We’ve put together this list of 15 Amazon essentials for Van Life based on products we genuinely recommend and stand behind. Each one has been carefully chosen through our own experience, thorough research, or strong recommendations from others in the van life community.
Van life is all about making the most of limited space, staying comfortable on the road, and finding clever ways to stay organised, off-grid, and stress-free. The right tools and gadgets can go a long way in turning your van into a home — or just making everyday life a little easier.
If you’re still building your van, prepping for a trip, or putting together an Amazon order — we highly recommend scanning this list before you hit “checkout.” Chances are, there’s something here that will make your setup more functional, comfortable, or just a little more enjoyable.
1. Compact USB-C Power Bank
Reliable backup power that fits in your pocket.
Whether you’re navigating offline maps, capturing content, or just charging your phone overnight, having a compact power bank is one of the must-have van life essentials. A good one ensures your devices stay topped up when you’re off-grid or conserving battery life.
We recommend a USB-C power bank with fast charging, multiple ports, and at least 10,000mAh of capacity. That’s enough to charge your phone 2–3 times or give your camera, GPS, or other small gear a quick boost. Bonus points if it’s slim enough to fit in your pocket or stash in the glove box.
Why we recommend it:
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Fast USB-C charging for modern devices
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2 USB ports + 1 USB-C port for multi-device charging
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Lightweight and compact design
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Great for off-grid weekends or long drives
This little gadget is one of those behind-the-scenes lifesavers you’ll thank yourself for packing — especially when there’s no outlet in sight.
2. Magnetic Windscreen Phone Mount
Hands-free navigation made safe and simple.
When you’re driving a van — especially one loaded with gear — having a secure, visible, and fuss-free phone mount is one of the best campervan gear essentials. Whether you’re using Google Maps, Spotify, or answering calls hands-free, a magnetic windscreen phone holder keeps everything in sight and within reach.
The model we’ve picked is strong, stable, and compatible with most smartphones. Its military-grade suction base keeps it firmly in place on your windscreen or dash, while the magnetic connection allows for one-handed attachment and removal — no clunky clips or springs.
Why we recommend it:
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Powerful magnetic grip (even on bumpy roads)
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Adjustable viewing angle
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Easy to pop your phone on and off with one hand
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Clean, low-profile design
If you use your phone for navigation (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), this is one of those upgrades that instantly improves your driving experience.
3. Apple AirTag Tracker
Keep tabs on your van and gear with peace of mind.
Losing your keys, bags, or even your van can quickly turn a great trip upside down. That’s why having a reliable tracking device is a smart move for anyone looking for the best campervan gear or van life essentials. The Apple AirTag is compact, easy to use, and integrates seamlessly with the Find My app on iPhones.
This pack comes with 4 tags, so you can track multiple items at once — keys, bags, bikes, or even stash one inside your van for an extra layer of security. If something goes missing, you can quickly locate it with precise tracking and notifications — a true stress saver when you’re on the road.
Why we recommend it:
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Small and lightweight — barely noticeable
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Simple setup with iPhone integration
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Precise location tracking with community network support
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Durable and water-resistant
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Comes in a pack of 4 for tracking multiple items
It’s a simple but powerful way to keep your valuables safe and your mind at ease wherever your adventures take you.
4. Headlamp with Red Light Mode
Bright, hands-free lighting for all your adventures.
A reliable headlamp is one of the best camping gadgets for van life — whether you’re setting up camp after dark, cooking in your tiny kitchen, or navigating a nighttime trail. The added red light mode is a game-changer, preserving your night vision and preventing disturbance to others.
Look for a headlamp that’s lightweight, adjustable, and rechargeable for maximum convenience. The one we recommend balances brightness with comfort, plus the red light mode is perfect for late-night tasks without the harsh glare.
Why we recommend it:
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Bright white LED for clear visibility
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Red light mode to protect night vision
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Comfortable adjustable strap
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Rechargeable battery for easy power-ups
It’s the kind of gadget that makes nighttime in your van safer and easier — no more fumbling with flashlights or holding your phone for light.
5. Collapsible Camping Kettle
Space-saving hot water, whenever you need it.
A good kettle is one of the essential van life essentials — for coffee, tea, instant meals, dishwashing, or even a hot water bottle on a chilly night. But traditional kettles eat up precious cupboard space. That’s where a collapsible silicone kettle becomes a game-changer.
