The 30 packing essentials for a campervan trip

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail

When going on an adventure in your camper van, you want to be prepared. The last thing you want is to be remote when you find out you are missing something essential. It’s a much better idea to take longer packing with a checklist to make sure you have everything. The 30 packing essentials for a campervan trip article is an effective way to plan and reduce stress. Some things can be easier to fix, such as forgetting a phone charger. It’s most likely a service station will have one. However, if you find yourself in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland or up a mountain range in Europe, a shop may not be available or even accessible. This can leave you in a stressful situation which isn’t the aim of camper vans trips.

It’s about having freedom in your camper. The ability to be anywhere you like for as long as your resources will let you. Fill your fridge and camper with all the essentials and hit the road, knowing you have everything you need. Of course, the size of your campervan is a factor to consider as it will limit how much you can take. This guide is suitable for people planning their first camper trip or for seasoned campers. In half an hour, you can tick off an item a minute to ensure you are fully prepared before you hit the road. This guide of essentials is in addition to the must-haves of passport, driver’s license, credit card, wallet, and phone.

1. Antibacterial sanitiser, wipes, and a mask

We are in a pandemic; therefore, safety is critical. The camper van lifestyle will be more accessible when lockdown lifts and travel becomes freer between borders in time. So sanitizing your hands when you go shopping will reduce the risk. Wearing a mask and using sanitizing wipes on products you buy will further protect you. The huge advantage of getting out in the camper van is that you are essentially self-isolating with the people you travel with. So as far as travel goes, it’s a less risky option than going on a plane to the like of an all-inclusive hotel. You have the further advantage of getting radar out in wilderness off the grid where there’s likely not to be many if any people and hence little or no Coronavirus Risk. Ineos is a popular sanitiser provider.

2. A suitable range of clothing

It would help if you had a range of clothes to meet your trip’s duration and the likely weather you will encounter. You hear of countless examples of people not having the correct clothes. Depending on the nature of the trip you are undertaking, below are some examples to think about.

At night temperatures may fall dramatically, so a simple addition of a warm hat may make all the difference.
The addition of walking boots can be a lifesaver if you are exploring on foot frequently.
A poncho or lightweight rain jacket can be essential if you get caught out in a shower.
Plenty of underwear and socks. You never know when you might run out.
A set of pyjamas for the evening.
Gloves if the weather is freezing.

3. A clothesline

An essential addition for longer trips. Even if you have to use it inside your camper van, it is needed. How else can you dry your clothes after washing them? Even a piece of rope or strong string with pegs can work effectively.

4. Laundry liquid

Washing your clothes just in water may be enough in some cases. But for good hygiene and practice, laundry liquid is great. It takes up hardly any space and can have you smelling fresh in no time. You can embrace your inner hippy and get odour de natural on, but that’s your choice.

5. A bucket

Buckets have a great range of uses. Linking to the above essential of laundry liquid, you can do your washing in them. They can double up as a bin. You can use them for washing yourself and the vehicle. In a bad scenario, they can be a travel sickness bucket. It’s just an easy addition to add to your camper, which could have many uses.

6. Suitcase, bag, and separators

Packing your clothes leave you with a range of options—a suitcase to pile everything into or the likes of a duffle bag. Separators can be hugely useful in either. Such as underwear on one side then outdoor clothes in another section. A few Clothes hangers come in handy to get the creases out of clothing. It just makes it easy to find things you don’t want to be rooting your suitcase for an odd sock or t-shirt.

7. Reusable shopping bags

A smart addition for any trip and an environmentally friendly addition. This is one of the most important of the 30 packing essentials for your campervan trip. They can save you money over time as 10p bags can soon add up over a long trip. On the contrary, they pack small to easily fit in a pocket than when you need it to get it out and unfold it. Furthermore, they are strong, reliable, and useful—a small but mighty addition to accompanying you on your journeys. Find a reusable bag to meet your needs here.

