Van Kitchen Must-Haves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nCooking Table<\/h5>\nGCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station<\/h3>\n
These days we mostly cook on our induction stove, but for years, we prepared all of our meals on this GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station.<\/a> It takes just a few seconds to set up and provides tons of counter space for your ingredients and cooking gear. When it\u2019s time to drive, it folds down flat and can be squeezed into any open spot in your van.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"A](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
Using the GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nCoffee Maker<\/h5>\nAeropress Go Travel Coffee Press<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nAfter trying bulky French presses and percolators, the AeroPress Go<\/a> has become my go-to for van life mornings. It\u2019s fast, compact, and doesn\u2019t hog power or take up room like a Keurig. Cleanup is a breeze\u2014you just pop the puck of grounds into the trash, so you don\u2019t end up wasting a bunch of water to rinse out the grounds. Plus, it\u2019s small enough to stash anywhere and tough enough to survive cabinet rattles on bumpy roads.\u00a0Learn more in my Aeropress review<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nUsing the Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nDurable Dishes<\/h5>\nHydro Flask Camp Plates and Bowls<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nAfter dealing with scratched-up plastic dishes and too-small camp bowls, I finally upgraded to these stainless steel bowls<\/a> and plates<\/a> from Hydro Flask. They\u2019re lightweight, easy to clean, and way more durable than anything I used before. They are thick enough that they never are too hot to hold, and they\u2019re actually big enough for a hearty bowl of soup or a big pasta dinner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nTravel Mug<\/h5>\nYeti Rambler Tumbler<\/h3>\n
A solid camp mug is non-negotiable in van life, and I\u2019ve been using the Yeti Rambler Tumbler<\/a> for years. It keeps morning beverage hot for hours and doubles as my go-to cold drink cup in the afternoons. The lid is super easy to clean \u2013 there\u2019s no hidden crevices or weird parts \u2013 and it does a great job at preventing spills when we\u2019re bumping our way down dirt roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nUsing the Yeti Rambler Tumbler<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nFood Storage<\/h5>\nStasher Bags<\/h3>\n
I love using Stasher Bags<\/a> because they\u2019re reusable, made of durable silicone and hold up to all kinds of van life needs. They\u2019re perfect for packing hiking snacks, storing leftovers, and even reheating since they can be placed in boiling water or in the microwave. Plus, they help cut down on our plastic bag use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nUsing Stasher Bags<\/a> on a hike<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWater Filter<\/h5>\nStealth Flex Water Filtration System<\/h3>\n
I have the Guzzle H2O Stealth Flex<\/a> installed under my sink, and it gives me peace of mind knowing our drinking water is clean and free of harmful toxins. It\u2019s compact, easy to install in tight spaces, and the water tastes great\u2014no matter where we fill up. Guzzle also makes other options like their Stream filter, which I\u2019ve got my eye on for pumping water straight from lakes and rivers into my tanks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nSee my complete kitchen essentials checklist for van life<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nVan Bathroom Essentials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nComposting Toilet<\/h5>\nCompoCloset Cuddy Lite<\/h3>\n
I recently upgraded from a foldable toilet to this CompoCloset Cuddy Lite<\/a> is a compact, portable \u201ccomposting\u201d toilet that\u2019s about the same size as a cassette toilet, but it\u2019s way easier to clean. It doesn\u2019t require permanent installation or external venting. The toliet separates the pee and poo. You can dump the pee container is easily emptied into any , and the pooptoilet separates the pee and poop and once you dial in the compost setup, it\u2019s low-odor and easy to manage. For other toilet options, see my roundup of the best toilets for van life<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nReusable Pee Cloth<\/h5>\nKula Cloth<\/h3>\n
