I pack my suitcase and take...

Although people think less about suitcases and more about storage boxes in a coach, the question remains: what do I take, what do we take? - The available space, weight and organization system play a major role on board. On the other hand, it should be irrelevant whether you are traveling with a VW T6.1, T6, T5, T4, T3, T2, T1, California or SpaceCamper. Packing lists help to bring order to the chaos. - This certainly applies not only to VW, but also to other vans.

The fact is that we would never have thought it possible what is supposedly needed.

Only with time do you realize how sustainable one or the other tip is on the way.

Therefore, we decided to question our original packing list every now and then.

• Passport / identity card (copies in the cloud)
• Two spare photos each (reserve)
• ACSI - CampingCard
• Driver's license
• European Health Insurance Card
• Green insurance card
• Vehicle registration
• ADAC Card
• Gas booklet, if a gas cylinder or tank is permanently installed
• Travel health insurance
• Cash, credit cards, EC card (emergency telephone number of the bank for blocking)
• Spare key for the bus - storage?
• Body safe
• Map of the city library for online lending

Packing list of vehicle accessories for the Bulli:

• Top up windshield wiper fluid. - Replacement bottle with cleaning fluid
• Breakdown equipment: 2 high-visibility vests, warning triangle and first-aid box (check durability)
• Parking disk
• Jack and spare tire
• ShredRack® AIR - Universal inflatable roof rack Link: https://amzn.to/2RQhvFv
• Mosquito screen Link: https://www.spacecamper-shop.de/de/moskitonetz.html
• Replacement lamps
• Various tools
• Starter cable/power bank
• Outwell hand brush with dustpan foldable
• Dyson V7 Trigger handheld vacuum cleaner - We wouldn't want to be without it. Link: https://amzn.to/2YMc101
• Fire extinguisher
• Pitch guide - We opted for the Campercontact and park4night apps

Kitchen packing list:

• Bread bag
• Cutlery
• Can opener
• Shopping bag, 2 pieces
• Bottles, refillable, that fit into cup holders
• Bottle stopper/cork for wine bottles
• Tableware: cups, plates, cereal bowls, salad bowl
• Grill tongs small
• Rubbers
• Hooks for everything possible and impossible
• Glove
• Cooking spoon
• Corkscrew/bottle opener
• Kitchen towels, 2 pieces
• Kitchen knife small & large, peeler
• Mesh storage for fruit, onions, garlic
• spatula
• Grater, small for Parmesan cheese
• Salad spinner (bowl, sieve or net) - we opted for the net for reasons of space and weight
• Salad servers
• Salt & pepper mill
• Scissors
• Whisk
• Cutting board wood
• Pressure cooker
• Ladle
• Dishwashing bowl, foldable & dishwashing liquid, environmentally friendly & sponge, dishwashing brush or dishcloth & stopper
• Swiss army knife
• Toaster Primus
• Pot/pan set
• Tupperware
• Bags, small & closure clips for food
• Sharpening steel
• Toothpick

Kitchen food packing list:

• Coffee beans and tea
• Milk for Marc
• Oat milk for torgite
• Muesli
• Nuts for muesli: almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts and walnuts
• Pasta
• Spices, salt, stock, colored peppercorns
• Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, SweetChiliChickenSauce
• Ginger
• Onion, garlic

Equipment packing list xxx:

• Flashlight
• Mosquito candles
• Fly swatter
• Bin liners
• Sewing kit
• Travel adapter
• Lighter
• Car mat in front of sliding door
• Candles

Clothing packing list:

Beach & sea:

• Sneakers and flip-flops
• shorts
• Swimwear
• Surf poncho

Hiking & mountains:

• Hiking boots and socks
• Backpack and rain cover
• Outdoor jacket for cool evenings

Cold season:

• Running shoes
• Sportswear
• Cap
• Arm pocket

On board:

• Lambskin "at home" shoes
• cozy sweatpants

General packing list:

• Car back seat organizer, after Croatia there are now two
• Silver nitrite, colloidal silver, mucilage (for cleaning the water tank)
• Toiletry bag for hanging: Shower gel, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, comb, body lotion, sunscreen, nail file, nail scissors,...
• Toilet paper - Kitchen roll
• Spray bottle with Pril-water mix for rinsing (only for wild campers)
• First-aid kit Tatonka First Aid First Aid Complete
• Hand sanitizer

