March 21, 2023

Discovering the proper 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 record, and beneath we’ve rounded up the perfect van life items to make your vacation purchasing simple.

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

Table of Contents

Furnishings & Accent Van Life Presents

Whether or not tenting in a Nationwide Park or dispersed tenting on public lands, these furnishings & accent van life present concepts are excellent for these wanting a bit 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 organising. Weighing in at solely 3lbs 4oz, it’s gentle but sturdy and the excessive, supportive again makes leisure a breeze. In case you’re searching for a fantastic van life present, this needs to be a high contender.

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

Verify value: Helinox | Backcountry | REI

CGEAR Sand-Free Mat

An out of doors mat is one thing that each van lifer finds helpful. A sand mat retains sand and filth 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 filth to filter by way of (fairly than pile up on high), it packs down small, and it’s what I take advantage of after I arrange camp outdoors my van.

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

Verify value: Backcountry | REI | Amazon

REI Co-op Camp Roll Desk

The REI Co-op Camp Roll Table is excellent for meals prep, taking part in video games at camp, or utilizing as a aspect desk across the campfire. It’s made from light-weight aluminum and packs down small to concerning the dimension of a typical camp chair, making it the proper compact present for van lifers.

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

Verify value: REI

RTIC Comfortable 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 at all times simple. Having a small, transportable cooler is essential for with the ability to take meals and drinks with you once you’re away out of your van — assume seashore journeys, kayaking, and so on. We love the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler which is sufficiently small to stash away simply, simple to move and retains issues actually chilly.

RTIC Soft Pack Cooler

Verify 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

Verify Worth: RTIC

MoonShade Awning

The MoonShade Awning is likely one of the finest items for van lifers as a result of it suits on almost any automobile, does nicely in windy circumstances, and packs down small for simple portability. And it’s simple to arrange too! It’s an reasonably priced present for any van lifer who’s searching for a transportable, versatile awning for tenting. Learn our full assessment of the MoonShade awning for all the main points.

*Save 10% through the use of the code BEARFOOTTHEORY at checkout*

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

Verify value: MoonShade

Kammok Double Roo Hammock

Hammocks and tenting go hand-in-hand and this Kammok Double Roo Hammock is the proper companion for van life. It is available in numerous 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 nicely.

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

Verify 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 nicely 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 can even select from all kinds of colours and kinds. Since they’re water and dirt-resistant and might be thrown into the wash, they’re considered one of our favourite items usually.

Rumpl Blanket / One of the best van life gifts

Verify value: Rumpl | Backcountry | REI

West Paw Heyday Canine Mattress

In case you’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’s essential stash it away.

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

West Paw Heyday dog bed

Verify Worth: West Paw

Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag

A basic ‘rule’ of van life is to maintain your belongings as organized as doable to stop muddle and mess, which might 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 a bit 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

Verify 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 seashore or bathe towel, wiping down counter tops, cleansing up spills, and wiping off canine paws – and so they’re approach much less cumbersome than your conventional towel. Coming in quite a lot of colours, patterns, and sizes, Nomadix Towels are our favourite quick-dry towel to maintain readily available within the van.

Nomadix quick dry towel / A great van life gift

Verify Worth: Nomadix | REI | Moosejaw

Geyser Techniques Moveable 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 appears like a luxurious. Utilizing lower than a gallon of water, this small, transportable machine heats up water (whereas plugged into AC energy) and has a management valve that permits you to select the water stream 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 possibly can learn our full assessment of the Geyser Techniques Moveable Sizzling Water Bathe right here.

Geyser Systems portable outdoor shower, great for van life

Verify value: REI | Amazon

EcoFlow RIVER Moveable Energy Station

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

EcoFlow River portable power station

Verify value: REI

Mr. Buddy Moveable Heater

Keep heat and toasty in your van it doesn’t matter what season it’s with the transportable 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 night time. 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. (Word: this heater needs to be turned off earlier than going to mattress.)

