May 31, 2023

Discovering the right present concepts for van lifers might be tough – what do you get the one who lives tiny and doesn’t have quite a lot of space for storing? Small and/or sensible van life gear and necessities make the highest of this listing, and under we’ve rounded up the most effective van life items to make your vacation buying straightforward.

From compact camp furnishings to sensible security gear to enjoyable out of doors video games, we’ve checked off each field to ensure there’s one thing for each sort of van lifer in your life, and better of all — we really use these things on the street (or they’re on our want listing!)

Table of Contents

Furnishings & Accent Van Life Items

Whether or not tenting in a Nationwide Park or dispersed tenting on public lands, these furnishings & accent van life present concepts are good for these wanting just a little consolation and ambiance across the campfire.

A Sprinter van at a dispersed campsite in Moab, Utah with a camp chair, rug, and table set up outside

Helinox Sundown Chair

The Helinox Sunset Chair is our go-to van life camp chair for its consolation, packability, and ease of establishing. Weighing in at solely 3lbs 4oz, it’s gentle but sturdy and the excessive, supportive again makes leisure a breeze. For those who’re searching for an ideal van life present, this needs to be a high contender.

Helinox Sunset Chair / One of the best gifts for van life

Test value: Helinox | Backcountry | REI

CGEAR Sand-Free Mat

An outside mat is one thing that each van lifer finds helpful. A sand mat retains sand and dust from getting tracked inside and creates a pleasant “patio” area for hanging out. This CGear Sand-Free Mat is my favourite as a result of it permits sand and dust to filter by way of (somewhat than pile up on high), it packs down small, and it’s what I exploit once I arrange camp exterior my van.

CGEAR Sand Mat / One of the best gifts for van camping

Test value: Backcountry | REI | Amazon

REI Co-op Camp Roll Desk

The REI Co-op Camp Roll Table is good for meals prep, enjoying video games at camp, or utilizing as a facet desk across the campfire. It’s fabricated from light-weight aluminum and packs down small to in regards to the measurement of a normal camp chair, making it the right compact present for van lifers.

REI Co-op Camp Roll Table / One of the best gifts for van life

Test value: REI

RTIC Smooth Pack Cooler

Investing in (or gifting) a top quality cooler could make a world of distinction in van life the place temperatures can change quickly and entry to ice isn’t all the time straightforward. Having a small, moveable cooler is essential for having the ability to take meals and drinks with you whenever you’re away out of your van — suppose seaside journeys, kayaking, and many others. We love the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler which is sufficiently small to stash away simply, straightforward to move and retains issues actually chilly.

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler

Test value: RTIC

If the van lifers in your life use a cooler of their van as an alternative of a fridge, we suggest upgrading to the RTIC 45QT Hard Cooler, which retains ice frozen for as much as 10 days (a LOT longer than your typical cooler!)

RTIC 45 Hard Cooler / One of the best gifts for van camping

Test Worth: RTIC

MoonShade Awning

The MoonShade Awning is likely one of the finest items for van lifers as a result of it matches on almost any car, does effectively in windy circumstances, and packs down small for simple portability. And it’s straightforward to arrange too! It’s an reasonably priced present for any van lifer who’s searching for a conveyable, versatile awning for tenting. Learn our full overview of the MoonShade awning for all the small print.

*Save 10% by utilizing the code BEARFOOTTHEORY at checkout*

A man and woman sitting in camp chairs under a MoonShade awning attached to camper van roof

Test value: MoonShade

Kammok Double Roo Hammock

Hammocks and tenting go hand-in-hand and this Kammok Double Roo Hammock is the right companion for van life. It is available in a lot of brilliant colours and there’s ample room to suit two. It’s even gentle sufficient to hold alongside on a fast backpacking journey. It is available in a single version as effectively.

Kammok Double Roo Hammock / One of the best gifts for van life

Test value: Kammok | REI | Moosejaw

Rumpl Blanket

Rumpl Blankets are our favourite van life comforters as a result of they’re snuggly and comfortable but nonetheless sturdy for the street. I’ve used mine for 4 years and I can’t imagine how effectively it’s held up! The blankets are available a number of completely different supplies together with recycled artificial, a hotter NanoLoft artificial, and down. You may also select from all kinds of colours and kinds. Since they’re water and dirt-resistant and might be thrown into the wash, they’re one in every of our favourite items on the whole.

