Must Have Essentials For Van life : Staying Comfortable On The Road
- Summit & Surf
- Oct 15, 2023
- 5 min read
Van life is a rad way to live, either full-time or part-time. Van life can be a wicked way to check out new waves, save some cash, and enjoy more freedom and chill vibes. But, van life also comes with its own hassles and bummers, like limited space, lack of comforts, and exposure to the weather. That’s why it’s important to have the right gear and stuff to make your van life more comfy, easy, and safe. In this blog post, we will share some of the must have items for van life that we think every van lover should have.
Van Life Essentials for Comfort
Living in a van can be cosy and fun, but it can also be un comfy and cramped if you don’t have the proper gear to make your space more liveable. Here are some of the van life essentials for comfort that we recommend:
A good mattress: A good mattress is essential for getting a good night’s sleep in your van. You want a mattress that is comfy, durable, and fits your van’s size. You can choose from different types of mattresses, like memory foam, latex, or air mattresses. Some people even go for custom-made mattresses that fit their van’s shape and size perfectly. We recently got a new mattress and its been a game changer!
Bedding: Along with a good mattress, you also need some quality bedding to keep you warm and cosy in your van. You can choose from different types of bedding, like blankets, quilts, duvets, or sleeping bags. You can also add some pillows, cushions, or throws to make your bed more inviting and cool.
Curtains: Curtains are not only useful for blocking out light and providing privacy in your van, but they can also add some colour and style to your interior. You can choose from different types of curtains, like blackout curtains, sheer curtains, or thermal curtains. You can also use curtains to divide your space into different zones or create a cosy nook in your van.
Fan: A fan is a must have item for van life, especially in the summer months when it can get hot and stuffy inside your van. A fan can help you cool down, circulate air, and prevent condensation in your van. You can choose from different types of fans, like 12-volt fans, USB fans, or solar fans. You can also use a fan to create white noise and drown out any unwanted sounds outside your van.
Van Life Essentials for Convenience
Living in a van can be convenient and flexible, but it can also be inconvenient and annoying if you don’t have the proper gear to make your life easier. Here are some of the van life essentials for convenience that we suggest:
Solar panels: Solar panels are one of the best ways to power your van and charge your devices without relying on external sources. Solar panels can help you generate free and clean energy from the sun and reduce your eco footprint. You can choose from different types of solar panels, like flexible solar panels, rigid solar panels, or portable solar panels. You can also use solar panels to power other gear in your van, like lights, fridge, or heater.
Water tank: A water tank is another must have item for van life, especially if you plan to stay off-grid for long periods of time. A water tank can help you store fresh water for drinking, cooking, washing, or showering in your van. You can choose from different types of water tanks, like plastic water tanks, metal water tanks, or collapsible water tanks. You can also use a water tank to collect rainwater or filter water from natural sources.
Portable toilet: A portable toilet is a necessity for van life, especially if you don’t have access to public restrooms or campgrounds. A portable toilet can help you avoid the hassle of finding a place to go or digging a hole in the ground. You can choose from different types of portable toilets, like composting toilets, cassette toilets, or bucket toilets. You can also use a portable toilet to dispose of your waste safely and hygienically.
Storage solutions: Storage solutions are essential for van life, especially if you have limited space and lots of stuff in your van. Storage solutions can help you organize your stuff, maximize your space, and keep your van tidy and clutter-free. You can choose from different types of storage solutions, like bins, baskets, boxes, or drawers. You can also use storage solutions to create more space in your van by using vertical space or hidden compartments.
Van Life Essentials for Safety
Living in a van can be adventurous and gnarly, but it can also be risky and sketchy if you don’t have the proper gear to protect yourself and your van. Here are some of the van life essentials for safety that we advise:
First aid kit: A first aid kit is a must have item for van life, especially if you travel to remote areas or encounter accidents or injuries. A first aid kit can help you treat minor wounds, infections, allergies, or illnesses in your van. You can choose from different types of first aid kits, like basic first aid kits, advanced first aid kits, or specialized first aid kits. You can also use a first aid kit to prevent or manage more serious conditions, like dehydration, hypothermia, or snake bites.
Fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher is another must have item for van life, especially if you use flammable gear or appliances in your van. A fire extinguisher can help you put out small fires, prevent them from spreading, or escape from your van in case of a fire. You can choose from different types of fire extinguishers, like dry powder fire extinguishers, foam fire extinguishers, or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers. You can also use a fire extinguisher to protect your van from vandalism or theft.
Security system: A security system is a necessity for van life, especially if you park in unfamiliar or unsafe places. A security system can help you monitor your van, deter intruders, or alert authorities in case of an emergency. You can choose from different types of security systems, like alarms, locks, cameras, or trackers. You can also use a security system to control your van remotely or locate it if it gets stolen.
Emergency kit: An emergency kit is a vital item for van life, especially if you face unexpected situations or disasters. An emergency kit can help you survive, communicate, or rescue in your van. You can choose from different types of emergency kits, like survival kits, communication kits, or rescue kits. You can also use an emergency kit to prepare for different scenarios, like power outages, breakdowns, floods, or earthquakes.
These are some of the must have items for van life that we think every van lover should have. Of course, there are many other items that you can add to your van life stash depending on your preferences, needs, and budget. The important thing is to make sure that you have the items that make your van life more comfy, easy, and safe.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful and rad for you. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And if you dig this blog post, please share it with your mates and fellow van lifers. Cheers for reading and happy travels!
Check out our guide to choosing the ultimate van for van life here!
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