After nine years of van life, including my first messy attempt at packing back in 2016, I’ve learned exactly what clothes and gear you actually need for van life. I now live full-time in my 100 square foot truck camper with my partner and young son, and my wardrobe is streamlined, functional, and clutter-free.
In this guide, I’ll help you downsize your closet with confidence so you can feel prepared, comfortable, and ready for adventure — without overflowing cabinets and clutter everywhere. By the end, you’ll know how to create a simple, versatile wardrobe that works for an active, outdoor lifestyle on the road.
The Power of Packing Light
When you have too many clothes in a van, a few things start to happen. I promise you, I’ve been there, and none of these make life on the road easier…
You lose valuable storage space. Every drawer, bin, or cabinet taken up by clothes you rarely wear means less room for gear, food, or things that actually enhance your time outside.
Getting dressed becomes frustrating. It’s harder to find what you need when you’re digging through piles of stuff.
Your van feels cluttered. The mess builds up quickly in such a small space, making it harder to relax and enjoy being in your van.
Laundry becomes a bigger chore. More clothes often means more to manage, more to wash, and more to keep organized. And spending the day in the laundromat is never much fun.
You end up wearing the same few pieces anyway. Most van lifers find they rotate through the same go-to outfits that are comfortable and practical, while everything else just takes up space. I personally wear each outfit until it’s so dirty, I’m embarassed, and then it goes in the laundry bag.
Downsizing your wardrobe isn’t just about saving space, it’s about making life on the road feel more manageable.
How to Decide What Clothes to Bring
The kind of lifestyle you’re planning will shape what clothing you actually need. If you’re spending a lot of time in cities, you might want a few more stylish pieces. If your focus is more on hiking trails than hitting restaurants, function is going to matter a lot more than fashion. Or maybe you’re working remotely and need a decent top or two for Zoom calls.
The goal is to build a wardrobe around your lifestyle—so as you read these tips, think about what you do most and pack accordingly.
A good rule of thumb? If you don’t wear it much at home, you probably won’t wear it on the road. The clothes you bring should be the ones you reach for again and again—the ones you feel good in, that fit well, and that make sense for your day-to-day activities. Otherwise, they’ll just sit in a bin, taking up space and collecting dust.
And don’t forget to think seasonally. If you’ll be following the sun, your layers will look different than if you’re chasing snow. Know when you might swap out gear, and plan space in your van for that rotation.
I spend winters skiing, so I plan my winter van life clothing accordingly
Van Life Clothing Tips
When it comes to choosing clothes for van life, simplicity and versatility are key. You want pieces that are comfortable, low-maintenance, and can keep up with your lifestyle—whether you’re hiking a dusty trail, lounging at camp, or grabbing coffee in town.
Focus on versatility. The more ways you can wear a single item, the better. Look for clothing that works across different settings — like a pair of pants that you can hike in and still feel comfortable wearing around town.
Fabrics matter. Quick-dry, athletic-style materials are a game-changer, especially if you plan to spend time outdoors. They’re easier to hand wash, don’t stink, and dry fast in wet or sweaty environments. I personally avoid anything that needs dry cleaning or can’t handle a spin through a laundromat machine.
Stick with colors and patterns that mix and match. I keep my wardrobe simple by choosing mostly solid colors or easy patterns that coordinate well with each other. That way, I can layer pieces for warmth, and everything works together without much thought.
Avoid bulky clothing. Storage adds up fast in a van, and thick items like big sweaters, thick flannels or heavy jackets take up a lot of space. You obviously want to be warm, but try to choose layers that are compressible and pack small.
You’ll want to make sure your clothing is multi-purpose, especially if you’re traveling with another person and have limited space
How to Organize Your Van Life Clothing
I’ve been using packing cubes for years, and they make van life organization so much easier. I separate my clothes by type—tops in one, bottoms in another, underwear in a third, and one just socks. If you’re sharing your van with a partner, color-coding your cubes is a simple way to keep things separate.
One thing I love about packing cubes is they create a natural limit—once the cube is full, that’s your sign to stop packing. They also make it way easier to find what you’re looking for without tearing apart your whole drawer. In addition to the cubes, I keep a small duffel in my rear storage box with off-season gear, like heavier winter layers, that I can rotate in as the weather shifts.
Packing cubes make it easy to find and organize your clothing
When it comes to van life clothing, I keep things simple, functional, and low maintenance. I look for breathable, quick-drying materials that don’t wrinkle or hold odor, and I stick to neutral colors that hide dirt and mix easily. For shirts and pants, I gravitate toward looser fits that keep me comfortable both on the trail and around camp, and I’ll often buy multiple colors of the same piece once I find something I love.
