Having the right kit in your campervan can make or break your trip, but knowing what you’ll need, especially if it’s your first hire, can be tricky. That’s why we asked the experts at Cotswold Outdoor what they consider are the must-haves for a campervan trip. Whether you own a van or are hiring one, keep reading to discover their top tips to help you make the most of your next road trip.
Cooking
One of the joys of camping - be it in a camper or under canvas - is spending more time outside. Whether you’re in a van kitted out with a full kitchen or just the basics, we recommend investing in an outdoor stove or barbecue if you want to cook up a storm in the great outdoors. There are loads of portable options available now, from single gas stoves, to stove and grille combis, so think about what kind of cooking you’ll be doing and opt for a stove or barbecue that fulfils your needs.
If you know you’ll be heading out on long walks or be spending all day at the beach once you reach your campsite, you may also want to consider a camping cooking system. These lightweight stoves are easy to pack into a rucksack and allow you to quickly heat up water for a hot drink or warm meal whilst on the go.
Depending on whether your campervan comes equipped with pans, crockery and cutlery, you may also need pack these.
If you use a campervan a lot, it’s worth investing in some camp kitchen basics, including melamine crockery, which won’t break easily, and a cutlery set. When it comes to pans, look for options that can be used for multiple functions or that pack away into each other, as this will reduce the amount of space they take up in the van.
Staying hydrated
We recommend carrying a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste. You can use it in the van and when you’re out and about too. More and more companies are offering free water refills, and at Cotswold Outdoor, you’ll find free water refill stations in many of our stores. Download the Refill app to check out places to top up en route.
Don’t forget a travel mug too. Not only will using one help reduce your waste, but you can use it when you’re travelling in the van and around the campsite – it’s a win-win.
Washing up
If your camper doesn’t come with a fitted sink, or if you’re planning a more off-grid road trip at campsites with basic facilities, a large collapsible bowl can be a lifesaver. As well as using it for washing your pots and pans, it can double up for any laundry.
Furniture
If you’ve got plans to sit out and watch the sunset, you need to remember to pack some camping chairs. Before you rush out to buy the first folding chair you see, think about how you’ll use them: will you be eating outside and want them to double up as dining chairs or are you looking for loungers to relax and take in the views?. Also consider how much space is available in the campervan to stow them when not in use, as this may influence which chair you choose. And, if you are planning on eating outside, don’t forget you’ll need a fold-away table too.
Fridge/cool box
A portable fridge or cool box is another must-have addition to your trip. Whether you use it as additional storage, for days out or as your main fridge will affect what size and features you need. For day trips, cool bags will usually do the job and pack away easily when not in use, whereas a large cool box is better for providing your main refrigeration but will take up more room in the van.
Expand your living space
Campervan life is great, but there’s no escaping that space is at a premium. Fear not, as we have some top tips for maximising your space outside the van.
First up, and perhaps our favourite, is a drive-away awning. Drive-away awnings provide additional space outside the van for storage, but with minimum fuss as you can simply drive away for a day out and leave the awning in place. Investing in drive-away awning is sure to pay in dividends, making your van more desirable to potential hirers.
If you’re hiring a campervan and know you’ll need some extra space for the kids or any guests joining you along the way, you can pack a lightweight tent and pitch it up nearby. Kids will love the sense of adventure it adds to a campervan trip, while older guests will appreciate having their own private sleeping space.
For additional undercover shelter throughout the day, consider a beach tent or event shelter. Both can be used while camping, as well as on days out and at home, so are quickly worth the initial outlay.
You might need something slightly different if you're travelling without a campervan, for example these packing tips for a static caravan trip.
First aid
Don’t let a minor injury put your plans off course. By carrying a basic first aid kit with all the essentials like antiseptic wipes, plasters, bandages, antihistamines and pain relief, you can deal with most minor injuries without having to track down the nearest pharmacy for supplies.
Camp lighting
Getting around a campsite at night can be tricky, so make sure you’re prepared with adequate lighting. Although torches are great, headtorches are the best option as they light the way whilst leaving your hands free to navigate any zips, gates, locks or doors.
Keep it organised
When space is at a premium, making sure you stay organised is paramount. By using packing cubes, you can keep different items of clothing in separate bags, so that you can easily access what you want, when you need it. It’s also a good idea to have one or more spare packing bags for dirty items or wet kit.
Check out Goboony's comprehensive packing list for a campervan trip for more tips.
Make the most of your trip with Cotswold Outdoor
At Cotswold Outdoor, we’re here to help you make the right choice and find the best kit for your next adventure. Our adventure and camping kit appointments give you the chance to speak to an in-store expert in-depth about your campervan trip, so they can make the best recommendations for where you’re heading and what activities you’ll be doing. Plus, as a Goboony user, you’ll get 15% off in-store and online.
