Packing List Essentials

Chapter 9: Van Life Packing List Essentials

Packing just the essentials for van life is really your only option. Van dwelling allows for very little space, making it a huge challenge to successfully pack everything you think you need. Here is a good rule of thumb: Don’t bring anything that you’re not going to use on a weekly basis unless it’s an “in case of emergency” item. If you’re going on your second road trip, leave everything behind you didn’t use at least several times on the first!

Our Favorite Van Life Essentials

Scroll to the bottom for the complete list of van life essentials and PDF packing list.

 


Van Safety Essentials


portable Carbon Monoxide Detector

Portable Carbon Monoxide Detector (on Amazon)

A carbon monoxide detector is a necessity and potentially life-saving item to have in your camper van. It’s portable, battery-powered, and uses an electrochemical sensor to detect CO gas.

Car Roadside Emergency Kit

Roadside Emergency Kit (on Amazon)

Breakdowns are inevitable when traveling long distances for a long period of time. If you’re in the middle of nowhere without any assistance, having the right resources on hand is essential. This emergency roadside kit has all the necessary tools in one small carrying bag.

tire air compressor

Tire Air Compressor (on Amazon)

When traveling hundreds or even thousands of miles, your tires are going to lose some pressure, especially if you’re traveling over rough terrain. An air compressor is essential when you could be hundreds of miles away from a gas station. Having enough air in your tires will improve your precious MPGs as well!

 

 

portable car battery jump starter

NOCO GB40 1000amp Car Jump Starter Pack (on Amazon)

Picture this: You’ve found the perfect camp spot, miles and miles from anywhere, you awake in the morning only to realize you left your van’s lights on all night and the battery’s dead. Oops. That’s why having a jump starter pack on board can be a lifesaver, but if you think you don’t have space for a bulky piece of equipment then think again. The GB40 from NOCO fits into a car glovebox and can jump-start an engine 20 times on a single charge. You might never need it, but it’s good to know it’s there.

tool set

CARTMAN 148 Piece Tool Set (on Amazon)

There are always things to fix in a van whether it’s a loose screw or a busted hose and having even a basic toolkit in hand can save you on big trips to the garage later on. This 148 piece toolkit from CARTMAN has all the spanners, hex keys and screwdrivers you would need to work on your engine or just do a few bits of DIY around your tiny home.

tire inflater

Fix-A-Flat Tire Inflator (on Amazon)

An essential item for any car or van, an instant tire repair in a can, can get you out of a sticky situation easily. If you get a flat simply connect it to your tire’s inflation valve and press the button. It will release a substance to repair the puncture and air to reinflate the tire, although you may need two cans for larger wheels. Keep a couple of these in your trunk at all times- you’ll be glad you did.

Garmin inReach Mini 2

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communication Device (on Amazon)

If you plan on doing any backpacking or long hikes in areas with poor cell reception, a Garmen satellite communication device is a must-have. It allows you to send SOS messages which will alert Garmin’s coordination center. It has TracBack routing to help you find your way back, it allows you to send text messages, and you can share your location with friends and family members. You can also pair it with other Garmin devices, and access the Garmin app for topographical mapping, courses, and activities.

Apple AirTag

Apple AirTag (on Amazon)

In the unlikely event that your van gets stolen, or the more likely event that you forgot where you parked one day, an AirTag is a cheap way to track down your van.

portable Fire Extinguisher

Compact Fire Extinguisher (on Amazon)

Having a fire extinguisher is essential for every camper van. This extinguisher is safe for electrical fires, cooking oil, batteries, and vehicle fuel.

heavy duty car jack for van or suv

Heavy Duty Car Jack (on Amazon)

If your van doesn’t already have a jack, you will definitely need one. You will want to confirm the weight of your van before purchasing a jack. This jack can lift up to 6,600 lbs which will work for most cargo vans.

Small First Aid Kit

Outdoor/adventure Medical Kit (on Amazon)

When you’re planning on spending time off the grid, it’s essential to have an emergency medical kit at your fingertips. This kit has all the basic essential items for almost any situation.

Van Kitchen Essentials


Coleman Propane Stove

Coleman Portable Gas Stove (on Amazon)

A Coleman Stove is perfect for van life as it’s very affordable, works very well, and is lightweight. After using it many times I can confirm it’s very easy to use and has a collapsible lid and side protectors to avoid grease from splattering in your van, and if you’re using it outside it helps protect from the wind blowing out the flame. It also has two independently adjustable burners and a grate that can be removed for cleaning. This is my favorite option for cooking, but if you would like to check out more stoves, you can visit our Camper Van Cooking article.

