Van life is more than just a way to travel—it's a lifestyle. It offers a rare combination of freedom, adventure, and simplicity. Whether you're setting out for a long weekend or planning an extended trip through Europe, converting your vehicle into a living space requires a thoughtful approach to comfort, storage, and functionality.

Outwell provides everything you need to make your van life setup both practical and inspiring. Our range of tents, awnings, furniture, and accessories help you shape a living space that feels like home—no matter where you park.

Best campsites and stopovers: Tips for choosing the right spot

One of the greatest advantages of van life is the freedom to choose your surroundings. Whether you prefer nature, city access, or scenic views, knowing how to find and evaluate good spots makes all the difference.

Dedicated campsites offer amenities like water, electricity, toilets, and even Wi-Fi. They're ideal for longer stays or when you need to recharge and reset. Look for ones with shade, level ground, and enough space to deploy your awning or furniture.

If you’re after solitude, wild camping or free stopovers can be magical. Use apps like Park4Night, iOverlander, or Campercontact to find verified spots with reviews. Always check local laws and follow the 'leave no trace' principle to preserve natural areas.

Here are some quick tips:

• Avoid sloped ground—it can affect cooking, sleeping, and comfort
• Choose spots with natural wind barriers like trees or cliffs
• Be mindful of proximity to roads, lights, or noisy neighbors
• Always park respectfully, especially in residential or shared-use areas

Outwell products are built to make any stop feel like home—whether you're at a busy campground or parked beside a tranquil lake.

Van life essentials: What do you need?

Building your perfect van life setup begins with identifying the essentials. While every traveller’s priorities are different, certain pieces of gear are considered foundational. These include:

• A drive-away awning or tailgate canopy for expanded living space
• A reliable sleeping system, including a high-quality mattress and sleeping bag
• A compact kitchen setup for safe, efficient cooking
• Storage solutions that optimize space and accessibility
• Foldable furniture for indoor and outdoor use

With Outwell’s wide selection of van life equipment, you can build a setup that reflects your travel style and supports long-term comfort.

Vehicle Awnings: Expanding your living space

Why should every van lifer consider adding a vehicle awning? Because space matters—especially when you're living, cooking, and sleeping in a compact environment. When your van is also your bedroom, kitchen, and storage unit, even a small amount of extra space can make a big difference in your daily routines and overall comfort. Awnings offer a flexible, sheltered extension of your van that turns outdoor space into functional living areas. Whether you’re setting up camp for a few hours or a few days, an awning can become your go-to zone for cooking meals, relaxing in a chair with a good book, or changing clothes without needing to crouch inside your van.

Outwell vehicle awnings are built with real-life use in mind. They’re quick to set up—even solo—thanks to intuitive designs and practical features. You can choose from poled models for classic durability or air awnings for rapid inflation and effortless pitching. Both options are engineered to handle diverse weather conditions, from bright sun to wind and rain, so you can feel confident in your setup wherever the road takes you.

Beyond comfort and convenience, an awning also adds structure to your camp. It creates a sense of “home base,” especially valuable when travelling with others or staying at a busy campsite. You gain more flexibility in how you use your van—freeing up the interior for sleeping or storage, while shifting daily activities like eating, reading, or gear prep to the covered outdoor space. Whether you're an occasional weekend camper or living full-time on the road, a high-quality awning is one of the smartest upgrades you can make to elevate your van life experience.

Van life accessories: Making every journey comfortable

It’s often the small things that make the biggest difference. Van life camping accessories are key to enhancing your daily routines on the road—helping you stay organized, comfortable, and relaxed.

Some of the most popular van life accessories include:

• Awning carpets to insulate and soften your living area
• Magnetic strip connectors for fast setup
• Collapsible bins for smart storage
• Lighting options for both ambient and task use

These accessories can transform your setup from basic to refined—and help you settle in quickly when you arrive at a new destination.

Camper van mats and sleeping Bags: Sleep well anywhere

When living in a van, sleep is everything. When you’re on the road, your rest directly impacts your energy levels, mood, and ability to enjoy your surroundings. The better you sleep, the more vibrant and ready you’ll be to take on your next adventure—whether that’s a hike through the forest, a visit to a nearby town, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors. That’s why creating a comfortable and supportive sleeping setup is not just a luxury, but an absolute necessity.

Outwell’s camper van mats are purpose-built for vehicle interiors, providing the ideal balance of cushioning and insulation. These mats are designed to fit perfectly in the often awkward and compact space inside a van, offering thermal protection from the cold ground, and ensuring you stay warm and cozy even on the chilliest nights. Plus, when not in use, they roll up neatly and compactly, saving valuable space in your van for other essentials.

Pair them with our durable, temperature-rated sleeping bags, you’re set for a comfortable night’s rest, no matter where your travels take you. Whether you're camping high in the mountains, by the seaside, or nestled in the woods, the combination of our high-performance mats and sleeping bags provides a restful sleep experience that enhances your time on the road. With the right setup, you can enjoy deep, undisturbed sleep, so you’re always ready to embrace the next day’s adventure with energy and enthusiasm.

Van life kitchenware: Cooking in compact spaces

Van life cooking doesn’t have to mean compromises. With the right camping cooking equipment, you can make everything from hearty breakfasts to one-pot dinners—right from your camp setup.

Outwell’s kitchen range includes portable stoves, windshields, foldable tables, and heat-resistant cookware and the high quality compressor coolboxes, just to put between the seats. Everything is designed to pack small and work reliably—even in the wind or light rain.

Choose camping kitchen gear that matches your habits: minimal for quick overnights, or comprehensive for longer stays with gourmet potential.

