Vanlife Packing List: Essentials for Full-Timers

Alright, so you’re thinking about hitting the road full-time, or maybe just for a quick getaway, but where do you even start with packing? I’ve been living in my camper on and off for the last 4 years, and I’ve learned the hard way (many times over) what you truly need and what’s just extra weight you don’t need to drag around. Whether you’re a full-timer like me or just going on a weekend adventure, I’ve got you covered with a packing list to make your vanlife experience comfy, organized, and stress-free.

Full-Timer Vanlife Packing List

Living in a camper full-time means you need to get your life organized in a way that’s functional, practical, and cozy. You don’t want to carry a bunch of things you don’t use, but you also need a bit of luxury to make it feel like home when you’re on the road 24/7.

1. Clothes: Packing light is key, but since you’re living out of a van, you need enough clothes to handle a variety of weather conditions.

You won’t always have access to a washing machine (and laundromats can get expensive!), so try to pack versatile pieces that you can mix and match.

• Layered Clothing: Think of it as your daily survival kit. T-shirts, long sleeves, cozy hoodies, and a lightweight jacket for warmer days. When it gets cold, I always have a good insulated jacket and a thick pair of socks to keep warm at night.
• Activewear: If you're hiking, doing yoga, or just moving around a lot, bring your hiking gear, leggins, sport short and hiking boots or for town comfortable sneakers.
• Rain Gear: Weather is unpredictable, and you don’t want to get stuck soaking wet during a downpour. A waterproof jacket and some quick-drying shoes are lifesavers when you're stuck in a rainstorm. Or you take a rainponcho with you, helped me a lot and I can put my backpack underneath.
• Underwear & Socks: Yeah, no brainer, but seriously, bring enough to avoid constantly doing laundry. 
• Boots/Sandals: A good pair of hiking boots is non-negotiable. I also have a pair of comfy sandals for the beach or warm days.
• Pajamas: Comfortable, warm, and snuggly for those cozy nights in the van. The van can get pretty cold at night, so thick, cozy socks and a soft set of PJs are a must.

2. Kitchen Essentials: Cooking in your camper doesn’t need to be complicated, but you'll want to be prepared.

 I love cooking healthy meals on the road, so here’s my must-have list.

• Cooking Stove: I installed a proper cooking stove and I'm so happy to just be able to cook whenever I want instead of moving things around with a portable ones. Thought I have a small portable camp stove for multiple day hikes.
• Cookware: Two frying pan (small+ big), a pot, and a kettle are essential. I also bring a cutting board, a sharp knife, and tongs. 
• Storage Containers: Organize your food with airtight containers or Ziploc bags. They help reduce waste and keep everything fresh.
• Cups, Plates, & Cutlery: I’m all about compact and eco-friendly. Stainless steel or wooden sets are great options for a vanlife kitchen, and they’re durable too. Wooden is perfect as we don't have the luxus of a dish washer and they're so pretty.
• Cooler or Fridge: This one depends on your van setup, but I’ve a 12V 80L fridge installed. As we stay most of the time out of towns and straight up nowhere in nature, we fill it up before we head out. 
• Spices & Oils: Don’t forget the essentials like salt, pepper, olive oil, and your favorite spices. I keep a little container with the basics, so I’m never stuck eating bland food.
• Cleaning Supplies: A dish sponge, and heaps of rags are all I need to keep the kitchen clean. I also bring enough trash bags, as there's also enough to pick up around the campgrounds. And we want to leave it better than we found it!!
  

3. Bath Essentials: No matter where you are, hygiene is important, and you need to stay fresh and clean!

• Shower: We can attach a hose to our tap and shower cold, thought we always try to find showers on the road or go heaps swimming in summer. 
• Towels: Microfiber towels dry faster and take up less space than regular ones. I usually have one bath towel and one for the beach.
• Toiletries: Obviously, bring the basics (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant), but also have a small first aid kit, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer handy. I like to keep a small box organized so I don’t lose track of anything.
• Toilet Paper: If you’re boondocking (camping off-grid), trust me, you need to bring your own toilet paper. It’s a lifesaver when the campsite doesn’t have facilities. And please don't poop every in nature and make it stink everywhere. Just built a toilet in the van like us or at least dig a meter hole before. 

4. Outdoor Gear: The best part of vanlife is the outdoors, so make sure you’ve got the right gear to take full advantage.

• Camping Chair: A comfy camping chair for lounging around camp or just watching the sunset. I love my portable folding chair; it packs up small and doesn’t take up much space. 
• Tent: We do multiple day hikes sometimes and sleep in our tent then. 
• Hammock: Obviously, what's a camping trip without hammock? 
• Headlamp & Flashlight: Always have some sort of light source with you when you’re in the wild. I like headlamps for hands-free use and a good old flashlight for general purposes. We also have fairy lights in the car, if we ever run out of battery. 
• Portable Power Bank: Charging up devices when you’re off-grid is essential. Get a solar-powered one if you’re going off the beaten path and want to stay green! And even better when you have a solar on top of your car with a second battery. 
• Cast iron pot: Okay this is not a must and a bit special, but we love cooking over the fire. 

5. Extras & Comforts: Little things that make a big difference in your vanlife experience.

• Decor: Plants, fairy lights, a cute rug… whatever makes your camper feel like a home. It doesn’t take much to add that cozy vibe. 
• Entertainment: A couple of books, a journal, and a speaker for music. Those long drives need something to pass the time.
• Laundry Bags: I have a laundry bag for all my dirty clothes. 

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Final Tips:

• Organize Your Space: In a van, space is precious! I use bins and storage compartments to keep everything neat.
• Plan Ahead for Wi-Fi: If you’re working remotely or need internet, try using a mobile hotspot or look for campgrounds with Wi-Fi. Just don’t rely on public Wi-Fi alone. Good options are always public libraries. 
• Know Your Limits: Full-time vanlife is a huge adjustment. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you feel homesick or exhausted – it's okay to take breaks and re-evaluate your needs.
• Embrace Minimalism: The fewer things you have, the easier your travels will be. Only keep what you need, and everything else can be left behind.

Happy vanlife, whether you’re living the dream full-time or just getting away for a weekend. Let me know if you have any other tips or packing essentials you swear by! 💕🚐