Rumpl Blanket / One of the best van life gifts

Test value: Rumpl | Backcountry | REI

West Paw Heyday Canine Mattress

For those who’re touring with a canine within the van, it’s good for them to have a snug area of their very own. My canine Charlie likes to hang around in his West Paw Heyday Dog Bed between the 2 entrance seats. Handmade in Montana, this canine mattress has a comfortable, textured high and a micro-suede backside that’s completely machine-washable (an enormous plus, particularly in van life). Plus, this mattress folds in half in case it is advisable stash it away.

*Use the code WESTPAW10 to get 10% off!*

West Paw Heyday dog bed

Test Worth: West Paw

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag

A elementary ‘rule’ of van life is to maintain your belongings as organized as potential to forestall muddle and mess, which may actually cramp a small area (like a van). That’s why we love the Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag the place you’ll be able to retailer your whole toiletries and showering necessities. This bag comes with just a little mirror, has loads of pockets to maintain issues organized, and it’s accessible in two sizes.

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag / One of the best gifts for travel and van life

Test value: Sea to Summit | REI

Nomadix Fast Dry Towel

Fast-dry towels are a staple for van life. They’re extremely multi-functional for utilizing as a seaside or bathe towel, wiping down counter tops, cleansing up spills, and wiping off canine paws – they usually’re method much less cumbersome than your conventional towel. Coming in a wide range of colours, patterns, and sizes, Nomadix Towels are our favourite quick-dry towel to maintain available within the van.

Nomadix quick dry towel / A great van life gift

Test Worth: Nomadix | REI | Moosejaw

Geyser Methods Transportable Bathe w/ Heater

When it’s time to rinse off otherwise you simply obtained again from a muddy hike and must wipe off your canine’s paws, having a Geyser Systems Portable Hot Water Shower seems like a luxurious. Utilizing lower than a gallon of water, this small, moveable gadget heats up water (whereas plugged into AC energy) and has a management valve that permits you to select the water circulation for as much as quarter-hour of showering. It additionally comes with a sponge attachment, which is admittedly helpful to cleaning soap up with earlier than rinsing off. You’ll be able to learn our full overview of the Geyser Methods Transportable Sizzling Water Bathe right here.

Geyser Systems portable outdoor shower, great for van life

Test value: REI | Amazon

EcoFlow RIVER Transportable Energy Station

Whether or not you’re employed from the street otherwise you’re spending an prolonged time off-grid, having a conveyable energy station just like the EcoFlow RIVER might be actually useful, whilst a backup to your home battery system. This energy station is designed to cost a variety of electronics from telephones to computer systems and might even be used with some kitchen home equipment. That is the ability station that I and BFT group member (and full time van lifer) Courtney use. It’s our high decide as a result of it fees very quick – from 0-80% in 1 hour when plugged into AC energy.

EcoFlow River portable power station

Test value: REI

Mr. Buddy Transportable Heater

Keep heat and toasty in your van it doesn’t matter what season it’s with the moveable Mr. Buddy Heater. This heater runs on 1 lb propane cylinders (not included), so there’s no fear about draining your van battery on a cold evening. It additionally comes with a number of auto shut-off security mechanisms, like turning off if it will get tipped over, if it detects low oxygen ranges, and if the pilot gentle turns off. (Notice: this heater needs to be turned off earlier than going to mattress.)

Mr. Buddy portable heater

Test value: Amazon

Ruggable Rug

A Ruggable Rug is nice for van life as a result of it could possibly be washed and dried in an everyday washer. Conserving the van ground clear is an nearly unimaginable job, however with a sturdy, washable rug like Ruggable, it’s rather a lot simpler. Plus you’ll be able to all the time take away it to shake it exterior. I exploit a Ruggable Rug in my Sprinter and with two canines, I couldn’t think about my van with out it.

Ruggable washable Rug

Test value: Amazon

Scrubba Wash Bag

Preserve your garments clear with this intelligent Scrubba Wash Bag. It’s basically a giant 3L bag with a contemporary tackle an old school washboard. Merely fill the bag up with heat water and a little bit of biodegradable soap, then ‘scrub’ your garments clear on the washboard nodules. The Scrubba helps save money and time and it additionally doubles as a dry bag, good for taking out on the water.

Scrubba wash bag

Test value: REI

Kitchen & Cooking Van Life Items

Making the prepare dinner pleased just about ensures that you just’ll be pleased (and full) too. Take the van kitchen to the following stage with these present concepts.

