Your Ultimate Campervan Camping Gear Buying Guide: Master the Open Road
Welcome, fellow adventurers and road warriors! If you're reading this, you probably own a campervan, or you're deep in the throws of building one. Either way, you understand the unparalleled freedom that comes with life on four wheels. The open road calls, the wild landscapes beckon, and your campervan is your ticket to unlocking those experiences. But here’s the thing: your van is just the shell. What you fill it with – your camping gear – truly defines your journey.
Good gear transforms a trip from good to legendary. It means comfortable nights, delicious meals, and hassle-free living, even when the weather turns sour. Bad gear? That's a recipe for frustration, discomfort, and potentially cutting your adventure short. Trust me, I've seen it all, and I've learned the hard way that cutting corners on essentials rarely pays off.
This guide isn't just a list of products. I'm here to cut through the noise, offering practical, no-nonsense advice from someone who’s built, lived in, and toured countless campervans across the UK. I’ll tell you what genuinely works, what's worth your hard-earned cash, and what's just marketing fluff designed to lighten your wallet. We'll cover everything from the absolute must-haves to those clever bits of kit that make life on the road infinitely easier. So, let’s get your campervan adventure kit sorted, British style!
The Essentials: Core Categories for Every Campervan Adventure
When you’re packing for a campervan trip, it helps to think in categories. This ensures you cover all bases and don't end up miles from anywhere without a crucial item. We'll dive into the specifics, highlighting some brilliant products along the way.
Kitchen & Culinary Command Centre
Cooking on the road is one of the great joys of campervan life. It allows for spontaneous meals, saves a fortune on eating out, and lets you enjoy stunning views while you dine. But you need the right kit to make it a pleasure, not a chore. Beyond the obvious stove, pots, and pans, consider the often-overlooked necessity: washing up.
Cleaning dishes in a small campervan can quickly become a soggy, frustrating mess. Water splashes, dishes pile up, and suddenly your cosy living space feels like a chaotic scullery. This is where clever, space-saving solutions shine.
THANSTAR Collapsible Dish Drainer for Campervans – £14.99
My Take: Space is gold in a campervan. Every inch counts. This collapsible dish drainer isn’t just a convenience; it’s a game-changer for maintaining a tidy, hygienic kitchen area. I've tried everything from stacking wet dishes on a tea towel to balancing them precariously, and nothing beats a proper drainer.
Features: This smart piece of kit is crafted from durable, flexible silicone with a rigid plastic base. It features dedicated slots for plates, a compartment for cutlery, and ample space for cups and bowls. The real magic? It collapses down to a mere few centimetres thick when not in use. This means it can easily be stowed away in a shallow cupboard, under a seat, or tucked behind a drawer.
Why It's Good: No more wet cloths draped over your worktop, creating damp patches and encouraging mildew. This drainer allows your dishes to air dry efficiently, preventing watermarks and keeping your kitchen organised. Its compact footprint means it won't hog precious counter space, even when fully extended. In practice, you can wash up after a meal, let everything dry, and then collapse it and put it away, leaving your van feeling clean and uncluttered.
Practicality: For most builders, finding a permanent spot for a full-size, rigid dish drainer is a pipe dream. They're bulky, awkward, and just get in the way. This collapsible alternative solves that problem beautifully, offering full functionality without the spatial penalty. It's robust enough for daily use yet flexible enough to handle the bumps and vibrations of road travel.
Price Point: At just £14.99, this is a no-brainer investment. Think of the frustration and dampness it prevents. It's a small price to pay for kitchen sanity on the road.
Opinion: Don't underestimate the impact of a simple, effective dish drainer. This THANSTAR model offers excellent value, robust construction, and truly practical space-saving design. It’s far superior to flimsy roll-up mats or the constant battle of finding a dry spot for your mugs. Buy it; your campervan kitchen will thank you.
Utility, Tools & Unexpected Fixes
Things break. It’s an unavoidable truth of life, and doubly so when you’re rattling down bumpy roads in a mobile home. From a loose cupboard hinge to a stubborn can of beans, minor annoyances can quickly escalate into major headaches if you’re unprepared. A good, versatile toolkit isn't just for mechanics; it's for smart campervan owners who value self-reliance. You don't need a full workshop, but you do need the essentials close at hand.