Dometic portable fridge

Dometic CFX3 fridge/freezer (on Amazon)

You can only live off of dry foods for so long. Therefore, a portable fridge or cooler is a necessity for your van kitchen. The Dometic CFX Fridge/Freezers are arguably the best on the market. They’re reasonably affordable, incredibly energy efficient, and durable. You can learn more about portable fridges in our article on the best camper van fridges.

yeti rambler 46oz

Yeti Rambler 46 oz Bottle (on Amazon)

This has been my go-to water bottle for years and it hasn’t let me down. It’s stainless steel and vacuum-insulated to keep water cold or keep coffee hot for hours.

portable water container

REDCAMP 4 Gallon Water Container With Spigot (on Amazon)

Having a means to carry water whether it’s for drinking, washing or just a reserve is essential to life in a van. Taking along even a 4 gallon container can be a big help if you suddenly find your tanks running low, and the spigot on the bottom makes dispensing super easy.

areopress coffee maker

Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press Kit (on Amazon)

The Aeropress makes coffee prep so easy. You can choose between 8oz of regular coffee or 1-3 espresso shots and brews in just a minute.

Orgain Organic Plant Based Meal Replacement

Organic Meal Replacement (on Amazon)

Odds are you will be off the grid at some point during your travels. This may make it difficult to find and keep vegetables and other healthy foods fresh at all times. An organic meal replacement such as this one from Orgain is an easy way to get all of your essential nutrients in times of need.

Van Technology Essentials


renogy solar panel kit

Renogy 200 Watt Solar Panel Kit (on Amazon)

Solar panels are the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide power for your electronics. I’m a big fan of Renogy solar panels. The kit makes it easy to install and they have multiple controller options depending on your needs.

Anker Portable Power Station 1

Anker Portable Power Station (on Amazon)

A portable power station is a must-have item to keep your gadgets charged. This power station for Anker has 2 AC outlets, 2 USB outlets, and a car socket to power many devices at once.

portable fan clip on

Portable Clip-on Fan w/ USB Charger (on Amazon)

Unless you have a roof vent fan, your van is going to get hot in the summer months. A fan is a necessity for van life and makes it easier to sleep at night and keeps air circulating in your van.

JBL Portable Waterproof Speaker (on Amazon)

A portable waterproof speaker is essential for life on the road. When you find yourself staying at a campground, some jams are required around the campfire.

portable charger

Anker PowerCore 10,000 mAh Portable Charger (on Amazon)

Keeping your devices charged up on the go is important, and having a portable power bank is a simple way to do this both in and outside the van. This portable charger from Anger is compact, durable, and comes with one USB port although they are available with up to three for charging multiple devices at once.

 

camping lantern

Lighting Ever Rechargeable Camping Lantern (on Amazon)

Everybody should have one decent flashlight in their van or car and this camping lantern from Lighting Ever is perfect for just about anything. It has an incredibly bright flashlight, a white lantern and a flashing red emergency light, it’s waterproof, but best of all it’s USB-rechargeable so no batteries are required, and it even doubles as a portable power bank.

Hygiene Essentials


portable camping toilet

Portable Collapsable Toilet (on Amazon)

Somewhere to do your business is essential when on the road. You’ll ideally want something collapsible to save space in your van. This toilet is easy to clean, easy to fold, is sturdy, and comes with bags and a carrying case.

Bissell Handheld Vaccum

Bissell Handheld Vaccum (on Amazon)

Your van is going to get dirty in every crack and crevice. A broom doesn’t get the job done. A small handheld vacuum does the trick and doesn’t take up much space.

Hozelock Portable Pump Shower

Hozelock Pump Shower (on Amazon)

A portable shower such as a Hozelock is a van life essential. This shower is super affordable and requires just a few hand pumps to keep the water running for about 3 minutes. We talk more about the Hozelock and other portable shower options in our Showers and Toilets Chapter.

Biodegradable soap

Biodegradable Soap (on Amazon)

If you’re traveling in a camper van at some point or another you’re probably going to end up washing outdoors, whether it’s a camp shower or a dip in a lake, so make sure you invest in some eco-friendly biodegradable soap that won’t harm the environment- bonus points, you can wash dishes and clothes with it too!