Eureka Ignite Camp Range

It’s good to have a conveyable camp range alongside for cooking exterior, even in case you have a built-in range high in your van. We love the Eureka Ignite Plus Stove (which inserts two 12in pans). It has two highly effective burners, nice simmering functionality, and a strong development that may enable you prepare dinner up scrumptious camp meals for years. If you’d like one thing just a little smaller, the regular Eureka Ignite matches two 10in pans.

Eureka Ignite Plus Camp Stove

Test value: Backcountry | REI

GCI Out of doors Slim-Fold Prepare dinner Station

A prepare dinner station makes cooking outdoor rather a lot simpler by offering further area to cut veggies and prep meals. We love the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station as a result of it packs up properly and has a number of ranges and tiers to offer you area to whip up gourmand meals. I journey with this desk in my van and set it up once we’re camped to prepare dinner exterior. If you already know somebody who loves cooking exterior, this desk is a should!

GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station

Test value: GCI Outdoor | Public Lands

Magma Nesting Cookware

Van life requires a artistic method to utilizing area and one in every of our favourite space-saving strategies is to make use of this Magma Nesting Cookware. Every part on this set nests collectively completely and might be simply saved in a cupboard. The pots are straightforward to wash and the handles are additionally removable, making them even simpler to stash away. Plus, this cookware is induction-friendly for these of you with an induction range in your van.

Magma Nesting Cookware

Test value: Amazon

Aeropress Go Journey Espresso Press

The AeroPress espresso maker has been my go-to methodology for making that good cup of joe for almost 10 years. The AeroPress Go travel coffee press is tremendous compact, takes lower than a minute to make a cup of espresso, and the method leads to a wealthy, easy taste that I haven’t been capable of obtain with drip espresso or a french press. Cleanup can also be a cinch, which is important, particularly whenever you’re in a van. You’ll be able to learn my full overview of the Aeropress Go right here.

Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press

Test value: REI | Amazon

YETI Rambler Tumbler

Everybody wants a journey mug for espresso and tea, and van lifers aren’t any exception. This YETI Rambler Tumbler matches in most cup holders, retains drinks cold and hot drinks chilly for hours, and makes one-handed ingesting straightforward with a MagSlider lid.

YETI Rambler Tumbler coffee mug

Test value: YETI | REI | Backcountry

Omnia Stovetop Oven

An absence of an oven is likely one of the greatest downsides of most van kitchens. With the Omnia Oven, you’ll be able to bake proper in your stovetop! From pizza to truffles to bread to casseroles, this compact “oven” is the right present for the van life baker in your life.

Omnia Stovetop Oven

Test Worth: Amazon

YETI Wine Tumbler

For the van lifers that love just a little sundown pleased hour, these YETI Wine Tumblers make the right present. They’re tremendous sturdy, insulated, and have a lid to forestall spillage whether or not holding wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks.

YETI Rambler Wine Tumbler

Test value: Backcountry | Amazon

GSI Outdoor Infinity Plate

The GSI Outdoors Infinity Plate is an extraordinarily sturdy, light-weight, easy-to-wash, BPA-free plate that gained’t maintain odors. I’ve used these plates in my van for years and completely love them. GSI Outdoor additionally presents matching bowls — or a complete 4-person table set. One factor to notice is that these plates aren’t any microwave secure in case you have a microwave in your van.

GSI Outdoors Infinity Plate

Test value: Backcountry | Amazon

Epic Water Filters Nalgene Bottle

Ditch single-use water bottles within the van with an Epic Water Filters water bottle. These reusable water bottles include a replaceable filter that filters out over 70 contaminants together with microplastics, metals, and even some dangerous chemical substances. Since van lifers are sometimes filling up water from public sources like gasoline stations and public parks which will have outdated pipes, it’s actually vital to filter your water, and this is likely one of the easiest methods to take action.

If you have already got a reusable water bottle, you will get a Hydro Flask-compatible lid and filter or a Nalgene-compatible lid and filter, and for those who’re touring off the grid, you may additionally buy the Outdoor Adventure Filter, which additionally removes micro organism, viruses, and protozoa.

Epic Water Filters Water Bottle

Test value: Epic Water Filters

Clearsource RV Water Filter

We just lately added a Clearsource RV Water Filter to our van after a number of experiences with very closely chlorinated campground water. Other than the unhealthy style of campground water, it obtained me desirous about what else may be within the water we’re filling our van up with.

