Last Updated on January 4, 2023
Van Life Essentials: Best Gadgets, Gear & Accessories List
Ol’ Champ, my beloved 2005 Chevy Astro camper van, has taken me through desolate deserts, breathtaking mountain ranges, chaotic city streets, and everywhere in between. I’ve spent months living under its humble steel roof with all I could ever need, and nothing more. I know a thing or two about what’s essential when it comes to full-time van life.
That’s why I’ve put together an extensive list of safety and security items, tech gadgets, kitchen essentials, and other must-haves that can assist you in living your very best van life. These are the items that I’d never dream of leaving behind.
I’ve also included a complete van life packing list, thoughts on my experience living full-time in a van, and some of the internet’s very best resources for van travelers worldwide.
Van life takes passion and preparation, so get ready for your adventure on four wheels with the proper gear and a wide-open mind.
koNot living the van life quite yet? Check out my road trip essentials + packing list post.
VAN LIFE ESSENTIALS:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Security & Safety Products
- Helpful Van Life Gadgets
- Van Life Kitchen Essentials
- Other Valuable Must-Haves
- Useful Storage Systems
- Not-So-Essential Essentials
- Van Life Packing List
- Living in a Van Full-Time
- Van Life Instagram & Youtube Accounts
- More Van Life Resources
- Final Thoughts
Alarm System & Autostart
Viper 5906V LCD Car Alarm
Not only does my Viper alarm system shriek like a banshee if Ol’ Champ is disturbed, it also allows me to start my van remotely. My handy Viper smartphone app will alert me if and when the alarm on my van is triggered.
Magnetic GPS Tracker
TKSTAR Waterproof
A stolen vehicle is a van lifer’s worst nightmare. By hiding a magnetized GPS device underneath your rig, you’ll be able to track its whereabouts all over the world — a small price to pay for security and peace of mind.
Compact Electronic Safe
Amazon Basics Security Safe Box
Small enough to tuck away into a corner of your van, this safe box will keep your valuables locked down while you’re out and about. Simply bolt it to the wall of your van, set an electronic passcode, and go live your life.
Car Emergency Kit
First Secure 90-Piece
Breakdowns are bound do happen for van lifers, so prepare accordingly with an emergency kit. This handy setup includes jumper cables, tow straps, tire repair materials, an air compressor, seatbelt cutter, and more.
Fire Extinguisher
First Alert for RVs
Though you’ll hopefully never use it, having a fire extinguisher in your van could be a life-saving (and van-saving) decision. On the off-chance that your van does catch fire, be ready with a compact, affordable, and reliable solution.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Kidde Battery Powered Alarm
Much like a fire extinguisher, this carbon monoxide detector could be a life-saving accessory for van life. Powered by two AA batteries, this device will beep constantly at 85 decibels if deadly carbon monoxide is present.
Hydraulic Car Jack
Pro-Lift – 4 Ton Capacity
Flat tires happen whether you’re ready or not, so you best be prepared with a car jack. This hydraulic kit will lift your camper van off the ground with ease and is rated to hold the weight of even the largest rigs. (Lug wrench and jack stands aren’t included.)
Solar Kit
Renogy 200W 12-Volt
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or you’re living in your van full time, a solar setup will boost your rig’s livability. Solar allows you to power your gadgets whether or not the van is running, a must-have for off-grid living.
Deep Cycle Battery
Renogy 12-Volt 200Ah
If you’re installing a solar setup in your van, you’ll need a high-quality deep cycle battery to store the energy the panels capture. Two 100-watt panels and one 200Ah battery is a great place to start for moderate energy usage.
Solar Powered Power Bank
FEELLE 24,000mAh, 2 USB
Not ready to commit to a pricy solar panel setup quite yet? Then keep all of your essential van life tech gadgets charged with this solar-powered behemoth of a power bank, which will charge an iPhone nine times over.
12-Volt Power Inverter
BESTEK 300W
If you don’t have an inverter in your camper van, it can be tricky to charge certain accessories (laptops, etc.) while living the van life. This 12V, 300W AC device will allow you to use and charge these gadgets when you need them most.
USB Touch Light
RTSU Stick Anywhere LED Night Light
This little USB-chargeable light comes in handy when I don’t want to run power off of my external battery. It charges fully in an hour-and-a-half and can go weeks before it needs another charge. It’s dimmable too, which helps set the mood.
Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
JBL Charge 4
The Charge 4 is one of my favorite gadgets and I’d have a hard time living van life without it. It’s waterproof, puts out great audio, has wonderful battery life, and even charges other USB-powered devices.
4 Port Car Charger
Amazon Basics 9.6A/48W
Do four USB charging ports seem like overkill? Not when you’re living in a van full-time. I frequently max out all four of this trusty charger’s ports and refresh all my beloved devices conveniently and in unison.
Cell Phone Car Mount
Neckteck Magnetic
I love this car mount because I don’t need to worry about twisting knobs or adjusting dials to grab my phone. A small metal circle on the back of my phone grips the powerful Neckteck magnet and secures my phone seamlessly.
12V Chargeable Jump Starter
Hulkman 2000A | 20,000mAh Battery
This incredible little accessory might just be the best van life tech gadget on the list. Not only can this power bank jump your dead car battery, but it also fast charges devices, works as a flashlight, and has a built-in compass.
Propane Camping Stove
Camp Chef Ranger II
This Camp Chef Ranger II camping stove has two powerful 17,000 BTU burners and is a wonderful stand-in for my kitchen stove back home. It’s easy to use, compact, and allows me to cook full gourmet meals whenever I’d like.
Compact Water Boiler
Jetboil Flash
For the times I’d like to make coffee, tea, or cook something simple, I fire up my Jetboil Flash and boil two cups of water in about 90 seconds. The flash also works great as a lightweight backpacking stove.
Portable Cooler Bag
YETI Hopper Flip 18
While many van lifers dream of purchasing a 12-volt refrigerator/freezer, the Yeti Hopper Flip cooler bag is a more portable and versatile option. It keeps contents cold for days, and is mobile enough for day trips.
Portable Espresso Maker
WACACO Nanospresso
When the fatigue of van life hits, I turn to my Nanospresso for an instant boost of caffeine. With it, all I need to create restaurant-quality espresso are espresso grounds, hot water, and my own two hands.
Insulated Thermos
Hydroflask 32 oz
The Hydroflask’s double-wall insulation keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for crazy-long amounts of time. It works wonders during long stretches of driving and extended trips into the outside world.
Wine Bag Tote
PortoVino Wine Purse
Your other van life essentials travel comfortably, so why shouldn’t your wine? Just remove the bag from inside a box of wine, insert it into its stylish wine coat, and have on-demand access to wine whenever you want.
Cast Iron Pot
Utopia Kitchen 12.5 Inch
My sturdy cast iron pot is quite the versatile tool. It cooks food evenly on my powerful camping stove and is rugged enough to prepare dinner over a campfire. It’s built for the constant abuses of van life.
Cutting Board
Utopia Kitchen XL
I’ve made the mistake of van living without a surface to prepare food, and cooking meals became damn near impossible. I won’t make that mistake again, however, as a large and sturdy cutting board is now a staple of my rig.
Tableware Set
Stansport 24-Piece Enamel
This tableware set may not be the prettiest, but that’s not the point. Made of enamel-coated steel, this compact, lightweight, and durable set can endure the harsh rigors of life on the go, day in and day out.
Folding Table & Chairs
REDCAMP 3/4/6 Foot
What good are all of your van life kitchen essentials if you can’t sit down and enjoy them? This compact aluminum table creates instant space inside or outside of your van and serves as a desk, dining table, or game space.
Ventilation System
Fan-Tastic Vent
My Fan-Tastic Fan does wonders for keeping fresh air circulating throughout my van and regulating the temperature inside. With its handy remote, you can change fan speeds, reverse direction, and turn the fan on and off.
USB-Rechargeable Clip-On Fan
Koonie 10,000mAh
If a Fan-Tastic Fan isn’t in the cards, or if you don’t have external power in your van, worry not. This handy fan has a built-in battery that charges via USB and lasts from anywhere between 6 and 24 hours, depending on the speed.
Do-it-All Tool Set
DEKOPRO 196-Piece
Trying van life without a reliable tool set would be silly. Whether a broken bed frame needs to be fixed or you’ve got to get under the hood for more serious repairs, a proper set of tools will give you the freedom to fix it all.
