{"id":927,"date":"2023-10-23T14:23:44","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T14:23:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.s1aircon.com\/?p=927"},"modified":"2024-03-15T16:26:27","modified_gmt":"2024-03-15T16:26:27","slug":"65-best-van-life-gifts-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.s1aircon.com\/index.php\/2023\/10\/23\/65-best-van-life-gifts-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"65 Best Van Life Gifts (2024)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Finding the perfect gift ideas for van lifers can be difficult \u2013 what do you get the person who lives tiny and doesn\u2019t have a lot of storage space? Small and\/or practical van life gear and essentials make the top of this list, and below I\u2019ve rounded up the best van life gifts to make your holiday shopping easy.<\/p>\n

Why trust me? I\u2019ve owned 3 different Sprinter vans since 2016<\/strong> and have tried a lot<\/em> of van gear over the years. And between myself and the rest of the Bearfoot Theory team, we have over 12 years of van living experience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

From compact camp furniture to practical safety gear to fun outdoor games, I\u2019ve checked off every box to make sure there\u2019s something for every kind of van lifer in your life, and best of all \u2014 the team and I actually use<\/em> these items on the road (or they are on our wish list!)<\/p>\n

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Furniture & Accessory Van Life Gifts<\/h2>\n

Whether camping in a National Park or dispersed camping on public lands, these furniture & accessory van life gift ideas are perfect for those wanting a little comfort and ambiance around the campfire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Using the CGear Sand-Free Mat<\/a> in Moab<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

1. CGEAR Sand-Free Mat<\/h3>\n
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\"CGEAR<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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REI<\/a><\/div>\n
Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

An outdoor mat is something that every van lifer finds useful. A sand mat keeps sand and dirt from getting tracked inside and creates a nice \u201cpatio\u201d space for hanging out.<\/strong> This CGear Sand-Free Mat<\/a> is what I use outside of my side doors because it allows sand and dirt to filter through (rather than pile up on top like a regular outdoor rug) and it folds down super small for easier storage.<\/p>\n

2. Dometic GO Compact Camp Table<\/h3>\n
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\"Dometic<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Dometic<\/a><\/div>\n
REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

I upgraded to the Dometic Go Camp Table<\/a> this year and it\u2019s been one of my favorite gear additions. It folds in half for easy storage and the solid bamboo top has a nice elegant feel while still being durable enough for extended outdoor use. Plus, its adjustable leg height means you can swiftly transition from a cooking station to a coffee table, or even downsize it to a kiddo\u2019s play table.<\/p>\n

3. RTIC Soft Pack Cooler<\/h3>\n
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\"RTIC<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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RTIC<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Investing in (or gifting) a quality cooler can make a world of difference in van life where temperatures can change rapidly and access to ice isn\u2019t always easy. Having a small, portable cooler is key for being able to take food and drinks with you when you\u2019re away from your van<\/strong> \u2014 think beach trips, kayaking, etc. We love the RTIC Soft Pack Cooler<\/a> which is small enough to stash away easily, easy to transport, and keeps things really cold.<\/p>\n

4. MoonShade Awning<\/h3>\n
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\"A<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

*Save 10% by using the code BEARFOOTTHEORY<\/em> at checkout*<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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MoonShade<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The MoonShade Awning<\/a> is one of the best gifts for van lifers because it fits on nearly any vehicle, does well in windy conditions, and packs down small for easy portability.<\/strong> And it\u2019s easy to set up too!<\/strong> It\u2019s an affordable gift for any van lifer who is looking for a portable, versatile awning for camping. Read our full review of the MoonShade awning<\/a> for all the details.<\/p>\n

5. Dometic GO Compact Camp Chair<\/h3>\n
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\"Dometic<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Dometic<\/a><\/div>\n
REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

We recently upgraded to the Dometic GO Camp Chairs<\/a> because I needed something higher off the ground and more ergonomic while holding and feeding the baby. They are extremely comfortable and collapse easily for storage<\/strong>. They are not as compact as the Helinox (one of my other favorite camp chairs<\/a>), but if you want more back support and better stability, this Dometic chair is your ticket.<\/p>\n

6. Kammok Double Roo Hammock<\/h3>\n
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\"Kammok<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Kammok<\/a><\/div>\n
REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Hammocks and camping go hand-in-hand and this Kammok Double Roo Hammock<\/a> is the perfect companion for van life. It comes in lots of bright colors and there\u2019s ample room to fit two.<\/strong> It\u2019s even light enough to carry along on a quick backpacking trip. It comes in a single version<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n

7. Rumpl Blanket<\/h3>\n
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\"Rumpl<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Rumpl<\/a><\/div>\n
REI<\/a><\/div>\n
Backcountry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Rumpl Blankets<\/a> are our favorite van life comforters because they\u2019re snuggly and soft yet still durable for the road. <\/strong>I\u2019ve used mine since 2017 and I can\u2019t believe how well it\u2019s held up! The blankets come in several different materials including recycled synthetic, a warmer NanoLoft synthetic, and down. You can also choose from a wide variety of colors and styles. Since they\u2019re water and dirt-resistant and can be thrown into the wash, they\u2019re one of our favorite gifts in general.<\/p>\n

