VanlifeCamping gadgets for surfers and co.

SURF Redaktion

 · 29.06.2025

You can also find solutions for the Surf Bus in Hornbach's "Buildify" extension series.
Photo: Hornbach
The range of smart camping equipment has grown enormously, and not just since the coronavirus era. We have put together a selection of products that will support you in all camping situations while travelling.

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Vanlife solutions from the DIY store

surf/fotoweb/100139275Photo: Hornbach

DIY fans can now also find an extensive range of DIY products for campervan conversions in DIY stores. Hornbach offers the Bob rear bed (€629) from its in-house "Buildify" range as a flexible sleeping system with a 180 x 110 centimetre sleeping surface. Made from 15 millimetre thick birch multiplex, the element can be combined with other Buildify parts. Info: hornbach.de

Charging system for boards, bikes and co.

surf/fotoweb/100139272Photo: VanEssa

Off on holiday and camping in your everyday car without drilling, screwing or making any other changes to the vehicle - that is the motto of VanEssa mobilcamping. For sporty, ambitious campers with bikes, surfboards, etc., the joinery offers the ideal system that allows even bulky sports equipment to be transported safely in the vehicle. However, nothing has to be sacrificed in order to experience the all-round vanlife feeling. The VanEssa Arco system consists of a stable, highly resilient heavy-duty pull-out for a weight load of up to 250 kg when extended from the tail of a van. A rail system from the vehicle manufacturer is required. More information: vanessa-mobilcamping.de

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The washing line that doesn't need clips

surf/picture-2_504e00102ceab1fa1bf1f18e26dbc8edPhoto: Decathlon

You always have something to dry: towels, swimwear or the small laundry in between. The five metre long camping washing line from Decathlon (>> available here) can be easily attached anywhere thanks to the hooks and then stowed away again compactly. And you don't even need clothes pegs - the ball system simply clamps the garments in place. Info at decathlon.de.

Rear carrier for panel vans

                               Photo: GiroVan[Image]

With the GiroVan, Linnepe has developed a bicycle carrier that has been specially designed for panel vans with a Euro chassis. The carrier can be unlocked using one-hand operation so that the rear doors can still be opened and swivelled to the side even when loaded. The low loading option at knee height is designed to make it easier to saddle up heavy e-bikes. Info & prices: linnepe.eu

Roof tent for the car

surf/decathlon_15dcc23415d854e415fcc3e096267996Photo: Decathlon

If you transport your surfing equipment in your car or trailer, the roof is free - perfect space for a roof tent! Quicker to set up and more comfortable than a normal tent, roof tents have become a cult amongst part-time van drivers in recent years and turn every car into a holiday vehicle. The Decathlon rooftop tent Fresh & Black - MH500 for 2 people (>> available here) impresses with good insulation, clever features and many options for retrofitting! Info at decathlon.de

Outdoor collection from Tchibo

surf/100139280_4febf84bb24ecc21c18931263c5b690fPhoto: Tchibo

With a volume of 40 litres, the trekking backpack (€49.99) offers sufficient storage space for multi-day tours. The hard-wearing, water-repellent material with environmentally friendly "evoPel" waterproofing protects your equipment from getting wet. Numerous compartments, adjustable straps and a ventilated back system ensure comfort and functionality on demanding hikes. The rollable water bottle (8 euros >> available here) with a capacity of 650 ml. The extra-large opening is leak-proof and makes filling and cleaning easier. A carabiner serves as a fastening and carrying aid. The long-sleeved shirt (39.99 euros) combines the advantages of merino wool and polyester for optimum heat regulation and moisture transport while naturally reducing odour. Source: tchibo.de

Smarthome for the camper

surf/fotoweb/100139274Photo: Revotion

Revotion offers retrofittable control modules for campers that communicate wirelessly and only require a power connection. The app and Bluetooth connection can be used not only to call up relevant information (e.g. temperature, tank and battery levels), but also to switch lights and devices (e.g. heating, air conditioning) on and off, now even remotely via the Internet. Info & prices: revotion.de

Keep insects away and soothe bites

surf/image_def56424e6e794b394714f17321a17afPhoto: Ortho Mechanik

Mosquitoes can quickly make outdoor life a misery. Ortho Mechanik now promises a remedy with ultrasonic technology, without the use of chemicals or fragrances. The device (>> available here) is designed to significantly reduce the mosquito population within a radius of one metre. In the event that a mosquito bite occurs despite protective measures, the manufacturer also has an insect bite healer. This device is designed to relieve itching and swelling within seconds through the use of heat therapy, without any creams or sprays. Price: currently 49 euros instead of 79 euros. Info at orthomechanik.de

Cooking in the wild

surf/fotoweb/100139273Photo: Trangia

The name Trangia stands for tradition: the family business has been manufacturing camping cookers in its factory in Trångsviken/Sweden since 1925. To celebrate the anniversary, Trangia is launching a cooker collection in three bright colours: pink (see photo), gold-orange and forest green >> available here. The Series 25 birthday set costs 104.90 euros each, regardless of colour, and includes two pots with a volume of 1.75 and 1.5 litres, a frying pan, windscreen, burner, handle and strap - all in a birthday look. Info: trangia.se

Camping light

Silva GLOW camping lightPhoto: Geschwister-Zack

Reading in the van, candlelight feeling at the camping table, search spot in the tent: the battery-operated camping light Glow from Silva (29.95 euros >> available here) with powerful 250 lumens and 360-degree illumination (Glow Recharge with 2050 mAh battery and 350 lumens, 44.95 euros >> available hereThanks to the two adjustable light modes, it can be used effortlessly between white work light for tour planning and cosy campfire light. Info: silvasweden.com

Air mattress with comfort

surf/fotoweb/100139282Photo: Earl Harper

Therm-a-Rest is expanding its outdoor bed programme with the NeoLoft sleeping pad, which combines the comfort of a foam insulation mat with the pack size of an air mattress. The 3D profile and stretch/knit surface are designed to ensure that the mat moulds perfectly to the body. Available in two sizes, Regular Wide and Large, both 280 euros. Info: thermarest.com

More storage space

surf/fotoweb/100139278Photo: Marc Wayne Schechtel

The bicycle carrier specialist Uebler is expanding its product portfolio with the B1 rear box (827 euros). With a volume of 300 litres and 13 kilograms of space, you never have enough. It is suitable for transporting a wide range of equipment with a maximum tare weight. Two patented quick-release fasteners are designed to ensure simple and secure installation on all Uebler i, H and X series bike carriers from model year 2014 onwards. As known from bike carriers, the boot should still be accessible even when the box is strapped on. Info: uebler.com

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