GIRIAITUS Multi Tool: 16-in-1 Camping & Survival Gear – £19.98
My Take: A multi-tool isn't just for survivalists attempting to build a shelter in the wilderness; it’s an indispensable item for anyone who lives, works, or travels in a campervan. It’s the Swiss Army knife of the road, always there when you need a quick fix.
Features: This particular multi-tool packs an impressive 16 functions into a compact, robust body. You'll find spring-loaded pliers (with regular and wire cutter functions), a sharp knife blade, a saw, various screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips), a bottle opener, a can opener, and more. It’s typically made from stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to rust, a key consideration in a potentially damp campervan environment. It often comes with a handy sheath for safe storage.
Why It's Good: Its primary benefit is versatility. Instead of rummaging for a dedicated screwdriver, pliers, or knife, you have a single, compact unit that handles 90% of minor issues. This means you don't need a bulky, rattling toolbox taking up precious space for every single eventuality. Tighten a loose cupboard hinge, open a stubborn tin of beans, trim a piece of rope, or even prune a small branch encroaching on your perfect wild camping pitch – it handles it all.
Practicality: In practice, this multi-tool saves time and frustration. Imagine needing to adjust a wonky table leg or open a packet with a tricky seal. Having this tool readily available avoids a frantic search. It’s perfect for those little jobs that crop up daily, making life on the road smoother and less stressful. For most builders, this is the first tool I recommend packing after the big build is done.
Price Point: For under twenty quid (£19.98), this multi-tool offers phenomenal value. Think of it as cheap insurance against minor annoyances and a solid investment in your self-sufficiency. Compared to buying each tool individually, it's a significant saving, both in cost and space.
Opinion: Don't skimp on a multi-tool. A cheap, flimsy one will inevitably snap or bend when you exert any real pressure, leaving you worse off than before. The GIRIAITUS model, for its price point, offers solid functionality and a decent build quality that will stand up to regular campervan use. It’s a reliable companion that will earn its keep many times over.
Weatherproofing & Outdoor Living
The UK weather is… varied, to put it mildly. One moment it’s glorious sunshine, the next a sudden downpour. Embracing the outdoors is central to the campervan experience, and with the right gear, you can extend your living space comfortably, come rain or shine. Awnings, shelters, and groundsheets are your friends here, protecting you from the elements and enhancing your pitch.
SolaDirect Heavy Duty Waterproof Tarpaulin for Campervans – £6.49
My Take: A tarpaulin is one of the most underrated pieces of camping gear. It's not just a piece of plastic; it's a versatile shelter, a robust groundsheet, an emergency repair kit, and so much more. Every campervan owner should have at least one. Seriously, it's that useful.
Features: This SolaDirect tarpaulin is described as "heavy duty" and "waterproof," which are the two key attributes you need. It typically comes with reinforced eyelets around the edges, allowing you to secure it with bungee cords, ropes, or pegs. Available in various sizes, you can choose one that suits your needs – perhaps a smaller one for a porch extension or a larger one for a full outdoor living area.
Why It's Good: Its primary benefit is its adaptability. It creates instant shade on a scorching day, protecting you from the sun's rays. When the inevitable rain arrives, it provides a dry, sheltered area, allowing you to still sit outside, cook, or simply enjoy the fresh air without getting soaked. As a groundsheet, it protects your tent, awning, or even just your outdoor chairs from wet, muddy ground. It can even be used as a temporary patch for a leaky roof or window (don't ask how I know this from personal experience!).
Practicality: In practice, this means you can set up a comfortable outdoor space quickly and easily. Attach one edge to your campervan with suction cups or bungee cords, prop up the other with poles, and you’ve got an instant canopy. It's far more flexible and less cumbersome than a full awning for quick overnight stops or impromptu picnics. For most builders, this is an essential item for extending your living space without the cost or complexity of a fixed awning.
Price Point: At an incredibly low £6.49, this is a ridiculously cheap item for its immense utility and versatility. You could buy several for the cost of a single specialised piece of gear, and still have change left over. Given its myriad uses, it offers outstanding value.
Opinion: Forget fancy, expensive pop-up gazebos for quick trips. A heavy-duty tarpaulin, a couple of poles, and some bungee cords are your best friends for flexible, adaptable outdoor living. The SolaDirect tarp provides robust protection and a surprising range of uses for very little outlay. I highly recommend buying two – a smaller one for quick shelter and a larger one for creating a proper outdoor zone. You won't regret it.
Environmental Control & Comfort
Campervans, by their very nature, are enclosed spaces. This means they can quickly become damp, cold, stuffy, or prone to condensation, especially during cooler months or prolonged wet spells in the UK. Managing your internal climate isn't just about comfort; it's crucial for protecting your van's interior, your belongings, and your health. Heating, ventilation, and dealing with moisture are key to a pleasant and healthy environment.
Hillington 1kg 2-Pack Reusable Car Dehumidifier Bags – £16.99
My Take: Damp is the silent enemy of campervans. It leads to condensation, musty smells, mould, and eventually, costly damage to fabrics, wood, and even electronics. Fighting it proactively is far better than reacting to its effects. These dehumidifier bags are a simple, effective, and often overlooked solution.
Features: This pack includes two 1kg bags filled with silica gel beads, a highly absorbent material known for its moisture-wicking properties. The brilliance of these bags lies in their reusability. Once saturated with moisture, they change colour, indicating they need drying out. You can then simply pop them in a microwave or a low oven for a specified time, reactivating the silica gel for countless uses. This means they’re an eco-friendly and cost-effective long-term solution.
Why It's Good: These bags actively absorb excess moisture from the air, significantly reducing condensation on windows and preventing that horrible damp, clammy feeling inside the van. This, in turn, stops mould and mildew from forming on fabrics, inside cupboards, or behind panels. They also combat that distinctive musty smell that often permeates damp spaces. They’re passive, requiring no power, and completely silent, making them ideal for continuous use.
Practicality: This means your bedding stays dry and fresh, your clothes don't smell musty, and you avoid costly, irreversible damage from damp. They are especially crucial during winter storage when the van is unused for extended periods, or during prolonged wet trips where drying laundry indoors is unavoidable. Just place them strategically: in cupboards, under beds, near windows, or even in seat bases. Their compact size allows them to be tucked away out of sight, working tirelessly in the background.
Price Point: At £16.99 for a two-pack, these reusable dehumidifier bags are an excellent value. Compared to disposable options which require constant replacement, or powered dehumidifiers that drain your leisure battery, these are a smart, economical choice for preventing much larger, more expensive problems down the line.
Opinion: Don't wait for mould to appear or for your windows to be streaming with condensation every morning. These Hillington dehumidifier bags are a simple, passive, and highly effective preventative measure. Recharging them is straightforward, and they provide continuous protection against damp. Every campervan, especially in the UK’s climate, benefits from these. Invest in them; your van and your lungs will thank you.
Sleeping & Lounging
A good night's sleep is non-negotiable for an enjoyable trip. Your bed setup is paramount. Prioritise comfort above all else. Memory foam toppers are a godsend, transforming even a basic rock-and-roll bed into a luxurious slumber zone. Invest in quality sleeping bags rated for UK temperatures, especially if you plan on year-round adventures. Don't forget blackout blinds for those long summer evenings and a couple of decent pillows.
Lighting & Power
From reading lights to charging your phone, reliable power and illumination are crucial. LED lights are incredibly efficient and now come in a huge variety of styles. Consider solar chargers for smaller devices and always have a robust power bank for emergencies. Redundancy is key here; always have a backup torch or headlamp – a flat leisure battery in the dark is no fun at all. Think about USB charging points too; they're incredibly convenient.
Personal Comfort & Hygiene
Even in a compact space, personal comfort matters. Microfibre towels are a game-changer as they dry incredibly fast and pack down tiny. Keep your toiletries compact and organised. A well-stocked campervan first aid kit is an absolute must, tailored for common camping mishaps like cuts, blisters, and insect bites. Small, quick-drying clotheslines and pegs are also surprisingly useful.
Beyond the Basics: What to Look for in Any Campervan Gear
When you're sifting through endless products, keep these core principles in mind. They’ll help you make smart choices that stand the test of time and the rigours of campervan life.
Durability: This is paramount. Campervan gear takes a beating. It gets packed, unpacked, bumped, scraped, and exposed to all sorts of weather. Cheap plastic breaks. Invest in robust materials like stainless steel, reinforced fabrics, and high-quality plastics. It needs to withstand bumps, scrapes, and the unpredictable British weather. A product that lasts five years is always cheaper than one you replace annually.
Size & Weight: Space is the ultimate luxury in a campervan. Every single item needs to earn its spot. Prioritise collapsible, stackable, and lightweight designs. If it doesn't pack down small or serve a vital purpose, reconsider. This means thinking about how things store when not in use, not just when they are in use.
