Favorite RV and Travel Gear
My friends the Wynns may have put it best on their own gear page:
“We’re not encouraging consumerism, but any grand adventure requires some gear.”
I strive to collect mostly great experiences in my travels, but out of necessity need some tangible items that can make life on the move easier and more enjoyable.
Here you’ll find recommendations of products or services that I regularly use (or have used in the past) and love. Just as I’ve learned countless useful tips from other bloggers’ recommendations, I hope someone else may benefit from this list!
Disclaimer: Snowmads.blog is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide site owners with some revenue by advertising and linking to Amazon.com products. Some of these products also will give me a discount on my next order if you click my referral link.
If you don’t need anything currently but enjoy my site, coming back here to click one of my Amazon links (or this generic link to the Amazon homepage) before you make your next purchase can help cover costs to keep my site up and running and buy more doggie treats. 🐕
Product Categories:
- Bathroom
- Bedroom
- Clothing
- Electronics
- Exterior + Ford Transit van accessories
- Kitchen
- Outdoors
- Pets
- RV Renovation
- Software and Memberships
Bathroom
Mesh Pocket Shower and Bathroom Organizer
Mesh pocket bathroom organizer with rust-proof metal grommets and 3 metal over the door hooks. It can also can use your existing shower curtain hooks or be attached to a wall or inside a cabinet door. A great way to keep things organized and in easy view in an RV.
Buy on Amazon
Extend A Shower Hinged Shower Curtain Rod
Extend A Shower is like having an RV slide-out for your shower – this is one of my easiest and favorite modifications I’ve done in my van. Fits 35″ to 42″ wide showers, and when not in use it folds out of the way with no tools required. Can also be used to dry laundry and towels over your shower. Available in white, chrome, and bronze.
Buy on Amazon
Stick-On Wall Bath or Kitchen Caddy/Shelf
I have one of these 3M kitchen caddies that I actually use on the wall in my van’s bathroom/shower for shampoo, soap, and other toiletries, because in the RV’s wet bath it drains any remaining water out quickly. It also works great inside a cabinet door, or anywhere you need some storage that will keep taller items from falling over while on the move.
Buy on Amazon
Poo-Pourri Bathroom Spray
Poo-Pourri is straight-up magical. Simply spray a bit into the toilet bowl water prior to “the big event” and the essential oil forms a barrier on the top of the water, preventing those stinky odors from escaping. Whether that actually is magical or not is irrelevant, because if you live in a small space – especially with someone else you care for – and you do #2 in your bathroom, this stuff can save relationships. It can also be used in smelly trashcans, storage boxes, litter box areas, etc to get rid of odors.
Buy on Amazon
Happy Campers Organic RV Holding Tank Treatment
After years of trial and error, this is the best RV holding tank treatment I’ve tried, and many other RVers swear by it too. Organic, biodegradable, environmentally-friendly, septic-tank-friendly, and most importantly: no more gross smells coming up into my bathroom! A little bit goes a long way.
Buy on Amazon
Bedroom
Macrame Wall Art and Organizing Pocket
I bought this to hang next to the bed, and it looks and functions great! The natural, cotton macrame pocket is a decorative but functional option to store any books, eyeglasses, phones, and other small items, especially since there’s no room for a shelf next to my bed.
Buy on Amazon
PeachSkinSheets – The softest and most high-tech bed sheets ever?
Where do I begin? I have three sets of these sheets and a duvet cover now and adore them for both RV and home use. They’re super-soft, like very high-end sheets, but with athletic-grade performance: the lightweight and airy microfiber wicks away moisture rather than just absorbing like cotton and other fabrics. The vintage version is softer, pre-wrinkled, and looks more casual. They’re cooling, breathable, hypoallergenic, anti-microbial, pet-hair-repelling, fast-drying (20 min in the dryer), stain-resistant, and non-pilling. The colors are gorgeous and don’t fade. A friend recommended them to me, and I’m forever grateful!
Get 10% off at PeachSkinSheets
100% Natural Latex Mattress Topper
I’ve found I need a firmer, spongier feel to a mattress rather than a memory foam’s squishiness. An eco-friendly latex mattress topper also doesn’t freeze and get hard in cold weather, feels cooler to sleep on in hot weather, warmer in cold weather, is springy enough that you can turn over easily in your sleep, and lets air flow through it, preventing mold in humid climates. I can’t imagine not sleeping on this anymore! It’s also pretty easy to cut to size for those weird RV mattress shapes like mine.
