long road trip essentials

Road Trip Essentials to Pack for a Long Drive

By Karthika Gupta and Madison Flager

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

There is certainly something to be said about the magic of an open road no matter where in the world you are. Near or far, long or short, road trips offer a sense of freedom and adventure and are often the most satisfying of journeys. While technically you just need keys, a driver's license, and a set of wheels, these road trip essentials—from the best car organizer to comfortable shoes and coffee kits to keep you caffeinated on the go—will make your journey that much more enjoyable, whether you're heading to a national park , cruising along Route 66 , or taking in fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway .

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Organization and luggage

No matter how big or small your vehicle is, being organized is key to maintaining your sanity as you travel, especially during a long road trip, or one with kiddos in the back seat.

The Duluth Trading Seat Back Bunker neatly organizes all your essentials, from road trip games, snacks, and Kindles to emergency preparedness kits, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, repair tools, and more. It has three tiers of storage including mesh pouches, see-through zippered pockets, and a full-width zip pocket. Collapsible aluminum poles provide a strong-yet-lightweight framework and keep the organizer secure as you drive.

A good duffel bag is worth its weight in gold, especially on road trips where space may be limited, depending on the vehicle and the number of passengers. Filson’s versatile, lightweight bag pulls double-duty as a duffel or a backpack for hands-free carry. The zippered lid is U-shaped so you'll have easy access to its contents. It has one exterior zippered pocket with an internal zip pocket to keep small gear and accessories like keys or a wallet easily accessible. The other nylon-coated pocket expands into the main compartment to keep shoes or wet or muddy gear separated from the rest of your load.

If a roller bag is more your choice of luggage, Yeti’s Crossroads 22-inch suitcase is perfect for road trips. It is made with rugged nylon material that can take any adventure thrown its way. It has removable modular compression straps that can be used internally to pack down gear or externally to compress the luggage overall, making it fit neatly in small spaces like car trunks or overhead car racks.

Packing cubes are just as helpful in keeping your backseat or trunk organized as they are your suitcase. Get a few different sizes with this Paravel quad, and assign each one a different purpose to store supplies, tech accessories, bug spray and sunscreen, toiletries, or anything else you don’t want rolling around. 

Tech and roadside emergency

Whether you are driving cross-country or just across the state line, there are certain tools, gadgets, and tech items that are absolutely required to make sure you get where you are going safely and on time, whether you're in your own wheels or a rental car .

Rule number one of any road trip is to always be prepared for any emergency that could happen and derail even the most well-prepared travel plans. The Always Prepared Roadside Emergency Kit will ease your mind when it comes to any potential car troubles. It contains more than 100 useful (and neatly organized) items, including jumper cables, a reflective safety vest and warning triangle to keep you safer if you have to pull over at night, a self-powered flashlight, two light sticks, an emergency rain poncho and mylar blanket, a full first-aid kit, a tire pressure gauge, and more. If there's one thing you add to your road trip packing list, make it this kit.

For something a little smaller and more compact, Leatherman’s Free P4 multi-tool is perfect for all the little things that need to be fixed. With over 20 tools all packed into one, the Free P4 is a must have for any road trip. Whether it’s used to replace a dim headlight, fix a broken antenna, or even cut open a snack packet without having everything spill onto the seat, the P4 rises to the challenge.

Whether you’re embarking on a solo road trip or have a travel companion who’d rather not dictate directions, a phone mount is a key road trip packing list item that makes it easier to keep an eye on your route safely. And since doing so can quickly drain your battery, we recommend one that doubles as a phone charger (this one has two USB charging ports, so you can charge it and other devices simultaneously). This one has an adjustable width to fit most cell phones, and a flexible gooseneck to angle it however you prefer.

In the interest of safety, you may want a dash cam in your car, should you get into an accident or pulled over. This one records clear, crisp video that syncs to your phone through the Nextbase app, allows for voice control commands thanks to connected Alexa technology, and offers a unique Emergency SOS service, which detects serious collisions and alerts emergency services of your location if you are unresponsive. You'll need to buy a Nextbase U3 microSD card to use with it, and use the included charger to keep it juiced up. The camera records continuously when it is plugged in and the car is on, and has an optional intelligent parking mode that automatically records any bump or physical movement on the vehicle when left unattended using the camera's internal battery.

If you're driving more than a few hours and have a car full of fellow travelers, keep a  headphone  splitter in the glove compartment. This one has five jacks, which means everyone can pull up a movie, music, podcast, or an audiobook on the same device—and when you're tired of the road trip playlist , you don't have to hear a thing.

Comfort and seating

Long hours of sitting upright can do a number on your back. Do yourself a favor and add a seat cushion or some lumbar support to your car setup. Plus, a few more creature comforts you might want to have on hand.

Just as handy for sitting on an uncomfortable dining room chair  while working from home  as it is on long car rides, this gridded seat cushion will make sitting for extended periods of time comfier—plus the design leaves room for air circulation. It comes with a zippered case for easy transport, too. The Simple cushion should be plenty for your average road trip, but if you’re heading cross-country or planning to make very few stops, pick up the more supportive  Ultimate cushion , designed specifically for truckers and long-haul drives.

Several hours behind the wheel can leave your back feeling less than stellar. Strap one of these lumbar support shells around your seat to make your ride more comfortable: It cradles your back, helping to improve your posture and keep you from sinking into the seat, with the added bonus of a mesh fabric to keep your back cool.

If you’re not too tight on space, consider adding a compact, foldable chair to slide into your trunk. You never know when you'll find yourself in need of a dry, comfortable chair on the fly—be it for extra seating at a roadside picnic table or to enjoy a secluded viewpoint at sunset. REI’s Camp X chair is made of quick-dry mono-mesh and polyester material and comes with a carrying case and two cup holders for impromptu lunch breaks.

If you’re not the only driver in the car, you’ll be happy to have a  neck pillow  while napping during your off shifts. OstrichPillow makes all kinds of interesting contraptions to help you get some sleep wherever you are, but we like the memory foam, velcro-close OstrichPillow Go travel pillow best for car rides.

If you still have a Little Trees Black Ice hanging from your rearview mirror, it's about time you elevate your air freshener game. Pop this inconspicuous diffuser onto one of your car's vents to make the space smell just like a Diptyque 34 Boulevard Saint-Germain candle. Another fresh-smelling option: this under-$20 essential oil diffuser , which  Traveler  editor Rebecca Misner is a fan of.

A lightweight towel comes in handy during any number of road trip situations: Use it for spontaneous swims, roadside picnics, or as a buffer between the hot leather seat and your legs in the car. This extra-smooth Turkish cotton towel is as absorbent as a standard bath towel but much more compact.

Clothing and accessories

When dressing for a road trip, you want clothing that is comfy, breathable, and works in various climates. Bonus points for pieces that are stylish, too.

We love a good pair of compression socks for long travel days . And during pandemic-era road trips, when stops might be less frequent than usual, they work well at keeping the blood flowing and reducing swelling during long seated stretches in the car. Our favorite brand, Comrad, makes knee-high socks that come in 10 different colors and can be worn three to four times before washing, so you can throw 'em on more than once during multi-day trips.

No matter the excursion, Viev’s Gemma Mid Jacket is a great outer layer. It is lightweight and made with durable Gore-Tex fabric. Its design optimizes breathability to the torso and softness in the arms, back, and hood, making it extremely comfortable to wear even when you are driving. Plus, there are multiple pockets to securely store keys, a wallet, or phone, so your hands can rest comfortably in the outside pocket when you step out to take a break and stretch your legs at rest stops. The rain jacket's bonus is the storm hood brim, which maintains its shape when activated and lays flat when down without being overly rigid.

Along with a good pair of socks, a versatile boot that offers all-day comfort and durability is another must for long road trips. Red Wing Heritage boots are comfortable enough to keep on during long car rides and easy to pair with any outfit or climate, no matter where the road takes you. The Classic Moc is made with soft leather and a polyurethane traction tread outsole for faster break-in and comfort. Wear them in and out of the car, in all kinds of weather.

Drinks, snacks, and hydration

Another must on our list of road trip necessities: food and drinks. And while road travel is often synonymous with gas station coffee and oversized sodas, it doesn’t have to be so. There are plenty of healthy hydration options that change the relationship between road trips and caffeinated drinks.

You've got your insulated reusable water bottle , but if you want to keep your coffee hot, you're going to need a reusable thermos. Zojirushi’s stainless steel travel mug keeps hot drinks warm for up to six hours, and it has a slim design that allows it to easily fit in your car's cup holder. (And if you need to throw it in your bag, it won't leak either.)

The Pakt Travel Mug is in the running for perfect travel mug, too: It is a leak-proof vacuum-insulated double-walled mug that keeps beverages securely sealed and the perfect temperature (8 hours for hot and 24 hours for cold), making it an ideal travel companion. Plus it is sized to fit into most any cup holder.

If you are tired of terrible coffee on the go, the Pakt Coffee Kit has everything you need to make quality coffee in one sleek, portable package. All you need is water and electricity, so you can use this with an adaptor in your car’s charge port, at a rest stop, or at your accommodation. The pour over kit comes with an electric kettle, travel mug and lid, coffee grounds container, and collapsible stainless-steel dripper that packs down into a compact carrying case. All you need is to bring your favorite beans .

It is crucial to stay hydrated on the road, especially when you’re sitting still for hours at a time. Nuun offers a potent blend of electrolytes, vitamins, and botanicals that help with blood flow and support everyday health. The drink tablets are fizzy, tasty, and loaded with electrolytes that keep you healthy and hydrated. Plus, they are certified vegan and gluten-free and have a net-zero carbon emission footprint—good for you and for the environment.

Ritual coffee, based out of San Francisco , sources sweet, clean, single-origin coffees that are simply delicious. They have an ever-changing seasonal espresso blend, the best decaf around, and a single serve instant coffee mix for those times when the cup of gas station coffee just won’t do.

For something to carry, store, and keep all your drink options cool on your next road trip: the soft-shell Yeti Hooper Flip 12 cooler tote. It is leakproof with a wide mouth opening that makes it easy to access food and drinks. It even has a hitch point grid on its sides to help attach it to other gear for more compact packing options in the car.

While most of our favorite  road trip snacks  come in pre-packaged containers, for anything fresh or homemade (like trail mix, sliced fruit, or overnight oats), we turn to containers like S’well’s spill-resistant snack bowls. For those embarking on family road trips, there are plenty of kid-friendly patterns , decorated with Disney characters, dogs, pretzels, and more, all of which have a pull-out handle. For adults, there are  neutral colors like teak wood and marbled patterns available in 16- and 21-ounce sizes.

89 Road Trip Packing List Essentials for Hitting the Road

This post may contain affiliate links.

Long stretches of open highway, a sense of total freedom, good tunes, an epic adventure at your fingertips… the road trip is a classic travel experience for good reason! In this post, you’ll find all the essential items for your road trip packing list to help you plan your trip.

Written in partnership with Toyota

Michael and I have been taking road trips together for nearly a decade—from weekend jaunts to a year-long exploration of North America—so we’ve had thousands of miles to dial in our road trip essentials. 

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If you’re feeling the itch to hit the road, this post is for you! We’re sharing our complete road trip packing list with everything you need for a comfortable, fun, and safe road trip. A little planning and preparation go a long way so that once you start cruising down the highway, all you have to do is let the adventure unfold.

Before you go…

Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for a pre-trip inspection .

If your vehicle has given you, shall we say, “cause for concern” in the past, then it might be worth bringing it to a mechanic for a pre-trip check before embarking on an extended road trip. 

We often bring our vehicles in to our local Les Schwab Tire Center before a big trip to have them check the state of our brake pads. This is offered as a free service and most mechanics will offer something similar. 

Quick Home Maintenance Check: 

• How do the treads on the tires look? 
• Are your tires at the proper pressure? 
• When will you need another oil change?
• Is the windshield wiper fluid topped off?

Clean your car

The cheapest and easiest way to improve the quality of your road trip is to start with a clean car. We’re not kidding, it makes a huge difference! 

Remove all the extra clutter, random receipts, old coffee cups, etc. Vacuum out the interior, Armor-All the plastic surfaces, and clean your windows with vinegar.

It’s easier to try to stay clean and organized if your car starts out that way.

Vehicle essentials

These are the basic items you should keep in your car (regardless of whether or not you’re road-tripping!) 

• License, registration, and insurance cards: Keep these together in an easily accessible place.
• Spare tire + tools: In addition to the tire, you’ll need a jack and a lug wrench. These are usually stored underneath the spare, but it wouldn’t hurt to double-check that they’re still there. Take five minutes to brush up on how to change a spare tire , too! 
• Jumper cables: Forgot to turn off your lights before heading out to explore, and returned to a dead battery? Jumper cables to the rescue! If you’re going to be traveling on lesser-used roads, you might want to consider a jump start battery booster so you don’t have to wait for a friendly traveler to stop to help you.
• Tire pressure gauge: Many cars will have internal pressure monitoring systems, but having a manual tire pressure gauge is still nice so you can quickly and accurately check each tire. 
• 12v tire pump: If you discover a slow leak in a tire, a 12v tire pump can fill the tire back up until you can resolve the problem. 
• Tire patch kit: You can pick up a tire patch kit at any auto store or gas station. If you get a puncture in the middle of your tread (not near the sidewall) you can usually plug the hole yourself using a patch kit. 
• Flashlight or headlamp: If you have car issues after dark, a flashlight or headlamp will help you see what you’re doing as you troubleshoot.
• Windshield sunshade: A sunshade makes a huge difference in keeping the interior of your car cooler while it’s parked.
• AAA membership: Hopefully you won’t have to use it, but the peace of mind that a AAA membership is absolutely invaluable. Unlock your car, jump your battery, or arrange a tow. As people whose campervan stopped running while parked on a desolate forest service road in Wyoming, we really can’t imagine road tripping without it.
• Fix’d device: This is an optional device that can be really helpful in diagnosing potential issues. This plugs into your car’s OBD-II port , and if the check engine light goes on, it will run and diagnose the code for you so you know what you’re dealing with (or know if you have to get to a mechanic pronto ).

In the glove box

• Napkins: Invaluable for soaking up spills, wiping sticky hands, and any number of minor cleaning tasks.
• Extra TP (store in a ziplock bag): Just in case the one bathroom in a 50 mile radius is out of stock!
• Hand sanitizer
• Tissues: A small pack of tissues are nice to have in case allergies kick up or you start having deep conversations with your travel partner.
• Quarters: Spare change will come in handy if you encounter toll roads or bridges, old school parking meters, or need to run a load of laundry at a laundromat.

Organization

One of the keys to a comfortable road trip is to keep your vehicle and gear organized and tidy. You don’t want to have wrappers piling up in your drink holders, or have to dig through all your stuff every time you need to find something. You don’t need everything on this list—just pick and choose what will work best for you and the type of things on your road trip packing list.

