Essential Camper Van Gear: Top Compact Items for Small RVs

Essential Camper Van Gear: Top Compact Items for Small RVs
Products and tips for keeping your van organized and comfortable.

By: Morgan Field

I’m Morgan Field—van life enthusiast with a soft spot for nature, adventure, and following wherever my heart leads me. I travel in my 2019 Winnebago Travato 59K with my pup Teddy (aka cuddle champion and joy ambassador). Over the years, I’ve learned that small space living doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or ease—it just means packing smarter. This list is filled with my favorite tried-and-true van life essentials that help you stay organized, cozy, and adventure-ready, no matter where the road takes you.

Van Life Organization and Storage Items

• Packing Cubes: Perfect for keeping clothing organized and easy to access. Group like items—T-shirts in one, pants in another, socks and underwear together, swimsuits in one, and a separate cube for PJs or loungewear. You can also dedicate a cube to workout clothes, cold-weather gear, or accessories like scarves and hats. Bonus: they make packing and unpacking faster and keep your van tidy. Eagle Creek’s small and medium cubes are fantastic for clothes and toiletries, and Cotopaxi’s colorful, multi-shape sets add a fun design pop to your storage game. 
• Shoe Organizer: A cloth shoe organizer attached under the bed gives you accessible slots for shoes, slippers, or even rolled-up towels—just be sure to avoid heater vents.

• Cord Wrappers: Keep charging cables, appliance cords, and string lights tidy and tangle-free. Great for reducing clutter in drawers or bins and preventing damage during travel.
• Storage Bins & Baskets: I use a teal Sterilite Wheeled 23-Gallon Rolling Bin (from Walmart) right by the sliding door. It adds a pop of color and fits snugly in what would otherwise be dead floor space. I also found the cutest woven baskets on Amazon (Set of 2 Rectangular Wicker Storage Bins)—they add texture to your space and keep your items secure.
• Drawer Organization: Use non-slip drawer liners to prevent items from sliding and rattling, paired with clear plastic organizers to keep everything grouped and easily accessible. 

• Cup Holders (by the bed): A clever way to keep drinks accessible without cluttering surfaces. 
• Trash Cans: “Camper van trash can” is a popular search item—and for good reason. Having a dedicated spot for trash makes a huge difference in keeping your space clean and organized on the road. I use a cute little 2.5-gallon leopard-print bin in the front cab while driving—functional and fun. It’s this Cute Car Trash Can with Lid (on Amazon), and it fits perfectly without being in the way. For the bathroom, I have a small, lidded bin that keeps the bathroom tidy and odor-free. I use the Alpine Wall Mounted Trash Can with Odor Control from Amazon. You can secure it to the wall with double-sided Velcro to keep it in place while driving.

• Stackable Storage Shelves: Maximize vertical space with stackable storage baskets like the 4-Pack Stackable Closet Storage Baskets on Amazon. These lightweight, foldable bins are perfect for organizing clothes, pantry items, or toiletries. Their slide-rail design allows easy access, and they fold flat when not in use, making them ideal for compact van spaces.
• Products to Mount & Quiet Your Gear: Prevent sliding and rattling by securing items to countertops using Gorilla Mounting Putty—perfect for items you want semi-permanently in place. Add cabinet bumpers to the bottom of plastic drawer organizers or small bins to minimize movement and dampen road noise. A few simple tweaks go a long way toward keeping things secure (and your sanity intact) while driving.

Outdoor Gear Essentials for RVing

• Compact Chairs: I love Helinox chairs—they’re lightweight, comfortable, and pack down small, making them perfect for van life lounging without sacrificing storage space. The ones I have are the Helinox Sunset Chair. Pico chairs are another popular option among van travelers. 
• Compact Folding Table: Small but sturdy—perfect for meals, working on your laptop, or setting up an outdoor prep station. I use the PORTAL Folding Camp Table from Amazon and love how easily it packs away.