Mr. Buddy portable heater

Verify value: Amazon

Ruggable Rug

A Ruggable Rug is nice for van life as a result of it might probably be washed and dried in a daily washer. Holding the van flooring clear is an nearly unattainable process, however with a sturdy, washable rug like Ruggable, it’s quite a bit simpler. Plus you’ll be able to at all times take away it to shake it outdoors. I take advantage of a Ruggable Rug in my Sprinter and with two canine, I couldn’t think about my van with out it.

Ruggable washable Rug

Verify value: Amazon

Scrubba Wash Bag

Hold your garments clear with this intelligent Scrubba Wash Bag. It’s basically a massive 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, excellent for taking out on the water.

Scrubba wash bag

Verify value: REI

Kitchen & Cooking Van Life Presents

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

Eureka Ignite Camp Range

It’s good to have a transportable camp range alongside for cooking outdoors, even if 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 stable building that may enable you to prepare dinner up scrumptious camp meals for years. If you’d like one thing a bit smaller, the regular Eureka Ignite suits two 10in pans.

Eureka Ignite Plus Camp Stove

Verify value: Backcountry | REI

GCI Outside Slim-Fold Prepare dinner Station

A prepare dinner station makes cooking outside quite a bit 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 after we’re camped to prepare dinner outdoors. If you understand somebody who loves cooking outdoors, this desk is a should!

GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station

Verify value: GCI Outdoor | Public Lands

Magma Nesting Cookware

Van life requires a artistic method to utilizing area and considered one of our favourite space-saving strategies is to make use of this Magma Nesting Cookware. All the things on this set nests collectively completely and might be simply saved in a cupboard. The pots are simple 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

Verify value: Amazon

Aeropress Go Journey Espresso Press

The AeroPress espresso maker has been my go-to methodology for making that excellent 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 ends in a wealthy, easy taste that I haven’t been in a position to obtain with drip espresso or a french press. Cleanup can be a cinch, which is important, particularly once you’re in a van. You possibly can learn my full assessment of the Aeropress Go right here.

Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press

Verify 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 suits in most cup holders, retains drinks cold and warm drinks chilly for hours, and makes one-handed ingesting simple with a MagSlider lid.

YETI Rambler Tumbler coffee mug

Verify value: YETI | REI | Backcountry

Omnia Stovetop Oven

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

Omnia Stovetop Oven

Verify Worth: Amazon

YETI Wine Tumbler

For the van lifers that love a bit sundown completely happy hour, these YETI Wine Tumblers make the proper present. They’re tremendous sturdy, insulated, and have a lid to stop spillage whether or not holding wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks.

YETI Rambler Wine Tumbler

Verify value: Backcountry | Amazon

GSI Open air Infinity Plate

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

GSI Outdoors Infinity Plate

Verify 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 compounds. Since van lifers are sometimes filling up water from public sources like gasoline stations and public parks that will have previous 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 may get a Hydro Flask-compatible lid and filter or a Nalgene-compatible lid and filter, and if you happen to’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

Verify 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 interested by 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 a lot better and we don’t have to fret about what dangerous chemical compounds 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 Presents for Van Life

Van lifers don’t want a lot to have time after they’re out on the street—however for these occasions that they do, right here’s our curated record that can assist 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 an effective 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 can be charged by USB. Wrap them round close by bushes, illuminate the within of your van, or string them between vans (a fantastic substitute for campfires when burn bans are in impact!).

MPOWERD Luci Solar String Light

Verify value: MPOWERD | Backcountry | REI

LavaBox Moveable Hearth Pit

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

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

Verify Worth: LavaBox

Binoculars

Binoculars are a enjoyable present for van lifers – it’s nice to have a pair whereas mountaineering 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

Verify Worth: REI | Amazon

>> Learn Subsequent: Greatest Mountain climbing 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 compounds, and it’s 50% lighter than different Manduka mats making it excellent for rolling up and becoming in small areas.

Manduka Pro Travel Yoga Mat

Verify Worth: REI | Amazon

iPad/Pill Holder

Generally you simply need to Netflix and Chill (even in a van). This versatile iPad/Tablet holder makes it extremely simple to look at your favourite exhibits from anyplace in your van. We clamp this to considered one 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 quite a lot of objects, and has a versatile arm so you’ll be able to transfer the iPad to the correct angle.

iPad Holder

Verify Worth: Amazon

Bluetooth Projector

Having a projector is nice for internet hosting van film nights, utilizing the aspect of your van because the display. This Anker Nebula Capsule Mini Projector is concerning the dimension of a Coke can, has 360-degree sound, and connects wirelessly. There’s nothing fairly like watching a film along with your fellow van buddies subsequent to a campfire underneath the celebrities!

