// gear
STUFF I LIKE

I consider myself a minimalist. I have extremely limited space. So the things I choose to bring with me in the van must really be good to earn their space in the van. Here are some of the things that are keepers.

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// jump to
Miscellaneous Camera Stuff Software for Mac Van Stuff Clothing iPhone Apps Basic But Critical Items for Vanlife
// miscellaneous
Notebook
Favorite little notebook for daily work notes.
Face Moisturizer
My new favorite face moisturizer.
Sugar-Free Mints
Can no longer live without these delicious sugar-free mints.
Bluetooth Headphones
These inexpensive bluetooth headphones are my favorite. I've been using them for years. I'm on my second pair. I like to give them as gifts.
LED Shoes
Awesome LED shoes. I got some for Burning Man this year and loved them. I ended up getting some for my mom. They're quite comfortable.
Recording Device
This tiny recording device has revolutionized my world. I wear it daily and use it all the time. It has cool AI capabilities too, but I don't really use that. The recording functionality and ease of use is worth it alone.
Spray Bottles for Dishes
Some other nomads taught me about using these spray bottles for doing dishes. One with soapy water and one with regular water. Works great. I've talked to people with full kitchen setups in their RVs who do dishes this way because it is simple and effective.
Instant Pot
I LOVE my tiny Instant Pot. I mainly use it to make boiled eggs, beans and rice. Also sometimes potatoes and sweet potatoes. I'm on my second one. I wouldn't want to travel without one.
Dometic GO Water System
This Dometic GO water setup has been a complete game changer. I'd been looking for years for the right setup for my water situation. I wanted it to be super simple, as simple as possible. Everything I'd come across felt more involved than I wanted. Then I saw this at the Overland Expo in Bend. I bought it on the spot and I love it. A simple but elegant water faucet with a little tank that goes along with it.
Screen Extenders
Computer screen extenders. These things completely changed my world in the van. Fantastic working experience now with these. I would never want to live without them.
Solar Shower
It took me 5 years of vanlife to figure this out. I'd been plotting to spend about $1,000 on a fancy outdoor shower for my van. Someone suggested this and I decided to try it for $25. It completely solved it for me 100%. This thing works way better than I ever could have imagined. I also use it for washing dishes sometimes. Game changer purchase for $25. Also takes up very little space in the van. No-brainer.
// camera stuff
GoPro Hero 8
I wouldn't mind having the latest one, but the GoPro 8 is the one I bought about 6 years ago and it's fantastic. My favorite camera, just because it is small, rugged, and so beautifully simple.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
The camera on this thing is awesome. I love the way it handles low light. Best of all, it's almost always in my pocket, so it gets used the most.
GoPro Clamp Arm
I use this thing all the time. It's perfect. Works for Osmo Pocket and iPhone too if you have the correct adaptor mount.
DJI Osmo Pocket
Cool little gimbal camera. I like to use it for motionlapses. You can set the A point, then point the gimbal to where you want the shot to end, and set the B point. Then have it take a photo every few seconds for an hour or so and make a 30 second video out of it. I have version one from about 6 years ago and it still works great.
// software for mac
CleanShot X
I use this every day and can't live without it.
Screenflow
Love this screen recorder.
Final Cut Pro
I'm using this for the longer form videos. I'm still getting to know this application, but I like it and I LOVE that you buy it one time and they don't make you keep paying a subscription. And they give free updates.
CapCut
I can't say I love this program. The license authentication is the worst I've ever seen anywhere. I use the desktop version for adding captions to short form videos. It does that better than anything I've seen. However, they keep raising their prices and I may bail on that subscription soon because it's now too expensive for my use case.
// van stuff
Magnetic Insulated Curtains
Seat Covers
Roof Rack
Suspension
Onboard Air Compressor + Air Gun + Train Horn
AdventureWagon Interior Kit
// clothing
Darn Tough Socks
// iphone apps
Gaia GPS
AllTrails
Google Maps
iOverlander
// basic but critical items for vanlife
Robe
So great to have in so many situations: going to and from hot springs, showers, cold plunges, etc.
Flip-Flops
Same as above. Also while showering.
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