Some people have been asking about different products I used in my Prius Camper build, so I decided to compile a master list here. These are all products that I’ve personally used and can whole-heartedly recommend for your own build (unless otherwise stated).

Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them. Thanks for your support!
 

Mods

Lift Kit: https://priusoffroad.com/products/ols/products/gen-2-prius-lift-kit

WeatherTech Rain Guards: https://amzn.to/3D1aqfz - Allow you to leave your windows cracked open while it’s raining.

Interior Curtain: https://amzn.to/4in2IeK - I replaced the string with a curtain rod and bent some small hangers out of sheet metal to hold up the ends.

Awning: https://amzn.to/3D64yBw

Inno Cargo Box: https://amzn.to/3D7Ineo - I carry my inflatable paddle board in here, as well as my bag of dirty clothes.

Roof Rack Bars: https://amzn.to/43ddShA (INB127BK 50”)
Roof Rack Fithook: https://amzn.to/41hkb1f (K705)
Roof Rack Stays: https://amzn.to/4bcPBu9 (INSUT)

Sink

Water Faucet: https://amzn.to/4bi1xdT

Water Pump: https://amzn.to/4kfwweJ 

Sink Basin: https://amzn.to/41tFM7E 

12V Cord (for powering pump & faucet): https://amzn.to/447JDJ8

2.5 Gallon Water Storage Tanks (Fresh & Greywater): https://amzn.to/43eVMMb 

2.5 Gallon Water Storage Tanks (Fresh & Greywater): https://amzn.to/3ESVEI5 - These are the same as mine but are specifically marked BPA Free, so they may be a better option.

Food Storage

ICECO Fridge: https://amzn.to/41u1MPV 

Titanium double-walled camping mug: https://amzn.to/3Qufvjw - My absolute favorite travel mug

Spice shakers: https://amzn.to/41x8ODH - I tried them ALL and these were the best

The best bag clips: https://amzn.to/3QBeRRj 

Collapsible food storage boxes: https://amzn.to/4hR6QDO - These are my favorite ones. I use them to eat out of as well as for food prep and storage.

Collapsible food storage boxes: https://amzn.to/3Xidafb 

EVO Olive Oil Sprayer: https://amzn.to/4bBiXlX - The best (and simplest) oil sprayer I’ve used

Spray Bottles: https://amzn.to/3XCCD33 - I recommend having a spray bottle of vinegar for cleaning & cooking

Reusable mesh bags: https://amzn.to/4be1bF8  - These are good for keeping things under the bed platform and in the back wheel well cubbies organized.

Food Prep

Instant Pot (3 Quart): https://amzn.to/4hOl884 - You can cook anything in this thing

Ceramic non-stick pot for Instant Pot: https://amzn.to/3F3c8NO - A must-have if you’re going to try sautéing anything in your Instant Pot. I use this instead of the one that comes with the Instant Pot.

Glass lid for Instant Pot: https://amzn.to/41vjSBe - Great when for when you’re just heating things up and don’t need the pressure cooker function. I use this more often than the regular lid.

Clip-on silicone strainer: https://amzn.to/3D5b6jT - Clips right onto the rim of the Instant Pot for straining pasta, etc. Awesome space-saving solution.

Folding Tea Kettle: https://amzn.to/3Que4l8 - The one I purchased appears to have been discontinued, but this appears to be a rebranding of the exact same product with an adjustable heat level. I tried several kettles on Amazon and this was one of the few without a scary odor, and the design is just so clean and clever.

Collapsible Measuring Cups: https://amzn.to/3QEJjtz 

Titanium Sporks: https://amzn.to/418jI18 

Best compact can opener: https://amzn.to/4kifNYv

Collapsible V60 Coffee Dripper: https://amzn.to/4hQYqMz - My favorite collapsible pour over funnel. A work of art!

Collapsible Coffee Dripper: https://amzn.to/3EUeUVF - This is the one I had in the video, though I prefer the V60 above.

Coffee Grinder: https://amzn.to/4kj9cwS - My absolute favorite handheld burr grinder. Another work of art.

Electronics

Giandel 1200 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter: https://amzn.to/4hOPZ4v - This is an updated version of the model that I have. It has worked very well for me.

