Thinking about spending some time on the road temporarily or permanently? Here's a list of items that we found helpful on our two week van life road trip through Colorado, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico!
Clothing (not everything but some tips for most used items)
- socks, and extra socks because they get wet and dirty
- hiking boots or sneakers
- some sort of waterproof shoe or sandal
- shoes that are easy to slip on and off for stepping outside of the van (closed toe is best in case of rain, mud or tall grass)
- hiking pants and shorts (ideally something with quick drying material)
- sleep wear for hot and cold weather depending on where you're traveling. We needed both.
- underwear (bring extra, you don't always have access to water or wash)
- a bathing suit or two
- long sleeve clothes to layer
- windbreaker
- rain jacket with a hood
- a go to sweatshirt
- comfy lounging dress (can be dressed up if need be)
- hats (baseball/winter/sun)
- if you're heading to the desert like we did, some sort of bandanna to escape dust storms. If you're reading this in current time just use your mask.
- bring a laundry bag for dirty clothes
Kitchen, Cleaning & Bathroom Essentials
- biodegradable cleansing wipes (sometimes it's going to be the only option)
- biodegradable soap (because you love the environment)
- ladies, ph balancing vaginal cleansing wipes are a lifeeee saverrrrr. Don't act like it's not a thing, you'll want to freshen up
- andddd for the men (or anyone really) pack that powder
- an electric cooler will save your life if you don't have a refrigerator
- paper towels (you can burn them in your camp fire rather than placing them in the trash)
- small dust pan and brush to help keep the van clean
- personal towels and cleaning towels
- normal body cleansing products for when you come across a shower
- don't forget your razor
- tampons, pads, pantyliners, divacup .... whatever you may need in case the unfortunate happens out in the wild. Bring a separate baggie to store this stuff in until you can dispose of it
- toilet paper
- everyone's cooking and food storage situation is going to be different. If you're cooking with a grill, bring aluminum foil to cook in to make clean up easier
- trash bags
- extra gallons of water just in case
- old square of rug or a door mat to lay on the ground and wipe your feet before entering the van
- a can opener and a bottle opener
- dry shampoo (lifesaver!) my favorite brand is from LUSH
- chapstick
- a thermos to keep your coffee warm
Everything Else
- an umbrella
- aux cord in case the van doesn't have USB access or bluetooth
- National Parks Pass if that's the route you're going
- a canopy to set up outside in case in rains or you need some relief from the sun
- lawn chairs and a mini table
- medications (Benadryl and Benadryl spray are a must. Antacids are another bonus)
- blue tooth tripod/selfie stick (so beneficial when there is no one around to snap a photo for you)
- don't forget your chargers for your devices!
- maps (they come in handy when wifi is non existent)
- first aid kit
- a sun shade for the front window (keep it on during the day to keep the heat out and use for privacy at night)
- fire extinguisher (you never know)
- a tent in case you want to sleep outside
- head lamps (when you have to pee in the dark and there isn't a bathroom or the bathroom doesn't have a light, you will thank us)
- card games
Things we wish we had
- wifi hot spot or wifi (although it was nice to take a step back from technology it would have been nice to have to get some work done)
- Velcro (everything slides around if it's not strapped down or Velcro-ed to something)
- fire starters
Hope this helps you on your van life journey!
Safe travels!
Meg & Derek