• Trash bag/bin: A small trash bag or bin in an accessible location will really help in managing wrappers, fruit peels, receipts, etc. We like to use an empty protein powder container because the lid helps prevent spills and smells.
• Over the seat organizer: A small organizer that clips to the back of the front seats is a great way to keep things like maps, headlamps, snacks, kids’ car games, and charging cables organized. If you have kids, this larger organizer has an iPad sleeve.
• Packing cubes: We love packing cubes to keep our clothes organized. Tops go in one cube, shorts or pants in one, socks and underwear in another, and one for miscellaneous items like swimwear and other accessories. We each have our own color to make things easier to find.
• Duffel bag: Large soft-sided duffel bags like the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel or REI Road Tripper Duffel are perfect for storing your packing cubes and bulky items like jackets. These tend to be more space-efficient in your trunk than suitcases since they don’t have a rigid shape.
• Storage bins/action packers: Action packers are great for storing camping equipment, extra snacks, shoes, and other gear.
• Roof cargo box: Very optional, but we are big fans of storing as much of our gear in a roof cargo box as possible, especially items we won’t use daily. This helps free up room for backseat passengers and helps open up space in the car, making it feel a little less like driving a mobile storage unit.
• Day pack: Whether you plan on hiking or are sticking to urban adventures, a comfortable day pack is essential for carrying extra snacks, water bottles, layers, maps or guide books, etc.
• Laundry bag: Having a separate laundry bag means your clean clothes stay fresh in your duffel, and when you’re ready to do laundry, all you have to do is haul the bag in—no more sorting through all your clothes trying to figure out what is clean and what isn’t.
• Reusable grocery bag: Stash a few of these in your glove box or over-the-seat organizer for stops at the grocery store during your trip.

Navigation and electronics

We’ve lumped these categories into one since so much navigation is done electronically. However, cell service isn’t guaranteed in many rural areas of the US, so paper and offline navigation are still a road trip essential.

• Road atlas or paper maps: In case you find yourself turned around in an area without service, you should always be prepared with paper maps. We like the Benchmark Maps Road Atlases and have one for the states we frequently road trip through. Alternatively, you can pick up paper maps for free at AAA locations if you’re a member!
• Offline maps: Maps.me is an awesome offline map that is perfect for creating routes and turn-by-turn driving directions on the fly, even if you’re completely out of service. Download the area maps ahead of time and you’ll be able to access everything—including gas stations, public restrooms, hospitals, points of interest, etc. Before your trip, you can bookmark all your stops or things you’re interested in and create “Lists” so you can pull them up on the road.
• Hands-free phone mount: One of the best car accessories we have ever purchased is a hands-free phone mount . No more interpretive re-telling of the directions from the passenger to the driver. Just plug in the directions, mount the phone in your field of view, and you’re golden. 
• USB Cords: We like to have dedicated USB cords that we leave in our vehicle. This way, we’re not shuttling them in and out and potentially forgetting to bring them.
• Small inverter: A 12v to 120v inverter can plug directly into a cigarette lighter and charge AC items like laptops and camera battery chargers. We’ve used this one for over six years of road trips!
• GasBuddy : We use this app to find gas stations—it has user-aggregated price data, too, so we can save money by price comparing nearby stations.
• Maps.me : As mentioned above, this is our favorite offline map app for driving directions.
• Alltrails : Our favorite app for finding hiking trails. Sort by length, elevation gain, and difficulty.
• The Dyrt : A great app for finding campgrounds (complete with photos, reviews, and amenities). The PRO version allows you to access everything offline, has public land map layers, and includes a great trip planner tool.
• Seek by iNaturalist : Identify plants, animals, and birds, and tracks by using your camera or uploading a photo—the app will identify it for you!
• Merlin Bird ID : Enter bird features like size, color, and environment to generate a list of potential birds—includes sound recordings and photos for easier identification.
• The Outbound : A great app for finding all kinds of outdoor adventures.
• Nativelands : Identify the native tribes that traditionally lived in the area you’re traveling in.
• Sky Guide : Dynamic constellation, planet, and star identification.
• PlugShare : If you’re driving a plug-in hybrid like the Toyota Prius Prime , or an all-electric vehicle, this app will be invaluable in locating charge stations along your route. 

Entertainment

Let’s face it: long stretches of driving can get monotonous, no matter how dynamic the scenery is. This is where some in-car entertainment becomes important. 

Download everything to your phone ahead of time. It’s not a matter of if you’ll lose service, it’s when…   And it is never at a convenient time. Once everything is downloaded, you’ll be able to access it any time.

We loved the CarPlay integration that the Toyota Prius Prime came with—it made it so easy to navigate between our music and podcasts while on the road!

• Audiobooks: Use Libby to download audiobooks from your public library for free, or use Everand which gives you an unlimited reading subscription for less than $10 a month ( try it for 2 months free! )
• Spotify playlists: There are thousands of playlists to choose from, but we think the best place to start is with the “Soundtrack My Ride” feature which will build a custom playlist for you.
• Podcasts: We love bite-sized podcast episodes because they give us lots of new topics to talk about, in addition to (usually) learning something new. Here are some great road trip podcast recommendations from Conde Nast Traveler and AFAR .

Comfort essentials for road trips

This is a list of little items we consider to be road trip essentials simply because they make the trip a little more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Snacks and drinks cooler: Keep a small cooler or insulated lunch tote within reach filled with any perishable road trip snacks and cold drinks.
• Coffee mug or tumbler: Make an extra cup of coffee in the morning and save it in an insulated coffee mug or tumbler . This will not only save money, but we bet you can make a much tastier cup of coffee than what you’ll find at a gas station!
• Water bottle: A reusable water bottle is absolutely essential for road trips! It’s so important to stay hydrated when traveling, and if you have water easily within reach, you’re more likely to sip throughout the day. Cycling through bottled water generates so much waste (of resources and your money), so pack along a durable, reusable bottle to fill up.
• Reusable utensils + straw: While we’re talking about reusables, we’d like to suggest throwing in a set of reusable utensils and drinking straws so you can ditch the plastic stuff when you grab takeout or stop at a food truck.
• Blankets/pillows: Catnaps in the passenger seat are so much more comfortable and restful if you have a pillow and a blanket. These are also nice to have to lay out on the grass at a rest stop for some shut-eye.
• Quick-dry towel/Turkish towel: Quick dry towels are a summer road trip necessity! Personally, we love jumping in lakes and rivers and a quick-dry towel is a way better option than regular bath towels. They are less likely to get mildewy and they’ll dry out before your next stop! A Turkish towel is similarly a great item and can double as a picnic blanket, sarong, or shawl.
• Sunglasses: Squinting into the sun as you drive is a recipe for fatigue, headaches, and it’s just plain bad for your eyes. A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is a must-have for road trips. We love Sunski sunglasses , which come with a great warranty.
• First aid kit: Backroad Ramblers has a great post on putting together your own road trip first aid kit .

Toiletries and personal items

These are the self-care items that are on our road trip checklist to keep us feeling good throughout the trip.

• Sunscreen: While car side windows block UVB rays, they still allow UVA rays through —the ones that cause deep skin damage (but not sunburns), so it’s important to wear full-spectrum sunscreen, particularly on the side of your body next to the window. 
• Lip balm: Prevent chapped lips by using lip balm, preferably one that has some SPF to it.
• Bug spray: You may not need it in the car, but bug spray is nice to have if you’ll be outdoors hiking or hanging out. This is a good travel-sized spray , and they have a DEET-free version as well. 
• Prescription medications and OTC Med Kit: In addition to any prescription medications, put together a small over-the-counter med kit that includes painkillers for headaches and achy joints, Benadryl or Allegra for allergies, Imodium in case your lunch doesn’t sit well, etc.
• Car/Motion Sickness remedies: Either OTC or a non-medication option like ginger chews or those pressure point bands.
• Body wash/soap
• Wet wipes: These will come in handy in case you need a quick “bath” on the road (see the below section on showering during a road trip for more ideas).
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
• Wrinkle release spray: Your clothes are going to sit folded up in your luggage for days at a time, so having a travel-size wrinkle release spray can be super helpful on a road trip.
• Tide stain pen: Stains happen, and since you won’t be able to immediately throw your clothes into the wash, having a Tide stain remover pen can help prevent the stains from really setting in.
• Scrubba: Alright, this is totally optional, but this portable wash bag could be useful particularly if you’re traveling with kids and you want to be able to wash out stains and dirt from clothes without spending your time at the laundromat.

What to wear on a road trip

The clothing section of your road trip packing list is going to be pretty personalized based on where you’re going, the time of year and expected weather, and your personal style.

The key to packing clothing for a road trip is to balance comfort and versatility based on your planned activities, while keeping in mind the kind of weather you are likely to encounter. 

Try to choose clothes that will serve multiple purposes, for instance, a warm jacket you can wear in the evening at your campsite but will still look good enough to walk around town on a brisk day. A good tip for pants is to choose ones that are good for hiking but that you’d also grab dinner in. prAna has a lot of good options for versatile pants .

Consider packing clothing that have helpful features while traveling such as antimicrobial or quick-drying fabrics, or UPF clothing that offer built-in sun protection.

Basic road trip packing list

• Short sleeve tops or tanks: one per day in the summer, or fewer in cooler temperatures
• Long sleeve tops: one or two in the summer, or more in cooler temperatures
• Pants, leggings, and shorts
• Activewear for hikes and outdoor exploring
• Warm jacket or sweater: extras if it’s going to be particularly cold
• Rain jacket
• Windbreaker or lightweight jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking shoes , if necessary
• Hat (sun hat/warm beanie)
• Activity-specific items (rashguard, water shoes, etc)

Camping basics

If you’ll be camping, there are a few additional things you’ll need to put on your road trip checklist. These are the bare essentials from our weekend camping checklist —we leave some of the “extras” behind knowing that we’re going to pack up and move frequently.

• Sleeping mats
• Sleeping bags
• Camp chairs
• Folding camp table (optional)
• Camp stove and fuel
• Packable camp cookware set
• Spatula / spoon
• Knife and cutting board
• Plates, bowls, and utensils
• Camp coffee maker
• Collapsible dishwashing bucket (optional, depending on campsite selection)
• Sponge and campsuds
• Microfiber towel
• Bin to store kitchen items in

Essential road trip planning tips

Route planning.

One of the allures of road tripping is the freedom that comes with the open road. As soon as you get behind the wheel, you feel like everywhere is within your reach and you’re in a real-life “choose your own adventure” story. And while that feeling of freedom is real, it truly is a good idea to spend some time planning out an itinerary (however loose or detailed) before you leave.

At a minimum, it means that your co-pilot will have to spend less time looking up what to do and where to go on the fly, and at best it means you won’t have that post-trip regret of finding out you drove past the best waterfall in the state and you didn’t even know it.

We like to take a “planned spontaneity” philosophy when it comes to planning a road trip. After deciding on how long our road trip will be and choosing a general area for the trip, we start looking into the attractions and activities that we’d be interested in and start saving them to our Map.me bookmarks. Then, we can pull up the map that has all the points on it and see what our basic driving route might be, eliminating any real outlier stops.

From there, we’ll spend a little more time thinking about how long we want to drive per day and the time needed to explore different locations. This is how we determine where we plan to sleep each night, and book campsites or hotels/Airbnbs. 

We might add coffee shops or restaurants we want to check out, or do a little more research into different points of interest once we have a more solid route planned.

That’s usually it. What we end up with is a rough timeline so we don’t get behind, and a lot of ideas to choose from when we’re on the road depending on how we’re feeling that day.

We like to budget extra time instead of planning down to the minute, because the beauty of road trips is that even when you have a plan, you’re likely to stumble on fun, spur of the moment stops and you’ll want to have time to stop for those spontaneous adventures.

Make a budget

To an extent, a road trip can cost as much or as little as you have a budget for. If you make most of your own meals, get savvy at finding free camping , and choose free or inexpensive activities, you can really keep the costs of a road trip down. Or, you can book nights at Airbnbs, eat at local restaurants, and splurge on activities if it’s in your budget! We personally do a blend of both on most of our trips.

While you’re planning your trip, keep a total budget in mind, and then allocate it into different categories based on your priorities. Eating great food might be more important than where you lay your head at night, or perhaps you want to be able to book a fun adventure tour and are happy cooking at your campsite most nights.

Where to sleep

You have a few options for overnight accommodation on your road trip. You can camp, stay at Airbnbs, hotels, or hostels, or stay with friends or family if they are along your route and up to hosting you.

During busy travel periods or in popular destinations, you’ll probably want to book everything ahead of time. It sounds free and romantic to go where the wind blows and decide where you want to stay on the fly, but we’ve found that it adds unnecessary stress to our trips.

Campgrounds in particular are important to book in advance because they have limited space and in many cases, if it’s full when you get there there may not be a lot of other camping options nearby.

What to eat

Nothing ruins a road trip quite like a hangry passenger—or worse yet, a hangry driver! Failure to make plans for what and where you’re going to eat means you’re already halfway to Crankytown, so be sure to plan ahead and pack ALL THE SNACKS.

You can opt to eat out for all your meals and not have to worry about cooking at all, in which case, you may want to spend some time looking up interesting restaurants or food trucks along your route so you already have some to choose from when you roll into towns. If you’re camping or staying at Airbnbs or hostels with kitchens, you can make your own meals or pack to-go lunches.

Pack a small cooler or insulated tote with things like fresh veggies and hummus, cheese, sandwich supplies, and cold drinks like sparkling water, iced coffee, or kombucha so they are easy to access during the day.

Stash snacks like peanut butter-filled pretzels, nuts and trail mix , dried fruit, jerky , granola bars , and other non-perishable road trip snacks in your center console or in a bag so there’s always something ready when you start to feel hungry.

If you’re planning on making some of your own meals, it’s a good idea to keep things pretty simple so you can spend more time exploring and less time cooking. Here are some of our favorite road trip meals:

• Overnight oats with a bit of maple syrup and chopped fruit and nuts
• Made-ahead breakfast burritos warmed up on the camp stove
• Granola, milk, and fresh fruit
• Yogurt with berries and granola
• “Charcuterie spread” of sliced cheese and salami, crackers or bread, olive packets , dried fruit, and nuts
• Sliced apple, almond butter, and honey sandwiches
• Avocado, tomato, and hummus sandwiches (perfect with some everything bagel seasoning!)
• Chicken or chickpea salad—make at home and store in your cooler. Serve in wraps, sandwiches, or on crackers.
• Chickpea curry with rice or naan—all can be made ahead of time and reheated at the campsite
• Quick stir fry with noodles
• BBQ chicken quesadillas —you could cook and chop the chicken ahead of time for an even faster meal
• Tacos with store-bought salsa and avocado
• Pasta with fresh veggies and chickpeas or chicken sausage
• Here are a bunch more easy camping recipes and one pot meals

How to shower on a road trip

If you’re going to stay in hotels or at Airbnbs every night, you get to skip this section. But if you’re camping during your road trip, here are a few ideas (from most “civilized” to most “dirtbag”) of how to stay clean during your trip:

• Campgrounds you stay at: Check the amenities ahead of time, but many state and national park campgrounds will have shower facilities. Some will be included with your site fee, while others will require you to use quarters or buy shower tokens, so make sure you have some change on hand.
• Gyms/rec centers: If you have a gym membership to a chain with lots of locations, check to see if there are any along your route. The Planet Fitness Black Card Membership is famous among road-trippers because it’s $20 per month and gives you (and a guest) access to all their locations (and there are a TON of them). If you don’t already have a gym membership, many towns have city rec centers or Y’s where you can buy a day pass and take a shower.
• Sun shower: A sunshower is basically a portable water bag with a hose or spout that you can rinse off with. Leave it in the sun for a bit (or add hot water) and it’s an easy, cheap way to enjoy a warm rinse. We have used the Nemo Helio , which has a foot pump to pressurize the water (great if you want to do more than just have a quick rinse), and the Sea to Summit WatercellX , which we use as our extra water storage but also has a shower hose attachment.
• Jump in a lake: But don’t use soap in it! If you’re spending time near lakes or rivers, a swim with a good ole hand scrub is one way to stay feeling clean. Just please don’t use soap in or near any water source. Even biodegradable soaps can pollute waterways since they need microorganisms to break down properly. If you want to use biodegradable soap , lather up and rinse off at least 200 feet away from the water’s edge
• Wet wipes: When all else fails, wipe down with a couple of wet wipes to get the day’s sweat and grime off you before bed.

