22 Boondocking Essentials For Off-Grid Living

Jan 16

Zach and I have been boondocking, or dry camping, whichever you prefer to call it, for more than five years now in our self-converted van. It is something that, in the beginning, we were not very well prepared for. However, over time, we were able to really hone in on the items that we absolutely needed to keep in our van at all times.

Living full-time in a vehicle, especially as a couple with 2 dogs, means our space can be limited. This occasionally creates the illusion that we are over-packed, but being able to get out in the woods and sprawl out helps us feel more at home in our tiny space. Speaking of limited space, in this list of items we're about to share with you we’ve kept in mind to include items that take up as little space as possible!

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If you'd prefer to watch, we chose 10 of these items to discuss more specifically in our video, Off Grid Living, 10 Items You Can't Live Without! Have a look, and remember, if you enjoy travel and van life content, to like the video and subscribe to the channel!

Top 10 Boondocking Essentials!

Camp Table - - > https://amzn.to/3ZCmVEE

While we’ve ALWAYS traveled with a table of some sort, we recently came across this telescope folding table! It is the perfect space saver but opens up big enough for a desk or place to set your drink while relaxing in the evening.

Camp Chairs - - > https://amzn.to/3Xd8pBL

We've tried all sorts of camp chairs, but these have to be our absolute favorite. Zach used to lean back in every one of those cheap, small chairs we bought from Walmart. They would break every single time. So, when we found these rockers. We decided to bite the bullet and make the purchase! Best. Investment. Ever!

Genorator - - > https://amzn.to/3iJBSUL

This is one of the most recent yet effective items we've purchased for our van. We've equipped Miss Daisy with 200 Watts of solar, but sometimes, endless rain and being parked under too many trees keep us from completely charging our batteries. We can store the generator in the back of the van easily. It's relatively quiet and does not put off the fumes as most of the big generators do.

Privacy Tent - - > https://amzn.to/3H3MHu9

Since we first moved into a van, we've been traveling with a privacy tent. We have yet to include a shower in our van build (something we may look into during the rebuild), but because of this, we use our privacy tent as a space to set up for showering and changing when out in the woods. When you have a small space, it is nice to have something that gives you a little bit of privacy!

5 Gallon Buckets - - > https://amzn.to/3QFEbog

Carrying a 5-gallon bucket may seem silly, but we use it for so many things that we wouldn't know what to do without one. Some common uses include a toilet, gathering water, cleaning out fire pits, storing wood for fires, a camp trash can, and sometimes an extra seat by the fire.

Battery Powered Shower - - > https://amzn.to/3Wd2Ce2

The battery-powered show is an absolute must-have. When we're in the woods and need to fill our fresh tank, we gather water without a 5-gallon bucket and use the shower to fill our tanks! I've recently used it in the creek to bathe Marlee when she rolled around in something God-awful smelling. I've also used it to wash my hair in the sink in the van on a chilly night when we park in the city.

Electric Water Heater - - > https://amzn.to/3w3AyPN

We purchased this water heater for a steal at an Amazon return store for only $10. This heater could take freezing cold creek water and heat it to steaming hot bath water in under 2 minutes!

Axe/Hatchet - - > https://amzn.to/3iJfuLm

Zach and I love a good fire. We also thoroughly enjoy cooking over the fire. However, we do not bring in outside wood when we make one. We always gather from wherever we are. So we must carry an axe or hatchet with us at all times.

Ferro Rod/Fire Starter - - > https://amzn.to/3X9UhsO

While a lighter is much easier to use, a Ferro rod is way more fun! As I've said, Zach and I love having fires. Each time we practice our fire-making skills by using our Ferro rod! The choice is yours, but one of these is a must-have while you're boondocking.

Cast Iron - - > https://amzn.to/3XfNyh9

We only cook with cast irons in the van! They're nonstick and easy to use, and we waste less water during cleanup by simply wiping them clean. Nowadays, you can purchase cast irons already seasoned. Our most used size is the 10 1/4 inch pan, which is the link we provided here for you!

Jackery - - > https://amzn.to/3QHgJak

Although we have an onboard battery, we limit the time we spend using our generator and the amount of battery power we use when off-grid. So the Jackery is an excellent item to have on hand when you're boondocking.

7 Bonus Items, Not Included In Our Video!

Although listed above are the only items we covered in our YouTube video, 10 Boondocking Essentials, we decided to include a few other things that have either come in handy for us, or we have equipped our van with for going off-grid.

**Dometic Toilet -OR- Portable Dump Tanks**

5 Things To Keep On Hand While Off-Grid Living!

While most of these are self-explanatory and just plain common sense, we've included these last five items to make your off-grid living experience much more enjoyable.

Extra Fuel — for your generator.
First Aid Kit — because you never know when someone is going to get hurt.
Tarps/Outdoor Mats — on occasion, it can get rainy and muddy. It’s nice to have a space to sit outside after the rain subsides.
Extra Water or A Water Purifier — because running out of water and having to leave camp mid-day just plain sucks.
Paracord & Clothespins — for hanging towels and clothing that may have gotten wet while out exploring.

We hope you find this list of 22 boondocking essentials for off-grid living helpful. We thoroughly enjoyed putting it together. If you have questions about any of the items we've listed here, feel free to contact us. We'd love to hear from you.

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