Gear Guide

Practical Solutions for Essential Needs

Living a life on the road offers unparalleled freedom and adventure. This guide provides practical solutions for meeting your essential needs, from the physical necessities of daily living to the emotional and social well-being that sustains a truly unbound lifestyle.

Whether you're planning to go full nomad or just want to increase your resilience and independence, understanding how to meet basic needs without relying on conventional infrastructure is essential. This page covers both minimal-budget solutions and more robust setups for long-term mobile living.

Physical Needs

These are the non-negotiable basics: water, food, shelter, waste management, and cleanliness. Each has minimal-budget options for starting out and maximal builds for comfort and long-term sustainability.

▶ Water

Minimal Build: For those prioritizing simplicity, 5-gallon containers are an accessible starting point. These can be refilled at a variety of locations, from public parks to grocery stores, and are easy to transport and manage. Filtration can involve simple, portable devices like pump filters or gravity filters, ensuring potable water from diverse sources.

Maximal Build: A more robust solution involves a water pump system integrated into your vehicle. This can draw water from a larger onboard tank, providing a continuous supply for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, offering greater convenience and self-sufficiency for extended periods off-grid.

Water Tips:

Storage capacity matters: More capacity = more flexibility in where you can camp
Filtration is essential: Don't rely on finding clean sources everywhere
Know your refill spots: Apps and network members can help you locate water sources
Consider dual systems: One for drinking/cooking, another for washing/cleaning

▶ Food

Minimal Build: For the most resource-efficient approach, free food boxes and strategic dumpster diving can provide a surprising amount of edible sustenance, minimizing costs and waste. This often requires research and adaptability to local resources and regulations. Many grocery stores discard perfectly good food due to cosmetic imperfections or approaching sell-by dates.

Maximal Build: A fully equipped kitchen offers home-like convenience. This can range from a propane stove (indoor or outdoor) for versatile cooking, to a propane oven or an outdoor wood oven for baking and more elaborate meals, enabling a diverse culinary experience wherever you are.

Food Strategies:

Dry goods first: Rice, beans, pasta, oats—long shelf life, cheap, nutritious
Cooler vs refrigerator: Coolers work initially; 12V fridges are game-changers for long-term
Local sourcing: Connect with Network farmers for fresh, agorist food
Preservation skills: Learn canning, dehydrating, fermentation for self-sufficiency
Cooking versatility: Single-burner propane stove is bare minimum; two-burner plus oven is luxury

▶ Shelter

Minimal Build: Starting simple means embracing agile, low-overhead options. This could include bicycle camping for ultimate mobility, a car with a tent or hammock for quick setups, or a no-build van or bus that offers basic enclosed space without extensive modifications. These options prioritize flexibility and ease of entry into mobile living.

Maximal Build: For ultimate comfort and long-term living, a built-out van or bus, or a dedicated RV provides a comprehensive living space. These vehicles feature integrated amenities, insulation, and custom layouts, offering a more permanent and luxurious mobile home experience.

Shelter Considerations:

Stealth vs. obvious: Unmarked van blends in cities; converted bus announces itself
Insulation matters: Drastically improves comfort in both hot and cold climates
Ventilation is critical: Prevents condensation, maintains air quality
Stand-up height: Quality of life improvement but limits vehicle options
Security features: Locks, window covers, alarm systems for peace of mind

▶ Human Waste

Minimal Build: Simple, eco-conscious options include digging a cathole in the woods (following Leave No Trace principles), establishing a small latrine for longer stays, or using a homemade compostable toilet with sawdust or peat moss. For convenience, gas station toilets and other public restrooms offer readily available facilities.

Maximal Build: For increased comfort and containment, options include a portable loo with a waste tank, a pre-fabricated composting toilet like Nature's Head which separates solids and liquids for efficient composting, or a built-in RV toilet connected to a black water tank. These solutions offer greater privacy and reduce the need for frequent disposal.

Waste Management Tips:

Know disposal locations: RV dump stations, some campgrounds, certain gas stations
Composting toilets: Nearly odorless when properly maintained, no black tank needed
Portable option: Cassette toilets offer flexibility for various setups
Public facilities: Gyms, libraries, coffee shops—use them strategically
Emergency backup: Always have a bucket-and-bag system as last resort

▶ Cleanliness

Minimal Build: For basic hygiene, gym memberships (which often include showers) or utilizing truck stop showers provide reliable access to hot water and facilities. These options are cost-effective and available in many locations along major routes. Planet Fitness ($10-20/month) offers locations nationwide with 24/7 access.

Maximal Build: For ultimate convenience and privacy, installing a shower directly in your van, bus, or RV allows for on-demand personal hygiene. This can range from simple pump-fed systems to full-pressure hot showers, depending on your vehicle's setup and water capacity.

Staying Clean on the Road:

Gym memberships: Best value for regular showers plus workout facilities
Truck stops: Pay-per-shower option ($12-15 typically), always available
Solar shower bags: Cheap, portable, works anywhere with sun
Portable shower systems: Battery-powered pumps with collapsible privacy tents
Wet wipes: The nomad's best friend for quick freshening up
Laundromats: Essential for clothing; some have showers too

Power & Communication

Modern nomadic living requires electricity for devices, communication tools, and sometimes climate control. Here's how to stay powered and connected off-grid.