8. First aid kit

An accident happens that’s life. You can’t help them, or else they wouldn’t happen in the first place. But you can be prepared for when they unexpectedly happen. A universal kit will have everything from plasters to scissors. A rookie error people make is that they don’t replenish them. You may need a plaster, then you open up your kit and find you have used them all. So resupplying your kit and adding the likes of paracetamol and ibuprofen can be highly handy. If you are on medication back up, additional medications can be stored here for an emergency. An EpiPen can be a lifesaver if somebody gets a serious allergic reaction to something like an insect bite. This addition gives you peace of mind that should something happen; you can respond instantly before calling in the like of emergency services.

9. Lightweight bathrobe

A simple but smart addition for any camper van trip. It makes showering easy if you are at a site with facilities. Go to shower with your robe and toiletries in hand. Please take off your old clothes, shower them walk back in your robe, toiletries, and old clothes in hand. It saves a lot of hassle and limits the risk of exposing yourself. The last thing you want is to lay your new clothes out on a dirty shower floor, get them wet by accident or dirty.

10. Microfibre travel towel

A lightweight, space-saving addition to a camper van. They dry much faster than conventional towels do. They take up significantly less room. When you go to a beach or lake, you are great for pack one of these without worrying about adding weight. A no-brainer to take with you on your travels. The broke backpacker explores the best microfibre towels in this article.

11. Microfibre window chamois cloth

Essentially this is a window cleaning cloth. The reason these are so useful is that they get rid of condensation with ease. They don’t smear or make a mess. Condensation can be an unwelcome surprise, especially for first-time campers. To wake and see your windscreen covered in droplets on the inside can be a little confusing. These clothes will make light work of the droplets coupled with the air conditioning you can be on the road in no time. In cold climates, these clothes prove priceless.

12. A battery-powered torch

Small compact addition for any trip. You never know when you may need one. Maybe the electricity fails, you break down in the dark, or are going on a night walk. Battery-powered make sits east to rely on as with spare battery you can replace them to make sure you always have a working torch.

13. Toiletry bag filled with essentials

Unlucky number 13 and a frequent issue people face on trips. Below is a range of products to think to include;

Roll-on deodorant as opposed to canister spray-on versions. Spray on bottles if exposed to immense heat, such as leaving it on the dash on a 40-degree Spanish summer’s day, can result in an explosion. An honest mistake to make, but the price of making it can be fatal if you were in the camper.
Nail clippers.
Tooth floss
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Tweezers
Moisturiser
SPF Factor 50 roll-on
Shaver
Shaving Foam
Shower Gel
Shampoo
Conditioner
Aftersun
Small low watt plug-in hairdryer

14. Dry Shampoo

Stored in a cool place, this can be hugely useful. A few minutes to clean your hair instead of a few hours to shower, shampoo, condition, and dry your hair naturally.

15. Chargers and USB cables

In a world of iPhones and laptops, keeping your devices powered is key when on your travels. How else can you let the world of Instagram know you are having a great time. USB cable allows you to use the vehicle battery on the go-to power of your devices. Knock-off versions of apple charging products are notorious for not lasting long, so backup chargers are key. Always take the genuine charger if you can afford to.

16. A power bank

A great additional way to power devices. Charge this up then you can use it to charge your devices. This is great for when you go for walks or if you need to power multiple devices at once. Some of these power banks use solar, which can be great if you travel somewhere hot. You will find the most reviewed and rated power banks on TechRadar.

17. A universal travel adapter

A hugely versatile essential for your travels, especially if you travel globally. These can get you out of sticky situations and are always worth having.

18. Earplugs and eye mask

Quality sleep is key. With the freedom of exploring in a camper van, you could be sleeping in a car park or the middle of a forest. Therefore the noises you hear could vary from busy roads to nature singing. No, you can tune in and listen or block them out.