ICECO Lithium Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/4beFchA - This is the battery I keep in my center console that powers my fridge, string lights, and charges my phone through the night. It plugs right into the cigarette lighter inside the console. This is an updated version of the one I have, but should work just the same.

weBoost Cell Signal Booster: https://amzn.to/4hOOWS7 - I keep the red booster box under my passenger seat.

Cigarette Lighter Multi-tap 1: https://amzn.to/41hKcNI - This is the multi-tap that I use in conjunction with the Lithium Battery Pack. I adhered it to the back of the center console and it powers the fridge, string lights, faucet pump, fan, my phone, watch, etc.

Cigarette Lighter Multi-tap 2: https://amzn.to/3EMsg6f - I use this one up front under the dashboard.

Cigarette Lighter Socket Splitter: https://amzn.to/3Xcu8vG - I use this in the center console where I plug in the lithium battery pack. It allows me to also power my phone adapter at the same time.

USB Switch: https://amzn.to/3XjycKC - I use this to control the overhead string lights.

String Lights / Fairy Lights: https://amzn.to/4gUkO6v 

USB Extension Cable: https://amzn.to/41brKWZ - I use this to plug the USB switch into the multi-tap behind the center console.

Carbon Monoxide detector: https://amzn.to/4ibafgh - I have this plugged into the multi-tap under the dashboard up front.

Personal fan: https://amzn.to/3QBfg6h - This fan is seriously awesome. I bought 2 for myself and 1 for a friend so far. It is infinitely adjustable and has a battery built-in.

Light bar mounting bracket: https://amzn.to/4if45fa

Light bar lights: https://amzn.to/4ie3hHv

“Pendant” Light / Night Light: https://amzn.to/4i9Eog7 - This is the light I have hanging by the hook over my sink / countertop

Flashlight: https://amzn.to/4gRvPFP - LOVE this little rechargeable flashlight. Super compact and super bright.

Sleep / Bedding

Light blanket: https://amzn.to/4kbBnxD - This is a great light blanket for the Summer but you’ll need something more if you’re also camping in the Fall and Spring or even up in the mountains during the Summer.

Heavier blanket: https://amzn.to/3DfP4eb 

Pillow: https://amzn.to/41gW8ze - Nice compact pillow.

Mattress: https://amzn.to/4gXN5Ji - It looks like the grey color one I have is currently unavailable. The dimensions of my mattress are 24” x 72” x 2-3/8”

Cabinetry

1” Butcher Block for countertop: https://amzn.to/4bcLApz 

Health & Hygiene

Toiletry Travel Bag: https://amzn.to/3QwFQ07 

Mirror: https://amzn.to/4hONn6P 

Wet wipes: https://amzn.to/3EPNhwS -These are excellent but a bit pricey. You can also try making your own

My favorite castile bar soap: https://amzn.to/43aQP77 - All natural but doesn’t dry your skin out like most other brands.

My favorite liquid castile soap: https://amzn.to/418hBdI - Pre-diluted and moisturizing, like the bar soap.

Bar soap holder: https://amzn.to/3QxICSZ - Drill a few holes in the top to allow it to vent and dry

Sun burn relief: https://amzn.to/4kcWEqM - Saved me from the worst sunburn I’ve ever had. Good ingredients.

My favorite mineral sunscreen: https://amzn.to/3XeMpbD - Safe ingredients and easy to apply. This is the most cost-effective way to buy it.

First Aid Kit: https://amzn.to/43eWGZ5 

Antibiotic Ointment: https://amzn.to/3XhYwES - Literally saved me on this trip. Don’t go anywhere without it.

Best compact tick remover: https://amzn.to/4bbSJ9H 

Recreation

Folding chair: https://amzn.to/437oyhT - Surprisingly comfortable and extremely compact. Easily stores under the bed platform.

Sun umbrella: https://amzn.to/41h9R98 - Folds up small and stores easily under the bed platform. A must if you go to the beach.

Tent pole: https://amzn.to/3XcvYN6 - I carry one of these to stake the umbrella at the beach. It works better if you remove the pointy end piece.