What are the best road trips in the USA?

Road trips are a quintessential US travel experience and there are SO many amazing routes to explore. Here are some of the best road trip itineraries on our website as well as others that we’ve done or are on our bucket list!

• 7 Wonders of Oregon Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Wild Wonderful West Virginia Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Gem Of The West Idaho Road Trip | Fresh Off The Grid
• Ultimate Teton & Yellowstone National Parks Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• Olympic National Park Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• 10-Day Utah National Parks Road Trip | Bearfoot Theory
• The Best California Road Trips | She Dreams of Alpine
• Northern California Road Trip Itinerary | The Mandagies
• 10-Day American Southwest Road Trips | The Mandagies
• 7-Day Glacier National Park Road Trip | The Mandagies
• Blue Ridge Mountains Road Trip | AFAR

Made possible by Toyota

We recently had the opportunity to take a Toyota Prius Prime on an epic Oregon road trip . We loved that it’s a plug-in hybrid, so we could charge at any number of charge stations along the way, but since it still has a fuel-efficient gas engine, we never had to worry about range. And, its large cargo space meant that we had plenty of room to pack all of our road trip essentials! Learn more about the Toyota Prius Prime here .

Megan & Michael are the creators of Fresh Off The Grid, a blog dedicated to helping you fuel your adventures by sharing camp cooking recipes, backpacking meals, and outdoor travel guides. Their recipes and outdoor cooking expertise have been featured in Backpacker Magazine, Outside, REI Co-Op Journal, Food & Wine, and New York Times Cooking.

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Outstanding information. Thank you for the great tips!

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41 Things You Need for Your Next Road Trip

Hit the highway in comfort and style with these travel heroes.

Related To:

Before you hit the open road, make sure you have all the essentials you'll need for a stress-free trip. From comfortable good-to-haves (like pillows and blankets) to safety just-in-cases (like first aid and emergency kits), you'll be glad you traveled prepared. Whether you're hitting the road for a day or two weeks, make sure these easy-to-pack items are in tow.

ESSENTIAL GADGETS

Adjustable Car Cup Holder Expander

Long road trips require large water bottles, but many standard car cup holders aren't large enough to fit larger reusable water bottles from popular brands like YETI, Hydroflask, Stanley and more. This adjustable handy gadget from the brand Swigzy allows you to expand the size of your cup holder and works in almost any cup holder and can fit a variety of styles of bottles and mugs, including those with handles.

Phone Mount

Texting and driving is never an option. And in some states, just holding your phone to talk while driving is against the law. If you want to stream a Spotify playlist or run Google Maps, invest in a phone mount to ensure those hands remain at "10 and two."

Car Power Strip

Going on a long road trip with multiple passengers? You need this 200W power inverter that plugs into the cigarette lighter and has four USB ports and two standard plugs. Plus, it features full-protection with short-circuit, low-voltage, over-charge, over-voltage, over-load and over-temperature protection.

Tablet Headrest Mount

There won’t be a peep from the backseat with this tablet headrest mount. It adjusts to fit any size tablet and is compatible with nearly all headrests. The kids (or adults) in the back won’t be asking “are we there yet?” because they’ll be too absorbed in their movie or game.

Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot

This mobile hotspot features super-fast Wi-Fi internet speeds and long-lasting battery life, providing the ultimate internet experience from anywhere right when you need it most.

Flexible Phone Tripod

Roadside photo-ops will be a breeze with this handy mini tripod . This flexible tripod grips to any surface — from a tree to a fence — and has a reliable rubber grip that secures a smartphone.

Portable Phone Charger

You’ll probably bring several gadgets on your road trip, including smartphones, tablets and e-readers. So gather them up, then power them up. There’s nothing worse than getting an hour into an all-day trip and having the iPad in the backseat run out of juice. We suggest bringing one or more portable chargers for the car, and make sure they work with the devices you plan to charge. Despite what’s written on the packaging, not every charger will power up all the devices they claim they can charge.

Emergency Car Kit

Before you plan your road trip itinerary, you should pack your emergency roadside kit. It’s not the fun part of road trip planning, but it’s the most important. A good car kit should include, at the very least, jumper cables, a spare tire, signal flares and a flashlight. Emergency items such as spare socks, a blanket and granola bars are good, too.

Fire Starter

Building a fire just got a lot easier with this handy fire starter that produces sparks in any weather or altitude. It has an ergonomic thumb guard for comfort and an attached emergency whistle, in case you need to call for help.

First Aid Kit

Road trip or not, keeping a first aid kit in the car is always a good idea. This 100-piece kit includes essential wound care supplies, like cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch-stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack and much more.

You can’t always depend on Google Maps, especially when driving in rural areas. Even popular National Parks and National Forests can have spotty cell service. As a backup, you can download maps to use offline from Google Maps, and tucking an actual map in the backseat pocket isn’t a bad idea either.

Travel Pillow

Never struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position in the car again with the Trtl Travel Pillow. This neck pillow combines hypoallergenic fleece with hidden internal neck support to hold your head and neck in the best position for sleeping, preventing stiff necks and sore shoulders.

Travel Throw

Meet the hardest-working travel throw in the business: Unpacked, it’s a 52-by-75-inch insulated comforter that's lightweight, washable and super cozy.

Travel Hammock

After hours of driving, take a break in this lightweight travel hammock. It’s quick to hang after a long day on the road and packs down into a small pouch for easy storage.

Microfiber Towel

Whether you're washing off at your campsite or at a rest stop, this soft, microfiber towel will dry quickly and can be used over and over during your trip.

Air Freshener

With all due respect to those mysterious rear-view mirror trees, when you plan on spending serious time on the highway, you need a substantial and sustainable air scrubber. The porous activated charcoal in this baby will purify the stale air in your car instead of hitting it with chemicals, and it'll combat the effects of left-behind takeout for up to a year.

Car Window Shades

Block out 97 percent of harmful UV rays on long road trips with window shades that easily attach to your car's windows, keeping backseat riders cool and comfortable the whole trip.

HEALTH + HYGIENE

Car Diffuser

Fill this diffuser with water, add essential oils and plug it in to make your car smell amazing. Featuring automatic shut-off, t he diffuser emits a cool mist that adds moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, lips, sinuses and coughs.

Nausea-Relief Wristbands

Nip motion sickness in the bud with these acupressure wristbands that provide effective relief from all forms of travel sickness without causing drowsiness or other side effects. There are even Sea-Bands for kids that come in cool patterns and colors.

Foaming Hand Sanitizer

Keep everyone's hands clean with this alcohol-free foaming sanitizer that's safe and gentle enough for babies. We love Babyganics for the whole family because the formula kills 99.9 percent of common bacteria; it's made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial fragrances and dyes; and it's dermatologist-tested and non-allergenic.

Essential Oil Towelettes

This assortment of towelettes is a league of essential oil superheroes: Defeat gas-station bathroom germs, freshen up after the A/C kicks out in the middle of nowhere, combat carsickness and wind down at the end of a long day with their aid.

Tissue Holder

Spare yourself the stress and strain of blindly reaching into the backseat, and snag this seriously convenient tissue holder. The chic black case clips right onto your passenger-side visor, so you can reach it without taking your hands off the wheel.

Insect Repellent

Whether you're spending a little time outside or a lot of time outside, it's always smart to keep insect repellent nearby. This 100-percent DEET formula offers more than 10 hours of protection against insect-transmitted diseases, including Zika and West Nile viruses.

Sleeping away from the comforts of home can come with some restless nights. Melatonin helps you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer and wake up feeling refreshed. And since Natrol is a drug-free sleep aid, you won't wake up feeling groggy.

ORGANIZATION

Car Seat Headrest Hook

Free up seat space and foot room with these handy hooks that attach to the back of headrests. They'll keep purses, lunchboxes, backpacks and more out of the way but still easily accessible.

Car Ceiling Cargo Net Pocket

Out of space? This sleek cargo net adds more packable space to your car's ceiling. Use it to store pillows, blankets, food and more.

Car Trash Bin

Keep your car clean and organized with this hanging trash bin with a 1.85-gallon capacity and leak-proof interior bag.

Packable Daypack

You may not need it, but you'll be happy it's there if you do. This ultra-light packable daypack has a 25-liter capacity, multiple pockets and adjustable, breathable straps for comfortable all-day use. Plus, it can be stuffed into its own zippered pocket for space-saving storage and compact portability.

Laundry Bag

Truth be told, every trip calls for a laundry bag — hunting for clean undies is nobody’s idea of a good time. That said, a pre-sorted discard pile is especially important when you find a laundromat in the middle of nowhere and want to take care of business ASAP. Tuck one of these into your glove compartment and thank us later.

These Genius Items Will Keep Your Car Clean + Organized on Family Road Trips

A clean car? With kids ? Yes, it's possible.

FOOD + DRINK

Saucemoto Dip Clip

Never spill your sauce again! Sometimes, a drive-thru food stop is the highlight of a road trip after hours of driving. Keep your favorite sauce easily accessible and avoid spills with this handy sauce cady. It clips to the car air vent and creates the perfect spot to nest your dipping sauce.

YETI Cooler Bag

A cooler is a road trip must. Instead of a giant cooler out-of-reach in the trunk, keep your drinks in a small cooler bag. YETI’s Hopper Flip 8 is large enough for eight soda cans but small enough to throw around your arm for a pull-off picnic or impromptu hike.

Car Seat Organizer

For a more kid-friendly (and budget) option, this car seat cooler organizer would be the perfect backseat companion. It features an insulated cooler compartment, flat tray table top, two drink holders and side pockets for extra storage. It also features a handy seatbelt strap that holds it in place. The brand recommends using cold packs instead of ice for keeping items cold.

Reusable Water Bottle

Stay hydrated on the road with BPA-free Bobble Bottles that filter out impurities on the go, so you can fill up at the campground or rest stop water fountain worry-free. And with so many color options, no one will get their bottle mixed up in the car.

Portable Coffee Press

This portable brewer will brew a delicious cup of coffee, espresso or cold brew right over your mug. The total immersion brewing system means there's less grit than with a French press, and it's super-fast, too.

With double-wall vacuum insulation, the YETI Rambler 20-Ounce Travel Mug keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Plus the leak-resistant lid means bumps in the road are no problem for this traveler.

Collapsible Storage Containers

Useful for storing everything from travel-size toiletries to trail mix, these reusable containers work for jet setters or families always on the go. Not only are they eco-friendly and BPA-free, but these collapsible beauties also help save money on snacks. Fill them up before road-tripping to prevent overspending on pre-packaged goodies at convenience stores.

Kitchen Utensil Set

When fast food isn't your speed, this one-and-done kit — which includes a serving fork, a utility knife, scissors, a cutting board, a spatula, a wine opener, tongs, a ladle, a rice paddle, a carabiner and folding stainless-steel utensils — is ready to turn your roadside-farm-stand haul into the greatest picnic of all time.

BioLite CampStove 2

The eco-friendly BioLite Campstove 2 is pure genius. It doesn’t need fuel, and the heat created from burning just a handful of kindling converts into usable electricity that can be used to recharge your gadgets. Cook dinner, charge your phone and feel good about your carbon footprint — what more could you ask for?

15 Must-Have Items for a Family Road Trip With Kids

Keep kids of all ages happy and entertained while on the road with these gadgets, games and more.

ENTERTAINMENT

Portable Bluetooth Speaker

Go on and celebrate reaching your destination with an impromptu dance party. This lightweight Bluetooth speaker fills your space with home-stereo-system-quality sound and claims less real estate in your luggage than a rolled-up pair of jeans.

Scrabble To-Go Board Game

Add some friendly competition in the car or at your destination with this compact Scrabble set. The snap-in letter board ensures tiles stay put while moving, and the zippered case makes it easy to fold up and keep everything in place mid-game.

Kindle Paperwhite

Cut down your packing weight by bringing a Kindle instead of a stack of books for lounging by the fire. The latest generation of Paperwhite Kindles are now hot tub-ready, too; they're waterproof, so they'll survive an accidental dunk.

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6 Essential Road Trip Gadgets

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Protect Your Trip »

41 road trip essentials: what you need on your next road trip.

Add these items to your road trip packing list to help you travel more comfortably.

Road Trip Essentials

Getty Images

A road trip is a great way to see the country. Consider stocking up on these accessories before you go.

If you're planning a road trip, you're going to have a lot of work to do before you pack the car and head out of town. You'll need to map out a general itinerary, plan your overnight stops and create a list of must-see sights along the way. And don't forget about all the stuff you need to pack to ensure your family is safe, comfortable and entertained.

While you don't necessarily need a lot of things to make a road trip a success, U.S. News searched far and wide to find the best gadgets and gear that will make your time in the car the highlight of your trip. These are all items you'll want to consider adding to your road trip packing list.

As you pack your bags and get ready for an epic road trip, here are a few last-minute road trip essentials you might want to add to your arsenal, organized by category.

Personal care and hygiene

Entertainment, comfort and convenience.

Keeping a reliable flashlight stored in your car is a good rule of thumb for all drivers heading out on a road trip. In roadside emergencies, the Anker Rechargeable Bolder LC90 LED Flashlight can illuminate a distance of nearly 1,000 feet with a battery life of up to six hours. Its durable design makes it ideal for use in inclement weather, and its five settings include an SOS signal and a strobe light. Meanwhile, the Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp – which features a 400-lumen beam and red LED night vision – is ideal for when you find yourself changing a tire in the middle of the night. Both products earn rave reviews from consumers for their powerful light.

Portable power bank

Goal Zero's Sherpa 100AC power bank is a portable power bank you can use to recharge tablets, phones, cameras and laptops on the go. It features two USB ports, plus four cables are included and it's lightweight at just 2 pounds. Recent customers loved the power bank's versatility, but recommend charging it every two to three days for the best results.

Jumper cables

Jumper cables from AUTOGEN can easily fit in your trunk and could save the day if your battery dies and you're unable to start your car while out on the road. Many travelers also say you can't go wrong with these heavy-duty cables from Energizer. These 25-foot-long cables are perfect for any car type and come with a travel bag for easy storage – they're a must for any road trip packing list.

Portable tire inflator

A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. The AstroAl Air Compressor Tire Inflator is compact, so it won't take up much space among the other gear in your trunk, and it includes an LED flashlight with independent switch control. It is programmed to stop automatically once it hits the preset tire pressure and it comes with a 36-month warranty. Other travelers prefer the ViAir 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit , noting it works well with a wide variety of vehicles. In addition to a 12-foot air hose and 9-foot power cord, the kit comes with alligator clamps that power your air compressor by attaching to your car's battery.

