After being on the road for over two years, there are some things that I use all the time and no one told me I would need them! Some are true essentials while others are just real convenient and highly recommended. Living in a van or camper requires a unique set of things and I want to share all of them with you so you’re fully prepared.
My Podcast Episode on How to Start Van Life & Steps to Take...
VAN BUILD
I cannot imagine living in a van without solar panels. You do not want to constantly need hook ups. This quickly adds up to a much higher cost than just getting solar panels anyways. They allow you to get off-grid, save on ever paying for campsites & provide so much more freedom for where you can go and how long you can stay. I recommend these Renogy ones and I have 4x 100 watt panels. But 200 watts is pretty standard.
Having sunshades and window covers will drastically help in various types of weather. You can keep heat AND cold out which is going to be a necessity at some point. This sunshade is the one I have and put up on my windshield but make sure you get one that will fit your van! Along with the sunshade, these Vanmade Gear window covers for my back windows are one of my favorite things I have in the van.
If you aren’t putting a shower in your build, definitely keep a portable shower somewhere in storage. I didn’t think I would use mine a lot and it’s quickly become a regular part of my day now. I’ve been camping so much lately and there are no showers around so this is the only way to clean up until I go into town! It’s so much better than you may think if you’ve never used one. Gets the job done pretty well. I recommend the 5 gallon over the 2.5 gallon though.
I was against these little things for so long because of the propane. I still don’t love having one but when it’s freezing where you are, you gotta do something. Compared to the other option of an expensive Espar heater, this Mr. Buddy will keep you warm for far less the cost. I don’t recommend keeping it on all night though. Turn it off before falling asleep and back on in the morning. Others may disagree but it makes me nervous!
This is one of those things you likely won’t use often but when you need it, you’ll NEED it. It can jump most vans so if your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere, you won’t need to call anyone to jump you. This will do the trick. Keep it charged up and put away in storage until you need it. If you need something to charge your phone & devices like that as well, this can do that. But I simply just keep it hidden away until I need it.
One of my favorite things in the van! I love how easy this Butane stove is to put away when I’m done using it and it makes cooking a breeze. I prefer having as little propane as possible in the van so having butane was a good alternative for me. The canisters are sold at most Walmarts & Big 5 Sporting Goods so they are super easy to find.
SAFETY
You need bear spray. Point blank period. Whether it’s a human attacker or a wild animal, this stuff is much stronger than pepper spray and a must-have for safety. It shoots 30 ft away so it’s better than just having a knife or something that can only be used when the threat is within a foot or two of you. The one warning I give with this stuff is that you should not ever use it or plan to use it inside the van or camper. Even if it’s aimed at the other person, you end up in nearly as much pain as them. Only use outdoors like when hiking or walking pets.
While having the bear spray is a great idea, having a pocket knife like this one is still important. I carry this when I walk the dogs primarily in case they were to get attacked by another dog. The bear spray would work but would put my dogs in a great deal of pain as well. So if possible to use the knife (in the hind of the other dog), I’d prefer it. You can also use it for a thousand things besides safety. They’re just useful all around.
Looks like a flashlight because it is one! I love having this because I use it as a flashlight when I need one and it doubles as a stun gun for protection. The design is simple and there’s no such thing as too much safety precaution. So I have this among the previously mentioned weapons as well.
OUTDOOR/CAMPING
When I’m camping which is most of the time, I prefer having this headlamp at night over the flashlight/stun gun. This allows both hands to be free for other things. This is such an underrated essential! I use it for building campfires, walking the dogs, letting them out in the middle of the night, etc. 10/10 Recommend.
Beaches, campsites, hanging with friends? I have one of these outdoor blankets mostly for the dogs to hangout outside. There have been days where it’s so hot that the sand or ground is too hot for the dogs to lay on. So instead of them having to seek shade under the van, they can just lay on a cool mat. It’s also nice to work on outside if I don’t want to carry my camping chair to the beach. Love this!
While it’s not essential to have a fancy camping chair, it is necessary to have one. I had cheap chairs for years until recently getting this one. It changed the game! This chair has pockets for your phone, a cup holder, a head rest, etc. It has everything I never knew I needed in a chair. But regardless, get some sort of chair. You will want somewhere to sit outside when you’re camping and you’ll need one anytime you’re camping with friends or at a gathering. Everyone pulls up their chair around the fire!
I had a paddle board in the van for so long but I never used it because it wasn’t convenient with the dogs and it’s more of a workout than a chill, hang on the water situation. If you prefer paddle boarding, go for it. But if you want to hangout on the water and just relax, this raft is the way to go for sure. It’s plenty big for my dogs and I so two people would be comfortable.
These can obviously be purchased pretty much anywhere but they were worth mentioning as an essential. I’ve started too many campfires by burning the tips of my fingers. Just have a stash of these long lighters somewhere and you’ll be fine.
ACCESSORIES
The infamous ipad/iphone stand that makes an appearance in my stories every day. I get asked about this stand more than anything else in my van! If you watch tv on your phone or iPad then this is perfect. It helps so much not having to find places to sit your device constantly. This can be changed to any angle or height that you want. Definitely the best purchase of mine in 2020.
Storage cubes for the win! It’s easy to turn your upper cabinet storage into a disaster. Shoving your clothes into them and closing them as fast as possible. These things are a life saver and they’re pretty cheap. I bought two sets and haven’t regretted it a day since. It’s also nice to have a more organized way of things like shirts in one, shorts in another, etc.
I didn’t have a blender for the longest time because I don’t know that my electrical setup could handle it. But now, that’s not an issue! This portable blender lets me make blended coffee drinks which are my favorite. It’s not insanely strong but it gets the job done nicely. An ice tray comes with it that has little cubes which are the perfect size for this rechargeable blender.
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very Nice web site , great ideas
very Nice web site , great ideas
One thing you should add: an Otentik Sunshade! It’s a little thing that opens up into a big, portable shade!
Great list! I am definitely getting that flashlight/stun gun!
Truly admire your lifestyle and hoping to copy it someday soon! This is is TREMENDOUSLY helpful!
Thx Sydney. I think I am ready to head out on my first Scary overnight!
Super helpful and covered some items I’d been debating: safety items and camp chair! Also, the raft sounds amazing! To the wishlist!
Great info! I love the raft! I also just took the cooktop out of my little camper I’m remodeling. That little butane burner will be perfect! Glad your pups are all back to healthy. Take care.