The Kula Cloth<\/a> is one of my go-to hygiene essentials for van life and every outdoor adventure. This reusable pee cloth is super absorbent, antimicrobial, and way more hygienic than drip drying or packing out toilet paper on hikes. Once you try it, you won\u2019t go back. Learn more about the Kula Cloth in my Kula Cloth review<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Kula Cloth<\/a> is great for in the van and in the outdoors<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nEveryday Van Essentials<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nDurable Blanket<\/h5>\nRumpl Blanket<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nI\u2019ve used Rumpl blankets<\/a> in my van since 2016 and they\u2019re an absolute essential, especially if you have dogs. Dog hair doesn\u2019t stick to these blankets (just shake em\u2019 outside the van) and they\u2019re fully machine washable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nRumpl blankets make it easier to keep your van bed clean<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nMultipurpose Towels<\/h5>\nNomadix Quick Dry Towels<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nQuick-dry towels pack down small, dry fast, and serve so many purposes on the road. I use Nomadix quick dry towels<\/a> for everything from post-shower drying to wiping down dishes or laying out at the beach. They\u2019re lightweight, versatile, and way more practical than bulky traditional towels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nPrivacy<\/h5>\nBlackout Window Coverings<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nBlackout window coverings<\/a> are a van life essential for creating a cozy, private space at night and for helping control the temperature inside, so you stay comfortable no matter where you\u2019re parked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nBug Free Air Flow<\/h5>\nBug Screens<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nI didn\u2019t have bug screens for the first 5 years I did van life. Now that I have them, I realize how crazy that was! Bug screens<\/a> allow you to keep your doors open for airflow without letting annoying mosquitoes and other insects in. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nGreywater Collection<\/h5>\nSea to Summit Folding Bucket<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nIf your van doesn\u2019t have a built-in greywater tank, a collapsible or folding bucket<\/a> for collecting grey water is an easy, space-saving solution. It catches used sink water from washing dishes or brushing teeth, making it simple to dispose of responsibly and follow Leave No Trace guidelines<\/a> on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nUsing a collapsible bucket to collect greywater<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/div>\n\n\nBackpack<\/h5>\nDeuter Trail Series Backpacks<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\nA good backpack is a must-have for hiking, outdoor adventures, and even everyday tasks like errands or grocery runs. I love the Deuter Trail series <\/a>because it comes in a variety of sizes, so you can pick the one that fits your needs, whether you want something small for quick trips or larger for longer hikes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\nVan Patio Gear<\/h2>\n
<\/a><\/div>\n These days we mostly cook on our induction stove, but for years, we prepared all of our meals on this GCI Outdoor Slim Fold Cook Station.<\/a> It takes just a few seconds to set up and provides tons of counter space for your ingredients and cooking gear. When it\u2019s time to drive, it folds down flat and can be squeezed into any open spot in your van.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>\n After trying bulky French presses and percolators, the AeroPress Go<\/a> has become my go-to for van life mornings. It\u2019s fast, compact, and doesn\u2019t hog power or take up room like a Keurig. Cleanup is a breeze\u2014you just pop the puck of grounds into the trash, so you don\u2019t end up wasting a bunch of water to rinse out the grounds. Plus, it\u2019s small enough to stash anywhere and tough enough to survive cabinet rattles on bumpy roads.\u00a0Learn more in my Aeropress review<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n After dealing with scratched-up plastic dishes and too-small camp bowls, I finally upgraded to these stainless steel bowls<\/a> and plates<\/a> from Hydro Flask. They\u2019re lightweight, easy to clean, and way more durable than anything I used before. They are thick enough that they never are too hot to hold, and they\u2019re actually big enough for a hearty bowl of soup or a big pasta dinner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A solid camp mug is non-negotiable in van life, and I\u2019ve been using the Yeti Rambler Tumbler<\/a> for years. It keeps morning beverage hot for hours and doubles as my go-to cold drink cup in the afternoons. The lid is super easy to clean \u2013 there\u2019s no hidden crevices or weird parts \u2013 and it does a great job at preventing spills when we\u2019re bumping our way down dirt roads.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I love using Stasher Bags<\/a> because they\u2019re reusable, made of durable silicone and hold up to all kinds of van life needs. They\u2019re perfect for packing hiking snacks, storing leftovers, and even reheating since they can be placed in boiling water or in the microwave. Plus, they help cut down on our plastic bag use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I have the Guzzle H2O Stealth Flex<\/a> installed under my sink, and it gives me peace of mind knowing our drinking water is clean and free of harmful toxins. It\u2019s compact, easy to install in tight spaces, and the water tastes great\u2014no matter where we fill up. Guzzle also makes other options like their Stream filter, which I\u2019ve got my eye on for pumping water straight from lakes and