Jump starter

Picture this: You're having the time of your life on your road trip when your car battery dies in the middle of nowhere. Luckily, a high-quality jump starter is all you need to avoid this disastrous scenario. In addition to being water-resistant and compact, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40 comes with a built-in flashlight and a USB port for charging devices like smartphones and tablets. The Hulkman Alpha 85 2000A Jump Starter also comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its easy-to-use design and powerful battery life (a single charge can hold up to 60 jump starts).

Waking up in the morning to an icy windshield isn't a pretty sight. Prestone AS244 Windshield De-Icer instantly melts ice upon contact, so you don't have to worry about waiting for your car to defrost when you're in a rush. As an added bonus, the can comes with a built-in scraper tool for easy ice removal. Recent customers have called this product a lifesaver during harsh winters.

Bringing a trusty multi-tool on your road trip is a simple way to make sure you're prepared no matter what situation you run into. Leatherman products impress consumers time and time again thanks to the company's high-quality and lightweight multi-tool designs. Customer-favorites include the Leatherman Bond and the Leatherman Wave+ , which offers 18 powerful tools like pliers and wire cutters.

Car charger

Frequent car travelers recommend always staying connected with the TECKNET USB Car Charger . Featuring four fast-charging ports, this adaptor can be used to charge smartphones, tablets and more. If you're hitting the road with the whole family in tow, or you simply want to charge more than one device at a time, travelers say this powerful charging adaptor is a must-buy. Pair it with an extra-long charging cable that can easily reach everyone in the back seat.

Dashboard phone mount

Keep your eyes on the road by installing a dashboard phone mount before your journey starts. The iOttie Easy One Touch 5 comes with a telescopic arm, a magnetic cord organizer and a strong-hold suction cup. Plus, its easy one-touch lock-and-release mechanism (a feature that is much appreciated among recent customers) makes taking your phone on and off the holder a breeze. If you don't like the rigidity of traditional dashboard phone mounts, consider choosing a phone mount with a flexible arm instead.

Document holder

Whenever you're hitting the open road, you want to prepare for the worst. In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial. Recent travelers say that this Samsill car registration holder is great for keeping all your important documents organized.

Roadside emergency kit

To give yourself peace of mind while you're on the road, travelers recommend this STDY car roadside emergency kit from Amazon. Equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, safety gloves, cable ties, a tow rope, tire repair tools, a raincoat and more, this compact kit has everything you need when life throws you an unexpected curve ball.

Extra-large body wipes

Extra-large body wipes from Busy Co make it easy to wash up when you can't take a shower. Cloths are suitable for dry, oily and combination skin types, and address a variety of skincare needs, including clarifying, toning, soothing and nourishing. Recent customers appreciated the large size of the wipes and said using them made them feel refreshed while traveling.

Lysol wipes

Disinfecting Lysol wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list. These cleaning wipes kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria, so you can feel protected while on the road.

Disposable toilet seat covers

Disposable toilet seat covers from Amazon will help you avoid germs and stay clean when you stop for restroom breaks at gas stations, port-a-potties and campgrounds.

First-aid kit

A comprehensive first-aid kit can't be overlooked when packing up the car for your next road trip. Recent customers say this 298-piece kit from Amazon will get you the most bang for your buck, with bandages, antibiotic ointment, gauze, Band-Aids, pain reliever and much more. Although this will arm you with the basics of what you may need in a medical emergency, it's always a good idea to personalize your kit according to your needs.

Nausea Relief

Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine like Dramamine can be a lifesaver. If you prefer a drug-free alternative, Sea-Bands are anti-nausea wristbands that use acupuncture as a natural remedy to reduce motion sickness. Travelers say these bands are highly effective at reducing nausea.

Hand sanitizer

From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Protect yourself against viruses like the cold and flu by adding a travel-size hand sanitizer to your road trip packing list and keeping it in the car during your trip.

If you'll be spending long hours in the car, it's important to remember to wear sunscreen. Sun Bum's SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray is broad spectrum, moisturizing and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. And if you'll be heading for the ocean on your trip, make sure you pack a reef-safe sunscreen like this one from Reef Repair to protect marine life and coral reefs from harmful chemicals. Although some customers reported a white cast upon application (due to the zinc oxide), many reviewers thought the trade-off was worth it to maintain healthy ocean environments.

Toiletry bag

This chic Sonia Kashuk Weekender Makeup Bag features two zipper compartments, a center organizer and carrying handles that make it perfect for transport. Customers particularly love that the bag is compact without sacrificing storage space. For durable, leak-proof travel bottles, check out this Getaway Travel Kit from Ban.do . It comes with four pearlescent bottles, two jars, a spatula, a funnel and a zippered pouch for storage. Plus, it includes a fun set of sticker labels so you can organize your toiletries in style.

[Read:  The Top Travel Toiletry Bags .]

Sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times, but there are plenty of ways you can enjoy your time while road tripping. With the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite , you have access to thousands of books at your fingertips. The device boasts up to 10 weeks of battery life, adjustable warm light and a glare-free display, which recent reviewers said made marathon reading sessions a breeze. Meanwhile, kids can enjoy the Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids , which offers a special font for children with dyslexia and comes with a two-year warranty.

Carefully curated Spotify playlist

Whether you prefer jamming out to tunes or listening to thought-provoking podcasts, having a Spotify playlist ready to go before you get on the road is a must. Take some time before your trip to curate a playlist or two so you can keep your eyes on the road and your hands off your phone while road tripping.

Audible subscription

Long drives call for catching up on all those books you've been saying you were going to read this year. With an Audible subscription, you can make the most out of traffic jams by enjoying some words by your favorite authors.

Choose a reliable duffel bag like the Eagle Creek Migrate Duffel for your next road trip. This bag is water-resistant, strength-bearing and perfect for when you need your luggage to fit in a small space. It also comes with lockable zippers and can be worn as a backpack or carried as a tote, a top feature according to recent reviewers. And if you're planning on hiking during your trip, travelers say the Daylite Duffel 30 from Osprey can fit everything you need with room to spare. This bag can be worn comfortably all day long and comes with a mesh water bottle pocket and functional harness straps.

[Read: The Top Rolling Duffel Bags .]

This YETI Hopper Soft Sided Backpack Cooler makes it easy to bring drinks anywhere without worrying about leaks. The cooler, which comes with a dryhide shell and a magnetic closure, can hold up to 18 cans (or 26 pounds of ice), and comes highly recommended by travelers thanks to its durable design. It's ideal for road trippers who plan to get out and explore, and need to stay hydrated or keep food fresh.

Rooftop Cargo Carrier

Save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier. With an anti-slip mat and reinforced adjustable straps, the waterproof FIVKLEMNZ 15 Cubic Car Roof Bag Cargo Carrier from Amazon is suitable for any car type. Recent customers say that they had no problem getting it to stay in place even on high-speed roads.

Car organizer

A car seatback organizer lets you arrange road trip essentials on the back of the driver's or passenger's side seat, where they're within reach of small hands. Many buyers said this seatback organizer from Amazon.com took some of the stress out of traveling with kids, thanks to its multipurpose storage compartments, including a place for a tablet and plenty of other spots to store key items for your trip. You can also maximize your space by stashing your essentials in a trunk organizer. This one from Drive Auto comes with multiple storage compartments, waterproof lining and tie-down straps to keep items in place while you're driving.

Car trash can

There's no doubt about it – road trips can generate a lot of trash. Keep your car clean on your next adventure with this Hotor car trash can from Amazon. Complete with an adjustable strap, mesh side panels for storage and a leak-proof interior lining, this useful accessory comes highly recommended by travelers who find themselves frequently on the road.

Reusable bags

Whether you're stopping for snacks at a gas station or running into the grocery store for those last-minute essentials, a reusable bag is an easy way to reduce your plastic consumption. Recent reviewers said these versatile and water-resistant reusable bags can even be used as laundry bags, garbage bags or beach bags in a pinch.

Electric car blankets

Electric car blankets allow you to stay warm on the road no matter the temperature outside. This Stalwart electric car blanket takes up very little space, is surprisingly lightweight and plugs into any vehicle with a 96-inch-long cord. While some travelers noted that this blanket alone won't be enough to keep you warm in extremely cold weather, many say it was a welcome addition nonetheless.

SleepPhones soft headband headphones let you enjoy the open road while listening to music, audiobooks, meditation, white noise or talk radio. These headphones are expertly padded, which reviewers say makes them more comfortable for long-term wear than earbuds. You can buy the classic version or a wireless version at SleepPhones.com.

Travel pillow

Pick up an ergonomic travel pillow from Cabeau if you need extra neck and shoulder support when you ride in the passenger seat. The pillow features supportive memory foam, a front clasp to ensure it stays put and a removable cover that you can wash. Recent customers also loved that the pillow comes with straps that can be attached to any headrest, making sure you don't fall forward while catching some shut-eye. For kids, this Cloudz plush animal neck pillow comes in a variety of colorful animal options, such as a unicorn, a ladybug, a dinosaur and more.

[Read:  The Top Travel Neck Pillows .]

A battery-operated mini fan from SkyGenius can help you stay cool and comfortable. This fan comes with a rechargeable and replaceable battery, and is ideal for the car and for camping. For even more cooling capacity, opt for a fan with dual heads like the XOOL Electric Car Fan from Amazon. Both mini fans earn glowing reviews from travelers thanks to their powerful airflow capabilities.

Shield your eyes from the sun by picking up a good pair of sunglasses before your trip. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare. Travelers love that these Ray-Ban Aviator Classic sunglasses come in a variety of tints and can even be customized to fit your needs. For a more budget-friendly option, check out these SUNGAIT Ultra Lightweight Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses from Amazon, which recent customers say are very comfortable and perfect for road tripping.

Window shade

The sun beating down on your car all day can heat it up quickly. To keep your car cool, travelers recommend the EcoNour Car Windshield Sun Shade , which protects your vehicle from UV rays and helps maintain your car's interior temperature at a comfortable level. Pair it with these car window shades to protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays while you're on the road. The shades come in two different sizes and transparency levels, and previous buyers say they are very easy to install.

Travel towel

A travel towel is one of the most versatile accessories you can bring on a road trip. Whether you are cleaning up a spill or want to go for an impromptu beach day, having a spare towel on hand is always a good idea. This odor-resistant and quick-drying 4Monster travel towel from Amazon comes in several sizes and includes a compact EVA box, which recent reviewers say makes it perfect for travel.

Reusable water bottles

Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. This 40-ounce bottle from Hydro Flask keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for a full day. It also comes with a lid with a built-in straw, which consumers say makes it convenient for driving. For kids, a durable water bottle like this 12-ounce YETI rambler fits the bill – its stainless steel bottle is dishwasher safe and shatter-resistant, a feature that parents love.

Cubcoats are two-in-one stuffed animals that transform into hoodies. Your child's furry friend (think bunnies, sloths and puppies) doubles as a soft, zip-up sweatshirt, and you get to save some space in your suitcase.

Inflatable car booster seat

If you're flying to another destination to pick up a rental car for your road trip, consider bringing inflatable car booster seats along. This BubbleBum backless inflatable booster is suitable for kids 4 to 11, and comes with a seat belt positioning clip for optimal comfort and safety. Recent buyers said it was portable and extremely easy to use.

Kids travel journal

A kids travel journal makes it easy for your child to document their road trip and all the fun things they see and do. This one from Peter Pauper Press includes world maps, puzzles, fun facts and more, and many parents said it made their kids' time in the car fly by.

Activity books

A family road trip means long hours in the car, and bored children are every parent's worst nightmare. Activity books can keep your kids occupied for long periods of time while you catch up on some much-needed quiet time.

Backseat travel tray for kids

If your co-pilot is constantly turning around to pick up toys or pass out snacks, a backseat travel tray is in order. The LUSSO Gear Kids Travel Tray comes with a safety strap that can be secured to any car seat, and includes a dry erase board table, a cup holder, a storage compartment for toys and a no-drop tablet viewing stand. Reviewers loved the tray's whiteboard area and said it was a great way to keep kids entertained on long car rides.

Shop in bulk

Check out Boxed.com for specially curated bulk items that are perfect for road trips and other types of travel. From sunscreen, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to Fruit Roll-Ups and snack-size packs of Pringles, Boxed.com is a convenient site to order bulk hygiene and snack items in one place.

Bring spare cash

Debit cards, credit cards and mobile phone payments may be the way of the world nowadays, but you may still run into a few places on your journey that are cash-only (for example, some national and state park entrance fees must be paid in cash). Be on the safe side by keeping some spare cash on hand in case of emergencies.

Save on gas

It's no secret that sky-high gas prices can put a damper on your vacation. Save some money on fuel by using apps like GasBuddy , which will show you the cheapest gas prices in your area. Go the extra mile by signing up for a gas rewards credit card to get the most bang for your buck.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Travel Backpacks
• The Top Sleeping Bags
• The Top East Coast Road Trips
• The Best Travel Insurance Companies
• The Best Cheap Travel Insurance Companies

Tags: Travel , Vacations , cars , Road Trips , Travel Gear

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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65 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials: Your Complete Packing Checklist

Get organized with our road trip essentials checklist including gear recommendations and a printable packing list to ensure a smooth journey.

There is an undeniable magic to a good road trip: the freedom of the open road, the opportunity to visit unparalleled sights, and the unique experiences that you stumble upon along the way. However, creating these unforgettable moments requires effective planning and smart packing of the right road trip essentials.

At Bearfoot Theory, we’ve gone on our fair share of road trips and experimented with a plethora of gear – some items have worked well and others not so much. We know that packing for a road trip can easily turn into a stressful part of your journey if organization isn’t your forte – there’s nothing quite as disheartening as realizing you’ve left something important behind.

In this post, we’re excited to share our top selection of road trip gear that will help you optimize your road adventure to its fullest. You won’t need a tricked-out van or struggle with a daily game of Tetris trying to fit everything into your trunk. Keep scrolling for our road trip packing list that covers the gear essentials for ensuring a safe and amazing time on the road.

Download our PDF road trip packing list

When you join our newsletter, road trip essentials at a glance.

Download a printable version here and subscribe to our newsletter while you’re at it!

Entertainment

Kitchen items, vehicle essentials, clothing, footwear, & accessories, personal care, miscellaneous.

Download a printable version here

Road Trip Navigational Tools

While part of the fun of a good road trip might be getting lost and exploring remote back roads, it is crucial to have reliable navigational tools so you don’t end up utterly lost.

Here are our recommendations for road trip maps and apps:

Paper Map or Atlas

Although we all know Google Maps is essential for directions, I persoanlly like carrying a paper map too. Plus, hopefully some of your itinerary will take you off the grid and out of cell phone service.

For that reason, you’ll want to carry a paper map or road atlas. Paper maps are also better than phone apps for telling the difference between a well-graded gravel road and a gnarly 4×4 road.

My favorite paper maps are the Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlases which also detail public lands, camping areas, National Parks, and more.

Shop Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlases at:

A GPS is handy for navigation when you don’t have cell service. If you don’t want to purchase a GPS, download Google Maps for offline use or use the app maps.me instead. This is a helpful free app that you can use to navigate and find sights and amenities even without cell service.

Just be sure to download the maps.me map for the region you’re going to be traveling in ahead of time so that it will work offline.

Still in the planning phase of your trip? Check out our road trip destination ideas here! And if you’re looking for a car camping checklist, head to our Car Camping Essentials blog post .

Road Trip Apps

Downloading a couple of apps before you head out will make road trip planning easier and will help you find things you’re looking for on the road like campsites, rest stops, amenities, and more.

