It’s never too late to discover a new passion. For Pierre Gagne, that moment came three years ago when he fell in love with backcountry skiing. At the time, he was camping in a travel trailer but soon realized he needed a four-season camper to stay comfortable during his winter adventures.
While exploring his options, Pierre considered a van but ultimately decided a truck camper was better suited to his needs. Its off-road capabilities and ease of navigating the backcountry made it the ideal choice. After thorough research, he found his perfect match in a 2023 Cirrus 620, which he purchased two years ago.
“I wanted something that would allow me to fully enjoy this new sport, this new passion,” Pierre said. “The Alde heating system really caught my attention.”
Pierre was also drawn to the sophisticated design and exceptional build quality of the nuCamp Cirrus line, which further solidified his decision.
Living the Boondocking Life
As an avid boondocker, Pierre rarely stays at traditional campgrounds. Instead, he seeks solitude in nature, camping in remote areas where he can fully immerse himself in the wilderness. A dedicated weekend adventurer, Pierre heads out into the wild nearly every other weekend.
When Pierre purchased his Cirrus 620, he wasted no time putting it to the test. After picking it up on a Thursday, he hit the mountains the very next day, eager to see how his truck-and-camper combo — affectionately nicknamed Black Snail — performed.
His off-grid lifestyle has been significantly enhanced by the Lithium Upgrade in his Cirrus 620, which expanded his battery capacity and allowed him to stay off-grid longer. Pierre frequently explores the Adirondacks in the spring and fall, spending his time hiking and mountain biking. In the winter, you can find him at a ski resort or nearby, ready to hit the slopes.
Though Pierre purchased the camper from a different dealer, he praised the “crazy amazing service” he has received from Groupe Alliance. “When you have an expensive toy, it’s important to know you can trust the people working on it and count on exceptional service,” he explained.
One of the key advantages of the 620, Pierre said, is its quick and easy setup. The ability to load the camper into his truck bed with minimal preparation is a game-changer. He also values the 4×4 capabilities, which allow him to reach places most van campers can’t, as well as the flexibility to leave the camper behind when needed.
“I really enjoy the freedom,” Pierre added. “I like to go where other people don’t go.”
A Picture-Perfect Adventure
Pierre was one of two Cirrus Truck Camper owners honored as winners in the annual Truck Camper Magazine calendar photo competition. His breathtaking photo of the Cirrus 620 parked lakeside at Abraham Lake in the Canadian Rockies earned the spotlight as the featured image for June.
The photo was captured during a cross-country adventure Pierre took with friends, traveling from Quebec to the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. While his friends, both van campers, couldn’t navigate as close to the water, Pierre’s truck camper allowed him to enjoy unparalleled access to these stunning landscapes.
“It’s these magical moments that confirm my choice of buying a truck camper instead of the more popular van life trend,” Pierre shared in his written submission to Truck Camper Magazine.
Pierre’s daughter joined him on this memorable trip, where they explored iconic destinations, including Saint Mary in Glacier National Park, Going-to-the-Sun Road, and Banff National Park. He described the memories made while camping with his daughter as truly priceless. His daughter continued her vacation with her mother in Abraham lake while Pierre’s dad joined him on the trip back, traversing more than 6,000 miles roundtrip.
Pierre’s love for camping began in childhood, inspired by RV trips with his parents to the Canadian Rockies. Now, he carries on this cherished tradition with his daughter whenever possible. Their shared travels have only deepened his passion for exploring the world.
“When I was young, I traveled a lot with my family overseas,” Pierre said. “Now, at this point in my life, I like to think that life is one road trip after the other.”
Curious about the Cirrus 620 or eager to see it up close? Click here to locate your nearest nuCamp dealer and start your adventure today!
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