Whether you are brand new to van life or a seasoned van lifer there are certain basic you really should not be without. That is why we have created this list of van life essentials you really do not want to be without. From van life kitchen essentials to van life safety essentials and more. You will find them all here.
40 Van Life Essentials You Do Not Want to Be Without
Van Life Essentials
We will start our list of van life essentials with a collections of basics that anyone who enjoys van life really does need. If you do not own these basic essentials you really need to get yourself out there and buy them. They could not only really help you out of some sticky situations but save your life.
1 – Roadside Emergency Kit
A Roadside Emergency Kit is a van life essential because it provides crucial tools and supplies to handle unexpected breakdowns or emergencies on the road. From jumper cables and reflective triangles to a flashlight and basic first aid items, this kit ensures you’re prepared for a range of situations, promoting safety and peace of mind during your travels.
2 – Car Jump Starter Pack
Imagine you are parked up in your van for an overnight stay in your dream spot. That spot happens to be a million miles from anywhere. When you wake up in the morning your van battery is flat as a pancake because you left the lights on. A Car Jump Starter Pack is a vital van life tool, offering a self-sufficient solution for jump-starting your vehicle’s battery without relying on external assistance. Compact and portable, these packs can revive a dead battery, making them invaluable in remote locations where access to roadside assistance may be limited, providing self-reliance and preventing unexpected delays.
3 – Tool Kit
A comprehensive Tool Kit is an essential component of van life, providing the necessary tools to handle routine maintenance, minor repairs, and unexpected issues that may arise on the road. From wrenches and pliers to screwdrivers and electrical tape, a well-equipped tool kit ensures van lifers have the means to address a variety of mechanical challenges, promoting self-reliance and minimizing reliance on external assistance.
4 – Tire Air Compressor
A Tire Air Compressor is a van life essential as it allows you to maintain optimal tire pressure on the go. Proper tire inflation improves fuel efficiency, enhances vehicle stability, and reduces the risk of blowouts. With a portable air compressor, van lifers can easily address fluctuations in tire pressure, ensuring a smoother and safer journey, particularly when navigating diverse terrains during their adventures.
5 – Tire Repair Can
A Tire Repair Can is a crucial van life essential, offering a quick and temporary solution for repairing punctured tires. This compact and easy-to-use canister typically includes sealant and a built-in compressor, allowing van lifers to address minor tire issues swiftly and get back on the road with minimal downtime, ensuring self-sufficiency in handling unexpected flat tires during their journeys.
6 – Carbon Monoxide Detector
A Carbon Monoxide Detector is essential for van life as it serves as a silent guardian against the colorless and odorless gas produced by combustion engines and appliances. Installing a detector helps ensure the safety of occupants by providing an early warning of potentially life-threatening carbon monoxide leaks, especially crucial when spending extended periods in a confined space like a van.
7 – Satellite Communication Device
A Satellite Communication Device is a van life essential for staying connected and ensuring safety in remote or off-grid locations where traditional cellular signals may be unreliable. These devices enable van lifers to send messages, access weather updates, and, in case of emergencies, request assistance. With the ability to communicate beyond cell coverage, a satellite device enhances both convenience and safety during van life adventures.
8 – Fire Extinguisher
A Fire Extinguisher is a critical safety essential for van life, providing a means to swiftly respond to and contain potential fires. Compact and easily accessible, a fire extinguisher can be invaluable in addressing small flames caused by electrical malfunctions, cooking mishaps, or other unforeseen incidents, helping to protect both occupants and the van itself from fire-related risks on the road.
9 – Car Jack
A Car Jack is an indispensable van life essential, facilitating tire changes and under-vehicle repairs. This tool enables van lifers to lift their vehicles safely, providing access to the tire for changes or allowing for quick and efficient maintenance. Compact and portable, a car jack is essential for handling unexpected roadside situations, promoting self-sufficiency in addressing mechanical issues.