The Roadtrippers App is a handy one too. It lets you save locations on the go, find destination points along your route, and locate lodging, gas, restaurants, and more.

The iExit App can help you determine the best areas to take a pit stop on major highways while you’re traveling.

Gas Buddy is a helpful road trip app that will help you find the cheapest gas prices so you aren’t wasting money when you fill up.

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Looking for more helpful apps? Check out our post on Must-Have Van Life Apps . Many of them are also great for road trips!

Road Trip Clothing, Footwear, & Accessories

Packing for a road trip means filling your bags with versatile, well-fitting, and durable clothes that allow you to do a little bit of everything.

You’ll want to have clothing, footwear, and accessories that:

While crazy patterns can be fun, I prefer to pack solid prints that will go with everything. That way, you don’t have to really think about packing specific outfits.

Here are a few of my favorite road trip essentials picks for clothing, footwear, and accessories. For more recommendations, check out the links below.

Road Trip Packing Lists

Road trip entertainment packing list.

Road trips are all about having a good time, right? Right. Make the drive fun with the following entertainment essentials. I also recommend keeping your day hiking essentials in your trunk too so you’re always ready for a spur-of-the-moment hike, should you need them.

Music Playlists

What’s a road trip without music? A good playlist will keep your energy up and will help the miles fly by. Load up your phone with plenty of tunes ahead of time in case you’ll be driving through areas with limited service. I’m a HUGE fan of Spotify.

Podcasts & Audiobooks

If music isn’t your thing or you need a break from rockin’ out, download a couple of audiobooks or a bunch of episodes of your favorite podcasts.

For suggestions, check out our favorite outdoor podcasts . The Libby App and Audible are also great resources for downloading audiobooks.

A book or two is always nice to have along on a road trip so you can read in your downtime.

We often like to bring books about the places we’re exploring so we can learn about the area while traveling.

Travel Games

If you’re traveling with kids, games are a great way to keep everyone happy and entertained.

But games aren’t just for kids! Bringing along a deck of cards or your favorite road trip games provides fun for everyone.

A set of headphones or AirPods are nice to bring on a road trip in case you need a little alone time.

Bring a camera to capture the memories on your trip and check out our photography page for tips and tricks for taking great photos.

Not everyone enjoys journaling or sketching, but a notebook is nice to bring along on a road trip for those who want to record their trip.

If you like to journal or make notes about the places you travel to, pack a small weatherproof notebook .

Shop Rite in the Rain Notebook at:

iPad/Laptop

An iPad or laptop is nice to have along for evenings when you just want to Netflix and chill. Download a few movies ahead of time for easy viewing.

Road Trip Snacks & Kitchen Packing List

One of the best parts about a road trip is tasty road trip snacks, wouldn’t you agree? Whether you’re a salty or sweet person, having quick and (mostly) healthy snack options can make or break a long drive.

It’s also a good idea to pack some kitchen and cooking gear even if you’re not camping so you can whip up that impromptu picnic.

Here are our road trip snack and kitchen essentials:

Healthy Snacks

Having healthy snacks easily accessible will stop the hanger from creeping in and help you avoid gas station temptations like chips and candy (no judgment though if you want to indulge!)

Some of our favorite road trip snacks are:

Planning on doing some hiking during your road trip? Don’t forget your favorite hiking snacks (which TBH, I also eat while driving!).

A cooler will keep your fruit, veggies, dips, and other snacks cold so you can eat fresh on the road.

If you’re just packing a few cold drinks and snacks, a small, lightweight cooler like REI’s Cool Haul 24 Soft Cooler is a versatile option.

Shop REI Cool Haul 23 Soft Cooler at:

Reusable Water Bottle

A reusable water bottle is key for staying hydrated and eliminating single-use plastics.

An insulated Hydro Flask will keep your water nice and cold on hot days. I also like their straw lid version which allows you to easily drink one-handed while you drive.

Shop Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottles at:

Read next: How to Reduce Waste on Road Trips

In addition to saving money and avoiding plastic bottles, having a water jug with you makes for a quick and easy fill-up of your water bottle while on the road and before heading out on a hike. It’s also a smart thing to have in case you break down or run out of gas.

The GSI Outdoors Folding Water Cube holds 15 liters of water and has a convenient tap handle that prevents spilling.

Shop the GSI Water Cube at:

Consider bringing an insulated coffee mug for keeping coffee and tea hot on sunrise drives or making sure your beverage stays cold on hot days.

The Hydro Flask 20 oz Tumbler has a splashproof lid and its tapered design allows it to fit into most cup holders.

Shop the Hydro Flask 20 oz Tumbler at:

Muli Tool/ Swiss Army Knife

A multi-tool or versatile knife like this Swiss Army Camper Knife is always good to have along, whether for slicing apples, cutting rope, or opening that nice bottle of wine.

Shop the Swiss Army Camper Knife at:

Utensil Set

Saying no to single-use plastics is easy when you have a reusable utensil set with you.

This To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set comes in a handy holder and is perfect for on-the-go meals whether you’re road-tripping or not. It comes with a fork, knife, spoon, chopsticks, and a bamboo straw.

Shop the To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set at:

Quick-Dry Towels

A set of small quick-dry towels is a great zero-waste alternative for wiping your hands and cleaning up messes and spills. A roll of paper towels works too.

Shop the REI Quick-Dry Towel Set at:

Reusable Bag

A reusable bag like the REI Stuff Travel Tote will come in handy for those grocery store stops along the way and once you arrive at your destination.

Shop the REI Stuff Travel Tote at:

Read next: Camping instead? Check out our Car Camping Essentials Packing Checklist .

Packing & Organizing Road Trip Essentials

Keep your stuff organized and easy to find with these road trip packing essentials.

Suitcase, Backpack, or Duffel Bag

You likely already have a suitcase, backpack, or duffel bag at home that you can use to pack for your road trip, it doesn’t need to be anything fancy, just something to comfortably hold your clothes and other belongings.

If you don’t own one already, we love the REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel .

Shop the REI Roadtripper Duffel at:

A day pack for hikes and other outings is always good to bring on a road trip. It doesn’t have to be big, just big enough to hold water, your phone, camera, keys, snacks, and other hiking essentials.

This Osprey Tempest pack has been my go-to for day hikes and adventures for a long time. The Osprey Talon is the men’s version.

Shop the Osprey Tempest Pack at:

Packing Cubes

If you’re like me, your suitcase (or duffel) can be a disaster. I tackle this problem by using packing cubes to keep all of my clothing organized while I’m road-tripping. Underwear in one. Socks in another. Pants. Shirts. Each category of clothing gets its own cube.

Shop REI Packing Cubes at:

Toiletry Bag

Having all your toiletries and smaller essentials in one bag makes it easy to find them when you need them.

This REI Co-op Shower Roll Bag is a favorite that makes it super easy to access all your toiletries in one place.

Shop the REI Shower Roll Bag at:

Road Trip Packing List for Personal Care

Getting out of your normal routine can make it a bit more of a challenge to keep up with personal care, but with these essentials, you’ll find your new road trip routine in no time.

UV rays can come through your windows so bring a tube or two of good mineral-based sunscreen , especially if you’re road-tripping in the summer.

It’s also handy in case you find an exposed viewpoint you want to picnic at or a sunny hike along the way.

Shop Sun Bum Sunscreen at:

Lip balm is always nice to have along in case your lips get extra dry. We prefer lip balm with SPF for sun protection, like this one .

Shop Sun Bum Lip Balm at:

Toothpaste & Toothbrush

Any old toothpaste you have at home will do, but if you want an eco-friendly, travel-size option, Hello toothpaste bites are a great pick.

Shop Hello Toothpaste Bites at:

Bring the toiletries you need from home, like soap or face wash, lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant.

If you want to save space, try these refillable 2.5 oz  humangear GoToob+ Medium Squeeze Bottles . 

Simply fill them up with your favorite products and pack them in your toiletry bag.

Shop Humangear GoToob+ Bottles at:

Tissues or Toilet Paper

Tissues or a roll of toilet paper are always handy to have in the car on a road trip in case rest stops are under-equipped or you have to pee in the wild.

Just remember to pack out and dispose of your toilet paper in the trash .

Read next: How to Poop in the Woods and Leave No Trace .

You’ll want a way to tame that windswept hair after a long drive, so throw your hairbrush in with your other personal items.

A small, travel-size version like this one is always nice to have for trips.

Shop travel-sized hairbrush at:

Bandanas can be used in many ways and is sure to come in handy, whether as a napkin or as a headband t keep your hair from blowing in the wind when you’ve got the windows down.

The Nomadix Bandana Towel adds even more versatility with its absorbent microsuede material, SPF 50 protection, and anti-odor properties.

Shop the Nomadix Bandana Towel at:

Sometimes it’s nice to freshen up after a long drive, or maybe you’re hiking and camping on your road trip as well. A pack of wipes is always on our road trip packing list so we have the option to clean up a bit in a pinch.

The  Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes  are our favorite because they’re gentle on the skin and they are compostable (although you still need to dispose of them properly in the trash).

Shop Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes at:

Vitamin C/Immune Boosting Tablets

We like to pack hydration tablets on any adventure, and if they’re immunity-boosting that’s even better.

These NUUN Immunity Hydration tablets are easy to throw into your bag and pop into your water bottle when you need an extra boost.

Shop Nuun Immunity Hydration Tablets at:

Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is always good to have readily available, especially these days. We love this all-natural one from Dr. Bronners .

Shop Dr. Bronner’s Hand Sanitizer at:

Advil/Ibuprofen

While you won’t always need something like Advil or Ibuprofin, we like to include it on every road trip packing list since it can be a lifesaver when you get a killer headache and need it.

Read next: Camping Tips for Women: How to Stay Fresh & Clean on the Road

Miscellaneous Road Trip Essentials

These items are necessarily ‘essentials’ but they can make your road trip more comfortable and trouble-free.

I don’t know about you, but I consider a pillow a road trip essential (especially if you’re the passenger)!

Bring a comfy pillow from home or an inflatable pillow if you’re short on space. This NEMO Fillo Pillow is compressible, lightweight, and awesome for camping, backpacking, and napping in the passenger seat.

Shop the NEMO Fillo Pillow at:

Whether you’re reading in bed, going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, or rummaging around your car, you’ll want a headlamp nearby.

The BioLite Headlamp 325 is a go-to piece of nighttime gear that’s ultralight and rechargeable with a USB cable.

Shop the BioLite 325 Headlamp at:

Read next: Looking for more options? Head over to our post on the Best Headlamps for Hiking & Camping

A small blanket is a nice item to have along in case you find the perfect picnic spot or if you just need a little extra warmth at any point on your road trip.

We love Rumpl’s cozy, packable blankets – they won’t take up much space in your car and they come in all kinds of fun colors and patterns.

Shop Rumpl Blankets at:

Quick-dry towel

Be ready for those impromptu swimming hole dips with a lightweight, quick-dry towel like the Nomadix Original Towel . It’s also sand resistant, so if you’re heading to the beach, you don’t have to worry about tracking loads of sand back to your car.

Shop Nomadix Towels at:

First-Aid Kit

Stay safe and be prepared in case of an emergency by having a car first aid kit that has been personalized to your own medical needs.

This  My Medic MyFAK First Aid Kit  is equipped with all kinds of expert-picked first aid and trauma supplies. You can strap it to the back of a headrest for easy storage or just toss it in the back so it’s there when you need it.

We love that it comes with a small tearaway pouch that you can fill up with essentials and take on day hikes, backpacking trips, and other short adventures as well.

It’s more expensive than some other first aid kits, but it also has more supplies and lifesaving equipment than most.

Shop the My Medic MyFAK at:

Phone Charger & USB Cord

You’ll be surprised how quickly your phone battery will drain when using navigation mode and a variety of apps on your phone so it’s good to be able to charge from your vehicle.

If your headlamp and camera come with car-compatible chargers, bring those along too.

GPS Communication Device

I’d argue that the Garmin InReach is a road trip essential if you plan on exploring remote backroads where there is no cell phone service.

If you break down somewhere, the Garmin InReach allows you to send custom text messages no matter where you are or to call for medical help if you are in an emergency situation.

It also has a GPS and some helpful navigation tools for when the navigation apps on your phone won’t load.

My boyfriend Ryan is a Type 1 Diabetic, so when we are in the van or hiking, the Garmin InReach gives me added peace of mind.

Shop the Garmin inReach Mini at:

It’s always handy to have a little bit of cash on hand in case you come across a farmers market or a roadside stall or if you plan on camping at more remote campgrounds, which are typically cash-only.

Vehicle Road Trip Essentials

I won’t go into too much detail in this section because you should really have these basic necessities in your vehicle at all times, whether you’re road-tripping or not.

These include:

• Driver’s License and Registration
• Proof of Insurance and Contact Info
• Your Car Operation Manual
• Spare Tire and Jack
• Roadside Emergency Kit
• Jumper Cables (or a self-starting jumper )

Planning a road trip? Check out our other road trip tips, guides, and essentials:

• Car Camping Packing Checklist
• How to Road Trip with Your Dog
• How to Find Free Campsites
• Campervan Companies for Your US Road Trip
• How to Reduce Waste on Car Camping Trips
• Cheap Road Trip Tips: How to Save Money on the Road

We hope this road trip essentials checklist helps simplify packing for your next epic adventure. Now tell us: where are you headed and what’s on your road trip packing list?

With two decades of hiking and seven years of van life under her belt, Kristen has dedicated her life to helping people experience the positive effects of nature. As a pioneer in the outdoor blogging space, she founded Bearfoot Theory in 2014 and has since authored more than 350 blog posts about outdoor travel, hiking, camping, and van life. Her work has been featured in National Geographic, Outside Magazine, and Backpacker, and when she’s not on the road, she lives in Park City, Utah with her partner Ryan, their son, and two adventure pups.

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16 Comments

Thanks for sharing such a great checklist, I Believe anyone who read this post will be valuable for him for sure. Regards, Team Yugo.pk

I love these lists! As busy as a work week can get, lists like this will help get me outside sooner and more often. I think it would be great if you had a PDF document in the form of a checklist, so I could gather items on the fly and know that I have them ready or loaded into the car/truck/van/camper. Just an idea for this page and great lists.

I like your advice about bringing a spare tire and knowing how to change should be part of the road trip necessities. We won’t know what would happen to us on the road during our trip. One possible problem that might arise would be a flat tire. Having a spare tire will allow us to change it immediately. However, if you’re not capable of doing it on your own you can call someone to assist you. This happened to me a few years ago, good thing I keep the contact details of my roadside assistance service provider which responded to my call immediately. Having this will lessen our worries. You might want to check the blog I’ve read a few weeks ago which provides a list of tips on handling a road trip like a pro. here is the link: https://blog.beepbeep.ph/road-trip-essentials/

I found your article interesting to read the must haves list for the road trip. There are lots of thing which I never remember to bring with me on the road trip. Thank for sharing these checklist.

What a great, comprehensive list. You can also add roadside assistance, it can be a lifesaver when we broke down 9 days into our trip. Loved the roadtrippers app as well. However, we made the rookie mistake of not getting a gas card until halfway through.

What do you normally have in your First-Aid Kit? We are crafting a blog post on our blog and we would definitely mention your website in it.

