Our essentials lists.

Below are the basic items we expect to be packing in the van on our trips.
The list will probably evolve over time as we learn more and will differ slightly depending on the time of year and the nature of the trip, we also expect a considerable number of the items will be permanently stored in the van. Most if not all of the items listed will eventually get write-ups in the reviews section, so as more of the reviews are completed we will add the links to the list below.
The majority of the items listed here for the van & travel”  will also be found on the spares & tools in the van list.

Items in “Black” will probably be taken on all trips.
Items in Dark grey only when we think necessary or longer trips.
Items in “Mauve need to be upgraded, replaced, or are under construction.
Items in italics (any colour) we currently take or restock from home.

       For the van & travel.
Fire extinguisher, (see safety equipment, old, needs to be replaced).
Spare fuel, (5L or 10L until the second fuel tank is fitted).
Oil.
Water,
(Additional to drinking water, dependent on the type of trip).
Spare light bulbs, (full set, possibly some LEDs).
Spare fuses.
Spare windscreen wipers blades.
Screen-wash concentrate with antifreeze, (depending on the type of trip or winter).
Windscreen de-icier, (dependent on the time of the year or type of trip).

Windscreen ice scraper.
Screen Wash Tablets, (summer, local).
Windscreen Squeegee.
Windscreen microfiber demist pad.
Bottle or high lift jack, (depending on the type of trip, see jacks & stands).
Waffle board Jack stand, (see jacks & stands).
3/4″ drive breaker bar & wheel nut socket.
Tyre Pump, (foot pump until we fit an electric one ).
Emergency puncture repair aerosol. (normally stored in the van, part of the recovery kit).
Short jump lead, (for a quick connection between batteries).
Long jump leads.
Tow Rope, (we need to splice eyes in a new one).
Reflective warning triangles, (possibly illuminated & available quickly).
Reflective waistcoats, (available quickly).
Overalls, (possibly replace with waterproof type ).
Leather gloves, (part of tool kit, stored in the van).
Goggles, (part of tool kit, stored in the van).
Insulated spanners, (part of tool kit, stored in the van).
Inspection lamp, (part of tool kit, stored in the van, see safety equipment).
Gaffer tape.
Basic tool kit, (contents dependent on the type of trip).
Tablet computer, (Sat-Nav, Repair & first aid manuals programs need updating).
AA card, (phone number).
Speed conversion sheets, (mph – kph – mph, for Europe and beyond).
       For the occupants & camping equipment.
First aid kit, (First Aid Kit, contents, Need one permanently in the van).
Emergency snatch bags, (contents dependent on destinations).
Emergency contact numbers, (hard copies, also 
copies in snatch bags).
Mobile phone, (with satellite GPS, dual sim,  & internet connection).
LED head torches, (Need permanently in the van, currently taken from home).
Spare batteries, (for head torches).
Insect repellent, (pump spray), (part of first aid + kit)
Sunburn protection, (pump spray?),  (part of first aid + kit).
Antiseptic hand cleaner,  (part of first aid + kit).
Water, (fresh each trip, 12L to 72L dependent on the type of trip as above).
Water filter, (dependent on the type of trip).

Sugar, tea & dried milk, (restock asap on return).
Fresh milk, (from home).
Dried Food, (dependent on the type of trip).
Frozen food, (dependent on the type of trip).
Beer & wine. (restock asap on return).
Bottle opener, (In addition to the ones fitted by vw on the front doors).
Sleeping bags, (down or Synthetic dependent on the type of trip).
Pillows, (need sets permanently in the van, possibly inflatable).
Gas heater for the Van when stationary, (until diesel heater is fitted).
Midge netting for door and windows, (under construction).
LED hanging light + UV bug killer.
Bug bat, (need one permanently in the van).
Cooking utensils, cups, plates & cutlery, (need sets permanently in the van).
Gas, (for cooker & heater until diesel hob is fitted).
Tea clothes, (restock asap on return).
Washing up liquid, soap & detergent, (restock asap on return).
Towels, (restock asap on return).
Loo roll, (restock asap on return).
Washing line, (using poles and pegs).
Washing line, (that attaches to the van, under construction).
Dustpan & brush.
Pick & shovel, (entrenching tool).
       Additional equipment depending on the type of trip or destination.
Recovery kit,  (in part or all as required).
Snow chains, (if required).
Additional tools & spares,  (for longer trips or remote places if required).
Additional first aid equipment,(for remote places if required).
EU medical cover card (E111), (dependent on destination, see snatch bags).
Vaccination status & proof if required. (dependent on destination, see snatch bags).
Travel insurance documents, (dependent on destination, see snatch bags).
Van insurance
documents, (dependent on destination, see snatch bags).
Any additional personal or van documents, (if required, see snatch bags).

      Some additional nice-to-have items.
These are not really essential but will probably get left in the van, or taken on most trips.
Fishing tackle, (sea fishing, boat & beach, see toys).
Camping seats, (see
Camping furniture).
Binoculars, (see toys).
Camera with a tripod and a long lens, (see toys).
To be continued