While nobody ever expects or believes they’ll get injured on the road, it’s best to be prepared for the worst-case-scenario. Packing for trips? Van life has become an unstoppable global movement, and more and more people are opting for full-time van living every day. Not living the van life quite yet? Van life takes passion and preparation, so get ready for your adventure on four wheels with the proper gear and a wide-open mind. The fewer belongings I had weighing me down, the happier I began to feel. With it, all I need to create restaurant-quality espresso are espresso grounds, hot water, and my own two hands. Hot Water Bottle. Yeah, a fire extinguisher could be a literal lifesaver. https://www.thepackablelife.com/travel/gear/van-life-essentials If you’re in the US, check out ECOlunchbox. If you make a purchase using a link we may receive a commission. Helpful Van Life Gadgets 3. Travel” through his excellent photography and helpful tips. Such revenue helps keep this website running, helps us pay our growing core team and allows us to keep the content free for readers like you. 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. I love the fire extinguisher on your packing list. Ecomask produces high-quality face masks with ECONYL®, a 100% regenerated nylon fiber made from pre and post-consumer waste such as nylon scraps and fishing nets. For your accessories, you truly need to pair down. Hey Noel, Where would you park your van for the 3 months you were working/saving? 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. Whether you are new to van life or have lived in your van for years, there is something for everybody. Two 100-watt panels and one 200Ah battery is a great place to start for moderate energy usage. Alternatively, you can always choose to go the ‘no poo’ (no shampoo) route if you feel you’re up to it. 😀. I pack light and explore the globe searching for awe-inspiring hiking trails, rich cultural experiences, and ways to continue traveling indefinitely. XL RidgeMonkey. Made from eco-friendly fabric derived from recycled PET bottles and responsibly-made in a Vietnamese factory that adheres to fair labor standards, these backpacks will help you travel in organised, sustainable style. 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. The Travelwise bags are durable, breathable, and washable and have convenient carrying handles. Rumpl Blanket. Build Camper Van 3. In this video we're going to share with you our essential campervan accessories that really makes van life so much easier. i’ve almost got all the money saved. This is the only van life motto to live by. The brand uses certified fair-trade ingredients and organic oils and is vegan-friendly. Before you know it you’ll be waking up at 10 am and wasting a whole day doing nothing (you’re not alone, we’ve all been there…). LED Lantern – You’ll need one of an LED lantern or headlamp if you’re needing to go for a number 1 (or dig a hole and squat for a number 2) in the dark or love night hikes. Reduce Your Eco Footprint with our Zero Waste Travel Checklist, Goat Antibacterial Hand & Surface Sanitiser Spray, 10 Eco Travel Destinations in the Philippines for Conscious Tourists, Where To Find Vegan, Ethical and Eco-Friendly Hiking Boots, Greening Up Your Road Trip: 11 Tips to Make Road Travel More Sustainable, Meet The Aussie Climate Activists Embarking on a 2-Year Journey in a Solar-Powered 100% Electric Campervan, 10 Best Ethical and Sustainable Brands for Men’s Joggers and Sweatpants, 11 Ethical and Sustainable Outdoor Clothing Brands for the Adventurer, 7 Unique Places to Stay in Europe Where You Can Reconnect with Nature, Thankful for Water: 6 Ways to Value This Life-Giving Resource. My wife and I are considering the van life and I just started making my own packing list earlier today. The flash also works great as a lightweight backpacking stove. This handy setup includes jumper cables, tow straps, tire repair materials, an air compressor, seatbelt cutter, and more. Different colours are made using different materials such as heavy-duty 100% polypropylene, cotton and polyester. Breakdowns are bound do happen for van lifers, so prepare accordingly with an emergency kit. glad to have stumbled onto your page for the insight! My sturdy cast iron pot is quite the versatile tool. Copyright © 2010-2018. That’s why I carry a couple of these lightweight, comortable, and convenient camping chairs. There are a lot of things that I don’t know how to do. The Charge 4 is one of my favorite gadgets and I’d have a hard time living van life without it. Hell yeah! WAYKS Travel Backpack – The versatile WAYKS ONE travel backpack is designed to be both minimalist and functional – no matter where you go on your #vanlife adventure. With it, you can float lakes, creeks, and lazy rivers at a moment’s notice – a whole new dimension of freedom. You'll find all the products I currently use in my van as well as the one's I WISH I had in my van. FLORB focuses on all types of alternative living spaces. 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. While a portable toilet isn’t the sexiest van life essential, it’s certainly one of the most practical. 