Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves

Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves - Essential Gear for Living on the Road

When you decide to hit the open road in a van, thoughtful gear choices are key for maximizing comfort and convenience in limited space. Vanlifers recommend focusing on multipurpose, space-saving equipment that promotes self-sufficiency.

Storage and organization products help keep clutter at bay. Collapsible shelves, bins, and cargo nets allow you to securely stow items and access them easily. Magnetic strips and push pins on the walls create extra storage space. Packing cubes, compression sacks, and vacuum-seal bags save room in cabinets and prevent things from shifting around while driving.

Compact cooking equipment like a single-burner propane stove, mini oven, and 12V cooler/fridge combo unit helps you whip up meals without taking over your living area. A sink with running water, either hand-pumped or electric, makes washing dishes easier. Space-saving tableware like nested cups, collapsible bowls, and sporks are popular picks.

With limited electrical outlets, rechargeable batteries and multi-port USB hubs help power and charge all your devices and appliances. Flexible solar panels on the roof provide renewable off-grid energy. Portable WiFi hotspots keep you connected remotely.

To sleep soundly, memory foam mattress toppers offer cushioning and customize smaller beds. Blackout curtains allow you to block light and sleep in. Compact, convertible furniture like folding tables and combination bench-seats-beds are functional space-savers.

Make the most of your outdoors time with a camping stove, portable chairs, and a pop-up canopy or tent that provides shade and cover. A rooftop storage box holds bulkier gear like kayaks, bikes, or surfboards.

Personal comforts like string lights, rugs, and houseplants create a homey vibe. Portable speakers, laptops, and streaming devices allow entertainment on the go. Electronic organizers and labeled storage totems prevent hassling over lost items in tight quarters.

Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves - Cooking Up Meals in a Tiny Kitchen

When you live in a van, the kitchen is undoubtedly the most challenging space to optimize. With typically less than 10 square feet to work with, vanlifers must get creative with their cooking options to fuel up on the road. The experiences of fellow nomads who have engineered ingenious culinary spaces offer valuable insights on making the most of a tiny kitchen.

The first consideration is what type of appliances you can actually power in your van. Most vanners opt for a propane camping stove, as it is compact and does not require much electricity. Ultra-efficient induction cooktops are also popular, though they can tax your solar power and require special cookware. For oven needs, a mini toaster oven pulls double duty for baking and warming food. Some ambitious van cooks even install a combination stove/oven unit, though this eats up precious space.

When it comes to food storage, most van kitchens utilize some combination of a 12V electric cooler, propane- or compressor-powered fridge/freezer, and simple ice chests. The key is balancing cold storage capacity with available power. Some vanners get by with just an electric cooler and regular ice runs, while others splurge on a beefy fridge/freezer. Shelving, bins, and other storage hacks help organize dry goods and meal ingredients in the absence of cupboards.

Given the tight quarters, any cooking prep typically happens right at the kitchen counter. Vanners must get creative to carve out what little counter space they have. Some add a small section of countertop beside their stove, while others fashion DIY fold-down tables or even use their sinks as extra surface area. The key is finding a prep space that aligns seamlessly with your cooking area.

When it comes to clean up, hand-pumped sinks allow washing dishes and produce without tapping your fresh water supply. Collapsible dish racks stow away neatly when not in use. For composting food scraps, a simple screw-top bucket with carbon filters helps control odors in close quarters.

Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves - Staying Connected Through Mobile Hotspots

Reliable internet access is crucial for vanlifers, allowing them to get work done remotely, stay in touch with loved ones, and plan their itineraries on the fly. With constantly changing locations, mobile hotspots provide the connectivity nomads need to complement their life on the road. These compact, battery-powered WiFi routers draw from existing cell phone towers, broadcasting strong signals that vanners can connect to with their devices no matter how remote their location.

Experienced vanlifers recommend investing in a quality mobile hotspot with robust data coverage rather than relying solely on free public WiFi or your phone’s hotspot, which offer inconsistent speeds. While using your existing phone as a hotspot works in a pinch, be aware that this drains your phone’s battery rapidly. Dedicated hotspot devices are designed for all-day use on the go. Opt for an unlimited data plan so you never have to worry about overages, even if you stream movies all day or have multiple people connecting. Some popular picks are the Skyroam Solis, the Netgear Nighthawk, and Verizon's Jetpack.