The Clearsource Extremely is a three-stage water filter that reduces or removes rust, sediment, chlorine, pesticides, unstable natural compounds, viruses, heavy metals, and extra. Our water tastes so significantly better and we don’t have to fret about what dangerous chemical substances we may be ingesting.

You do want two hoses to put in this filter, one which goes from the water hookup to the filter and one other that goes from the filter to the van. We have these hoses which can be made particularly for ingesting water which can be lead and BPA-free.

Clearsource RV water filter

Get $25 off a Clearsource Water Filter
(Low cost utilized when trying out)


Enjoyable & Leisure Items for Van Life

Van lifers don’t want a lot to have a superb time once they’re out on the street—however for these occasions that they do, right here’s our curated listing that will help you present proper.

Sprinter Van camping with a bonfire, string lights, and camp chairs

MPOWERD Luci Photo voltaic String Mild

Stringing up lights round your campsite is a good way to brighten up camp and create some ambiance across the van. These MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights present versatile lighting choices which can be each sensible and tranquil and better of all, they’re powered by the solar and will also be charged by USB. Wrap them round close by bushes, illuminate the within of your van, or string them between vans (an ideal substitute for campfires when burn bans are in impact!).

MPOWERD Luci Solar String Light

Test value: MPOWERD | Backcountry | REI

LavaBox Transportable Fireplace Pit

Having a conveyable hearth pit that hooks as much as propane is a superb van life present – particularly for individuals who journey out West throughout summer season when burn bans usually imply months of no campfires. We just lately found the Lavabox and it’s been an superior, secure option to take pleasure in a fireplace within the evenings. This version additionally comes with a stand that turns right into a grill, so replenish in your BBQ provides!

*Use the code BEARFOOT at checkout to get 10% off*

Test Worth: LavaBox

Binoculars

Binoculars are a enjoyable present for van lifers – it’s nice to have a pair whereas mountain climbing or hanging out at camp. We suggest the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Binoculars as a result of they’re compact, waterproof, and fog proof. In locations like Yellowstone and Yosemite, binoculars are superior for recognizing wildlife from a secure distance or watching rock climbers.

Nikon Trailblazer ATB Binoculars

Test Worth: REI | Amazon

>> Learn Subsequent: Finest Mountaineering Binoculars

Manduka PRO Journey Yoga Mat

The van life yogi in your life will love the Manduka PRO Travel Yoga Mat. It’s made with licensed OEKO-TEX supplies, that means that there aren’t any dangerous chemical substances, and it’s 50% lighter than different Manduka mats making it good for rolling up and becoming in small areas.

Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat

Test Worth: REI | Amazon

iPad/Pill Holder

Typically you simply need to Netflix and Chill (even in a van). This versatile iPad/Tablet holder makes it extremely straightforward to observe your favourite exhibits from wherever in your van. We clamp this to one in every of our overhead cupboards and use it to carry our iPad to simply watch Netflix from mattress.

It’s versatile and might be clamped to a wide range of objects, and has a versatile arm so you’ll be able to transfer the iPad to the suitable angle.

iPad Holder

Test Worth: Amazon

Bluetooth Projector

Having a projector is nice for internet hosting van film nights, utilizing the facet of your van because the display. This Anker Nebula Capsule Mini Projector is in regards to the measurement of a Coke can, has 360-degree sound, and connects wirelessly. There’s nothing fairly like watching a film together with your fellow van pals subsequent to a campfire beneath the celebrities!

Bluetooth projector for movies

Test Worth: Amazon

Kindle

Bodily books take up a LOT of area in a van, so switching to a Kindle eReader is ideal for e-book lovers on the street – plus the Paperwhite model is waterproof! Books might be downloaded for offline use and the battery life lasts for weeks. You may also take pleasure in audiobooks by pairing Bluetooth headphones to change seamlessly between studying and listening.

Kindle eReader

Test Worth: Amazon

Journal

A journal is all the time a pleasant factor to have whether or not at residence or on the street. We love this Rite In The Rain waterproof journal which is ideal for tossing in your bag in your subsequent van journey. It even has a hardcover for further safety!

Rite In The Rain Journal

Test Worth: REI

Nationwide Parks Passport

For a lot of van lifers, visiting America’s 400+ Nationwide Park websites is a giant aim when dwelling on the street. For those who’re the sort of individual that likes to doc your travels, the National Parks Passport is a good way to document your highlights of every park, historic website, nationwide monument, and extra.