Power Solutions:

Solar panels: 100-400W systems common; more panels = more power and faster charging
Battery banks: Lithium batteries (LiFePO4) are expensive but efficient; AGM batteries are cheaper compromise
Alternator charging: Charge house batteries while driving using DC-to-DC chargers
Portable generators: Backup power for cloudy days or high-draw appliances
Inverters: Convert 12V DC to 120V AC for laptops, tools, appliances

Communication & Internet:

Cell boosters: WeBoost or similar amplifies weak signals in remote areas
Unlimited data plans: Essential for remote work; prepaid plans often best value
Mobile hotspots: Separate device from phone for better connectivity
Starlink: Satellite internet for truly remote locations (expensive but reliable)
WiFi at public locations: Libraries, coffee shops, fast food—free backup options

Climate Control

Staying comfortable in varying weather conditions is crucial for sustainable mobile living.

Heating Options:

Propane heaters: Mr. Heater Buddy for small spaces; vented systems for larger vehicles
Diesel heaters: Webasto or Espar—expensive but efficient and safe for overnight use
Wood stoves: Practical for stationary setups or large vehicles with proper ventilation
Electric heaters: Only viable with shore power or massive battery banks
Insulation: The most important "heater"—prevents heat loss

Cooling Options:

Roof fans: MaxxAir or Fantastic Fan—essential for ventilation and cooling
12V fans: Small portable fans for air circulation
Shade strategies: Park in shade, use reflective window covers
Portable AC units: High power draw; need generator or shore power
Follow the weather: Move to cooler climates in summer

Security & Safety

Protecting yourself, your vehicle, and your belongings is paramount when living mobile.

Door locks and deadbolts: Upgrade standard vehicle locks
Window covers: Privacy and security—can't steal what they can't see
Alarm systems: Motion sensors, glass break detectors
Safe or lockbox: Secure valuables and important documents
Fire extinguisher: Rated for vehicle fires—keep accessible
Carbon monoxide detector: Essential if using propane or gas appliances
First aid kit: Comprehensive kit for medical emergencies
Self-defense tools: Legal options vary by location—know local laws
Emergency contacts: Network members in various regions

Vehicle Maintenance & Tools

Your vehicle is your home—keeping it running is non-negotiable.

Essential Tools & Supplies:

Basic tool kit: Wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers
Jack and jack stands: For tire changes and repairs
Spare tire and tools: Know how to change a tire before you need to
Jumper cables or jump starter: Dead batteries happen
Oil and filters: Do your own oil changes to save money
Duct tape and zip ties: Temporary fixes for almost anything
Multimeter: Diagnose electrical issues
Spare fuses: Easy fix for common electrical problems
Roadside assistance: AAA or Good Sam for major breakdowns

Relational & Mental Well-being

Physical needs met, but humans need more than food and shelter. Social connection and mental health matter just as much for sustainable nomadic living.

▶ Connection

Attending or Hosting Meetups: Actively seeking out or organizing informal gatherings with other mobile dwellers or local communities can build valuable friendships and support networks. These could be small, spontaneous gatherings or planned events.
Attending Festivals: Festivals offer concentrated opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and immerse yourself in vibrant communities for a short period. They are excellent for recharging social batteries.
Finding People Through the Network: Utilizing the Network's website and its directories (like the Network Directory) can be a direct way to find other agorists, travelers, or host locations, fostering intentional connections based on shared principles.
Digital community: Signal groups, forums, Discord servers keep you connected between in-person meetups
Regular check-ins: Schedule video calls with friends and family to maintain relationships

Budget Breakdown

How much does it actually cost to get started? Here's a realistic breakdown:

Ultra-Minimal Start ($500-2000):

Used car you can sleep in: $500-1500
Sleeping bag and pad: $50-150
5-gallon water jugs: $20
Portable stove: $20-40
Gym membership: $10-20/month
Basic supplies: $100

Modest Setup ($5000-15000):

Reliable van: $3000-10000
Basic build-out materials: $500-2000
Solar setup (100W): $300-600
Portable toilet: $50-300
Water system: $100-300
Cooking setup: $100-200
Bedding and storage: $200-500

Comfortable Long-Term ($20000-50000+):

Quality van or small RV: $15000-40000+
Professional build-out: $5000-20000+
Solar system (400W+): $1500-3000
Composting toilet: $1000
Full water system with shower: $500-1500
Heating/cooling: $500-2000
All amenities and upgrades: $2000-5000

Getting Started

Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. You don't need a fully built-out custom van to start living mobile. Many successful nomads begin with the basics and upgrade over time as they learn what they actually need versus what they thought they'd need.

Connect with experienced nomads in The Adventurer's Hall for advice specific to your situation. Visit Nomadic Markets & Caravans to see mobile living in action. Browse Network Maps to find free camping locations and host properties.

The Network is here to help you transition—you're not figuring this out alone.