The Sol Wanderer

The Packing Guide

What I thought I needed. What I know I need.

Not specific to any one trip — a cross-template idea bank. Steal what's useful, add it to any of your lists.

Sleep

Think about: How long will you be out? A topper works for weekends. If you're living in it for weeks at a time, invest in a proper mattress. And test your bedding at home first.

  • Bedding (tested at home before you leave)
  • Mattress topper or replacement mattress
  • Your pillow
  • Temperature layers (blanket one weight heavier than you think)
  • Noise-canceling headphones or ear plugs

Power & Light

Think about: How you camp determines everything here. Boondocking means a portable power station is non-negotiable. Full hookups give you more flexibility — but a surge protector protects your rig either way.

  • Portable power station (BLUETTI or similar)
  • Heavy-duty extension cord (outdoor rated, good gauge)
  • Surge protector (Power Watchdog recommended)
  • Adapters and dogbones (30/50 amp + 15/20 amp)
  • Headlamp with red night-vision mode
  • Small interior light (LED lantern or reading light)
  • Phone charger + backup battery bank

Water

Think about: Do you drink from your tanks? I don't. Supplementary containers and a counter pump give me fresh water without touching the tanks — and keep the tanks for road bathroom use.

  • Fresh water in tanks
  • Supplementary 5 or 6-gallon containers
  • Battery-powered counter pump with spigot
  • At least two hoses (Zero G from Apex recommended)
  • Pressure regulator
  • Water filter (for campsite hookups)

Kitchen

Think about: Cook what you actually make at home, not what you imagine you'll make on the road. And for your first days — especially a long drive — bring prepared meals. Future you will be grateful.

  • Electric kettle (runs off power station or shore power)
  • Stovetop kettle (backup + propane-free travel days)
  • AeroPress
  • Small pot and solid pan
  • Basic pantry staples (salt, pepper, spices, oil, peanut butter)
  • Prepared meals for first days on the road
  • Dish soap, sponge, small drying rack
  • Utensils, paper plates, trash bags, zip lock bags
  • Trash system (hanging bin or under-sink bag)

Safety & Connection

Think about: Don't skip the safety items thinking you won't need them. Practice changing your camper tires at home before you're on the side of a highway. Know your systems cold before you leave.

  • Starlink Mini (or hotspot backup)
  • Bear spray
  • Tire pressure monitor system
  • Rear camera
  • Lithium jumpstart pack
  • Breaker bar + jack rated for your camper
  • Cordless drill
  • Hitch lock + door lock

Comfort

Think about: One night with a noisy furnace cycling on and off all night will teach you things no packing list can. The Dreo heater changed everything for me. Don't underestimate what makes sleep possible.

  • Battery-powered portable fan (Venty recommended)
  • Ceramic space heater for shore power nights (Dreo recommended)

Organization

Think about: In a small camper, organization is the difference between calm and chaos. Check Daiso before Amazon — it's a goldmine for small-space bins and organizers at a fraction of the cost.

  • Command hooks + suction cup hooks
  • Bins and fabric baskets (Target fabric baskets are great)
  • Kitchen drawer organizers
  • Shelf liner throughout
  • Collapsible totes for under-bed storage

Dogs

Think about: Their needs are just as non-negotiable as yours. Pre-portion their food before you leave. Pack more treats than you think you need. Treats are currency on the road.

  • Their bed or a familiar blanket
  • Food (pre-portioned and ready)
  • Treats (more than you think)
  • Spill-proof water bowl
  • Leashes (more than one for multiple dogs)
  • Poop bags (always more than you think)

The Extras That Earn Their Space

Think about: The Day Three orders are often the ones you'll never camp without again. These are mine.

  • Dehumidifier bags (closets, under bed, storage areas)
  • Microfiber quick-dry towels
  • Zippered cord/cable pouch + velcro ties
  • Zip ties (you will use them)
  • Felt furniture strips (for blinds at 2 a.m.)
  • Muddy Mat for the entryway

The Things That Just Make It Home

Think about: Not everything earns its space by being practical. Some things earn their space by being yours.

  • A disco ball. It does nothing. It is perfect.
  • A little pot of succulents in a bird-shaped pot. Something living. Something that needs tending.
  • Taylor Swift heart hands. Non-negotiable. Always.
  • A paint by numbers kit. For a slow afternoon later this summer when there's nowhere to be.
  • Your thing here. The one with no practical justification that makes you happy every single day.

Roam. Reclaim. Rise. · Keep Moving.