5 Boundaries We Don’t Cross — Vanlife Edition

Because feeling good on the road isn’t luxury, it’s the basis for a truly fulfilling adventure.

After years of adventuring on the road with the family, we’ve learned one thing: comfort in vanlife doesn’t come by accident. It’s built — intentionally, one choice at a time. And often, those choices come from hard-earned lessons (the kind that involve sleepless nights, stiff necks, and damp sheets).

Here are the vanlife non-negotiables that keep us well — body, mind, and mood — no matter where the road leads:

1. A Good Night’s Sleep In a Campervan — Always

Because no epic story ever started with huge under-eye circles and a cranky wife. We’ve been there — tossing and turning in a damp bed that smells like… adventure (and not in the good way). Now we know better: a warm, dry and breathable bed is the foundation of a good trip.

That’s why we sleep in merino wool bedding. It’s naturally moisture-wicking, regulates temperature, and keeps the bed fresh and dry night after night. Because comfort isn’t just about luxury — it’s about waking up ready and well-rested for new horizons.

2. Feeling Held & Supported — Literally

A driver with a stiff neck and tense shoulders isn’t enjoying the view, trust us. And if one person’s uncomfortable, everyone in the van feels it.

So we’ve made car neck pillows part of our permanent setup. They keep our posture (and moods) in better shape — especially on longer drives. When your body feels supported, you arrive in a whole different headspace.

3. No Extra Fuss — Ever

We’ve officially retired from gear Tetris. That endless cycle of unpacking, repacking, searching, and swearing.

Instead, we’ve found our sanity in small, smart storage hacks: wooden bottle holder for the car door panel to hold your drinking bottles, magazines, yarns and snacks within reach, and soap bottle holder for shampoo and dish soap bottles, cans etc.

Because less chaos = more time for the good stuff.

4. No Wet Dog Smell (Especially When There’s No Dog)

Moist, stinking towels in a closed van? NOPE. We travel with fast-drying, linen towels that actually stay put on the hook and don’t turn into soggy sadness at the bottom of the sink.

Fresh feels good - and sets the tone for an overall feel of cleanliness.

5. Cozy Evenings & Mornings — Outside and In

We love fresh air — but not freezing in it. Instead of layering up like Arctic explorers, we wrap ourselves in merino wool sleep sacks that keep us warm and cozy throughout the night, during morning coffee or late-night wine outside the van.

Because comfort shouldn’t stop at the van door, and we believe your energy is meant to be used to something else than just staying warm.

The Bottom Line in Vanlife Comfort

Our vanlife boundaries are simple:

• Good sleep
• Supportive driving posture
• No unnecessary fuss
• Fresh smells, warm feels
• Comfort first

On the road, we choose full-body comfort — that hell-yes feeling from head to toe. Because when your body feels safe, held, and grounded, your mind has the freedom to enjoy the journey — not just survive it.

Forget “I’ll manage.”
We’re here to make your travels feel "this is amazing".

Wishing you full-body-blissful journeys,

team IVAN