This is what I have: When I first hit the road in my first Sprinter Van (nearly a decade ago!), I packed way too much stuff. My kitchen cabinets were overflowing, I packed clothing I never touched, and had a lot of gear that just didn’t hold up to the realities of van life.
Dusty dirt roads, limited storage, and constantly shifting routines quickly showed me what gear was actually useful vs what was just taking up space. Since then, I’ve lived in multiple vans and now travel full-time with my family in a Rossmonster truck camper.
With each setup, I’ve refined my gear list to the essentials—the things that get used regularly, make life easier, and help keep our camper functional and enjoyable.
Now, I’m sharing the gear that’s truly earned its place – so you can skip the clutter, pack smarter, and make the most of your time on the road. For more recommendations, check out my Van Life Clothing List and my favorite Camper Van Kitchen Gear.
This post may contain affiliate links.
Van Kitchen Must-Haves
Cooking Table
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station
These days we mostly cook on our induction stove, but for years, we prepared all of our meals on this GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station. It takes just a few seconds to set up and provides tons of counter space for your ingredients and cooking gear. When it’s time to drive, it folds down flat and can be squeezed into any open spot in your van.
Coffee Maker
Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press
After trying bulky French presses and percolators, the AeroPress Go has become my go-to for van life mornings. It’s fast, compact, and doesn’t hog power or take up room like a Keurig. Cleanup is a breeze—you just pop the puck of grounds into the trash, so you don’t end up wasting a bunch of water to rinse out the grounds. Plus, it’s small enough to stash anywhere and tough enough to survive cabinet rattles on bumpy roads. Learn more in my Aeropress review.
Durable Dishes
Hydro Flask Camp Plates and Bowls
After dealing with scratched-up plastic dishes and too-small camp bowls, I finally upgraded to these stainless steel bowls and plates from Hydro Flask. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and way more durable than anything I used before. They are thick enough that they never are too hot to hold, and they’re actually big enough for a hearty bowl of soup or a big pasta dinner.
Travel Mug
Yeti Rambler Tumbler
A solid camp mug is non-negotiable in van life, and I’ve been using the Yeti Rambler Tumbler for years. It keeps morning beverage hot for hours and doubles as my go-to cold drink cup in the afternoons. The lid is super easy to clean – there’s no hidden crevices or weird parts – and it does a great job at preventing spills when we’re bumping our way down dirt roads.
Food Storage
Stasher Bags
I love using Stasher Bags because they’re reusable, made of durable silicone and hold up to all kinds of van life needs. They’re perfect for packing hiking snacks, storing leftovers, and even reheating since they can be placed in boiling water or in the microwave. Plus, they help cut down on our plastic bag use.
Water Filter
Stealth Flex Water Filtration System
I have the Guzzle H2O Stealth Flex installed under my sink, and it gives me peace of mind knowing our drinking water is clean and free of harmful toxins. It’s compact, easy to install in tight spaces, and the water tastes great—no matter where we fill up. Guzzle also makes other options like their Stream filter, which I’ve got my eye on for pumping water straight from lakes and rivers into my tanks.
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Van Bathroom Essentials
Composting Toilet
CompoCloset Cuddy Lite
I recently upgraded from a foldable toilet to this CompoCloset Cuddy Lite is a compact, portable “composting” toilet that’s about the same size as a cassette toilet, but it’s way easier to clean. It doesn’t require permanent installation or external venting. The toliet separates the pee and poo. You can dump the pee container is easily emptied into any , and the pooptoilet separates the pee and poop and once you dial in the compost setup, it’s low-odor and easy to manage. For other toilet options, see my roundup of the best toilets for van life.
Reusable Pee Cloth
Kula Cloth
The Kula Cloth is one of my go-to hygiene essentials for van life and every outdoor adventure. This reusable pee cloth is super absorbent, antimicrobial, and way more hygienic than drip drying or packing out toilet paper on hikes. Once you try it, you won’t go back. Learn more about the Kula Cloth in my Kula Cloth review.
Everyday Van Essentials
Durable Blanket
Rumpl Blanket
I’ve used Rumpl blankets in my van since 2016 and they’re an absolute essential, especially if you have dogs. Dog hair doesn’t stick to these blankets (just shake em’ outside the van) and they’re fully machine washable.
Multipurpose Towels
Nomadix Quick Dry Towels
Quick-dry towels pack down small, dry fast, and serve so many purposes on the road. I use Nomadix quick dry towels for everything from post-shower drying to wiping down dishes or laying out at the beach. They’re lightweight, versatile, and way more practical than bulky traditional towels.