National Parks Passport book

Test value: Amazon

>> Test Out Distinctive Items for Nationwide Park Lovers

How you can Reside in a Van and Journey E-book

Is your van lifer new to van life? In that case, the e-book How to Live in a Van and Travel is a superb useful resource. Inside its pages, you’ll discover entertaining narratives, inspirational tales, and useful suggestions for making your dream van life a actuality.

How to Live in a Van and Travel book cover

Test value: Amazon

>> Learn subsequent: 10 Finest Van Life Books

Trash Grabber

Though this may increasingly not fall beneath “van life leisure”, a Trash Grabber continues to be an ideal present for van lifers. We use one for cleansing up trash left behind at campsites (one of many much less glamorous components of van life). It’s foldable so it could possibly simply be stowed away in a drawer. With trash is changing into an growing drawback as extra individuals are getting outdoor, we need to make certain we’re doing our half to maintain public lands clear and open for all to take pleasure in.

Trash Grabber

Test Worth: Amazon

Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball is a blast and a enjoyable option to get train on the street on the times you don’t really feel like mountain climbing. Courts are popping up everywhere, so we prefer to maintain a set of paddles and a few balls within the van. They hardly take up any room in comparison with different out of doors and sports activities tools and it’s additionally a good way to satisfy individuals on the street.

Pickleball Paddles

Test Worth: Amazon


Clothes & Attire Items for Van Life

Our favourite van life clothes items are versatile, sturdy, comfy, and might be worn a number of occasions between washes.

lululemon Align Leggings

A pair of comfortable but purposeful leggings is important for any van lifer, camper, or traveler. I added the lululemon Align Leggings to my van life (and on a regular basis) closet and love them. They’re buttery comfortable, stretchy, light-weight, flattering, and tremendous comfy. They’re additionally sweat-wicking and breathable making them the right match for yoga, figuring out, or simply lounging round.

Test value: lululemon

*For those who’re unsure about measurement, a lululemon gift card is a superb present for van lifers and vacationers as effectively.

lululemon Swiftly Relaxed-Match Quick Sleeve T-Shirt

One other merchandise I just lately added to my van life closet is that this lululemon Swiftly Short Sleeve Relaxed Fit T-Shirt. It’s extraordinarily comfy (it’s seamless, so no chafing!) and it has a relaxed match, which I want. It’s additionally comprised of artificial supplies, so it wicks sweat effectively and dries shortly. That is the right comfy but purposeful high for all of your van life adventures.

Test Worth: lululemon

Vuori Halo Hoodie

Vuori makes among the softest clothes I’ve ever tried and the Vuori Halo Hoodie is not any exception. It’s tremendous comfortable for cold days or cool summer season nights and it is available in quite a lot of nice colours. We additionally love that Vuori clothes is made with recycled supplies.

Vuori Halo Hoodie

Test value: Vuori

lululemon Underwear

Created from a light-weight, moisture-wicking material these lululemon InvisiWear Underwear are an ideal addition to any van life wardrobe. They’re particularly designed for girls on the transfer, in order that they don’t have any seams they usually don’t slip and slide whenever you’re out mountain climbing or exploring new locations. These are my go-to no-show underwear for mountain climbing and on a regular basis put on.

lululemon Invisiwear Hipster Underwear

Test value: lululemon

Selk’Bag Wearable Sleeping Bag

What might be cozier than a wearable sleeping bag? Nothing — which is why we love the Selk’Bag. Product of recycled supplies, the Selk’Bag permits for whole freedom of motion and even has pockets to stash your necessities. That is an particularly good present for van lifers who’re delicate to chilly climate or simply need a cozy go well with to snuggle up in across the campfire.

Selk'Bag one-piece sleeping bag you can wear

Test value: REI | evo | Amazon

REI Co-op Packing Dice Set

Packing cubes are a van life important that permits for final group, extra room in your van, and makes discovering garments a lot simpler. REI expandable packing cube set has three completely different sizes to maintain every little thing in the suitable place. Use one for tops, one for bottoms, and one for underwear and such.

REI Packing Cubes

Test value: REI

REI Co-op Highway Tripper Duffel

A duffel bag – along with the packing cubes above – is helpful for storing garments within the van. This REI Road Tripper Duffel is available in a wide range of sizes, however I like to recommend the 60L for essentially the most space for storing. If you’d like a duffel bag that may double as a carry-on merchandise, go for the 40L bag. I like that this duffel is light-weight but sturdy and packs all the way down to in regards to the measurement of a Nalgene when not in use. It additionally is available in a enjoyable print version too!

