Most Popular Van Life Accessories

 

Gear That Makes Life on the Road Easier, Comfier, and Way More Fun

---

One of the great things about van life is how little you actually need. But once you’re living on the road — whether full-time or part-time — you start to realize there are certain accessories that can make life smoother, safer, more organized, and a whole lot more comfortable.

This post covers the most popular and useful van life accessories out there, based on real-world experience, road-tested wisdom, and community favorites. Whether you’re building out a high-roof van, camping in an SUV, or living out of a hatchback, this gear will help you level up your mobile lifestyle.

---

🔌 1. Portable Power Station

Top brands: Jackery, Bluetti, EcoFlow, Goal Zero

These compact, rechargeable battery packs are a must-have if you want to keep your phone, laptop, lights, or fridge running — especially if you’re not fully solar-powered.

• ✅ Recharge via solar, car outlet, or wall socket

• 🔋 Models available from 200W to 2000W+

• ⚡ Power laptops, fans, camera gear, and more

💡 Tip: Pair with foldable solar panels for off-grid freedom.

---

❄️ 2. 12V Portable Fridge

Top brands: Dometic, BougeRV, ICECO, Alpicool

No more soggy coolers and gas station ice. A 12V fridge is a game-changer for cooking, meal prepping, and staying healthy on the road.

• ❄️ Reliable cold storage for fresh food

• 🔌 Runs on DC power (perfect with a power station or solar)

• 🧺 Many fit easily under beds or in drawers

💡 Well-insulated fridges can run for days on one charge.

---

💤 3. Window Covers & Reflectix Insulation

A van can turn into an oven or freezer depending on the season. Window covers help regulate temps, provide privacy, and block light.

• 🧲 Use magnets or velcro for easy installation

• 🌡️ Reflectix, foam board, or insulated fabric options

• 🌙 Keeps your sleep setup stealth and private

💡 Essential for stealth camping in cities.

---

🚿 4. Portable Shower or Rinse Kit

Popular picks: RinseKit, Nemo Helio, DIY pump sprayers

Whether you’re boondocking or camping at a beach, having your own shower setup is a game-changer.

• 🚿 Gravity, foot-pump, or battery-powered systems

• 🧼 Useful for washing yourself, dishes, gear, or pets

• 🔥 Solar-heated bags offer warm showers with no power needed

💡 Pair with a pop-up privacy tent for full functionality.

---

💨 5. 12V Fan or Roof Vent Fan

Top brands: Maxxair, Dometic, Camco, Caframo

Proper ventilation keeps your van livable — especially in summer or while cooking inside.

• 🔄 Circulates air and reduces condensation

• 😴 Helps you sleep comfortably in warm climates

• 🔌 12V fans are efficient and quiet

💡 If you can’t install a roof fan, a clip-on USB fan is still a solid alternative.

---

🪑 6. Compact Camp Chair & Folding Table

A fold-out table and comfy chair turn anywhere into your living room, office, or dining space.

• 🪑 Lightweight and easy to store

• ⛺ Great for forest, desert, and beach camps

• 🍽️ Eat, read, cook, or work in comfort

💡 Look for adjustable legs if you camp on uneven ground.

---

🍳 7. Portable Camp Stove or Propane Grill

Top picks: Jetboil, Coleman Classic, Camp Chef Everest

You don’t need a full kitchen to eat well on the road. A reliable stove lets you cook simple, fresh meals anywhere.

• 🔥 Dual-burner models for serious cooking

• 🥘 Compact butane or propane options

• 🧽 Easy to clean and store

💡 Always cook in a well-ventilated area — preferably outside or near an open door.

---

💼 8. Storage Bins, Drawers, & Organizers

Keeping your rig organized is key to enjoying daily life.

• 📦 Stackable plastic bins (IKEA, Sterilite, etc.)

• 🧺 Under-bed drawers or milk crates

• 🛠️ Hanging organizers for doors or seat backs

💡 Label bins and store daily-use items in the most accessible spots.

---

🔐 9. Security Gear

When your vehicle is your home, keeping it safe matters.

• 🛡️ Hidden GPS tracker or AirTag

• 🔐 Padlocks or reinforced lockboxes for valuables

• 📹 Dash cams or motion-sensor lights

• 🧯 Fire extinguisher (seriously, don’t skip this)

💡 Don’t forget to carry copies of important documents digitally and physically.

---

🧻 10. Composting Toilet or Emergency Bathroom Setup

Depending on your setup and where you park, having your own bathroom option can be a huge convenience.

• 🚽 Compact composting toilets (like Nature’s Head or DIY options)

• 🪣 Bucket toilet with disposable bags for emergencies

• 🧼 Handwashing kit and baby wipes

💡 Some vanlifers pair this with a pop-up tent for privacy.

---

🧰 BONUS: Other Handy Must-Haves

Here are some bonus accessories that vanlifers swear by:

• 🔦 Headlamp or rechargeable lanterns

• 🧺 Laundry bag + foldable drying rack

• 💧 5-gallon water jugs with spigot

• 📱 Signal booster or WiFi hotspot

• 📕 Journal, Kindle, or playing cards

• 🧼 Dr. Bronner’s soap (multi-use for dishes, body, laundry)

---

Final Thoughts: Build Your Kit, Your Way

Van life isn’t one-size-fits-all. You don’t need everything on this list — especially not all at once.

Start with essentials that match your style of travel — are you off-grid in the forest? Stealth camping in cities? Weekending with mountain views?

Whatever your setup, the right accessories can make the difference between “barely getting by” and thriving on the road.

And remember: the best van life accessory of all is flexibility.
Because when you have that? You can turn anywhere into home.