This clever design folds down flat when not in use and expands easily when you’re ready to boil water. Most models are lightweight, quick-heating, and safe for use on a gas stove or portable burner. The one we’ve chosen has a sturdy base, heat-resistant handle, and packs small enough to live in your drawer.
Why we recommend it:
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Packs flat — ideal for tiny van kitchens
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Boils enough water for 2–3 cups
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Lightweight but sturdy on the stove
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BPA-free and food-safe materials
If you’re building your setup from scratch or prepping for your first trip, a collapsible kettle is one of those things you’ll be so glad you packed.
6. AeroPress Coffee Maker
Brew café-quality coffee anywhere on the road.
For many van lifers, a great cup of coffee is the fuel that kickstarts the day. The AeroPress is a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use coffee maker that lets you enjoy rich, smooth espresso-style coffee without bulky equipment.
Its simple design means quick brewing and easy cleaning — perfect for those mornings when you want to skip the café line but don’t want to compromise on quality. Plus, it can easily make lungo coffees by simply increasing the amount of water added, giving you flexibility depending on your coffee mood. It’s a staple van life essential for caffeine lovers who want to upgrade their camping gadgets.
Why we recommend it:
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Makes espresso-style coffee in minutes
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Easily brews lungo coffees by adjusting water
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Lightweight and portable — fits perfectly in your campervan kitchen
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Easy to clean and maintain on the road
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Durable design built for travel
If you’re serious about your coffee on the road, the AeroPress is an investment that will never disappoint.
7. Microfiber Towel Set
Quick-drying, compact, and perfect for life on the road.
In van life, every inch of space counts — and bulky towels just don’t fit the bill. That’s where microfiber towels shine. They’re ultra-light, compact, and dry in a flash, making them essential for everything from showering to wiping down gear.
This set includes three sizes, perfect for everything from showering to cleaning, so you’re covered no matter the task.
Ideal for camping, road trips, or off-grid adventures, these towels are soft yet durable, and they pack down small so you can easily stash them in your van’s storage.
Why we recommend it:
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Dries up to 4x faster than cotton towels
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Lightweight and space-saving — ideal for small vans
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Super absorbent and gentle on the skin
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Comes in sets with multiple sizes for all uses
Add these to your van life essentials for convenience and comfort, wherever your journey takes you.
8. Elastic Mesh Storage Nets
Maximise your van’s storage with flexible organisation.
Space is always at a premium in campervans, so keeping things tidy and accessible is crucial. Elastic mesh storage nets are a clever, lightweight solution to add extra storage pockets wherever you need them — inside cabinets, on walls, or under beds.
They stretch to hold all sorts of gear, from snacks and toiletries to small tools or electronic accessories. Plus, their breathable mesh design helps keep contents visible and ventilated.
Why we recommend it:
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Flexible elastic material fits various spaces
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Easy to install with included mounting hardware
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Helps keep your campervan organised and clutter-free
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Lightweight and durable for road life
Add these to your best campervan gear collection to keep your van neat and make every trip smoother.
9. Handy Folding Bucket
Compact, versatile, and perfect for van life chores.
A sturdy bucket is one of those simple tools that makes life on the road easier — from washing dishes and clothes to carrying water or storing gear. But traditional buckets are bulky and take up precious space.
Enter the folding bucket: made from flexible, waterproof materials, it collapses flat when not in use and pops open to hold a decent volume of water. Lightweight and easy to clean, it’s perfect for all sorts of everyday tasks in your van.
Why we recommend it:
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Collapses flat for easy storage
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Durable, waterproof, and easy to clean
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Multi-purpose: washing, carrying, and storing
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Ideal for small campervan kitchens and campsites
A folding bucket is one of those van life essentials you might overlook — until you need it.
10. Foldable Clothes Hangers
Space-saving and perfect for drying clothes on the go.
Keeping your clothes dry and wrinkle-free on the road can be a challenge, especially with limited space. Foldable clothes hangers are lightweight, compact, and easy to pack away when not in use — making them ideal for drying laundry inside your van or at campsites.
Their collapsible design means they won’t take up precious storage, and they’re durable enough to hold heavier items like jackets or towels.
Why we recommend them:
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Compact and foldable for easy storage
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Strong enough for a variety of clothing
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Lightweight for travel convenience
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Great for indoor and outdoor use in campervans
Add these to your van life essentials for hassle-free laundry days.
11. Magnetic Spice Jars
Keep your flavours close, without wasting space.
Cooking in a van means working with limited counter and cupboard space — but that doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour. Magnetic spice jars are a smart way to keep your go-to seasonings within reach without cluttering your kitchen.
