We’ve been traveling in our camper through South America for 11 months. We’ve given up some home comforts like a shower, washing machine, clean tap water, and constant electricity. Still, we carry everything we truly need. These 10 camping must-haves have proven essential, making life in a small space easier and supporting us daily. Here are our top 10 vanlife essentials that should not be missing from your camping packing list.
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GPS tracker – security and location tracking while traveling
We are using two GPS trackers: the Garmin inReach Mini 2* for our safety and the PAJ GPS Vehicle Finder 4G 2.0* for our camper.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
Das Garmin inReach Mini 2* we have it with us primarily for safety reasons. It is an indispensable gadget for overlanding and outdoor adventures, allowing us to send an emergency call at any time via the Iridium satellite network—a reassuring option, especially in remote areas without cell phone reception. Whether wild camping or on remote off-road routes like the 4x5000er Route or the RP 34. It’s enough to get the vehicle stuck and not be able to free it on your own. In addition to the ability to send unlimited emergency calls, the device offers several useful extras:
- SMS: Through the Iridium network, messages can be sent even without cell reception. We used this once when crossing a remote border into Argentina and didn’t have cell service for days. This allowed us to inform our loved ones that everything was okay.
- Weather forcast: In the mountains, we frequently used it to retrieve up-to-date weather information.
- Tracking: The Garmin can track our hikes and routes, which is useful for following activities in detail.
Garmin offers various subscription plans for the inReach Mini 2. An interesting new feature is the "Enabled" mode. Unlike the previous option to pause a plan, this mode allows the device to be used solely for emergency calls, while other services incur costs on a pay-as-you-go basis. For us, this is the best option since we rarely use SMS, weather reports, and tracking. Here you can find information about the Enabled Modus.
Costs
- Device: €299.99
- Subscriptions: between €17.99 and €59.99
- Enabled mode: €9.99
PAJ GPS Vehicle Finder 4G 2.0
For our car, we use the PAJ GPS Vehicle Finder 4G 2.0*. In the event of theft, we can locate the vehicle with it. Additionally, the tracker has motion and ignition alarms that notify us as soon as the car is moved or started. In cities, we sometimes activate these alarms for added security when we’re away. A major advantage is that the tracker is directly connected to the vehicle’s battery, so no charging is required. The required SIM card is already included in the delivery. A nice bonus is that the tracker continuously records our long-term journey, allowing us to later integrate it into GPS programs like Gaia GPS and view the route we traveled.
Costs:
- Device: €99,99 €
- Yearly subscription: €59,88
Collapsible water filter – clean drinking water on the go
In our camper, we have two RIVA water filters installed, which provide us with clean and germ-free drinking water at all times. For longer hikes, where we don’t want to carry liters of water, we also have the compact Katadyn BeFree waterfilter*. This allows us to quickly refill our drinking water on the go without worrying about water quality. The filter weighs only 59 grams and fits in any pocket, making it ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities. Thanks to the hollow fiber membrane, it reliably filters microorganisms from the water. The Katadyn BeFree is available in two sizes: 0.6 l and 1 l. This makes us perfectly prepared for hiking in Ushuaia or hikes in the Cordillera Huayhuash in Peru.
Scrubba washing bag – fresh laundry on the go
Der Scrubba Washing Bag* is a real asset for us. Weighing only 145 g, it’s the smallest washing machine in the world and fits even in the smallest camper. The underside features nodules that work like a washboard. Simply fill the bag with laundry, water, and detergent, close it, rub the clothes for three minutes, and then rinse them out – and your laundry is clean again. We’ve been using the Scrubba for 11 months and are very satisfied with it. An absolute Vanlife must-have.
USB string lights – for coziness in the camper and around the campfire
Since the start of our trip we have the Camplight USB-Outdoor string lights* from The Sunnyside as lighting in our camper. It has been hanging there since May 2021 and still shines as brightly as on the first day. Initially, we were skeptical about the thin copper wire, but it has proven to be extremely durable. Since we are so satisfied, we got a second string of lights, which we use outdoors in the evenings. With a length of 10 meters and 100 LEDs, it turns any spot into a cozy living room. The string lights are dimmable, weatherproof, and consume very little power. We often simply connect them to one of our power banks when using them outside. For 100% Vanlife coziness.
