Who Is IVAN? The Story Behind IVAN Vanlife

People often ask about the story of IVAN, so here it is: how the first Finnish brand dedicated to vanlife comfort accessories came to life. And yes—we’ll also reveal where the name IVAN actually comes from (spoiler: it’s not a Russian man).

The Idea Was Born on the Backyard Lawn Over Morning Coffee

The idea for IVAN emerged one morning as we sat on the lawn, sipping coffee. Once again, we were frustrated: no matter how hard we searched, we couldn’t find the camper accessory we needed for our motorhome. The market was full of plastic, poorly designed, questionably produced camper gear—nothing we wanted inside our small moving home.

Our motorhome wasn’t fancy or expensive, but we were particular for three reasons:

• We only wanted to buy things we genuinely liked and were pleasant and functional to use.

• Every purchase was a deliberate way to build a reality where we felt, every time we used something: “Wow, this is amazing. I love this.”

• We wanted our purchases to support responsibility and sustainability.

But nothing on the market matched our criteria. Everything was either “practically ugly” or “ugly practical.” We found ourselves once again facing a giant black hole in the camper accessory market—and the only solution was to stay creative (and frustrated) and start solving the problems ourselves.

And then it hit us: surely other vanlifers face the same challenges. No one else can find better camper accessories either, even if they want to. Should we create a company that builds better gear for the road?

When Everyday Life on Four Wheels Doesn’t Work Like Home – The Challenges of Camper Life

After more than ten years of motorhoming, caravanning, and campervan travel, it was crystal clear: life on the road works nothing like life in a house. In a vehicle, even the basics—storage, sleeping, cooking—require patience, creativity, and endless rounds of what we lovingly call “gear Tetris.”

To make things worse, most everyday items—towels, dishes, soap bottles, storage boxes—are simply too large or the wrong shape for camper use. And that’s only half of the problem: many accessories are made from materials unsuitable for small spaces. They don’t breathe, they trap moisture and odors, or they crack in the cold.

One of us is an engineer and the other an interior designer—thus, we couldn’t understand how proper vanlife accessories simply didn’t exist.

When No One Else Made the Vanlife Gear We Needed, We Made It Ourselves

Over the years, we created countless things to improve our own camper life: laundry bags, bed guards for the kids, perfectly sized towels, custom storage solutions, improvised waste bins—you name it.

And each time we wondered:
How is it possible that year after year, the same practical problems still exist in motorhomes, even though manufacturers update everything else?

Were we the only ones feeling this? Or was the average vanlife community—fifteen years ago—just so different that demand and supply didn’t meet? We can only guess.

The Trickiest Vanlife Problem of All – And We Haven’t Perfected It Either

There’s one eternal motorhome dilemma that refuses to be solved across all vehicle models: the location of the trash bin and waste sorting.

Honestly, we haven’t perfected this one yet. But you’ll find a simple workaround on our Instagram @ivanvanlife. We’re developing our own solution.

Purposeful minimalism instead of asceticism or overpacking

Limited space usually leads to three packing styles: “What if”-overpacking, ascetic underpacking, or intentional minimalism.

We’ve tried all three, and intentional minimalism is the sweet spot—both logical and emotional.

“What if”-packing comes from fear or inexperience: overpreparing because you don’t yet know what you’ll actually need. In our case, it meant way too many shoes, craft supplies, and a shower cap.

Ascetic packing is the opposite: taking too little or the wrong type of gear and trying to make one item do the job of several. Sure, you survive—but comfort takes a hit.

Intentional minimalism is the mindset of an experienced traveler: knowing your limits, your real needs, and what sparks genuine well-being. You pack the essentials—but nothing extra.

Purposeful minimalism is at the heart of IVAN’s product design:

What are the most practical, the best-feeling, and the truly promise-delivering vanlife essentials? Those are the ones we create — so you can bring everything essential and delightful, and nothing unnecessary.

When Space Is Limited, Everything Must Work Seamlessly

When space (and weight limits) are tight, you take only what works perfectly for its purpose. There’s no room—literally or mentally—for “almost good.”

For example, IVAN’s merino wool bedding was created entirely from our own needs and specifically for camper environments because:

• The bed is always the last place in the motorhome to warm up

• Regular sheets and mattresses feel cold and clammy

• Laundry options on the road are limited

• You easily get cold or too hot at night
  
  

We decided enough was enough—there had to be a material that felt warm, dry, breathable, and comfortable even when the interior of the vehicle was cold and humid.

Together with the Finnish company Orneule, we developed the world’s first merino wool bed linen, engineered for vehicle conditions and heavenly on the skin.

This mindset guides every IVAN product: It must be easy to use, function seamlessly, and bring a smile to your face every single time.

You don’t need many things—but you do need the ones that make travel comfortable, smooth, and full-body enjoyable.

In 2022, that is how IVAN was born: from a desire to make vanlife easier, more beautiful, and more comfortable.

So Who Is IVAN?

We often get confused looks and raised eyebrows. Is it… a Russian man?

It could be, but not in this case. While brainstorming product ideas on the backyard lawn, we also wrote down potential brand names. We came up with around twenty alternatives—but the one name we initially rejected as “too controversial” kept sticking with us: IVAN.

It was everything we wanted in a brand name: short, punchy, international, and linked to vanlife.

And once you say it out loud, the wordplay becomes obvious:

I–van → I travel by van
In Finnish: “Aivan!” (meaning “Exactly!”)

Both are correct.
And as a bonus: spelled backwards, it becomes NAVI—perfect for boat life, too.

IVAN Vanlife's Mission

We exist so that life in a motorhome, boat, or any tiny moving home isn’t survival—but smooth, feel-good- comfort where your gear works beautifully and looks good - no matter where adventure takes you.

We don’t offer more.
We offer better.

Quality Travel Comfort Products from Finland Since 2022

Artisan-level travel comfort accessories for those who value high-quality materials, functional design, and a spark of playful spirit—wherever you roam.

IVAN products are designed and made in Finland using adult labor and artisan methods. A portion of every purchase supports nature conservation—currently the Finnish Natural Heritage Foundation and old-growth forests.

Forget the “I’ll manage” mindset—IVAN offers a travel experience where the main feeling is: “This is unbelievably wonderful.”

Wishing you warm, smooth, full-body-comfort journeys,
team IVAN