"It's the little things that make the big difference." When it comes to camping, it's the mini-life hacks that make living and traveling in a van simpler and more enjoyable.
We've compiled a ranking of some of them for you here.
#1 vanlife hacks: dry toilet
First things first, everyone has to go. When the sanitary facilities were closed during the pandemic, all campers had to be self-sufficient. It was a prerequisite to have your own toilet on board. Apart from that, the toilet in the bus is always handy. Or would you like to go out at night in wind and weather? Also the spade-burying action is not everyone's cup of tea and the forest is not always within easy reach.
If you have already had experience with a composting toilet, you won't give it away again. It works completely without water, is very hygienic and protects the environment.
The compact black Eurobox is equipped with two separate containers - a leak-proof canister to catch the urine and a container for the "big business". The very separation of big and small prevents odor-causing ammonia from forming.
If you put a compostable bag in the container for the solid waste, it is even easier to dispose of it and keep your toilet clean. Simply remove the bag and its contents - feces, toilet paper and litter - and throw it in the trash.
What do you need the litter for? It absorbs moisture and also prevents odors from developing. You can either empty the urine canister into the nearest toilet or pour it diluted into the forest.
With the composting toilet you have a sustainable alternative to the chemical toilet. To decompose your waste, the tanks are filled with chemicals. The result is a smelly all kinds of broth, which you have to dispose of specially, which is often disgusting. You can solve these problems with a composting toilet.
2nd place vanlife hacks: pocket shower + all-in-one detergent
Let's stay on the topic of hygiene when it comes to the next hacks.
A pocket shower is nothing more than a black bag with a shower. This allows you to store the shower space-saving and always have the opportunity to feel really fresh and clean again - without having to drive to extra campsites or queue for showers. Simply fill the bag with water, let the sun heat the water and enjoy your shower in the open air.
Because your shower water will seep directly into the ground, you'll need biodegradable shower gel and shampoo. Instead of taking lots of individual products with you, it's worth looking for all-in-one solutions. This way you have shower gel, shampoo, detergent and dishwashing liquid in one.
3rd place in vanlife hacks: Multifunctional bed
So that you have enough space in your campervan and can still sleep comfortably for two, a pull-out bed is the perfect solution. This allows you to push the bed together and use it as a couch during the day. The space underneath is suitable for more storage.
To build your own pull-out bed, you can check out the DIY tutorials on YouTube.
6th place in the vanlife hacks: water filter to go
So that you can fill up your water bottles and water canisters with germ-free free water at any time, a water filter to go is one of the life hacks you should not do without.
4th place vanlife hacks: storage boxes and labeling device
A labeling device seems unimportant at first, but it helps to keep order in the camper. If you have everything labeled and know where what belongs, then you can find your way easier, because you do not have to open each box to see what's inside. You can see it directly on the label. Especially if you are traveling as a couple or with friends, this is a cool hack.
If you also use storage boxes, then your things are grouped and you avoid having to rummage through the entire compartment looking for the right piece of clothing.
So storage boxes and a labeler are among the tips and tricks to prevent chaos from breaking out in your campervan.
6th Vanlife Hacks: Camping Oven
If you are traveling longer in your campervan, you may want to expand your cooking options. So you can cook your favorite dishes from the oven also on the road. How about casseroles, pizza or cakes, for example?
Simply described, the camping oven is a three-piece mold designed so you can bake over the fire or on your gas stove. Definitely something that will enrich your camping kitchen.
Conclusion camper life hacks
Even if you can macgywern many things while camping, you need good solutions for some problems in advance - especially for situations that are commonplace, otherwise they could annoy you over time.
In this article you have a few life hacks at hand, as...
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... the dry toilet makes your van life more pleasant.
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... shower without queuing at campsites.
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...a pull-out bed combines the needs of comfortable sleeping and more space.
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... you can filter water from nature for free.
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... a labeling device and storage boxes ensure order.
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... you can use your camping oven to prepare your favorite dishes such as casseroles, cakes and more on the go.