19. Take your pillow from home

Take a part of your home on the road. The smell, firmness, and familiarity can improve how well you sleep. It’s comforting and can really make a difference in your sleep quality.

20. Bottle stops

A beneficial addition. You may have half a bottle of wine, some beer left, or a bottle of water missing a lid. Not only does it save waste as you don’t have to throw them out, but it stops it splashing around as you drive. It can cause a mess, and if spilt in the wrong place, it can damage the electrics.

21. Airtight sealable plastic containers and clips.

These allow you to store leftover food to keep it fresh. Like when you open cereal, and it goes stale, a container can stop this. You can also separate ingredients in the fridge. They’re instrumental, especially if you plan to get out in nature and away from civilization for a while.

22. Entertainment

Imagine getting bored whilst out on the road. There are a few ways to keep yourself entertained

A pack of cards has endless game options, from blackjack to drinking games.
Pre-download ebooks, movies, and series from Netflix to your devices so you can watch them without data or WiFi.
Board games are always a good option. From Monopoly to chess, the choice is yours.
A speaker to boom music out of or earphones for your own silent disco.

23. A stationary box

Never underestimate the need for pen and paper, especially if you are into art. Additions such as sticky tape, bubble wrap, and sticky tape. You never know when they can come in handy.

24. Locks

You can never be too trusting. A simple mistake of forgetting to lock up could cost you all of your positions. Locking away valuable items and decide scan be a smart move. Such as in a cupboard, you could keep your passport and laptop then lock them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. You can be smart and install a hidden compartment for valuables or find a hiding place for them.

25. A physical map of the area you are travelling

A map could get you out of a lot of trouble. Such as if you don’t have a signal or the sat nav breaks. It’s a solid option and point of reference if you have any doubts. Of course, traditionally, a map was the only option before technology was introduced, so you know you can count on a map.

26. Swiss army knife

For such a small product, it has such a wide range of uses. Such as a knife to cut packaging. Scissors to cut things. A bottle opener. Screwdriver heads to fix things. Even a nail clipper, saw, and cork opener in some cases. They are super practical and, for their size, are well worth investing in as they hardly take up any room. Here is a good example of a Swiss Army Knife.

27. Insect repellant

Prevention is always better than a cure. An insect bite can bring a road trip to an abrupt halt or, at a minimum, cause annoying discomfort. Especially if you are travelling in summer or abroad where there are more problematic insects, be sure to check out Citronella Products. They are renowned for their insect repelling abilities.

28. Sunscreen and sunglasses

Summer sun sounds wonderful in the current miserable lockdown we find ourselves in. If you decide to explore in the summer, make sure you are prepared for the sun. Factor 50 will give you the best protection, and sunglasses will give your eyes the ability to cope with the brightness. Polarised sunglasses are the most effective for blocking the sun out. You can find a suncream that matches your skin type here.

29. A battery-powered fan

A small item that can make a huge difference in hot weather. With most camper vans not having air-con cooling down could be an issue without the obvious options of jumping into the sea, lake, or cold shower. There is a large range to choose from on Amazon.

30. Cash & credit card

This is an important essential to end on. A majority of people now with Apple’s likes don’t use cash or even carry a debit card. When you get off the beaten track, some places may only accept cash, such as paying to stay in a farmer’s field. Furthermore, if you need to get cash out, you need a debit card. A credit card can be handy as it carries more protection than a debit card.

For example, if you buy something on your travels that breaks, you can get your money back with credit card protection. Also, in emergencies, credit cards can be good if you don’t have that amount of money on you or in your bank account. For example, if the camper breaks down. Of course. credit cards come with risks also so be smart when using one and don’t spend more than you can afford to pay back

The 30 packing essentials for your campervan trip conclusion

It is much wiser to pack more than you need if you have the room to do so. It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference, so hopefully, this checklist of essentials can be useful when planning your next camper van journey. Please feel free to comment below if you found this blog beneficial and suggest any additional essentials you pack when you go out in your campervan.