Packing list for electronic devices

• Laptop (in our case a MacBook)
• Protective cover e.g. Urban Armor Gear 
• e-Reader or books
• Smartphone
• Waterproof smartphone case
• Chargers and charging cables
• Headphones
• Box
• Digital camera
• GoPro
• external hard disk
• USB cable for charging your devices
• Powerbank
• Portable presentation and home cinema projector screen plus
• Mini home theater projector case as Max, Micro or Nano - in case you are on the road for a while.

First-aid kit:

• Painkillers, aspirin, remedies for sore throats, coughs, an ointment for wounds...
• Ibuprofen painkillers
• Allergy tablets
• Vitamin tablets
• Imodium
• Various plasters
• Sterile compresses
• Hand bandage
• Gauze bandages
• Nasal spray
• Anti Brumm forte mosquito spray
• Bepanthen ointment
• Fenistil gel
• Schüssler
• Magnesium
• Traumeel

Water sports SUP, diving, surfing:

• SUP - With us a Red Paddle Co. Voyager
• Suitable air pump
• 1 x SUP paddle
• 1 x canoe paddle
• 2 x neoprene
• 2 x socks
• 1 x device fins
• 2 x diving goggles
• 1 x swimming goggles

IKEA Hacks:

• KUGGIS - The boxes with lids are available in different sizes - they fit perfectly between the seats, in the kitchen cupboard in the California and in the rear cupboard in the SpaceCamper. Advantage: The boxes have a relatively thin, stable rim and are stackable. - Disadvantage: Relatively heavy.
• RIMFORSA - Basket, bamboo, 32x15x11 cm - We used two of these in the California as storage baskets above the kitchen. Advantage: Lightweight yet sturdy. Disadvantage: Not yet discovered.
• SUNNERSTA container: Container, white, 12×11 cm - Top, as a supplement, extension of the door storage space.

Our Primus KINJIA STOVE gas stove and the Primus Campfire Large cooking pot set in use.

Attention: The emphasis is on Large. We have no idea how you can get full with portions from the S variant.

Prepared for all occasions: Falcon enamel plate, bowl and colander. Supplemented by two personalized enamel mugs. Enamel is more sustainable than "plastic and elastics from Schkopau". And we don't trust the "sustainable" tableware made of bamboo or coconut wood because of possible harmful substances. Stacked together, all the crockery fits well under our pot set and therefore both fit in the California kitchen cupboard.

Our coffee set consists of the Bialetti Tutto Crema milk frother. I think the name alone sounds like Dolce Vita. It's great and the Bialetti Kitty espresso maker. We're not quite sure about this one yet. The valve drips from time to time (it was a user error, we filled it with too much water). But we think stainless steel is definitely better than aluminum. The whole thing is complemented by a Porlex hand coffee grinder. The ceramic grinder is fun.

Marc & I love a good coffee or latte. We can't take our Rocket portafilter machine and the Mozzafiato with us in the van, so what can we do? A friend recommends the Bialetti espresso maker, which we know from our student days. And what can I say? Not only is it cult, the coffee also tastes really delicious. It's available in lots of fun designs, but we opted for the stainless steel Kitty. First the small one for 6 cups or 300ml, then when the question: "You don't want more coffee, do you?" got a special undertone, we upgraded to the larger model for 12 cups. It's really amazing that this inexpensive solution can keep up with the taste of a good, expensive portafilter.

It's very easy to use: fill with water at the bottom, put the coffee powder in the sieve, put it on the gas and it's ready in no time at all.

The bubbling sound of fresh coffee rising to the top of the pot is enough to make you feel hygge, and the smell of fresh coffee wafts through the van.

In Cologne, it was almost a ritual to drink our first coffee in the morning in peace and quiet. Time for us. In good weather in the hammock in the garden, or otherwise in bed. The good weather was sometimes brought about by sheepskin, bedding and a hot water bottle in the hammock, because coffee outside makes you even happier.

