The travel kit list: campervanning equipment for summer 2022

Make van life that bit easier with this selection of clever kit, from impressive multi tools to smart power stations.

By National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Published 19 Jul 2022, 13:02 BST
Clockwise from top left: Nemo Helio pressure shower; Voited CloudTouch blanket; Jackery Explorer 240 power station; Jetboil MiniMo stove.

Clockwise from top left: Nemo Helio pressure shower; Voited CloudTouch blanket; Jackery Explorer 240 power station; Jetboil MiniMo stove.

Photograph by National Geographic Traveller UK

Jackery Explorer 240 power station

Portable power in a small package that allows you to plug in one AC outlet, two USB-A charging devices and one DC car port, with 240 watt hours of power in the lithium-ion battery. That’s roughly 24 phone charges, or between three and four laptop charges. You can charge it up with Jackery’s add-on SolarSaga solar panel attachment or at the mains. An LCD screen helps you keep track of the charge. From £200, uk.jackery.com

Easy Camp Crowford vehicle awning

An inexpensive method of extending your living and working space while keeping sheltered from the elements, a vehicle awning is a must while traversing through changeable environments. Designed to secure to a range of van tailgates including the popular VW T5 and T6, this awning provides plenty of standing space, has a toggle-up door, plus an extra extendable canopy for greater sun and rain cover. £160.99, easycamp.com

Leatherman Signal multi-tool

With 19 well-built, sharp and sturdy tools in one, the Signal multi tool from go-to brand Leatherman doesn’t disappoint. While stiff on first opening, it quickly loosens up with use. Pliers separate the tool from the standard Swiss Army knife, which are useful for many a camping task like pulling out tent pegs, lifting hot lids or pulling nails from firewood. A handy clip allows you to slide it onto your belt or pocket so it’s always nearby. £165, leatherman.com

Jetboil MiniMo stove

It weighs in at just under 15 ounces, but Jetboil’s famously lightweight and fuel-efficient cooking system packs a lot of power — it can boil water in just two minutes and uses less fuel than standard camping cookers. It’s easy to use and assemble, has a sturdy base support and works well in light winds. Couple it with the add-on cooking pot for delicious meals. £118, jetboil.johnsonoutdoors.com

Clockwise from top left: Marshall Emberton II portable speaker; Outwell ECOcool 12V/230V Slate Grey 35 cool box; Easy Camp Crowford vehicle awning; Leatherman Signal multi-tool.

Photograph by National Geographic Traveller

Voited CloudTouch blanket

Sold in a range of unique designs, this blanket is smooth and silky on the outside, with a cosy almost faux-sheepskin material on the inside. It’s the product’s versatility that makes it stand out: side poppers allow you to wrap it round you like a shawl or fold it in half to make a sleeping bag. For extra warmth, multiple blankets can be attached together. It’s water resistant and machine washable, too. £120, voited.co.uk

Marshall Emberton II portable speaker

Satisfyingly weighty and with a rich bass sound, the second incarnation of Marshall’s celebrated Bluetooth speaker packs over 30 hours of playtime on a single charge. It has a resilient IP67 dust and water-resistance rating making it outdoors-friendly and is made from 50% post-consumer plastic. With multidirectional sound from its two-sided speakers, audio will travel around the vicinity rather than in one direction. £149.99, marshallheadphones.com

Nemo Helio pressure shower

A simple idea that works terrifically: Nemo’s high pressure portable shower employs a foot pump, allowing for far greater shower pressure than the standard gravity-powered camping shower. There’s no need to hang it: the tank can be left on the ground. It has an 11-litre capacity, a seven-foot shower hose and packs neatly away, too. £119.99, nemoequipment.com

Outwell ECOcool 12V/230V Slate Grey 35 cool box

Designed for the road, this 35-litre PU-insulated cool box is charged in-car at the cigarette lighting point (or alternatively at the mains) and can keep food and drink 18-25C cooler than the outside temperature or warmed to around 50-60C. The cable stores away neatly in the lid and inside a rectangular water bottle doubles up as an ice pack. The interior of the cool box is treated with a biocidal to prevent bacteria build-up. £172.99, outwell.com

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