10 Must-Have Essentials for Your First Van Life Adventure

Van life is all about freedom, adventure, and figuring out how to live comfortably in a space the size of a walk-in closet. But don’t worry if you’ve got the right essentials, your first van life trip will be smooth sailing (or at least less chaotic).

Here’s the ultimate checklist of must-haves for your first adventure on wheels. From keeping your gadgets powered to finding the perfect portable toilet solution, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full-time nomadic life, these essentials will help you hit the road with confidence.

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1. Comfortable Bedding

A good night’s sleep is the cornerstone of a great van life adventure. After a long day of exploring, you don’t want to crash on a lumpy, poorly-fitted mattress. Your van bed isn’t just for sleeping it’s your lounge, workspace, and occasional snack zone.

What to Do:
Invest in a high-quality mattress that fits your van’s layout. Memory foam toppers are a great option because they’re comfortable and easy to cut to size if needed. Pair it with bedding that suits the climate. Lightweight sheets and blankets are perfect for summer, while a good doona or sleeping bag will keep you warm during cooler nights. And don’t skimp on pillows your neck will thank you.

Bonus Tip:
If you’re tight on space, consider a convertible bed setup that doubles as seating during the day. Throw in a mattress protector to keep it clean and dry because accidents happen, and no one wants a soggy bed.

2. Portable Power Station or Battery Setup

In van life, power isn’t just a convenience it’s a lifeline. You’ll need it to charge your devices, run your lights, and keep your fridge humming. Without it, you’re looking at warm drinks and a dead phone in no time.

What to Do:
A portable power station, like a Bluetti, Jackery or EcoFlow, is a great option for beginners. It’s plug-and-play, easy to recharge with solar panels, and perfect for running small appliances. If you’re building a more permanent setup, invest in a deep-cycle battery system with an inverter to power larger devices.

Bonus Tip:
Add a solar panel to stay off-grid longer. Aim for at least 100W to keep your power station topped up, especially if you’re running a fridge or fan.

3. Compact Cooking Gear

Cooking in a van is like camping, but with less elbow room. A good setup makes it easier to whip up meals without losing your sanity or half your ingredients to the floor.

What to Do:
A two-burner portable stove is the gold standard for van life. Lightweight pots, pans, and a collapsible kettle save space while covering all your cooking needs. Don’t forget utensils, a cutting board, and a sharp knife (seriously, a blunt knife is more dangerous than a magpie in swooping season).

Bonus Tip:
Bring a few multipurpose items, like a spork or a pan that doubles as a baking dish. And don’t forget cleaning supplies a collapsible tub, sponge, and biodegradable soap will keep your van from smelling like yesterday’s garlic pasta.

4. Water Storage and Filtration

Water is non-negotiable for van life. You’ll need it for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, but finding reliable refill points isn’t always easy.

What to Do:
Start with a durable water tank or jerry can. At least 20L is a good starting point, but go bigger if you’re planning longer off-grid trips. Add a portable water filter, like a LifeStraw or Sawyer, for refilling from questionable sources. It’s an extra layer of security when you’re camping in remote areas.

Bonus Tip:
Label your water containers clearly if you’re using separate tanks for drinking and washing. And always keep a small stash of bottled water for emergencies, it’s a lifesaver if your main tank runs dry.

5. Organisation and Storage Solutions

Living in a van is like playing 3D Tetris with your stuff. Without smart storage, it doesn’t take long for chaos to take over.

What to Do:
Use stackable bins, hanging organizers, and magnetic hooks to make the most of your space. Keep frequently-used items within easy reach, and store less important stuff in harder-to-access spots. Invest in collapsible crates or storage bags for versatility.

Bonus Tip:
Create zones in your van for specific purposes kitchen, clothing, tools, etc. Label your storage containers so you’re not rummaging around in the dark looking for your can opener.

6. Lighting

When the sun goes down, a well-lit van makes all the difference. Good lighting keeps your space functional and adds a touch of coziness.

What to Do:
Battery-powered or rechargeable LED lights are your best mate. String lights or puck lights are great for setting the mood, while headlamps and portable lanterns are practical for camping outside.

Bonus Tip:
Install motion-sensor lights for high-use areas like the kitchen or entryway. It’s a game-changer for midnight snacks or stealthy bathroom trips.

7. Compact Camp Furniture

Van life isn’t just about what’s inside, it’s about making the most of the outdoors. Compact furniture lets you set up a comfortable living space wherever you park.

What to Do:
A lightweight folding table and chairs are essentials. Look for durable options that fold flat for easy storage. Bonus points if the table doubles as a cooking station.

Bonus Tip:
Throw in a camping hammock for ultimate relaxation. It’s perfect for lazy afternoons and takes up almost no space in your van.

8. Portable Toilet or Emergency Solution

When nature calls, you’ll be glad you thought ahead. A portable toilet isn’t glamorous, but it’s a lifesaver in areas without public facilities.

What to Do:
A composting toilet is ideal for longer trips, while a bucket system with biodegradable bags works for short-term adventures. Always carry odor-control powder or deodorizing drops to keep things fresh.

Bonus Tip:
Scout free public toilets with apps like Flush or WikiCamps. They’ll save you from relying on your portable setup every time.

9. First Aid Kit

Accidents happen, whether it’s a cooking mishap or a run-in with prickly Australian wildlife. A stocked first aid kit is non-negotiable.

What to Do:
Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, tweezers, and personal medications. For outdoor adventures, add a snake bite kit and insect repellent.

Bonus Tip:
Take a basic first aid course before hitting the road. Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference.

10. Navigation and Road Apps

Getting lost might sound romantic, but it’s less fun when you’re low on fuel or trying to find a campsite in the dark.

What to Do:
Download offline maps like Google Maps or Maps.me, and use apps like WikiCamps or iOverlander for finding campsites, water refill points, and other van life essentials. A dedicated GPS device can also be handy if your phone dies.

Bonus Tip:
Keep a paper map as a backup. Phones and GPS devices are great—until they run out of battery or lose signal.

Bonus Item: Positive Attitude and Flexibility

Even with all the planning in the world, van life will throw curveballs. A sense of humor and a go-with-the-flow attitude are your most important tools for surviving (and thriving) on the road.

What to Do:
Expect the unexpected. Laugh when things go wrong, celebrate the small wins, and remember: every challenge is part of the adventure.

Bonus Tip:
When in doubt, make cheesy garlic bread. It fixes everything.

Van life isn’t perfect, and it’s definitely not always pretty. It’s about figuring it out as you go, laughing at the chaos, and accepting that things will break, plans will change, and sometimes you’ll eat dinner off your lap because the table won’t fit where you thought it would.

These 10 essentials are your starting point. They’ll make life on the road a bit smoother, and they’ll save you from some classic first-timer mistakes. Comfy bedding, smart storage, and a decent first aid kit might not sound glamorous, but they’re the real MVPs when you’re living out of a van.

The secret to van life isn’t in the setup, it’s in the mindset. Be ready to adapt, embrace the quirks, and let the journey surprise you. And if all else fails, sit back, crack a cold one, and remember you’ve got cheesy garlic bread to make things better. Now get out there and start making memories dodgy wiring and all.