Van Miles

After years of owning campervans, there are certain things I’ve learned to always keep in the van.

You don’t need loads of expensive gadgets or fancy equipment. For us, it’s more about having a few practical things that make weekends away easier, especially when the British weather decides not to cooperate.

These are 10 things I wouldn’t leave home without.

1. Waterproofs

Probably the most important thing on my list.

Even when the forecast looks good, waterproof jackets come with us. We learned that the hard way on our walk to Sandwood Bay. The weather changed unexpectedly and we ended up getting absolutely soaked.

Since then, waterproofs stay in the van.

They take up very little room and can make the difference between carrying on with a walk or having to turn back.

2. Battery Pack

A portable battery pack is something we use all the time.

When you’re using your phone for Google Maps, walking routes, taking photographs and filming, the battery can disappear surprisingly quickly.

It’s particularly useful when we’re away from electric hook-up or out walking for most of the day.

I always make sure ours is charged before we leave home.

3. Torch

Even if you’re staying on a campsite, a torch is worth having.

Campsites can be incredibly dark once you move away from the main facilities, especially small rural sites.

It’s useful for late-night dog walks, finding things in the van and those occasions when you arrive somewhere later than planned.

4. Warm Clothes

I’ve learned never to assume that because it’s warm during the day it will stay warm at night.

Temperatures can drop surprisingly quickly, particularly when you’re camping near the coast, in the hills or somewhere exposed.

I always pack an extra jumper or fleece and something warm for the evening.

5. A Peak Cap

This has become one of those simple things I nearly always take walking.

Obviously it’s useful when the sun is out, but I actually find it just as useful in the rain.

The peak helps keep rain off my face and out of my eyes underneath the hood of my waterproof.

6. A Full Water Container

We fill our water container before leaving home whenever possible.

Even when we know there will be water available at a campsite, having our own supply means we can make a drink, wash up or stop somewhere on the journey without worrying about finding a tap.

It’s especially useful when we stay on basic sites with very few facilities.

7. Basic Food and Drinks

I always like having a few basics in the van.

Plans change, places close and sometimes after a long day walking we simply don’t fancy going back out.

Having enough food to make something simple, plus plenty of drinks, means we don’t have to rely on finding a shop or pub.

8. Old Towels

Travelling with dogs means old towels are essential.

Muddy paws, wet coats, rainy walks and British campsites seem to go together.

Keeping a couple of old towels permanently in the van saves our better towels and makes cleaning everyone up before getting back inside much easier.

9. Ear Plugs

Something small that I wouldn’t be without.

Most campsites we stay on are lovely and peaceful, but you never really know what will be nearby.

Road noise, other campers, early-rising children, barking dogs or wildlife can all sound considerably louder when you’re trying to sleep in a van. Or husband snoring !!!

A pair of ear plugs takes up virtually no room and can rescue a night’s sleep.

10. Toilet Roll, Wipes, Bin Bags and Cleaning Bits

Not very exciting, but probably some of the most useful things we carry.

Even if a campsite has toilets, I never assume toilet roll will be available.

Wipes and cleaning products are handy for quick clean-ups, while bin bags have dozens of uses — rubbish, wet clothes, muddy footwear and dog-related emergencies included.

They’re cheap, take up hardly any room and I’d rather have them and not need them.

My Campervan Essentials Checklist

Waterproofs
Battery pack
Torch
Warm clothes
Peak cap
Full water container
Basic food and drinks
Old/dog towels
Ear plugs
Toilet roll, wipes, bin bags and cleaning essentials

These aren’t necessarily the most exciting campervan accessories, but they’re the things we genuinely use.

After years of campervan weekends, I’ve realised it’s usually the simple practical things that make the biggest difference.

What’s the one thing you always keep in your campervan?