Portable Toilet
Luggable Loo
While a portable toilet isn’t the sexiest van life essential, it’s certainly one of the most practical. So, when nature calls, be prepared to answer with a portable, lightweight, and affordable camping toilet at the ready.
Propane Heater
Mr. Heater 4,000-9,000-BTU
Van life has taken me to some chilly destinations. Luckily, I have the propane-powered Mr. Heater at my disposal to instantly warm up my space. Life-Saving Tip: Always use proper ventilation and never sleep with your heater on.
Gravity-Fed Water Filter
Big Berkey 2.25 Gallon
The Big Berkey filter can purify even the gnarliest of water you throw at it. Whether it’s taking on water from a pond, gas station, or babbling brook, the Berkey’s gravity-fed carbon filters will safely remove harmful contaminants.
Camping Chairs
Moon Lence Ultralight
Whether I’m relaxing in the mountains or enjoying the sunset over a beach, standing around while doing so isn’t really an option. That’s why I carry a couple of these lightweight, comfortable, and convenient camping chairs.
Portable Laundry System
Scrubba Wash Bag
Gone are the days of visiting seedy, overpriced laundromats in the middle of nowhere. Just fill the Scrubba Wash Bag with water, drop in your clothes and some soap, scrub the bag with your hands, rinse, and hang to dry. It’s that easy.
Anti-Slip Sandals
Montbell Split-Toe Aqua Gripper
Life on the road is better with a trusty pair of sandals, and the Aqua Grippers are my pair of choice. Engineered with a versatile set of features, these sandals are fully adjustable, have ultra-gripping tread, and are minimalist enough to take anywhere.
Hand Vacuum
Black & Decker Dustbuster
When you’re spending your life in a van, dust, and dirt accumulate at an astronomical pace. That’s why a portable vacuum like the Black + Decker Dustbuster is an absolute must-have for van lifers who need to keep tidy.
12-Volt Air Compressor
Fortem Digital Tire Inflator
Whether you’re off-roading and need to control the air pressure in your tires or simply topping off a tire with a slow leak, you can do it all with a 12-volt air compressor. With this, you’ll never pay for air at a gas station again.
First-Aid Kit
Survivorware
While nobody ever expects or believes they’ll get injured on the road, it’s best to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Pack a lightweight and portable first aid kit to stay on top of any injuries as you go.
Wet Wipes
Amazon Elements 720-Count
My rustic style of van life (no running water) can get a bit grimy at times, so I’m always sure to have a large pack of wet wipes at the ready. A quick freshen-up with a few of these handy wipes can do wonders for morale.
Camping Shower
Nemo Helio
When wet wipes simply aren’t enough, I turn to my Nemo Helio shower for a more thorough cleanse. I simply fill its tank with water, inflate it with its foot pump, and use the nozzle for a delightful high-pressure shower.
Earplugs
Howard Leight By Honeywell
I would sleep terribly in my van without earplugs, and that’s not an option. These super comfortable Howard Leights block out the external noise surrounding my van during the night hours so I can fall asleep (and stay asleep) effortlessly.
Inflatable 2-Person Raft
Intex Explorer K2
No, this inflatable raft is not essential for van life, but it will open up a whole new world of possibilities. With it, you can float lakes, creeks, and lazy rivers at a moment’s notice – a whole new dimension of freedom.
Frisbee
Innova Big Kahuna
I can’t tell you how many times my Big Kahuna has brightened up an uneventful afternoon on the road. Getting out of the van to toss this frisbee around is therapeutic and a great excuse to stretch out my restless legs.
Hammock
ENO DoubleNest
There are few things in life more relaxing than swaying in a hammock as a lazy breeze rolls by. The ENO DoubleNest is my go-to van life relaxation vessel because it’s sturdy, dreamy, and comfortably fits two people.
Waterproof Playing Cards
Kovot 54-Card Deck
My girlfriend, Keri, and I are addicted to playing gin rummy when we’re van-living and often play for hours at a time. A set of thick, durable, waterproof cards allow us to shuffle and deal for as long as we’d like, without fail.
Cornhole Toss Game Set
GoSports Portable PVC
Cornhole is an all-time great camping game, and thus essential for your van life entertainment needs. This particular set is lightweight, portable, and will pack down into a convenient carrying case.
