Packing Essentials for a Campervan: Your Ultimate Guide to Life on the Road

Planning a campervan adventure across British Columbia?

You’re not alone.

More and more travelers are swapping hotels for pop-tops and choosing the open road over packed itineraries. But before you pull out of the driveway or hit the ferry, there’s one very real question: What do I actually need to pack in a campervan?

If you’re new to vanlife—or just want to avoid the rookie mistakes—this guide to the packing essentials for a campervan will help you stay organized, comfortable, and ready for anything.

We’ve included real tips from experienced road-trippers, space-saving suggestions, and a few helpful reminders from the team here at Vancouver Westy Rentals (because we’ve seen it all).

Kitchen Setup: Simple, Smart, and Satisfying

Cooking in a campervan is part of the magic. Whether you’re grilling by a lake or making coffee with a mountain view, having a functional kitchen setup transforms the experience.

Here’s what you really need:

• A compact stove or built-in burner (your rental may include this—ours do!)

• One pot and one pan (multi-purpose, non-stick if possible)

• Reusable plates, bowls, mugs, and cutlery

• A sharp knife and a mini cutting board

• Collapsible colander or strainer (optional, but handy for pasta nights)

• Dish soap (biodegradable), sponge, and drying towel

• A small cooler or fridge (included in most campervan rentals)

Bring pantry staples like olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. And don’t forget your coffee setup—whether that’s a French press, AeroPress, or just instant, mornings in a van feel better with a warm cup in hand.

Sleeping Comfort: Your Van, Your Bedroom

You don’t need a five-star mattress to sleep well in a van—but you do need smart gear. At the very least, you should bring:

• A sleeping bag or cozy blanket (temperature-appropriate)

• A fitted sheet and mattress topper if you’re sensitive to firmness

• Two pillows per person—trust us on this

• Blackout curtains or window covers for privacy and uninterrupted rest

Many campervans come with a bed platform or fold-out seat-bed. At Vancouver Westy Rentals, our VW vans include bedding options, but if you’re bringing your own, go for compact, compressible items that are easy to store when not in use.

Clothing & Personal Items: Pack Less, Pack Smarter

Here’s a little secret from full-time vanlifers: you don’t need as many clothes as you think. Layers are your best friend. You should stick to:

• Merino or moisture-wicking base layers

• Two pairs of pants and shorts

• Lightweight sweater and a fleece

• Rain jacket and/or windbreaker

• Flip flops for camp showers

• One pair of hiking boots or sturdy sneakers

• Sleepwear and swimsuit

You should also bring a microfiber towel (dries fast), toiletries in a hanging bag, and some laundry soap sheets for hand-washing on the road.

An important space-saving hack. You should roll your clothes instead of folding. Use packing cubes to keep things tidy.

Essentials You Didn’t Know You Needed (But Will Thank Us For)

The best packing list includes the small stuff that makes a big difference, like:

• Headlamp or small flashlight for late-night bathroom runs

• Solar-powered light or lantern for ambient campsite vibes

• Portable battery pack or power bank for phones and cameras

• Paper towels or biodegradable wipes

• Duct tape and zip ties—the ultimate repair kit

• Multitool or pocket knife

And yes, you should not forget to bring a first-aid kit. Even if you don’t use it, you’ll be glad it’s there. Add bug spray, sunscreen, and any personal medications too – believe us it’s for your own good.

Entertainment & Downtime: What to Bring for Chill Moments

You won’t be driving or hiking 24/7. For rainy days or lazy afternoons, you should pack a few low-tech diversions:

• Books, e-reader, or travel journal

• A deck of cards or compact board games

• Bluetooth speaker (small but mighty)

• Offline maps or guidebooks—just in case cell service drops

And if you’re working remotely from the van, pack a small laptop stand and portable WiFi device or ensure you’ve downloaded everything you need offline.

Organizing Your Van: Where Everything Goes Matters

We all know that campervans have limited space, but that doesn’t mean they need to feel cluttered.

You should think vertically and use hanging organizers on the backs of seats or walls. Ideally, you should choose collapsible bins or soft-sided storage for food and clothing. A dirty laundry bag that compresses down is also a lifesaver.

At Vancouver Westy Rentals, we design our van layouts to help you stay organized from day one—but having your own system helps too. Once you’ve done your first night in the van, you’ll quickly learn what works best for your routine.

Don’t Forget the Boring (But Important) Stuff

We cannot stress enough that practical prep matters. You should be sure to bring:

• Driver’s license and insurance paperwork

• Spare keys (store them somewhere safe)

• Printed or downloaded directions

• Reusable water bottles and a water jug

And a quick reminder: Always check BC’s fire bans and campsite rules before heading out. Having a folding table and two chairs makes cooking and eating outside way more comfortable—but make sure they fit in your setup!

Experience Campervan Travel the Easy Way with Vancouver Westy Rentals

Not ready to stress about gear lists and packing logistics?

That’s where we come in. At Vancouver Westy Rentals, we’ve outfitted our vans with many of the packing essentials for a campervan trip so you can focus on the fun, not the prep.

Our restored VW campervans come with key features like built-in cooking stations, storage solutions, optional bedding kits, and friendly walkthroughs to get you road-ready fast. We’ve also got a team of local experts happy to share packing tips, favorite campsite suggestions, and insider knowledge of BC’s best routes.

When you rent with us, you’re not just getting a van—you’re getting peace of mind and the perfect base for your next big adventure.