10 – First Aid Medical Kit
A First Aid Medical Kit is a paramount van life essential, ensuring the well-being of occupants in case of injuries or medical emergencies. Stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and other essential medical supplies, this kit allows van lifers to promptly address minor injuries or provide initial care until professional medical help is available. A well-equipped first aid kit is a vital component of safety and preparedness for individuals on the road.
Van Life Kitchen Essentials
Now, in this collection of van life essentials we will move on to what we refer to as van life kitchen essentials.
11 – Camp Stove
A Camp Stove is a van life kitchen essential as it provides a portable and versatile cooking solution for preparing meals on the road. Its compact design and compatibility with various fuel sources make it perfect for van life, allowing users to cook outdoors and maintain flexibility in choosing where to set up their kitchen. With features like adjustable flames and wind-resistant burners, a camp stove ensures efficient and reliable cooking in diverse conditions.
12 – Cooking Table
A collapsible and portable cooking table is a van life kitchen essential, offering a dedicated space for food preparation, cooking, and dining. This versatile surface provides stability for cooking appliances and utensils, creating a functional kitchen setup inside or outside the van. A compact and easily storable table enhances the overall efficiency and comfort of the van life cooking experience.
13 – Cooking Set
A compact and stackable cooking set is a crucial van life kitchen essential, bundling essential pots, pans, and utensils into a space-saving kit. Designed for efficiency and convenience, these sets often include nesting cookware that minimizes storage space, making them ideal for van life where optimizing storage is key. A well-designed cooking set ensures van lifers have the necessary tools for preparing a variety of meals while on the road.
14 – Coffee Maker
A portable coffee maker is a van life kitchen essential for coffee enthusiasts, allowing them to enjoy their favorite brew on the go. Whether it’s a French press, pour-over, or compact coffee machine, these devices provide a convenient and personalized coffee experience without the need for a traditional kitchen setup. A coffee maker adds a touch of comfort to van life mornings, making it an essential component of a well-equipped mobile kitchen.
15 – Water Filtration System
A Water Filtration System takes center stage in the van life kitchen, providing a crucial solution for accessing clean and potable water on the go. Its compact design and efficient filtering capabilities ensure that van lifers can source water from various locations, minimizing reliance on pre-packaged supplies and promoting sustainability in their nomadic lifestyle.
16 – Cooler Bag or Portable Cooler
A Cooler Bag or Portable Cooler emerges as a must-have in the van life kitchen, offering a convenient solution for keeping perishables fresh during travels. With its portability and insulation features, it transforms any location into a temporary fridge, allowing van lifers to store and transport food items without the need for a traditional refrigerator setup. The Cooler Bag or Portable Cooler enhances the flexibility of van life cooking by extending the shelf life of ingredients.
17 – Water Storage
Water Storage becomes an essential component of the van life kitchen, ensuring a readily available supply for cooking, drinking, and cleaning. These purpose-built containers, often designed with durability and space optimization in mind, allow van lifers to carry sufficient water for their journey. With the unpredictability of water sources on the road, a reliable Water Storage solution contributes to the self-sufficiency and comfort of van life.
18 – Tableware
Quality Tableware is a cornerstone of the van life kitchen, providing the necessary tools for enjoying meals on the road. From durable plates and utensils to space-saving collapsible cups and bowls, well-chosen tableware enhances the dining experience while optimizing storage. Versatile and thoughtfully designed, van lifers can create a functional dining setup wherever their journey takes them, making Tableware an essential component of their mobile kitchen.
19 – Water Bottle
A Water Bottle stands as a quintessential companion in the van life journey, ensuring hydration is always within reach. Its portable and reusable nature not only reduces the need for single-use plastics but also provides a sustainable solution for van lifers on the move, promoting both health and environmental consciousness.
Van Life Technology Essentials
You modern day camper van or motorhome can be equipped with some of the most epic technology and gadgets known to man. In some cases the gadgets and technology found in van life can rival that of which is found in a home.
Check out these van life technology essentials.
