Are you considering becoming a full-time camper and leaving your traditional home? We’ve all heard about the benefits of getting away from the normal stresses of everyday life, but do you know what to pack?
There’s plenty to consider and outfit before heading off into full-time camper living. You have to consider your setup, products or tools, and the community around you.
Check out some of our favorite things below to pack for your new lifestyle!
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Reliable Camper or RV
For full-time campers, owning a reliable camper or RV is essential. You want to be able to trust that your vehicle will take you where you need to go, in all types of weather. Before investing in one, make sure it has the necessary safety features.
An enclosed cab with airbags, reinforced straps, secure locks, and an emergency lighting system are all important. Proper maintenance and regular check-ups are necessary to ensure that the vehicle remains in good condition. When outfitting the inside, make sure it has what the campers need.
Comfortable and functional seating, heat, air conditioning, an efficient air filtration system, storage, and a qualified electrical system are great essentials. These will make long-term camping much easier and more enjoyable. If you don’t have a camper yet and intend to have one, you can always search for ready-made camper vans or look into some van conversion near me.
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Camping Gear
A great basic set of camping gear for full-time camper living is essential. This should include a reliable tent, sleeping bag, pad, cookware, and a firestarter. Additionally, a navigation system such as a compass and a map is essential to plot out your route and to help you find your way should you ever get lost.
Other items such as lanterns, a headlamp, extra batteries, a folding chair, and a tarp can also be incredibly helpful. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring along a first-aid kit, a waterproof tarp, a cooler, and appropriate clothing for the location you’ll be camping in. With the right equipment, you can enjoy full-time camper living in comfort and safety.
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Kitchen Essentials
Starting with the basics, think about having a refrigerator for storing food, pantry items, and beverages. An essential for most families is a slow cooker or crockpot – this item can be used to make a variety of dishes or be a creative way to keep your food warm.
To cook on the road, having a portable stove or hot plate might be a great choice, and a two-burner stove is a beneficial option for cooking larger meals. Don’t forget about your cookware – having good pots, pans, and utensils is essential. An instant pot is also a great tool for making quick meals.
Other items that are important to complete your cooking needs are cutting boards, knives, a coffee maker, and a toaster oven. With these items, you’ll be prepared for a full-time camper living experience.
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Water Filtration System
A water filtration system ensures your family has access to clean, safe drinking water throughout your journey. It can be used to filter out toxins, heavy metals, chemical contaminants, and other impurities present in many natural sources of water.
The most common types of water filtration systems include carbon filters, reverse osmosis systems, distillation systems, sediment filters, and ultraviolet germicidal systems. A water filtration system can also filter down to sub-micron levels, which virtually eliminates the presence of bacteria, viruses, and protozoans, as well as other potentially harmful particles.
It is important to ensure your water filtration system is regularly serviced, and that you complete regular maintenance checks to ensure it is functioning correctly. With a water filtration system as a must-have for full-time camper living, your family will enjoy clean, safe water during your travels.
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Solar Power Setup
Solar power setup includes setting up and maintaining batteries, solar panels, an inverter, a charge controller, and other necessary components. Solar power setup is the only way to keep your camper powered with clean, renewable energy.
It will provide you with a sufficient amount of electricity to power your vital appliances and devices, while also reducing your energy consumption and saving you money. Additionally, solar energy is completely renewable and will greatly reduce your carbon footprint.
Solar power setup requires some specialized knowledge and skill, so make sure to educate yourself on this topic before you get started. Once you’ve put the effort into your solar power setup, it will pay off with the savings you’ll get from reduced energy consumption and renewable energy.
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Toilet and Shower Setup
Having a well-set up toilet and shower is crucial for full-time camper living. A composting toilet is highly suggested due to its odorless, efficient, and low-impact use. A heated shower or portable shower bag is also essential to keep up with personal hygiene. Don’t forget to have a simple self-draining shower pan or bucket that allows for simple and quick cleanup.
The water can easily be drained into a 5-gallon bucket or an outdoor grey water filtration system. Additionally, a secondary cover is also suggested for more extreme weather conditions or winter camping. Finally, having an odor-absorbing spray or air freshener nearby is also recommended for extra comfort.
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Clothing and Laundry
Clothing and laundry are key to a successful full-time camping experience. You will want to pack clothes that are practical and comfortable for the climate you will be camping in. Think of multi-functional items that can be mixed and matched into different looks.
Basic items like jeans, leggings, and t-shirts are must-haves because you will be able to dress them up or down. Other must-haves include a few pairs of comfortable walking shoes, a water-resistant jacket, socks, gloves, and a hat, as well as a bathing suit and towels.
For laundry, you should bring along a few durable laundry bins and a camp washer. Washing clothes by hand is tedious, and if you’re investing in a camp washer, you’ll want a good drying line. A fold-up drying rack or rope cords are your best bet.