Bluetooth projector for movies

Verify Worth: Amazon

Kindle

Bodily books take up a LOT of area in a van, so switching to a Kindle eReader is ideal for ebook 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 can even take pleasure in audiobooks by pairing Bluetooth headphones to modify seamlessly between studying and listening.

Kindle eReader

Verify Worth: Amazon

Journal

A journal is at all times 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

Verify Worth: REI

Nationwide Parks Passport

For a lot of van lifers, visiting America’s 400+ Nationwide Park websites is a giant aim when residing on the street. In case you’re the sort of person who likes to doc your travels, the National Parks Passport is an effective way to file your highlights of every park, historic website, nationwide monument, and extra.

National Parks Passport book

Verify value: Amazon

>> Verify Out Distinctive Presents for Nationwide Park Lovers

Methods to Stay in a Van and Journey Guide

Is your van lifer new to van life? In that case, the ebook 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

Verify value: Amazon

>> Learn subsequent: 10 Greatest Van Life Books

Trash Grabber

Though this will likely not fall underneath “van life leisure”, a Trash Grabber continues to be a fantastic 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 might probably simply be stowed away in a drawer. With trash is changing into an rising downside as extra individuals are getting outside, we need to be sure that we’re doing our half to maintain public lands clear and open for all to take pleasure in.

Trash Grabber

Verify Worth: Amazon

Pickleball Paddles

Pickleball is a blast and a enjoyable solution to get train on the street on the times you don’t really feel like mountaineering. Courts are popping up in every single place, so we wish to hold 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 an effective way to fulfill folks on the street.

Pickleball Paddles

Verify Worth: Amazon


Clothes & Attire Presents 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 cozy 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 proper match for yoga, understanding, or simply lounging round.

Verify value: lululemon

*In case you’re undecided about dimension, a lululemon gift card is a superb present for van lifers and vacationers as nicely.

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 favor. It’s additionally produced from artificial supplies, so it wicks sweat nicely and dries rapidly. That is the proper comfy but purposeful high for all of your van life adventures.

Verify Worth: lululemon

Vuori Halo Hoodie

Vuori makes a number of the softest clothes I’ve ever tried and the Vuori Halo Hoodie is not any exception. It’s tremendous cozy for cold days or cool summer time 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

Verify value: Vuori

lululemon Underwear

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

lululemon Invisiwear Hipster Underwear

Verify value: lululemon

Selk’Bag Wearable Sleeping Bag

What may very well 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 complete 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 desire a cozy go well with to snuggle up in across the campfire.

Selk'Bag one-piece sleeping bag you can wear

Verify 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 all the pieces in the correct place. Use one for tops, one for bottoms, and one for lingerie and such.

REI Packing Cubes

Verify value: REI

REI Co-op Street 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 quite a lot 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 concerning the dimension of a Nalgene when not in use. It additionally is available in a enjoyable print version too!

REI Road Tripper Duffel

Verify 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 outdoors attributable to their rubber sole, but the puffy higher makes them really feel like a brilliant heat slipper – excellent 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

Verify value: REI

Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandal

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

Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sanda

Verify value: Backcountry | Moosejaw


Security, Restoration & Navigation Presents for Van Life

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

Max Trax Restoration Boards

Driving down filth roads often results in essentially the most stunning locations, however typically comfortable sand, free filth, or mud could cause you to get caught. Having a solution to self-recover is admittedly vital, particularly if you happen to’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 vital helpful security items you may give a van lifer! Word: these have a 7750 lb weight restrict.

