We’ve just got back from an… interesting trip. Clearing up whilst waiting for rescue I thought “Couldn’t have survived without this” a few times. So here’s our essentials for van life! Disclaimer – we’re not claiming to be van lifers, too many responsibilities back here! But we’ve done a few trips now, including a couple of unexpected overnighters, so this is what we’ve learned!
Bedding
Blankets can be rolled up and double as cushion support… because even a comfy bed is a bit longer than your thighs! You need back support! Also essential in case of random breakdowns in cold weather (see video)
We also bought a single “teddy fleece” duvet set. The duvet lives rolled up in it’s bag and a pillow case under the bed. (The big bulky “pillow” in the photo.) When in use, its cover can be filled with blankets or spare clothing and used as a pillow.
Most things kept in the van have more than one use!
Clothes
Spare warm socks and a towel are essentials for van life. Especially with a dog or in the winter. Beastie loves the mud! you don’t want muddy paws all over your bed sheets! Also there’s noting worse than getting back for the night with wet, muddy socks and trainers! Dry feet are much warmer. And A spare pair of trainers is another must!
Since there’s no predicting the British weather or breakdowns we keep a hat and hoodie in the van. We were really glad of both on our last trip. Only supposed to be away for 1 night in 12 degrees. Ended up being a second night in minus degrees!
Food & Drink
Whether we’re on a road trip or just out exploring emergency rations are essentials for van life. They’ve saved our skin a few times when we’ve not been able to make it back for the night! Also essential for warmth! These things are always available in our home on wheels.
We keep a simple gas burner in the van. Coconut milk for a simple coffee (just add coffee and honey, heat it up in the mug!) We don’t have electric yet so we buy tins of evap to add to coffee in the summer. Punch holes in the top, opposite, and it doesn’t spill easy when traveling.
Nuts! High in quality fats and salted so replaces electrolytes from sweats and easy access energy for your body! We also keep a couple snack sized chocolate bars for emergencies. Dog food – obviously!
Water sounds obvious, but is essential for traveling with Beastie. (Just remember to empty the bowl before you move again!) Also for coffee (if there’s evap) and washing (see below). We just use 2L bottles and refill them until they’re knackered. Then recycle. We tried the collapsible water bottle but it cracked across a seam very quickly.
Cleaning
Wet wipes for every day use. I keep these in the cab too. For random mishaps with my protein shakes! A rag is essential for quickly mopping up spills, especially when you have a dog that’s a messy drinker!
Toilet
Growing up on a farm I don’t think twice about hopping over the hedge in an emergency! But when stranded on a busy dual carriageway in Minus Degrees C on a snowy night I might need an indoor alternative!
A wide necked bottle for an emergency pee can be a lifesaver! We usually park somewhere accessible to a supermarket. Ideal to pop in to grab food for breakfast and they usually have customer toilets. But apparently if you put a compost bag in a large bucket you can crap in a bag. I’ve also heard a pool noodle cut to size will secure the bag and make sitting more comfortable! Thanks to VanCity VanLife for this one if I remember right!
Light
A couple of strips of LED fairy lights is usually enough for us! Experimenting with solar rechargable ones but they don’t seem to last. So for backup, we always bring candles.
A lighter and spare gas are essentials for heating food and backup lighting! A useful little video here. We’ve not tried it, but candles can double as heating if you add a a plant pot! Warning – don’t fall asleep with lit candles!
Extras
Velcro cable ties
These keep your charging cables tidy and can be stuck to the wall! Charge your phone as you drive: a 3 charge charger doesn’t work for 3 charges!
Bin bags
For throwing wet socks, towels and cleaning rags in. For tidying up as you go along. Spare dog poo bags! Transporting your gear back to the bricks and mortar after the trip. Just so much more useful than you would think!
Good Company!
I was fortunate to have the best company on this trip (and for the two break downs the following week)! But that’s the most essential thing of all! Whenever I’m with Beastie we can be gone impulsively on an adventure for the next 30 days if we want! There’s no better feeling than freedom! (30 days a year – screw you scum sunak).
Leave a Reply