of all, only two bikes could be transported and being four in the family, it becomes a problem. Also, unloading just the inner bike was impossible, so you had to unload both even if you’d only like to use the inner one. The rack itself was heavier and harder to load, and the wear of the hinges was also bigger as the weight was placed further from the van.
Why did you choose the PUSHrack?
Being able to easily carry four bikes made the decision for us. Then, after mounting it, we’re really happy with the construction, quality and weight – plus being easy to load and unload one bike at the time. Plus, it looks cool! 😉 Now we also use the ski rack, which is also really good.
What do you think is the biggest benefit in everyday life?
It’s so small so it’s always mounted, and it’s very easy to load and unload – both bikes and skis.
What's currently taking up the most space in your camper?
Now when we have the bike and skis on the outside, it’s the kids stroller and all the gear – helmets, knee/back/elbow protection, mountain bike shoes, ski boots, backpacks, all the small things combined.
Do you have any tips for other campers?
Just get out there, adventures are just around the corner and you learn along the way!
Emmi’s story shows just how important flexible transport solutions can be for active families. Anyone who participates in a variety of outdoor sports year-round needs a system that can be adapted to a wide range of adventures in just a few simple steps. That’s exactly why the PUSHrack system now accompanies the family on both biking and skiing adventures across Europe.
Here’s a tip from us: You can easily transport the stroller on the back of your car using our PUSHrack mount for children’s bike trailers. Helmets, protective gear, and cycling shoes fit into the PUSHrack box, which you can attach to the Room Extender.
