5 Essentials for Van Life

It’s no secret how tight van life space can be. As a result, you need to be super strict with what you decide to take on your travels. From a portable camping fridge to portable chargers, we’re talking essentials only!

But with so many articles and resources out there deeming a bunch of different products ‘essential’, it’s difficult to establish which ones you actually need. And those you simply don’t.

In this blog, we’ll be discussing our top 5 picks for a happy van life. Covering all essential bases, this simple list has everything you need for a hassle-free start to your packing.

1. Vent Fan

A total must-have for any van, a vent fan is our no.1 essential item. Able to keep your van cool during hot summer temperatures (a complete life-saver at night if you feel unsafe leaving a window open), a vent fan is sure to make your experience a lot more comfortable. 

It also helps draw out excess moisture from your van too. Ideal when cooking to avoid condensation and a stuffy atmosphere, a vent fan is multifunctional and most models are super easy to install.

2. Portable Camping Fridge

Unless you want to experience van life eating dry foods 24/7, a portable camping fridge is vital. And one of our cutting-edge coolers will do just the trick.

Able to keep your food and drink cool, fresh, and delicious for longer, a portable camping fridge offers far more convenience than a standard cooler. You won’t have to deal with the hassle of ice melting and ruining your food, as a portable compressor fridge provides a lot more reliability.

3. Camping Gas Stove

One of the best ways to save money while living in a van is to cook meals yourself. And this is virtually impossible without a decent camping stove. 

Plenty of versatile options are out there, able to be used both in and outdoors. Provided you’ve got a supply of gas to hand, you’re good to go. 

Top tip: we recommend opting for a stove with side protectors, as this helps avoid grease and mess splattering out into your van! And if cooking outside, this can help protect the flame from being blown out by wind.

4. Portable Toilet

While not quite as essential for shorter camping trips, a portable toilet is pretty crucial if you’re living the van life for the foreseeable future. Unless you want to face the outdoor elements every time nature calls.

There’s a huge range of portable loos out there, allowing you to be super flexible with what you choose. And with many options now composting waste and being a lot kinder to the planet, you can still remain as eco-friendly as possible (without having to rely on the bushes 24/7).

5. Portable Charging Bank

It’s great to go off the grid for a while and stay away from technology. But let’s face it, we rely on our electronics SO much these days – and it’s difficult to avoid them for too long! Often our sole connection to friends and family, having a way to charge your devices is crucial. 

Plenty of charging banks are available, offering various degrees of strength. Easily chargeable when you do have access to a power outlet, you’ll have everything you need to keep your devices running when out in the wilderness.

And there you have it. 5 key essentials for enjoying the van life to the max. 

For more information on our range of advanced portable coolers, check out our useful guide to find the best match for you.