Van Life Basic Emergency Kit List: 15 Must-Have Safety Items

Van life is generally depicted as sun-splashed days for the rest of time, stunning views, and pure freedom. And whilst that’s largely true, the reality of life on wheels also comes with unforeseen hiccups – middle of nowhere mechanical breakdowns, sudden weather changes, or a mild injury out in the middle of nowhere. A basic emergency kit list will help you prepare for unforeseen challenges.

Unlike a traditional home where help might be literally just a phone call and a few minutes’ drive away, van life demands self-reliance. Your vehicle is not just your transportation; it’s your home, your kitchen, and your connection to the world outside. Because of this, having a good basic emergency kit list isn’t just a good idea – it’s a sanity and safety necessity.

Being prepared is simply being aware you have the gear and materials you need to fix minor mishaps, or at worst, even more severe malfunctions, until you can have actual assistance. It’s having mitigated some of the dangers and preventing the small issues from turning into severe ones. Preparing your basic emergency kit list is a vital first step toward safe van life.

Here, we have compiled a basic emergency kit list with 15 essential safety tools van lifers must seriously include onboard. We have focused on core items which will address medical emergencies, issues with the van, communication malfunctioning, and basic survival.

Below is our basic emergency kit list of 15 essentials:

1. First Aid Kit: Not merely a set of band-aids, an equally good first-aid kit is a compulsory tool. You need supplies to treat cuts, burns, sprains, and other common injuries. Think gauze, medical tape, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, allergy medication, hydrocortisone cream, and any personal prescriptions. Consider taking a basic first aid course or researching what’s recommended by experts to build or supplement your kit. For an expert summary of what a quality first-aid kit should include for travel or in case of an emergency, the American Red Cross has excellent guidance.
2. Jumper Cables or Jump Starter: A dead battery can happen anywhere, leaving you stranded. High-quality jumper cables are an old but reliable, as long as you have a second car to borrow from. Better for van life solitude is a portable jump starter pack. These lithium-ion devices are compact, retain power over the long term, and will start your van motor without a second vehicle.
3. Tire Repair Kit & Compressor: Flat tires are just part of the road life, especially when you’re traveling into more remote terrain. A good tire pressure gauge, a tire repair kit (plugs and tools), and a portable air compressor powered from your van’s 12V outlet or battery are essentials. You can also carry a can of tire sealant for small punctures. Add a lug wrench and jack appropriate for your vehicle’s weight. Regular tire maintenance is essential, and the NHTSA provides excellent guidance for tire safety and maintenance.
4. Multi-Tool or Knife: A versatile multi-tool or a decent knife can handle infinite small repairs, preparations, and emergencies.
5. Reliable Flashlight(and backup batteries): Whether you’re changing a tire in the dark, inspecting under the hood, or just walking around your campsite in the evening, a reliable, bright flashlight is essential.
6. Non-Perishable Food Supply: Keep backup food that doesn’t require cooking—energy bars, nuts, jerky, or freeze-dried meals.
7. Water Filter or Purification Method: Backup water purification tools are crucial if your onboard supply runs out.
8. Warm Blanket or Sleeping Bag: Nights can get cold. Wool and emergency blankets can be lifesaving.
9. Fire Starter: Keep matches, lighters, and a ferro rod to start fires in any condition.
10. Whistle: Loud and compact, a whistle can signal for help more effectively than your voice.
11. Duct Tape and Zip Ties: Invaluable for temporary repairs of all kinds.
12. Small Folding Shovel: Useful for digging out your van or burying waste. Read up on Leave No Trace ethics.
13. Reflective Triangles or Flares: Crucial for roadside safety in low-visibility situations.
14. Basic Tool Kit: Wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers can help with many minor vehicle issues.
15. Communication Device: Weather radios and satellite messengers keep you connected off-grid.

Curating your own basic emergency kit list is a never-ending project. Take these 15 essentials as starting points, and adapt based on your travel plans. Keep items accessible, check expiration dates regularly, and ensure everything functions as expected.

Van life offers incredible freedom—but that freedom comes with the responsibility to prepare. A thoughtful basic emergency kit list will help you stay safe, self-sufficient, and confident as you roam the open road.

For further information on Essentials for camping, see this post.

For additional reading about Van Life Cooking Setups, click here.