20 – Solar Panels
Solar Panels are essential for van life as they harness sunlight to generate electricity, providing a sustainable and off-grid power solution. They keep electronic devices charged, lights on, and appliances running, allowing van lifers to embrace an eco-friendly and self-sufficient lifestyle on their adventures.
21 – Portable Power Station
A Portable Power Station is a must-have technology essential for van life, offering a versatile source of electricity on the go. Compact and equipped with multiple outlets, it ensures van lifers can charge their laptops, phones, and other devices wherever their journey takes them, providing essential connectivity and power.
We would highly recommend Bluetti Power Stations which you can check out by clicking here.
22 – Portable Fan
A Portable Fan is a van life technology essential, providing a portable and battery-operated cooling solution. Whether parked in scenic spots or during rest stops, this compact fan offers refreshing airflow, making warm days more comfortable inside the van and contributing to an enjoyable and relaxed travel experience.
23 – Bluetooth Speaker
A Bluetooth Speaker is a vital van life technology essential that transforms any space into an entertainment hub. Its wireless connectivity lets van lifers enjoy music, podcasts, or audiobooks without cords, adding a layer of enjoyment to their nomadic lifestyle, whether relaxing at a campsite or cruising down the road.
24 – Portable Power Bank
A Portable Power Bank is a crucial van life technology essential, providing on-the-go charging for electronic devices. Compact and portable, it ensures that van lifers stay connected even in remote locations, offering a reliable power source for smartphones, cameras, and other gadgets. With the convenience of a Portable Power Bank, capturing memories, staying navigated, and staying in touch become effortless on the road.
25 – Rechargeable Torch
A Rechargeable Torch is an essential van life tool, offering a reliable source of illumination during nighttime adventures or emergencies. Its rechargeable nature eliminates the need for disposable batteries, promoting sustainability in a nomadic lifestyle. Compact, durable, and featuring multiple lighting modes, a rechargeable torch ensures van lifers have a dependable light source for various situations, contributing to safety and convenience on the road.
Van Life Hygiene Essentials
Just because you happen to spend time living in a van does not mean you should let your own personal hygiene go downhill. Check out these everyday van life hygiene essentials for life on the road.
26 – Portable Shower
A Portable Shower is a van life hygiene essential, transforming the nomadic bathing experience by providing on-the-go cleanliness. Its compact design and water efficiency allow van lifers to enjoy refreshing showers wherever their journey takes them, ensuring a sense of hygiene and well-being even in the midst of nature. With the convenience of a Portable Shower, staying fresh on the road becomes a seamless and revitalizing part of the van life routine.
27 – Portable Toilet
A Portable Toilet stands as a hygiene essential in van life, offering a convenient and sanitary solution for nature’s call. Whether parked in a remote location or navigating through areas with limited facilities, having a Portable Toilet ensures that van lifers can answer nature’s call discreetly and responsibly, enhancing overall hygiene and comfort during their travels.
28 – Portable Handheld Vacuum
A Portable Handheld Vacuum emerges as a van life hygiene essential, tackling dust and debris to maintain a clean and comfortable living space on the road. Its compact size and cordless design make it easy to handle in the confined space of a van, ensuring that van lifers can keep their mobile home tidy and allergen-free, promoting a healthier and more pleasant living environment.
29 – Biodegradable Soap
Biodegradable Soap is a hygiene essential for van life, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for personal cleanliness. Its formulation breaks down naturally without harming the environment, making it an ideal choice for van lifers conscious of their ecological impact. With biodegradable soap, staying clean becomes a responsible and nature-friendly practice on the van life journey.
30 – Biodegradable Wet Wipes
Biodegradable Wet Wipes are a van life hygiene essential, providing a convenient and eco-friendly solution for personal hygiene on the go. Their biodegradable nature ensures minimal environmental impact, making them an ideal choice for van lifers who prioritize sustainability. With the versatility of biodegradable wet wipes, maintaining cleanliness becomes effortless and environmentally responsible during the nomadic lifestyle.
