Complete Guide to Van Essentials Packing List

While living a life full of adventure in a van is a good goal, you cannot understate the importance of having a well-built infrastructure. Each van's essentials should ensure safety, functionality, and sustainability. This article emphasizes the crucial aspects of van building essentials and why they matter.

Maintaining a reliable power source is one of the essential components. This is important for charging electronic devices for negotiation, communication, and entertainment. For the same, products like Jackery Solar Generators have become a practical choice due to their ease of use and portability. The Jackery Solar Generators are beneficial when traveling off the grid or in areas with limited conventional power access.   

Complete Van Essentials Packing List

A van's essential packing list is crucial for outfitting your van for an adventure. The necessary items may differ from person to person depending on family size, choices, and plans. However, there are a few basic requirements every van owner must have to ensure comfort and safety. You might not want to skip any van essential, so a van essential packing list is important. This will help you choose the best comfort, convenience, and safety items.

Van Essentials: Documents

Regarding documentation, having your van is much safer and more sensible. It also ensures awareness of its condition so that repairs can be made whenever required. You must always carry essential documents such as a driver's license, van registration, and insurance policy. It is even better to have extra copies of these documents. You must have a vehicle manual with essential repair tips and procedures to assure additional safety.

Here is a list of documents essential for a van trip:

• Drivers License
• National Park Pass
• Credit/Debit Cards
• Insurance Card
• Passport

Personal ID

Ensure that your driver's license is renewed. You must also have a passport if you plan to travel across the borders. Keeping a copy of your birth certificate and vaccination records can also be a wise option.

Credit and Debit Card

If your card is stolen and you need a replacement, it is better to scan your cards before any situation occurs. This will save time and help you get the replacement easily.

Vehicle Papers

You must keep proof of insurance, registration, and a valid ID if the van is fully paid. Keep your AAA card, Good Sam travel assistance, or other roadside service membership handy in an emergency.

Van Essentials: Van Building

Van build essentials are the foundational elements that impact the comfort and functionality of the person living in a van. Proper insulation, ventilation, safety, and personalization are essential to ensure the van remains comfortable across climates.

Here is a list of all the van-build essentials you may require:

• Insulation
• Ventilation
• Camper van awning
• Water Tank
• Jackery Solar Generators
• Refrigerator
• Solar Panels

Insulation

Insulating your van's floor, ceiling, and roof will keep it warm during winter and cool during summer. Additionally, van insulation reduces condensation.

Ventilation

Roof ventilation in a van helps remove cooking fumes and promotes airflow. It sucks out the hot air and keeps the interiors cool. Some van owners prefer to install two ventilators, one for inflow and another for outflow.

Camper van Awning

A campervan awning provides a shaded area wherever placed without worrying about the sun or rain. It allows you to have a comfortable outdoor living area during road trips. You can also keep camping tables or dirty boots in an awning.

Jackery Solar Generators

For van life, Jackery Solar Generators is an excellent choice. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus can power up to 6000 watts of heavy-duty devices. It has a 10-year lifespan, making it ideal for van life adventures and outdoor travel. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus can power 99% of appliances. It supports camping, off-road travel, and van life adventures. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Pro can be used weekly for over a decade. Its superior solar and AC charging ensures all-around safety for van essential devices.

Solar Panels

You will need solar panels to charge your van's solar system. You can install solar panels on the roof or place portable solar panels at the back of your van.

Van Essentials: Sleeping System

Van essentials for sleep depend largely upon the weather and your arrangements. During camping, you might require extra sleeping supplies and tent gear. Most of the time, it can get cold at night all year. It is, therefore, an excellent idea to keep a warm blanket handy.

Here is a list of sleeping essentials required for van life:

• Bed
• Pillows
• Fitted Sheet
• Blanket
• Window Coverings
• Eye Mask
• Tent
• Mattress
• Earplugs

Use Earplugs

If you live in a van, sound and light may keep you awake. Some van interiors are fully insulated with thick panels held in place with small magnets. Although the panels help reduce noise, earplugs sometimes are needed for an hour.