These sleek stainless steel jars attach easily to any magnetic surface — like the inside of a cabinet door or a metal backsplash — and stay put even while driving. They come with 100 preprinted labels, so you can customise each jar to suit your personal spice selection.
Whether you’re whipping up a roadside curry or seasoning breakfast eggs, these jars help keep your van kitchen tidy and efficient.
Why we recommend them:
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Saves drawer and shelf space
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Includes 100 preprinted labels for easy customisation
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Sleek, compact, and campervan-friendly
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Strong magnets that hold up on the road
This small addition to your campervan kitchen gear can make a big difference in day-to-day van cooking.
12. Cordless Hand Vacuum
Tidy up in seconds, even in tight van spaces.
Van life means dust, crumbs, and sand are constant companions, especially after a day at the beach or a hike through the bush. A cordless hand vacuum is a compact, powerful way to keep your tiny home on wheels feeling fresh and clean.
This particular model is battery-powered and rechargeable, making it perfect for off-grid travel. It’s lightweight, easy to manoeuvre, and gets into all those awkward corners where dirt loves to hide.
Note: The battery is generally not included, so be sure to grab one extra — or two — especially if you plan to add more appliances from the same brand to your van setup.
Why we recommend it:
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Powerful suction in a compact, cordless design
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Rechargeable battery — great for off-grid use
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Ideal for quick clean-ups in tight spaces
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A must-have for tidy, comfortable van life
For anyone building a van or refining their setup, this is one of those van life must-haves that adds comfort without taking up precious space.
13. IKEA Pressa Clothes Dryer
Compact, clever, and ideal for van laundry days.
Doing laundry on the road often means drying clothes without a traditional clothesline or dryer. The IKEA Pressa is a foldable hanging dryer with multiple clips, perfect for hanging socks, underwear, or small garments either inside your van or outdoors.
It’s lightweight, folds flat when not in use, and can be easily hooked onto a rope, rail, or tree branch. Whether you’re drying things after a rainy day or just trying to save on space, this dryer is a favourite among vanlifers for its practicality and simplicity.
Why we recommend it:
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Foldable and space-saving
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Includes multiple clips for efficient drying
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Hangs easily in or outside the van
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Durable and lightweight
The IKEA Pressa is one of those budget-friendly campervan accessories that make everyday life just that little bit easier.
14. Boxio Portable Composting Toilet
Eco-friendly, compact, and made for life on the move.
When nature calls, having a reliable, easy-to-manage toilet setup in your van makes all the difference, especially when you’re off-grid or between campgrounds. The Boxio Toilet is a compact, waterless composting toilet designed specifically for portable use, making it a popular choice among vanlifers in Australia and beyond.
It separates liquids and solids for cleaner, more sustainable waste management, with a sleek box-style design that fits neatly into small spaces. Unlike bulky chemical toilets, the Boxio is simple to use, easy to empty, and doesn’t require any plumbing or power.
Why we recommend it:
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Compact, portable, and van-friendly design
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No water or power needed
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Separates waste for odour control and easy disposal
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A more sustainable alternative to chemical toilets
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, space-efficient solution, the Boxio stands out in the world of campervan bathroom essentials.
15. Soft Case First Aid Kit
Essential safety, neatly packed for van life.
Whether you’re parked at a remote campsite, driving down the coast, or hiking off the beaten track, having a reliable first aid kit in your van is non-negotiable. This compact soft case kit includes a wide range of supplies to cover minor injuries, scrapes, and unexpected mishaps on the road.
The soft-sided case is easy to store in a cupboard or under a seat and has multiple compartments to keep everything organised. With 90 essential items included, it’s a smart investment in your health and peace of mind.
Why we recommend it:
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Lightweight, compact, and easy to store
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Includes 90 pieces for common first aid needs
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Well-organised layout for quick access in emergencies
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A non-negotiable item for any camper or traveller
Even if you never need to use it, having a well-stocked first aid kit is one of the most important parts of a safe and prepared off-grid van life setup.
Final Thoughts
We hope this list helps you discover a few new Amazon Essentials for Van Life that make it smoother, more comfortable, and a little more fun. Whether you’re a full-time van lifer or just heading off for your first road trip, the right gear can make all the difference.
These are the kinds of products we’d happily recommend to friends or fellow travellers — practical, space-saving, and well-reviewed by real van life users.
Wishing you safe travels and unforgettable views wherever the road takes you!