REI Road Tripper Duffel

Test value: REI

REI Camp Dreamer Booties

The REI Camp Dreamer Booties are a dream to stroll round camp in (it feels such as you’re strolling on clouds). Product of eco-friendly recycled polyester, these cozy footwear might be worn exterior as a result of their rubber sole, but the puffy higher makes them really feel like a brilliant heat slipper – good for nights across the campfire and chilly mornings within the van!

There’s additionally a slip-on version accessible.

REI Co-Op Camp Dreamer Bootie

Test value: REI

Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandal

Whereas we love a traditional Birkenstock sandal, they’ll get fairly beat up dwelling on the street. The Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandal is a vegan foam sandal choice that’s fully waterproof, fabricated from odor-neutral supplies, and might be simply washed. These are good for bathe footwear or on a regular basis camp sandals.

Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sanda

Test value: Backcountry | Moosejaw


Security, Restoration & Navigation Items for Van Life

Whereas not essentially the most “enjoyable” merchandises on our listing, these security, restoration, and navigation items for van lifers are USEFUL and might be a lot appreciated.

Max Trax Restoration Boards

Driving down dust roads often results in essentially the most lovely locations, however typically comfortable sand, free dust, or mud may cause you to get caught. Having a option to self-recover is admittedly vital, particularly for those who’re miles and miles away from civilization (or don’t have cell service). Max Trax restoration boards help you in getting unstuck, and are one of the crucial helpful security items you may give a van lifer! Notice: these have a 7750 lb weight restrict.

Max Trax Recovery Boards for vehicles

Test value: Amazon

Benchmark Highway Atlas

Benchmark Road Atlases are my go-to paper maps and make an ideal present for van lifers. They present recreation actions, have categorized listings, and in addition present public land possession traces, and backroads, and differentiate between 2wd and 4 wheel drive roads. They’re tremendous helpful to have for every state you’ll be touring in.

Benchmark Road Atlas for Utah

Test value: Amazon

Air Compressor

An air compressor is one other important merchandise for van life security and restoration. With the miles we placed on our autos, tire strain is one thing to watch carefully. Airing down your tires earlier than driving on comfortable surfaces (like sand) helps you keep away from getting caught, nonetheless, you want a option to air again up your tires whenever you get again to pavement. A compact air compressor like this one is the way in which to go for guaranteeing you’ll be able to all the time air up your tires.

Air compressor kit

Test value: Amazon

Hulkman Leap Starter

Waking as much as a useless automobile battery isn’t enjoyable, however whenever you’re out on Nationwide Forest land with out one other automobile in sight? That may be actually scary. For peace of thoughts, we all the time carry a backup car battery jump starter – which requires no different car for a leap! This compact gadget is in regards to the measurement of a Nalgene and actually value carrying in a van.

Hulkman Jump Starter kit for vehicles

Test value: Amazon

Garmin InReach Mini

The Garmin InReach Mini 2 is our decide for the most effective all-around van life security. This can be a two-way communication gadget that can be utilized even whenever you don’t have cell service. I carry this once I’m mountain climbing and it’s all the time accessible within the van. Final winter, my boyfriend Ryan and I woke as much as a useless automobile battery in below-freezing temperatures in Idaho – and we didn’t have cell service or a option to leap ourselves. Fortunately, I used to be ready to make use of my Garmin to textual content my Dad the small print of the place we had been so he may name assist for us.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

Test value: REI | Backcountry | Amazon

Birdie Alarm Keychain

Whereas undesirable consideration – or worse, an assault – is unlikely, it’s finest to be ready, particularly for solo feminine van lifers. We suggest attaching a Birdie Alarm to your keychain in case of an emergency which units off a loud siren and blinking lights to assist deter an assault. This can be a nice present for higher peace of thoughts on the street.

Birdie alarm keychain

Test value: Amazon

>> Learn Subsequent: Solo Feminine Van Life Security Suggestions

My Medic First Support Equipment

This all-in-one My Medic First Aid Kit is a superb present for van lifers. It’s compact sufficient to be tossed wherever within the van, however consists of all of the first-aid necessities it is advisable maintain available. The equipment additionally features a tearaway pouch that can be utilized as a further mini first support equipment (good for hikes and day journeys!). My Medic additionally presents refill packs so you’ll be able to simply replenish on solely what you want.