Let me tell you, there’s nothing like stopping at a pullout with an epic view and brewing yourself a fresh cup of pour-over coffee. Sitting there with the hatchback open, a light breeze blowing and savoring the complex flavors and aroma. Some of these simple moments have been among the highlights of my road trips.

The pour-over method of brewing coffee is especially great for travel (van life, camper cars, tiny homes) because it requires very little equipment and makes arguably the best tasting cup. You simply pour hot water over the grounds in a filter and it drips directly into your coffee mug. Pour-over also engages the senses during the process, which is perfect when you want to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Here’s how I do it in the Prius Camper:

Heating the Water

I have a 1200 watt inverter wired up to my starter battery. Turning on the car and powering on the inverter gives me 1200 watts of AC power, and because the Prius is a hybrid, the engine only runs when the hybrid battery needs a boost.

Travel Kettles

In use a portable, foldable silicone kettle called the “FLAT” kettle. I tried a few different kettles of dubious quality (many of the inexpensive silicone kettles on Amazon give off concerning synthetic odors) before settling on the FLAT. I love its dead simple, clean, elegant design. Unfortunately, the FLAT is no longer sold, but there are a couple similar options on the market now:

• Dace Folding Travel Kettle - This is the closest to the model I have (it appears to be a rebrand with a variable temperature knob)
• HYTRIC Folding Travel Kettle

These kettles heat water very fast (within a few minutes) and they use around 800 watts, so just make sure your inverter is sized appropriately.

If you don’t have a full camper setup with an inverter, 12v water kettles are also available which you can plug right into a 12v “cigarette lighter”, but they take MUCH longer to heat the water (15-20 minutes).

• 12v water kettle

Camping Stoves

If you don’t want to go the full inverter route and you don’t want to wait 20 minutes to boil your water (I don’t blame you!), you could also get a small camping stove that can be attached to a compact isobutane fuel tank. I recommend the MSR PocketRocket, as it is tried and true and has a great reputation among backpackers. Just don’t forget to bring a lighter or matches, observe safety precautions, and only use it outside or with the tailgate wide open!

• MSR PocketRocket camping stove
• TOAKS Titanium 750ml pot
• MSR Isobutane fuel tank

Simple Measuring

Regardless of what you’re using to heat your water, the key to making the travel pour-over process simple and easy is knowing how much water you’re going to use for a single cup of coffee every time, without having to measure anything out.

For a single cup of coffee (one serving–not a literal cup), I fill my FLAT kettle up to the top of the silicone wall, which is about 320 grams (320 mL or 11.3 oz) of water.

For your first brew (if you don’t want to measure), I suggest filling up your coffee cup with water to a level a bit higher than the amount of coffee you want (to account for the water that is absorbed by the grounds and left behind), and then pouring the water back into your kettle. Mark or make note of the water level in the kettle for the future.

I allow the water to reach a full boil and then turn the kettle off and allow it to cool for a minute before starting the pour.

The Grind

While the water is heating in the kettle, it’s time to start grinding your coffee. Fresh ground beans is key to great tasting coffee, and this is one area I won’t skimp on, even when I’m traveling.

I love a good hand burr grinder, and my absolute favorite is the Chestnut C2. It’s super ergonomic, with a beautiful high quality build. It makes grinding a fun, tactile experience.

• TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 Manual Burr Grinder

My tip for keeping the grind simple is basically the same as for the water, and it’s knowing exactly how much you need to make a cup. That’s one thing I love about the C2—It’s just the right size so you can fill it up to the top of the chamber and you’ve got just about the right amount for one cup, adjusting a bit more or less to your taste.

Coffee:Water Ratio

The typical recommended ratio of coffee grounds to water is from 1:17-1:15. For 320 grams of water, that’s about 19-21 grams of coffee grounds. I find this to be too watery for my taste, at least with medium-light roasts. For 320 grams of water, I prefer closer to 26 grams of grounds (a roughly 1:12 ratio).

The Dripper

My preference is for the V60 cone-style dripper. The V60 was pioneered by Hario, a Japanese brand. I’ve tried several different collapsible coffee drippers as well as just using a standard plastic Hario dripper, but my absolute favorite right now is this beauty.

• VANDROOP Collapsible Silicone Coffee Dripper - My favorite dripper. V60 compatible, collapsible, and compact.
• Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper - The original V60. I don’t love that it’s plastic, but it’s tried and true and the #1 size is pretty compact.

