VAN LIFE | camping essentials
Summertime is great for exploring new places, and if you ask us, there is no better way to explore than in a van. Traveling in a van offers so much freedom and convenience that you just can’t get from another vehicle or RV. However, before you set out on your next adventure, make sure you have all the right gear to make your trip even more enjoyable.
OverVanding Solutions has over seven years of experience camping in a van; two of those seven were full-time living in a van. Between that experience and feedback + tips from our clients, we have put together a list of camping essentials for van life.
But first, coffee.
Okay, I know that’s a cheesy saying, but if you’re a coffee lover like myself, you can relate. Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you can’t have a great cup of coffee to start your day off. We love the Aeropress for making coffee in the mornings. It’s simple and packs down small for that limited cabinet space.
H20
Drinking water, shower water, sink water… you need water. Always fill up before you head out on your adventure. Summer months can be especially tricky since you’re drinking more water to stay hydrated for your adventures. Don’t forget to change your fill filter annually! Our favorite filter is this one. While on the road and looking for places to fill up with water, our go-to resource was iOverlander. It’s an app you can download to your phone, and it provides boondocking campsite information, reviews, and places to fill up with water.
Camp Chairs
There are so many camping chairs on the market; it can be hard to choose one. These camp chairs from Dometic are a great option. So many of the options on the market pack away small and/or lighter weight; however, you end up sacrificing on comfort. These chairs have a great back support and are still pretty compact. Dometic also has a matching table you can find here.
Leveling Blocks
One of the best things about camping in a van is that you can stay anywhere - no need for hookups. We’ve camped on the rim of the Grand Canyon and a forest overlooking the Grand Tetons. One things these campsites had in common: they were not level. We use these leveling blocks almost every time we camp.
Boost Pack
Fail to plan and you plan to fail. That’s why we have this boost pack in every vehicle we own. You never know when your battery may die. Instead of asking a stranger to help you with jumper cables, this boost pack hooks directly to your battery and does the work for you. It also serves as a flashlight and phone charger if you need it.
Bug Screens
There have been so many versions of bug screens made for vans. Most either require extensive modification, or they are semi-permanent. If you have a fold down table or just don’t want bug screens in your doors all the time, these bug screens are for you. Clients of ours found these, and we’ve been recommending them since. They magnet on without any installation required and keep the bugs out.
Packing Cubes
We love packing in cubes like these when we hit the road. They make it easy to stay organized and more importantly, they pack down small. With limited cabinet space in a van, these are a great answer.
S’mores Supplies
Camping rule #1 : never leave the house without s’mores supplies. We love using s’mores sticks like these. They come with a bag and each one is a different color so you know which belongs to who.
Atlas
Cell service is something we all assume we will have in today’s world. But that’s the thing about exploring new places; you never know what you’re getting in to. We always kept an atlas with us for those just-in-case moments.