Buy on Amazon
Clothing
TomboyX Underwear and Clothing
TomboyX is gender neutral, inclusive clothing made for all bodies, regardless of shape or size. Comfortable, durable, sustainably-made, and non-toxic, their clothes are made in majority women-owned or managed facilities that are clean, well-lit, provide adequate breaks to their employees, and pay a living wage. I’ve replaced all my underwear and bras with this brand and can attest they’re comfortable, easy to wash and dry, and seem like they’ll last a long time.
Click this link to receive $20 off your order
SUAVS Travel-Friendly Shoes
My new favorite shoes – these are seriously so comfortable (great for wide feet) and durable! Sustainably-knitted sneakers and loafers made for people on the go. With their breathable design and sweat-wicking technology, these shoes take you from work to hiking to happy hour – without having to wear socks. They can be packed flat or rolled up, and are perfect for when you’re out on a travel adventure. They’re also easy to clean and come out of the washing machine looking brand new every time. I used to break down all the backs of my shoes by sliding them like clogs on to go outside, and these you can do that to over and over with no damage.
Click for $20 off your shoe order
Electronics
Luci Solar String Lights
USB or solar-rechargeable 18-foot-long string lights that can last up to 20 hours on a single charge. These soft-white lights look gorgeous and set a calming atmosphere, whether at home, at the campsite, or in your tent or RV. Low, medium, and high adjustable light settings, as well as a built-in flashlight, all in a self-storing case. You can also charge your phone or other USB devices from it. I love these for both at home and on the road, and find them to be remarkably versatile and well worth the price.
Buy on Amazon
OPOLAR 10000mAh portable fan with clip and hook
This little fan is one of the best things I’ve purchased this year – it’s SO versatile, with a clip and hook in the base, 360 degree rotation, 4 speeds, an auto shut-off timer, and it runs off a rechargeable lithium battery or USB. We have two and hang them over our heads as ceiling fans in the RV, take them outside and clip them to our camping chairs, and use them around the house on our desks.
Buy on Amazon
Luci Solar Inflatable Indoor/Outdoor Color-Changing Lantern
I have three of these solar-powered Luci lanterns in my van – two multi-color and one candle-look, and they are SO dang handy! They’re lightweight, pack flat, some change colors, have an emergency SOS mode, and they can float, hang, sit on a table, and are totally waterproof.
Buy on Amazon
Rechargeable, Dimmable Touch-Activated Puck Light
Touch-activated and rechargeable, this small puck light can be hung, set on a flat surface, or attached upside down in any area you need more light. It’s dimmable, and remembers the brightness level you last set when you turn on again. I use it in my bathroom on the wall so I don’t have to turn on bright overhead lights in the dark, but it’s great for in closets, drawers, under cabinets, in storage areas, or as outdoor lighting too. USB-rechargeable and lasts a long time on a single charge! Still going strong after a couple years, and I rarely charge it.
Buy on Amazon
Amber Clip-On Rechargeable Reading Light
We love this little reading light! The gentle, amber hue is 99.94% free of blue spectrum light, to encourage the production of melatonin in the evening and reduce eye strain. It can also double as a task light outdoors or a night light indoors, since it can be clipped most anywhere. Flexible 7-inch gooseneck with a high-capacity, rechargeable 1200mAh lithium ion battery that powers 4 bright LED amber lights. 3 brightness settings. Up to 30 hours of reading on low setting before needing to be recharged, it’s lightweight, portable and travel friendly. Works well with paper books or a Kindle.
Buy on Amazon
Exterior + Ford Transit Van Accessories
Polar/Solar 15-Amp, 10-Gauge Outdoor Extension Cord with Lighted End – 25-Foot
This heavy-duty 10-gauge extension cord is great for plugging into a 15 or 20 amp household outlet and running appliances that take a lot of power, like an air conditioner. I’ve used it a bit in my driveway to run the AC off 15 amp, and it doesn’t get hot or struggle to provide enough power. It’s also made in the USA, with an insulated cord jacket, is flame retardant, and water resistant, and has a lighted end to easily tell if you have power. Easy to coil, even in very cold temperatures.
Buy on Amazon
WeatherTech Ford Transit Windshield and Side Window Sun Shades
This is a 3-piece kit that covers the front windshield, driver and passenger side front windows from the inside. The dual-sided shades provide privacy, and keep your vehicle cooler in the summer (silver side out). In the winter, flipping them to the black side facing out helps warm the interior and avert frost build-up. The SunShades can easily be rolled up and stored when not in use, with a hook and loop strap system. The inner foam core of the shades keeps their shape, and they fit just right in the windows without sagging or needing any magnets or adhesives.
