This weekend, the Vanlifefest 2022 festival—known to organizers as autosabantuy—returns to Tatarstan with a renewed sense of momentum. Though the event has always carried a nomadic spirit and a changing backdrop, Innopolis again serves as the stage for a gathering that keeps growing year after year. Last year’s edition drew a strong crowd, and this year the scale matches or even exceeds previous heights, with around 400 campers from across Russia converging for the weekend.
What makes the festival special is its turning point toward home technology and do-it-yourself motorhome culture. Once the preserve of European hobbyists, today many participants use autosabantuy as a showcase for self-built travel solutions. The organizers describe autosabantuy as a live workshop where attendees swap practical tips on turning a regular vehicle into a camper, installing compact waste management systems in vans, and creating bunk beds or sleeping nooks that maximize interior space. It’s a place where people learn by doing and by watching others turn a familiar chassis into a cozy, mobile home. (Citation: festival organizers)
The festival serves as a meeting ground for campsite creators, RV supply manufacturers, and seasoned travelers who share a common passion for road adventures. Among the participants are bloggers from the Ural region who document their journey on a widely followed YouTube channel named “Little House — Big Life.” They recount the build of a camper based on a three-wheeled Chinese tricycle that clocked an impressive distance, and they are now working on a new project built around the Ural Hercules tricycle. The stories showcase how compact ingenuity and practical thinking can translate into reliable, long-haul travel solutions. (Citation: travel bloggers)
As prices shift in the market, the economics of mobile living also evolves. Domestic options now present a more affordable path for many enthusiasts, with certain models and trailers priced under a level that makes long trips feasible for a broader audience. A popular choice is the drop trailer, which integrates a compact kitchen and sleeping space, enabling autonomous travel without a full-blown motorhome. These units are manufactured in regions such as Tatarstan, including Yelabuga and Bavly, reflecting a growing domestic industry aligned with the rising interest in local tourism. The chairman of the festival’s organizing committee notes that this trend is likely to gain additional momentum as more travelers seek self-sufficient ways to explore. (Citation: organizers)
In tandem with the festival program, organizers released a modern guide to traveling through Tatarstan. The guide outlines a six- to seven-day loop around the republic, pointing travelers toward campsites where they can refuel, recharge batteries, drain waste water, and stock up on clean water while also visiting nearby attractions. The guide is crafted to assist both newcomers and seasoned campers in planning efficient routes that maximize time on the road and time spent enjoying scenic stops and cultural sites. (Citation: guide authors)
- A motorhome built on a UAZ chassis is among the most economical options currently available, with several candidates identified for those exploring budget-friendly mobility.
- A nearby resource network, sometimes shared through social platforms, offers insights into real-world builds and practical maintenance tips for ongoing road trips.