• BugWall Magnetic Screen: A BugWall is a magnetic screen door that makes a huge difference in daily comfort. It allows for easy in-and-out access—great when your hands are full or you’re bringing gear in and out. It’s also perfect for letting your dog come and go on a long lead without leaving the door open. Best of all, you get fresh air flowing through the van while keeping bugs firmly out.
• Outdoor Mat: A good outdoor mat keeps dirt out of your van and creates a cozy “front porch” vibe wherever you land. I use this reversible mat from Amazon—it’s lightweight, easy to clean, and folds up compactly. The reversible design gives you two looks in one, and it's the perfect size for setting up chairs, a table, or just lounging barefoot outside. 
• Spare Tire Trash Bag: A clever “leave no trace” hack. Perfect for trash, muddy shoes, or firewood—keeps bugs, odors, and mess outside where they belong. For camping locations that require you to pack out your trash, an outdoor backpack-style trash bag on the rear door adds flexibility without compromising your interior space. The one I have is a 31-gallon option from Amazon.

See more of my summer must-haves in this article, plus read my tips for van life or RVing with a dog.

Climate Control Gear for Camper Vans

• Shades: Essential for privacy, temperature control, and UV protection—especially in hot or high-traffic areas. A good set keeps your space cool and comfortable while taking up virtually no room. After trying several options, my top pick is Vanmade Gear. In my 2019 Travato 59K, I use the Promaster Cab Set and Rear Door Shades Set from Vanmade Gear Shades—they’re high quality, easy to use and store, and backed by a lifetime warranty. If you want a one-and-done setup for your campervan, I highly recommend them.

• Interior Fans: A rechargeable fan is a game-changer in humid spots like Florida—keeps air moving without letting in damp night air. I use the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Whisper Series fan—quiet, powerful, and no roof vent needed. It runs on batteries or can be plugged in with an AC cord adapter (sold separately), which draws only about one amp—making it super low-amp for a high-powered fan. USB-powered options work too, depending on your setup, I have a couple that I hang in the van to circulate the air when driving. 

• Interior Temp Monitor with Alerts: Essential if you travel with pets—a device like MarCELL sends alerts for power loss or if the interior temperature or humidity goes outside your set range. This offers invaluable peace of mind when you're away from the van. (Note: If you are in the market for a new RV, models with Winnebago Connect include a built-in pet minder system! Learn more.)
• Multi-Zone Vehicle Thermometer: A compact monitor with remote sensors lets you check temps in different zones—like the cab, rear, or even outside—so you can stay aware and adjust airflow, insulation, or gear placement as needed. The one I use is the Newentor Weather Stations Wireless Indoor Outdoor from Amazon.

Read more tips for keeping cool in warm weather.

Everyday Essentials for Van Life

• Electric Kettle: Boils water with minimal power—perfect for tea, coffee, soup, or oats without draining your battery. This is a good option from Amazon: 300W Travel Electric Kettle.
• Collapsible Kitchen Gear: Bowls, colanders, dish tubs, and even kettles now come in food-grade silicone collapsible versions. Huge space-savers.
• Tea Stash Container: For my fellow tea lovers—ditch the bulky boxes and store your tea assortment in a cute lunchbox. It keeps everything compact, easy to access, and adds a little joy to your daily brew. 

• Stackable or Nesting Cookware Sets: Look for pots and pans that nest together with removable handles—saves a ton of cabinet space. 
• Fridge & Freezer Temp Monitors: A small digital thermometer helps you keep tabs on your food storage—this is especially helpful in hot climates or when parked without shore power. It gives peace of mind that your perishables stay safely chilled. The one I use is AcuRite Digital Wireless Fridge and Freezer Thermometer with Alarm from Amazon.
• Single-Set Utensils: Compact utensil sets that include a fork, spoon, and knife—great for saving space and reducing clutter. Ideal for quick meals and easy cleanup on the road.
• Portable Speaker: I have the JBL Pulse 4 - Portable Bluetooth Speaker— it doesn’t just sound great, it lights up the party too. It brings both ambiance and audio to your van life setup. Waterproof, rechargeable, and perfect for everything from campfire hangs to cozy nights inside. A fun, functional addition if you love music and want a little extra vibe.

