We’ve been living in our camper for over 4 years now, and as soon as the sun peeks out, we pop open our chairs and set up our vanlife outdoor space, or “garden.” Yes, you read that right—garden! It might sound a bit odd, but a patch of grass under your feet and a few rays of sunshine can turn any parking spot into paradise. This is what makes Vanlife so awesome, as long as the rules of the place allow it, of course. Over the years, we’ve tested a ton of outdoor products, often including mind-blowing gadgets from fellow van-dwellers who’ve turned their outdoor spaces into little oases.
But, of course, it’s not just about how good the products are—we’re talking budget, lightweight, practical, and ideally, a little eco-friendly. Oh, and let’s be honest: it’s got to look cute and be comfy, otherwise, you might as well just stay inside! So here are our tips for the ultimate vanlife outdoor set, so you can experience the best of outdoor living without having to carry the whole world with you.
1. Chairs: Comfortable & Lightweight
The first must-have for your outdoor vanlife space? Chairs! They need to be comfy, but also not take up your entire camper when you’re not using them. After years of experimenting (and honestly, a lot of uncomfortable sitting), we’ve finally found the perfect lightweight chairs that fold up easily while still being comfy.
If you’re looking for something truly compact, our absolute favourite is the Helinox Chair One. It’s lightweight, super compact, and despite its small weight, it offers more comfort than you’d expect. The best part? It folds up quickly, so it fits perfectly into your camper’s limited space. Plus, it looks pretty darn stylish! Because, yes, vanlife might be practical, but we don’t want to look like we just rolled out of a 1980s campsite.
Helinox Chair One
But the type of chair depends entirely on your vanlife style. If you want to kick back, there are options besides foldable chairs, like:
- Foldable Chair
Option: QUECHUA Camping Chair with armrests – Starts from €20
This chair is lightweight, folds up easily, and provides decent comfort for a chill moment outdoors. Perfect for when space is limited and you don’t want a chair getting in the way all the time. - Reclining Chair
Option: Helinox Chair Two – Starts from €120
If you’re after ultimate comfort, the Helinox Chair Two is a fantastic choice. With multiple recline settings, you can go from sitting upright to lounging back. It’s super light, compact, and you’ll feel like royalty sitting in it! - Relax Chair
Option: Lafuma Futura Relax Chair – Starts from €110
This one’s perfect if you like to unwind after a long drive or hike. It has an adjustable backrest and is more comfortable than most standard chairs. Even after hours of sitting, you’ll still be chill. - Beach Chair
Option: Coleman Riviera Camping Chair – Starts from €30
The Coleman Riviera is the ideal beach chair: lightweight, folds easily, and provides good back support. It’s not too big, so it fits nicely into smaller compartments of your camper. Perfect for beach days or sunny park moments. - Butterfly Chair
Option: KingCamp Butterfly Chair – Starts from €80
Stylish, comfortable, and easy to fold up. The design is minimalistic but provides enough support, and the fabric is comfortable enough to lounge in without being too heavy or awkward to carry. - Kids’ Camping Chair
Option: For Your Little Ones – Kid’s Camping Chair by Noli – Starts from €37
These chairs are specially designed for kids, lightweight and foldable. The Noli chair is a super cute option for your little traveller—sturdy, practical, and with a charming design. - Inflatable Chairs & Sofas
Option: Regatta Lounge – Starts from €32
For something unique, the inflatable chair from Regatta is a great choice. It sets up easily (no pump needed) and comfortably fits up to two people. Perfect for a cozy night under the stars with your partner or friends.
Whatever your choice is, the important thing is that you have a chair that’s not only comfy but practical to store and fits your vanlife style. For us, it’s always the first thing we set up when the sun comes out!
2. The Table: Small, But Mighty
The table might not be the first thing you think of when planning your outdoor setup, but once you have one, you’ll never want to be without it. Whether you need a place to set your coffee, a plate of food, or just some extra space for your stuff, a good camping table is essential. And yes, van-lifers know it’s also perfect for those cozy game nights or a quiet meal under the stars.
After years of testing and experimenting, we’ve tried a variety of tables, from foldable to multi-functional options. But if you’re really looking for something practical and lightweight, the Kingcamp Folding Table is our favourite. It folds up quickly, is super practical, and is sturdy enough for your meals or that 5-hour long card game marathon with friends.
But of course, there are different types of tables to consider, depending on your vanlife style and how much vanlife outdoor space you have. Here are some options, with a handy pick for each type:
- Foldable Camping Table: The Kingcamp Folding table is so light and compact that you can take it everywhere, yet big enough to put all your stuff on. Perfect for minimalists!
- Regular Camping Table: The Outwell Alu Table is sturdy, easy to use, and ideal for a permanent spot outside your van. No fuss, just practical.