Privacy
Blackout Window Coverings
Blackout window coverings are a van life essential for creating a cozy, private space at night and for helping control the temperature inside, so you stay comfortable no matter where you’re parked.
Bug Free Air Flow
Bug Screens
I didn’t have bug screens for the first 5 years I did van life. Now that I have them, I realize how crazy that was! Bug screens allow you to keep your doors open for airflow without letting annoying mosquitoes and other insects in.
Greywater Collection
Sea to Summit Folding Bucket
If your van doesn’t have a built-in greywater tank, a collapsible or folding bucket for collecting grey water is an easy, space-saving solution. It catches used sink water from washing dishes or brushing teeth, making it simple to dispose of responsibly and follow Leave No Trace guidelines on the road.
Backpack
Deuter Trail Series Backpacks
A good backpack is a must-have for hiking, outdoor adventures, and even everyday tasks like errands or grocery runs. I love the Deuter Trail series because it comes in a variety of sizes, so you can pick the one that fits your needs, whether you want something small for quick trips or larger for longer hikes.
Van Patio Gear
Camp Chair
Helinox Sunset Chair
I’ve tried a lot of camp chairs over the years and I keep coming back to the Helinox Sunset Chair. I love the supportive high back and that it’s relatively lightweight at 3lbs 4oz. It’s packable and can be easily stored in the van.
Camp Table
NEMO Moonlander Table
The NEMO Moonlander is my favorite compact camp table. It’s sturdy, durable, and packs down small, making it easy to store in the van. I love its versatile, dual-height design, perfect for everything from setting up snacks to playing cards or kicking back at camp.
Outdoor Mat
CGEAR Sand-Free Mat
Having an outdoor mat is essential for keeping dirt, dust, and sand out of your van (or at least creating a buffer). I love the CGEAR mat because it’s more packable than a traditional rug and it filters out fine sand and dirt.
Awning
MoonShade Portable Awning
Having an awning is essential if you’re traveling in hot, sunny places. I didn’t have a permanent awning on my second van, so I used the MoonShade as a less expensive and portable solution. It can be set up on your side or back doors, plus it packs down small. I’ve even tested it in windy conditions and the MoonShade holds up!
*Save 10% by using the code BEARFOOTTHEORY at checkout*
String Lights
BioLite Luci Solar String Lights
Create some camp ambiance with these BioLite string lights! These are a great way to brighten up camp and best of all, they’re charged by the sun (or a USB). I especially love having string lights at camp when burn bans mean no campfires.
Camp Light
BioLite AlpenGlow 500 Lantern
The BioLite AlpenGlow lantern is rechargeable and I love that there are a variety of light settings to match any vibe. My son loves the multicolored one! Whether you’re cooking dinner, hanging out at the picnic table, or just need to spot your campsite after an evening walk, this lantern brings plenty of light and a cozy vibe.
Van Life Clothing Essentials
Hiking Shoe
Oboz Katabatic LT Hiking Shoe
The Oboz Katabatic LT shoes are my go-to for van life because they’re lightweight, supportive, and have great traction. They’re comfortable straight out of the box and easily transition from trail to town—making them a practical, space-saving choice when you live on the road. Read my Oboz Katabatic review for more details!
Sandals
Teva Universal Trail Sandals
Teva Sandals are a great choice for van life because they are versatile and durable enough to handle various outdoor activities, including hiking and water sports. Their comfortable design and adjustable straps also make them easy to slip on and off. I share more thoughts about the Universal Trail Sandals here.
Sun Hat
Wallaroo Sedona Hat
Having a hat is great for sun protection when hiking and spending time outdoors, but let’s be real – I also love that wearing a hat can hide how long it’s been since I’ve last washed my hair. I’ve worn the Sedona hat for years and it’s held up well on all my adventures.
*Get 20% off Wallaroo hats with code BEARFOOT20*
Van Life Organizational Gear
Packing Cubes
REI Co-op Packing Cube Set
Packing cubes are essential for staying organized in the van. Instead of having to pull out a bunch of clothes looking for a specific item, you can just grab the cube you need. I have one for tops, one for bottoms, one for undies… you get the idea. These are especially useful if you’re living in your van with another person.
Van Electronic Essentials
Portable Power Station
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
If you have a robust power system, you won’t need this…but if you find your battery capacity to be lacking, this River 2 PRO portable power station can help keep you functioning. I have one of these for basic car camping, and it’s charges my laptop and other devices so quickly. The power station itself charges from 0-80% in less than 1 hour using an AC outlet too!
