When I built out my 1996 AWD Chevy Astro camper van (aka Disastrovan), every square inch had to earn its keep. I’d already dialed in the vertical storage with a custom shelving system (read the shelving guide here), but I needed a cooking setup that was just as efficient.
That’s when I repurposed my old Pelican 1510 Hard Case and turned it into a waterproof and crushproof vanlife kitchen. Paired with a Pelican 1510 Lid Organizer, it now stores everything I need to make meals on the road; from coffee to cleanup.
Why a Pelican Case?
After years in media production, I’ve trusted Pelican cases to protect gear from the elements. When I upgraded to a Pelican Air, my 1510 became a free agent. The rugged build, wheels, and compact form factor made it the perfect candidate for a portable mess kit.
The lid organizer took things to the next level; turning unused vertical space into categorized storage. Once that was installed, I started building the rest of the kit around it.
The Core Kitchen Setup
Here’s what lives inside the Pelican. Every piece of gear here has been field-tested from Pacific Northwest rain to the southwest desert heat:
- Jetboil Minimo Stove: My primary cooking system. Fast boil times, reliable in all conditions.
- GSI Infinity Backpacker Mug: Doubles as my coffee mug and food bowl. Lightweight and nearly indestructible.
- GSI Java Press (30 oz): For full-on vanlife coffee rituals. Brewed right every time.
- Calphalon Tri-Ply Steel Pan and Pot: Heavy, yes—but they hold up to years of use. Lifetime warranty doesn’t hurt either.
- Steel Spatula: Simple and sturdy.
- MSR Deep Dish Plate and Bowl: Now used as part of my dishwashing station thanks to their high sides.
- GSI Enamelware Bowl and GSI Cascadian Plate: Nest well, hold up great.
- Coleman Utensil Wrap: Holds my mini whisk, steak knife, standard utensils, and silicone tongs—wraps up neat.
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter with Evernew 2L Bags: I run a gravity-fed setup—dirty water in one, clean water out the other.
- Sawyer Coupling: Makes the system modular and efficient.
- Katadyn Purification Tablets: Backup in case of viral concerns.
- TOAKS Titanium Pot (750ml): Ultralight solo option.
- BRS 3000T Stove: Tiny, great for emergencies or quick brews.
- GSI Ultralight Cutting Board: Light and flexible.
- Trash Compactor Sacks: My go-to for garbage, wet gear, or overflow storage.
- Nalgene Jar (2oz): Filled with Travel Coconut Oil—doubles as cooking oil and skin care.
- Hot Pad Muppet Thing: Technically not on Amazon. But yes, it works and entertains.
Inside the Lid Organizer
This is where things get really dialed in. I’ve broken it down by category:
Prep & Cookware
- MSR Alpine Chef’s Knife: Sharp, lightweight, comes with a sheath.
- Light My Fire Spork: Handy backup or for stir-and-eat simplicity.
Cleaning Kit
- GSI Compact Scraper: Silicone edge on one side, hard plastic on the other.
- MSR Alpine Dish Brush: For scrubbing off stubborn gunk.
Fire & Hygiene
- UCO Stormproof Matches and Sweetfire Firestarter: Rainproof ignition system.
- Wet Ones Antibacterial Wipes: When running water isn’t an option.
- Sea to Summit Soap: Concentrated and biodegradable.
- Dr. Bronner’s Soap (1 oz): Same deal—great backup for hands or dishes.
Beverages
- Mount Hagen Instant Coffee: Budget-friendly and tastes better than it should.
- Cusa Premium Instant Tea: Cold or hot, with actual flavor.
- Nuun Hydration Tabs: My go-to for electrolyte boosts.
Spices & Snacks
- Yellowbird Jalapeño Sauce: Because flavor matters.
- Nalgene Bottle (1oz): One for salt, one for pepper.
- Just Veggies Freeze-Dried Mix: Bulks up any backpacking meal.
- Just Veggies Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Killer in oatmeal.
- Backpacker’s Pantry Phad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice: Fast, filling, and better than expected.
Final Thoughts
This kitchen-in-a-box has been a game-changer. It keeps my setup clean, fast, and ready for any environment. Whether I’m road-tripping through snow or desert camping off-grid, everything I need is in one crushproof case.
If you’re building your own rig, pair this kitchen with the Disastrovan custom shelving unit; they complement each other beautifully.
For a visual walkthrough of this portable kitchen setup, you can watch the detailed tour below:
