Dog looking out of van window

🚐 Vanlife Essentials: 25 Must-Have Items for Life on the Road

So you’re planning the vanlife dream — freedom, flexibility, the open road. But before you roll off into the sunset, there’s one crucial step: making sure you’ve got the right gear.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your setup, this guide covers 25 essential items every vanlifer should have to stay comfortable, safe, and road-ready.

Let’s dive into the vanlife essentials you won’t want to live without.

🛏️ Sleeping & Comfort

1. Insulated Mattress Topper

Even if your van bed looks cozy, a thin mattress gets old fast. An insulated memory foam topper adds warmth and comfort — perfect for chilly UK nights.

2. Blackout Curtains or Window Covers

For stealth camping or long lie-ins. These reflective thermal blinds also help regulate temperature.

3. 12V Electric Blanket

A lifesaver in winter. This plug-in heated blanket works with most camper van power systems.

🍳 Cooking & Kitchen Gear

4. Portable Gas Stove

Reliable and simple. The Campingaz Chef Folding Stove is compact, easy to store, and gets the job done.

5. Stackable Cookware Set

Space is precious. This non-stick nesting pot set fits perfectly in small kitchen drawers.

6. 12V Cool Box or Compressor Fridge

Keep your food fresh on long journeys. Try the Alpicool 12V fridge — efficient and affordable.

7. Collapsible Sink or Washing Bowl

Doubles as a dishpan, laundry bin, or wash station. This foldable bowl takes up minimal space.

🚿 Hygiene & Water

8. Portable Shower

For off-grid washing. The Risepro solar camp shower is cheap and effective.

9. Compostable Toiletries

Choose eco-friendly products like biodegradable soap and flushable wipes.

10. Camping Toilet (Optional, But Useful)

Not glamorous, but essential for full-time vanlife. The Thetford Porta Potti 365 is a popular option.

🔋 Power & Tech

11. Solar Power Bank

For phones, lights, and charging on the go. Try the Anker solar power bank.

12. Portable Power Station

Great for charging laptops, running a fan, or powering your fridge. The Jackery Explorer 500 is a solid mid-range option.

13. LED Strip Lights

Efficient, warm lighting changes everything. These 12V LED strips add a cozy vibe to any build.

🧰 Tools & Maintenance

14. Basic Tool Kit

Things will break. Be prepared with a compact multi-use tool set.

15. Tyre Repair Kit

Especially useful if you’re far from help. The Slime tyre repair kit can get you out of a jam.

16. Duct Tape & Bungee Cords

Trust us, they’re more useful than you’d think.

🗺️ Navigation & Outdoors

17. Paper Map or Road Atlas

Because signal isn’t guaranteed. Keep an AA UK Road Atlas handy.

18. Portable Camping Chairs

For beach sunsets, forest dinners, and campfire chats. Try Helinox-style folding chairs.

19. Headlamp or Rechargeable Lantern

Essential for night walks, cooking, or fixing things after dark. This USB lantern + torch combo is highly rated.

🌦️ Seasonal Extras

20. Van Insulation (Reflectix / Wool)

If you're doing a van build, don’t skip insulation. Reflectix foil insulation works great for windows.

21. Portable Fan (USB or 12V)

Summer in a van gets HOT. This 12V fan clips anywhere.

22. Dehumidifier Bags

Combat condensation in cold weather with moisture absorbers.

💡 Other Handy Extras

23. Packing Cubes or Hanging Storage

Keep your van clutter-free. These storage cubes are a game changer.

24. WiFi Booster or Mobile Router

For remote working or content uploading. The Netgear Nighthawk M1 is a favourite among digital nomads.

25. Vanlife Journal or Logbook

Track your travels, park-up spots, and memories. You can grab a vanlife travel journal on Amazon.

🎒 Bonus: Items We Thought We Needed but Didn’t

  • Fancy coffee machine (Aeropress is enough!)

  • Full cutlery sets (just 2 of each is fine)

  • Giant inverter (unless you're running big appliances)

  • Wiffee reusable air freshener to create the ultimate outdoor vibe

🧭 Final Thoughts

Life on the road is about simplicity, freedom, and smart planning. These vanlife essentials help you stay warm, safe, and happy — whether you're off-grid for a weekend or living full-time in your rolling home.

Every van setup is different, but the right gear makes all the difference.

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