Kit We Use on the Road
Road-tested bits that make trips calmer, simpler, and less faff.
This is the gear we actually use (or would happily buy again). We’ve grouped it by what it helps with, so you can scan quickly and pick what’s useful for your kind of trips.
Tip: If you only change one thing in your setup, pick the item that removes your biggest recurring irritation. The “small annoyance removers” are what make trips feel easier.
Power & Charging
Keeping the basics running without tripping everything (or turning life into a spreadsheet).
12V Kettle (low-watt)
A low-watt kettle that works with our setup without tripping everything. Not fast, but reliable — which matters more on cold mornings.
Gas-top whistling kettle
A simple stovetop kettle for when we’re cooking on gas. Old-fashioned, dependable, and no power draw at all.
Phone mount
Keeps the phone secure and visible for maps. Nothing clever — it just works.
Smarty SIM (van router)
Easy to pick up, cheap and flexible — suits us far better than being tied into long contracts.
Cello 12V TV
A small 12V TV that runs happily without needing an inverter. Not glamorous, but reliable — which matters far more on the road.
Cygnett power bank
Handy backup power for phones and small devices when we don’t want to turn everything else on.
Safety & Security
The unglamorous stuff that saves a trip when something small goes wrong.
Van jump starter
One of those things you hope you’ll never need — but are very glad you packed. Compact, simple to use, and lives permanently in the van for peace of mind.
12V digital tyre inflator
To keep the tyres pumped up. Small job, big difference (and it saves the “that looks a bit soft…” worry).
Compact first aid kit
A small, lightweight kit for minor mishaps. Reassuring to have, even if you never use it.
Crook lock (visual deterrent)
A simple, visible theft deterrent. It’s not about paranoia — just a bit of peace of mind.
Van Essentials
The everyday practical bits that keep van life running smoothly.
Levelling ramps
Not glamorous, but they make sleeping and cooking far more comfortable when the ground isn’t level.
Shower tap cartridge
Who knew we’d have to learn plumbing skills for the van? This little cartridge fixed our shower and saved us a much bigger headache.
Collapsible washing-up bowl
Packs away flat but still big enough to be useful. One of those boring van items you use every single day.
Command hooks / removable fixings
Brilliant for adding storage without drilling holes. Easy to move around as the van setup evolves.
Tool kit
Essential for minor (and not so minor) repairs — especially when you’re parked somewhere lovely and something decides to misbehave.
5m grey waste hose
Unexciting, but useful — especially when the drain is just far enough away to be annoying.
Electric hook-up cable
Came with the van and does exactly what it needs to. Standard item across most setups.
Cooking & Coffee
Quick meals, decent brews, and fewer “where’s that lid gone?” moments.
Insulated coffee cup
Keeps coffee hot while we’re filming or driving. Less spill, less waste, more caffeine.
Space-saving pots & pans set
A space-saving cookware set that makes van cooking easier without sacrificing every cupboard to one saucepan.
Weather & Condensation
The glamorous side of van life: damp mornings, foggy windscreens and towels that never quite dry.
Small dehumidifier
Helps keep condensation under control, especially in winter. A small thing that makes a big difference.
Microfibre cloths
Handy for condensation, cleaning, and general van life. Any decent microfibre will do.
Comfort & Sleeping
Small upgrades that make nights better and mornings less grumpy.
Eye mask
Helps with early sunrises and unfamiliar sleeping spots. Small thing, big difference to sleep quality.
Ear plugs
Useful for campsites, ferries, and noisy nights. Nothing fancy — any decent pair will do.
Hot water bottle
A winter van essential. Cheap, simple, and surprisingly effective at keeping the chill off overnight.
Merino warm socks (thick)
Merino socks that stay warm without feeling bulky. We use thicker ones in winter.
Merino warm socks (thin)
Lighter merino socks for year-round use. Comfortable without overheating.
Lightweight travel towel
Dries quickly, packs small, and works just as well in the van as it does on the beach.
Slip-on shoes / slippers
Easy on, easy off for van life. Bought locally — any comfortable slip-ons will do.
Organisation & Bedding Storage
Keeping the van calm: bedding, cables, and the stuff that otherwise explodes.
Vacuum storage bags (bedding)
Large vacuum Storage for keeping our bedding in. Minimises space, while in transit. Minimises damp/odour while the van is not being used.
Packing cubes
Simple packing cubes to keep bags organised. Ours aren’t available anymore — this is what we’ll buy next.
Travel (Out & About)
Day trips, airports, long journeys — the bits that make travel easier without overthinking it.
Daypack / small rucksack
Our go-to small bag for walks and town days. Big enough for essentials without being a faff.
Foot hammock (plane)
Surprisingly useful on long flights to reduce leg strain. Small and easy to pack.
Reusable shopping bags
Reusable bags that pack down small and get used constantly on the road.
Suitcase (newer model)
Our main suitcase from 2023. This is the newer model of the same range.
Neck pillow / lumbar cushion
Easy comfort upgrade for flights and long drives. Bought wherever we are at the time.
Saily eSIM
An easy eSIM option we’ve used on travel days when we just want our data to work without any faff. Not sponsored — just something that’s worked well for us.
Filming & Tech
Simple, reliable bits that make filming and backing up easier on the road.
External SSD (backup drive)
External SSD we use to back up footage on the road. Fast, reliable, and worth not skimping on.
Laundry detergent sheets
Lightweight laundry sheets that take up hardly any space. Ideal for travel and laundrettes.
Microphone (our everyday setup)
Our everyday mic setup for filming. Chosen for reliability rather than studio perfection.
Planning & Reading
Quiet planning tools we actually use — the low-tech bits that make trips smoother.
Travel notebook / journal
A simple notebook for route ideas, notes, and things we don’t want to forget.
Ballpoint pen (doesn’t bleed)
A reliable pen that doesn’t smudge or bleed through pages. Sounds trivial, but it matters when journalling or planning.
Paper road atlas
We still like having a physical map for planning and perspective. Useful when tech fails or inspiration strikes.
Jet-Set Style (capsule wardrobe)
A practical guide to building a travel capsule wardrobe — written for real trips and real people, not Instagram outfits.
Camp Comfort
The bits that make a park-up feel like an actual sit-down, not just “standing near a view”.
Camping chairs (similar to ours)
Our everyday camping chairs — comfortable enough to actually sit in for a while. Bought locally; this link is a close equivalent.
Affiliate note: Some links may be affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only share items we genuinely use or would happily recommend.