Rooftop Cargo
Yakima Skybox
I have two of these sturdy Yakimas atop my Astro and they triple the meager storage space I have within my van. I store my raft, stove, tools, table, fishing poles, skis, and more within these lockable, durable beasts.
Hanging Mesh Pockets
Kimbora
These mesh pockets are meant for hanging on the back of a closet door but work wonderfully when installed inside of a van. They create easy-to-reach access to all of van life’s smaller gadgets, tools, and odds and ends.
Travel-Sized Laundry Bag
Kikkerland World Map
When wine stains or man musk force my clothes out of duty, they are relegated to my laundry bag until further notice. This bag is featherlight, stylish, and has a detailed world map to inspire my next adventure.
Packing Cubes
Travelwise 3-Piece
Organization is key for van dwellers and utilizing packing cubes ensures that all clothing has an accessible home. The Travelwise bags are durable, breathable, and washable, and have convenient carrying handles.
Van Life Packing Checklist
Any van lifer will tell you that living a life on the road requires moving a lot of stuff into a very small space. Feel free to use my extensive packing checklist as you get ready for your next big vanventure.
Fire Extinguisher
Roadside Emergency Kit
GPS Tracker
Fire Alarm/CO Detector
Pepper Spray
Cell Phone
Car Charger
Charging Cables
Battery Bank
Lantern/Light
Head Lamp
Bluetooth Speaker
Computer
External Hard Drive
WiFi Strengthener
Camera
Camera Lenses
Headphones
Extra Batteries
Cups
Mugs
Plates
Bowls
Silverware
Knife
Cutting Board
Scissors
Spatula
Bottle Opener
Strainer
Tongs
Pot
Pan
Stove
Water Boiler
Coffee Maker
Thermos
Spices
Cooking Oil
Sponges
Cooler/Refrigerator
Fuel
Food
Drinks
Coffee/Tea
Ice
T-Shirts
Long Sleeve Shirts
Button-Up Shirts
Tank Tops
Sweater
Sweatshirt
Rain Jacket
Light Jacket
Winter Jacket
Pants
Jeans
Belt
Shorts
Athletic Shorts
Skirts/Dresses
Bathing Suit
Underwear
Long Underwear
Socks
Shoes
Sandals
Hiking Boots
Baseball Hat
Winter Hat
Gloves
Sunglasses
Wallet
Soap/Laundry Detergent
Laundry Bag
Wash Bag
Clothing Line
Safety Pins
Toiletries Bag
Soap
Shampoo
Conditioner
Hair-Styling Product
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Bug Spray
Dental Floss
Glasses
Contacts
Contact Solution/Case
Ear Cleaner/Swabs
Ear Plugs
Razor
Nail Clippers
Tweezers
Advil/Aspirin
Sleep Aid
Multivitamins
Medication
Hair Dryer
Makeup
Frisbee
Playing Cards
Hammock
Sporting Equipment
Backpacking Equipment
Games
Books
Journal/Pen
Sheets
Blankets
Comforter
Pillows
Pillow Cases
Mattress Pad
Backpack
Daypack
Packing Cubes
Purse
Wine Bag
Reusable Grocery Bags
Folding Table
Camping Chairs
Camping Shower
Tool Set
Toilet
Heater
Water Filter
Water Storage
Vacuum
First Aid Kit
Wet Wipes
Tissues
Toilet Paper
Garbage Bags
Towels
Hand Towels
Lighter/Matches
Umbrella
Axe/Hatchet
Shovel
Windshield Scraper
Passport
ID Cards
Medical Insurance
Itinerary
Car Registration
Car Insurance
Can you handle living in a van full-time?
To save money, I lived in Ol’ Champ full-time for my last three months in Denver before I quit my job and began to travel the world. My reasoning: By doing so, I would be pocketing about an extra $1000 a month.
Moving out of my apartment and into my van forced me to thin out my possessions and keep only what was necessary. The fewer belongings I had weighing me down, the happier I began to feel. All the extra money I was saving was expanding my sense of freedom and lifting an invisible weight off my shoulders.
My life instantly became more mobile. If I wanted to go on a hike, I’d park at the trailhead the night before. On nights I wanted to drink beer with friends, I didn’t have to worry about buying a taxi home. When I had a craving for empanadas first thing in the morning, I’d park a block away from the restaurant and go to sleep.
