10 Things Every Camper Needs for Van Life

Van life or camper life is all the rage right now, and it’s easy to see why. It’s simple, it’s cheap, and it’s fun. But there are a few things every camper needs before they head off into the wilderness.

Your van is the home base for all of your camping adventures, so it’s essential that you make it as comfortable and convenient as possible so you can spend time outside instead of inside.

Here are the essential items for every camper, whether they plan to drive to their destination, fly, or camp along the way.

Whistle

There’s nothing worse than getting to your campsite after the sun has set and realizing you forgot your headlamp, phone, or car keys. You’ll reach into your pocket to retrieve your whistle if you’re like us. There is a special compartment that stores a key, so they can always find it when it is really needed.

Light

When you hit the road in a van, you want to have the essentials—including things like headlamps, flashlights, and flashlights in the van. One of the biggest considerations when you’re traveling in a van, especially if you’re traveling with others, is lighting. Everyone has his or her own personal preferences in what type of lighting works best for different situations.

Knife

Every camper needs a knife. You need it for chopping food, whittling, cutting line, or self-defense. A knife helps turn your hike into an adventure and separates the men from the boys. And, a knife helps you survive.

Fire Extinguisher

While we’re used to taking our smartphones, laptops, and other electronics with us when camping, you might forget something essential. A fire extinguisher is a safety necessity and a valuable item that can rescue you during an emergency.

Clothespins

A better way to keep your clothing in place on the road is with clothespins, which come in all sizes and lengths and get the job done in an efficient, non-messy way. And unlike other clothing fasteners, clothespins aren’t expensive, which helps keep those cash expenditures on your van life journey low.

Duct Tape

One of the most useful items to have when setting up your van is duct tape. Whether you’re tired of one of your seams giving way or looking to waterproof a roof vent, this tape is an invaluable tool for your camping trip.

A Good Map

Van life is about the freedom of the open road, but like most things in life, it can be dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. You probably already have your first aid kit, your bug spray, your spare tire, and basic tools, but a good map can also be a lifesaver.

Matches

In van life, matches are hard to come by. A small candle can go on for hours without burning out, while matches will burn out before I even get to the campsite, much less start a fire. That’s why matches are the number one item on my list of essentials for van life.

Pencil/notebook

Some might think that pen and paper are obsolete in the age of technology. Whether you’re camping out for a week or two or an entire year, a pen and notebook can be life-saving in a variety of situations.

Blanket

As a camper, you will be spending a lot of your time outdoors—and sitting around a campfire. So, choosing the right blanket is essential. The ideal blanket should be comfortable, durable, and packable.

No matter what type of trip you have planned or what type of vehicle you opt for, you will need to pack your van with some pretty essential items. Sticking to the theme of “what you need, what you don’t need,” there are certain things every camper needs, but not too many.

One of the most exciting decisions you can make while planning a camping trip is deciding what you’ll bring along with you. The more you take with you, the more you’ll need to be able to carry, from tents to sleeping bags, to shovels to bug spray. While it’s always important to be prepared, there are some things that all campers need.

If you’re new to camping, take my advice. Buy a Toyota Sienna with slide-out, and haul everything you’ll need. That way, you can camp comfortably and effortlessly. You’ll sleep like a baby and wake up refreshed.

When it comes to moving, packing, and setting up new living quarters, camping van owners know life can be tough. But they can simplify the process by stocking a van with the right tools, supplies, and gear. Portable coolers, folding solar panels, and foldable camp chairs are only a few examples of must-haves.

You need safety first when it comes to camping. Though it may be comfortable, it can also be dangerous. While camping, you must watch out for all sorts of dangers, including wild animals, fire, and getting lost.