{"id":1585,"date":"2018-11-08T22:52:40","date_gmt":"2018-11-08T22:52:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/?page_id=1585"},"modified":"2026-04-07T18:35:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T17:35:43","slug":"essentials-list","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/?page_id=1585","title":{"rendered":"Our essentials lists."},"content":{"rendered":"

Below are the basic items we expect to be packing in the van on our trips.
<\/strong>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 receive write-ups in the reviews section, so as more reviews are completed, we will add the links to the list below. Some may just be photos until we have time to do a proper review.
The majority of the items listed here as “for the van & travel”  will also be found on the spares & tools in the van<\/span><\/a> list.<\/p>\n

Items in “Black”<\/strong> will probably be taken on all trips.
Items in \u201cDark grey<\/span>\u201d<\/strong><\/span> are only taken when we think necessary or for longer trips.
Items in “Ma<\/span>uve<\/span>“<\/span><\/strong> need to be upgraded, replaced, or are under construction.<\/span>
Items in \u201c<\/span>italics (any colour)<\/em><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/strong> we currently take or restock from home.
\u201cLR\u201d<\/span> <\/strong>Are a legal requirement in some countries, places or times of year.<\/p>\n

       For the van & travel.<\/strong>
<\/span><\/em><\/span>Fire extinguishers<\/a>.<\/span> (<\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d<\/span><\/span> need to be available quickly, see safety equipment<\/a><\/em>).
<\/span><\/strong>                    &  <\/span><\/span><\/em>water spray bottle<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span>. (Need ASAP).<\/span>  see safety equipment<\/a>).<\/span><\/strong><\/em>
Spare fuel<\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/em><\/strong> (<\/span><\/em>\u201c LR \u201d *see below*  <\/span><\/em>5L or 10L until the second fuel tank is fitted).<\/em>
<\/span>Oil.
<\/span><\/em><\/span>A Spare wheel<\/a>. (or two).<\/span><\/strong>
Wate<\/a>r<\/a>. <\/span><\/em><\/span>(In addition to drinking water, dependent on the type of trip, 12L to 72L).
<\/em>Spare light bulbs. <\/span>(<\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d <\/span><\/span>full set, possibly some LEDs).
<\/em>Spare fus<\/span><\/span>es. <\/em>(full set).
<\/span>Windscreen, mirrors & glass kit<\/span><\/a>. (stored in the van).<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
      Wate<\/a>r<\/a>. <\/span><\/em>(see above).
<\/em>      Screen-wash concentrate with antifreeze. <\/span><\/span>(dependent on destination or time of year).
      Screen Wash Tablets.<\/span> (summer, local).
      Spare windscreen wiper blades.<\/span> (full set).<\/span><\/span>
      Windscreen Squeegee.<\/span> (soft plastic\/rubber scraper).
      Windscreen Squeegee.<\/span> (foam).
      Windscreen microfiber demist pad. (x2 one on a short pole).<\/span><\/span>
      Windscreen de-icer.<\/span><\/span> (dependent on destination or time of year).
      Windscreen Ice Scraper. (dependent on destination or time of year).<\/span><\/span><\/span>
      Needle for screen washer jets.<\/span><\/span> (We need to store one in the van).<\/em>
      Folding Buckets x2.<\/span> (see housekeeping).<\/span><\/strong>
Bottle<\/a> or high lift jack<\/a>. ( & stands<\/a>).<\/span><\/strong>
3\/4″ drive breaker bar & <\/span>wheel nut socket.<\/a>(stored in the van, see 3\/4\u2033 Drive tools<\/a>).
<\/span>Tyre Pump. <\/span><\/a>(foot pump until we fit an electric one ).
<\/span><\/span>Emergency puncture repair aerosol<\/a>. (<\/span><\/span><\/strong>“LR” Spain,<\/span> stored in the van, <\/span><\/span>part of the recovery kit<\/a><\/span>).<\/span>
<\/span>Short jump lead. <\/a>(quick connection between batteries, see recovery kit<\/span><\/a> & van-specific tools<\/a>).<\/span>
<\/span><\/span>Long jump leads<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>(<\/span>see recovery kit<\/span><\/a> & Van specific tools<\/a><\/span>).<\/span>
<\/span>Tow Rope<\/a>.<\/span> (We need to splice eyes in a new one).<\/span>
<\/span><\/span><\/span>Reflective warning triangles<\/a>. (<\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d <\/span><\/span>possibly illuminated & available quickly).<\/span><\/strong>
Hi-vis jackets<\/a>. (<\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d <\/span><\/span>available quickly, see safety equipment<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/strong>
Overall<\/a>s<\/a>. <\/em><\/span>(possibly replace with waterproof type )<\/span><\/em><\/span>.<\/em>
<\/span>Leather gloves<\/a>. <\/span>(part of the tool kit, <\/span>stored in the van, see safety equipment<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/strong>
Goggles<\/span>. (part of the tool kit, <\/span><\/span>stored in the van, see safety equipment<\/a><\/em><\/span>).
<\/span><\/span>Insulated spanners<\/a>. (see van-specific tools, <\/a>stored in the van).
<\/span>Inspection lamp<\/a>. (part of the tool kit, stored in the van, see safety equipment<\/a><\/em>).
<\/span>Gaffer tape.<\/strong>
Basic tool<\/span> kit<\/a>. <\/span>(contents <\/span><\/span><\/span>dependent on the type of trip).
<\/span>Break down cover, currently AA. (<\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR ?\u201d <\/span><\/em><\/span>info & phone numbers).<\/span><\/strong>
Speed conversion sheets<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/span> (mph – kph – mph, for Europe and beyond).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