Over the years, we have had a wide variety of coffee machines. All German best agers probably grew up with filter coffee, my grandma still ground coffee beans with a grinder between her knees and brewed filter coffee by hand. It was important that the water kept boiling between pouring it into the pot. 

Back in my student days, I replaced my filter coffee machine with a portafilter machine from Aldi. It tasted good for many years. Until my boyfriend at the time messed me up with his Jura fully automatic coffee machine. After him, I bought a fully automatic Nivona machine. Long live convenience. When I met Marc, he had a fully automatic Miele coffee machine. Thank goodness it soon gave up the ghost 😉 and after a lot of begging, he surprised me with the Rocket portafilter machine. One day it was just sitting in our kitchen J And I was happy. Marc was first happy with the deal that I would always make his coffee. Today, his latte tastes better with freshly frothed milk than from the Miele. So I've done everything right 

Next, we would like to recommend our milk frother. It's the perfect gift for anyone who likes lattes or cappuccinos and doesn't have a coffee machine with a steam nozzle or doesn't want to spend time cleaning it. 

What would a good coffee be without milk foam? Since the espresso maker from Bialetti is so convincing, we also bought the accompanying milk frother from Bialetti.

Black and chic, non-stick coated so that nothing burns, and with a double strainer insert for quick, creamy milk foam. And what can I say? 

Works great. Easy to use, easy to clean (by hand), perfect result

(or: It's quick, almost effortless, about 10 pumps and the milk is frothed up nice and creamy).

Our spice box is individually put together: Stainless steel shaker with paprika, curry, salad herbs, smoked salt, organic stock and chili flakes. The stock has been replaced in Portugal by massa de pimento, which is salted paprika pulp.

Although our Zarges K 250 transport baskets have proven themselves in the VW California, they have been replaced for the Spacecamper.

We are now on the SpaceCamper Shop available Alutec Box U 80 changed. With packing dimensions of 58.7 x 38.7 x 36.0 cm and a packing volume of 80 liters, exactly 3 boxes fit one behind the other in our SpaceCamper. - One of these accommodates our clothes and No. 3 our bed linen. We also have two Euro container, Eurobox 60 x 40 x 43.5 from Auer purchased.

Zarges packing case No. 2:

• IKEA transport bag
• Two sleeping bags in case it gets too cold in winter.
• Hammock 
• Camouflage tarpaulin as side sun protection for the awning
• SIGG fuel bottle with kerosene 
• Meat skewers 
• Tire cushion for camping vehicles - the flat-jack® camper edition - (Up to 7.5 tons - Now we can still load on it. 😉
• Spare washing line
• Foldable water tank
• Hammock fastening system with tree protector
• Fiamma sun protection and storm protection for the awning
• T-Rex "Armored tape" 
• Rubber mallet
• Pruning saw
• Pegs 
• Nails as spare pegs
• Carpenter's hammer (for hammering in and pulling out the pegs)
• Agelsjön hand axe - Link: https://amzn.to/38AsokQ
• Lockable tension belts with steel core
• Spout for replacement canister

Between the rear seat and the transport boxes, there is still a residual storage space of approx. 30 cm in depth. This is where we stow all the things that we don't need to access every day: 

• Lotus Grill, including BBQ Teppanyaki and a bag of "smokeless" charcoal in a "protective bag" - It even works*. 
• Replacement Campingazz bottle R 907,
• "Helio Pressure Shower" from Nemo. - Unfortunately, we didn't install an outdoor shower. Retrofitting was too expensive for us. 22 liter capacity. The water tank actually stands on the ground and is operated with a practical foot pump. This saves you the annoying search for a suitable branch. But it doesn't make the water any warmer 😉 Link: https://www.globetrotter.de/nemo-outdoor-dusche-helio-pressure-shower-lx-22-1076725/
• 10 liter spare canister - Currently empty, due to our overweight - Is on the test bench, possibly not on the next tour. Link: https://amzn.to/2LRQU7a
• 2 Ortlieb spare transport bags for the bike rack - in case we buy another "carpet".
• Camping blanket, you want to be cozy outside too. 

* The Lotus grill has now left us. We realized that the grill plates of our Primus KINJIA STOVE were absolutely sufficient for us. We prefer to save space and weight. The Lotus grill is now making a young Berlin family happy. That's what you call a win-win situation. But apart from that it was great. Link: https://amzn.to/2rI7Bv4

Something that seems to have proven its worth. - Unfortunately, our Hector didn't have an outside shower. You can probably buy the original VW outdoor shower as a "kit" from Switzerland. But that was too expensive for us. I then found the following improvement in the facebook group "VW California Freunde".

Peter Dröge has published perfect building instructions here:

"Remove the tap from the sink. Loosen the small screw and pull off the head. - 3/4 inch drinking water hose fits exactly on the connection piece and is also tight due to the two O-rings. 

Insert a 3/4 inch hose / threaded connection at the end of the drinking water hose approx. 10 cm long. (as for garden hose)

Then screw to it a transition piece (silver plastic part) from 3/4 to 1/2 inch. To the 1/2 inch connection fits any shower hose. I bought a small rinsing shower head because it has an extra trigger. Thus, you can first turn on the pump in the car and then outside separately operate the shower. 

As a tip. I bought a white plastic shower hose and replaced the metal hose that was on the sink head. Then it doesn't rattle in the sink, looks nicer and you don't scratch the paintwork.

I always leave the shower on too, just put it around the headrest for rinsing 

Cost for everything about 25 euros. The shower was available at the hardware store for 9.95 euros. 

Have fun showering outside."

Nothing more to add except: Thanks Peter, works wonderfully and a real alternative for our Helio LX.

Speaking of showers: What has proven most effective so far? Two very simple items of clothing:

1. Our flip-flops: Torgit Ipanema Link: https://amzn.to/2Ei4Pz6 - Marc Crocband Seasonal Graphic Flip. - Super comfortable Link: https://amzn.to/2LRucwd
2. Our surf ponchos: Torgit BILLABONG - Marc, all-in, long, fluffy and above all practical. Both on the way to the shower or as a portable changing room. - But above all, it's a great alternative to a tie and collar.

Also a tip from the facebook group "VW California Freunde".

As we have mounted the original VW bike carrier on the tailgate, the tailgate becomes correspondingly heavy as soon as the bikes are mounted.

We spontaneously remedy this with a three-part telescopic pole with eccentric clamp from Manufactum. (length 1.22-2.9 m / weight 830 g). This is also available as a two-part version with the following dimensions: (length 1.17-2 m / weight 560 g). However, we opted for the first version. - Just in case we have to hang the food in the tree because of the bears and wolves. But we haven't seen any yet 😉

To stabilize the tailgate for longer, we simply shortened an aluminium profile to the required length and positioned it under the shock absorber. So it doesn't always have to be the stronger dampers. Especially as the flap can then hardly be pulled down, allegedly without weight. - But this is hearsay, as we didn't install them.

What else has proven itself? - We have already mentioned our Fat Boy Lamzac XXXL above. However, we take two of them for a ride.

Two camping chairs are already integrated in the tailgate of the California. However, as we are considering buying a SpaceCamper, we were looking for an alternative. - At first I thought that the chairs in the California were a great solution. In the meantime, I think the SpaceCamper solution is better. It has a rear tent under the tailgate for showering and changing. If there were also chairs here, the standing height would be significantly restricted. What's more, the chairs in the California aren't exactly the most comfortable. That's why we wanted to test Helinox and bought the SUNSET CHAIR plus Table One Hard Top camping table. Helinox is not exactly cheap. But the weight, pack size and quick set-up convinced us. It also fits in the tailgate of the California.

But above all, our SpaceCamper darkening system has its place here. We are really enthusiastic about it. The blackout is super quick to fit and fulfills its purpose (protection from light, heat and cold). But above all, the material dries super fast.

