How did Yama Vans get started?
Founded in 2018 and proudly built in Calgary, Alberta, Yama Vans was born from a desire to defy convention and live life on our own terms. What began as a personal mission to create a better adventure vehicle for us, has evolved into a company building for people like us - those writing their stories on the roads beneath their wheels, the trails beneath their boots, the waves beneath their boards, and the powder beneath their skis.
Yama Vans are modern mobile basecamps—engineered for exploration and designed to feel like home. Every van is intentionally built to support an outdoor, active lifestyle, with gear-hauling and comfort at the core. Purpose-built for four-season, off-grid travel, our vans include features like solar power, onboard charging, and integrated water systems so you can explore further and stay longer.
Our aesthetic and design ethos is inspired by Japanese craftsmanship, prioritizing thoughtful simplicity, durability, and attention to detail. “Yama” comes from the Japanese word for mountain and honours our co-founder’s family name, Nishiyama, which means “West Mountain.”
Crafted with highly durable materials, premium finishings, and a belief that function should never come at the expense of form, Yama Vans are built to bring your wildest adventures to life.
From the beginning, it’s been invention over convention - crafting vans with premium finishings, rugged durability, and the belief that function should never come at the expense of form. Today, we build for a growing community of adventurers who value great design, serious capability, and more time off the beaten path.
"The interior access, low-profile design, and modular mounting options of the CloudCap align perfectly with the day-to-day practicality and weekend adventure focus of the Gear Bus™ model."
What's the inspiration behind the GearBus™?
The Gear Bus™ model is our most modular and versatile van yet - designed to support active, gear-heavy lifestyles with simplicity and ease. Built on a 144" Sprinter chassis, it features a fold up Murphy bed, flexible seating options for 4–10 passengers, and thoughtful storage solutions to haul everything from bikes and skis to duffels and dog crates.
The inspiration behind the Gear Bus™ model came from listening to our community - families, athletes, and weekend warriors who needed a more flexible van that could adapt to different seasons, sports, and phases of life. It’s our response to that need: a minimal yet highly capable basecamp that transitions seamlessly from ski hill to soccer practice to spontaneous camping trips.
Why did you include CloudCap Poptop in the Gear Bus?
CloudCap was a natural fit as an option for the Gear Bus™ model. It gives our clients the flexibility to add more sleeping space for their families. The interior access, low-profile design, and modular mounting options of the CloudCap align perfectly with the day-to-day practicality and weekend adventure focus of the Gear Bus™ model.
Why did you include CloudCap Poptop in the Gear Bus?
CloudCap was a natural fit as an option for the Gear Bus™ model. It gives our clients the flexibility to add more sleeping space for their families. The interior access, low-profile design, and modular mounting options of the CloudCap align perfectly with the day-to-day practicality and weekend adventure focus of the Gear Bus™ model.
How does CloudCap help your customers?
It gives them options. For families or anyone traveling with extra gear or guests, CloudCap provides a second sleeping area that’s off the main floor, so the rest of the van stays usable. It also offers extra airflow and views depending on how it's configured. It's a smart way to add space without complicating the build.
How was your experience working with the Super Pacific team?
Working with the Super Pacific team has been great - collaborative, thoughtful, and focused on user experience. We share a similar mindset when it comes to building for real-world use and not cutting corners. The team has been responsive and supportive throughout, and we’re excited to keep building together.
What else should the world know about Yama Vans?
We’re a Transport Canada–certified manufacturer and a Mercedes-Benz Expert Upfitter, which means our vans meet the highest standards for safety, reliability, and performance. Each Yama Van combines rock-solid engineering with personalized functionality and premium finishes.