rivers into my tanks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n See my complete kitchen essentials checklist for van life<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n I recently upgraded from a foldable toilet to this CompoCloset Cuddy Lite<\/a> is a compact, portable \u201ccomposting\u201d toilet that\u2019s about the same size as a cassette toilet, but it\u2019s way easier to clean. It doesn\u2019t require permanent installation or external venting. The toliet separates the pee and poo. You can dump the pee container is easily emptied into any , and the pooptoilet separates the pee and poop and once you dial in the compost setup, it\u2019s low-odor and easy to manage. For other toilet options, see my roundup of the best toilets for van life<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Kula Cloth<\/a> is one of my go-to hygiene essentials for van life and every outdoor adventure. This reusable pee cloth is super absorbent, antimicrobial, and way more hygienic than drip drying or packing out toilet paper on hikes. Once you try it, you won\u2019t go back. Learn more about the Kula Cloth in my Kula Cloth review<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>\n I\u2019ve used Rumpl blankets<\/a> in my van since 2016 and they\u2019re an absolute essential, especially if you have dogs. Dog hair doesn\u2019t stick to these blankets (just shake em\u2019 outside the van) and they\u2019re fully machine washable.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>\n Quick-dry towels pack down small, dry fast, and serve so many purposes on the road. I use Nomadix quick dry towels<\/a> for everything from post-shower drying to wiping down dishes or laying out at the beach. They\u2019re lightweight, versatile, and way more practical than bulky traditional towels.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>\n Blackout window coverings<\/a> are a van life essential for creating a cozy, private space at night and for helping control the temperature inside, so you stay comfortable no matter where you\u2019re parked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>\n I didn\u2019t have bug screens for the first 5 years I did van life. Now that I have them, I realize how crazy that was! Bug screens<\/a> allow you to keep your doors open for airflow without letting annoying mosquitoes and other insects in. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>\n If your van doesn\u2019t have a built-in greywater tank, a collapsible or folding bucket<\/a> for collecting grey water is an easy, space-saving solution. It catches used sink water from washing dishes or brushing teeth, making it simple to dispose of responsibly and follow Leave No Trace guidelines<\/a> on the road.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/div>\n A good backpack is a must-have for hiking, outdoor adventures, and even everyday tasks like errands or grocery runs. I love the Deuter Trail series <\/a>because it comes in a variety of sizes, so you can pick the one that fits your needs, whether you want something small for quick trips or larger for longer hikes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nCooking Table<\/h5>\n
GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sprinter-Van_Cooking_Kristen-1024x683-1.jpeg\")
Coffee Maker<\/h5>\n
Aeropress Go Travel Coffee Press<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Stanley-Idaho-Sprinter-Van-12-Aeropress-coffee-1024x683-1.jpg\")
Durable Dishes<\/h5>\n
Hydro Flask Camp Plates and Bowls<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"plates](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Baja-Rossmonster-Cooking-Kitchen-5-1024x683-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTravel Mug<\/h5>\n
Yeti Rambler Tumbler<\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Utah_Moab_Yeti-Camp-Chair_Gear-31-Oboz-sprinter-van-1024x683-1.jpg\")
Food Storage<\/h5>\n
Stasher Bags<\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Colordo_Rocky-Mountain-National-Park_Sky-Pond-Trail-41_Gear_Stasher-Bag-1024x684-1.jpg\")
Water Filter<\/h5>\n
Stealth Flex Water Filtration System<\/h3>\n
Van Bathroom Essentials<\/h2>\n
Composting Toilet<\/h5>\n
CompoCloset Cuddy Lite<\/h3>\n
Reusable Pee Cloth<\/h5>\n
Kula Cloth<\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Utah-Alta-3-hiking-kula-cloth-1024x683-1.jpg\")
Everyday Van Essentials<\/h2>\n
Durable Blanket<\/h5>\n
Rumpl Blanket<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Sprinter-Van-Rumpl-Blanket-1024x683-1.jpg\")
Multipurpose Towels<\/h5>\n
Nomadix Quick Dry Towels<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Privacy<\/h5>\n
Blackout Window Coverings<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Bug Free Air Flow<\/h5>\n
Bug Screens<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
Greywater Collection<\/h5>\n
Sea to Summit Folding Bucket<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Idaho_Stanley_Sprinter-Van_Greywater-2-1024x683-1.jpeg\")
Backpack<\/h5>\n
Deuter Trail Series Backpacks<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/icupdrugtest.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Rossmonster-deuter-backpack-gear.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nVan Patio Gear<\/h2>\n