Meet James Hitchen And Kaity Hitchen | Overlanding Content Creators

We had the good fortune of connecting with James Hitchen And Kaity Hitchen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James Hitchen and Kaity Hitchen, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
James: I’m from northern New Jersey, where I grew up with a love of the outdoors. My family prioritized spending time outside, whether it was playing sports, hiking, or packing up the car for a camping trip. These experiences instilled a deep appreciation for nature and staying active.

Another big influence on who I am today was my dad and his workshop. He was always working on projects from fixing up things around the house to building a plane in our garage. Watching him approach problems with creativity and resourcefulness sparked my own passion for working with my hands. That drive has carried over into my life today. whether it’s basic mechanic work on our vehicles or designing and building a custom drawer system for the interior of our GX.

Growing up in a family that valued both the outdoors and self-reliance shaped me into someone who loves blending adventure with creativity. It’s a mindset I carry into every project and every journey.

Kaity: I’m from a small, rural town in upstate New York where life moved at a slower pace, but hard work and a connection to nature were always present. From the age of 13 to 21, I worked on an alpaca farm, which became one of the most defining experiences of my life. Caring for the animals and tackling the daily responsibilities of farm life taught me the value of perseverance, the joy of being outdoors, and the satisfaction that comes from a hard day’s work.

While my family wasn’t particularly active, I found my own way to the outdoors as a teenager. I started hiking and camping, discovering the peace and sense of adventure that came with exploring nature. Those experiences not only deepened my love for the outdoors but also gave me a sense of independence and a drive to seek new challenges.

Together, these pieces of my upbringing shaped who I am today: someone who cherishes nature, isn’t afraid to roll up her sleeves, and finds fulfillment in both hard work and outdoor adventure.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Through our Instagram, we aim to inspire others to connect with nature and explore their own corner of the world. What makes us stand out is our unique perspective and unwavering commitment to doing things ourselves. We thrive on the challenge of transforming our vehicle to meet our needs, whether it’s installing a new suspension system or designing and building a custom interior from scratch. For us, the best solutions come from rolling up your sleeves and doing it yourself. Tackling the steep learning curve of new skills is never easy, but few things are as rewarding as using something you built with your own hands. We believe the process is just as fulfilling as the result, and there is nothing quite like turning a “how-to” YouTube video into reality.

Our journey has taught us to embrace Plan B when Plan A doesn’t go as expected. This resilience shapes not only our DIY projects but also our adventures. We seek out the breathtaking wilderness our country has to offer, welcoming the unplanned detours that often lead to the most unforgettable moments. By sharing our experiences, we hope to give back, if only in a small way, to the community that inspires us every day.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If we had a week to explore our area, we would pack in as many adventures as possible. We would kick things off with a session of bouldering at our local gym, then unwind with a cold beer and delicious food at a nearby brewery. From there, we would head straight to the mountains for a few nights of camping. Colorado’s remote dispersed camping areas offer endless possibilities, and we have built up enough gear over the years to fully outfit friends visiting from out of town. Sleeping bags, air mattresses, tents, you name it, we have it covered!

One of the best things about camping in the West is how accessible and affordable it is. Whether it is a scenic campsite you can reach with a Prius or a rugged 4×4 trail leading to hidden gems, there is something for everyone. After a few nights under the stars, we would treat ourselves to a soak in a hot spring, enjoying the serenity and stunning mountain views.

On the way back, we would break up the drive with a visit to a national park or an unforgettable trip up Pikes Peak. In our view, the true beauty of Colorado lies beyond the Front Range, far from the crowds. This is the kind of experience we hope to share with our guests, an adventure that captures the spirit of the Rockies and leaves them wanting more!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We would like to shout out our parents who not only taught us the satisfaction that comes from trying new things, but also to appreciate and respect the world around us.

Website: https://www.rockytrailroamers.com/

Instagram: @RockyTrailRoamers

Image Credits
Credit: James Hitchen