Smart storage hacks for compact living

Efficient storage is the foundation of a pleasant van life experience. When space is limited, every item should have a designated place and ideally serve more than one purpose.

Start with vertical space. Install hanging organisers on the backs of seats or cabinet doors. Use stackable boxes and storage cubes to utilize height inside cupboards. Magnetic strips are useful for holding metal items like kitchen tools or keys.

Under-bed and bench storage is ideal for larger items like bedding, chairs, or kitchen gear. Use labelled packing cubes or color-coded bags to sort by category—this makes finding what you need fast and frustration-free. Don’t forget about external storage. A rooftop box or rear-mounted cargo carrier expands capacity without compromising interior living space. Just ensure they’re securely mounted and weather-resistant.

To keep clutter down, adopt a 'one in, one out' rule: for every new item, remove something you no longer use. This keeps your van light, organized, and peaceful. Outwell’s smart storage gear—from folding cupboards to multi-use bags—helps bring order and calm to your mobile lifestyle.

Comfortable camping furniture for Van Life

No van setup is complete without a space to sit, eat, and relax. Camping furniture is essential for comfort—and when it folds down flat, it’s also space efficient.

Outwell’s range includes:

• Padded, adjustable chairs for lounging or dining
• Compact tables for cooking or working
• Storage units that double as benches or shelves

All furniture is rigorously tested and built for outdoor use—meaning it’ll hold up to frequent packing, unpacking, and long hours spent outside.

Weather-Proofing your setup: Van life in all seasons

Van life isn't just for summer. With the right preparation and gear, you can comfortably travel year-round—experiencing snow-covered mountains, vibrant autumn forests, and quiet off-season coastlines. However, living in a van during colder months or extreme heat requires some strategic adjustments.

Start with insulation. Whether you're in a converted camper or a panel van, adding thermal insulation to doors, windows, and roof panels helps regulate indoor temperatures. Consider insulated window covers, thermal mats under your mattress, and draft stoppers around door edges.

For winter camping, it’s important to retain warmth. Layer your bedding with fleece blankets or thermal sleeping bag liners. Portable heaters powered by safe fuel sources can add warmth—just ensure good ventilation and follow safety guidelines. Awning carpets and floor mats also help reduce heat loss from the ground.

In hot climates, ventilation and shade are critical. Roof vents, window deflectors, and pop-up canopies help move hot air out and create cooler spaces outside. Reflective window shades and roof fans further help keep temperatures manageable.

No matter the season, Outwell offers gear specifically designed to handle the elements—so you can stay comfortable while making the most of your surroundings.

Finances and budgeting for van life

Living the van life can be financially liberating, but it requires thoughtful planning and budgeting. The initial costs typically include purchasing a van and converting it into a livable space. Prices vary widely depending on the model, age, and condition of the vehicle, as well as the complexity of the conversion. Some choose to convert their van using recycled materials to save money, while others invest in professional builds for added comfort and efficiency.

Once on the road, you’ll need to account for ongoing expenses such as fuel, insurance, maintenance, food, and occasional camping fees. Cooking your meals, traveling slowly, and choosing free overnight spots can help reduce costs significantly. To manage your finances effectively, it’s wise to track your spending regularly and maintain an emergency fund for unexpected repairs or medical needs. Many van lifers also support their travels through remote work or freelance jobs, which provide income flexibility while on the move.

Work and income opportunities on the road

Sustaining the van life lifestyle often depends on finding flexible ways to earn money while traveling. Remote work is an increasingly popular option. Many van lifers take advantage of digital platforms to offer services such as writing, graphic design, virtual assistance, or online teaching. These types of jobs only require a stable internet connection and a laptop, allowing you to work from virtually anywhere.

Others prefer more hands-on roles like seasonal work at national parks or event staffing. These opportunities can provide both income and valuable experiences in new locations. Some also explore entrepreneurial avenues, creating handmade goods or managing blogs and YouTube channels that document their travels. Regardless of the path you choose, having a strong online presence and networking with fellow van lifers can open doors to various income streams that align with a mobile lifestyle.

Health, safety, and hygiene

Maintaining your health and hygiene is essential when living in a van. Cleanliness can be managed creatively using public facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, or campgrounds, as well as portable solar showers and simple sponge baths when necessary. For toileting needs, many van lifers rely on portable toilets or composting systems, while public restrooms remain a convenient option in towns and cities. Doing laundry at laundromats is common, though some use compact washing tools for smaller loads.

Keeping fit and healthy on the road is easier when incorporating regular physical activities like hiking, yoga, or cycling into your routine. A balanced diet also plays a vital role—home-cooked meals and fresh produce can support overall wellness. Safety should never be overlooked; choosing well-lit and legal parking spots, securing your vehicle with proper locks, and maintaining regular contact with friends or family enhances both personal and vehicle safety. A stocked first-aid kit and a plan for emergencies are always worth having on board.

Discover more: Van life tips and guides

Want to take your van life experience even further? Visit our Van Life Buying Guide for more tips, detailed product comparisons, and inspiration from other travellers. Whether you’re setting up your first van or upgrading your gear, our guide is designed to help you make the right choices.

Begin your van life adventure with Outwell Today

Your van is more than just a vehicle—it’s a base for adventure, connection, and discovery. With Outwell, you get gear that’s built to enhance every journey: practical, durable, and stylish. From compact sleeping solutions to smart awnings and kitchen setups, we offer everything you need to create a van life setup that works for you. Start your next adventure with Outwell, and turn your van into a space you’ll love coming back to—again and again.