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Bedding and Comfort
When camping full-time, bedding and comfort are important for ensuring a good night’s rest. To ensure you have a peaceful night’s sleep, you should look for quality sleeping materials such as quality sleeping bags, a camping air mattress, and high-quality linens.
If you can afford it, invest in a camping cot to provide additional comfort. Light blankets, a pillow, a sleeping pad, and layers of warm clothing are all also important for keeping you comfortable in cold climates.
Other items such as a hammock or a camping bed can also be used for greater comfort. With the right equipment, camping full-time can be made more comfortable and be one of the best decisions you ever make.
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Storage Solutions
Storage solutions are essential for full-time camper living. These solutions include maximizing storage in the camper, utilizing external storage, and creating a system for the organization. Inside the camper, use foam curving to separate items to maximize storage within cabinets or prop up lids to use wall space.
External storage containers can be placed near the back of the camper and can also be used for trip-specific supplies like beach chairs, games, etc. To make finding items easier create a system of storage, such as using labeled bins for individual items like kitchen items, hygiene items, etc. Fulltime camper living may require sacrificing space, but by utilizing storage solutions you can ensure your space is organized and efficient.
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Outdoor Gear
Outdoor gear is a must-have for full-time camper living. A good tent or RV for shelter, depending on your camping style, is essential for staying comfortable when you’re out in nature. Quality sleeping bags, a cook stove, a camp chair, and a picnic table or firepit will make your camping experience dramatically better.
Quality backpacks, hiking boots, a hat, and a warm coat are essential for safety and comfort while out exploring. If you’re camping in cold or wet weather, you’ll want to have an insulated sleeping pad and a rain tarp as well.
Any camper knows the importance of a good headlamp, a portable cooler, and plenty of clean drinking water. With the right outdoor gear, you should have all the comforts of home while camping out in the great outdoors.
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Tool Kit
A tool kit is an essential must-have for living in an RV. Even the most basic kit should contain items like a hammer and nails, screwdrivers, a wrench, pliers, and safety goggles. If possible, it is recommended to include a variety of specialty tools that can make certain repairs and repairs more efficient and safe, such as a pry bar for prying apart doors or boards, wire stripping tools, adjustable ratchets, a cordless drill, impact driver, and a set of hex keys.
Also, it is important to make sure that your tool kit is well organized and contains a variety of attachments and accessories where applicable, as this makes it easier to repair and maintain your camper. Lastly, always make sure to bring an extra set of batteries, extra nuts and bolts, and a set of replacement blades when venturing out in your camper.
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First Aid Kit
A first aid kit on hand should be easily accessible and should include everything from over-the-counter medications to bandages, gauze, and medical tape. Antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointments are important for cleaning cuts or scrapes before applying a bandage.
A thermometer and both adult and pediatric strength medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, should be included as well. For added precaution, an emergency contact list with numbers for local doctors and hospitals should be in the kit.
Any camper should be prepared for the unexpected and having a first aid kit in an easily accessible location is the first line of defense.
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Entertainment
For entertainment, it is essential that full-time camper living comes with some necessities. A reliable television that can handle both over-the-air broadcasting, as well as cable service/satellite/direct TV connection, is important. Having a reliable Internet connection to watch movies and access streaming services is highly recommended as well.
Additionally, having a gaming console such as a Playstation or Xbox can be a nice addition. For those who love being outdoors, a portable entertainment system such as speakers or a music player should be considered. Lastly, do not forget books, puzzles, board games, and outdoor toys to keep the campers and guests engaged in their environment.
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Connectivity
When it comes to full-time camper living, connectivity should be an absolute must-have. Robust internet connectivity is essential to stay up to date on news, manage finances, check in with family and friends, and handle any other communications needs that may arise.
Furthermore, strong cell coverage helps provide an added layer of security and peace of mind, as well as the ability for the camper to easily and quickly respond to any emergency requests that may come about. Additionally, having the ability to leverage satellite services can benefit by providing alternate access methods to the internet and other types of media that may not be available with traditional methods.
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Navigation Tools
When you are considering must-haves for full-time camping, it is important to not forget about navigation tools. Having a reliable navigation tool is essential to know where you are going and to keep your family safe. The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a great navigation tool to have in your vehicle or on your person.
Whether you are in an unfamiliar area or you just want to know the best route to take, a GPS will give you the information you need. Maps are also helpful, in the event of a GPS malfunction or you don’t have access to Wi-Fi to check your GPS.
Having a paper map of the area you are camping in can be a lifesaver. Lastly, a compass is an essential item to keep with your navigation tools. When your GPS fails or your phone runs out of battery, a compass will help you find your way.
Take Note of These 15 Must-Haves for Full-Time Camper Living
Living a full-time camping life can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Make sure you have all the necessary must-haves to fully enjoy your outdoor, nomadic lifestyle.
From RV essentials & camping equipment to personal care items & accessories, no stone should be unturned; you have to be prepared! So why wait? Start gathering your full-time camper living must-haves today!
For more articles aside from these tips on RVing for beginners, visit our main blog.
