Best VAN LIFE Gear - Top 12 Essential Items We Can't Go Without

After 7 years of part-time van life, we're sharing a dozen of our favourite van life gear with you! No affiliate links, just items that we genuinely love and use all the time when we're on the road. The best part is that most items cost less than $100!

01:08 - Black & Decker Handheld Vacuum
01:33 - Motomaster Cordless Work Light (magnetic flashlight)
02:08 - Ivation Portable Battery Powered Outdoor Shower Head
02:46 - Reflectix Sun Shade
03:13 - Magnetic Eyebolt Hooks - Heavy Duty
03:40 - MSR Stainless Steel Folding Pot
04:16 - Electric Battery Powered Bug Racket
04:45 - OPOLAR USB 5 Settings Desk Fan
05:36 - Slime Heavy Duty Tire Inflator
06:20 - Autotrends USB Air Purifier
07:36 - Hygrometer and thermometer
08:01 - Ivation 13 Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier

Thanks for watching!

Mat & Danielle

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COMMENTS
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.

Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives

Filming Credits:
Mat of Exploring Alternatives

#vanlife #livinginavan #vanlifegear

[SkoolieBoyQue]

I'm a truck driver and I've found this list to be super helpful. Camping gear makes living on the road manageable. Thanks for the list!

[bangalorebobbel]

Amazing list of items.
From our experience:
Key for running any electrical items is definitely the USB capability, as you showed with several items. Everything should run/charge on USB only. Torches, fans, cameras, toothbrush, name it, everything runs on USB only, meanwhile even our laptops charge via USB. No more several sets of different spare batteries, loads of different chargers running at different voltage etc. - just rechargeable items only charged by USB.
Additionally to the main van power source we keep also always some small power banks ready (usually in the 20.000-26.000mAh range) - they are very handy when we are outside of the vehicle/on a walk as well as inside as backup or when the power cords are too short ...
We do not use electrical dehumidifiers in the van but have set up moisture absorbing granulate boxes. Works absolutely amazing, keeps the humidity always automatically at 50-60%. Only thing is these boxes should be kept in a trayer or so where it doesn't matter if they splash in curves ... ;-) The granules are cheap and easy to refill, the resulting liquid can be put in the sink. They are also extremely helpful if we keep the van parked alone over a longer period of time - completely maintenance free, no electricity required, no fear of short circuit/fire etc. There are also small containers available in case you want to keep them in a cupboard, but in our van it is not required since the cupboards are all open at the wall side for ventilation.
Magnetic holders and carabiners are fine, as you demonstrated. We use also plenty of simple S-hooks for hanging up keys, caps and other stuff somewhere ...

[username]

From my personal vehicle dwelling experience, I would also recommend
1. battery jumper
2. battery charger
3. socket set to work on car stuff
4. gloves
5. Baby wipes
6. Odorless ziplock bags
7. bio degradable soap
There are many more useful tools for van living/ camping but so much of it depends on personal preference. Best of luck to you all

[Faithful_Tribe]

You guys are my favorite vanlife people. You’re real, kind, sweet-natured, and humble.

Or at least it comes off that way to me.

Thanks for the quality

God bless.

[Sagittarius-A-Star]

#7 is the most important item.
At least for me.
Mosquitoes love my blood, it is really incredible.
So, one day in Thailand, I bought one of those things.
It was one of the happiest days in my life.

[vLife]

4:21 +1 on the bug racket! I'm in Florida.

[steadmanuhlich]

Very good video. Nice list of gadgets I have not seen mentioned in other similar videos (lists of things van lifers like). Happy Trails!

[stacypearce]

Didn't read all comments so somebody probably already commented, BUT, as for the bug thing...the one I have sits on a stand, but its the light that is Everything!!! You just set it up and it attracts in 1 minute!!! Love it

[evelyncmawk]

This is the most wonderful, short and demonstrated video. Thank you for sharing.

[edwardroche]

A lot of neat stuff there I live on a little houseboat in the Gulf of Mexico in the keys and I've been out on this boat for 23 years. There are a lot of little things that make a life a whole lot easier and more comfortable. Cannot overemphasize Good batteries good solar panels and a good inverter. I run a small refrigerator freezer off of the Sun. It runs all day when the sun's out and shuts down at night and in the morning everything's chill Frosty Freezy. Some of that food in their has not thawed out for over 6 months

[terribels]

I have a 20sqm home, and I also don't have a heater in my shower. I basically just use a bucket, a water dipper, and heat some water in my electric kettle. I heat it twice, and then use the heating time to prepare my clothes (if I'm going out), or get breakfast.

[ArtistInNewHampshire]

We use a Black and Decker wet/dry Dustbuster in our Roadtrek Sprinter motorhome. Works great!

[talktomelikeimor]

Just tried to order the Opolar and went through the whole process... Reminds me of Omaze ... They don't ship to Quebec. This is getting old. Thanks for sharing though, these are great ideas!

[johnniewalker]

The bug zapper and flashlight are must haves! The dehumidifier is not needed. Just use van’s air conditioner or heat with recycled air on. I recommend a small pressure cooker, we use it to cook rice and vegetable everyday.

[robertgreno]

You might try putting the windshield reflective cover on the outside of the van using the magnetic studs to further reduce solar heat gain

[scottmuc]

I commend you for designing an informative thumbnail image and the decision to not use affiliate links. I feel this really builds up your authenticity. Keep up the great work!

[shannondoahmalloy]

Super helpful video -- and not just for vanlife! I go car camping a lot and many of these would be really handy

[MellowNomadicAdventures]

Really great items for living full-time in a van! Thanks for sharing!

[jocelynelangis]

Fantastic useful indispensable gadgets that you showed here. Thanks for sharing. I really loved the magnetic lamp, dehumidifier, shower installation and the littles magnets where do they come from? So practical.
Nice organized van that is for sure!

[weston.weston]

Such a great idea for a video, I appreciate these suggestions!! I added it to my watch list so that I can return to it periodically because I didn't write down the suggestions but want to recall and purchase several of these items.