Whether you are an experienced RVer or a first timer, these packing essentials are essentials across the board. It also doesn’t matter if you are RVing in the heat of the desert or in the middle of a snow storm (trust me, have done both).
Recently my husband and I spent 10 days traveling across southern Utah in a 36 foot Outdoorsy RV, visiting every single National Park. It was the most amazing experience but this list would have helped us a ton. So needless to say we have put this list to use due to trial and error.
I mean should go without saying BUT definitely will need to bring a first aid kit. Not all rentals will have a first aid kit, and even if they do you don’t know what it has or what it might be missing. There are a ton of options when it comes to packable first aid kits. You’ll want to look for the basics like bandaids, tape, flashlight, batteries, ect. But also be mindful of what you might need for the climate you’re traveling to. For example, if you are heading into the desert then a snake bite kit would be important. Or if you’re heading into the mountains poison ivy relief could come in handy. I will usually add or subtract from my essential emergency kit depending on where we are heading. But this basic kit from Amazon has all the key things incase sh*t goes sideways.
2. Blankets
Again, even if you are in the desert heat or a snow storm, BRING BLANKETS! Especially if you are renting an RV like we did, you just never know what will be provided in terms of bedding and how clean… I like to bring our own sheets, pillows, comforter because I’m a self proclaimed sleep snob. Some rental RV’s will provide some or all of your bedding needs, but nights get cold in the mountains and desert so having extra blankets on deck is always a good idea. Not that you need me to tell you but there are a wide variety of blankets out there my friends. But when it comes to camping or RV-ing, I always have a stack of these Mexican Blankets. They are great for cozying up by the fire, using as a picnic blanket, and dogs, kids, and your weird boondocking neighbor will all love them.
While RVing does give you more flexibility when it comes to having lights and electricity than you would with backpacking or tent camping, it’s smart never to fully rely on the RV for everything. Especially if you plan on boon docking (Parking without plugins to electricity and sewage) It’s also nice to have a hanging lantern to get to and from the campfire, getting something out of storage, or if you’re like my husband, peeing in the great outdoors. We use these outdoor lanterns because they are both solar powered and can be charged through USB while you are driving You don’t have to worry about batteries or plugging it in. Just remember to set it outside during the day to power up. The other nice thing about lanterns vs flashlights is being able to hang it on a hook for some overhead lighting.
4. Tupperware
This might be my number one if it weren’t for ya know.. safety, site, and warmth. It’s super easy to get unorganized living in such a small space for so long. But if we can do it at 6’6” and 6’, habitual over packers, and big eaters, I promise you can stay organized too. The biggest help for staying organized is using Tupperware of literally all sizes, but most importantly the giant tubs. Having things separated out and organized to put in the cabinets or under the RV in storage is such a massive help. There’s nothing worse than having no clue where you put something and magically lose it in 100 square feet. It’s maddening. Trust me… I know. It’s also really nice to have these when you are on the road and hit a pothole.
5. BioLite Campstove
This is one of my all time favorite products because it literally has it all! Grill, french press, boil water, CHARGE YOUR PHONE…yeah…it’s amazing. The best part is that it is also great for backpacking or camping. But we ALWAYS use it on our RV trips too. I am a huge sucker for cooking outside and this is the perfect set up. The French press/pitcher is huge and holds lots of coffee. We also forgot a bowl on one backpacking trip so it doubled as a mixing bowl for pancakes. The grill is run with a fan and a spot for a few sticks and fire starter and the power from that will charge your phone, watch, lantern, whatever! So not only does is this Campstove incredibly cool and handy, it is also great for safety if again, sh*t goes sideways… which if you go camping enough, it will.