Having my home and everything I needed with me created a sneaky sense of freedom. No more rent checks or landlords. Roommates were a thing of the past. Packing for trips? No need. My cost of living after moving into a van full-time had plummeted. This was a lifestyle I could get used to, and I’ve embraced it ever since.
Van life, what a concept.
I’ve since moved to China with my girlfriend, so I don’t live in Ol’ Champ full-time anymore, but when I’m back home in the US, I never hesitate to fire up the engine and hit the road with a complete sense of freedom.
Is living in a van full-time something that interests you? Try it out. All you need is a minimalist mindset, a sense of adventure, and an itch to move about the world with no strings attached.
Van life has become an unstoppable global movement, and more and more people are opting for full-time van living every day. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have played a huge part in its quick-spreading popularity. Here are a few of the most inspiring, entertaining, and helpful van life YouTube and Instagram accounts on the web today.
Van Life Instagram Accounts
slownsteadylivin – Matt and Steph are traveling Europe in their 1996 Iveco van and share stunning photography of their open-ended honeymoon.
sweetvanlife – Ben and his lovely blue camper van, Poppy, always seem to be exploring warm, calm, and relaxing locations in France.
vandogtraveller – Mike Hudson wants to inspire the world to “1. Quit Job 2. Build Camper Van 3. Travel” through his excellent photography and helpful tips.
advanturing – Nick and Micah explore the Americas while living full time in their beast of a 4×4 AWD Sportsmobile Sprinter Van.
basillynch – Basil is a wave-chasing photographer who travels around in his beefy 2000 Ford-F250 camper truck as he prepares to travel the Pan-American highway.
Van Life Youtube Channels
Let’s Be Us – Cris, Sara, and their dog, Kramer, travel full time and work on the road from their gorgeous self-converted Sprinter van.
Kombi Life – Ben, Leah, and their dog, Alaska, travel the world in their 1973 Volkswagen Kombi Adventurewagen, seeking out inspiring stories of alternative living.
FLORB – While this channel explores the ins-and-outs of van life, it doesn’t stop there. FLORB focuses on all types of alternative living spaces.
Ronny Dahl – Based in Australia, Ronny Dahl romps around his home country in his rig and releases off-roading, four-wheeling, adventuring, and camping videos every week.
We’re the Russos – Joe and Kait are living full-time in their camper van and share their best tips, advice, stories, and adventures with the world.
Need a little extra van life motivation? Here are a few more of my favorite resources:
reddit.com/r/vandwellers – A colorful, humorous, helpful, and honest subreddit discussing the ups, downs, and everything in between in the van life community.
The Vanual– A top-to-bottom guide analyzing van life compatibility, picking out a vehicle, gathering materials, and constructing a custom build on a rig of your own.
VanDweller Community Forums – An extensive online forum for van and RV dwellers alike. Browse through years of old posts for helpful tips, building advice, stories, reviews, and more.
Immerse yourself in van life
Though I’m no longer living in my van full-time, my thousands of miles spent cruising the open roads with Ol’ Champ have taught me immensely. Life on four wheels is liberating and free, and possessions take on a whole new meaning when your living space is 24 square feet and can be moved at the drop of a hat.
And though van life is rooted deeply in minimalism, the things you choose to bring along are essential for the journey ahead. The depth and quality of your setup can make or break your time on the road. You don’t need a lot of gear, you just need the right gear.
People worldwide are beginning to realize that we’re just a bunch of nomads at heart. Being bound down by walls and cement goes against the thirst for exploration that’s in our blood.
So, whether you’re living in a van full-time yourself, or simply perusing the possibility, I challenge you to delve a little bit deeper into the movement. Life gets a little more interesting when your future is decided with the turn of a key and a foot on the gas pedal.
PIN THIS POST!
What are your thoughts on living in a van full-time? Are there any ‘must-have’ van life essentials that didn’t make my list? What’s your most memorable van life story? Let me know by leaving feedback in the comments below!
Inspiring! Thank you for sharing your experience and practicalities. Inspires me to do more with less too!