Multi-Functionality: Does it do more than one thing? This is the holy grail of campervan gear. A chopping board that doubles as a drainer? A stool that's also a storage box? A table that packs into a bag? Yes, please. Items that serve multiple purposes reduce clutter and maximise utility. Look for products that offer clever, integrated features.
Ease of Cleaning & Maintenance: Mud happens. Spills happen. Dust accumulates. Can you easily wipe it down? Is it machine washable? Can it be dried quickly? Is it reusable rather than disposable? Gear that’s a nightmare to clean will quickly become gear you dread using. This is especially true for items used outdoors or in the kitchen.
Storage Solutions: Where will it live when not in use? This goes hand-in-hand with size and weight. If an item doesn't have a dedicated, convenient storage spot, it will inevitably end up rattling around, getting damaged, or just making your van feel messy. Think about how it packs away. Does it fit neatly into a cupboard, under a seat, or in a roof box?
UK Specifics: Is it suitable for varied UK climates? Does it perform well in damp, cold, or windy conditions? Can you easily buy spares, replacements, or accessories for it in the UK? Relying on obscure overseas brands can be a headache if something breaks mid-trip. British spellings aside, consider local retailer availability and warranty support.
Budgeting for Your Adventures: Spend Smart, Not Hard
Equipping a campervan can quickly become an expensive endeavour if you’re not careful. But you don't need to break the bank to have a fantastic setup. The trick is to spend smart and prioritise.
Prioritise: What's absolutely essential for safety and comfort? A good sleeping setup, basic cooking gear, and a reliable way to stay dry are non-negotiable. What's a luxury? That fancy espresso machine can wait if your budget is tight. Make a list of 'must-haves' and 'nice-to-haves'.
Start Small: You don't need everything at once. Build your kit over time. Get the absolute essentials for your first few trips, then gradually add items as you identify real needs and your budget allows. This also helps you figure out what you genuinely use and what you can live without.
Second-Hand Gems: Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, local selling groups, and charity shops are fantastic resources for finding quality used gear. People often upgrade or sell items they barely used. You can find everything from nearly new camping chairs to perfectly functional cooking equipment at a fraction of the retail price. Always check the condition thoroughly before buying.
DIY & Hacks: Sometimes, a clever DIY solution or a simple hack beats an expensive, purpose-built product. An old washing-up bowl can double as storage. Repurposed containers can organise your cupboards. Be creative! There are countless ideas online for budget-friendly campervan solutions.
Value vs. Cost: This is crucial. A £5 item that breaks on its first trip is ultimately more expensive than a £20 item that lasts for years. Always consider the longevity and reliability of a product. Investing a little more upfront in durable, well-made gear often saves you money and frustration in the long run. Read reviews, look for reputable brands, and think about how much use you'll get out of it.
Maintaining Your Kit: Keep It Ready for the Road
Your gear is an investment. Look after it, and it will look after you. A little bit of post-trip maintenance goes a long way.
- Clean Everything: After each trip, clean all your gear thoroughly. Wipe down cooking equipment, wash sleeping bags if needed, and clean any outdoor items. Mud and grime left on surfaces can lead to degradation over time.
- Dry Thoroughly: This is especially important for anything that gets wet. Tents, tarps, sleeping bags, and even clothes must be completely dry before storing. Damp leads to mould, mildew, and unpleasant smells, which can ruin gear and even impact your health.
- Check for Wear and Tear: Give your kit a quick inspection after each adventure. Are there any small rips, loose seams, or rusty spots? Repair small issues immediately before they become big, irreparable problems. A stitch in time saves nine, as they say.
- Store Logically: When not in use, store your gear in a clean, dry, and organised manner. This makes packing for your next adventure quicker and ensures items aren't damaged by being crushed or left in damp conditions. Use clear storage boxes for easy identification.
Hit the Road, Confident and Prepared
Campervan life is about freedom, adventure, and making memories. The right camping gear doesn't just make those memories possible; it makes them comfortable, enjoyable, and stress-free. From the clever, space-saving dish drainer to the indispensable multi-tool, and from the versatile tarp to the essential dehumidifier bags, every item plays a part in enhancing your experience.
Don't let inadequate gear dampen your spirits. Embrace the journey, be prepared for anything the British weather throws at you, and enjoy the incredible freedom that your campervan offers. At CamperBrain, we're here to help you find the best kit, so you can focus on what truly matters: the open road and the adventures that await. Happy travels!