My Top 25 Items for Van Life!
Take a moment to pause and think ... what do we actually need to make van life work? Living on the road isn't always easy. Many people who give it up early often overlook the basic essentials needed not just to survive, but to stay comfortable. These are the kinds of things you don't think about - until you really need them.
Of course, listing everything would be impossible. We're all different, and our needs vary. So instead, i've put together my top 25 items. To be clear, this isn't about what you include in your van or caravan build. These are items that help you handle the unexpected - when things go wrong. And the truth is, no matter how much we like to imagine life as smooth and carefree, if something can go wrong, it probably will at some point.
My goal is to help anyone preparing for an adventure to be ready from the start. It's easy to learn from your own mistakes, over time - but often we ignore the chance to learn from others, and that can cut adventures short. So, let's keep this practical, a bit honest, and focused on being self-sufficient, rather than perfect.
What do I mean by that?
When I say 'not politically correct' I simply mean that my priorities might not match yours - and that's okay. This list reflects what I consider to be most important.
By 'self-sufficient' I mean being able to manage on your own when help isn't immediately available. Of course, sometimes, you will still need outside assistance - a mechanic, for example, but these items can help you get through until then.
And 'without restraints' is about mindset. In the past, people adapted and made do with what they had - especially during tough times like economic downturns. Over time, convenience has increased, but that doesn't always mean things are easier or cheaper. In many ways, it's made us more dependent.
Think about it: before powered fridges, people used insulated boxes - what we now call eskys. Slow cooking didn't require electricity either, it could be done using retained heat in simple, insulated setups. Sometimes, the old ways still work just as well.
Anyway, enough of the rambling - let's get into my top 25 items.
1. WATER PURIFICATION FILTER: Australia is fortunate to have generally high-quality water, but you may still encounter places with rusty taps or varying levels of chlorine. By attaching a filtration system to the end of your hose, you can ensure that the water is clean, safe to drink and suitable for everyday use.
TO PURCHASE NICKALLY'S - PORTABLE WATER PURIFIER CLICK ON LINK BELOW:
2. FIRE IGNITERS, LIGHTERS, FERRO ROD FLINT FIRE STARTER & MATCHES: It's easy to overlook these when you rely on self-lighting stoves or fuel-powered heaters. But when you need to start a fire manually, these tools become essential. A basic lighter can provide thousands of ignitions, while a ferro rod works reliably even in wet conditions and lasts much longer. And it's always wise to carry a pack of simple, inexpensive matches as a back-up.
TO PURCHASE NICKALLY'S BUTANE TORCH LIGHTER, CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:
3. N95 RESPIRATOR MASK: This is a must-have on any emergency list. Many people realised their value during COVID, but they've long been essential in Australia - a country where bushfire seasons area regular reality. Even if you're far from the flames, smoke can travel long distances and still pose a risk. An N95 mask helps protect your lungs from harmful particles in the air. It can even come in handy in unexpected situations, such as an air filter failing. Don't get caught without one when you need it most.
4. BASIC PAIN RELIEF: ASPIRIN, PARACETAMOL OR IBUPROFEN: No trip should be without a supply of basic pain relief. These everyday medications can make a big difference when discomfort strikes. Whether it's a headache, sore muscles, a minor sprain or even a toothache, having them on hand can prevent a small issue from turning into a miserable experience.
5. BATTERIES: Keep a supply of disposable batteries in your kit, with a mix of common sizes. Not everything is rechargeable and conditions or time constraints don't always allow for recharging. Having spare batteries on hand ensures your essential gear - like torches, radios and other devices - keeps working when you need them the most.
6. LIGHTING OPTIONS: Keep a variety of lighting sources in your kit - flashlights, cap lights, door or area lights, rechargeable and battery-powered options, as well as candles. Different situations call for different types of light, and having options helps you stay both practical and comfortable. For example, a fragrant candle can create a calming atmosphere while also providing backup illumination if needed. Cap lights are especially useful for hands-free tasks. Having reliable lighting not only helps you to see, but it also adds a sense of safety and reassurance, wherever you are.
TO PURCHASE NICKALLY'S PACK OF 2 SWIVEL LIGHTS, CLICK ON LINK BELOW:
7. BLEACH: Bleach is a highly versatile item to include in your emergency kit. It can be used to disinfect surfaces, sanitise equipment and even clean clothes when needed. In certain emergency situations, it can also be used in small, carefully measured amounts to help disinfect water. With so many practical uses, it's a simple, but valuable addition to your supplies.