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. More Van Life Resources 10. You don’t need a lot of gear, you just need the right gear. It’s dimmable too, which helps set the mood. Beekeeper Parade Makeup & Toiletries Pouch, Planning an Adventure-Packed 2021? Vivobarefoot’s footwear features innovative materials such as algae biomass and recycled plastic from bottles. For plant-based foodies (like me), there’s a range of soups such as Organic Green Lentil Soup and snack bars such as Organic Inca Berry + Almond Bars. 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. Top vanlife travels, adventures in our La Strada Sprinter 4x4 campervan ... day after day brings a different kind of perspective to life. If a Fan-Tastic Fan isn’t in the cards, or if you don’t have external power in your van, worry not. Food containers – You’ll need to bring a heap of food containers on your #vanlife trip to store nuts, seeds, muesli and other snacks. Search. 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. Go for it! All the extra money I was saving was expanding my sense of freedom and lifting an invisible weight off my shoulders. Pack a lightweight and portable first aid kit to stay on top of any injuries as you go. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube have played a huge part in its quick-spreading popularity. I love your minimalist packing gear. What kind of van did you buy and where do you plan on going with it? From full-timers to part-timers who rent out their quirky campers, these experienced vanlifers share their tips for everything from building your van to finding the best wild park up to finding a home on the road. Also, check out our van life essentials to see our favorite must-haves for van life and a complete packing list. This sustainable van life essentials guide is broken up into various categories to make your list-browsing much easier such as kitchen, tech and electronics, clothing and laundry, bathroom and toiletries, bedding, bags storage, safety and miscellaneous. There are few things in life more relaxing than swaying in a hammock as a lazy breeze rolls by. FLORB – While this channel explores the ins-and-outs of van life, it doesn’t stop there. 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. Required fields are marked *. Is Boxed Water Really Better Than Bottled Water? This packing list was put together to give you an idea of what to bring on your van life adventure. I love to backpack, camp, and travel like a minimalist myself, but have never gotten into the hitchhiking game. Accessories Footwear. Roommates were a thing of the past. No need. The ultimate reference guide for van life accessories that will enhance your vanlife experience and help you stay focused on your next adventure. Welcome to my Amazon powered VanLife Store! Tech Kit – Getting yourself organised is crucial to a headache-free van life experience and if you’re a photographer, digital creator or a freelance creative, it’s important to store your gadgets in a way that’s easily accessible and requires minimal time untangling them all. Living in a Van Full-Time 9. 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. We asked some of our favourite vanlifers to share their tips for vanlife. Jennifer is also the founder of The Social Copywriter, a digital agency harnessing the power of copywriting and content marketing to help mindful businesses reach more people. Whether you are looking for replacement bulbs, lighting solutions, towing accessories, audio/video upgrades or portable appliances, we have just about every van part and accessory you can imagine. slownsteadylivin – Matt and Steph are traveling Europe in their 1996 Iveco van and share stunning photography of their open-ended honeymoon. 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. It’s easy to use, compact, and allows me to cook full gourmet meals whenever I’d like. 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 in 2020. It comes in recyclable cardboard packaging instead of a plastic bottle. I’d love to hear about your project! Vivobarefoot footwear – This sustainable outdoor shoe company manufactures ergonomic barefoot-style shoes for men and women that provide maximum comfort and performance. You don’t need a van to start!!! The range includes Smoked Mackerel and Spicy Buffalo Jerky. 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. These natural bamboo adhesive bandages are ideal for cuts, abrasions, blisters and splinters. For more than six years, our beloved second-hand Volkswagen van has been there for us as we travelled through drought-ridden agricultural regions, escaped to serene coastal towns, road-tripped Australia’s east coast, and spent many days sleeping under its solid steel frame as we attempted to save money whilst enjoying a weekend getaway (we’ve saved thousands in hotel and resort accomodation costs as a result). I wear my Primus Lite II (below) when I’m travelling as they are comfy AF and practical enough to use when I’m at the beach or sightseeing on foot. A small metal circle on the back of my phone grips the powerful Neckteck