WiFi
Starlink Mini
The Starlink Mini has been a complete game-changer for me. I used to have to go into town and sit in the library or a coffee shop when I had zoom meetings. Now I can take care of business wherever we are camping. It’s also great for streaming shows without eating up the data on your phone plan. Mine is mounted to my roof, which is so convenient. My only complaint is that it consumes a lot of battery power, so you got to make sure to turn it off when you don’t need it. If the Starlink isn’t for you, check out your other options for getting wifi in your van.
Must-Have Recovery & Safety Gear
Recovery boards
Maxtrax
Some dispersed camping roads are sandy or become muddy after rain so having a way to self-recover if you get stuck is important. The Maxtrax recovery boards are my #1 must-have recovery accessories! We got stuck in some deep sand in Baja, and if it weren’t for these boards, getting out would have been near impossible.
Battery Jump Starter
Hulkman Jump Starter
Having a battery jump starter is essential for van life because it allows you to easily jump-start your vehicle without having to rely on external assistance, which is important especially if you plan to camp in remote areas.
Portable Air Compressor
Viair Air Compressor
With the miles we put on our vans, tire pressure is something to monitor closely. Airing down your tires before driving on soft surfaces (like sand) helps you avoid getting stuck, however, you need a way to air back up your tires when you get back to pavement. The Viair Air Compressor is a reliable and fast option.
Satellite Communication Device
Garmin InReach Mini 2
Having a two-way satellite communication device for van life gives ultimate peace of mind, especially if you camp often in places without service. A few years ago, my Sprinter battery died in winter when I was camped somewhere without service, and I was able to message my Dad with my location so he could reach out to AAA for me.
Folding Shovel
Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
A shovel is a multi-functional van life essential, great for digging catholes, getting unstuck, or putting out campfires. I like this Gerber folding spade because it folds down for easy storage.
Carbon Monoxide Detector
Kidde Carbon Monoxide Detector
When you’re living in a small space with a diesel heater, propane stove monoxide detector is a must. This Kidde detector is a reliable option and updates every 15 seconds for an accurate reading.
Levelers
Lynx Leveling Blocks
The most common argument my partner and I have in our camper is whether or not the van is flat. That ended once we got these Lynx leveling blocks. They are inexpensive, lightweight, and are really easy to drive up onto.
Two Way Radio
Rocky Talkies Mountain Radio
If you plan to caravan with friends, the Rocky Talkies Mountain Radios make communication on the road easy and fun. They’re especially handy to have in areas where cell service is spotty such as in Baja or deep in the mountains.
Best Van Life Cleaning Supplies
Eco-Friendly Cleaners
Attitude Cleaning products
In a small space like a van, what you clean with really matters, both for your health and the environment. I use Attitude’s unscented dishwashing liquid and all-purpose kitchen cleaner because they’re EWG Verified, meaning they’re free of harmful chemicals. That’s especially important when I’m dumping greywater outdoors.
Dish Brush
Oxo Soap Dispensing Brush
I’ve been using the OXO dish soap dispensing brush for years in my van kitchen. It’s super convenient and helps me conserve both soap and water which are two things I’m always trying to stretch on the road. It makes doing dishes in a small sink way easier.
Vacuum
Dyson Car + Boat Handheld Vacuum
Keeping my van clean, especially with dogs, can be a challenge. Between the hair, dirt, and crumbs, it doesn’t take long for things to feel messy. I use a Dyson handheld vacuum because it’s compact and the cordless features means I can use it everywhere in my rig. Make sure to get a flexible hose extension so its easier to use in hard to reach places.
Essential Van Life Memberships
Campsite Finder
iOverlander
iOverlander 2 is one of my favorite tools for finding free campsites, water fill stations, dump spots, and other road trip essentials. The interface is clean and easy to use, and the filters make it simple to find exactly what I need. I recommend the paid membership so you can download maps and campsite info for offline use. It’s a small investment that’s saved me time, stress, and money on the road.
Campsite Finder
Harvest Hosts
If you spend a lot of time driving through states that don’t have a lot of public lands with free camping, Harvest Hosts is a great option for finding places to park overnight. You can “camp” at more than 2,300 unique properties such as wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and more. You can also add on Boondockers Welcome which adds access to 3000+ private properties across the US as well.
Hiking Trail Finder
AllTrails+
This is my favorite app for finding local trails while traveling. The free version provides basic functions like searching for nearby trails and getting directions to the trailheads, but the paid version (get 30% off when you sign up for AllTrails+ here) has a lot of extra features (like offline maps.
Annual Park Pass
America The Beautiful National Park Pass
Lots of van lifers hit the road to explore America’s National Parks. Save money on entrance fees by buying an annual park pass which allows you unlimited entry for 12 months from your purchase date.
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Am I missing any van life essentials from my list? Let me know in the comments!