Epic Wipes baby wipes

 

Biodegradable Wet Wipes (on Amazon)

Wet wipes are an essential item to have at all times. When there isn’t access to a public shower and the temperatures are low and unsuitable for a regular outdoor shower, you will be glad you have a backup solution. These wipes are toxin-free, biodegradable, and made from anti-bacterial essential oils. They’re also very large so you can easily clean your entire body.

Scrubba Portable Wash Bag

Scrubba Portable Laundry Wash Bag (on Amazon)

Going to the laundry mat is often impractical or completely unavailable depending on where you’re at. I’m a big fan of Scrubba’s because they can wash a couple of outfits at a time and they pack up really small. Read our full review of the best van life laundry options.

Miscellaneous Van Life Essentials


fan-tastic vent fan for camper van

Fan-Tastic Vent Fan (on Amazon)

A vent fan is a definite camper van essential. They will keep your van cool, especially at night when it’s not always safe to keep a window cracked. A great feature of a Fan-Tastic Fan is the rain sensor that shuts the vent when it gets wet. They’re affordable, stealthy, and not a pain to install.

Indoor-Safe Portable Radiant Heater

Mr. Heater Buddy Indoor-Safe Heater  (on Amazon)

Having a Mr. Heater Buddy is a lifesaver when camping in cold climates. It’s indoor-safe and will keep your camper van at a bearable temperature. It runs on propane and has an auto shut off feature if it gets tipped over or oxygen levels get too low. Keep in mind that it uses propane (attaches to mini propane canisters) so there is a risk of carbon monoxide. Mr. Heater recommends having a carbon monoxide alarm to be safe. You can check out more camper van heating options in our Best Camper Van Heaters article.

wool blanket

Wool Blanket (on Amazon)

Wool blankets are a must if you’re traveling anywhere on the chillier side. They’re great at retaining heat and they don’t need to be cleaned as often because of their self-cleaning properties.

 

 

wool socks

Wool Socks (on Amazon)

I love wool socks for cold winter travel. They keep my feet extra toasty and I can wear them for a few days if need be without them getting stinky.

 

 

packing cubes

Packing Cubes (on Amazon)

Packing cubes are an absolute essential for your camper van. Storage space is like gold in a van, so anything you can do to maximize a few extra square inches and keep things organized will keep your stress levels at bay.

 

 

merrell moab hiking shoe

Hiking Shoes (on Amazon Mens and Womens)

A nice pair of hiking shoes will soon become your go-to when living in a van, especially if you’re traveling in the winter to cold-weather destinations. These shoes from Merrell are the most comfortable hiking shoes I’ve worn, and they won’t fall apart on you. I used to work for Merrell so I’m a little biased, but there’s a reason why they’re the number one selling hiking shoe.

 

 

string lights

Solar String Lights (on Amazon)

String lights set the mood and allow you to spend a little more time outside the van at night. These string lights provide 18 feet of cord, 20 hours of light per charge, and are solar powered or you can charge them with a USB.

 

 

luci lantern

Luci Solar Lanterns (on Amazon)

Even if you have lights permanently installed in your van, these lights are still a great option because they make for a perfect bedside lamp! They’re solar-powered, so you can set them on your van’s dashboard during the day to charge. They’re inflatable so they can collapse small, and they also change colors so you can set the mood to your liking or put them on a color cycle (they have a regular white light color setting as well).

foldable camping chair

Camping Chair (on Amazon)

You’re going to get bored of just sitting in your van pretty quickly. A compact camping chair takes up little room in your van and lets you relax and enjoy the outdoors.

 

 

REDCAMP Folding Camping Table

REDCAMP Folding Table  (on Amazon)

If you didn’t build a table during your van conversion, you’re going to need something lightweight and portable for eating, outdoor cooking, etc. This table is great because it’s affordable, durable, can fold up very small, and has adjustable height. It also comes with 2 little folding chairs.

Complete Van Life Essentials Packing List


We created a packing list PDF so you can check off items as you’re going through the packing process.