MyMedic First Aid Kit

Test Worth: My Medic

Folding Shovel

A folding shovel is one thing that will get extra use in a van than you in all probability suppose. A shovel is nice in case you get caught and must dig your self out, and it’s additionally used to observe Go away No Hint pointers for responsibly utilizing the lavatory outdoor. This shovel additionally comes with a sturdy carrying case which helps maintain the van clear and the foldable design means you’ll be able to simply collapse it to take up much less room within the van – which is all the time a perk!

Gerber folding shovel

Test Worth: REI


Membership & Expertise Items for Van Life

These items are good if you’re apprehensive about getting one thing that may take up an excessive amount of area or gained’t get quite a lot of use. These are tremendous frequent memberships that van lifers love, plus an thought for the van life fanatic who doesn’t have a van but!

A woman holding a phone with The Dyrt camping app pulled up in front of Sprinter van
Utilizing The Dyrt Professional to discover a campsite in California

The Dyrt Professional

The Dyrt is a very helpful app for locating campsites (each paid and free), and a present membership for The Dyrt Professional premium account is very superior for van lifers. Useful Professional options embody map layers exhibiting Bureau of Land Administration, Nationwide Forest, and Nationwide Park land, offline map entry, reductions on campgrounds and equipment, and extra. Use this link to sign up your van life friend for The Dyrt Pro – they’ll get 30 days free and then you definately’ll be billed for a 1-year membership for them, an ideal present for anybody searching for tenting. Notice: Use the code “Bearfoot” if signing up on cell.

The Dyrt Pro app on phone

Test value: The Dyrt

>> Learn our full overview of The Dyrt Professional App

GoCamp Camper Van Rental

Don’t have a van but and need to give #vanlife a spin? GoCamp is a peer-to-peer van rental platform with a fleet of top of the range camper vans — every little thing from iconic Volkswagen Vanagons to newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and rather more. Their campervans are street journey prepared and situated throughout the US. E-book a visit for your self or present a visit to a liked one with a GoCamp Gift Card!

*Use the code GOBEARFOOT to get $50 off your rental*

Test Availability: GoCamp

Harvest Hosts

A Harvest Hosts membership is the right present for van lifers – it permits them to safely keep in a single day at over 2,300 distinctive properties comparable to wineries, farms, breweries, museums, and extra! Commerce dispersed campsites and paid campgrounds for an unforgettable tenting expertise with host areas throughout the nation. You may also add on Boondockers Welcome which provides entry to 3000+ personal properties throughout the US as effectively.

*Proper now you will get 30% off the primary 12 months of your Harvest Host membership or present by utilizing our referral link and the code FRIENDS30*

Harvest Hosts logo

Test value: Harvest Hosts

AllTrails Professional

Give the present of journey with a subscription to AllTrails Pro. This app is important for van lifers that take pleasure in mountain climbing and is a superb present that may assist your family members hit the path with ease. The free model gives primary features like trying to find close by trails and getting instructions to the trailheads, however the Professional model has quite a lot of further options, that are particularly useful when tenting off-grid. For less than $29.99/12 months, Professional members can obtain trails to be used offline, get alerts in the event that they stray off path, maintain household knowledgeable of their location, and monitor vital particulars like air high quality and climate.

AllTrails app pulled up on iPhone screen

Test value: AllTrails

>> Learn Subsequent: 15 Should-Have Apps for Van Life

America The Lovely Move

This may be one of the crucial helpful van life items on our listing. An America the Beautiful National Parks Pass gives entry to greater than 2,000 federal recreation websites all through the nation. It’s good for a 12 months from the month of buy and covers admission for a driver and all passengers in a private car at per-vehicle charge areas. Most Nationwide Parks cost an entry charge of $20-$35 so gifting an America The Lovely Move is a big cash saver (and a good way to help our parks!)

REI also carries some regional park passes here.

America the Beautiful Park Pass

Test Worth: REI

Audible

Audiobooks are a good way to go the time on lengthy driving days and a present subscription to Audible is the right present on your book-loving van lifer. Audible has over 200,000 audiobooks, podcasts, guided wellness programs, and Unique sequence — one thing for everybody!

Audible logo

Test value: Amazon

Take a look at our different present guides:

We hope this listing of finest items for van lifers helps simplify your buying so you will get off your laptop, out of the shops, and spend extra time exterior this vacation season.