THE Van! (with updated gear list!)

Yes, a van was definitely what I wanted.

ExploitsandAdventures's avatar By ExploitsandAdventures in Adventure America! on
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I have embarked on quite the adventure to see the best America has to offer. Adventure America! has been a thought burning a hole in the back of my mind for a few years now and I decided that this was the year to act. There were so many ways to approach this journey and I considered several. Overlanding was a thought as I love the whole off-road culture and adrenaline lifestyle, but I made a commitment to myself to do more activities that were self-powered. Escaping the noise-of-it-all and really enjoying the world around me is the real purpose for all of this. The thought of outfitting a van that would enable me to do a trip at the drop-of-a-hat and that would carry all the essentials to add a little comfort on the road is exactly what i wanted. Yes, a van was definitely what I wanted. 
I started researching and shopping for a van that would suit my needs on the road, and not in a trendy way that I can post on Instagram (#vanning), but rather in the most useful ways possible. First thing I knew I wanted was the ability to stand up in the back. That limited my choices to the obvious high-roof models like the sprinter and transit vans. Once I knew that, I was looking at engine options and gas mileage to make sure that I wasn’t getting myself into a gas guzzler. I settled on the 2017 Mercedes Sprinter Van with very low miles and couldn’t be happier with it. It was a blank canvas and I wanted to think through all the different activities and make sure I could keep it well stocked. I have included my entire gear list in this post! I use it as a checklist before leaving on any trip. The links will take you to where I purchased most items online. 
I bought the 12-passenger version of the van as I wanted all the seats and the ability to take a whole crew somewhere on a day trip. This will give me ultimate flexibility. The next thing I did was measure up the inside and read as many blogs and posts from others that have converted vans. I knew I didn’t want to make anything permanent, but rather items that I can take in and out as I use the van for different things. I upgraded the electronics and added a better stereo system with an amp and sub as well. If I am going to be driving this thing 1000’s of miles for hours at a time, the music better sound good. The main reason for the upgrade was to get Apple CarPlay in the dash to make it much simpler to connect and navigate. 
I decided to start with the sleeping arrangements as this needs to be comfortable for so many reasons, sleep being the main one of course. I went with a disc-o-bed cot system that I found at Cabela’s and added two memory foam mattresses and a set of sheets. They are really comfortable and fit in small, suitcase style bags when broken down. This makes if very easy to carry extra gear and set the beds up when I reach the destination. Most of the time they are set-up and ready for a good nights sleep, Its just nice to have the option. 
I had to think through the creature comforts as I will be in different areas, temps and scenarios as I travel around from season to season. I found a great company that makes accessories for sprinter vans called SprinterStore. They had a perfect set of window vents that are very sturdy and secure, but have screens built in to keep the bugs out and the air flowing. I grabbed a battery powered fan to keep a breeze rolling when its really hot outside, as well as a Buddy Heater that can take the chill off when its really cold outside. All of these items are included on the gear list at the bottom of this post. 
On top of the sleeping comfort, I had to figure out a shower and toilet that can work when facilities are not available. The portable toilet, pop-up shelter and rechargeable shower units are great! Makes it much easier in a pinch. After using the shower unit for the first time, I added water shoes to the arsenal to make it much easier to stay clean. The toilet system uses a bag and powder set-up to make for easy disposal and clean-up. 
When it came to the kitchen, adding a portable grill, two-burner stove, fold-up picnic table and the portable aluminum tables from Cabela’s made for a great kitchen set-up that easily fits under the 10’x 10’ tent. You will also see the camp kitchen set of pots, pans, plates, bowls and silverware that breakdown and store very easily into the trunk organizers that rest on the front bench seat. There is a lot of great items organized into the two organizers I bought. I feel ready for about anything. 
I put some research time into my cooler choice as well. For the price and performance, the KONG cooler was the clear winner. I am so impressed with this cooler and completely believe the 9.5 day ice retention rating after using it for a couple of trips. I like the “grizzly proof” sticker on the inside rim of the cooler too, it makes me want to try that out. I also have a Yeti Hopper, bag style cooler and keep it full of bottles of water at all times.

 
Check out the pics on the Exploits and Adventures Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/p/B4DdB2jFfbx/


Here is the full gear list, let me know if you don’t see something on hear that I shouldn’t be vanning without. 


Sleeping Arrangement 

Comfort Control 

Kitchen Supplies

Bathroom/Shower

Gear

Packables

  • Hiking and Camping clothes
  • Swim Trunks
  • Hiking boots 
  • Hiking socks 
  • Water Shoes for shower 
  • Hat
  • Protein Bars 
  • Computer backpack
  • Towels

Reminder

  • Download the GPS Maps for the trip on GAIA 

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