Van Life Essentials: How to Stay Comfy, Organised & Ready for Adventure

Dreaming of waking up to mountain views or parking up beside the beach? Whether you're going all-in on van life or just taking weekend road trips, a well-kitted setup makes all the difference.

Here's our go-to list of van life essentials to help you stay comfy, organised, and always ready to explore.

🛏️ 1. Comfort First – Sleep Like You Mean It

Van life isn’t just about where you go — it’s about how well you rest.

✅ Key upgrades:

• Roof tent or pop-up tent for extra sleeping space

• Thermal blinds or blackout curtains for warmth and privacy

• Memory foam mattress topper if you're sleeping inside

• Seat covers for protection and comfort on long journeys

🔗 Browse Roof Tents & Accessories
🔗 Related: Interior Protection Upgrades That Make Road Trips Easier

🧳 2. Smart Storage – Maximise Every Inch

Van life means limited space. Smart storage keeps it tidy and stress-free.

✅ Must-haves:

• Roof boxes for bulky or seasonal gear

• Under-bed crates or bags for food and clothes

• Boot liners to protect surfaces from muddy kit

• Interior organisers for kitchen or tech gear

🔗 Shop Roof Boxes
🔗 Interior Mats, Liners & Covers

🔌 3. Stay Powered Up

Whether it’s phones, fridges, or fairy lights — you’ll need power.

🔋 Essentials:

• 12V chargers and USB ports

• Power banks or solar panels for off-grid days

• Battery jump starter (just in case)

✅ Keep your devices charged and your fridge running, even when wild camping.

🍽️ 4. Cooking & Camp Setup

Nothing beats cooking outdoors — just make sure you're prepped.

🔥 Pack:

• Portable stove or BBQ

• Water carrier + collapsible sink

• Camping chairs + folding table

• Roof tent awning or side shelter

🔗 See also: Best Roof Bar Accessories for Camping

🛠️ 5. Be Adventure Ready

From muddy trails to mountain roads — stay kitted out for the unexpected.

✅ Pack:

• Bike rack if you’re riding

• Rubber floor mats to handle the mess

• Cleaning kit to freshen up mid-trip

• Tow rope & first aid kit for emergencies

🔗 Shop Bike Racks
🔗 Car Cleaning & Care

🚐 Bonus Tips from the Road:

• Always know your vehicle height (roof box + tent = tall van!)

• Use a bucket with lid as a quick bin or seat

• Keep a spare key hidden outside the van

• Store an overnight bag separately for quick stops

• Pre-load maps for no-signal zones

📚 Related Posts:

• How to Keep Your Car Clean on a Camping Trip

• Van Life Essentials: Stay Comfy on the Road

• Interior Protection for Road Trips

🔗 Useful Links:

• Vehicle Compatibility Tool

• Roof Tent Collection

• All Travel Accessories

• Contact Our Team