Max Trax Recovery Boards for vehicles

Verify value: Amazon

Benchmark Street Atlas

Benchmark Road Atlases are my go-to paper maps and make a fantastic present for van lifers. They present recreation actions, have categorized listings, and likewise 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

Verify 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 automobiles, tire stress is one thing to watch intently. Airing down your tires earlier than driving on comfortable surfaces (like sand) helps you keep away from getting caught, nonetheless, you want a solution to air again up your tires once you get again to pavement. A compact air compressor like this one is the way in which to go for making certain you’ll be able to at all times air up your tires.

Air compressor kit

Verify value: Amazon

Hulkman Bounce Starter

Waking as much as a lifeless automotive battery isn’t enjoyable, however once you’re out on Nationwide Forest land with out one other automotive in sight? That may be actually scary. For peace of thoughts, we at all times carry a backup car battery jump starter – which requires no different automobile for a leap! This compact machine is concerning the dimension of a Nalgene and actually value carrying in a van.

Hulkman Jump Starter kit for vehicles

Verify value: Amazon

Garmin InReach Mini

The Garmin InReach Mini 2 is our choose for the perfect all-around van life security. It is a two-way communication machine that can be utilized even once you don’t have cell service. I carry this after I’m mountaineering and it’s at all times accessible within the van. Final winter, my boyfriend Ryan and I woke as much as a lifeless automotive battery in below-freezing temperatures in Idaho – and we didn’t have cell service or a solution to leap ourselves. Fortunately, I used to be ready to make use of my Garmin to textual content my Dad the main points of the place we had been so he may name assist for us.

Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator

Verify 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. It is a nice present for higher peace of thoughts on the street.

Birdie alarm keychain

Verify value: Amazon

>> Learn Subsequent: Solo Feminine Van Life Security Suggestions

My Medic First Help Equipment

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

MyMedic First Aid Kit

Verify Worth: My Medic

Folding Shovel

A folding shovel is one thing that will get extra use in a van than you most likely assume. 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 tips for responsibly utilizing the lavatory outside. This shovel additionally comes with a sturdy carrying case which helps hold 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 at all times a perk!

Gerber folding shovel

Verify Worth: REI


Membership & Expertise Presents for Van Life

These items are excellent if you’re nervous about getting one thing that may take up an excessive amount of area or received’t get quite a lot of use. These are tremendous widespread 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 embrace map layers exhibiting Bureau of Land Administration, Nationwide Forest, and Nationwide Park land, offline map entry, reductions on campgrounds and kit, and extra. Use this link to sign up your van life friend for The Dyrt Pro – they’ll get 30 days free and you then’ll be billed for a 1-year membership for them, an ideal present for anybody searching for tenting. Word: Use the code “Bearfoot” if signing up on cell.

The Dyrt Pro app on phone

Verify value: The Dyrt

>> Learn our full assessment 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 — all the pieces from iconic Volkswagen Vanagons to newer Mercedes-Benz Sprinters and rather more. Their campervans are street journey prepared and situated throughout the US. Guide a visit for your self or present a visit to a cherished one with a GoCamp Gift Card!

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

Verify Availability: GoCamp

Harvest Hosts

A Harvest Hosts membership is the proper present for van lifers – it permits them to safely keep in a single day at over 2,300 distinctive properties equivalent 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 can even add on Boondockers Welcome which provides entry to 3000+ personal properties throughout the US as nicely.

Harvest Hosts logo

Verify 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 mountaineering and is a superb present that may assist your family members hit the path with ease. The free model gives fundamental capabilities like looking for 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 under $29.99/12 months, Professional members can obtain trails to be used offline, get alerts in the event that they stray off path, hold household knowledgeable of their location, and observe vital particulars like air high quality and climate.

AllTrails app pulled up on iPhone screen

Verify value: AllTrails

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

America The Stunning Go

This may be one of the vital helpful van life items on our record. 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 automobile at per-vehicle price areas. Most Nationwide Parks cost an entry price of $20-$35 so gifting an America The Stunning Go is a big cash saver (and an effective way to assist our parks!)

REI also carries some regional park passes here.

America the Beautiful Park Pass

Verify Worth: REI

Audible

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

Audible logo

Verify value: Amazon

Take a look at our different present guides:

We hope this record of finest items for van lifers helps simplify your purchasing so you may get off your pc, out of the shops, and spend extra time outdoors this vacation season.