I really recommend using disposable paper filters because the other options require way too much cleanup for the road.

Going dripper-free

I’ve even tried going without a cone entirely, which is a great option for ultralight backpacking. I take a standard #2 paper filter (not the V60 kind–the pointy bottom sticks down too far into the cup) and fold the top edge over my cup, then use a couple paper clips (owl clips work best) to hold the filter to the rim of the mug.

The Mug

My favorite travel mug is the MSR Titan. It’s a great mug for backpackers because it’s so darn lightweight while still being insulated. But it’s honestly great to use anywhere. It’s just the right size to give you a full 8oz-10oz cup with enough room for the dripper cone on top. It’s a bit pricey, though, so if you’re watching your wallet, any large mug that fits your dripper will do.

• MSR Titan Ultralight Titanium Double Wall Camp Mug with Lid

The Pour

When I’m at home I use a gooseneck kettle with a thermometer and a scale to carefully portion out my pours into roughly 10 second durations of about 50 grams of water until I reach 300 grams.

However, when I’m on the road, I like to keep it super simple and just heat exactly the amount of water I’m going to use from the start. Then I pretty much just use my intuition for the length of each pour. To be honest, it usually comes out just fine (and I’m pretty picky about my coffee!)

Here’s how to do it:

1. Slowly pour water into the center of the grounds and move outward in concentric circles. Once you reach the outer edge, circle back inward. If using a small #1 filter cone, you’ll want to fill the dripper cone up to within 1/4” of the top (if using a #2 filter cone, you’ll want to fill it up maybe 1/2 full before stopping).
    
2. For the first pour, allow the coffee to “bloom” for about 30 seconds (if it’s fresh coffee it will “bubble up” a bit–savor that aroma!). For subsequent pours, simply allow the water to drain down to the surface of the coffee bed before starting the next pour.
    
3. Repeat steps #1 and #2 until all the water in the kettle is gone. You’re done!

After the pour is done, I place the drip cone onto another small cup (I use an old single-serve yogurt cup) to let it drain out completely and allow the grounds to dry out as much as possible (and not drip all over the floor of your vehicle).

I like a bit of cream or half & half in my coffee and have a small fridge installed behind my passenger’s seat, but if you don’t have a fridge on board your rig, powdered milk is a convenient natural option that avoids the questionable additives found in most powdered creamers. You can add it directly to the coffee without pre-mixing with water, which gives it a richer taste closer to cream.

I avoid all added sugars, so if I need a bit of sweetness I’ll go for a scoop of erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia. The pure powdered forms of monk fruit and stevia come in little spice jars that last forever (each serving requires just a tiny scoop since they are 200-300x sweeter than sugar).

The Taste

That’s it! Enjoy your coffee and be sure to take a few moments to clear the chatter in your mind and tune into each of your senses.

Cleanup

Instead of carrying your coffee grounds around in your camper where they’ll promote mold growth or tossing them into a garbage can where they’ll be shipped off to be eternally preserved in a giant diaper in the ground (a.k.a. a sanitary landfill), you can responsibly return them back to the environment by spreading the grounds out in some nearby bushes. Coffee grounds will biodegrade readily and make great compost. One exception to this would be if you’re camping in bear country, as the scent could attract their attention. The paper filter is biodegradable too, but it will look like litter in the meantime, so it may be best to put that in the garbage if you don’t have a compost pile nearby.

There are many ways to make coffee on the go, but for me this pourover method is the perfect blend of simplicity and luxury.

Have another method? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below. Happy travels and remember to savor every sip!

A closer look at my Prius camper sink setup including how I wired the faucet and pump together.

Click here for a list of products used in this build

2 years ago I converted my 2008 Prius into a camper and traveled from Connecticut to Glacier National Park in Montana and various points along the way and back, living out of it for a month. I made this tour while I was camping in Badlands National Park in South Dakota in 2022. It also features some footage from my trip to Colorado in 2024. I want to thank ‪@MountainSpringsAdventures‬ for the inspiration to do this. His videos got my gears turning and made me realize something like this was even possible.

Click here for a list of products I used in this build