Buy on Amazon
Airvent Security and Ventilation Cab Window Inserts (For Many Types of Vans)
German-made louvered security vent inserts in a durable black powder coated finish over aluminum. To install just roll down the window, place Airvent in window track, and roll up window. Netting behind the louvers keeps out insects. Very secure inserts can’t be removed from the outside. I use these in combination with my wind deflectors to add extra ventilation to the cab without security concerns and bugs getting in. These must be taken out to drive, but it only takes a couple seconds per window.
Buy on EuroCampers.com
Side Window Deflectors for Ford Transit Van
These side window deflectors mount securely on the van’s doors with 3M automotive-grade adhesive. I’ve had them on there for two years now with lots of highway driving and they haven’t budged. They allow the cab windows to be cracked while parked or driving, reducing heat build up, wind and noise while driving, and they keep rain out.
Buy on Amazon
Stubby Shorter Antenna Replacement for Ford Transit Vans
Improve the look and functionality of your van antenna – no more distracting, long antenna whipping in the wind. The stubby antenna replaces the factory antenna in seconds and is powder-coated aluminum, made in the USA. Available for other models of vehicles as well.
Buy on Amazon
TST Tire Pressure Monitoring System With Flow-Through Sensors
This is a must-have safety feature for any RV that doesn’t have tire pressure monitoring built-in, and would pay for itself if you can prevent even just one tire blow-out. The system reports your tire pressure and temperatures on an easy to read, color monitor that can be attached to the dash or windshield with the included mounts. Battery-operated or 12V. Flow-through sensors allow you to air the tires without removing the sensors – I find those to be the most convenient!
Buy on Amazon
Ford Transit Protective Floor Mats
Contoured, stay-put, rugged protective floor liner mats for the cab of a Ford Transit van. These are made in the USA with a lifetime warranty. Highly recommend these for form and function! Available for other types of vehicles as well.
Buy on Amazon
Resonator/Muffler for Cummins Onan 2800 Watt Gas Generator
This was one of the best low-cost upgrades I’ve made to my van. I’d say the generator runs about 1/3 quieter now after adding a resonator to the tailpipe, and the sound and vibration is much less harsh. My local muffler shop installed it for me for a nominal fee. I’m a lot less self-conscious about running my generator in public places now.
Buy on Amazon
Kitchen
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
I don’t have much room in my van for coffee gear, as much as I love coffee-making supplies and wish I could have them all! The AeroPress is often called the best multi-functional option for limited spaces when traveling, by coffee snobs and casual drinkers alike. Makes 1 to 3 cups of American coffee per pressing, in about a minute, and unlike a French press, it can also brew espresso-style coffee for use in lattes, cappuccinos and other espresso-based drinks. The cleanup is easy and doesn’t require much water – really important when you’re in an RV and trying to conserve resources!
Buy on Amazon
Berkey® Water Filters
Berkey Filters are fantastic way to reduce bottled water usage for home and travel, and eliminate the need for sanitizing an RV water tank with bleach or installing expensive in-line filters. I have the Travel Berkey Water Filter, which is the most compact tabletop system, but big enough to use the same powerful charcoal and fluoride filters as the larger systems.
I move it between my house and RV, so it serves multiple uses, unlike a permanently installed, in-line water filter. It’s able to filter up to 2.75 gallons of water an hour, which can provide enough water for up to 6 people. It’s made of a high-grade, durable, 304 stainless steel to last a lifetime, and can even filter water from rivers or other bodies of water while wild camping. If the price is a deterrent, I recommend signing up to be notified when a “scratch and dent” model is available, which is how I purchased mine at a significant discount. It only had one tiny and barely noticeable scratch! The water level gauge is a must-have accessory too, so you don’t overfill it and know when to top it off.
Shop The Berkey Website
Gooseneck, Induction-Friendly Kettle with Thermometer
I love this space-saving stainless steel kettle with a cool-touch, ergonomic handle and a gooseneck spout for a steady and precise water flow for pour-over coffee or my AeroPress. It has a thick, triple-layer base, so it works on all stovetops, and is warranted to stay rust-free and safe to drink out of for decades. Built-in thermometer in lid helps monitor water temperature, and shows optimal range for most coffee.
Buy on Amazon
Bungee Cargo Net With 6 Adjustable Hooks
I use this handy bungee cargo net to hold my Berkey water filter upright and in place on the counter while driving – works great connected to some eye bolts in a corner of my countertop. Very strong and secure hooks and netting.