Sleeping Bags

During winter, keep a warm sleeping bag with a rating of at least 21 degrees. During summer, keep extra sheets inside your van.

Van Essentials: Kitchen & Food

Sometimes, cooking inside a van can be challenging yet rewarding. The correct tools and nutritious food are essential for maintaining a healthy diet while traveling. You should always be prepared with cooking essentials before starting your journey. Depending on your choice, you can install a full kitchen or a propane stove.

A few kitchen suppliers you must carry in your van:

• Refrigerator
• Camp stove
• Water Filter
• Chopping Board
• Knife set
• Fork and Spoon set
• Cooking pot
• Crockery set
• Lighter
• Ladle
• Spatula
• Grinder

Portable Gas Stove

A gas stove is ideal for its lightweight, efficiency, and reasonable price. It is simple to use both indoors and outdoors. Some gas stoves can help shield the flame from being extinguished. These also come with a collapsible lid and side protectors to prevent grease.

Water Container

Having at least a four-gallon water container can be helpful for washing, drinking, or reserving.

Cookware

Pots and pans can take up more space than expected inside your van. A better alternative is to use nesting cookware stacks. These take up less space, have releasable handles, and are induction-friendly.

A list of the best food for van life:

• Root vegetables
• Leafy vegetables
• Grains and Cereal
• Flour
• Lentils and Rice
• Nuts and Dry Fruits
• Pasta and Noodles
• Seasonal Fruits
• 4 Gallons of water

You must fill your pantry with your essential and favorite cooking items to prepare meals. As mentioned earlier, cooking planning should be done before starting the journey. Do the grocery shopping as soon as possible to prevent last-minute hassle. This way, you can even spend time during leisure activities without worrying about the groceries.

Just like you prepare cooking essentials at home, plan accordingly for your van life. On-the-spot cooking items, such as spices, oil, sauces, etc., must be stored in the pantry. You can also facilitate your cooking by keeping ready-to-cook meals whenever you feel worn out.

Van Essentials: Clothing System

If you are used to a spacious wardrobe, you might initially have difficulty packing your clothes for van trips. For that, carrying only what is required, durable, and adaptable is always a good idea. The only important thing is that you pack depending on the seasons. Since the weather might be unpredictable, preparing beforehand can be a more intelligent move.

Here is a list of van life clothing essentials you need:

• Long pants
• Wool socks
• T-shirts
• Long sleeve shirts
• Rain jacket
• Hat or Beanie
• Clothes with quick-drying material
• Hiking shoes
• Sports shoes
• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Backpack for day trips
• Sandals
• Night Suit

Before you decide on your wardrobe, you must check the next destination and season during your trip. The next step is to see how much space is available in your closet. You may prefer a cabinet with additional and separate storage units for clothes, shoes, and other clothing. One trick to save enough space is to roll your clothes instead of folding them, whether you use bins or cubes.

Van Essentials: Hygiene & Toiletries

Van life is typically associated with being unclean and lacking in hygiene. When traveling, your cleaning regimen may change, but that doesn't mean your van life hygiene has to suffer! The kind of bathroom supplies you need to bring will depend on where you camp. You'll also need to make arrangements for showering if you intend to live entirely off the grid.

Here is a list of all the hygiene & toiletries and cleanup items you must have in your toiletry kit:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Feminine hygiene products
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Hand sanitizer
• Baby wipes
• Water bottle
• Towels

Body wipes

Baby or body wipes are a great way to freshen up if you can't access a campsite or van shower. These are great choices in cases where time or privacy are scarce. Dry shampoo usually allows you to go a few more days without washing your hair because body wipes aren't effective at cleaning it.