Power banks – charging on the go and anytime
Powerbanks may not be a surprising camping gadget, but for us, they are definitely part of our essential travel gear and absolutely indispensable. Whether on long hikes like in Patagonia National Parkwhere the spectacular views mean the phone always has to be ready, or when we forget to charge something and need to leave quickly – our power banks are always in use. We use two Anker PowerCore Slim 10000*. These 10,000 mAh models are lightweight, compact, and easily fit into any pocket. Weighing only 212 grams, they add barely any extra weight. One power bank can fully charge an iPhone 15 Pro about twice and a Samsung Galaxy S23 about 1.9 times.
Travel plug adapter – prepared for sockets worldwide
The value of a travel plug adapter* is something we truly underestimated on this trip, and we regret it time and again. Since we have a battery installed in our camper and can charge all our devices through it, we didn’t think to pack an adapter for the various countries. However, especially when we stay in one place for a longer time (for example, when the car is in the workshop) or when we stay in an Airbnb in a city, it would be practical to charge laptops and phones directly from the outlet. As it stands, we are forced to constantly monitor our battery and rely on sufficient solar power. A universal travel adapter is therefore an absolute must for our next long-term trip.
Pocketshower – the shower for remote places
In a small camper, every centimeter counts, and since we don’t have a fixed shower on board, we often use gas stations or campgrounds to shower. A few months ago we got the Sea to Summit Pocketshower* purchased. Admittedly, it’s not always practical since we need to park in remote areas to shower undisturbed. However, when the circumstances are right, it’s a great solution for small overlanding vehicles. The Pocketshower holds 10 liters, which is more than enough for both of us. Even when I take my time to thoroughly wash my hair, one fill is sufficient for us both. The small showerhead even provides a proper showering feel, and thanks to the black material, the water heats up quickly in the sun, allowing us to enjoy warm showers. With the sturdy nylon cord, the shower can easily be attached to branches or a roof rack. Packed up, it measures only 8.5 x 5 cm and fits into even the smallest storage compartment. We’re genuinely surprised at how well showering with it works.
Multifunctional headlamp – ideal for camping and night hikes
A headlamp* might not be a surprise, but it’s definitely one of the most practical and indispensable gadgets for camping and vanlife. Sometimes you just need light and need to keep both hands free, whether it’s for packing up camping gear in the evening or walking to the bathroom on a campsite. In such situations, a headlamp is often a better choice than a traditional flashlight. Models with a red light mode are especially practical. Red light is less visible and is great for wild camping when you want to stay unnoticed. Another major advantage is that red light attracts far fewer insects, so they don’t constantly fly into your face.
Knipex pliers wrench – versatile tool for (almost) every situation
Pliers and wrench in one! When we put together this list, the Knipex pliers wrench* the tool that Mats absolutely wanted to include. It’s probably one of the most frequently used tools on our long-term trip. The Knipex pliers wrench is perfect for gripping, holding, pressing, and bending. Thanks to the play-free, full-surface contact, surfaces are not damaged, and the flat, non-serrated gripping jaws allow for gentle handling of delicate materials. Additionally, the pliers wrench can be used as an adjustable spanner. On a long trip where space is limited, a versatile 2-in-1 tool like this is truly an asset.
Omnia oven – the compact all-rounder for on the go
Der Omnia oven* is an absolute game-changer for us, significantly expanding our meal options. Whether it’s bread, cake, lasagna, or potato gratin – with this little cooking hero, we can prepare anything that’s possible in a regular oven. The Omnia isn’t particularly small and does require some space, but we use this efficiently by storing spices inside the form. Despite the space it takes up, we’re very happy to have it with us as it definitely makes our meals more diverse.
Nowadays, there are quite a few accessories for the Omnia, such as a muffin mold, a rack, or coated baking forms. We have the classic form with a silicone insert, which makes baking easier and prevents anything from sticking. This way, we can prepare whatever we want without any issues when it comes to cleaning.
Conclusion – Our Camping Must-Haves for the Journey
These 10 camping must-haves have proven indispensable for us on our long-term journey. They make everyday life easier, provide more comfort, and ensure that we are well-equipped even in remote areas. Whether it’s practical tools like the Knipex pliers wrench, the coziness of the USB string lights, or the versatility of the Omnia oven – each of these items contributes to making our long-term camper trip even more enjoyable.
What are your indispensable camping must-haves?