8. TOILET PAPER: Toilet paper is somethings most people carry, but it's often overlooked as part of an emergency supply. Beyond the obvious, it has a range of practical uses. It can double as facial tissue, help absorb sweat or small spills and serve as a gentler alternative to paper towels. A roll can even be placed in a fridge or confined space to absorb moisture and reduce odours, or lightly scented with essential oils to act as a simple air freshener. With so many uses, it's a small item that can make a big difference in a pinch.
TO PURCHASE NICKALLY'S 22LTR PORTABLE TOILET, CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:
9. LARGE THICK BLACK TRASH BAGS: Easily one of the most versatile items to have in an emergency. You can use them for storage, tear them open as a drop sheet, or cut holes for your head and arms to make a makeshift poncho. The uses for black garbage bags are virtually unlimited.
10. ZIP TIES: Keep a variety of sizes on hand - these small, plastic fasteners are incredibly useful for quick fixes. They can hold things together securely without the need for adhesives or bulky, heavy tools, making them a versatile addition to any emergency kit.
11. DUCT TAPE & PARACORD: Beyond simply binding objects together, duct tape has many uses, including sealing gaps and mending holes. Paracord is equally valuable for tying and securing items, whether you're setting up a shelter or fastening gear. Together, they're essential tools in any emergency situation.
12. ADHESIVES: You'll be surprised by how often adhesives come in handy on the road - they can fix a wide range of problems quickly and effectively. A few useful examples include:
-
- Super glue & baking soda filler: Mixing cyanoacrylate (super glue) with baking soda creates an instant, hard, sandable material. It's great for filling gaps, repairing broken plastic items or even rebuilding worn threads.
- Threadlocker for loose screws: An anaerobic adhesive can be applied to screws to stop them loosening due to vibration.
- Sealing minor leaks: Adhesive sealant sprays can form a rubber-like barrier to stop low-pressure leaks in pipes or PVC.
Having a small selection of adhesives in your kit adds a lot of repair flexibility without taking up much space.
13. EMERGENCY THERMAL BLANKET: Emergency thermal blankets (also known as Mylar blankets) are highly versatile survival tools that go far beyond simply retaining body heat. Some practical uses include:
-
- Fire reflector: Position the blanket behind a fire to reflect heat back toward your shelter or seating area.
- Water collection: Use it to line a hole for catching rainwater or as part of a simple solar still.
- Trail marker: Tear into strips and tie to branches - the reflective surface makes them easy to spot.
- Improvised sling or splint: The material is strong enough to support an arm sling or help secure a splint.
- Fishing aid: Small reflective pieces can be used to attract fish as a makeshift lure.
Lightweight and compact, an emergency thermal blanket is a valuable addition to any survival kit.
PURCHASE THE THERMAL BLANKETS (x10) FROM NICKALLY FROM LINK BELOW:
14. HAND SANITISER: Containing at least 60% alcohol, this is primarily used to quickly kill bacteria and viruses when soap and water are not available. It's especially useful after sneezing, before eating, or when you are in public spaces.
Beyond hygiene, its alcohol content gives it a range of additional uses. It can help to clean screens, remove sticky residue, polish metal surfaces and sanitise frequently touched items such as phone screens.
15. WET WIPES: Wet wipes are versatile, pre-moistened sheets designed for cleaning, disinfecting and personal hygiene, making them especially convenient whilst on-the-go. Their primary uses include baby care, removing makeup, sanitising hands and surfaces and cleaning up everyday messes in cars or around the home. They're also useful for freshening up after workouts or during travel when access to water is limited.
16. INSTANT COFFEE: Instant coffee may not be glamorous, but it is a practical and underrated choice for everyday life. It is quick to prepare, budget friendly and has a long shelf-life, making it perfect for busy mornings or on-the-go routines. Beyond convenience, it still delivers health benefits. Instant coffee contains antioxidants, which may help to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, and can support liver health. It also has typically less caffeine than brewed coffee, offering a gentler energy boost. Simple, affordable and effective - instant coffee is an easy way to start your day off right.
