gear and other stuff
Below is a list of our favorite cooking and camping gear. There isn't much extra room when you are travelling in a van, so these items have to be useful enough to make the cut. See why we like them!
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Kitchen Essentials
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Coleman Duel Fuel 2-Burner Camping Stove 424
Why we like it:
- burns gasoline and white gas, both readily available where we are going
- Coleman stoves are made with quality and last forever
- 2 burners means a meal comes together faster
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REI Table Top French Press 32 fl. oz.
Why we like it:
- large capacity, and we like a lot of coffee
- insulated sides keeps coffee warm all morning
- large wide base with rubber keeps it from sliding or tipping
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Sudden Comfort 4ft. Utility Fold-in-Half Table
Why we like it:
- lightweight, folding, easy to set-up and put away
- adjustable legs; use at full height as a cook top or lower for coffee/game table while seated
- allows us to cook outside, still fits inside the van if we need to cook during stormy weather
- durable, wipe-able, plastic surface
TeraPump Universal Manual Drinking Water Pump
Why we like it:
- fits perfectly on 5 gal. containers of drinking water, which can be purchased in most of Central & South America
- reusing the 5 gal. container means less plastic trash
- using a pump means we don't have to bend over to lift the heavy bottles every time we want a drink
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Whynter 45-Quart Portable Fridge/Freezer
Why we like it:
- least expensive true compressor fridge on the market
- temperature is adjustable, can also be a freezer
- adjustable automatic shut-off feature, to protect the battery from being drained
- works on 12-volt and 110 DC
- large capacity, yet fits perfectly between the driver's & passenger seats in our van
Why we like it:
- cooks food faster, especially at high elevations
- decreased cooking time means less fuel used
- great for curries, stews, soups and one-pot meals
* We linked a product from Amazon which is similar in capacity and simplicity. This is one item we know you can find on
the road. We bought ours at a restaurant supply warehouse in Oaxaca, but they are widely available along the PanAm.
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Container Store Clear Weathertight Storage Totes
Why we like it:
- Weathertight seal keeps out dust, debris and bugs (keep dishes or clothes clean!)
- after searching dozens of other brands, we found the tote with perfect dimensions to slide under our bed
- 4 clasps, 2 on each side, closes more securely
Outdoor equipment
Rhino Rack Sunseeker Awning 2.5
Why we like it:
- fast and easy to put up and take down
- very strong, yet light weight
- add-ons available
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Big Agnes Lost Ranger 15 Sleeping Bag
Why we like it:
- available in "long" sizes; perfect for us tall people!
- can mate left and right zipper bags to make a double
- integrates with Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe Pad
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Big Agnes Q-Core Deluxe Sleeping Pad
Why we like it:
- available in "long" size
- integrates with Big Agnes sleeping bag sleeve
- insulated, warm, comfy
Mountain Hardwear Hammerhead 3 Tent
Why we like it:
- lightweight design for backpacking
- big enough for 2 tall people to sit up or lay down comfortably inside
* this model no longer available
Why we like it:
- fits 2 people
- small and very packable
- rain fly and bug net available