My RV Essentials with Ali Lindsey
TL;DR: Our family of four spent three months living on the road in a 21-foot travel trailer, exploring the Rockies. We prioritized comfort, functionality, and organization in our small space. Key gear included versatile storage solutions, solar lanterns, outdoor rugs, multifunctional towels, and inflatable paddleboards to make our adventure enjoyable and clutter-free.
For nearly three months, my family and I lived on the road, traveling through the breathtaking landscapes of the Rockies in our 21-foot Rockwood GeoPro Travel Trailer. As a family of four—my husband Daric, our daughters Susie (8) and Jojo (7), and myself—we are constantly on the move. Whether it’s walking to rivers and lakes, paddleboarding, dipping in hot springs, biking, or gearing up for hikes, our active lifestyle demands both comfort and functionality.
Living in a small space meant being purposeful with every item we brought along. Our goal was to combine the comforts of home with practical, easy-to-clean gear. Despite the limited space, my husband's organizational skills and my eye for detail made it all possible. While my husband and I worked on the road, attending to meetings and projects, we also ensured a family-friendly environment for our kids.
Staying organized was key to making our adventure enjoyable. We focused on efficient storage solutions, multifunctional items, and maintaining a tidy living space both inside and outside the camper. This approach allowed us to fully embrace the freedom and excitement of life on the road without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.
Gear Tips for an Enjoyable Journey
Food Storage
These containers are a lifesaver for RV living. They fit perfectly in an RV fridge or cooler, with smaller containers ideal for lunch boxes, on-the-go hikes, and large containers for storing leftovers or dry foods. Their modular stacking shape ensures the most efficient use of space in the pantry, fridge, and freezer.
Command Hooks
We never lost our keys, thanks to Command Hooks. These versatile hooks were perfect for organizing our bike helmets, drying towels, and hanging hoodies. In a small space with kids and gear, Command Hooks were a lifesaver. They offer damage-free organization!
Luci Lux Lanterns - Solar Lanterns by MPOWERD
We loved these glowing lights for their solar charge and mellow illumination. Perfect for relaxing evenings, walking around the campsite, or heading down to the river. Easy to pack and store, Luci Lux Lanterns provide bright, warm light in the palm of your hand. Compact and durable, these solar lanterns can withstand up to 150 lbs of pressure while providing a soft light that lasts long into the night.
Fab Habitat Outdoor Rug
We placed this waterproof rug in front of our camper door to take off our shoes, adding a touch of style with its functional design. It's easy to hose off and great for handling dirty boots or sandy feet. We loved the patterns, and we chose the Rio-Green design.
Waterproof Farmhouse Burlap Tablecloth
This very foldable and packable tablecloth combines style and function, making it perfect for covering picnic tables, whether they have old woody splinters or bird poop. It's easy to hose down and dries quickly in the sun, making it great for catching kids' messes too!
SandCloud Adobe Mudcloth Cover-Up Sunflower
This was my go-to cover-up in and out of the camper. Made from towel-like material, it dries quickly and adds style and function for walking to the river and moving in and out of the camper to cook dinner. Cover up in style!
Sand Cloud Towels
SandCloud Towels are a must for any trip. These towels are thin, foldable, packable, and stylish, eliminating the need for bulky towels that take up too much room. My kids love these towels for their great designs, and they're easy to throw into a backpack, in a beach bag or over your shoulder.
Kelty Couch
Another must-have for our family is the Kelty Couch. It's perfect for cozying up by a campfire, reading a book in the shade, or catching some rays with a cold beer. Everything about this couch is awesome—I'm not sure who loves it more, my kids or my husband!
Inflatable Paddle Boards
Another must-have on all camping trips, especially if you're going to be by the water, is the Solstice Paddle Board. This brand offers very packable and easy-to-inflate options. It's super fun for the whole family and perfect for a solo SUP adventure. It also comes with a very convenient backpack to tote along to and from the RV to the water.
Nofry Sun Hoodie
My husband lived in these sun shirts, and so many guys on the road asked where he purchased them. The Nofry Sun Hoodie offers UPF 30+ featherweight sun protection while allowing for unrestricted movement. This featherweight men's sun hoodie is made from the perfect lightweight material to protect your skin without making you too hot. It's ideal for desert adventures, fishing on the lake, or even wrestling bears.”
STRAVA
We used STRAVA to track all of our hikes and activities, monitoring mileage for hikes, biking adventures, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. STRAVA not only tracks mileage but also provides data on elevation gain, calories burned, and various stats for adventurers and athletes. It's fun to add photos while sharing your adventures with family and friends, creating lasting memories.
The RTIC Backpack Cooler
We love the RTIC Backpack Cooler for keeping our drinks cold outside the camper, eliminating the need to go in and out constantly. This cooler is durable and fully waterproof, allowing us to go hands-free and enjoy our outdoor activities without hassle.