Miscellaneous Van Life Essentials
Here we take a look at miscellaneous van life essentials. These are van life essentials that we cannot fit into any other category.
31 – Indoor Safe Heater
An Indoor Safe Heater is a miscellaneous van life essential, providing warmth and comfort during colder nights or in chilly climates. Its compact design and safety features make it a versatile addition to the van life toolkit, allowing for cozy evenings inside the van without compromising safety. With the ability to extend the comfort of van life into colder seasons, an indoor safe heater becomes an indispensable miscellaneous essential for year-round travel.
32 – Van Vent
A Van Vent earns its place among miscellaneous van life essentials as it enhances the overall comfort and well-being inside the van. Whether it’s a roof vent or a window vent, these additions promote proper air circulation, helping regulate temperature and minimize condensation. A van vent contributes to a more pleasant living environment, making it an essential element for van lifers seeking optimal ventilation on their nomadic journey.
33 – Wool Blanket
A Wool Blanket is a cherished miscellaneous van life essential, offering warmth, coziness, and versatility on the road. Its insulating properties make it suitable for varying climates, providing comfort during cool nights or as an extra layer during colder seasons. With its lightweight and space-saving nature, a wool blanket becomes a versatile and comforting addition to the van life experience, adding both practicality and a touch of home to the journey.
34 – Wool Socks
Wool Socks secure a spot as miscellaneous van life essentials, providing warmth and comfort to van lifers exploring diverse climates. Their insulating properties help regulate foot temperature, whether facing colder temperatures or venturing into cooler environments. Compact and easy to pack, wool socks ensure that van lifers can maintain comfortable and cozy feet, contributing to an overall enjoyable and adaptable van life experience.
35 – Hiking Boots
Hiking Boots are indispensable miscellaneous van life essentials, providing comfort and support for those who love to explore the great outdoors. Their durable design and sturdy construction make them suitable for various terrains encountered during hikes or outdoor adventures. With the reliability of hiking boots, van lifers can confidently tackle diverse landscapes while ensuring foot comfort and protection.
36 – Packing Cubes
Packing Cubes earn their place among miscellaneous van life essentials by bringing order and efficiency to the limited storage space in the van. These versatile organizers help van lifers keep clothing and essentials neatly packed, maximizing storage capacity and minimizing clutter. With the convenience of packing cubes, staying organized on the road becomes a seamless and stress-free experience.
37 – Solar String Lights
Solar String Lights add a touch of ambiance and coziness to the van life experience, making them cherished miscellaneous essentials. Powered by the sun, these lights create a warm and inviting atmosphere inside or around the van without relying on traditional power sources. With the enchanting glow of solar string lights, van lifers can transform their mobile space into a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing retreat, enhancing the overall van life ambiance.
38 – Solar Lanterns
Solar Lanterns emerge as practical and eco-friendly miscellaneous van life essentials, providing reliable illumination without draining electrical resources. Their solar-powered design makes them ideal for lighting up outdoor spaces or adding a soft glow inside the van during evenings. With the versatility and sustainability of solar lanterns, van lifers can enjoy well-lit surroundings while minimizing their ecological footprint on the road.
39 – Camping Chairs
Camping Chairs are essential additions to the miscellaneous van life toolkit, offering portable and comfortable seating for outdoor relaxation. Their lightweight and foldable design make them convenient companions for impromptu stops, campfires, or scenic views. With the versatility of camping chairs, van lifers can easily create a cozy outdoor haven wherever their journey takes them, enhancing the overall comfort and enjoyment of the van life experience.
40 – Camping Table
A Camping Table stands out as a practical and versatile miscellaneous van life essential, providing a stable surface for various activities. Whether used for preparing meals, dining, or as a workspace for laptops, these foldable tables offer convenience and organization in limited space. With the addition of a camping table, van lifers can create functional and comfortable setups, turning any spot into a convenient and well-equipped station on their nomadic journey.
Take a look at more van life articles here.