You can tell they live it 😉

As you can see from the photos, we drink too much coffee. - Apparently, it's not just Monsieur le Commissaire Dupin, the hero of our Brittany crime thrillers, who is a caffeine addict - we are too. But here are four other things we no longer want to do without:

1. Our SIGOR NUINDIE rechargeable battery table lamp - Dimmable, easy to charge via USB cable. Available round and square, and in several colors. We have opted for white. Link: https://amzn.to/35iLIkB
2. Our Outwell Lake Huron armchair. The air is simply inflated or deflated using the integrated pump. They take up a lot of space in our packing box, but are super comfortable. Disadvantage: You are always, really always asked about them. Link: https://amzn.to/2qMrjFq
3. Our sheepskins - Whether in a chair, armchair, hammock or simply thrown on the SUP bag. They provide pleasant warmth and protection from the wind. Link: https://amzn.to/35jmpyS
4. Our "slippers" - Shepherd lambskin "slippers" - Home is where the van is parked. Link: https://amzn.to/35iJ5it

Tools & useful items:

DBPOWER car jump starter for emergencies and battery charger for aftercare. Link: https://amzn.to/2qOAkOp

Wisent tool bag service bag from Bauhaus 

Folding rule, in case I don't trust the height information in the parking garage. 

Oasser Portable Car Air Pump Link: https://amzn.to/2ROMtha

...the rest of the description follows. 

Say muh...

Another thing that has proved very successful on our tour so far. 

Our cowhides. - We have bought several cowhides. 

One is in front of the bench. We immediately see several advantages:

1. The cowhide is very durable
2. It is so thin that drawers can still be pulled out
3. You can take it out quickly to knock it out
4. It can be rolled up quickly in front of the bench in the evening
5. And last but not least, it is cozy warm on the feet

Because of these functions, we cut three small pieces out of a large fur for the footwell in the front. 

That may be a bit much fur, but we find it quite pleasant. 

Rear seat organizer - Organization:

After it proved its worth on the Croatia tour, we immediately ordered a second one for the driver's side.

Various things find their place here. - Here are two examples:

• Outwell camping equipment hand brush and dustpan Link: https://amzn.to/34enh6p

UCO candle lantern anodized Link: https://amzn.to/2YK8peP

Our carpets:

Keeping a van clean is a challenge in itself. Everyone certainly has different requirements for a clean home. We're not ping-pongers, but we try to avoid getting as much dirt into the van as possible. Carpets are certainly the best choice for this.

We have three of them. - You can see two of them in the photo.

The small rug lies folded up on the step of the sliding door or, as here, under the table. Then we have a large one. This lies in front of the sliding door in good weather.

Link: https://amzn.to/34jjpRN

Alternatively, we have a small one for bad weather.

Both are supposedly suitable for outdoor use. - But our big one dries much more slowly. - We are still looking for an alternative for this in the long term.

The house bar has already proved its worth. Is there anything better than having a glass of whisky with new friends? And if you can't find a good friend?

"An intelligent man is sometimes forced to be drunk to spend time with idiots." - Hemingway

Bip&Go...

No, it's not about the skulls on the mirror, even if I would consider that a suitable topic ;-.)

Our friend Thiemo gave us a good hint already before our Croatia tour. Quickly we have found us under https://www.bipandgo.com/ ordered a badge.

When others are queuing at a toll station, we simply drive through. The badge is valid on French, Spanish, Portuguese and Italian highways, as well as various parking garages in Spain and Italy. Even a few ferry companies in Italy supposedly use it.

Conveniently, we are billed once a month. The whole thing costs €1.70 per month driven, but €0 in the months in which we don't use the badge. I think that's fair! Because for us now...

"Better with a snake in the car than with a car in a snake"

PS: Here you can find our SpaceCampers Equipment details, our SpaceCamper Expansion, the SpaceCamper Detail equipment "Last Call, as well as SpaceCamper Insider tips.

Here our TERRANGER Offroad modifications, info about the topics Terranger off-road driving training, Energy management, DIY Water tanks, DIY Rear carrier system, pit stop at delta4x4, Sand sheets, Vehicle foiling and Ceramic sealing.

To round off the topic Product piracy with offroad tuners.

The topics Packing list, Tips & Tricks, BUTCH & Friends, Home port, the Travel blogs, the subject HAPPINESS MUSCLE as well as About us we have dedicated separate sections. You can contact us here.

And last but not least here is our link overview "Follow the Sun". So you know where you can still follow us. 

You will find your way around. 😎 If you like the posts, tell and share it, thank you!