Inhabit Mats Review — Are They Worth the Money for Van Life?
Words by Michele Underwood | Photos by Michele and Inhabit
Inhabit Mats in Indigo installed in the van driver area
I bought a van in September 2025. And, oh boy, I did not realize how many upgrades there would be — or how much they would cost.
Van upgrades are not cheap. Mods, I guess, are what they’re called in van life. And they add up quickly.
When it comes to flooring, Inhabit Mats aren’t the cheapest option.
I’ve seen the question come up more than once in van groups:
“Are Inhabit Mats really worth the money?”
It’s a fair question.
Before I get into it, this isn’t an affiliate post. I’m not paid to say this. I’ve simply had a genuinely good experience with them and wanted to answer the “worth it” question honestly.
After living with them in my van, here’s my take.
Yes — if daily comfort and long-term quality matter to you.
Inhabit Mats Custom Van Floor Mats
Inhabit Mats are custom van floor mats designed specifically for adventure vans and vehicles that see heavy use. Each mat is precision-cut to match the vehicle's layout, so it sits cleanly in the space without sliding around or bunching up.
They aren’t hardware-store mats.
They aren’t rugs trimmed to fit.
And they aren’t generic.
They’re purpose-built and made in the USA, which is part of why they cost more than typical floor mats.
For my van specifically, they function as Storyteller Overland van floor mats, designed to fit the layout of the Storyteller build without gaps or shifting.
What Inhabit Mats Are Actually Made Of
Inhabit Mats use premium woven vinyl textiles made by Chilewich, a design-driven material known for durability and cleanability.
Chilewich textiles are used in demanding environments like marine, aviation, healthcare, and hospitality, where durability and easy cleaning are essential.
The mats combine:
Woven vinyl surface that resists mold, stains, and wear
Cushioned backing that adds comfort and insulation
Slip-resistant backing that keeps the mats from shifting
Antimicrobial protection integrated into the material
Phthalate-free TerraStrand yarns with renewable content
Materials manufactured in the United States
The result is a floor system that is:
durable enough for daily vehicle use
comfortable underfoot
easy to clean
and designed to handle dirt, snow, sand, and moisture.
Why They Work in a Van
Inhabit Mats seat box cover detail and fit inside the van
A van floor is metal. It transfers cold easily, amplifies sound, and can feel hard underfoot.
The mats change that.
They create a layer between you and the floor that adds warmth and softness while also helping the space feel quieter and more finished.
When you step out of bed in the morning, you feel it immediately.
When you’re inside during bad weather, you notice it.
And when you’re barefoot in the van, it makes a real difference.
Why I Chose Inhabit Mats
My decision actually started because I was cold.
I had taken the van to Chicago — where I was moving from — in December. After the holidays, I was planning to head west, into even colder weather.
I reached out to the Storyteller Facebook group to ask what people recommended for helping keep a van warmer in winter. As usual, everyone had opinions, but two things kept coming up again and again: the curtain divider and Inhabit Mats.
The curtain felt like an obvious upgrade. It seemed expensive for a curtain, but that’s also part of van life — everything costs more than you expect.
I still wasn’t completely convinced about the mats, though. So I took another small trip to see how the van felt before making the decision.
And I was cold.
That’s when I started researching more seriously. I even reached out directly to the owner of Inhabit to ask a few questions.
Instead of buying the full set right away, I decided to start with just the center section to see if it would actually make a difference.
The Moment I Installed Them
As soon as I installed them, I emailed the owner to tell him I loved them — and I meant it.
The color choice played a role, too. I’m an Art Director by day, which means I tend to art-direct my personal spaces as well.
Most people choose Fawn or Cobblestone, but I wanted something darker and moodier — something that worked with the black interior while enhancing the lighter wood drawers and shelves.
So I chose Indigo.
I’m glad I trusted that instinct.
But beyond the color, the difference was immediate. The van felt warmer underfoot, almost like I had laid a blanket across the floor. They felt great on bare feet, and it became easier to see dirt and clean it quickly.
Unexpectedly, the entire space looked more finished.
After that, I ordered the front mats as well. That made an even bigger difference.
It isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a cohesive and comfortable interior in a very small space.
Inhabit Mats Are Made for More Than Vans
While van life is where many people discover Inhabit Mats, the company actually makes mats for several different vehicles.
They design custom mats for:
Adventure vans and camper vans
Ineos Grenadier
Mercedes G-Wagon
Trucks and other off-road vehicles
The same design principles apply across all of them — custom fit, durable materials, and a more refined interior feel.
So while my experience is with a van, the idea behind the mats isn’t limited to van life.
They’re designed for people who use their vehicles heavily and want interiors that hold up while still feeling intentional.
Are Inhabit Mats Worth the Money?
If you’re building your van on a tight budget and simply need something functional, there are definitely cheaper options.
But if:
You spend extended time in your van
You travel in colder climates
You care about comfort underfoot
You want the interior to feel finished
You prefer buying something durable once instead of replacing cheaper mats
Then yes, they’re worth the money.
They’re not flashy.
They quietly improve how your van feels every day.
And in a small space, daily comfort adds up.
Final Take
Driving through the Utah desert on a remote dirt road
I have no regrets about buying my Inhabit mats. I love them, and I’m especially glad I trusted my instinct on the color.
I like nice things — really nice things that are well made.
Van life is about choosing what earns its place.
Inhabit Mats aren’t the cheapest option. But after living with them in my van, I understand the price.
They’ve held up well, they’ve made the space warmer and more comfortable, and they’ve elevated the overall feel of the van in a way I didn’t expect.
And, I have spent a lot of time in the desert region of Utah. They are super easy to clean, too.
For me, that’s what “worth it” means.
More Van Gear Reviews
If you're building out a van setup or refining the one you already have, these gear reviews look at products I’ve tested and use while traveling in my van.
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Each of these reviews focuses on gear that helps make small spaces more functional, comfortable, and easy to live in while traveling.
Michele Underwood writes Overland Girl, where she shares the gear she uses on real trips—from the Northwoods of Wisconsin to desert rides in the West. She values quality and craftsmanship and believes in buying less, but buying better. The gear she recommends is gear she uses herself.Some links on Overland Girl may be affiliate links. If you purchase through them, Michele may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.