The minimum viable setup for overnighting in your van without spending a fortune. This gets you comfortable, dry, and hidden.
| Item | Pick | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeping pad | Therm-a-Rest ProLite 2 | $65 | R-value 4.5, packs small, works in most van floors |
| Window covers | DIY blackout curtains (velcro) | $30 | Cheap, effective, makes windows invisible from outside |
| Lighting | Red-light headlamp + USB puck light | $25 | Red preserves night vision, no exterior glow |
| Power bank | Anker 20,000mAh | $45 | Charges phone/laptop for a week without solar |
| Cooking | Solo stove + titanium pot | $35 | Lightweight, fast, no smell. Use outside the van. |
| Water | 5-gal jerrycan + Sawyer filter | $40 | Filter from any tap or stream. No electricity needed. |
| Insulation | Reflective bubble wrap (R-5) on windows | $20 | Cuts heat loss by 50%, prevents condensation |
| Tarps / rain | 10x10 poly tarp | $15 | Emergency rain cover for gear or cooking area |
Total: ~$275 - You can sleep in your van tonight, hidden and dry, for less than the cost of one hotel room per week.
Add real power, heating, and comfort. This is the sweet spot for full-time vanlife on a budget.
| Item | Pick | Price | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar panel | Renogy 100W flexible | $250 | Conforms to van roof, 5A into battery in full sun |
| Charge controller | Victron SmartSolar 10/50 | $80 | MPPT, 30% more harvest than PWM, Bluetooth monitoring |
| Battery | LiFePO4 100Ah (Renogy / Battle Born) | $450-$700 | 2,800Wh usable, 4,000+ cycles, no maintenance |
| Inverter | Renogy 300W pure sine | $120 | Powers laptop, phone chargers, small fan. No generator needed. |
| Heating | Webasto Air Top 20 (or diesel: Espar) | $800-$1,200 | Runs off diesel tank, heats in -20F weather, silent |
| Water heater | Dometic 2L electric | $150 | Hot showers with 2 liters. Runs off 12V battery. |
| Fridge | Alpicool 45L compressor | $350 | Real cooling (not absorption), runs 1-2A, keeps food safe |
| Insulation | Great Wave / Xtherm panels on walls+floor | $200 | R-13 equivalent, cuts condensation, quiets road noise |
Total: ~$2,500 - $3,500 - Self-sufficient for weeks. Heat in winter, cold food, hot water, and enough power for a laptop + phone indefinitely.
For full-time overlanders who want AC, large battery banks, and no compromises. See our dedicated build guides: