Living the van life offers freedom and flexibility, allowing you to explore new places while maintaining a mobile lifestyle.
To make your van life experience comfortable and efficient, having the right essentials is crucial. Our team at Geotrek has insights into the must-have items for successful van living.
Essential Items for Van Life
Sleeping Setup
A good sleeping setup is important for restful nights. Make sure you have:
- A high-quality mattress or sleeping pad (we include a mattress with each Geotrek build)
- A warm blanket for those chilly nights (check out the Rumpl Puffy Blanket. You’ll take us later)
- A set of window covers for all of the windows and vents (like the Maxxair Fan) in your van. VanEssential’s 4-season window covers ensure comfort year-round, keeping you cozy in winter and cool in summer. They double as blackout curtains, offering total darkness for undisturbed sleep-ins or privacy for late-night van parties. Enjoy every moment, knowing your space is both insulated and discreetly shielded!
Kitchen Equipment
When cooking in your van, having compact and efficient kitchen equipment is essential. We suggest keeping a second set of cooking utensils in your van to ensure you’re always ready to hit the road without leaving anything behind. Here are a few must-haves items we’ve discovered along the journey:
- A portable stove or built-in cooktop (our camper vans include a built-in or portable cooktop). For a propane cooking outside option, checkout the Coleman 2-Burner Propane Camping Stove.
- A small refrigerator or cooler to keep your food fresh (yes, we also include a dorm-style refrigerator to each of our van builds).
- Vanlife essential kitchen tools include a cutting board, knives, pots, pans, and utensils. We would make recommendations here, but I am sure you already have your favorites!
- Collapsible and nesting items save space and keep your kitchen organized.
- Oil and basic spices on deck
Water System
If you’re planning to be off-grid, you’ll want a way to have enough water at all times and an easy way to refill. Geotrek offers both.
- Include a freshwater tank and a greywater tank to manage your water supply and waste.
- You’ll need a water pump to ensure a steady flow of water.
- Include a filtration system to improve water quality and ensure safe drinking water.
- Portable water bottles and portable water filters (a Brita Filter will fit into the start dorm refrigerators).
- Check out our Buyer’s Guide Video to learn more about the water systems that Geotrek offers (Geotrek Buyer’s Guide – Water System – Custom Camper Vans)
Storage Solutions
We don’t have to explain to you the importance of storage in your van. Overhead and under-bed storage are great ways to use vertical space. Consider using multi-functional furniture that combines storage with seating or sleeping areas. Many van lifers also love:
- Mesh storage areas with easy access (See the RV Cargo Mesh Net that can be drilled into your cabinets or walls)
- Drawer and cabinet storage dividers to keep things organized
- Seatback organizers with multiple compartments (VanEssential as multiple different foldable soft-storage options. Check out the Under Seat Floor Storage or the Universal Back of Seat Storage Organizer)
Climate Control
Managing the temperature inside your van is essential for comfort.
- Ventilation fans help regulate airflow and prevent condensation. If a MaxxAir roof vent fan is not installed, small desk heaters can also help move air in your van.
- If you do not have a heater in your van installed, portable heaters provide additional temperature control.
- Insulate your van’s walls, ceiling, and floor to improve temperature regulation and energy efficiency. VanEssential’s 4-season window covers can help with temperature regulation, as well.
Safety and Security
Safety and security are top priorities, and life on the road doesn’t have to compromise them. Make sure your van is equipped with:
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (First Alert Smoke and CO Detector)
- A fire extinguisher (8-in-1 FIre Extinguisher with Wall Mount)
- Reliable locks
- An alarm system or GPS tracker for added security (Bouncie GPS Car Tracker)
- A first aid kit and emergency supplies (Protect Life First Aid Kit)
Bathroom Setup
A basic bathroom setup is a plus, but most van lifers know how hard they are to come by. Some of our top essentials include:
- Portable toilets, composting toilets, or camp toilets. We install and love both the SeaFlo 5.3 Gallon Portable Toilet and the Boxio Composting Toilet.
- A portable shower or solar shower bag (5-Gallon Solar Heating Shower Bag)
- Privacy curtains or pop-up tents (Kelty H2GO Privacy Curtain)
- Cleansing wipes (Hustle Clean Body Wipes)
- Shower shoes (I’m sure you have your favorites!)
Tools and Maintenance
Carrying essential tools and maintenance supplies helps you address issues on the road. Include a:
- Basic toolkit with wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and duct tape (Household Tools Kit)
- Spare parts like fuses, hoses, and belts can be lifesavers
- Regular maintenance checks keep your van in good condition and prevent breakdowns.
- Multitools are always helpful and space-saving (Gerber 15-in-1 Multi Tool)
Staying Connected
If you’re wanting to stay connected while in your van, you definitely have the option to do so!
- Consider investing in a Starlink satellite internet system for reliable internet access. If you’re building a van with Geotrek, we can add a Starlink to your roof.
- Invest in a hot spot for your cell phone (if you aren’t doing Starlink). The Verizon MiFi is a great option for remote hot-spot creation.
- Screen extenders are a great way to get some extra screen inches without lugging around a desktop
Outdoor Essentials
Van life is all about embracing the great outdoors, so make sure to pack the right gear for your adventures.
- A portable campervan awning can provide shade and shelter. The Kelty Highroads Overlanding Shelter is great for a portable awning option.
- Camping lanterns make nighttime hours easier to navigate (especially nighttime bathroom trips). The BioLite Alpenglow Multicolor USB Lantern is a rechargeable, LED light that can change colors.
- Bring along a compact camping table and chairs to create a comfortable outdoor lounge area.
Geotrek: Camper Van Accessories Built-In
Equipping your van with essential items ensures a comfortable and efficient van life experience. From a good sleeping setup and kitchen equipment to a reliable water system and electrical setup, each element plays a crucial role.
Geotrek is a Colorado-based van conversion company that creates smart van builds so you don’t have to. Our vans come completely equipped with
- Cabinetry, storage, and hidden compartments
- Kitchen facilities, cooktop, sink, mini fridge, cutting boards, & more
- Flooring and insulated walls
- Electrical systems, lighting, and solar panels
- Water tank and pump
- Mattress and removable bed platform
- Bench seat & eating/lounging area
- And so much more!
Van life is unique and so too should be your living setup. We get the needs of van lifers and tailor our designs with every part of van life in mind. Whether you are starting your van life journey or looking to upgrade your current setup, Geotrek is the one-stop shop for camper vans.
We hope this list of van life must-haves helps you stay comfortable and hiccup-free on the road!