Since I live on the road full-time and don’t do laundry more than once or twice a month, I wear each item for a few days before tossing it in the laundry bag. If you’re packing for a shorter trip, you can adjust the numbers based on your needs.
Sun Shirts (6x): Sun shirts are a must for van life since they protect your skin without needing constant sunscreen reapplication. They’re lightweight, breathable, and designed to keep you cool even in hot weather. Plus, they’re multifunctional—you can wear them hiking, lounging at camp, or even as a beach cover-up. I rotate between the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Hoody, REI Sahara Shade Hoody, and Outdoor Research Echo Hoody—all of which I review in detail in my guide to the best sun protection shirts.
Short Sleeve Shirts (6x): I like having a mix of lightweight short-sleeve shirts for warm days at camp or layering under flannels and jackets. I pack a combo of quick-dry shirts like the Patagonia Capilene Cool Daily Tee, a few basic cotton t-shirts, and a tank top or two for lounging and layering.
Warmer shirts (2x) – I always pack a couple of warmer long-sleeve layers for the cooler months that I can wear under a jacket on chilly nights. My go-tos are a cozy flannel and my favorite hoody.
Patagonia Cool Capilene Daily Long Sleeve
Tentree Hoody
REI Sahara Sun Shade Hoody
One of my fav t-shirts
Jackets
Weather can shift fast on the road, so I pack a few jackets in different weights to stay comfortable without overpacking.
Midlayer jacket (1x) – A cozy midlayer is perfect for cool days when a puffy feels like too much but you still need some warmth. I love the Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie—it’s my go-to fleece for hiking, layering under a shell or wearing on its own around camp.
Rain Jacket (1x) – For rainy days when you still need to get out of the van, a solid rain jacket is essential. I love my Outdoor Research Aspire Jacket — it’s fully waterproof, breathable, and packs down really small. If you spend a lot of time in really wet climates, the Arc’teryx Beta SL is a great upgrade (see my Arc’teryx Beta SL review here).
Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoody
Patagonia Nano Puff
Arc’teryx Beta SL Rain Jacket
Outdoor Research Helium Down Hoody
Van Life Shorts and Pants
For bottoms, you’ll want options that are comfortable enough for long drives, durable enough for outdoor activities, and versatile enough to wear in a variety of scenarios. These are the pants and shorts I pack in my rig.
Pants (6x) – I pack a mix of leggings and lightweight hiking pants so I’m covered for both active days and lounging in the van. The Mountain Hardwear Dynama Ankle Pants and the Vuori Miles Ankle Pants are some of my go-tos. They are both comfy, have pockets, and the elastic waistband works great with a backpack. I also pack a pair of lounge pants and bring one warmer pair for chilly nights or hiking in colder climates—check out my guide to the best winter hiking pants for a few options I’ve tested.
Rain Pants (1x) – I don’t think rain pants are absolutely necessary, but they are nice to have because they give you more options to be outside on rainy days.
A lot of these tops and pants also show up in my What to Wear Hiking blog post. When you live on the road, having van life clothing that works from trail to town is key.
Vuori Miles Ankle Pants
REI Trailmade Shorts
Black Leggings
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Undergarments
These don’t take up much space, so I like to pack enough so that running out of clean underwear isn’t what sends me to the laundromat. I stick to moisture-wicking, quick-dry fabrics so I can rinse a pair in the sink if needed, and they’ll be ready to go the next day. Comfort is key—especially when you’re moving, sweating, and sitting for long drives.
Here are the undergarments I pack in my van:
Sports bras (5x) – I wear a sports bra pretty much every day on the road, whether I’m hiking, driving, or just hanging around camp. I like the Nike Swoosh bras because they’re supportive, comfortable, and hold up well after lots of wear.
Underwear (15x) – I pack enough to go a couple of weeks without doing laundry, but I’ll hand wash a pair or two in the sink if needed. I like the Lululemon InvisiWear Boyshorts because they’re quick-drying and seamless so I can wear them with leggings without having panty lines.
Socks (12x) – I pack a mix of ankle and crew-height hiking socks, mostly synthetic or wool blends that can go a couple of days between washes. Darn Tough socks are my favorite—they’re durable, super comfy, and come with a lifetime warranty (they’ll send you a new pair if you get a hole!).