Public Bathrooms

While it might not be necessary for everyone, using a public bathroom can be helpful if you frequently need to use it late at night. Having a portable restroom available in an emergency might also be helpful. They're quick stops that are free and convenient for applying clean water to your skin—more like a cool-down!

Eco-friendly soap

A necessary eco-friendly item for cleaning dishes and oneself is biodegradable soap. One of the most natural ways to shower off the grid is to bathe in a lake or river. Even though the water may not be warm, the views will be amazing!

Van Essentials: Storage & Organization 

When you feel a shortage of room or storage units, you must shop or plan for groceries more carefully. In-built shelves are an excellent option to keep the tools or cargo separate to access more storage. This will make it easier to separate small and large tools and retrieve them. You can also prefer bin sizes based on the items they will carry.

List of all the storage and organization supplies:

• Packing cubes
• Hanging toiletry bag
• Clear plastic bags for food storage
• Laundry bag for dirty clothes
• Magnetic hooks for hanging clothes
• Rack
• Basket

Baskets

Fabric baskets are both decorative and functional van life accessories. You can store pet toys, blankets, and towels in baskets. While traveling, woven baskets can keep the snacks secure.

Racks

Racks hold ladders and accessories such as pipes. They make it easier to retrieve these tools, reducing deployment time. Racks can also have differently shaped tools and accessories.

Van Essentials: Safety & Emergency

Always carrying a first aid kit is crucial since you never know when something might go wrong. One can be obtained from an outdoor sporting goods store or your neighborhood pharmacy. Make sure the one you choose is suitable for when you are out and the number of people you travel with. Many people need to consider the security implications of their most essential belongings. Your most valuable documents and possessions can be kept in a small floor-mounted safe during a break-in or car fire.

Here is a list of all the safety and emergency items needed in a van's life:

• Bandages
• Pain relievers
• Prescribed medication
• Flashlight
• Whistle
• Emergency blanket
• Pepper spray
• Extra first aid kit
• Small sewing kit
• Duct tape
• Extra batteries

Traction Boards

You need traction boards and a shovel in case your van gets stuck in mud, sand, or snow and you can't dig your way out. Traction boards have options but may use up significant storage space. To free up space inside your van, traction boards are sturdy products you can easily install on your roof rack.

First-Aid Kit

One item you simply must have in your campervan is first aid supplies. No matter what hobby you choose for your van life, minor injuries are inevitable. It is best to have first aid supplies on hand because you might need help finding a drugstore within a few miles. Pack bandages, instant cold packs, thermometers, ointments, emergency blankets, and any prescription drugs you may need.

Flashlight

Although carrying extra batteries is always a good idea, an emergency flashlight can be helpful in a pinch. These are also necessary if you are camping overnight or going on a backpacking trip. Your survival kit should include a battery bank since not all campgrounds can access electricity.

To build your van life emergency kit, store supplies in airtight plastic bags and your emergency kit in one or two carry-along containers. A basic emergency kit could include water, food, a first aid kit, extra batteries, duct tape, a whistle, bottles, personal hygiene products, and other necessities.

Van Essentials: Repair & Maintenance

Compared to repairing a van at home, repairing it while traveling is more challenging. You might be unfamiliar with the area sometimes and may need a mechanic to be able to repair your van. But that might take days and would not be a cost-effective option either. Repairing your van requires mechanical skills and experience but also saves money. If you have some essential ability, online resources might be helpful to let you repair your vehicle hassle-free. Here is a list of some repair tools you must carry in your camper van:

• Camping lantern
• Multi-toolkit
• Tire pressure gauge
• Bungee cords/rope
• Camping hatchet
• Firestarter
• Portable space heater
• Traction Board
• Water Hose

Wheel Wrench

Most often, tires are most likely to cause an issue. Changing a tire becomes more critical with the distance you have covered. For the same, having a wheel wrench in your toolkit is a must. It can safely lift your van and provide it with manual support. If your van is lifted with larger tires, you might need a more giant jack. Having a flat base under your jack would provide extra support.