       For the occupants & c<\/em><\/span>amping equipment.<\/span>
<\/em><\/span>First aid kit. <\/em><\/a>(<\/span><\/em><\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/em><\/span>Need one permanently in the <\/span><\/span>van. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em>see Contents<\/a>).<\/span>
Small<\/span> first aid<\/span> kits. <\/span>(see  <\/span><\/em><\/span>Contents<\/a>).<\/span>
<\/em>Emergency snatch bags<\/a>.<\/span> (contents<\/span> dependent on destinations).
Emergency contact numbers. <\/span>(hard copies, also <\/span><\/span><\/span>copies <\/span><\/em>in snatch bags).<\/em>
<\/span><\/span><\/span>Mobile phone. <\/em>(with satellite GPS, dual sim,  & <\/span><\/em>internet <\/em>connection).<\/em>
<\/span>LED head torches.<\/span> (<\/span>Need to be permanently in the van, currently taken from home).<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong>
Spare batteries. <\/em><\/span>(for head torches, see <\/span><\/em><\/span><\/span>portable power packs & Batteries<\/a>). <\/span><\/strong>
Insect repellent.<\/span> (pump spray,  <\/span><\/span>see first aid & remote travel kit – Contents<\/a>)<\/span><\/em><\/strong>
Sunburn protection.<\/span> (pump spray? <\/span><\/span><\/em>see first aid & remote travel kit – Contents<\/a>)<\/span>
<\/em>Antiseptic hand cleaner.<\/span>  (<\/span><\/em>see first aid & remote travel kit – Contents<\/a>)<\/span>
<\/em>Water<\/a>. (fresh each trip, 12L to 72L depending on the type of trip).
<\/span>Water filter.<\/span> <\/span><\/a>(dependent on the type of trip).<\/span><\/em><\/strong>
Sugar, tea & dried milk. (restock asap on return).<\/span>
<\/em>Fresh milk. (from home).<\/span><\/em><\/strong>
Dried Food. <\/em><\/span>(dependent on the type of trip).<\/em>
Frozen food.<\/span> <\/span>(dependent on the type of trip).<\/em>
<\/span>Beer & wine. <\/em><\/span>(restock asap on return).<\/span>
<\/em>Bottle opener. (<\/span><\/em>In addition, those VW fitted on the front doors, see Cooking equipment<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/strong>
Sleeping bags<\/a>. <\/span>(down or Synthetic, depending on the type of trip).<\/span><\/em><\/strong>
Pillows. <\/em><\/span>(<\/em><\/span>need sets permanently in the van<\/em>, possibly inflatable).<\/span><\/em><\/span>
<\/span>Gas heater for the Van when stationary<\/a>. <\/span>(until the diesel heater is fitted).<\/span><\/strong>
Midge netting for doors and windows<\/a>. <\/span>(<\/span><\/span>under construction, see <\/span><\/span>Insect & animal protection<\/a>).
<\/span>LED hanging light + UV bug killer<\/a>. (<\/span><\/span>see Insect & animal protection).<\/span><\/strong>
Bug bat<\/a>. (<\/span><\/span>permanently in the van, see Insect & animal protection).
<\/span>Cooking utensils. <\/em><\/span>(<\/span>Need sets permanently in the van<\/em><\/span>, see Cooking equipment<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/strong>
Cups, plates & cutlery. <\/em>(<\/span>Need sets permanently in the van<\/em>, see Cooking equipment<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
Gas. (for cooker & heater until diesel hob is fitted).<\/span><\/em><\/strong>
Tea clothes.<\/span> (restock asap on return).<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
Washing up liquid, soap & detergent<\/span>, (restock asap on return).<\/span><\/em><\/strong>
Towels. (restock asap on return).<\/span><\/strong>
Loo roll. (restock asap on return).<\/span>
<\/em>Washing line. <\/span>(using poles and pegs, see <\/span>housekeeping<\/a>).<\/span>
<\/em>Washing line. <\/span>(that attaches to the van<\/span>, under construction, see housekeeping<\/a>).<\/span>
<\/em><\/span>Dustpan & brush<\/a>. (see <\/span><\/span>housekeeping<\/a>).<\/span>
<\/em>Entrenching tool<\/a>. <\/a>(<\/span>see wild camping<\/a>,  privacy & hygiene<\/a>, & recovery<\/span> tools<\/a><\/span>).<\/span>
<\/span>Game tablet computers. (almost essential if with the grandkids, well, they think so).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