- Picnic Table (with benches): For some extra coziness, check out the SKANDIKA camping table. A must-have for larger groups or if you like eating comfortably outside.
- Hanging Table (for the van): The VW Bus Table lets you attach your table to your van, which is perfect if you’re trying to save space.
3. Lights that Set the Mood
Nothing screams “cozy” like a few lights that brighten up the evening. But here’s the catch: you don’t want to lug around heavy lamps that take up half your storage. Our solution? Rechargeable LED lights! They’re lightweight, compact, and perfect for long nights around the campfire or sipping drinks in your mini garden. A solar lantern charges via the sun—no messing with batteries. Sustainable, practical, and with a magical glow, even in the darkest corners of your vanlife paradise.
Types of outdoor lights:
- Rechargeable LED lights
- Hanging lamps
- Beach lamps
- Flashlights
- Solar garden lights
- Lights with Bluetooth speakers
Our top pick? This Solar Lantern! It’s the perfect lamp for your vanlife outdoor space: solar-powered, lightweight, and easy to carry. If you want to add some extra ambience, you might also consider Solar String Lights. They’re ideal for creating a magical atmosphere around your camper, plus they run on solar energy!
For something that provides both light and music, the LED Flame Atmosphere Speaker Lamp is a fantastic choice. It’s a lamp that also acts as a speaker, so you get the cozy vibe of light and can take your favourite tunes with you.
4. The Rug: Cozy and Practical
Now that the chairs and lights are sorted, it’s time to set up the ground. A comfy rug is a must-have because who doesn’t want a little comfort during a picnic or a quiet evening outdoors? We’re big fans of large, foldable picnic blankets that can quickly be rolled out and don’t take up too much space when not in use. Look for a rug that’s lightweight, easy to roll up, and a bit water-resistant—because it would be a shame if your rug turned into a giant sponge after the first rain shower.
- Urban Outfitters Picnic Blanket
Price: Starting from €30
Why? This blanket is big, stylish, and super soft, making it perfect for relaxing in the sun. It gives off the perfect “vanlife vibe” without cluttering your camper.
But maybe you want something else, something that adds a bit more to your outdoor adventures. Here are some other options we’ve often encountered on our travels and would recommend:
- Foldable Beach Mat: For Real Outdoor Vibes
CGear Sand-Free Beach Mat
Price: Starting from €45
Why? This mat has a unique design that lets sand fall right through, so you don’t take any sandy souvenirs with you. Plus, it’s breathable and dries quickly—perfect for wet ground or a day at the beach. - Waterproof Outdoor Mat: For Extra Protection
Green Decore Outdoor Mat
Price: Starting from €70
Why? This mat is not only waterproof but also sturdy and easy to fold up. The perfect solution for rainy days or keeping your vanlife outdoor space clean and dry. - Luxury Camping Blanket: For Extra Comfort
Pendleton Wool Camping Blanket
Price: Starting from €100
Why? This blanket is made from thick wool, so it’s not only super comfy but also has a luxurious feel. Ideal for those cooler evenings by the campfire—and it looks great in your vanlife garden! - Multi-functional Blanket: All-in-One
Yeti Trailhead Blanket
Price: Starting from €90
Why? This blanket is thin but warm and super easy to carry. It can be used both as a picnic blanket and an extra throw for your couch. And as a bonus, it’s super compact!
With these options, you can make your vanlife outdoor space cozy, whether you go for style, comfort, or practical use. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between lightweight, comfort, and functionality—and of course, how you want to use your rug!
5. Shades: Keep Cool (or Dry) with Style!
Let’s be real: Nothing beats kicking back outside when the sun is shining, but sometimes, you need a little shade to keep things comfortable. Whether you’re trying to avoid turning into a human pancake in the summer heat, keeping your coffee dry during a surprise rainstorm, or just craving some privacy, a good shade setup can take your vanlife outdoor space from “meh” to “heavenly.” So, let’s dive into some of the best shade options that’ll have you lounging in comfort—no matter the weather.