Kitchen Essentials (for 2 people)

  • 2 plates
  • 2 bowls
  • 2 cups
  • 2 travel mugs
  • 2 sporks
  • 2 knives
  • 1 large knife
  • 1 large cooking spoon
  • 1 scissors
  • 1 sauce pan
  • 2 cutting boards
  • 1 pasta strainer
  • 2 metal mixing bowls
  • Bottle opener
  • Tongs
  • Spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • Aluminum foil
  • Tupperware
  • Biodegradable dish soap
  • Dish strainer
  • Sponges – when a sponge starts to get a little funky, instead of throwing it away, put it in the microwave for 1 minute to kill the bacteria on it.
  • Box of baking soda
  • Salt and pepper shakers – and other seasonings and spices
  • Portable freezer/refrigerator
  • Propane or electric stove

Tip: bringing few dishes/cooking supplies will force you to wash things immediately, so you don’t accumulate dirty dishes.

Check out some of our favorite kitchen accessories in our Kitchen Chapter.

Accessories

  • Portable heater
  • Portable AC unit
  • Small fan
  • Small tool kit
  • Axe – for chopping wood, or fighting burglars, bears, etc.
  • Small shovel
  • Swiss army knife
  • Bear spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Mosquito spray
  • First aid kit
  • Road Flare
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm
  • Bug screen for side door or back door
  • Blackout window covers or curtains
  • A strong rope – You don’t need a rope until you need a rope!
  • Fire starters
  • Windshield ice scraper and brush
  • Bungee cords
  • Jumper cables
  • Small fire extinguisher
  • Small trash can
  • Garbage bags
  • Hand towels
  • Large bath towels
  • Pillow, sheets, blankets, sleeping bags
  • Vacuum-insulated water bottle
  • Large water tank
  • Small broom
  • Folding chairs
  • Earplugs – if you have loud neighbors, or if passengers want to sleep while others are driving
  • Backpack
  • Your typical toiletries – no need to go into detail on this. You know what you need.
  • Wipes – for your body, hands, countertops, etc.
  • Plastic storage bins
  • Lighter/matches
  • Tissues
  • Toilet paper
  • Umbrella/poncho
  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Social security card
  • Paper cash and quarters
  • Your van’s driving manual and car title
  • Spare tire
  • Car jack
  • 12V tire pump

Clothing / Wardrobe (for 1 person)

  • 7 T-shirts
  • 1 long sleeve thermal shirt
  • 2 sweaters/hoodies
  • Semi-formal clothing – Bring an outfit nice enough for attending a wedding but casual enough for other occasions like a date night.
  • Jacket with multiple shells – It’s great to have layers that can be added or removed so it can be worn as a raincoat or winter coat.
  • 1 pair of jeans
  • 1 pair of athletic/sweatpants
  • 7 pairs of socks
  • 7 pairs of underwear
  • 2 pairs of shorts
  • 1 bathing suit
  • Hiking shoes
  • Flip flops/sandals
  • Comfy driving shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Baseball hat and a hat that will cover your neck

Clothing Tips

  • Only bring 1 to 2 weeks worth of clothing
  • During summer months, only bring one or two sweatshirts and pairs of pants. When it gets to the colder months, you can swap out your summer clothes for winter clothes and vice versa. You can keep your extra clothing in a self-storage facility, or a friend’s place if they’re kind enough to allow it.
  • Only bring items that will match with all outfits
  • Don’t bring clothing that will only serve one purpose
  • You will be wearing the same outfits over and over, so make sure they are durable and comfortable
  • Consider wearing clothing made out of merino wool. Merino wool doesn’t absorb odor like other fabrics, allowing you to wear the clothing for a much longer duration.

Laundry Things

  • Laundry detergent
  • Clothesline
  • Clothes pins

Decorations

  • Posters
  • Art
  • Stickers
  • Plants
  • Map
  • Pictures
  • Lights – Christmas style lights or lamps
  • Curtains or tinted windows
  • Rug

Electronics & Electrical Equipment

  • Solar Panel(s)
  • Inverter
  • Laptop with charger
  • External Hard Drive for backing up photos and such
  • Phones with chargers – If you’re traveling with other people, we recommend going with different service providers because your provider will have service in certain places where others don’t, and vice versa. This will come in handy when you need to contact someone or access the internet.
  • USB car charger
  • Cameras and gear
  • Batteries
  • Thumb drive
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • GPS
  • Extension cord
  • Headphones

Entertainment

  • Podcasts and music – download on WiFi before you hit the road so you’re not using all your cell data
  • Books – audiobooks
  • Travel journal/notebooks
  • Pens, pencils
  • Playing cards

Visit our Storage chapter to see how you can maximize the space in your van.

Most of the items on our packing list are essential, although it will certainly vary depending on your needs. If you take a look at most of our other chapters, you may find additional necessities to bring in your van.

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