Gear & Kit
Everything listed here is kit I use, have tested, or have researched in depth. Where links are Amazon affiliate links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Off-Grid Power
Victron SmartSolar MPPT
The best MPPT controller on the market for LiFePO4 systems. Bluetooth monitoring, precise charge profiles, and built like a tank. Non-negotiable if you're running lithium. Buy on Amazon →
Sterling Power LiFePO4 Battery Bank 400Ah of usable lithium. Sterling's build quality is exceptional and the BMS is reliable. This is what runs our motorhome full-time. Buy it Here→
Solar Panels (Rigid) For roof-mounted van or motorhome installs. Go rigid over flexible - flexible panels degrade faster and trap heat. Buy it Here→
Comms & Tech
LILYGO T-Beam Meshtastic Node The go-to hardware for running Meshtastic. GPS built in, solid LoRa radio, runs off USB or battery. Flash it with Meshtastic firmware and you have off-grid mesh comms. Buy on Amazon →
LoRa Antenna (868MHz) The stock antenna on most LoRa boards is underwhelming. A proper aftermarket antenna doubles your range. Buy on Amazon →
ESP32 Development Board The workhorse of DIY off-grid projects. Small, cheap, and capable. If it needs to connect to something, this is the chip. Buy on Amazon →
Minisforum Mini PC Running Jellyfin, Syncthing, and Tailscale on ours. Low power draw, silent, and more capable than a Raspberry Pi for always-on use in a van. Buy on Amazon →
Van Life Essentials
Chinese Diesel Heater Run clean diesel only and these are reliable, efficient, and cheap to run. Essential for UK winters on the road. Buy on Amazon →
Composting Toilet No cassette, no chemicals, no smell when managed correctly. The right choice for full-time motorhome living. Buy it Here →
Safefill Refillable LPG Cylinder Fill at any LPG pump rather than swapping cylinders. Saves money and eliminates the exchange network dependency. Buy on Amazon →
Connectivity
Starlink Roam Mini Our primary internet. The hardware cost is high but the connection quality justifies it for full-time use. Buy it Here→
4G/5G SIM Router Backup connectivity when Starlink is obstructed or in a blackspot. Redundancy matters on the road. Buy on Amazon →
Personal Safety & EDC
Personal Alarm (130dB+) Legally carried, genuinely loud, no skill required. Buy on Amazon →
Tactical Torch with Strobe Practical torch and disorienting strobe. Useful on the road and walking at night. Buy on Amazon →
YubiKey Security Key NFC Hardware 2FA for your important accounts. The only real answer if you take account security seriously. Buy on Amazon →
Product recommendations are based on personal use or thorough research. Affiliate links help support the running costs of this site.