Here’s our favourite lineup of sun-blocking, rain-shielding, privacy-creating heroes:
- Camper Canopy:
Option: Thule HideAway Awning – Starting from €700
Want to keep things breezy and stylish? The Thule HideAway Awning is your best friend. It’s easy to set up (hello, no stress!), offers plenty of coverage, and looks sleek enough that you’ll feel like you’re living in a fancy outdoor lounge. Plus, it’ll shield you from sun, rain, and even a nosy neighbor or two. Total win. - Tarp (Ultimate Versatility):
Option: Hikeman Outdoor Tarp – Starting from €25
If you’re into minimalism (and let’s face it, who isn’t when you’re living in a van?), a simple tarp is an absolute game-changer. It’s light, it’s compact, and it works like a charm for creating shade or fending off a little rain. Set it up in all kinds of ways to suit your mood—whether you need a little chill zone or just something to keep the weather at bay. - Gazebo (For Those Who Love Space):
Option: All Seasons Gazebos – Starting from €190
Now we’re talking luxury! If you want to turn your vanlife outdoor space into an actual hangout zone, a gazebo is the way to go. The All Season Gazebo gives you all the room to stretch out, have a meal, or host a little vanlife party (we see you, social butterflies). Easy to set up, roomy, and totally protected from the elements, this one’s for the ultimate outdoor experience. - Side Awning (Because Privacy is Everything):
Option: Fiamma Privacy Room – Starting from €300
Sometimes, it’s nice to have a little space to call your own. The Fiamma Privacy Room attaches to your van’s awning and gives you a shaded, private area where you can escape from the world (or just keep your snack stash hidden from prying eyes). It’s perfect for when you want to feel like you’re in your own little outdoor oasis, shielded from both the sun and any curious onlookers. - Retractable Tarp System (Easy Peasy Protection):
Option: ARB Awning Room – Starting from €500
Here’s the MVP of shade solutions: the ARB Awning Room. This nifty system attaches to your van’s awning and gives you flexible, retractable coverage whenever you need it. Sun? Rain? Wind? No problem. It’s quick to set up, quick to take down, and will keep you chill no matter what the weather throws at you. Plus, it’s so easy to store, you won’t even know it’s there until you need it! - Pop-Up Tent (For Instant Shade):
Option: Quechua 2 Seconds Easy Tent – Starting from €60
Sometimes, you just need shade right now. Enter the Quechua 2 Seconds Easy Tent—a pop-up tent that’ll have you shaded in no time. It literally takes two seconds to set up (yes, you read that right), and it’s compact enough to toss in the back of your van. No tools, no fuss—just instant outdoor comfort. It’s the definition of quick, easy, and stress-free.
So, whether you’re after a breezy canopy, a quick tarp, or an all-out gazebo, there’s no shortage of ways to turn your vanlife outdoor space into a cool, comfy paradise. It’s all about finding the shade that suits your vanlife style, keeping things easy, and having fun while you’re at it. Let’s be honest, who needs to roast in the sun when you can chill in style?
Working with a Laptop Outdoors: Tips for Digital Nomads
Vanlife doesn’t mean you have to compromise on work comfort. If you’re working on the go with a laptop, some practical additions will make your outdoor workspace instantly more friendly:
- Foldable Tables with Height Adjustment: These are perfect for creating a comfy workspace outside.
- Sun Protection: Laptops don’t work well in direct sunlight. So, it’s handy to bring along a foldable sunshade.
- Laptop Stands: A simple laptop stand makes working much more comfortable, both at home and outdoors. It helps you improve your posture and prevents neck and back pain.
- Portable Wi-Fi Hotspots: For those moments when the internet is unreliable, a portable Wi-Fi hotspot is a must. The Portable WLAN Router – GL.iNet GL-MT3000 – is ideal for remote work.
Storage Space: No More Chaos
One of the biggest challenges of vanlife is the limited storage space. The last thing you want is for your vanlife outdoor space to turn into a mess of stuff you can’t find. Think foldable storage bins and hanging organizers that help keep everything neat and tidy. We’ve got some Foldable organisers that fit perfectly in our van’s cupboards and don’t take up too much space when not in use.
The Extras: Add the Finishing Touches
Okay, now you’ve got the basics – chairs, table, lights, and a rug – but you can always add a little extra ambience with some personal items. Think about a hammock for ultimate relaxation, candles for a cozy, romantic vibe (without calling the fire department), or even a small Bluetooth speaker for some music. For a bit more coziness during dinner, a foldable BBQ might also not be a bad idea. It’s all about creating a place that feels like home, even when you’re living on wheels.
Simple Hacks for the Perfect Vanlife Outdoor Space
- Use a small clothesline for wet towels or clothes: You really don’t need that massive clothesline dragging behind you. The Autdoor retractable clothesline is ideal for trips away and doesn’t take much space at all!
- Charge your devices with solar power! No outlet? No problem! With a small solar panel, you can charge all your devices, and it’s eco-friendly to boot.
- Add some atmosphere with string lights: Whether you’re going for a festival vibe or just want some extra coziness, a few twinkling lights can work wonders!
Create the Ultimate Vanlife Outdoor Space
It’s not always easy to put together the perfect outdoor setup, but with a few smart choices and some experience, you’ll get far. So, unfold your chairs, light up those lamps, roll out your rug, and create your own vanlife garden. And don’t forget: working outdoors can be just as comfortable and productive as working in an office – as long as you’ve got the right tools! Who knows, maybe those extra comfy chairs and lights will make you the most popular neighbour at the campsite.
