This is our favorite gear that we use for Van Life, RV-life, outdoor adventuring, off-grid travel and backpacking. We travel full time throughout the USA and beyond. Most of the year we travel in our self-converted van and during the coldest two months of the year we stay in our travel trailer in Florida. The following travel and adventure gear has been a great help and proven to be very durable and useful during the last few years on our journeys.
Our Technology Gear
As outdoor enthusiasts and digital nomads, we love to travel off-grid while still being able to charge our cell phones, laptops and stay connected while out in nature. The following list consists of tech gear that we take on the road wherever we go, no matter if we travel with a travel trailer or go minimal camping by truck and tent.
Suaoki 444Wh/120,000mAh Portable Solar Generator DC/AC Inverter, 12V Car, DC/AC/USB Outputs, Charged by Solar Panel/AC Outlet/Cars
Buy Today
There are a few rechargeable generators out there on the market and the goal zero yeti has been discussed widely in the RV community. We decided to get the Suaoki 444Wh portable generator because it is small and lightweight but equally powerful and is chargeable via solar panels, as well as via AC or 12V outlets. If using solar panel to charge, one has the choice of using any make or brand as long as the output voltage for the solar panel is 14-40V and the maximum input current is 10A and the maximum watts 120W. We love this power generator as it’s the perfect companion for any camping or off-grid situation while needing power for laptops when working remotely, charging multiple phones and camera batteries or using other small appliances. We even bring it with us when working remotely at cafes and restaurants that don’t have electric outlets available.
Zamp Solar 200P Portable Charge Kit
Buy Today
We love the Zamp Portable Solar Panel Kit. This 200 watt portable solar panel is a great way to charge the RV battery, Van or Truck battery when wild camping. It’s made with monocrystalline solar cells and comes with a 15 Amp waterproof solar charge controller with display. It is super simple to use, just connect the alligator clips to the RV or car battery and position the panel towards the sun and let it charge. The portable solar panel allows us to park our Van or travel trailer in the shade while the panel is soaking up the sun in direct sunlight. It also gives us the flexibility to use it on multiple vehicles if needed.
Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro Laptop (Retina, Touch Bar, 2.6GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage) Space Gray (MR942LL/A) (2018 Model) (Renewed)
Buy Today
This MacBook Pro is a true workhorse and the perfect companion for remote work as a digital nomad. It is lightweight and small enough for any backpack or laptop bag, at the same time it provides enough power for working on entire projects including web design, photo processing, video editing, programming etc.
MPOWERD Luci Lux Inflatable Solar Lantern
Buy Today
Luci Lights are our favorite lights for both indoor and outdoor use. These small inflatable wonder lights are waterproof, shatterproof and easy to store. We attach them onto hooks and hang it from our backpack to let it charge during the day then use the light during the night. Super easy to bring wherever you go. It charges via sun and even on cloudy days. It comes in a warm egg-shell, clear light and also in different colors.
Solar Charger 25000mAh, Outdoor Portable Power Bank
Buy Today
We love this portable solar panel because it is super lightweight, small and water resistant, great for backpacking, day trips and every day use. It is a high efficiency solar charger that can charge cell phones, small battery packs or other USB devises. The built in battery can charge your phone 8-10 times and it has a dual 2.1A USB port which allows to charge 2 devices simultaneously with 2.1A high speed charging. It’s dust, shock and waterproof and has a built in LED flashlight with SOS mode for emergencies. We attach it to our backpacks during backpacking trips or put it outside in the sunlight wherever we are staying at and then let the sun do all the work while charging our phones. It does not hold charge though as there is no battery pack attached but it is a convenient way to charge small USB devices when being off-grid and on the go.
Our Adventure Gear
We love adventures and enjoy outdoor activities wherever we go. This list includes our favorite gear that we use when kayaking, hiking and cycling to keep things fun and practical. We bring it with us during Van Life and whenever we travel with our Travel Trailer.
Tree Tribe Reusable Water Bottle
Buy Today
Reusable water bottles are a must have in any household, but especially in the Eco-Friendly Van-Home. There are plenty of different brands out there of course, however, we have come to love this 20 oz bottle in particular due to its great quality. It holds beverages cold for 12h and hot liquids stay hot for up to 10 hours. We especially love this eco-friendly brand for their philosophy and sustainability and because for every item sold, Tree Tribe is planting 10 new trees. Yes that’s right, not just 1 tree, but 10 trees! What a wonderful concept! Of course the bottles are made of high quality food-grade stainless steel with a silicone/bamboo lid which is a leak-proof construction. The bottle comes with a lifetime warranty, if it ever would break it will be replaced by Tree Tribe at no cost! Check out their site for more colors and designs and other eco-friendly gear.