Figure out which carrier has the best coverage for your travel routes so you can customize your device and plan accordingly. Ask fellow van travelers what hotspots work well in the areas you’ll frequent. You may need to experiment with different devices and networks to find your ideal setup. Activate the hotspot’s WiFi band when stationary so devices automatically connect when in range. For extra range, some vanners mount amplified external antennas on their roof.

To power these hungry devices, you’ll need ample solar capacity or a supplemental gas generator if boondocking for extended periods. Hotspots use a lot of juice, so monitor their battery levels and conserve power when you can. Portable batteries can provide backup when your solar can’t keep up with demand.

With everyone using bandwidth simultaneously, you may experience slower speeds as more users connect. Implement a guest network with speed limits so your own use isn’t impacted. Modifying antenna and channel settings can help maximize speeds and coverage.

RVers Clay and Jessica Tatum have used mobile hotspots extensively in their van travels across 41 states. They experienced frustratingly slow internet in congested locations which made it tough to work remotely. After testing several hotspot models, they landed on Google Fi which leverages three carrier networks seamlessly. Its consistent speeds and service even in rural areas have been a game changer, allowing them to meet deadlines and unwind with streaming content.

For Paul and Mary Burkart, mobile connectivity in their Sprinter van was vital as Paul needed to telecommute daily. After trying various hotspots, only Verizon provided the truly unlimited data they required, even while camping remotely. Between video calls and backing up photos to the cloud, they use over 100GB of data each month! Transitioning to an unlimited plan ended their stress over costly overages. They recommend all vanlifers invest in quality hotspots to maintain the freedom of mobility.

Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves - Making the Most of Limited Space

When you call a van home, maximizing every inch of available space is an art form. With clever solutions from veteran vanlifers, you can pack all the comforts of a full-sized abode into a few feet.

Murphy beds that stow vertically against the wall during the day are a popular way to reclaim floorspace at night. Look for beds with storage cubbies underneath or opt for a convertible couch that pulls double duty as a lounger. For additional sleeping quarters, installing a hammock or bunk beds over the front seats accommodates extra passengers (check your weight limits).

Expanding your storage capacity is key. Built-in cabinetry with deep pull-out drawers takes advantage of all available space. Door organizers on the inside of cabinet fronts give you bonus room for small items. For the floor, replace fixed furniture with folding or collapsible pieces like chairs, tables, and bins that disappear when not needed.

Strategic multifunctional furniture also does wonders in tight interiors. Look for sink/stove units that consolidate appliances and counters into a single module. Combination cooler-seat boxes offer cold storage and a place to sit. Your outdoor gear like bikes and kayaks can moonlight as shelving when not in use.

When it comes to your wardrobe, carefully curate your clothing and toiletries to only essentials. Install storage hammocks, shelves, and racks to take advantage of vertical wall and ceiling space. Attach gear loops and cargo nets to stash items overhead. Store clothing in under-bed drawers or a space-saving camper van cabinet with customized cubbies.

For smaller loose items, get savvy with organization systems. Sort supplies into clear plastic bins and baskets so everything has a designated place. Label containers so items stay put. Mount magnetic strips or bulletin boards to hang often-used tools and supplies.

Natural light visually expands cramped quarters. Skylights, ample windows, and replaced ceiling panels with light diffusers brighten up the interior so it feels more airy and open. For overnight trips, reflective insulation or removable window covers allow you to block out light completely.

When it comes to power needs, look for RGB light strips that provide mood lighting and save space over bulky lamps. Solar-powered luci lights inflate to create ambient glows. For charging devices, keep cables tidy with cord wraps and organizers so they don’t clutter counters. Mounted power strips centralize plug access.

Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves - Creature Comforts to Feel at Home

After endless days on the road, vanners crave familiar comforts to make their modest mobile homes feel like a true sanctuary. Transforming a cold, sterile van into a cozy haven is crucial for maintaining your sanity and finding peace of mind while nomadic. The experiences of seasoned van dwellers reveal smart strategies for infusing personality and soul into your tiny abode.

