Embarking on a van life journey is an exciting adventure, but knowing the van life essentials can make the difference between a smooth ride and a bumpy one. If you’re considering a life on the road in a van, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the van life essentials that I personally consider crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable van life experience. Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links, but rest assured, I have personally used and recommend each product.

Van Life Internet: Smarty Mobile

Let’s face it, no matter how amazing the vista, no matter how many times you open the van door to see the beach or (insert van life cliché here) there are some times where you want to watch a movie, binge on Netflix / Amazon, or catch up with something on YouTube.

I highly recommend Smarty Mobile, which offers unlimited internet in the UK for just £20 per month. What sets Smarty Mobile apart is the fact it’s a one month rolling contract. So if you find if it’s not for you then you aren’t tied in for an obscene contract length.

Full disclosure, I’ve been using Smarty Mobile for 4 years and it’s very rare I find myself in a situation where I can’t stream Netflix, Amazon, or hold a FaceTime Audio call during my adventures. Plus, if you travel to Europe, you’ll get 12GB of data. I used Smarty Mobile during my trip to Germany in 2022, and it worked great with a mobile hotspot. For more on internet solutions for van life, check out my post on The Best Internet Data SIM for Vanlife.

A Good Frying Pan With A Lid

No matter what you cook it’s going to smell and forget the ridgemonkey stuff. A good non-stick frying pan with a lid will see you right. Don’t forget that non-stick still requires some oil albeit a very small amount and it will prolong the non-stick life. That being said a knock-off ridge monkey will do you wonders. For more on cooking in a van, check out my post on One Pan Van Meals Episode 1: How Hard Can It Be?

A Decent Kettle

You might think selecting a kettle is easy but how much hot water do you need? Where are you going to store said coffee and tea making device? My recommendation is a low profile kettle with a handle that can flip to the side when not in use. They aren’t cheap but consider at times hot water will be a rarity and that will normally be the time when you want a wash or to finally wash your hair!

Air tight Food Storage Containers

A lot of Van Life types will live on pasta and rice but for me, it’s the ability to have a decent cup of tea at any time on an epic road trip journey. Having air-tight containers help keep your food safe and will prevent it from spoiling or getting damp, but if you are lazy like me, you don’t have to worry about leaving things in the van too long. For more on food storage and cooking in a van, check out my post on One Pan Van Meals Episode 1: How Hard Can It Be?

Keep Cool In Summer With A Portable Fan

A good fan is not only helpful to circulate the heat from your diesel heater in the winter but essential to keeping you cool in the summer. A fan also helps with cooking and ensuring odours and steam leaveyour van. Any one of these portable clip-on fans will make winter and summer more bearable. For more on dealing with heat in a van, check out my post on Van Life Heatwave Survival Tips. Amazon do a great range of clip on fans at a decent price

Aside from internet, there are a few other things that you’ll need to make your van life comfortable and convenient:

  • Bedding – A comfortable mattress, pillows, and warm blankets are a must-have for a good night’s sleep.
  • Cooking Supplies – Whether you prefer to cook simple meals or gourmet dishes, you’ll need a few basic supplies like a portable stove, cooking utensils, and dishes.
  • Water Storage – You’ll need a reliable way to store and access water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. A large water tank or several smaller containers can work well.
  • Solar Panels – If you plan to spend a lot of time off-grid, you’ll need a way to generate power. Solar panels can provide a sustainable source of energy for your van. For more on power solutions for van life, check out my post on How Much Power Do You Really Get From Solar?
  • Storage Solutions – With limited space in a van, it’s important to have efficient storage solutions. Consider using bins, shelves, and hanging organizers to make the most of your space.
  • A good portable battery pack – if you are out and about walking, spending time creating the next cinematic masterpiece, having your phone charged is a must-have. There are several battery packs on the market but please, DO NOT buy the cheapest one. They might look the same as the big name however remember you are potentially plugging in a cheap Chinese knock-off battery into your expensive phone!

Conclusion

While these are just a few of the essentials for van life, they can make a big difference in your comfort and convenience on the road. With the right equipment and mindset, van life can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to experience the world. For more on my van life experiences, check out my post on The End of Covid Van Life.

Conclusion: While these are just a few of the essentials for van life, they can make a big difference in your comfort and convenience on the road. With the right equipment and mindset, van life can be a rewarding and fulfilling way to experience the world.