8. West Paw Heyday Dog Bed<\/h3>\n
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\"West<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

*Use the code WESTPAW10 to get 10% off!*<\/strong><\/p>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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West Paw<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

If you\u2019re traveling with a dog in the van, it\u2019s nice for them to have a comfy space of their own. My dog Charlie likes to hang out in his West Paw Heyday Dog Bed<\/a> between the two front seats. Handmade in Montana, this dog bed has a soft, textured top and a micro-suede bottom that is totally machine-washable<\/strong> (a huge plus, especially in van life). Plus, this bed folds in half in case you need to stash it away.<\/p>\n

9. Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag<\/h3>\n
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\"Sea<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sea to Summit<\/a><\/div>\n
REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A fundamental \u2018rule\u2019 of van life is to keep your belongings as organized as possible to prevent clutter and mess, which can really cramp a small space (like a van). That\u2019s why we love the Sea to Summit Hanging Toiletry Bag<\/a> where you can store all of your toiletries and showering essentials. This bag comes with a little mirror, has plenty of pockets to keep things organized<\/strong>, and it\u2019s available in two sizes. <\/p>\n

10. Nomadix Quick Dry Towel<\/h3>\n
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\"Nomadix<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Nomadix<\/a><\/div>\n
REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Quick-dry towels are a staple for van life. They are incredibly multi-functional for using as a beach or shower towel<\/strong>, wiping down countertops, cleaning up spills, and wiping off dog paws <\/strong> \u2013 and they\u2019re way less bulky than your traditional towel. Coming in a variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, Nomadix Towels<\/a> are our favorite quick-dry towel to keep on hand in the van. <\/p>\n

11. Geyser Systems Portable Shower w\/ Heater<\/h3>\n
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\"Geyser<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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REI<\/a><\/div>\n
Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When it\u2019s time to rinse off or you just got back from a muddy hike and need to wipe off your dog\u2019s paws, having a Geyser Systems Portable Hot Water Shower<\/a> feels like a luxury. Using less than a gallon of water<\/strong>, this small, portable device heats up water (while plugged into AC power) and has a control valve that allows you to choose the water flow for up to 15 minutes of showering. It also comes with a sponge attachment, which is really handy to soap up with before rinsing off. You can read our full review of the Geyser Systems Portable Hot Water Shower here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

12. EcoFlow RIVER 2 Portable Power Station<\/h3>\n
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\"Ecoflow<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Whether you work from the road or you\u2019re spending an extended time off-grid, having a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 2<\/a> can be really helpful, even as a backup to your house battery system. This power station is designed to charge a range of electronics from phones to computers and can even be used with some kitchen appliances. This is the power station that myself and BFT contributor (and full-time van lifer) Courtney use. It\u2019s our top pick because it charges very fast \u2013<\/strong> from 0-80% in 1 hour when plugged into AC power<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

13. Inhabit Designs Custom Floor Mats<\/h3>\n
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\"Inhabit<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Inhabit Design Works<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

I\u2019ve tried three different flooring options in my Sprinter vans and think I\u2019ve finally found the perfect solution to hiding dirt: Inhabit Design Works custom floor mats<\/a>. Made from USA-produced Chilewich vinyl, these mats have low VOC emissions and are free of phthalates and heavy metals.<\/p>\n

Plus they hold up really well with heavy foot traffic and daily van life grime and the patterns hide dirt well. But best of all \u2014 they can be easily removed and hosed down (we\u2019ve even used our outdoor shower to clean them before).<\/p>\n

14. Trelino Composting Toilet<\/h3>\n
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\"Trelino<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Trelino<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

There\u2019s a new toilet that\u2019s quickly becoming a favorite among van lifers: the Trelino Composting Toilet<\/a>. It\u2019s more compact than your traditional composting toilets plus it doesn\u2019t require any outside venting or a power source. This toilet easily separates solids and liquids and the solid waste compartment can be used with handy bags for easier cleanup. When it\u2019s that time, just pull it out and either put it in the garbage bin or put it in your at-home compost pile.<\/p>\n

No fuss with installation, no power needed, and the flexibility to even use it outside make this top of our wishlist! Looking for a different style of toilet to gift? Check out our full roundup of the best van toilets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

15. Mr. Buddy Portable Heater<\/h3>\n
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\"Mr.<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Shop at:<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Stay warm and toasty in your van no matter what season it is with the portable Mr. Buddy Heater<\/a>. This heater runs on 1 lb propane cylinders (not included), so there\u2019s no worry about draining your van battery on a chilly night. It also comes with several auto shut-off safety mechanisms, like turning off if it gets tipped over, if it detects low oxygen levels, and if the pilot light turns off. (Note: this heater should be turned off before going to bed.)<\/em><\/p>\n