magnet and secures my phone seamlessly. When she's not perfecting a sentence or coaching business clients, you will find her at her certified organic farm reconnecting with nature. To Go Ware bamboo utensil set – Reusable and super lightweight and includes chopsticks, fork, knife and spoon, these utensils are perfect for taking on the road. This compact aluminum table creates instant space inside or outside of your van and serves as a desk, dining table, or game space. Once you can find the right van, do the build yourself to save more money. Where did you go over the course of a year, and why did you end up buying a van? Are you doing the conversion yourself? Flat tires happen whether you’re ready or not, so you best be prepared with a car jack. This is the deodorant we use daily and so of course, we take with us on our road travels. I live in Spain, so I’ll be able to traverse Europe, no bad thing. I’m glad I got to hear a little bit of your story. Tentree also plants 10 trees for every product sold. Vanessa, Glad to hear you’re going back to the van life after so long. Engineered with a versatile set of features, these sandals are fully adjustable, have ultra-gripping tread, and are minimalist enough to take anywhere. Which nobody has been open to yet. I’ve spent months living under its humble steel roof with all I could ever need, and nothing more. This particular set is lightweight, portable, and will pack down into a convenient carrying case. When you’re spending your life in a van, dust, and dirt accumulate at an astronomical pace. I simply fill its tank with water, inflate it with its foot pump, and use the nozzle for a delightful high-pressure shower. Your other van life essentials travel comfortably, so why shouldn’t your wine? My girlfriend, Keri, and I are addicted to playing gin rummy when we’re van-living and often play for hours at a time. Organization is key for van dwellers and utilizing packing cubes ensures that all clothing has an accessible home. My favourite scent is the hemp rose as well as the unscented. Final Thoughts. You can cut the material with shears, fit suction cups on one side, and fit to your camper windows to better insulate your van in extreme temperatures. Van life has taken me to some chilly destinations. It charges fully in an hour-and-a-half and can go weeks before it needs another charge. and Site! Gone are the days of visiting seedy, overpriced laundromats in the middle of nowhere. Using an effective hand sanitiser spray such as Dr. Bronner’s Hand Sanitizer (comes in peppermint and lavender) and Goat Antibacterial Hand & Surface Sanitiser Spray (this is the one I carry in my handbag as it’s made in Australia) which kills 99.9% of germs helps to reduce coronavirus transmission on your adventures. Life Saving Tip: Always use proper ventilation and never sleep with your heater on. 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. Check out my road trip essentials + packing list post. The latest gear, gadgets, accessories, and equipment for van life. Will you be living in the van full-time? YETI Silo Water Cooler. 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. Set your alarm. This was a lifestyle I could get used to, and I’ve embraced it ever since. ), is of dentist-quality, is durable, the bristles have rounded ends and because it is made of bamboo, is popped into our compost bins at the end of life (after removing the nylon bristles of course). In 2010, after studying Fashion Business, she launched Eco Warrior Princess to explore her interests in fashion, politics, social justice and sustainability. Thanks for the feedback, and keep traveling. (Lug wrench and jacks stands aren’t included.). This post is sponsored by Backcountry.com.. Save 15% off your first order when you use the code BEARFOOTTHEORY15 at checkout!. Filtering Face Mask – There are different mask-wearing policies in different cities and states and if you want to minimise COVID-19 transmission and avoid a fine, make sure to follow social distancing and face mask protocols. I just bought my first van and am fixing it 🙂. What are your thoughts on living in a van full-time? Every day brings something different. If you need plenty of cold water on hand and the ability to easily move your … Is living in a van full-time something that interests you? If I wanted to go on a hike, I’d park at the trailhead the night before. It’s that easy. Thanks for the response, James! 