Darn Tough Socksare great for van life and outdoor activities and I love their lifetime warranty
Hats are an important part of your van life wardrobe. They help cover up your hair when it gets greasy and protect your face when you’re in the sun all day.
Lightweight Hiking Hat (1x): For hiking and hot weather, I love the Cotopaxi Tech 5-Panel Hat. It’s super lightweight, doesn’t make my head overheat, and fits comfortably with sunglasses.
Beanie (1x): A cozy beanie for chilly mornings and evenings is a van life necessity, especially if you’re traveling in the mountains or during the shoulder seasons.
Sun Hat (1x): The Wallaroo Sedona Sun Hat has been my go-to for over six years—it’s cute, has great sun protection with its wide brim, and folds down easily without getting crushed, which makes it perfect for travel. *Use the code BEARFOOT20 to get 20% off your Wallaroo purchase*
Cotopaxi Tech 5 Panel Hat
Wallaroo Sedona
My fav simple beanie
Swimwear
Rashguard (1x): Rashguards aren’t just for surfers. They’re great for protecting your skin from the sun when you’re swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just hanging out on a sandy beach. I love my Carve Designs Cruz rashguard and pack it for any summer van trip.
Swimsuits (2x): I pack two swimsuits for van life, and my go-to is the Nani Swimwear Cut Back Crop Top with the matching ruched bottoms. They’re supportive and stay put during high-movement activities. Nani suits are made from recycled materials and are designed by a women-run company, which makes me love them even more.
Footwear
Shoes take up more space in your van than you’d think, so it’s important to stick to the pairs you’ll actually wear. Most days, I’m in sandals or low-ankle hiking shoes, but I also keep a pair of sturdy boots in my Rossmonster Baja Trail truck camper for longer hikes and backpacking trips. I store my family’s shoes in a large hamper in the truck—and it still fills up fast—so choose carefully and keep it minimal.
Here are my favorite shoes for van life:
Oboz Katabatic LT Low – These are my go-to everyday shoes for van life. They’re lightweight, breathable, and supportive—perfect for walking around camp, running errands, or hitting mellow trails. I wear the non-waterproof, low-ankle version for better airflow, and they’re comfortable straight out of the box with great traction for uneven ground.
Oboz Katabatic LT Mid (Waterproof) – I keep these in the truck for bigger hikes or when I need extra support and protection on rougher terrain. The mid-ankle design gives me more stability, and the waterproofing is great for wet or unpredictable conditions. They’re still surprisingly lightweight, so I don’t feel weighed down on longer days.
Teva Universal Trail Sandals – These are my favorite camp and travel sandals—they’ve come everywhere with me since 2020. With just the right amount of cushion, grippy soles, and soft, adjustable straps, they’re perfect for everything from beach days to outdoor concerts. I’m on my second pair now, and still think they’re the best sandals I’ve owned. Read my full Teva Sandal review here.
Blundstone Chelsea Boots – It’s nice to have a closed-toe boot you can slip on for walking around town or heading out to eat. I’ve been wearing this boot for a while now, and I love how comfortable and versatile they are—they look great and hold up well for everyday wear off the trail.
We don’t go out often, but I like having a few pieces in the truck for those unexpected nights out—a concert, a nice dinner, or meeting up with friends. I keep a couple of nicer tops, a cozy sweater for cooler evenings, and one sundress that’s easy to throw on but still feels put-together. I try to choose pieces from sustainable outdoor brands so they last and align with my values on the road.
Here are the “going out” clothes I pack for van life:
Jeans (1x): Pack your absolute favorite pair of jeans.
Nice tops (1–2x) – I keep a couple of nicer tops in the truck for dinners out or casual gatherings. The Carve Designs Dylan Gauze Shirt is one of my favorites—it’s lightweight, packs down small, and can be dressed up or down depending on the vibe.
Sweater (1x) – I always pack a cozy, go-to sweater to throw on when the temps drop. Look for something warm, comfortable, and in a neutral color that pairs easily with the rest of your wardrobe.
Sundress (1x): I don’t wear dresses often, but I like keeping one for when I want to feel a little more put together. A wrinkle-free option is perfect for summer nights at camp or casual van life potlucks.
a cute sundress
Carve Designs Dyland Gauze Shirt
A comfy pair of jeans
a cozy sweater
Packing for van life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little intention and a focus on comfort and versatility, you can build a wardrobe that makes life on the road easier. Stick to what you actually wear, keep it simple, and you’ll be ready for whatever adventures come your way.
Oboz Katabatic LT
Teva Universal Trail Sandals