       Additional equipment, depending on the type of trip or destination.<\/span>
<\/em><\/span>Recovery kit<\/a>. <\/span> (in part or all as required).<\/span><\/strong>
Snow chains<\/a>.<\/span> (<\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d <\/span><\/span>if required).<\/span><\/strong>
Additional tools & spares<\/a>.<\/span><\/span> (for longer trips or remote places if required).
<\/span>Additional first aid equipment. <\/span><\/a><\/span>(for remote places if required).<\/span><\/strong>
EU medical cover card (E111),<\/span> (dependent on <\/span><\/span>destination, in snatch bags<\/a>).
Driving license. (<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> photo type)<\/span><\/span>
<\/span>Vaccination status & proof if required.<\/span> (<\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d <\/span><\/span>dependent on destination, in snatch bags<\/a>).<\/span><\/strong>
Travel insurance documents<\/span>.<\/span> (<\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR ?\u201d <\/span><\/span><\/span>dependent on destination, <\/span><\/span>in snatch bags<\/a>).
Van insurance <\/span><\/span>documents<\/span>. (<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong>\u201cLR\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> D<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>ependent on destination, in snatch bags<\/a>).
<\/span><\/span>Any additional personal or van documents. <\/span>(if required, in snatch bags<\/a>).
<\/span>Tablet or laptop computer with a charging system. (see coms & navigation systems<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
      Digitised first aid manuals.<\/span> (on computer & mobile phone, see safety equipment<\/a>).<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
      Digitised maps.<\/span> (on computer & mobile phone, see coms & navigation systems<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
      Digitised maintenance manuals.<\/span> (on computer, see driving aids<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
      Digitised running maintenance schedule.<\/span> (on computer, see driving aids<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/span><\/strong>
      Digitised re-settable checklist.<\/span><\/span> (on computer, see driving aids<\/a><\/em>).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n


<\/span>      Some additional nice-to-have items.<\/span>
<\/em><\/span>These are not really essential, but will probably get left in the van or taken on most trips.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fishing tackle<\/a>.<\/span> (sea fishing, boat & beach, see toys<\/a>).
Camping sea<\/span>ts<\/a>. (see <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em>Camping furniture<\/em><\/a>)<\/em>.<\/span><\/strong>
Binoculars. (<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em>see toys<\/a>).<\/span>
Cameras & associated equipment.<\/a><\/span> (<\/span><\/em>see toys<\/a>).
<\/em><\/span><\/strong>
<\/em><\/span>* RE spare Fuel :<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong>
In Germany & France. Stopping on the highway due to running out of fuel is illegal, as it is seen as a preventable, dangerous event.<\/em>
However,  in  Portugal<\/span>,  Greece <\/span>& Luxembourg. <\/span>Carrying spare fuel in a jerry can is generally illegal and can result in fines if you are stopped by authorities.
<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/span>Need to get the second fuel tank fitted ASAP.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

To be continued.<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Categorie link pages:-<\/strong>
       The Beast’s travels<\/a>
                  Trip planning & logistics.<\/a>  
                              Our essentials list. <\/span><\/p>\n

Thanks for reading.
\"\"<\/h4>\n

.<\/p>\n

 <\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/h6>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\n\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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 … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Our essentials lists.”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":11078,"parent":68,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1585","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1585","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1585"}],"version-history":[{"count":296,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1585\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23020,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1585\/revisions\/23020"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/11078"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thebeast.blog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1585"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}