Its Nice., Thank you for your Necessity guides. These are useful to many.

Great checklist! One addition that we were glad to have on our recent road trip was our checkbook. During the Covid era, we prefer not to handle cash, and some campgrounds didn’t take cards, but writing a check and leaving it in the envelope worked great.

That’s a great tip, thanks Tom!

These modules are all great Lots of information and quite a few things i wouldn’t ever have thought of. However, why do i need to resubscribe every time i want one of your checklists? Seems like there one subscription should “do” and there should be a place i can just download what i want.

After requesting 3 or 4, it now tells me my request is successful but wont sent the mail with the download link.

This is irritating for me and would seem to create lot of duplicate ‘subscriptions” for you.

Hi Linda! Thanks for sharing that with us and our apologies for the inconvenience. There’s not a straightforward solution to this unfortunately as it would require us building out some sort of a membership page where people can login and download all the resources they want. At this time the way we have it set up is the easiest way for our readers to get the specific resources they want delivered to their inbox. It doesn’t result in duplicate subscriptions on our end as your email address is only added to our list once, and I am seeing that the emails for the checklists you’ve requested have been sent. Perhaps check your spam folder or try doing a search for Bearfoot Theory? If you’re still having issues please email me at contact (at) bearfoottheory.com and I’ll help get this resolved personally. Thanks again – we’ll keep your feedback in mind and will see if there’s a way we can improve this process 🙂

thank you, it was very helpful.

A night hike, river tubing, or secret single-track – you never know what adventure may arise while traveling. Don’t miss out because you don’t have the gear. Below are gear staples for us on any adventure:

Rain jacket Daypack Headlamp Water bottle Compass Swimsuit Dry bag (waterproof) Bandana or Buff headwear

Great list – you never know what adventure you could find yourself on!

Thanks for your wonderful work! Fun and practical — a breath of fresh air!

I’d like to add two items that simplify and improve road trips for us:

— A small (maybe 8-inch square) “front-seat bin” for each traveller. Keep your small personal items — sunglasses, reading glasses, snacks, medicines, phone, and so — on in one designated place to ensure that you don’t have to root around to find your things.

— Small waterproof duffle for each person’s shoes — hiking shoes, sandals, comfy campsite shoes. Keeps the car cleaner and, again, ensures that things are “where they’re supposed to be”!

Hi Roy, these are great suggestions! We love tips for staying organized. Thanks for sharing!

54 Must-Have Road Trip Essentials + Packing Checklist

I’ve been learning the ins and outs of road trip essentials and perfecting my packing list since I was old enough to get behind the wheel. The open road had me hooked at a very young age and will continue to draw me in for the rest of my days.

As an eager teenager, I took my first adventure to Las Vegas with a carful of giddy friends. The complete freedom to explore as I pleased was exhilarating.

Since then, I’ve explored thousands of miles of my captivating home state of Colorado , driven the stunning California coastline, navigated the magical Hawaiian islands, and traversed the barren plains of Texas.

I’ve voyaged the sweeping Irish countryside, bumped up and down countless miles of rural Mexican roads, and soaked in the fascinating culture of North Vietnam on a motorbike .

These years of experience have taught me that packing for a long journey on the open road isn’t easy, so I’ve put together a list of my favorite road trip essentials to help you. I’ve also included an interactive checklist list, my top ten road-tripping hacks, and a list of all the lodging, navigation, and travel resources I use when I’m on the road.

Ready? Let’s get into it.

Road Trip Essentials & Packing List

• What Exactly Should You Bring?
• Safety & Repair Accessories
• Tech Gadgets

Food & Drink Must-Haves

Music, entertainment & relaxation, clothing & comfort items.

• Camping & Outdoors Gear

Family Essentials

• Organization & Storage Systems
• Road Trip Packing List + Checklist
• More Road Trip Resources
• Final Thoughts: Road Trip Essentials

What Exactly Should You Bring on a Road Trip?

This is a tough question to answer, I’ll admit. Everyone has specific needs for their road trip, and my setup will look quite different than yours. We’re all likely headed towards separate destinations when we jump in the car for an adventure, so what I throw in the trunk may not work for you.

Keep this all in mind as you look over my road trip essentials, and prepare for your trip as you see fit. Take some of my advice , get your hands on a few pieces of gear you think will help, and leave the rest behind.

If you want to skip past my recommended products and jump straight to my complete packing list, click here . The checklist is interactive, meaning you can click the boxes as you get ready for your adventure and stay organized throughout the packing process.

Safety Gear & Repair Accessories

Alarm System & Remote Start: Viper 5906v

If you’re taking a proper road trip, you’re likely to pack a lot of valuables in your vehicle that are essential to protect. So, arm your car, truck, or camper van with a proper — LOUD! — alarm system that can also auto-start your rig remotely.

VIEW ON AMAZON

Car Jack Kit: Big Red Scissor Lift

Nobody ever plans on getting a flat tire, but they happen regardless. A proper car jack kit will allow you to remove and replace your tire safely without expensive emergency roadside services. Make sure you have a spare tire and a lug wrench as well.

Power Bank Jumper Kit: Hulkman Alpha85

Dead batteries are a morale killer, plain and simple. This high-capacity power bank allows you to bring your car back to life by yourself and has a handy flashlight, compass, and USB charging inputs to boot.

12-Volt Air Digital Compressor: Fortem

Whether you want to fill a tire with a slow leak, need to adjust tire pressure for off-roading, or simply want to avoid paying for air at gas stations, this 12-volt air compressor will get the job done quickly, safely, and efficiently.

One Gallon Gas Container: Garage Boss

Running out of gas in the middle of nowhere is a drag, so get a portable gas container, keep it full, and hit the road with peace of mind. This $14 investment could be the difference between hitchhiking to a gas station and arriving safely by yourself.

Versatile 196-Piece Tool Set: DEKOPRO

Breakdowns and equipment failures are a very unglamorous reality of the road-tripping lifestyle. Keeping a versatile set of tools on hand will allow you to handle minor repairs when they arise and get you back on your way safely.

DIY Windshield Chip Repair Kit: RainX

Windshield chips are a pesky reality of road tripping and can get expensive and dangerous if ignored. This affordable repair kit will fill chips and cracks with a fast-drying resin and prevent them from spreading and ruining your windshield.

Duct Tape: Duck Tape Brand

If all else fails, use duct tape. (That’s what I tell myself at least.) Whether you’re sealing a leaky hose, patching a tear in your tent, or fixing a broken pair of sunglasses, a roll of duct tape is a must-have on your upcoming road trip.

First-Aid Kit: Surviveware

Whether you’re confronted with a minor scrape or an injury far more severe, a fully-stocked first-aid kit will be your ally. Packed with everything from band-aids to a CPR mask, this portable setup will be there when you need it most.

United States Atlas: National Geographic

Digital maps are handy, but a physical road atlas offers an in-depth look at your surroundings without the need for technology. Use this detailed, adventure-focused atlas to plan your US, Mexico, or Canada trip as you go. Traveling Europe? There’s an atlas for that too.

Tech Gadgets & Navigation Accessories

High-Capacity Power Bank: Anker PowerCore

For better or worse, a dead phone can leave us feeling powerless when traveling. Ensure that your devices are always ready for action when you’re away from an outlet with this hefty power bank that will fully recharge an iPhone 8 up to seven times.

Magnetic Phone Mount: Neckteck

If you’re road-tripping without a phone mount, you’re doing it wrong. I love this particular setup because it’s minimalist and reliable. Simply adhere a thin metal disc to the back of your phone case and a powerful magnet within the mount will hold it without fail.

4-Port Car Charger: Amazon Basics

A car charger with four ports is probably overkill on a road trip with a couple of people, but it’s essential for groups of three or more. Four ports means a carful of people can keep their precious devices charged at all times. Don’t forget extra long micro USB or USB-C cables.

Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Charge 4

Whether you’re blasting tunes at a campsite or setting the mood in your hotel room, you’ll need a solid Bluetooth speaker to get the job done. The waterproof Charge 4 has mega battery life, powerful sound, and even has a USB output to charge devices when their batteries get low.

Digital Camera: Olympus OM-D E-M10

Cell phone photos probably won’t do your trip justice, so get a quality digital camera if you want to capture your adventure properly. My current travel camera is the budget-friendly OM-D E-M10, which is compact, easy to use, and takes great high-res photos.

Powerful Travel Stove: Camp Chef Ranger II

Those who want the option to cook meals on the road can do so with this incredibly powerful 34,000 BTU dual burner stove. The Ranger II can be attached to a standard 5-gallon propane tank or can run off of smaller one-pound camping canisters with an adapter .

Backpack Picnic Kit: Sunflora

If you’re going to cook in style on your road trip, you’d better eat in style as well. This luxurious picnic set not only has full tableware for up to four people, but also includes a blanket, cutting board, corkscrew, insulated food and drink compartment, and salt and pepper shakers.

12-Volt Fridge/Freezer: Alpicool

Keeping your food fresh and your drinks cold is vital during long stretches in the car, and this 12-volt fridge/freezer combo will do just that. It plugs into your cigarette lighter, draws power while the car is running, cools its contents quickly, and is incredibly efficient.

Portable Espresso Maker: WACACO Nanospresso

Of all the road trip gadgets on this list, this is one of my absolute favorites. With this handheld device, you can create restaurant-quality espresso on demand. All you need is boiling water, a Nespresso capsule (or coffee grounds), and your own two hands.

Rapid Water Boiling Stove: Jetboil Flash

If you need to boil water in an instant, the Jetboil Flash is exactly what you’re looking for. This lightweight camping stove takes water from room temperature to boiling in less than two minutes, allowing you to make tea, coffee, instant meals, and more.

Insulated Thermos: Hydro Flask

Whether your beverage is boiling hot or ice cold, the uber-efficient Hydro Flask thermos will retain its temperature for a very long time. My incredible 32 oz vessel has kept ice for over three days before it finally melted, which is a dream on longer trips.

Folding Table & Chairs: REDCAMP

If you’ll be cooking during your road trip, or simply want somewhere comfortable to play cards or eat takeout, a compact folding table will serve you well. This lightweight aluminum set comes with two chairs and weighs in at only two-and-a-half pounds.

Audio Book Subscription: Audible.com

Nothing passes the hours on the road like a good audiobook. An Audible subscription — click here for a free 30-day trial — gives users one free audiobook per month (to keep forever), selected free titles, guided exercises, and newspaper subscriptions from all over the world.

Streaming Music Subscription: Amazon Music | Spotify

If you plan on listening to CDs or MP3s on your upcoming adventure, you’re stuck about a decade behind. Get with the modern times and sign up for a streaming music subscription which will allow you to listen to pretty much any song whenever you want. Amazon Music | Spotify

Inflatable 2-Person Kayak: Intex Explorer K2

This durable and portable kayak will give you the freedom to explore lakes, gentle rivers, and other bodies of water as you please. Fully inflatable in just a few minutes, this cushy setup can put you out on the water at a moment’s notice. (Don’t forget to grab some life jackets !)

Frisbee: Innova Big Kahuna

Frisbees provide endless entertainment and will forever be a staple of my road trip packing list. Whether I’m camping, strolling the beach, or relaxing at a park, my Innova disc is a great excuse for me and my girlfriend to run around outdoors and breathe some fresh air.

Hammock: ENO DoubleNest

Leaving my hammock behind would be a huge hit to my relaxation capabilities on my trip, and is thus unacceptable. Thankfully, I’ve never forgotten my DoubleNest, so I can sway in the breeze at will (so long as there are two trees and a nice view).

VIEW ON REI

Waterproof Playing Cards: Kovot

I play cards frequently when I travel — gin rummy is my game of choice — and usually wear out a normal deck within a couple of weeks. Thankfully, I’ve invested in a set of waterproof cards, which stand up to humid environments (and spilled drinks) quite well.

Cornhole Set: GoSports Portable PVC

If frisbees, rafts, hammocks, and playing cards aren’t your thing, then maybe you can find a little entertainment playing cornhole. This lightweight setup — made of PVC and high-quality fabric — includes eight bean bags and packs away conveniently into a carrying case.

Polarized Sunglasses: Knockaround Fast Lanes

I tend to break or lose my sunglasses all the time , which is why I don’t let myself spend much on a pair. Knockaround’s polarized shades have the feel, quality, and style of high-end sunglasses, but only cost $25 a pair. They come with a carrying case, pouch, and cleaning cloth to boot.

VIEW ON KNOCKAROUND

Travel Pillow: Casper

Napping is an essential part of the road trip lifestyle and a comfortable pillow will take your sleep game to the next level. My small Casper Nap Pillow is compact, cozy, and stays cool as I watch the miles go by and fade away into dreamland.

Packable Travel Blanket: BlueHills

While we’re on the subject of car naps, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend a comfortable and portable blanket to help you get some sleep on the road. This microfleece blanket packs down to the perfect size for cars, and is great for airplanes, camping, and at-home use as well.

Earplugs: Howard Leight by Honeywell

When spending hours in a cramped car, sometimes you need to tune out the background noise. Ear plugs will help you do so, and give you some respite from your fellow passengers. I’ve tried multiple brands of earplugs, and these are by far the most comfortable.

Sandals: Montbell Aqua Gripper

Any road trip wardrobe is incomplete without a good set of sandals, and the Montbell Aqua Grippers are my top choice. They’re lightweight, portable, and versatile enough for hiking, watersports, or any other outdoor activity you might come across during your adventure.

Portable Clothes Washing Kit: Scrubba

If you’re frugal and impatient like me, you’ve got no time for laundromats during your travels. The portable hand-washing bag allows you to clean your clothes in a matter of minutes. All you need is some warm water, laundry detergent, and your own two hands.

Camping & Outdoor Gear

Lightweight 2-Person Tent: REI Half Dome SL 2+

If you do it right, your voyage will lead you to some beautiful camping destinations. Once it does, you’ll want a quality tent to get comfortable in and catch some rest. I recommend the REI Half Dome 2 Plus for couples, or the Half Dome 4 if you’re camping with three or more people.

Sleeping Bag: Hyke and Byke Eulos

Though I’m a bit of an ultralight gear snob and sleep in a $500 quilt, I’ve tested out a friend’s Hyke and Byke Eulos and was very impressed. It’s warm, lightweight, and uses water-resistant 800-fill down. The best thing about it? It costs about one-third of what I spent.

VIEW ON HYKE AND BYKE

Lightweight Sleeping Pad: Sleepingo

To catch some solid sleep in your tent, you’ll need a comfortable sleeping pad to cushion you from the ground below. This particular model has blown me away. It’s comfortable, packs down to the size of a Nalgene, and inflates and deflates as quickly as you could ever ask for.

Pressure Camp Shower: Nemo Helio

Life spent bouncing from campsite to campsite isn’t the cleanest existence, which is why a portable shower is a must-have on your next road trip. This foot pump pressure-powered system allows you to get a strong and refreshing stream of water on demand.

Packable Day Pack: 4Monster

Whether you’re setting off on a day hike or venturing into the city for an afternoon, a packable travel backpack will serve you well. This 24-liter waterproof pack will carry your gear, snacks, and other essentials with ease, and compresses down to the size of a soda can.

Camping Chairs: Moon Lence

Car camping without a comfortable chair is against the unwritten rules of road tripping, so get your hands on one of these if you haven’t already. They weigh only two pounds apiece, fold down into an ultra-compact carrying case, and are as comfortable as they are convenient.

