Keeping Warm
We have already looked at heaters in https://vanessapinnington.com/van-checklist-essentials/
However, there is much more to keeping warm than just thinking about the type of heater you want to use.
Clothing
Space can be an issue in a van, therefore, to take everything you own is not an option. But, if you’re smart, you can make it work.
Fleece top(s) – already listed under https://vanessapinnington.com/van-checklist-essentials/ but just take a couple and consider washing instructions and how you’ll dry them afterwards.
Long sleeved cotton tops – these serve more than one purpose. Layering is a well-known method of keeping warm when you’re out and about, but it also works if you’ve finished your walking and you just want to ‘cwtch’ up in the van. When it’s super chilly, then use your fleece top(s) as a final extra warm layer. Long-sleeved cotton tops can also be used for sleeping. I do possess thermal tops, but sometimes a plain cotton one does the trick.
Socks – you’ll need decent socks to wear with your walking boots. They are comfortable, warm and will prevent against chafing or blisters. You can also use them when you’re putting your feet up, or keeping cosy in your sleeping bag, but be careful, you can get chilblains. I suffer with these sometimes so loading up the layers for the night must be well thought out.
If you’ve never heard of chilblains, they are patches which are hot to touch, and they cause itching. Very uncomfortable when you’re trying to sleep. For me, they usually appear if my feet have become particularly cold and of course, the most obvious thing to do is to warm them up with thick socks. Unfortunately, this does not work, for me. For some of us, feet need to be warmed up gradually.
So, you may be better off purchasing socks which are designed for sleeping in rather than just walking ones – consider the expense though and how you’re going to wash and dry them. I purchased thermal socks and use them for walking and ‘around the van’ but they take forever to dry!
Thermal leggings – can be used during the day underneath cotton ones or under waterproof trousers if you’re attempting that long hike you’ve been preparing for. Otherwise, they can be utilised as ‘bed’ wear or just lounge wear when you’re done for the day.
Sleeping bag insert – a fleece insert provides that extra layer to keep you cosy. It can also be removed for easy cleaning.
Staying active
Getting out and about and moving those joints is one of the best ways to improve both our physical and mental health. Unless you have everything accessible in your van, you will need to get out even to use the toilet and shower, or to do the washing up. From my perspective, this is a good thing.
But you can do so much more if you plan your explorations. Just because it’s cold, it doesn’t mean you can’t get out and see what’s around you. See https://vanessapinnington.com/van-checklist-essentials/#exploring-getting-around for information about websites.
Hot meals
We tend to steer towards soups, casseroles and warmer, heartier meals, wherever we reside in the winter months, so why not stick to the same plan in the van. I’m rhyming again…….
Take a look at https://vanessapinnington.com/campervan-cooking-easy-van-life-meals/ There are plenty of options to fill you up and to warm you up.
There’s nothing wrong in getting out in the evening as well. Search for pubs in your area. Weekly winter meal offers can be a practical way of getting a decent meal and staying warm.
There may be activities happening in the area, like a quiz or a darts/skittles/pool competition. Why not take advantage and make use of someone else’s warm space, whilst socialising and having fun.
What about the windows?
You can purchase thermal ‘blinds’ for the inside and outside of the van. When you finally pitch up, take a look around you and you’ll see that people use either/or for their vehicles.
I’ve been informed by others that the ones which cover the outside of the van are better, as they prevent the condensation build-up which is so often seen first thing in the morning.
Think about it though. You’ve been expelling water vapour for potentially eight hours whilst you’ve been snoozing. What do you expect?
The main issue here is that over time, this ‘extra’ moisture may cause damp issues. This is potentially one of the more worrying problems when sleeping in a van on a regular basis. Make sure your van has been fitted with ample ventilation. There should always be ventilation points where gas appliances have been installed, and don’t forget that carbon monoxide monitor. And, do not expect damp towels or any damp clothing to dry off inside the van.
For me, I used the inside thermal coverings for a while but that was before my van was fully kitted out with fitted curtains and to be honest, they were more as a privacy covering than anything else. But it was Spring/Summer time so there must be a consideration for the weather change. It is already getting colder so I will probably invest in the ones which fit on the outside. However, these are exposed to the elements and if it’s been raining, you now have soggy coverings.
I will need to test this out myself.
And this is so true! It wasn’t so bad when they were just a little bit damp from the frosty mornings we experienced last week but when the heavy rain hit! If you’re away for a short time and parked up in the same place for the duration of your stay then it’s fine. But if you’re moving, like me, sometimes daily, then they don’t suit my needs.
YES – they do prevent the condensation on the windows. BUT – if it rains, and you’re moving daily, then all that condensation they saved you from is now back in the van!
I’ll keep you posted on my next idea……………..
Companies are always producing better products based on consumer feedback, so we’ll see but look at the top recommendations……….https://www.topchoice.co.uk/
Search for: Motorhome Thermal Blinds Comparison – September 2025
If all else fails…..
Starting the engine
For some readers, this may seem a bit ‘last straw’, but I have met people on my journey who had no choice but to start the engine and run it a while to reduce the condensation on the windows and ultimately, to keep warm.
It’s certainly not an environmentally acceptable option if you’re going to run your engine for say thirty minutes. Some people feel they have no choice, but surely you’ll be burning more fuel in the long term, so why not invest in something which will not pollute as much and will hopefully deal with the issue more economically.
Where to Stay?
From my blog about Choosing your Campsite https://vanessapinnington.com/choosing-your-campsite/ you will have noted that some sites will be open for the standard seasons:
Spring – from March to May (roughly)
Summer – from June to August
and the final months which can be the end of September for some (especially grass only sites) or until the end of October.
There are sites opened purely as ‘pop-ups’ from approximately May/June to August/September. Weather determines the ability of these sites to remain open. Pop-ups are mostly grass sites anyway.
There are some which are open all year round, thankfully!
I already have a plan of which ones to use. The rules for most are that you cannot stay (at any time of the year) for longer than 28 consecutive days.
However, I have noticed that there are site owners who allow ‘resident’ campers. I suppose this makes sense to guarantee a regular income, although there was only one site where this was obvious on my travels………
Final Thoughts
As you know, I hope to spend part of this winter in my van. Only part? There are some pet sits which will take me indoors for a short while during November, and of course at Christmas time I will visit family, but December is mostly pet free and there’s nothing booked for January or February either. My aim is to experience as much ‘outdoor’ living as possible. I will keep you posted……………
Remember, this is all from my own personal experience, please see the disclaimer on my website homepage.
