Van Life & Car Camper Gift Guide
I just bought a van, and if I didn’t already have most of this gear, it’d be on my holiday list.
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and the brands.
Sprinter van on a wet, leaf-covered forest road in North Georgia.
These are the things that make life on the road easier—from organizing gear to keeping food cold and mornings caffeinated. Whether you camp out of your car or live full-time in a van, these picks work day in and day out. If I didn’t already have most of this gear, it would be on my holiday list.
01. RUX 70L
RUX 70L loaded in the rear of a van alongside bike gear.
Hauls camp gear, bike, and my clothing without turning the van into a chaotic mess. Rigid enough to stack, soft enough to squeeze in, and waterproof. Mine lives in the garage of my van.
Read my full RUX 70L review: RUX 70L Review for Van Life: Clothing Storage
Shop: RUX 70L
02. HOWL Campfires
A HOWL Campfire warming up a chilly riverside campsite.
A clean, portable fire setup that keeps smoke off of you and packs fast. Great for quick evenings at camp to keep you warm on those chilly nights. This is going on my list.
Shop: HOWL Campfires
03. My Coffee Kit
My coffee kit is simple. I don’t grind, I don’t weigh, and it still tastes like the cup I get from my local shop. No fuss—just gear that works in a small space.
Kettle:
Snow Peak Field Barista Kettle
Perfect for pour-over. Fill, set it over your heat source, and bring to a boil. The handle pops off after use, allowing it to pack down—ideal in a van where storage space is limited.Drip Equipment:
Kalita Hasami Ceramic Dripper (Hasami-yaki). I found this through Onyx Coffee Lab—if you don’t know Onyx, your local brewer probably does. It’s the one they use and recommend.
Plus: Kalita 31253 Glass 300-G Server and FiltersShop: Kalita Dripper at Amazon | Kalita Server at Amazon | Kalita: Wave Series Filter at Amazon
Pro tip: Check out Onyx Coffee Lab. They’re one of the most awarded roasters, which is why so many baristas know them.
Mug:
Snow Peak Ti-Double 450 (silver + blue)
Light, tough, and it keeps coffee warm.
04. Dometic Electric Coolers (because van freezers are tiny)
When I saw how small the van’s freezer was, I said, 'No way,' then I filled it with blueberries for smoothies. I use my Dometic as the “real” freezer, set to 0°F, and let the van’s tiny one handle the berry stash. If you need a fridge and a freezer simultaneously, Dometic also offers dual-zone models.
Shop: Dometic Electric Coolers
05. Snow Peak Field Cooker Pro 3 Set
I just bought this set for the van. The pots and pans fit my induction stove perfectly in size, they nest down small, and the set even includes a pasta drainer.
Shop: Snow Peak Field Cooker
06. The RUX Packing System
Even if you don’t have a RUX 70L, these bags are perfect for dividing clothing up—think of them as drawers that keep everything separate. They slide into a RUX 70L or into the cabinets over your bed, so things stay put on the road. Tough fabric, easy clip-in.
Shop: RUX Packing System
07. Snow Peak Rechargeable Mini Hozuki
Small, rechargeable, and it has a magnetic clip. I hook it to the van’s fold-out table for reading or a little ambience. You can run one—or string a few together. The canopy light only goes so far; this fills the gaps. I have it in blue.
Read my full Mini Hozuki Lantern review: Gear Review: Snow Peak Mini Hozuki Lanterns
Shop: Snow Peak Mini Hozuki
These are the pieces that make van life smoother—small-space gear that works day after day. If you need more ideas, check out my other holiday guides: 2025 Gift Guide: Best Gifts for the Outdoorsy Person, for bigger items I use and love, and Best Outdoor Gifts Under $100 for smart, budget-friendly picks.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to the Ozarks. She values quality and craftsmanship in everything she buys—from outdoor gear to everyday clothes and furniture. Her choices may seem expensive to some, but she believes in buying less and buying better. Longevity matters, both in terms of function and style. Her couch is five years old and still sold at Design Within Reach—that's the kind of timelessness she looks for. Some of the links in this review are affiliate links, which means she may earn a small commission if you buy through them. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, and it helps support her work. She only recommends gear she’d bring herself.
