Essential Winter Van Life Gear: Must-Haves for Cold-Weather Camping
Passing the winter in a van or RV is 100% doable—with the right gear, it’s actually fun.
Most RV enthusiasts reserve camping for spring, summer, and fall, when roads and trails are free from snow and they don’t have to worry about their pipes freezing. If you’re skipping winter RV or van life, you might be missing out! Winter camping can be just as thrilling as any other season—if you’re prepared.
With the right cold-weather camping gear, you’ll stay cozy, entertained, and well-equipped to handle whatever the colder months throw at you. We’ve rounded up the must-haves for keeping your RV warm, cooking hearty meals, and safely navigating snowy roads so you can have an unforgettable winter adventure.
If you’re looking for gear, check out the TravlFi guide to the best camping gear deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Comfort, Convenience, and Heat Items
Your winter camping packing list starts here: Don’t hit the road without these items.
- Diesel or gas heater: Whether your rig has a generator or a heater that runs off of the fuel tank, gas or diesel heaters are more efficient than electric ones and tend to heat up small areas faster.
- Space heaters: An alternative to an integrated heater, an indoor-friendly space heater can keep the interior of your van or RV toasty. Consider additional outdoor space heaters for when you don’t want to build a fire.
- Hand warmers: For particularly cold nights or outdoor adventures, stock up on hand warmers to put in your gloves and boots.
- Insulated window covers: These keep cold drafts from entering through glass and plastic, which are terrible insulators on their own.
- Dehumidifier: Small but mighty, a dehumidifier keeps condensation from building up inside the van.
- Squeegee: You may find yourself in need of a squeegee to clear the inside and/or outside of your windshield from condensation, especially in the mornings.
- Extra propane: You will use much more propane in the winter than in warmer months, so have a plan for storing extra or filling up more frequently.
- Warm bedding: Try natural down or wool blankets for extra warmth.
- Extra blankets: Make sure to have throws for seating areas, and for the bed if needed.
- RV antifreeze: If you are camping in below-freezing weather, consider dry camping and running antifreeze through your plumbing to prevent pipes from freezing.
- RV skirt: This insulates the undercarriage of your RV or van and prevents exposed components from freezing.
- All-terrain tires or snow tires: A nonnegotiable item, good tires (in good condition) help you safely drive on roads with ice or snow.
- Tire chains: If traveling through areas with particularly heavy snow, keep tire chains at the ready.
Emergency Items
- Carbon monoxide detector: This is essential, especially if you are using propane-, gas-, or diesel-run appliances inside your rig.
- Fire extinguisher: Always have at least one handy in case of emergencies.
- First aid kit: Keep it stocked with wound care supplies and a variety of medications for pain, insect bites, scrapes, cuts, burns, and minor illnesses.
- Emergency blankets: In a worst-case scenario, these tin foil-like blankets can help keep you warm while you wait for help.
- Flashlights, headlamps, and batteries: For early, long nights and in case of problems with your electrical system.
- Jump starter cables or portable jump starter: Batteries are prone to dying in very cold weather, so be ready for an emergency jump.
- Spare tire and tire jack: And know how to use them!
- Roadside assistance plan: It never hurts to have roadside assistance, especially when driving conditions are more dangerous.
- Nonperishable food: Keep canned and dry foods on hand in case you wind up somewhere longer than you planned.
Kitchen Items
- Safe indoor cooktop: You probably won’t want to cook outside, so either an integrated gas or electric cooktop, or an induction cooktop (mainly for vans), is ideal for making meals indoors.
- Coffee maker: What’s a snowy morning without a hot cup of coffee?
- Insulated thermos: Keep drinks warm with a high-quality insulated mug.
- Slow cooker: While a van’s electric system may not be able to support a slow cooker, it’s a great option for generator-powered RVs to make hearty meals.
Outdoor Items
- Snow shovel: To help clear a path around your camp and to get out of your campsite if needed.
- Ice scraper: This item is helpful for gently removing ice from windows, solar panels, and other delicate places.
- Outdoor mat: Choose a rubber one with good drainage to minimize messes inside.
- Firewood cover: You’ll want a dry, covered spot to store firewood. A simple tarp can work.
- Marshmallow roasters: For all those S’mores you’ll be making!
Clothing and Shoes
- Waterproof insulated boots: You’ll want boots that extend above the ankle for the best shot at keeping your feet dry.
- Gaiters: These connect your boots to your pants to keep snow from entering your boots.
- Thermal socks: Wool is a good choice.
- Thermal underwear (long underwear): The first step to a good, effective layering system.
- Insulated mittens or gloves: Make sure they are waterproof.
- Warm hat or ear mitts: If your ears are cold, you’re cold.
- Scarves or ski masks: Protect your lips, cheeks, and nose when spending time outside in very cold temperatures.
Indoor Fun
- Board games and cards: When the weather’s bad, pass time indoors with games.
- Portable wifi device: Like TravlFi’s Journey 1 LTE hotspot or XTR Pro 5G Router.
- Laptop: For working remotely, streaming movies, or playing games.
Outdoor Recreation
- Snowshoes: Not only do snowshoes enable you to go out on trails, but they make it easier to walk around camp, too.
- Cross-country skis: Fun alternative to hiking in the winter months.
- Sleds: Does it get more fun than sledding?
- Downhill skis/snowboards: Join the winter van-lifers spending these cold months at ski resorts.
Pet Care
- Booties: These will protect your pets’ feet when playing outside or hiking in the snow.
- Waterproof jackets: Keep your pups dry on hikes with a doggie rain jacket.
- Waterproof pet beds: Waterproof fabric will be easier to clean when pets inevitably track mud into the RV.
- Paw protection balm: Moisturizes dry, cracked paw pads which can occur in the dry winter air.
FAQs
What’s the best winter camping gear?
The best winter camping gear includes a reliable heat source, such as a diesel heater or space heater, insulated window covers to retain warmth, warm bedding, and a dehumidifier to manage condensation. Don’t forget safety items like a carbon monoxide detector, roadside assistance kit, and emergency blankets.
What should be on my winter camping packing list?
Your winter camping packing list should include essentials for heat and comfort, like a portable heater and thermal blankets; safety gear like a first aid kit and spare tire; and outdoor items like snow shovels and waterproof clothing. Adding items for indoor entertainment and outdoor recreation will enhance your experience.
How cold is too cold for RV living?
Most RVs can handle temperatures as low as 20°F with proper preparation, such as using RV antifreeze, insulating windows, and skirting your RV. However, extremely cold conditions below 0°F can be challenging, even for winterized rigs, without advanced heating systems.
TravlFi Takeaways
Gear up properly for winter van life to ensure a safe and enjoyable adventure. Keep these key points in mind:
- Prioritize heating and insulation to stay warm.
- Stock up on emergency and safety essentials.
- Prepare for fun with indoor and outdoor activities.
- Equip your RV or van with kitchen tools for hearty meals.
- Consider planning your travels around the best national parks to visit in winter.
Ready to brave the winter months in your rig? With TravlFi, you can stream holiday movies, work from your RV, call for roadside assistance, and more. See our data plans for more info.
