Van Life Adventure Goals
When I embarked on my journey, I had two main goals in mind. Firstly, to step back, re-evaluate, and decide on my future direction. Secondly, to discover incredible places through activities like hiking, biking, fly fishing, and pack rafting. To achieve these goals and manage daily living, having the right van life essentials was crucial.
Van Life Essentials: Inside the Van
Powered Cooler
Among the top van life essentials was Dometic’s CFX3 DZ75 Portable Cooler. This powered cooler, being a larger option, could easily accommodate three people. With two compartments, one functioning as a fridge and the other as a freezer, it proved to be one of the most essential pieces of my van life gear. Not only is it energy-efficient, but it can also be controlled effortlessly via the CFX3 app, making it a must-have in any list of van life essentials.
Electric Kettle
Another key item among my van life essentials was the Bodum electric kettle. Indeed, it simplified my morning rituals, from preparing coffee and tea to warming water for a baby bath. Even though it isn’t the most energy-efficient option, its convenience made it an invaluable part of my van life essentials collection.
Front Window Screens
In terms of ventilation, the van life essentials included MaxxFan this thing is amazing, cooking, cooling down the van, or eliminating odor. I have have it installed for about 4 years now and still going strong. I love the mosquito nets from Vanmade Gear. Consequently, these window screens increased airflow while keeping bugs at bay, which is critical for staying comfortable in warmer climates.
Bike Mounts
To keep my bikes clean and secure, I added Partol Bike Block Fork Mount on a slide-out tray inside the van. Undoubtedly, these mounts quickly became part of my essential van life gear.
Collapsible Bucket
Refilling water was another task where my van life essentials proved their worth. Whenever a direct hose connection wasn’t available, I used Sea to Summit’s 20L collapsible bucket, along with a discreet 3L HydraPak water container for inconspicuous refills.
Handy Van Life Essentials: Inside & Outside
Multitool
Naturally, a Leatherman multitool found its place in my “junk drawer.” Certainly, it has proven invaluable for countless tasks, making it a true van life essential.
Gear Ties
Among the versatile items in my van life essentials, gear ties stood out. In fact, these ties became indispensable for securing and organizing various items throughout the van.
Camping Lantern
The BioLite AlpenGlow 250 lantern is another crucial item on my van life essentials list. With its diverse lighting settings, it provided us with the perfect ambiance for any setting.
Adventure & Camping Gear: Outside the Van
Adventure Blanket
When considering outdoor van life essentials, the Nomadix Puffer Blanket came to mind. Whether, I needed warmth during evening activities or durability for the rough outdoors, this blanket was perfect.
Backpack
Another key item in my van life essentials was Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack. Due to its flexible design and functionality, it catered to my various needs, making it indispensable.
Camp Chairs
The Helinox Zero Highback camp chair is part of my outdoor van life essentials. Thanks to their supportive design, these chairs provided comfort during beach outings and campfires alike.
Van Life Apps & Technology
Gas Apps & Money Savings on the Road
Gas App #1: Gas Buddy
Gas Buddy was a key app among my van life essentials, helping us monitor gas prices and save money by choosing the best stations for refueling.
Gas App #2: Upside
Upside complemented my van life essentials by offering additional cash-back deals, further boosting my Gas Buddy savings.
Gas Credit Cards
Maximizing savings with rewards cards, particularly the U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa, was another van life essential for securing extra cashback on fuel purchases.
Camping, Parking, Adventure, and Van Life Apps
Van Life Apps
iOverlander became an essential app in my van life essentials, helping me find both free and affordable campsites. Moreover, FreeRoam and Harvest Hosts were valuable alternatives that I used often.
Google Maps Customization
Creating custom maps in Google Maps was another van life essential that made planning and visualizing my activities much easier.
AllTrails Pro App
For hiking recommendations, AllTrails was a vital part of my van life essentials, providing me with essential user feedback on trail conditions and tips.
Van Life Technology & Other Items
Wireless phone chargers, cell signal boosters, and GPS devices like the Garmin inReach Mini were other critical components of my van life essentials. In short, these tools ensured connectivity and safety throughout my travels.
Apparel & Footwear
Versatile Tops
High-performing base layers, midlayers, sun hoodies, and insulated jackets were vital van life essentials for dealing with varying climates and activities.
Do-All Bottoms
Clearly, durable adventure pants and versatile jeans, such as Western Rise Evolution and prAna’s Brion Slim, were among my must-have van life essentials for comfort and practicality.
Surprisingly Useful Footwear
Among the footwear van life essentials, Glerups slippers and efficient short rain boots were indispensable for my travels.
Unique Van Life Essentials We Love
Van Organizers & Storage
Organized Obie mesh organizers and innovative storage solutions like the Lifewit Shoe Storage became key items in maximizing my van space—truly essential for any van life essentials collection.
Wellness on the Road
Handy wellness tools, such as mini massagers, Hemp roll-ons, and essential oils, were indispensable parts of my van life essentials for maintaining well-being on the road.
More Great Van Life Essentials
Pee Cloth
This ecological solution replaced toilet paper, adding a convenient and environmentally friendly aspect to my van life essentials.
Audible membership
Audible membership is essential van life essentials for something to do while driving, enjoy your favorite book being read to you!
Internet
There are many options to choose from and after 4 years this has been the best in all 48 states read this post in detail: Van Life Internet Setup