So, ditch the apartment and buy a van. You can live happily in the streets of Chengdu! 😀
Inspiring insight into an alternative lifestyle. I will be doing the same sooner or later, and I see it as you’ve written it, “far more advantages than disadvantages”. I live in Spain, so I’ll be able to traverse Europe, no bad thing. I do like that Toyota Hiace I’ve seen just about everywhere, all over South East Asia, so could be an older model of one of those, we’ll see what happens. Thanks for your thoughts, enthusiasm and the links ..
Kind Regards
Cris ..
Cris, my recommendation would be to wait patiently for something with solid gas mileage and a good report from a mechanic, as fuel and repairs will be your biggest expenses along the way. Once you can find the right van, do the build yourself to save more money. I paid a premium for mine since it was already converted.
OR, you could just hitchhike everywhere and rely on your charm to find you a nice comfortable basement or two 😉
I’ve hitchhiked for a year. I only have an army duffel, a sleeping bag, a tarp, dog food, a book, insulated overalls, I wear overalls, 2 t-shirts, 7 pairs of undies, and I carry around a jug if water with me. Easier than you think if you just camp the entire time, don’t have to worry about someone else’s house being safe for a night.
You don’t need a van to start!!! I just bought my first van and am fixing it 🙂
Alex, that sounds like quite the experience hitchhiking. I love your minimalist packing gear. I love to backpack, camp, and travel like a minimalist myself, but have never gotten into the hitchhiking game. Where did you go over the course of a year, and why did you end up buying a van? What kind of van did you buy and where do you plan on going with it? I have so many questions! Thanks for the feedback, and keep traveling. I’m glad I got to hear a little bit of your story.
I love the fire extinguisher on your packing list. That is something I didn’t think about. My wife and I are considering the van life and I just started making my own packing list earlier today. There are a lot of things that I don’t know how to do. We may hire a professional for things like water heater installation and other things like that.
Thanks for the response, James! Yeah, a fire extinguisher could be a literal lifesaver.
It might be best to hire a pro for the more technical ins and outs of the van, good call.
I definitely recommend the van life, by the way. Go for it!
Sir thank you very much, I am doing a lot of research on how to go about this SAFELY and price wise – 20 years ago I lived in a mini van that had only the front drive and passenger seats along with the the bed seat! It was a great year doing it, so now I want to do it more permanent! So thank you for this page! and Site!
Vanessa, Glad to hear you’re going back to the van life after so long. Do you have a van yet? Are you doing the conversion yourself? Will you be living in the van full-time? I’d love to hear about your project!
I should be buy a van by the end of this year. i’ve almost got all the money saved. glad to have stumbled onto your page for the insight!
Hell yeah! Keep me posted on your van journey; I’d love to hear how van life works out for you.
DUDE , what will be the cost of all the things in your checklist , cause i have to save money for the ‘ van life’ .
Van life ain’t cheap, but it’s worth the money spent in the end!
Hey Noel,
Where would you park your van for the 3 months you were working/saving? I’m in Minnesota and have a fully off-grid campervan that I would like to do this with, but I have no idea where to park…other than trying to find a friend that will let me park in their driveway. Which nobody has been open to yet.
Brendon,
Luckily, my mom lets me stash my van on her property while I’m out traveling, but it sounds you don’t have the option to park with family/friends. If I were in your shoes, I’d post an ad on Craigslist and see if someone were willing to hold your van on their property for a small monthly fee. Obviously, you’d want to meet them in person to make sure you trust them first.
after perusing hundreds of sites,
I kinda feel like
this one is real to my soul. Just getting on the solo road after a 40 year marriage. I am scared but not as scared as I am free and excited about simplifying my life, grounding like I have never grounded before, connecting with the earth and enriching my soul . Thank you so much for sharing your journey so
people like me find the courage and faith to do what we always needed to do.
Your thoughtful words just brightened up my day, Sheryl! Thanks so much for reaching out and telling me a little bit about your story. Leaving a 40-year marriage must be rough, but freedom, exploration, and an open mind will help you recover quicker than staying put. I’m so glad you’re inspired by my blog and I hope you continue to seek personal growth and challenging experiences. Cheers, and happy travels!
Did you have any kind of heater for the van if so what?
Yes, I do. I’ve been using a Mr. Heater Little Buddy, though I’m currently looking into other options.
I hope you are back in the USA