Travelling in a campervan can be a liberating experience. It gives you a whole new level of freedom when it comes to where you go and what you see and do. But to really make the most of these adventures, you’ll need to be organised. For example, in addition to essentials such as kitchen equipment, road safety gear, bedding and toiletries, you’ll want to add the following items to your campervan packing list.
Thermal screens
As specialist van equipment and accessories retailer Van Demon highlights, thermal screens are used to regulate the temperature in vans. They help to keep vehicles warm in the winter and cool during the summer. Fitted with suckers that stick to your van’s windows easily and quickly, they are a practical alternative to curtains. These screens have the added benefit of providing a complete blackout of light, which is great when it comes to getting a decent night’s sleep.
A chamois
When you spend the night in your van, it’s inevitable that condensation will form on the inside of the windows. This is especially noticeable in winter when you have the heating going inside. Rather than wetting your towels, or wasting paper towels, make sure you have a chamois to hand to dry your windows. These accessories are cheap, lightweight and small, and they’re excellent for clearing condensation before a day’s drive.
Packing cubes
Keeping the inside of your camper tidy can be tricky when you’re on the road. To help you maintain order – and therefore to make your van seem more spacious – it pays to take some packing cubes. These small, collapsible fabric containers fit inside your bags or suitcases and make short work of unpacking and keeping things neat and organised.
Ear plugs
Even if you go out of your way to find quiet spots to camp overnight, there’s always a chance that you’ll be disturbed while you’re trying to sleep. Being able to stick in a pair of ear plugs to block out any annoying noises can help you to enjoy a more restful, relaxing break. Remember, you’ll need your wits about you when you’re driving and navigating during the day, so a good kip is a must.
Sanitiser and wet wipes
The last thing you want on your trip is to get sick, so make sure you have some hand sanitiser and wet wipes with you. Whether you’ve just emptied the chemical toilet, you’re using water hoses or you want to tuck into a picnic during a walk in the great outdoors, it’s important to be able to clean your hands.
A first aid kit
Particularly if you’re venturing to remote locations, it’s sensible to have a first aid kit in case of emergencies. This should include basics such as antiseptic, plasters, painkillers, sterile dressings, bandage tape, a thermometer, antihistamines, insect repellent and insect bite treatment.
Chargers and a cable organiser
If you’re travelling with lots of tech, make sure you have enough charging cables with you. Also, so that you don’t end up tripping over the wires in the cabin, take a cable organiser. This has the added benefit of making it easier to find your wires when you need them.
A torch
A small travel torch will come in handy if you want to be able to see during the night without disturbing your fellow passengers, and it will be useful if you need to venture outside your van after sundown.
Regardless of what you decide to take on your campervan journey, it’s wise to make a list of all your desired items and to check them off as you’re packing. It’s all too easy to forget things otherwise in the excitement of setting off.
