the unexpected type
what an adventure
Sami’s love for camping and travel propelled her to build a brand that unites outdoor enthusiasts all over the map.
the road to offroading
What started as a failed weekend camping trip for Sami and her husband, Nathan, ignited a long lost passion for the outdoors.
“We were not prepared at all the first time we camped,” Sami recalls the spontaneous camping trip she planned on Big Sur for her husband’s birthday back in 2017 with a smile.
“The first night we went out to dinner instead of cooking on the campground and by the time we finished, it was pitch black outside and we couldn’t get back to camp. We had to get a hotel,” she laughed. “On night 2, it was 40 degrees and we froze our asses off.” Despite their bumpy ride and all that went wrong, Sami and Nathan look back on their first camping trip with fondness.
“let’s do it again”
Sami and Nathan were hooked. With each camping trip, they would gain a little experience, add camping equipment to their kit, and unlock more knowledge.
Now camping is a monthly occurrence for Sami and Nathan- and it’s the driver behind their new lifestyle and apparel brand, The Unexpected Type.
inside the trusty rooftop tent
Accompanies Sami and Nathan on all camping trips
Resides atop of their FJ cruiser
4 years young
3 minute set up
Braves snowstorms, rainstorms, windstorms
Provides many a good night’s sleep under the stars
pen to paper
Whether halfway around the world or returning to one of her favorite campsites, Sami can often be found illustrating during her travels. It’s a form of expression for her-a way to document the beauty and nature around her outside of a traditional camera roll. Looking back on her drawings, Sami thought to herself, ‘this might look cool on a patch’. At the time she was working a few odd jobs in design, event and wedding planning, but was still practicing art regularly as a hobby. She came from a creative background- from working in wardrobe on the hit talent show The Voice to her experience in PR in the fashion and luxury space.
Sami had 100 patches made with no real intention of how they would sell. To her surprise, they sold out in a matter of days.
A short time later as Sami and Nathan became more integrated in camp culture, they noticed that patches were a commonality. People donned them on their tents, clothing or backpacks, and traded with other campers. The Unexpected Type evolved from there- merging a love for camping and the outdoors with Sami’s artistry and ‘unexpected’ hobby turned lifestyle brand.
Since its inception in 2018 the Unexpected Type has expanded into apparel, launched a website, rebranded its visual identity and grew a loyal following of nearly 10k across Instagram, Facebook and email.
get gritty
Unexpected Type apparel was made to get dirty.
Designed by Sami in Redondo Beach and manufactured nearby in San Diego, CA, this apparel is more than just for show.
Its eye-catching color palette aligns with the boldness of nature. Its jagged artwork the ruggedness of camping outdoors. “Put our apparel to use!” Sami emphasizes.
The new rebrand focuses on “axle” derived from the trusty axe Sami and Nathan bring on every camping trip. The axe was gifted to Sami and handmade by her father and grandfather to accompany them on their travels. Axle is often showcased on apparel and other Unexpected Type merch.
sami and nathan’s travel guides
bridge the gap
“If you’ve never camped before, it can be very daunting to start,” Sami says. “We are trying to break down that barrier and encourage people to get outside and experience adventure.” Some of their most popular patches even include recommendations and suggested itineraries for novice visitors.
[Pictured- Observation Point, Zion National Park]
get in on the unexpected
As far as Sami’s list of can’t miss trips, it’s difficult for her to narrow down. Living in California, Sami and Nathan have access to some of the world’s most beautiful sights, and frequently camp with friends and family.
Everyone can do something different, whether it’s hiking, trail runs and water sports or reading a book, drawing and watching a sunset. “The best times are when you don’t have service,” Sami says. “You can just be. There’s something healing about it- you don’t have to do anything to have fun.”
sami’s all-time faves
Vietnam- her husband is Vietnamese and the food, culture and scenery are next to none
Hike to Observation Point in Zion National Park- for the summit view straight off a cliff into the mountains
The Misty Trail in Yosemite, halfway to Half Dome
Banff National Park in CA- “you feel so small there,” Sami explains. The waters are emerald green and the people are amazing
Whenever she goes camping or traveling, she explores the surrounding area and frequents local coffee shops and small businesses to experience the people and the community.
As far as what’s next for Unexpected Type, Sami and Nathan continue to release new patches after each camping trip, inspired by their most recent travels. Sami is looking forward to starting a renovation project on their trailer. “We want to make it into a really cool space,” Sami explains. “I always joke that I’m a serial hobbyist,” as she tries her luck at home improvement. Hopefully it is just as successful as her last spur-of-the-moment idea!
Follow along with Sami and Nathan at @theunexpectedtype on instagram and don’t miss out on any of the adventure.