Top 5 Essentials for Working Remotely from a Van

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Whether you’re a digital nomad, content creator, or remote worker living full time on the road, staying connected and productive from a van takes the right gear. After months of working remotely from the back of our converted camper van, we’ve narrowed it down to five must-have items that make all the difference when it comes to staying online, staying powered, and staying sane.

Here are the top five necessities for working remotely while living that vanlife dream.

1. Starlink Mini

If you plan to work full time from the road, this is your holy grail. The Starlink Mini offers fast, reliable satellite internet in places that would normally be complete dead zones. We’ve uploaded YouTube videos from remote trailheads, taken Zoom calls in the middle of the desert, and even streamed content while parked deep in the forest.

Setup is fast, the footprint is compact, and with the new mini hardware, it takes up almost no space in our rig. If you only invest in one piece of gear to stay connected, make it this.

Pro tip: Save your maps and larger uploads for non-peak times when bandwidth is faster.

2. weBoost Drive Reach Cell Signal Booster – Your Connection Backup Plan

While Starlink is a game-changer, having a backup never hurts—especially when trees, storms, or canyon walls get in the way. That’s where the weBoost Drive Reach (model 470154) comes in. This thing boosts your existing cell signal by up to 32x, helping you squeeze out enough bars to send emails, upload files, or tether a hotspot when you’re just outside of reliable service.

It works with all major carriers in the U.S. (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile), and the magnetic roof antenna makes installation easy and non-invasive. We’ve found this to be especially handy in rural towns or national forests where the signal is weak but usable with a little help.

3. Jackery Explorer 500 Portable Power Station – Power When You Need It

We’re constantly charging phones, laptops, camera gear, drones, you name it. The Jackery 500 is our portable outlet of choice, and we bring it everywhere. It’s compact, easy to carry to a shaded picnic table or coffee shop patio, and has enough juice to charge a laptop a couple times over or keep your Wi-Fi gear running when the van’s batteries are low.

If you step away from the van or want to work somewhere with no outlets (like a beach or overlook), this power station becomes your best friend.

4. iPhone Mobile Hotspot – The OG Remote Work Lifeline

Before we got Starlink, we worked full time just using our phones as hotspots, and honestly, it held up pretty well. As long as you’re in a service area, your iPhone hotspot can be a reliable, fast option for emails, browsing, and even light uploads.

The downside? Limited data plans, slower speeds for large uploads, and a complete reliance on cell service. That said, we still use this method often when we just need to get something done quickly without booting up the Starlink.

5. Apple AirPods – Your Secret Weapon for Focus in a Small Space

When you’re working in a small space, especially with a partner or pup, it can be hard to focus. AirPods are the perfect lightweight solution. They block out just enough noise, let you take calls easily, and keep your favorite productivity playlists rolling without disturbing your travel partner.

We’ve taken meetings on trailheads, edited videos from coffee shops, and worked from noisy parking lots all with AirPods in. They’re tiny, reliable, and you won’t want to work without them once you start.