Need more gift suggestions?<\/h3>\n
I have a variety of gift guides for all types of adventurers. Here are the ones to check out.<\/p>\n
- \n
- <\/span>The Ulimate Gift Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Best Gifts for Outdoorsmen<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- <\/span>Best Gifts for National Park Lovers<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
1. CGear Sand-Free Mat<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n![\"CGear](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nAn outdoor mat is something that every van lifer needs. A sand mat keeps sand and dirt from getting tracked inside and creates a nice “patio” space for hanging out. This CGear Sand-Free Mat<\/strong><\/a> is what I use because it allows sand and dirt to filter through (rather than pile up on top like a regular outdoor rug), and it folds down small for easier storage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n2. Dometic GO Compact Camp Table<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nI upgraded to the Dometic Go Camp Table<\/a><\/strong> this year and it’s been one of my favorite gear additions. It folds in half for easy storage and the solid bamboo top has a nice elegant feel while still being durable enough for extended outdoor use. Plus, its adjustable leg height means you can swiftly transition from a cooking station to a coffee table, or even downsize it to a kiddo’s play table. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n3. MoonShade Awning<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf your favorite van lifer doesn’t have an awning, the MoonShade Awning<\/strong><\/a> fits on nearly any vehicle, does well in windy conditions, and packs down small for easy portability. And it’s easy to set up too! Read my full review of the MoonShade awning<\/a> for all the details. *Save 10% by using the code BEARFOOTTHEORY<\/em> at checkout*<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n4. Helinox Sunset Chair<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nI’ve tried so many different chairs over the years. The Helinox Sunset Chair<\/strong><\/a> strikes the best balance between packability, weight, and comfort with the high back. It only takes about 30 seconds to set up, and even van lifers with the smallest vans should have room for this awesome chair. For more recommendations, see my post of my favorite camp chairs<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n5. Rumpl Blanket<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nRumpl Blankets<\/strong><\/a> are my favorite van life comforters because they’re snuggly and soft yet still durable for the road. I’ve used mine since 2017 and can’t believe how well it’s held up! The blankets come in several different materials including recycled synthetic (the most durable), a warmer NanoLoft synthetic, and down. Since they’re water and dirt-resistant and can be thrown into the wash – which is especially great if you have dogs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n6. West Paw Big Sky Nap Bed<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf you’re traveling with a dog in your van, it’s nice for them to have a comfy space of their own. My dog Charlie likes to hang out in his West Paw Big Sky Nap Bed<\/strong><\/a> between the two front seats. He seems to love it, and the best part is it’s totally machine-washable, which is a must for van life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
7. Trelino Composting Toilet<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nThere’s a new toilet that’s quickly becoming a favorite among van lifers: the Trelino Composting Toilet<\/strong><\/a>. It’s more compact than your traditional composting toilets, plus it doesn’t require any outside venting or a power source. The best part is the solid waste compartment can be used with handy bags for easier cleanup. This is the toilet I’m planning to have in my new truck camper we are getting soon. Check out my full roundup of the best van toilets here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n8. Mr. Buddy Portable Heater<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nThe portable Mr. Buddy Heater<\/strong><\/a> is a great gift for van lifers that don’t have heat in their van. This heater runs on 1 lb propane cylinders, so there’s no worry about draining your van battery on a chilly night. It also comes with several auto shut-off safety mechanisms, like turning off if it gets tipped over, if it detects low oxygen levels, and if the pilot light turns off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
9. Scrubba Wash Bag<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nLaundry day is one of my least favorite chores as a van lifer. This clever Scrubba Wash Bag<\/strong><\/a> allows you to wash a few items of clothes without having to go to the laundromat. You simply fill the bag up with warm water and a bit of biodegradable soap, then ‘scrub’ your clothes clean on the washboard nodules. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
10. GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nIf you’re buying a gift for a van lifer who loves to cook, this is another great table option that Ryan and I use. The GCI Outdoor Slim-Fold Cook Station<\/strong><\/a> is incredibly easy to set up (it just folds open and closed) and packs up flat so you can store it in a narrow space. I love how it has multiple levels and tiers to give you space to whip up gourmet meals.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nKristen cooking on the GSI Outdoors Slim Fold Cook Station<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n 11. Magma Nesting Cookware<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nI love this Magma Nesting Cookware set<\/a>. It comes with everything you need to cook, including a 12″ pan and several pots. Everything nests together perfectly so it takes up a lot less space. It’s easy to clean and the handles are detachable, making them even easier to stash away. Plus, this cookware is induction-friendly for those with an induction stove in their van. I prefer the stainless steel version since it doesn’t scratch when things move around in your drawers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n12. Snow Peak Tableware Set<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nI recently ditched the plastic dinnerware I’d be using in my van for years for something more non-toxic, and I’ve been really impressed with the Snow Peak Tableware Set<\/strong><\/a>. The stainless steel set is durable and everything nests together for easy storage \u2014 it comes with a plate, a dish, and 2 different sized bowls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n13. Omnia Stovetop Oven<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nI really miss having an oven in my van. However, with the Omnia Oven<\/strong><\/a>, you can bake right on your stovetop! From pizza to cakes to bread to casseroles, this compact “oven” is the perfect gift for the van life baker in your life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
14. Clearsource RV Water Filter<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWe added a Clearsource RV Water Filter<\/strong><\/a> to our van last year after several experiences with heavily chlorinated campground water. Apart from the bad taste, it got me thinking about what else might be in the water we are filling our van up with. The Clearsource Ultra is a three-stage water filter that reduces or removes all of the nasty stuff and harmful chemicals, and our water tastes so much better!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
15. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nFor those moments when you crave a personal escape or need to zero in on work without distractions, these Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones<\/strong><\/a> are a godsend. I love being able to pop on my favorite music, podcasts, or a meditative track \u2013 all while maintaining the harmony of shared space with my partner Ryan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
16. Hyperlite Camera Pod<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nThe Hyperlite Camera Pod<\/strong><\/a> is what I use to store my camera in the van. Made from ultralight, durable, and weatherproof material, it allows me to throw my camera in a drawer without having to worry about it getting banged up. It also doubles as a camera bag while hiking. You can carry this pod in your hiking bag or clip it to your hipbelt for easy access.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
17. Nocs Provisions Binoculars<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nBinoculars are a fun gift for van lifers – it’s great to have a pair while hiking or hanging out at camp. Most recently, we used ours while watching whales from our van on the Olympic Peninsula, and I was so happy to have them. These Nocs Provisions binoculars<\/strong><\/a> are compact, waterproof, and fog proof. They come in fun colors and have a durable housing too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n18. Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nI love my Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat<\/strong><\/a>. It’s a little lighter than a traditional yoga mat, taking up just a bit less room. Yet it’s still cushioned enough for stretching and yoga at your campsite. It’s made with certified OEKO-TEX materials, meaning that there are no harmful chemicals, and it has a slip-resistant surface for when you get sweaty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n19. iPad\/Tablet Holder<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nSometimes you just want to Netflix and Chill (even in a van). This flexible iPad\/Tablet holder<\/strong><\/a> makes it incredibly easy to watch your favorite shows from anywhere in your van. We clamp this to one of our overhead cabinets and use it to hold our iPad to easily watch our favorite shows from bed. It’s versatile and can be clamped to a variety of objects, and has a flexible arm so you can move the iPad to the right angle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
<\/figure>\n20. Table Top Ping Pong Set<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nWhen we are staying at an established campsite with a picnic table, Ryan and I love busting out this table top ping pong set<\/strong><\/a>. It doesn’t take up any room in our van, and is a fun way to kill time, especially when our little guy is napping in our van. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n21. Ekrin 365 Massage Gun<\/h2>\n
- <\/span>Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Women<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
![\"CGear](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/cgear-sand-mat-300x162-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Utah_Moab_Dispersed-Camping-Sprinter-Van-4-2-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Dometic](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Dometic-Go-Camp-Table.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Two](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sprinter-Van-Dometic-Go-1024x683-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Van](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Oregon_Brookings_Whaleshead-Beach-Lookout_Moonshade-2-small.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/Sprinter-Van_Moonshade-17-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Helinox](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Helinox-Sunset-Camp-Chair.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Learn](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Montana_Hungry-Horse-Reservoir-2-Sprinter-Van-Camping.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Rumpl](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Rumpl-Blanket-212x300-1.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/Feature-Image-Finding-Campites-Sprinter-Van-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"West](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Westpaw-Dog-Bed-300x209-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Trelino](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Trelino-composting-toilet-300x300-1.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Trelino](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Sprinter-Van-Trelino-toilet-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Mr.](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Mr-Buddy-Portable-Heater.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Scrubba](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Scrubba-Wash-Bag-1.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"GCI](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/GCI-Outdoor-Cook-Station-300x217.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sprinter-Van_Cooking_Kristen-1024x683-1.jpeg\")
![\"Magma](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/Magma-Nesting-Cookware-1024x481.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Alberta_Jasper-National-Park_Wilcox-Creek-Campground_Sprinter-Van-interior-cooking-14-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Snow](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Snow-Peak-Tableware-Set.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Inhabit](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Sprinter-van-kitchen_inhabit-designs-drawer-inserts-2-768x1024-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Omnia](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/Omnia-Oven-300x185.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Clearsource](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Clearsource-Ultra-Water-Filter.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Bose](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Bose-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones-700.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Hyperlite](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Hyperlite-Camera-Pod-288x300.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Nocs](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Nocs-Provisions-Standard-Issue-300x153.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"man](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Washington-Olympic-National-Park-Sprinter-Van-Camping-2-1024x683-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"manduka](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Manduka-ProLite-yoga-Mat-300x300.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Tray](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Moab_Sprinter-Van-Dispersed-Camping-Exterior-Accessories-2-Gear-Slider-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"iPad](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Gooseneck-Tablet-Holder-235x300-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Packing](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/2022-Sprinter-Van-Interior-10-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n![\"Table](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Table-top-ping-pong-set-300x251-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![\"Kristen](\"https:\/\/sendpool.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Vancouver-Island-ping-pong-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bearfoottheory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Ekrin-Massage-Gun.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n