The Adventure Begins: A Collection Inspired by Life on the Road

Introducing the Adventure Collection: How Katarina’s Journey Inspires Conscious Living

At Wearsos, we believe that every choice—whether in what we wear, how we live, or the communities we support—has the power to create real impact. That’s why we’re thrilled to introduce The Adventure Collection, a collaboration inspired by the life and values of Katarina Keča, a full-time traveler who has embraced a life of exploration and sustainability.

This collection features our newest material innovation, Piñatex, a plant-based leather alternative made from pineapple fibers​. Durable and ethically sourced, it aligns with our mission to create products that are as functional as they are responsible. The centerpiece of this collection, the Katarina Adventure Bag, is designed for those who move through the world with curiosity—whether on the road, in the city, or anywhere in between.

But this collection is more than just a product launch. It’s about a shared philosophy: living with less, moving with purpose and supporting communities that are working toward a better future.

Meet Katarina: The Spirit Behind the Collection

To truly understand the heart of this collection, we invite you to step into the world of the woman who inspired it. Katarina’s journey is one of courage and transformation, along with a commitment to a life that aligns with her values.

Her words, unfiltered and personal, tell the story of how she left behind the conventional path for a life on the road—choosing simplicity, sustainability and adventure. She speaks about the power of upcycling, the importance of intentional choices and the beauty of connection, both within the van life community and through initiatives like Wearsos.

Her story is not just about travel; it’s about a movement. A shift in the way we see consumption, connection and creativity.

So, without further ado, here’s Katarina—sharing her journey, in her own words.

Allow me to introduce myself—I’m Katarina, and I live and travel full-time in my self-converted camper van with my rescue dog, Manuka. It’s been nearly two years since I bought the van, and in that time, I’ve learned so much about myself and the world around me.

So, why van life? I was living in Vancouver, BC, pursuing an acting career while bartending to make ends meet. I had experienced brief stints of van life in my sister’s van, and something about it resonated deeply. I felt called to slow down and step away from a lifestyle that didn’t align with my values. I was stuck in a cycle—long hours, high rent, and a culture of overconsumption— I wanted out. 

My connection to Wearsos dates back to 2018, when I first met Lynne, the co-founder of Wearsos. At the time, I was living in Toronto and stepping into her former role as a nanny. Although I had taken over her position, the family needed an extra nanny for an upcoming trip to Jamaica, so Lynne returned for the job. That experience deepened our connection, and we soon discovered how much we had in common. We both longed for an adventurous and sustainable way of life and shared the same frustration with excessive consumption and businesses that claimed to be ethical but fell short. Lynne’s vision for a better world wasn’t just inspiring—it was backed by action and hard work. 

Everything about Wearsos aligns with my values, and I’m deeply grateful they recognize my commitment to living a sustainable and authentic life. In that shared vision, a beautiful partnership is taking shape. Wearsos has reignited my understanding of the power of choice—how every decision, no matter how small, is shaping our lives and the world around us. 

One simple choice—living in a van—has completely transformed my life. It has reshaped my daily habits, my consumption, and my relationship with resources. I can live off just 25 gallons of water for two weeks, and all the power I use comes from solar energy. Raised by a thrifting mother and driving a 45-year-old van, I’ve developed a deep commitment to keeping as many products out of landfills as possible. Too often, we dismiss something as no longer useful and forget that "out of sight" doesn’t mean it ceases to exist. We are part of a larger system, and every choice we make has an impact. Upcycling is such a powerful way to birth new life into material otherwise destined for dumpsters. Not only is Wearsos reducing waste, they are strengthening a community in Turrialba. 

In a world that longs for connection, we often miss the mark despite our technological advancements. True connection isn’t just digital—it’s tangible. We depend on one another not only for work but for creativity, well-being, and shared experiences. Wearsos’s initiative to provide stable employment and educational development for local Costa Ricans, particularly women, fosters a powerful cycle of support, opportunity and community. 

In many ways, the van life community reflects this same ethos. We exchange skills and services—mechanics, food, tattoos, massage—helping each other stay on the road. We trade goods, cook meals together, and create a sense of belonging while reducing waste. Many of us live by the principle of “leave no trace” or even “leave it better than you found it,” cleaning campsites, preserving nature, and giving back to the places we temporarily call home. I admire Wearsos’s initiative to repurpose old airline seats, transforming discarded materials into something meaningful—providing employment, fostering creativity, and building lifelong skills within the community.

Every choice matters. Even the smallest decisions add up, shaping something much greater over time. Choosing to live on the road has led me to a life rich in adventure, connection, and harmony with nature.

I can’t wait to see where your Adventure Bag takes you.

Looking Ahead: The Adventure is Just Beginning

Katarina’s journey reminds us that life is about movement—about exploring and making conscious choices that align with the world we want to create. With The Adventure Collection, we’re taking another step forward in our mission to design with purpose, innovate with sustainability and empower communities through craftsmanship and creativity.

But this is just the beginning.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

To everyone who believes in what we do—thank you. Every purchase, every share, every conversation about sustainability fuels our ability to grow, create and give back. Supporting Wearsos means supporting a movement: one that values people, the planet and the power of choice.

Be sure to share your journey with us—tag @wearsos.co and join the community of conscious travellers and change-makers shaping a better world.

Thank you for adventuring with us. 🚐✨🌎