Innova Sunny Inflatable Kayak-Red/Gray
Buy Today
After researching inflatable kayaks, this one was a total winner for several reasons. The Innova Sunny Kayak is hand made in the Czech Republic by a company that has manufactured inflatable boats since 1956 and values eco-consciousness. The Innova Sunny is made of Nitrylon, a PVC-free material which is stronger, more abrasion and puncture resistant than PVC but more eco-friendly. The company also was the first to create an inflatable kayak and canoe recycling program that turns recycled kayaks into rubber mulch. The kayak is also great as it can be used as a one person or tandem kayak. It weighs only 33 lbs and is 12′ 7″ inches long, is inflated and set up in less than 10 minutes, dries off quickly and folds up into a backpack. It comes with a tracking fin and is easy to paddle, runs smooth and tracks nicely in the water.
Carlisle Day Tripper Aluminum Kayak Paddle
A great and inexpensive option for a light-weight quality paddle that can be stored easily as it’s a push-button two-piece paddle design. It allows for adjusting the blades to be in-line or feathered at 60 degrees for right or left hand control. It is made of Polypropylene and lightweight tempered Aluminum and is sturdy enough to be banged around during our full time travel adventures.
Advanced Elements Double Action Pump with Pressure Guage
We chose this pump over others because it had great reviews and so far it definitely held it’s promise. We love this pump because the tubing can be taken off for easier storage and it comes with a valve that allows both inflating and deflating. That definitely helps when deflating the kayak completely to pack it up and store it away.
Paddle Sports Life Vest Onyx
A great vest does not have to be expensive! This U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type III Life Jacket is made for paddlers and allows great arm mobility. It has a sculpted foam design that conforms to the body, and mesh ventilation in the front and back with low back mesh that allows for comfort when sitting on a high back seat. The vest is lightweight and not bulky and due to adjustable straps snug while comfortable for all kinds of recreational paddle sports.
Victorinox Swiss Army Fieldmaster Pocket Knife
Swiss Army Knives are one of a kind with great functionality and quality. With a variety of multi-tools to choose from, we love the Victorinox Fieldmaster because it is a great choice for a pocket knife with the most used tools for life on the road and out in the wild. We never leave on an adventure without it!
Merrell Women’s Siren Edge Hiking Boot
This is a great and very comfortable hiking shoe. It is lightweight, made with breathable mesh lining, has a sturdy sole with a soft bed due to its Air Cushion comfort technology. A great option for every-day walking.
Icebreaker Merino Women’s Tech Top Long Sleeve Crewe
Oh how we love this wool base layer from Icebreaker. It is made from 100% Merino Wool which is naturally wicking and odor resistant, cooling in hot weather and insulates in cold weather. It is a must have for anyone who likes to be active, can be worn as a base layer during cold outdoor activities or just by itself during activities such as hiking, running, skiing or biking etc. It comes in several colors, has a sleek design and we bring it wherever we go as a layer for every day use for both Male and Female. From active sports to relaxing around the campsite or working in a cold air conditioned place, this is a top you will love and keep forever.
Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag
A great bag for any outdoor adventurer! It comes in different sizes and colors, is very lightweight yet sturdy and allows for easy storage of items and gadgets to keep them safe and sealed from water in any wet situation. We use it when kayaking, backpacking and even bicycling to store our cameras, cell phones and other gear to keep them safe from moisture and water.
Winner Outfitters Double Camping Hammock
We love this hammock for several reasons: Two people can lay in it comfortably, it’s an easy and fast setup and it packs into a small bag, the straps are super strong and durable, it is water-resistant and light-weight. The perfect companion to relax wherever there are trees or posts available, be it at the beach, in the woods or at a campsite.
Vibrelli Mini Bike Pump
A great pump that comes in handy if needed during our bike rides. It’s small enough to bring it with you in your backpack or bike-bag or mount it on your bike frame.
Sportneer Solar Camping Shower Bag, 5-gallon
This is one of our favorite Eco-Friendly Van Life and Camping items. The system is super easy, just fill the bag with water, lay it out in the sun and wait a couple of hours for a beautiful hot shower! Nothing better than getting a nice cleansing open-air shower after a long hike, adventure or workout outdoors!
Sea To Summit Citronella Wilderness Wash
We love this wash because it is biodegradable, concentrated and smells great too. An ideal companion for any outdoor activity to wash your hands, shower or wash up after a sweaty day out in nature.
Deuter AirContact 65 + 10 – Trekking Backpack
Katadyn Base Camp Pro Water Filter, 10-Liter
We love this water filter because it’s a simple setup, easy to fill from any water source and fills up our hydration packs pretty quick via gravity filtration. No need to hand pump. It packs into a small pouch and is lightweight to bring for any adventure.
Sea To Summit Pocket Towel
BearVault Bear Resistant Food Canister
Icetek Sports Ultralight Backpacking Canister Camp Stove with Piezo Ignition
Bamboo Travel Utensils Set with Carrying Case
We really love these bamboo utensils. We use it every day during Van Life, bring it in our backpacks and daypacks when traveling through cities and nature alike. It is Eco-Friendly, durable, biodegradable, easy to clean, small and lightweights and prevents the use of plastic ware when eating out or buying take-away foods on the go.
Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Mattress
Hyke & Byke Ultralight Down Sleeping Bag: 3-Season 32 Degree Mummy Bag
After a long day of backpacking it is great to have a sleeping bag that keeps you warm during those cold nights up in the mountains or in the desert. These bags are ultralight, roll into a small bag and the mummy-cut helps to keep your body temperature comfortable from head to toes.