Buy on Amazon
Refrigerator and Freezer Thermometers
These give me a little more peace of mind than just a battery-operated thermometer that could read inaccurately (and yes, it’s happened to me, and my food was ruined). They show the safe temperature zones for fridge and freezer, and have a stainless steel construction and shatter proof lens. These can either sit on a shelf or hang from a wire rack.
Buy on Amazon
Collapsible Portable Wash Basin Dishpan
These wash tubs collapse to just a couple inches in thickness, and are so handy for everything from washing dishes to washing your hair, chilling drinks in ice, defrosting the fridge and freezer, or catching any leaks. I often use it inside the sink to save space in our gray water tank by dumping used dish/bathing water outside, as long as we use biodegradable products and it won’t attract animals.
Buy on Amazon
Perfect Tear Ratcheting Paper Towel Holder
This highly-practical paper towel holder has a ratchet system that prevents rolls from unraveling (especially while driving with a cab window down – ask me how I know!) and allows you to effortlessly tear one piece at a time, one-handed. It’s easy to mount horizontally under a cabinet or vertically on the wall. Comes in two colors and styles.
Buy on Amazon
Microfiber Folding Dish Drying Rack and Mat
This handy drying mat combines an adjustable-position and detachable plastic dish drying rack and a microfiber mat that absorbs the water from the drying dishes. It conveniently folds up for compact storage in a drawer or cupboard, leaving your countertop clutter-free – which is very important in a tiny space! Available in several colors and sizes.
Buy on Amazon
Countertop Extension or Table Heavy-Duty Folding Brackets
These heavy-duty stainless steel brackets are easy to install and use to add a countertop extension or any extra surface in an RV or around the house – just pop them out when you need more counter space or a table, and fold them away to save space when not in use. I added an additional 12″ to my RV kitchen counter by buying a wood cutting board and mounting it on top of these. Works and looks great!
Buy on Amazon
Outdoors
Pets
Vittles Vault Airtight Pet Food Storage Container
I use the Vittles Vault Jr. for my dogs’ freeze-dried raw food and our cat’s food, to store some of it in a smaller RV cabinet that I can shake into their bowls for daily use. The rest of my food supply is stored in a larger Vittles Vault, in the bag the food comes in. I really like the built-in measuring cup on the Jr. and the hand grip for pouring. I know that if it were to fall out of the cabinet, it’s unlikely it would spill or break. Seals out air, bugs, pests and water, and is made in USA from food-grade, BPA-free materials.
Buy on Amazon
Temp Stick Wireless Remote Temperature & Humidity Sensor
This is the temperature monitor I’ve used for years for keeping track of the temperature in my RV when I leave my pets alone. It monitors temperature and humidity without a monthly subscription, using any cellular or wi-fi connection in your RV, and texts and emails alerts for high/low temperatures, humidity levels, WiFi connection loss, and low battery. You can also check the app to see temperature over time and check its connection. Made in the USA, works on two AA batteries, and doesn’t require an external power source or subscriptions. Can also be used in a refrigerator/freezer, and you can monitor multiple sensors at once from the app.
Buy on Amazon
“Pet Home Alone” Tag and Emergency Wallet Cards
This “pet home alone” notification tag easily attaches to your keychain, belt loop, handbag or back pack when you’re away from home or your RV. They let first responders know to check your wallet for a card with emergency contact and pet information. It gives me peace of mind when I leave my pets behind in the RV, that if I were injured or became ill, one of my contacts would be notified to find and help take care of my animals.
Buy on Amazon
RV Renovation
HepvO Waterless Sink/Shower Trap System
I installed these in my Airstream, and am replacing my sink traps in my van with them as well. The HepvO is used instead of a traditional p-trap to protect the from odors from the grey water tank, black water tank or campground sewer system, particularly in extreme temperatures and where a fixture is infrequently used. HepvO differs from conventional traps, which can dry out or hold water which can become stagnant and lead to bacterial growth. It also prevents grease and food from building up. By removing the curved p-trap, you’ll also gain extra storage space under the sink, or can use it in below a shower drain without needing to build in a p-trap somewhere.
Buy on Amazon
PenaShield Borate Wood Preservative
Buy Now
POR-15 Rust Preventive Paint
Buy Now
Software
YNAB (You Need a Budget) – a budgeting app for those who hate budgeting
The most fun you can possibly have creating and managing a budget – really! Join me and the hundreds of thousands of people who’ve gotten out of debt or just tracked monthly spending by category with YNAB.
Even if you don’t have debt, it’s a fantastic savings and accountability tool for building wealth.
After your trial, if you subscribe to YNAB we both get an additional free month!