Water Filter: LifeStraw Flex with Gravity Bag

Purifying natural water when you’re camping will save you money, time, and resources. I recommend using the LifeStraw Flex filter system to treat lake and river water safely and conveniently. Simply fill the bag, hang it up, and let gravity do the rest.

Collapsible Water Bottles: Platypus

Clunky metal and polycarbonate water bottles are a thing of the past when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. So, instead of bringing along your Nalgene or HydroFlask, opt for a far more lightweight option like the SoftBottle to store your backcountry beverage.

Multitool: Leatherman Wingman

Keeping your outdoor gear in working order is easy with the right multitool, which is why I recommend packing a Leatherman on your next expedition. Whether you’re prepping fishing line or tightening the screws on your ski bindings, the Wingman has the right tools to get the job done.

Portable Trash Bins: EPAuto

A family packed tightly into a car on a long road trip is a recipe for a mess, but it doesn’t have to be. This handy waterproof trash bin will attach to just about anywhere inside your car and can hold up to two gallons of trash without so much as a leak.

Wet Wipes: Amazon Elements

If you’re a parent to young children, you know quite well that literal sticky situations will arise on your next adventure. Be prepared for anything with this mammoth supply of baby wipes that’ll help keep your car and your children clean until the next backseat disaster.

Tablet: Kindle Fire HD 10

When all of the games, singalongs, and coloring books get old, the kids are going to get bored. That’s when you dazzle them with a tablet loaded full of fun games, apps, movies , and kid’s shows. Boredom will turn to delight, and all in the world will be right again.

Volume-Controlled Headphones: JBL for Kids

At $25 a pop, these just-for-kids headphones are a no-brainer for road-tripping families. These headphones max out at 85 decibels, which is designed to protect its listener’s hearing. They’ll pair up well with a fully loaded tablet to make for the perfect distraction when you need it most.

Family-Friendly Card Game: Kids Against Maturity

If you were to play Cards Against Humanity with your young children, you might just be a bad parent. Instead, play Kids Against Maturity, which is a family-friendly spin-off. It’s entertaining for both children and parents and is a great way for families to goof off on long rides in the car.

Sun-Blocking Window Shades: Enovoe

Children don’t enjoy having the sun shining in their eyes; nobody does actually. So, help them out by shielding the sun’s annoying (and sometimes harmful) rays with window shades. This transparent set won’t block the view out the window or create any blindspots, either.

Helpful Organization & Storage Systems

Rooftop Cargo Storage: Yakima Skybox

Sometimes, there’s just not enough room inside the car for all of your wonderful gear. Don’t worry, though, you can create more space. Slap a Skybox or two on the roof of your car and, just like that, you don’t have to leave any of your precious gear behind.

Trunk Organizer Tote: JACO CargoPro

In the heat of car travel, trunks can turn into a disaster zone in a hurry. Prevent the mayhem by setting up a few helpful organizer totes to keep all of your gear, gadgets, and accessories in order. Or don’t, and prepare yourself for a lawless and chaotic trunk of oblivion.

World Map Laundry Bag: Kikkerland

Stinky, dirty clothes have no business mingling with clean road trip supplies, so stash them in a laundry bag like a civilized human being. This world-map bag packs down into the palm of your hand, and can stash a decent amount of clothing when thrust into action.

Road Trip Packing List + Interactive Checklist

Here’s the exact packing list and interactive checklist I use to get ready for my road trips. Click the ‘+’ sign to expand the category, and use the checkboxes to stay organized as you pack for your trip.

Roadside Emergency Kit

First-Aid Kit

Gas Container

Car Jack Kit

Jumper Cables

Air Compressor

Windshield Chip Repair

Car Charger

Charging Cables

Battery Bank

Lantern/Light

Bluetooth Speaker

Camera Lenses

Camera Batteries

Camping Stove

Cutting Board

Bottle Opener

Coffee Maker

Cooking Oil

Cooler/Refrigerator

Long Sleeve Shirts

Button-Up Shirts

Rain Jacket

Light Jacket

Winter Jacket

Athletic Shorts

Skirts/Dresses

Bathing Suit

Long Underwear

Hiking Boots

Baseball Hat

Soap/Laundry Detergent

Laundry Bag

Clothing Line

Safety Pins

Toiletries Bag

Conditioner

Hair-Styling Product

Dental Floss

Contact Solution/Case

Ear Cleaner/Swabs

Nail Clippers

Advil/Aspirin

Multivitamins

Playing Cards

Sporting Equipment

Journal/Pen

Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Bag

Travel Pillow

Water Filter

Water Bottles

Camping Shower

Folding Table

Camping Chairs

Packing Cubes

Reusable Grocery Bags

Storage Totes

Window Shades

Water Storage

Toilet Paper

Garbage Bin

Lighter/Matches

Windshield Scraper

Medical Insurance

Car Registration

Car Insurance

Helpful Road Trip Resources

Now that you have your essentials and packing list squared away, it’s for some tools to crush your next road trip. Here are a few helpful resources that’ll help your next adventure go smoothly:

• RoadTrippers – Incredibly detailed trip planner to build your dream itinerary
• Hipcamp – Connects users with private landowners who offer camping on their property
• Booking.com – My go-to website for booking affordable hotels, hostels & homestays
• Couchsurfing – Budget-friendly lodging option where hosts offer up a free place to stay
• Turo – Rent private cars at fair prices to avoid going with big-box companies
• RentalCars – Puts users in touch with car rental agencies all over the world
• GasBuddy – Helps users find the most affordable gas prices within a certain radius
• WorldNomads – Widely-trusted travel insurance popular in the backpacking community

Essential Gear + Packing List = Perfect Road Trip 

Well, I’ve divulged about as much info as either of us can handle when it comes to road trip essentials and packing lists. I hope you found some useful gear, hacks, and resources to help you plan your next journey on the great open road.

While you do that, I’ll be busy plotting my next adventure: a 3,000-mile adventure to the Pacific Northwest region of the US. I’ll be booking campsites, gathering a long list of can’t-miss destinations, and piecing together the most scenic route possible. I’m going to get as prepared as I possibly can.

But, if my wild and unpredictable history of car voyages is any indication, few things will go according to plan. At least I’ll have my road trip essentials and packing lists to cling to when life on the go gets dicey.

Stay safe out there, and may the open road lead you to fascinating new places.

Last Updated on March 19, 2024

Noel Krasomil

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The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need

There’s just something about packing for a road trip: flights and trains can certainly be exciting, but road trips signal, perhaps more than any other mode of transportation, that an adventure is coming–and it all starts with putting together the perfect road trip packing list and carefully loading the car.

Road trips are one of our favorite forms of travel: we’re traversed more than half of the US states on various road trips, as well as taken road trips in over a dozen countries on three continents.

From the majesty of the American southwest to the villages of Provence and Tuscany to a safari in South Africa to the cenotes of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula , we have never failed to fall in love with a destination when on a road trip.

We’ve put together this complete list of things to bring on a road trip to make sure your adventures on the open road also go off without a hitch–no matter where you’re headed after loading up the car with all your road trip essentials.

Here’s what to pack for a road trip!

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Table of Contents

The Most Important Road Trip Essentials

Travel gear that you definitely need on your road trip packing list, other things to bring on a road trip, what to wear on a road trip, planning a trip.

Driver’s License — Obviously, you can’t pack for a road trip without your driver’s license!

International Driving Permit (If Applicable) — Depending on where you’re going on your road trip, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in your destination. These are easy to obtain (we always get ours at Triple-A) before leaving on your vacation.

Proof of Insurance (For the Car) — If you’re driving a rental car, this may or may not be covered by either your rental company, your credit card, or your travel insurance–but you’ll definitely want to know exactly what the expectations are before leaving!

Travel Insurance (For You) — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry. We use and recommend Safety Wing for most road trip destinations around the world.

Car Manual — Most rental cars will have a manual in the car by default, but if you’re taking your own car on a road trip, make sure your own is in the glove compartment! It’s possible you’ve never needed to look through it before, but it can be a lifesaver on a road trip, especially if you’re traveling in rural areas.

Rental Contract (If Applicable) — If you’re renting a car for your road trip, be sure to keep your rental contract handy–we generally keep ours in the glove compartment.

Roadside Emergency Kit — If you’re taking your own car on your road trip, hopefully you already have one of these packed and ready to go–but if not, now is the time to buy one! Basic roadside emergency kits are extremely useful, very affordable, and a great way to stay safe on the road.

Emergency Contact Information — Whether this is the phone number for Triple-A, the location emergency assistance number, or the phone number for roadside assistance offered by your rental company, you’ll definitely want to know exactly what to do in the event of a breakdown or an emergency before hitting the road.

Downloaded Maps — Online maps with real-time navigation are an enormous asset to any modern road trip–but they don’t work everywhere! Make sure to download your essential maps before heading off on a road trip.

Paper Maps — Similar to downloaded maps, paper maps can be a huge benefit when on a road trip! If your phone dies or you end up lost somewhere that your downloaded maps don’t cover, you’ll be so glad you threw a small, easy-to-pack road trip map into your car before you left.

Cash — Cash is still king on road trips–roadside restaurants, shops, and stalls around the world are generally quite likely to be cash-only establishments. Be sure to also keep small bills and change on hand to be able to easily cover tolls!

Extra Car Key — As someone who locked her keys in her car an embarrassing number of times as a young driver, I’m a huge proponent of adding an extra car key to your road trip packing list. You never know when you might need it!

Spare Tire — Generally speaking, your spare tire is probably already packed in your car–but it’s good to double-check it’s there and in good working order before setting off on a road trip. We once had a tire blow out on a road trip in Costa Rica, and that would definitely have been a huge interruption to our trip if the spare tire wasn’t there!

Sunglasses — Protect your eyes: comfortable sunglasses are definitely important road trip essentials!

Travel Pillow — We’ve never been on a road trip where the passenger(s) didn’t want to curl up and take a nap at some point!

Blanket — Similar to a travel pillow, a blanket can keep everyone much cozier on a road trip (especially if people disagree about the ideal temperature for the car). As a bonus, it can double as a picnic blanket if need be!

Camera — We absolutely adore our our Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works–just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!

Extra USB Cables and/or Phone Charging Cables — Whether it’s to charge your phone, your camera, or even your portable USB charger, odds are that you’ll be glad to have a few extra cables lying around.

Windshield Shade — Growing up with summer temperatures that regularly topped 100 F, these handy things were daily driving essentials–and while it probably wouldn’t be practical to pack one for an international trip, if you’re traveling your own vehicle during the summer, we absolutely consider these handy things road trip essentials.

Reusable Water Bottle(s) — Cut down on plastic waste, save money, and make sure you don’t have to stop for water constantly: a reusable water bottle has lots of benefits on a road trip. We personally love and use these .

Water Jug — In addition to reusable water bottles, throwing a multi-gallon water jug in the back of your car when packing for a road trip can also save money, plastic waster, and time.

Travel Mug — Want to keep coffee, tea, or even soup warm on a road trip? An insulated travel mug can help!

Travel Cooler — We love having a cooler with us on road trips and try to bring one with us whenever we can. We’ve eaten everything from chicken tacos to sandwiches to chili our of ours, and love being able to bring a variety of homecooked and (occasionally) healthy snacks with us on longer trips!

Toilet Paper — We’ve lost count of how many roadside restrooms we’ve found that aren’t stocked with toilet paper–and yes, that includes at home in the United States! Odds are good that at some point, you’ll be immensely glad you added toilet paper to your list of things to pack for a road trip.

Comfortable Day Bag  — We currently use  Pacsafe’s sleek anti-theft backpack  and love it, but if you don’t want to shell out the cash for this trip, that’s totally understandable. Just aim for something comfortable to wear, not flashy, and medium-sized–we used a  Northface Jester backpack  for years and loved it as well.

Disinfectant Wipes — Whether to clean up spills, prevent illness, or both, adding disinfectant wipes to your list of road trip essentials is definitely a good idea.

Sunscreen — Keep your skin safe from sun exposure both in and out of the car by adding sunscreen to your road trip packing list!

Towel — From rainstorms to impromptu swimming opportunities, there are plenty of chances for a towel to come in handy on a road trip.

First Aid Kit — Even a small first aid kit will greatly improve your ability to handle small injuries and illnesses on the road, especially if you’re headed to rural areas. Be sure to add a first aid kit to your road trip packing list!

Reading Material — As much as I adore having beautiful books lined up on shelves, let’s face it–carrying around heavy, bulky books while packing and unpacking during a road trip is way too much of a hassle.

Hands-Free Phone Mount — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is be fumbling with the GPS on your phone during your road trip. Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Trash Bag — Even if you’re making a conscious effort to reduce waste, trash still has a way of piling up in the car during a road trip. Keep things organized from the start by adding a trash bag to your list of what to bring on a road trip!

Napkins/Paper Towels — This might be as simple as checking to make sure the stash of fast-food napkins in your glovebox is sufficiently stocked or it may include buying a roll of paper towels–but either way, make sure you have something to clean up (somewhat inevitable) messes as you pack for a road trip!

Road Trip Playlist — Obviously, any road trip packing list requires a long playlist! Be sure to download some music to play offline–if you end up somewhere without signal, odds are the radio station choices will be very limited too.

I use them regularly, and if things get really bad, take some Non-Drowsy Dramamine as well.

Slip-On Shoes — Tying and retying shoelaces gets annoying  really  fast when on a road trip, especially if you prefer bare feet during long car rides. Make things simple and wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take on and off during your road trip!

Flashlight — A flashlight is one of the most useful road trip safety items out there, and they’re very affordable and easy to pack!

Basic Medication  — Some people prefer to buy medication for basic headaches, fevers, and stomach aches as needed, but who wants to deal with shopping when they’re sick? We’ve never regretted packing our own basic meds.

Snacks — We mentioned bringing a cooler earlier on this road trip packing list–but don’t forget to also stock it with your favorite road trip food !

Umbrella — Option A: Plan on buying an umbrella when it starts pouring down rain. Option B: Plan ahead and buy a (probably much sturdier) umbrella before leaving. Option C: Hope you get lucky with the weather. In our opinion, Option B is definitely the best!

Road Trip Games — Perfect road trip activities for kids … or just adults who want to entertain themselves.

After all, friends’ or couples’ road trip activities should include plenty of games, too!

Laundry Bag — In addition to making it easy to separate your dirty clothes from your clean one, adding a laundry bag to your list of things to bring on a road trip can also make loading and unloading the car much easier if you’re frequently changing hotels–no need to bring dirty clothes up to the room each night if you can just leave them in the trunk of your car!

Winter Safety Gear — A list of road trip essentials for winter weather really requires a whole separate post–but if you’re headed into freezing (or potentially freezing) conditions, don’t forget to pack an ice scraper at the very least. Tire chains may also be necessary, depending on where exactly you’re going.

When it comes to what to wear on a road trip, comfort is king! 

I usually opt for leggings , a comfortable t-shirt, and a light jacket in case I get cold in the car (which is often). In very hot climates I might wear a comfortable dress like this .

Jeremy usually opts for shorts and a t-shirt.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List: 50+ Road Trip Essentials You Need”

The photos are beautiful, and I would like to have seen a description of where they were taken so I can get more inspiration of where to go. Thank you!

