This is the “microcamper” pack list I’ve used on numerous trips in my minivan. Where appropriate, I’ve linked to Amazon so you can see what I’m talking about. I’ve also linked back to articles where I use them or there is a DIY post.
Remember Phase 1 is the “hit the road as fast as possible for as little costs as is feasible”. If you are living in your van full time, check out the Phase 2 sections of this site.
This is the actual pack list I use when heading out for a couple of weeks. Links lead to my posts and/or Amazon descriptions. A few of these are part of the van, but I sometimes take them out and so, have to put them back in before I leave.
- Water buckets from my DIY water storage project. One for each week.
- AAA Card (Roadside Assistance)
- Dehydrated Soups
- Oatmeal pre-packaged or pre-bagged by me, with almonds and cranberries
- Immersion Water Heater
- Firestarting Knife
- Pyrex Cup for Heating Water
- Titanium Spork
- Battery Pack DieHard 1150. The ultimate van living tool.
- Socks and Underwear
- Duluth Shirt-Jac
- Pants (4) and shirts (6)
- Extra Pair Hiking Boots/Shoes
- Shower kit (roll of quarters, towel, flip-flops, etc.)
- Hiking Poles
- All-in-one Bodum Cup and French Press
- Ground Coffee
- Drip Coffee Pour Over with Filters
- Pop Tarts (because)
- 800W inverter and 120V Power Strip(now permanently installed)
- 150W backup inverter
- Coleman Cot
- 2 Sleeping Bags
- Privacy Curtains and Rod
- Insulated Window Panels for Stealth Camping or Cold Weather
- Minivan Window Insect Screens (Spring/Summer only)
- Backup 12v Immersion Heater
- Frog Togs Poncho and Rain Suit (in case I break down)
- Sun Hat and Ball Cap
- Toilet Paper
- Roll of Paper Towels
- Paper Bowls and plastic spoons
- 5 gallon Poop Bucket with bags and kitty litter (just in case)
- First Aid Kit
- Camp Chair
- Means of Protection (I won’t elaborate on that one)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Shave kit with toothbrush, soap, etc.
- My Honda Odyssey!
That’s it. That’s all I bring when I disappear for weeks on end. Travel light and you’ll find that you need very little to get by.
Want to find great, out of the way campsites? When I’m not boondocking for free, I use my Passport America membership to save 50% on campgrounds. It pays itself back after a couple of nights and then cuts campground costs in HALF!
Don’t get stuck buying a separate membership for each campground chain, join Passport America instead!
–Odyssey Camper