Van Camping First Weekend: What I Pack in a Small Box
First van weekend I pack less than a tent trip. Every inch is a decision. The fridge only matters if power is real.
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Field notes — I write these in first person, from how I actually pack. Photos go in when I have them.
Photo slot — A real trip photo goes here. I will drop a picture in when I have one that is not a stock shot.
I nest everything or I leave it
One pot. One stove. A bin that comes out of the door in one grab. I do not build a Pinterest kitchen for weekend one.
I check propane detectors and how I will pee at 2 a.m. Romantic photos skip that part. I do not.
Power is a plan, not a hope
Phone brick for sure. House battery or a small station if I have lights and a fan. A compressor fridge is a later upgrade when I already hate ice in a tiny box.
Quick answers
Is this a complete packing list?
No. This is what I actually do for this situation. Use a full checklist for the boring essentials, then add or subtract from this note.