• Quick-Drying Towels: I use Turkish towels for showers and beach days—they dry fast and don’t take up much space. The brand I like is Sand Cloud. For my hair, I use Turbie Twist towels—great for long hair: super absorbent, lightweight, and compact. For cleaning, I use microfiber towels. 
• Low-Watt Foldable Hair Dryer: Compact and efficient, options like this Folding Hair Blow Dryer (900W, 7.5A) saves space and power—great for van life. Just be mindful of amp draw if you’re running other appliances like your fridge or A/C at the same time.
• Suction Cup Wall Hooks & Baskets: Ideal for toothbrushes, razors, and skincare—providing drill-free, removable storage. I use LEVERLOC Powerful Suction holders from Amazon—they stick securely to bathroom walls and keep essentials organized and within reach.

• Mini Vacuum: Keep your floors and corners clean—especially if you're barefoot a lot or tracking in sand. Rechargeable options save space and power. This is the one I have from Amazon.
• LED Rechargeable Lantern: Perfect for evening hangouts, campsite cooking, or adding cozy vibes inside. Rechargeable, portable, and great for off-grid lighting. I use the Lighting Ever 1000LM LED Camping Lantern from Amazon.

Check out more van life cooking gear and tips in this article.

Smart Camper Van Storage and Setup Tips

• Microwave as Cabinet: Store dry goods, towels, or paper products in your microwave when not in use. Use soft bins or silicone trays to keep things organized and avoid metal or sharp-edged items just in case it’s accidentally turned on.
• Sink as Storage: Use your sink to store dish soap, sponges, dish towels, dish drying mat, cutting board, etc.

• Back Wall Gear Zone: Use L-brackets, perforated boards, or hooks to hang cords, hoses, and tools. Cord bags keep dog bone adapters, surge protectors, and other items tidy.
• Cup Holder Hack: Attach a temperature monitor to the cab cup holder with Velcro to keep it visible without losing drink space.
• Under-Bed Storage: Perfect for essentials you don’t need daily—jack, tire inflator, leveling blocks, tools, fuses, etc. It’s heavy to lift, so reserve for less frequent access.
• Back of Front Seats: Hang jackets, bags, or hats with headrest hooks like these Universal Multifunctional Car Vehicle Headrest Hooks from Amazon. Or you can add hanging organizers for flashlights, books, and other quick-access items. 

• Behind/Beside Front Seats: Store slim essentials like a yoga mat, shade covers, or a compact trash bin.
• Above the Cab: Use this area for outdoor gear—chairs, hiking pack, table, mat, etc.—all in one easy-to-grab zone.

Van Life Organization & Flow Tips

• Map Your Routines: Store items where you use them—morning, cooking, work, bedtime, etc. Tailoring your van to your daily rhythm keeps life flowing effortlessly.
• Space Check-Ins: Regularly reassess your setup. Remove clutter, group like items, and prioritize multi-purpose gear. Stay functional, not crowded.
• Grab-and-Go Bag: Keep a pre-packed bag at home with toiletries, packing cubes, and go-to items for spontaneous trips. Leave year-round gear (like rain jackets, socks, loungewear) in the van, and pack in temp-sensitive items (toiletries, snacks, batteries) before departure—especially in hot climates like Florida.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Van Life Gear

The right essentials bring ease, flow, freedom and joy—no clutter, no chaos. Every trip is a chance to learn, refine, and simplify. Focus on what works, let go of what doesn’t, and invest in gear that truly earns its keep.

Got a favorite van life essential or hack? Share it in the comments—we’re all learning together out here.

Happy vanventures! Morgan & Teddy
Follow along with me on Instagram (@themorganfield) or on Facebook.