Making small aesthetic touches goes a long way in providing a sense of home. Funky patterned wallpaper or fabric instantly livens up plain paneling. Frame favorite photos or art prints rather than just taping them up for a more polished look. Splurge on coordinating textiles like pillows, throws, and curtains to tie the space together. String lights draped along the ceiling create a twinkly ambiance come nightfall.

Bring elements of nature indoors to keep your mood upbeat and prevent road fatigue. Mini succulents and easy-care plants liven up the space without demanding constant watering and sunlight. Essential oil diffusers circulate soothing scents like lavender and eucalyptus. Candles help set the mood, just take care to snuff them out before driving.

Since van real estate is limited, choose multi-purpose furniture that reflects your style. A colorful Turkish kilim woven rug adds flair underfoot and insulation against cold floors. Poufs pull triple duty as extra seating, foot rests, and impromptu side tables. A slim console mounted to the wall provides a place to display cherished photos and art while organizing keys and devices.

While you can’t fit a sprawling library on board, a few of your favorite books transport you to pleasant headspaces. Load e-books onto a tablet or e-reader. If you collect books on the road, affix removable book holders to keep them secure in transit.

For movie buffs, a projector aimed at empty wall space turns any part of the van into an impromptu theater. Stream films through a digital media device. For solo viewings don hooded privacy visors. And be sure to stock plenty of snacks to complete the cinema experience.

For pet owners, create a durable and comfortable nook for your furry co-pilot. Their familiar bedding, bowls, and toys keep animal companions content. Leash hooks, pet barriers, and sealed litter boxes make traveling with pets more seamless.

Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves - Outdoor Adventure Essentials

Hitting the open road is the ultimate freedom, but you need the right gear along to fully embrace spur-of-the-moment adventure. For vanlifers, outdoor activities provide welcome escapes from long highway stretches. Equipped with purpose-built equipment, vanners can pursue active hobbies wherever the road takes them without being chained to rentals. Savvy gear selections leverage limited cargo space while enabling enthusiasts to immerse themselves in everything from mountain biking to rock climbing.

Avid surfers stow their boards atop rugged roof racks, ready to chase the next swell. For river runners, ratchet straps or hitch mounts carry kayaks and canoes at the rear. Compact inflatable SUPs quickly unfurl when an alluring waterway calls. Folks who frequently pedal off-road carry their rides on exterior mounts like a 1UP trailer, while casual bikers squeeze into spare nooks inside the van. Safety-minded cyclists install a built-in bike lockbox to deter theft.

Backcountry hikers look for lightweight, packable gear they can stash in mini alcoves or under seats. Ultralight backpacking stoves, cutlery sets, and dehydrated rations take up minimal space while still powering demanding treks. Inflatable sleeping pads with insulated R-values suited for colder temps ensure comfier nights under the stars. Down sleeping bags compress impressively small while providing cozy warmth. Tiny integrated tents or freestanding hammocks offer minimalist, mobile shelter.

For climbers, modular crashpad designs with folding segments make big protection pads more garage-friendly. An over-the-door hangboard lets you train finger strength anywhere. Chalk bags and shoes stow in the smallest gaps. Climbing gyms in urban areas provide a welcome reprieve from bumpy dirt roads. Bouldering mats like Organic’s 3-foot pad offer adequate padding during roadside sessions.

Fishing enthusiasts look for rod holders that securely stow poles when driving. Collapsible nets and easily-disassembled reels utilize less space. Ample interior storage manages tackle boxes and any fresh catches from lakeside escapades. For avid hunters, concealed gun storage meets legal transport requirements while keeping gear locked safely away.

To power their playtime far off grid, most outdoor types rely heavily on portable power stations like Jackery or Bluetti models. These gas-free generators pack serious wattage hour capacity in a compact form factor, recharging with solar or your van’s alternator. Run power hungry devices like electric pumps, lights, and e-bikes for hours. Charge depleted phones and gadgets after epic excursions go long.

No matter the activity, wet and dirty gear begs to be sanitized after hardcore use. For surfers and paddlers, on-demand hot showers convenient to the beach provided by rooftop solar shower kits enable a quick rinse-off before jumping back in the van. For massive cleanups, some rig exterior hot-water faucets or quick-connect sprayer hoses.

Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves - Entertainment Options for Down Time

After countless hours behind the wheel, vanlifers need to decompress and tap into their creative passions. Cranking up the tunes or getting lost in a page-turner offers welcome mental escapes from the demands of nomadic life. According to veteran road warriors, curating entertainment options for downtime, both analog and digital, is key for maintaining sanity when the horizon beckons endlessly.

For music lovers, quality speakers immerse living spaces in brilliant soundscapes, whether streaming playlists or spinning vinyl. Upgrade stock stereo components to systems designed for rumbling bass despite cramped quarters. Many vanners splurge on marine-grade waterproof speakers to provide mood-setting soundtracks at campsites. With limited storage, digital files reign supreme over bulky CD binders. Offline playlists download for when service is spotty. Karaoke machines like Singing Machine’s Carpool model turn wayward weeknights into festive fun. And don’t forget the musical instruments - a compact guitar or ukulele easily fits for impromptu jam sessions.

Bibliophiles agree that the written word is a true traveling companion. Loading ebooks onto tablets and e-readers eliminates packing constraints, providing instant access to extensive libraries with a tap. Physical book lovers get creative, installing floating corner shelves for displaying favorites and securing removable book ledges that keep pages in place in transit.

Crafty types carve out nooks for hobbies that feed the soul, whether painting watercolors, beading jewelry, or scrapbooking memories. Portable craft caddies securely contain small hand tools, art supplies, and works-in-progress. Clear plastic tackle boxes with adjustable dividers store tiny parts for model building or electronics tinkering. A fold-down table creates a impromptu workspace for tinkering anytime inspiration strikes.

For screen time recreation, projectors aimed at blank walls or pop-up privacy tents transform living spaces into personal theaters. Headphones allow late night viewing without disturbing others. Subscription services like Netflix provide unlimited entertainment options. Travel-friendly streaming devices connect to TVs or directly to phones. Some invest in smart TVs with integrated streaming apps. And gaming consoles preserve beloved routines in mobile form - just be sure to protect them from shifting in transit.

Journaling and writing foster self-reflection during extended escapes from routine. Laptops provide limitless digital notebook capacity while compositions penned in physical journals capture the tactile nostalgia of the road less traveled. Compact printers produce keepsake logs of your reflections. For the creatively stumped, writing prompt journals spark ideas with thought-provoking questions tailored to wanderers.

Life in the Fast Lane: Vanlifers Share Their Road Trip Must-Haves - Tips for Staying Organized in a Small Van

When you call less than 100 square feet home, staying organized is an absolute must for sanity. For vanlifers, everything has its place, and clutter is the cardinal sin. Lean living experts share their strategies for maintaining tidy order in tiny mobile abodes.

The first rule is ruthlessly culling belongings to bare essentials. Limit wardrobe items to versatile pieces in a cohesive palette that all coordinate. Store clothing in space-saving ways like under-bed drawers or utilizing every inch of hanging space. Designate collapsible baskets or shelving cubbies for different clothing types. Only unpack what’s needed daily.

For pantry items, transparent storage bins clearly display contents while keeping loose items corralled. Label everything so components don’t migrate. Install shallow pull-out cabinetry for easy access to cooking tools and food. Keep cleaning supplies together in caddies. Use hanging shelves or tension shower rods for bonus storage real estate.

When it comes to paperwork, digitize everything possible. Scan vehicle titles, insurance info, maps, guides, and receipts to free up space while keeping important docs accessible on devices. Utilize cloud backups so files are available from anywhere. Use a portable file box for any necessary hard copies.

Small loose items like cables, office supplies and toiletries breed clutter rapidly. Employ savvy solutions like wall-mounted command hooks, hanging pouches, over-the-door organizers and magnetic strips for quick access. Sort supplies into labeled clear bins so items stay in their spot.

Keep surfaces clutter-free by designating everything a purpose. For instance, utilize your sink as additional prep space when cooking meals. Then it converts back into a wash basin after eating. Choose furniture that moonlights in multiple roles, like benches with flip-up seats revealing storage.

When preparing for a trip, assemble supplies in one spot like a crate. Inventory must-haves so nothing gets left behind. Upon returning, immediately restock the crate before unpacking anything else.

Maintenance clutter like tools and fluids get their own designated cabinet orbin. Use molded organizers with custom compartments for keeping specific items neatly together. Hang frequently used tools on the wall or door for convenience.