Air Compressor

If your tire leaks, an air compressor may provide some extra travel duration and help you get to a tire shop. Having an air compressor will also help off-roaders back up as required. Depending on the budget, a larger compressor can operate some pneumatic tools.

Battery Booster

Another very common issue that can ruin a day is dead batteries. Jumper cables can come in handy if you can reach a second battery. Here's where battery extenders come into play. Most booster systems are adaptable, allowing you to charge numerous items in your van and use them as lights when necessary.

Some tips that might help repair and maintain the van:

Find a place to solve the issue: Once it has been identified that a repair is necessary, find a location where you can spend a few days sorting the issue.

Select tools and parts for the repair: After finding a suitable place, you'll first need to find the right tools and parts for the repair. Your van’s service manual will help you understand what you require.

Find free Wi-Fi: The repair will go much more smoothly if you plan and do as much research and preparation as possible beforehand. Most libraries in the area provide free Wi-Fi. Unlike coffee shops, you don't have to pay to enter. Coffee shops are also good locations to use free Wi-Fi for research.

Find a place to repair: Once you know the costs of fixing your car, the next step is locating a repair facility. You can do minor maintenance and repairs, like oil changes. You should choose a more secure location for extensive repairs that will take several days to complete.

Be prepared with tools: Make sure you have all the necessary parts and tools and are ready to repair once you've found a good location for it. Before you begin, remember to restock on supplies like water and groceries.

Van Essentials: Entertainment

Entertainment is pivotal for your road trip when you have a camper van. Along with a long drive and camping under the stars, an entertainment source must also be personal—something that is much about you! It adds a new dimension to your adventure and brings you closer to yourself, your loved ones, and the world. Be it movies, games, books, journals, or sports, you do not have to skip the fun part while on a long journey.

From projectors to board games, here is a list of entertainment camper van essentials:

• Board Games
• Dice
• Hammock
• Cards
• Projector for Movies
• Books
• Speakers

Board Games

You can play chess or Qwirkle with fellow van lifers during rainy days or other travel versions. Uno or a deck of cards can also be a great pastime.

Outdoor Activities

If your stop is near a beach or a park, frisbee is ideal for having fun with other van lifers. For adventure seekers, hiking or surfing would be a great physical activity. If you are a serene nature lover, yoga can be refreshing. For a more creative pursuit, bird watching or photography with travel companions can add a fun twist to your van life.

Bluetooth Speaker

A portable, lightweight speaker can be a valuable addition to your van life for entertainment if you enjoy music or podcasts. A durable and waterproof speaker would be a wise choice.

Checklist PDF

Jackery Solar Generators for Van Life

Jackery is a leading global manufacturer based in California, USA. It was launched in 2012 with the vision of bringing renewable energy to every household. Later, it introduced solar generators and portable solar panels to fulfill the needs of every nature lover. This enabled adventurers to enjoy the outdoors sustainably while protecting the planet.  

Jackery Solar Generators combine a portable power station with solar panels. They are toxin-free and operate cleanly without causing any harmful impact to the environment. The Jackery Solar Generators have high solar conversion and provide reliable green energy for outdoor activities. They capture solar energy with solar panels and store it in a portable power station. The Jackery Portable Power Station has an in-built inverter that converts the DC into AC and can power appliances outdoors.

Jackery Solar Generators is an efficient choice for van life as it has a BMS system that provides 12 layers of protection to appliances. It is foldable, portable, and 30% lighter, so it can be carried out easily during van life adventures. It can also withstand temperatures ranging from 14 °F to 104 °F, so temperature would not be an issue whether you live across the mountain or a desert. With a 25% solar efficiency, it can charge all small and large appliances.

Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus can charge heavy-duty devices up to 6000 W. It has a 10-year lifespan and can become fully solar-charged within a few hours, making it ideal for van life adventures, outdoor travel, and much more.