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. The utensil holder is also made from recycled PET upcycled from a plastic water bottle. It’s an appealing lifestyle for anyone. Article by Drifter.Journey. Patagonia Provisions – If you’re in need of some responsibly sourced food and snacks to pack on your #vanlife adventures, Patagonia Provisions has you covered. I store my raft, stove, tools, table, fishing poles, skis, and more within these lockable, durable beasts. Van Life Essentials: Best Gadgets, Gear & Accessories List. I paid a premium for mine since it was already converted. Though you’ll hopefully never use it, having a fire extinguisher in your van could be a life-saving (and van saving) decision. And though van life is rooted deeply in minimalism, the things you choose to bring along are essential for the journey ahead. Enjoyed this post & want to show your gratitude? It comes in two classic colours (pictured below). It works wonders during long stretches of driving and extended trips into the outside world. Comes in a variety of classic colours. We may hire a professional for things like water heater installation and other things like that. During my first year on the road, I lived without refrigeration. Moving out of my apartment and into my van forced me to thin out my possessions and keep only what was necessary. A durable cooler. While not everything on this list is essential, it will give you a good starting point.There are many things on this list that we forgot to pack when we first left on our journey (like a can opener) and ended up having to buy within the first week! Hey, I’m Noel Krasomil. Patch Strips – As a precaution you’ll need to bring a basic first aid kit on your travels and when you do, make sure to pack eco-friendly and vegan-friendly Patch strips featuring ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil. Tentree – If you’re looking for comfortable clothing during your van travels, check out Tentree. We want to welcome you to The Van Life Shop where you can find a collection of everything related to #VanLife from camping essentials to parts that you could use to build your own perfect camper van. If you’re keen to bring a little luxury into your van life and don’t want to feel like you’re “roughing it” too much, these are the sheets for you. When the fatigue of van life hits, I turn to my Nanospresso for an instant boost of caffeine. 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. BEST VANLIFE TOPS FOR A WOMEN’S MINIMALIST WARDROBE. Check out our van life accessories selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our car parts & accessories shops. Security & Safety Products 2. 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. 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. Downsizing your closet for van life might seem overwhelming if it’s your first time on an extended road trip. With this, you’ll never pay for air at a gas station again. 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. Van life has become a travel trend since we bought our van in 2014 and while we haven’t decked out our van like many others (since we use our van mostly for #farmlife) my partner and I are still seasoned #vanlife folks compared to most and so together, we have put together this guide for other conscious nomads needing eco-friendly van life gear, gadgets and other essentials that will help you live your best van life. Whether a broken bed frame needs 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. Luckily, I have the propane-powered Mr. Heater at my disposal to instantly warm up my space. Life on the road is better with a trusty pair of sandals, and the Aqua Grippers are my pair of choice. Thank you SO much for the thorough list! Not only can this power bank jump your dead car battery, but it also fast charge devices, works as a flashlight, and has a built in compass. Life gets a little more interesting when your future is decided with the turn of a key and a foot on the gas pedal. ... Every day brings something different and a chance to embrace the incredible surroundings that we see through those van windows. Biome bamboo toothbrush – There are many toothbrushes now on the market but we use Biome’s bamboo toothbrush as the brand is Australian (as are we! The refillable deodorant stick is 100% plastic-free, made from biodegradable cardboard packaging. This weatherproof bag features lots of compartments for easy storage of laptop, water bottles, tech equipment and more. 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. ettitude – For comfy, eco-friendly bed sheets, ettitude‘s silky bamboo sheets will make you feel like you’re in a five star hotel instead of sleeping in a van. Upgrading to refrigeration not only improved my diet, but also my overall quality of [van]life. Videos you watch may be added to the... 2. Van organizer – “A place for everything and everything in its place”. These mesh pockets are meant for hanging on the back of a closet door, but work wonderfully when installed inside of a van. This vehicle storage organizer is designed to hang in the back of your seat and is the ideal solution for the tiny spaces in campers, vans and caravans These practical storage bags are ethically-made in Germany from various materials. Then please support Eco Warrior Princess on Patreon! Search for: ... Best sinks for van Life for conversion van builds. Top 10 Van Life Accessories | Elevate Your Vanlife Experience - Drifter Journey. Attempting van life without a reliable tool set would be silly. It’s built for the constant abuses of van life. I ate hard or canned veggies and rarely sipped the pleasure of a cold beer. Ethique Zero Waste Face Cleanser – This popular zero waste beauty brand has just released its first ever solid face cleanser so you can now wash your face with a plastic-free cleanser.