This is what I have: When I first hit the road in my first Sprinter Van (nearly a decade ago!), I packed way too much stuff. My kitchen cabinets were overflowing, I packed clothing I never touched, and had a lot of gear that just didn\u2019t hold up to the realities of van life. <\/p>\n
Dusty dirt roads, limited storage, and constantly shifting routines quickly showed me what gear was actually useful vs what was just taking up space. Since then, I\u2019ve lived in multiple vans and now travel full-time with my family in a Rossmonster truck camper.<\/p>\n
With each setup, I\u2019ve refined my gear list to the essentials\u2014the things that get used regularly, make life easier, and help keep our camper functional and enjoyable.<\/p>\n
Now, I\u2019m sharing the gear that\u2019s truly earned its place \u2013 so you can skip the clutter, pack smarter, and make the most of your time on the road. For more recommendations, check out my Van Life Clothing List<\/a> and my favorite Camper Van Kitchen Gear<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n This post may contain affiliate links.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n These days we mostly cook on our induction stove, but for years, we prepared all of our meals on this GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station.<\/a> It takes just a few seconds to set up and provides tons of counter space for your ingredients and cooking gear. When it\u2019s time to drive, it folds down flat and can be squeezed into any open spot in your van.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n After trying bulky French presses and percolators, the AeroPress Go<\/a> has become my go-to for van life mornings. It\u2019s fast, compact, and doesn\u2019t hog power or take up room like a Keurig. Cleanup is a breeze\u2014you just pop the puck of grounds into the trash, so you don\u2019t end up wasting a bunch of water to rinse out the grounds. Plus, it\u2019s small enough to stash anywhere and tough enough to survive cabinet rattles on bumpy roads.\u00a0Learn more in my Aeropress review<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n After dealing with scratched-up plastic dishes and too-small camp bowls, I finally upgraded to these stainless steel bowls<\/a> and plates<\/a> from Hydro Flask. They\u2019re lightweight, easy to clean, and way more durable than anything I used before. They are thick enough that they never are too hot to hold, and they\u2019re actually big enough for a hearty bowl of soup or a big pasta dinner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A solid camp mug is non-negotiable in van life, and I\u2019ve been using the Yeti Rambler Tumbler<\/a> for years. It keeps morning beverage hot for hours and doubles as my go-to cold drink cup in the afternoons. The lid is super easy to clean \u2013 there\u2019s no hidden crevices or weird parts \u2013 and it does a great job at preventing spills when we\u2019re bumping our way down dirt roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I love using Stasher Bags<\/a> because they\u2019re reusable, made of durable silicone and hold up to all kinds of van life needs. They\u2019re perfect for packing hiking snacks, storing leftovers, and even reheating since they can be placed in boiling water or in the microwave. Plus, they help cut down on our plastic bag use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I have the Guzzle H2O Stealth Flex<\/a> installed under my sink, and it gives me peace of mind knowing our drinking water is clean and free of harmful toxins. It\u2019s compact, easy to install in tight spaces, and the water tastes great\u2014no matter where we fill up. Guzzle also makes other options like their Stream filter, which I\u2019ve got my eye on for pumping water straight from lakes and rivers into my tanks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Enter your email & I’ll send this post to your inbox! You’ll also receive my weekly newsletter full of helpful advice for planning your adventures.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I recently upgraded from a foldable toilet to this CompoCloset Cuddy Lite<\/a> (get $30 off with the code \u201cBEARFOOTTHEORY30<\/strong>\u201c). The Cuddy Lite is a compact, portable \u201ccomposting\u201d toilet that\u2019s about the same size as a cassette toilet, but it\u2019s way easier to clean. It doesn\u2019t require permanent installation or external venting. The toliet separates the pee and poo. The pee container is easily emptied into any public toilet or even outside. The poop bin is lined with a bag that can be tossed into a normal trash can. It\u2019s by far the least stinky toilet I\u2019ve used in any of my vans, and I\u2019ve written a full review of the Cuddy Lite here<\/a>. For other toilet options, see my roundup of the best toilets for van life<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Kula Cloth<\/a> is one of my go-to hygiene essentials for van life and every outdoor adventure. This reusable pee cloth is super absorbent, antimicrobial, and way more hygienic than drip drying or packing out toilet paper on hikes. Once you try it, you won\u2019t go back. Learn more about the Kula Cloth in my Kula Cloth review<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I\u2019ve used Rumpl blankets<\/a> in my van since 2016 and they\u2019re an absolute essential, especially if you have dogs. Dog hair doesn\u2019t stick to these blankets (just shake em\u2019 outside the van) and they\u2019re fully machine washable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Quick-dry towels pack down small, dry fast, and serve so many purposes on the road. I use Nomadix quick dry towels<\/a> for everything from post-shower drying to wiping down dishes or laying out at the beach. They\u2019re lightweight, versatile, and way more practical than bulky traditional towels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Blackout window coverings<\/a> are a van life essential for creating a cozy, private space at night and for helping control the temperature inside, so you stay comfortable no matter where you\u2019re parked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I didn\u2019t have bug screens for the first 5 years I did van life. Now that I have them, I realize how crazy that was! Bug screens<\/a> allow you to keep your doors open for airflow without letting annoying mosquitoes and other insects in. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If your van doesn\u2019t have a built-in greywater tank, a collapsible or folding bucket<\/a> for collecting grey water is an easy, space-saving solution. It catches used sink water from washing dishes or brushing teeth, making it simple to dispose of responsibly and follow Leave No Trace guidelines<\/a> on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A good backpack is a must-have for hiking, outdoor adventures, and even everyday tasks like errands or grocery runs. I love the Deuter Trail series <\/a>because it comes in a variety of sizes, so you can pick the one that fits your needs, whether you want something small for quick trips or larger for longer hikes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I\u2019ve tried a lot of camp chairs over the years and I keep coming back to the Helinox Sunset Chair<\/a>. I love the supportive high back and that it\u2019s relatively lightweight at 3lbs 4oz. It\u2019s packable and can be easily stored in the van.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The NEMO Moonlander<\/a> is my favorite compact camp table. It\u2019s sturdy, durable, and packs down small, making it easy to store in the van. I love its versatile, dual-height design, perfect for everything from setting up snacks to playing cards or kicking back at camp.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Having an outdoor mat is essential for keeping dirt, dust, and sand out of your van (or at least creating a buffer). I love the CGEAR mat<\/a> because it\u2019s more packable than a traditional rug and it filters out fine sand and dirt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Having an awning is essential if you\u2019re traveling in hot, sunny places. I didn\u2019t have a permanent awning on my second van, so I used the MoonShade<\/a> as a less expensive and portable solution. It can be set up on your side or back doors, plus it packs down small. I\u2019ve even tested it in windy conditions and the MoonShade holds up!<\/p>\n *Save 10% by using the code BEARFOOTTHEORY\u00a0at checkout*<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Create some camp ambiance with these BioLite string lights<\/a>! These are a great way to brighten up camp and best of all, they\u2019re charged by the sun (or a USB). I especially love having string lights at camp when burn bans mean no campfires.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nVan Kitchen Must-Haves<\/h2>\n
Cooking Table<\/h5>\n
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Sprinter-Van_Cooking_Kristen-1024x683.jpeg\")
Coffee Maker<\/h5>\n
Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/Stanley-Idaho-Sprinter-Van-12-Aeropress-coffee-1024x683.jpg\")
Durable Dishes<\/h5>\n
Hydro Flask Camp Plates and Bowls<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"plates](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Baja-Rossmonster-Cooking-Kitchen-5-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTravel Mug<\/h5>\n
Yeti Rambler Tumbler<\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Utah_Moab_Yeti-Camp-Chair_Gear-31-Oboz-sprinter-van-1024x683.jpg\")
Food Storage<\/h5>\n
Stasher Bags<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Colordo_Rocky-Mountain-National-Park_Sky-Pond-Trail-41_Gear_Stasher-Bag-1024x684.jpg\")
Water Filter<\/h5>\n
Stealth Flex Water Filtration System<\/h3>\n
Save this post!<\/h3>\n
Van Bathroom Essentials<\/h2>\n
Composting Toilet<\/h5>\n
CompoCloset Cuddy Lite<\/h3>\n
Reusable Pee Cloth<\/h5>\n
Kula Cloth<\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Utah-Alta-3-hiking-kula-cloth-1024x683.jpg\")
Everyday Van Essentials<\/h2>\n
Durable Blanket<\/h5>\n
Rumpl Blanket<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Sprinter-Van-Rumpl-Blanket-1024x683.jpg\")
Multipurpose Towels<\/h5>\n
Nomadix Quick Dry Towels<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Privacy<\/h5>\n
Blackout Window Coverings<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Bug Free Air Flow<\/h5>\n
Bug Screens<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Greywater Collection<\/h5>\n
Sea to Summit Folding Bucket<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Idaho_Stanley_Sprinter-Van_Greywater-2-1024x683.jpeg\")
Backpack<\/h5>\n
Deuter Trail Series Backpacks<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Rossmonster-deuter-backpack-gear.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nVan Patio Gear<\/h2>\n
Camp Chair<\/h5>\n
Helinox Sunset Chair<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Colorado_Crested-Butte_Sprinter-Van_Dispersed-Camping-4.jpg\")
Camp Table<\/h5>\n
NEMO Moonlander Table<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Boy](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Baja-Rossmonster-camping-gear.jpg\")
Outdoor Mat<\/h5>\n
CGEAR Sand-Free Mat<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Baja-La-Paz-Tecolote-36-Rossmonster-copy.jpg\")
Awning<\/h5>\n
MoonShade Portable Awning<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
String Lights<\/h5>\n
BioLite Luci Solar String Lights<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Sprinter](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Florida_Manatee-Springs-Campground-Sprinter-Van-Night-2-2-1024x683.jpg\")