17: BAR SOAP: Bar soap is a simple yet essential item for camping. It's lightweight, compact and far more versatile than liquid soap - use it for washing your body and hair, cleaning dishes, or even doing laundry, on-the-go. It's also a more eco-friendly option, especially when you choose biodegradable, fragrance-free bars. These help to reduce environmental impact and are less likely to attract insects. For best results, store your soap in a container that allows it to drain and dry, between uses. Practical, sustainable and easy to pack, bar soap is a smart addition to any camping kit.
18: FUELS: Fuel is essential for any setup - it keeps you warm, lets you cook, provides hot water, and even powers your lighting. That's why it's important to always carry a backup, whether it's butane, diesel or whatever your system relies on. Avoid treating fuel as a single-use resource. Plan for redundancy so you're not caught out if something runs low or fails. Having an alternative or spare supply can make all the difference when conditions get tough.
19. SALT: Salt is a small but incredibly powerful addition to any camping kit. Lightweight and easy to pack, it serves for far more than just seasoning your meals. In camp, salt can be used to clean cast-iron cookware, help preserve food like meat or fish, and naturally disinfect cutting boards. It also has a few clever survival uses - soothing insect bites, putting out small grease fires, and even helping to create colder temperatures in your cooler by forming a brine with ice. Simple, affordable and highly versatile, salt is one of those essentials you will be glad that you packed.
20. MEDICAL KIT: A well-stocked medical kit is something you never want to overlook. Keep it easily accessible and check it regularly to ensure everything is up to date and ready when needed. It's also wise to tailor your kit to your environment - for example, carrying a snake bite kit in areas where snakes are a high risk. In addition to your main supply, pack a smaller, portable kit for walks and hikes so that you are always prepared, even when away from camp.
TO PURCHASE THE FIRST AID KIT FROM NICKALLY CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW:
PURCHASE (x12) 9PC SNAKE BITE KITS FROM NICKALLY CLICK ON LINK BELOW:
21. SMALL BOTTLE OF ALCOHOL: Alcohol is a versatile addition to your camping kit. It works well as a lightweight, clean-burning fuel for compact stoves, making it useful for cooking in simple setups. Beyond fuel, it can also be used to prepare basic drinks such as tonics and serves as a handy disinfectant for cleaning when needed. Compact and multi-purpose, it's a practical item to have on hand in the outdoors.
22. STOCKINGS: A pair of stockings might seem like an odd addition to your emergency kit, but they are surprisingly useful in a pinch. They can even be used as a temporary fix for something like a fan belt, helping you get out of trouble when you're far from help. Beyond that, they have plenty of practical uses - filtering debris from water, catching small live bait or even assisting with fire starting when paired with fine, dry materials. They are also strong enough for improvised repairs, like securing your gear or helping guide a pet back to camp if a harness breaks. Lightweight, compact and unexpectedly durable, stockings are one of those items that can come in handy in more ways than you would think - and no, not for robbing banks!
23. BASIC TOOL SET: You don't need every tool available to be prepared. A compact, well-thought out toolkit that covers the essentials is usually more than enough to handle most situations. Heavy, overpacked kits can become a burden, so it's important to choose tools that are genuinely versatile and practical. A basic set should focus on items that can solve common problems and get you through emergencies without unnecessary weight or complexity. In most cases, a simple, reliable toolkit is far more effective than carrying everything 'just in case.'
TO PURCHASE THE SURVIVAL TOOLKIT FROM NICKALLY CLICK LINK BELOW:
24. PLASTIC STOOL: A plastic tool is a highly versatile camping essential, acting as a lightweight seat, side table, footrest or step stool, especially for anglers, hikers and families. Its durable, weather-resistant, and collapsible design makes it easy to pack, creating instant, stable seating in rugged or sandy environments.
25. CAR LUBRICANTS: Always carry enough spare lubricant for your vehicle. Running low on oil or other essential fluids can lead to serious engine damage, so it is important to stay prepared. If a leak occurs, having extra on hand allows you to top up as needed and safely make it to a place where proper repairs can be done. It's a simple precaution that can prevent costly breakdowns and keep you moving when it matters most.
I hope that I have covered enough useful essential items to help you prepare. Just remember - emergencies do happen and they are not as rare as we would like to think. Being prepared isn't about expecting the worst, it's about giving yourself the confidence to handle whatever comes your way.
So, get out there, have amazing adventures and take the time to discover more and learn more about yourself along the journey. Be kind to yourself, and to others you meet along the way.
Stay safe, stay prepared and keep exploring!
Nick
NickAlly Van Life (nickally.com)
Leave a comment