Stainless Steel Plates
Buy Today
Living in a vehicle where the whole interior is subject to earthquake-like conditions on a daily basis, it is wise to eliminate breakable items as possible. These quality grade stainless steel plates by Immokaz are the perfect dishes for any adventurer. They are functional, easy to clean, super durable while being light weight, and visually pleasing. We have used them for many years and have slapped them around quite a bit and they do not have any dents whatsoever. We love their quality and that they can be recycled at the end of their life. We also recommend to add some stainless steel cups and mugs.
Space Saver Cup
A simple yet practical stainless steel cup with folding handles for easy storage. We use it as a cup and as our bowls – for pretty much all our meals and hot- and cold drinks when backpacking and hiking and even when camping in a tent or during Van Life.
Stainless Steel Travel Mug
Buy Today
Reusable travel mugs are always great gift ideas! There are plenty on the market. This one is our favorite for several reasons, but mainly because of the functionality of the lid. This lid is spill-proof, splash-proof, shatter-proof and easy to close and open. It is a great design and unlike many other travel mugs it is very easy to clean as the lid does not have any nooks and crannies like the lids of other brands. It’s made by Tervis and
holds 20 oz while it fits in a standard sized cupholder, is sturdy and ideal for travel. It holds drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 8 hours. It comes in many different colors and patterns from plain silver to crazy hippie looks, so there’s one for every taste for sure. We love this mug and bring it wherever we go, even when we grab a cup of coffee or tea at Starbucks or other chains where we even get a discount for bringing our own cup! Reducing single-use paper cups and plastic trash is a good thing and helps the environment for sure!
Gerber Strong Arm Fixed Blade Knife, Fine Edge
Buy Today
This knife is built specifically for combat and survival situations and is a great companion on any adventure. It cuts through almost anything and has a practical sheath system and can be mounted to carry on your belt, backpack etc.
Scrubba Clothing Wash Bag
Buy Today
A great alternative to the public laundromat for those days when you need to wash a small load of clothes while traveling. This bag is lightweight and has a special inner surface that works like a washboard while using only little water. Simply fill with clothes, water and a dash of biodegradable soap, close, and deflate the bag, then rub clothes against the washboard for 30 seconds to 3 minutes. A great way to wash your clothes on the go without the use of electricity while saving water!
Lunchskins Reusable Snack and Sandwich Bags
Buy Today
Super light, easy to store and versatile in use. These little reusable food-storage bags are a great alternative to single-use plastic ziplocs or other plastic bags. They are durable, easily washable and perfectly cut for a standard-sized sandwich. We use them almost every day to bring food on our adventures and fill them with fruit, nuts, trailmix, veggie sticks, bread, cookies and other snacks.
Female Urination Device
Buy Today
This is a fantastic way for any female adventurer to pee out in the wild with more comfort. It is also a handy tool that allows the female person to easily pee into a bottle during those desperate nights when parking somewhere in a city without having a bathroom available. This practical little funnel made by GoGirl is super elastic and soft to the touch which makes it comfortable to use for any body shape and form and is designed with a splash-guard that makes it easy to prevent splashes or spills. It is reusable, made of silicone and is 100% latex free, moisture resistant, antimicrobial and made in the USA. It folds into a small tube or bag and is a great companion for any trip or adventure!
Environmentally and Skin Friendly Sunscreen
Buy Today
Van Life includes spending a lot of time outdoors and sun protection is a must to keep our skin healthy!
This mineral sunscreen by Alba Botanica is made with botanical ingredients like ginkgo biloba leaf extract and aloe leaf juice, is coral reef friendly and biodegradable, 100% vegetarian ingredients without any oxybenzone, octinoxate or synthetic fragrances, made without animal testing. It provides broad spectrum sun protection, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. We love that it does not leave any trace on the face, is non-greasy, moisturizing and fragrance free.
Biodegradable Wipes
Buy Today
These Dude Wipes are definitely not just for dudes! These wipes are awesome, 100% biodegradable, unscented, gentle with naturally soothing aloe vera and vitamin E to protect sensitive skin. Great to stay clean during travel, when using public toilets or even when using a portable camping toilet. These wipes are septic and sewer safe, flushable or even better to be disposed in a biodegradable garbage bag.
Natural Insect Rpellant
Buy Today
This DEET-free natural insect repellent is an effective and safe bug spray. No need to spray yourself full of toxins! Active Ingredients: Oil of Soybean 11.5%, Oil of Citronella 10.0%, Oil of Peppermint 2.0%, Oil of Cedar 1.50%, Oil of Lemongrass 1.00%, Oil of Geranium 0.05%. Inactive Ingredients: (73.95%): Water, Glyceryl Stearate, Beeswax, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, and Xanthan Gum. This product is Certified GMO-Free and good for the environment and the skin!
Disclaimer: To support our cause, we use affiliate links and may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no cost to you. We are not sponsored by anyone and list only gear that we are personally use and love. We selected the items we recommend purely based on personal satisfaction and because we like their quality.