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Road Trip Packing List

The ultimate packing list including all of the road trip essentials you need to travel by car. We cover it all: men’s and women’s focused items from bags, to clothing and toiletries, to cooking supplies, and more.

The Road Trip Essentials: Gear for An Epic Road Trip

Welcome to the Road Trip Packing List where we’re going to cover everything you need to make your road-tripping adventure worthy of the big screen. While road trips can last anywhere from a weekend to a year or more, we’ve formulated this list to work for trips that span from a week to a month or so. (But you can adapt it to fit your needs.)

Now, it can be tempting to pack a lot of gear for a road trip—you’re not limited by airline restrictions, after all—but we suggest packing the least amount of stuff possible. Beyond ensuring more legroom, we’ve found that packing minimally helps to keep a clear mind. Additionally, you won’t have to go digging through a trunk full of stuff to pull out the few things that you actually use.

On that note, we’ve kept this list as minimal as possible while keeping comfort and convenience in mind. We don’t guarantee that this packing list will prevent misadventures—which are part of the fun, anyway. But we believe this list will help you pack what you need (while staying comfortable) without being burdened down with a bunch of excess gear. That way, you can worry less about rummaging through your stuff and focus more on those classic road trip experiences.

Collectively, our team has driven thousands and thousands of miles. We’ve taken what’s worked and what hasn’t and distilled all the gear you need down into one mega list—with one exception.

We haven’t included a section on vehicle specific items because what you need differs from vehicle to vehicle. Make sure you consider these vehicle-specific essentials before you take off, including tools, battery cables, a spare tire, nice windshield wipers (splurge on these, trust us), windshield washer fluid, etc. Plus, you need to pack your driver’s license, insurance, registration, passport, car manual, and other like items. (And, if you’re going abroad, there may be additional things you need to pack.)

Of course, we know that what works for some isn’t going to work for others (even the Pack Hacker team differs). So, if the items on this list aren’t your thing, don’t worry. We have other packing lists , guides , and reviews to help you find gear that works for you.

We’ve also written up a massive road trip guide to help you navigate all of the other aspects of a road trip (safety, finding accommodations, the best way to pack your car, and more), so check it out if you’re so inclined.

With all of that said, let’s get packing.

Standalone Bags & Organizers

We’ve found that the classic duffle, backpack, and sling bag combo (DBS, for short) is the best for road trips. Duffles are great for hauling the majority of your clothes as they’re typically easy to pack—both in terms of throwing your stuff into one and Tetris-ing in the car. The backpack can act as an overnight bag or daypack while exploring whatever zany attraction you’ve stopped at. And the sling bag is for the essentials and quick stops.

A classic duffle that’s ideal for road trips in its simplicity. It’s easy to dump all of your stuff inside the one compartment—basically a giant, cavernous bucket—so you can spend less time packing and more time enjoying the wind in your hair. Its soft sides will squish into the nooks and crannies leftover in your fully packed car. Plus, you can easily grab the comfortable handles and take the duffle into the laundromat (or the hotel if you’re staying more than overnight). Tom Bihn is also known for the quality of its gear, so while this thing doesn’t have much weather-resistance, it’s highly durable in all other regards.

Versatility is key when it comes to choosing the right backpack for a road trip—and that’s why we’re recommending the Borealis. At 28L, this pack is large enough to hold all of the clothes and toiletries you need for a weekend trip, but small enough to act as a daypack for those longer drives. Plus, its dedicated laptop compartment means it’ll work as a laptop bag if you need to head to the coffee shop to get some work done. It’s also a great bag to take on hikes due to its comfortable harness system and durable, weather-resistant exterior.

A sling bag is a perfect place to stash your wallet, phone, and keys on the road. Not only so you know where all that important stuff is when not directly using them (trust us, there’s nothing worse than losing your keys in a packed car), but so that you can easily throw your sling over your shoulder and go buy a cup of coffee. It’s also nice for day trips and quick hikes. We’re digging the Atom Sling due to its simple, effective organization as well as the soft mesh on the back panel and shoulder strap, which makes it super comfortable to carry. Plus, it’s a great size—large enough to carry the essentials and a water bottle or packable jacket on day trips/hikes.

Clothing & Accessories

Road trips frequently involve a variety of scenarios: sitting down to a fancy dinner with your grandpa, camping at a goat farm, or spending the day at the beach to name a few. (And, of course, lots and lots of driving.) We suggest versatile, durable clothing that can keep up with whatever life on the road throws at you. Comfort is also key. Who likes sitting in a cramped car for eight hours wearing skinny jeans? Nobody, that’s who. Additionally, we prefer clothes that feature antimicrobial properties or anti-odor treatments (for what should be obvious reasons).

• Men's Focused
• Women's Focused

You can wear these boxers multiple days in a row without being gross. That in itself makes us like them for life on the road, but they’re also breathable, soft, and moisture-wicking. Plus, the direction of the fabric on the legs runs vertically, so it stretches with your natural movement. Translation: the stretch on these boxers is fantastic. We’re also digging their clean, sophisticated look (no branding on the waistband...yeah, we know!).

These pants are sleek and polished enough for the city, but versatile enough to work for an eight-hour drive, fast food eating session, or day on the trails. Yes, these pants do it all. We’re huge fans of the crotch gusset, which gives these pants extra flexibility and breathability (two must-haves for long days in the car or hot afternoons exploring).

With a techy, almost sweatpants-y vibe, these pants are ideal for long driving days, traipsing through the forest, or lounging at your Airbnb. We like the technical fabric, which is thin enough that you won’t overheat, but still nice and durable. We’re also digging that the pockets zip all the way up, so you’re less likely to have your phone and/or lucky charm slip out of your pocket and get lost between your seat and the middle console (you know what we’re talking about). The waistband is also very forgiving, meaning you can go ahead and order the french fries and the onion rings.

Shorts that double as swim trunks—sometimes it’s awesome to be living in the 21st century. These shorts are also comfortable, breathable, and stretchy. Plus, they’re available in a variety of subdued and stylish colorways, and won’t break the bank.

This tee boasts all of the magical properties of Merino wool, including odor-resistance, temperature-regulation, and a fast drying time. It also feels nice—lightweight and breathable, but not thin. All of these features, paired with its simple aesthetic, mean that it’s quite versatile—wear it driving, hiking, lounging, or bar-hopping.

With a sporty, outdoorsy vibe, this tee may not be perfect for a five-star restaurant, but it’s great for pretty much everything else. It has built-in UPF sun protection and odor-control that’s comparable to Merino wool (not quite, but close). We like that it’s moisture-wicking and lightweight, so you can turn off the air-conditioning and still keep cool. It’s also quick-drying, so you can use it during any water-activities that may arise on your trip. NOTE: Patagonia is in the process of updating the Capilene line to provide 50+ UPF protection, so availability may be limited.

Made from a blend of Merino wool, the Icebreaker Siren Hipkini Briefs are ideal for life on the go. They’re breathable, quick-drying, comfortable, soft, and more importantly, odor-resistant, so you can go longer between washes (or opt for a quick sink wash instead). Bring two, so you can let each pair breathe between wears.

These pants offer great versatility. They’re comfortable and lightweight enough to wear on driving days, breathable enough to wear on trails, and polished enough to wear to happy hour. We also like that they’re wrinkle-resistant, so you can crumple them up and toss them in your duffle without worrying how they’ll fare. The only downside is that the pockets aren’t as usable as we would like.

All you need to know about the Encircled Dressy Sweatpant is in the name. These sweats are oh-so-soft and stretchy—perfect for long drives—yet dressy enough you can step out of your car without being embarrassed. They’re also relatively thin, so you’re not likely to get overheated, and feature a secret zippered pocket that’s actually hard to spot (unlike other “secret” pockets out there). So we guess it’s not all in the name, after all.

Breathable and short (without looking excessively short), these lululemon shorts are great for hot days exploring the city, hiking up a mountain, or getting your exercise on. We like that they have two pockets—one zippered, one stash—for extra cash or cards. Plus, they’re available in a range of colors, so you can (hopefully) find one that you like.

The odor-resistant, temperature-regulating, and moisture-wicking properties of this Merino wool t-shirt are a must for long days in the car or out exploring—plus it’s nice enough you can get away with wearing it out to dinner. It’s wrinkle-resistant too, so you can pull it out of your duffle, throw it on, and look sharp. Need we say more?

This tank is quick-drying, so you don’t have to sit in discomfort after spilling your water bottle all over yourself when driving over a pothole. Plus, it’s moisture-wicking and has solid odor control. As its name suggests, it’s best for active days on the trails, but all of those aforementioned features mean it's great for driving days too. You can also rock it in the city if you’re going for a sporty look. NOTE: Patagonia is in the process of updating the Capilene line to provide 50+ UPF protection, so availability may be limited.

Perfect for those days when you can’t be bothered to wear separates, this romper is soft, stretchy, and comfortable. It has also been treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) to repel moisture. The small details—like the crisscrossed straps on the back, scalloped hem, and draped waist elevate the romper’s look and make it easy to dress it up. So, you can wear it both on a lazy day at the campground and a night out on the town.

A versatile sports bra that will work for low-impact activities, including hiking, yoga, or a bike tour through the city. You can wear it beneath a tank or on its own. In fact, we think it’s sleek enough that you could get away with wearing it with a jacket and jeans for a night out (of course that depends on your style preferences). It's also double lined for extra support, quick-drying, and has UPF50+ protection.

A headband is a versatile tool to have in your arsenal. It can help out a bad hair day, keep your hair out of your face, and elevate an outfit. We’re digging this one as it can be worn in two ways (more versatility!) and has a soft, silky material. Plus, Breezy Tee uses 100% recycled materials in its packaging, which is a huge plus in our books.

Perfect for stargazing on chilly nights or when sharing a car with someone who loves to blast the air conditioning, this sweater is the epitome of cozy. It’s soft and warm, yet breathable. You’ll likely never want to take it off. And, of course, being from Patagonia, it’s also made from 100% recycled polyester and is Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.

Also, make sure to pack:

• Additional pairs of underwear (x 3)
• Pair of jeans
• Nice shirt for fancy dinners with Grandpa, walking through art museums, etc
• Packing cubes
• Hat (baseball cap style)
• Athletic shoes
• Cheap flip flops for showers
• Socks (x 4)
• Rain jacket
• Cold weather clothing—warm jacket, hat, gloves, and long underwear—if you will be driving to chiller climates or camping

Productivity & Tech

Road trips are a great way to unplug and recharge. But a little technology can go a long way in making your time on the road less of a mis adventure and more of an epic adventure.

And, if you’ll be working on the road, check out our Digital Nomad Packing List for all the tech you need to be able to do your job on the go.

While you can hit the road without a phone mount, we don’t suggest it. Not only is it more convenient to follow GPS directions with your phone mounted, it’s safer to boot. We’re digging this magnetic mount, which is pretty universal and will work with most smartphones, cases, and GPS devices. Plus, the magnet is super clean compared to other mount styles: no adhesive to stick to (and damage) your dash, no bulkiness, and easy to use one-handed.

An excellent tripod to keep your phone steady, so you can take photos or videos of your legendary trip. The flexible legs wrap around a variety of surfaces, allowing you to capture moments you would otherwise miss. Plus, it’s so small, you’ll hardly notice it in your car.

We probably don’t need to convince you that a USB car adapter is a useful tool to have on the road. We like this one since it’s small and has two outlets, so you don’t have to fight over who needs to charge their phone the most…Unless there are more than two of you in the car. In which case, may we suggest rock-paper-scissors?

You need a phone cable to go with the car charger—or plug directly into your head unit. Anker is a brand we’ve had good luck with. Three feet is a great size as you don’t want anything too long—all the extra cable will get annoying. Conversely, too short will also be annoying. We like to pack multiple cables, either for sharing with car mates or to keep one in our tech kit and a couple in the car.

If you’re the type of person who likes to put pen to paper, you’ll likely love this travel journal. It helps you plan your trip—with spots to jot down research, keep track of reservations, and budget. Plus, there’s a travel log to memorialize your epic adventures. There’s enough space inside for twelve (!) dedicated trips.

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A headlamp is essential for camping and hiking—unless you have special night-vision magical powers, of course. But it’s also nice-to-have in other situations (say if you want to stay up reading all night, but your roommate wants lights out). We like that this one has a variety of brightness settings, an option for red light, and a “memory” that lets you turn on your chosen brightness without cycling through all the options. Plus—it’s highly water-resistant (rated Rated IPX4), so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a storm.

A dedicated alarm clock is a weird and specific thing to pack, we know. But you don’t want to leave your phone on at night—say if you’re camping or sleeping in your car—because it will kill the battery (or drain your battery bank). This is a solid workaround. It’s small, somewhat durable, and totally silent (as in you won’t hear it tick, not that the alarm itself is silent).

There are lots of power inverters on the market, but we’re digging this middle of the road option. It has decent wattage—it will charge most things that need charging (laptop, e-reader, phone)—but isn’t overkill. The two outlets and two USB ports are helpful to have, plus there’s a built-in fuse for safety. It’s also relatively compact, so it won’t take up too much space in your car.

• Headphones (noise canceling is clutch)

Toiletries & Personal Care

As far as we’re concerned, smelling of sweat and sunscreen is a part of the fun of road trips (…right?). But your car mates—and grocery store clerks, baristas, park rangers, and everyone else you come in contact with on your travels will thank you if you freshen up from time to time.

Unlike the Toiletries & Personal Care sections in our other packing lists, not everything we list here will fit into your Dopp kit. In fact, we recommend only keeping the toiletries you’ll need for showers and your morning/evening routines in your Dopp kit. Everything else—think toilet paper roll and coconut oil—can and should be tucked out of the way in one of the plastic bins we mention later on in this packing list. That way, you can get to said items when you need them, but you don’t have to sort through them to get to your toothbrush every morning.

Cologne won’t completely mask your haven’t-taken-a-shower-in-a-week odor, but it will help. Fulton & Roark offers several scents to choose from, so you should be able to find a fragrance that suits you. (Check out the full review for our team’s favorite scents.) And, because it’s solid, you don’t have to worry about spills.

If you haven’t used a menstrual cup before, it may take some time to get used to (we suggest trying it out before your road trip). But, once you get used to it, it’s amazing to have on the road. You can use it for up to 12 consecutive hours, so you don’t have to clean it at questionable rest stops. Plus, the Blossom Cup doesn’t use any harmful rubber or plastics and comes in at a super affordable price point.

Perfect for those days you want to smell extra nice (or when your deodorant needs some help in masking your haven’t-taken-a-shower-in-a-week odor). Lush offers several different fragrances, so you should be able to find a smell that works for you. Plus, it’s solid, so you don’t have to worry about spills.

We like this Dopp kit for a couple of reasons. 1) It hangs up, which is an important feature for showering at gyms or campsites, and 2) It has a highly water-resistant pouch that you can take out of the kit and into the shower without worrying about it taking forever to dry. Note that there is a ton of organization inside of this bag, which may be right up your alley or feel limiting, depending on your travel style.

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You don’t need to abide by airline liquid rules, but we still prefer to put our liquids into small containers to save space. These toiletry bottles have been designed to fit perfectly inside the Gravel Toiletry Bag, but their unique shape means they fit together nicely to save space inside of any Dopp kit. We suggest using them for whatever liquids you plan to take with you on the road. Say conditioner and hair gel.

Sure, you don’t need a fancy soap case, but this thing is super nice to have. It’s not rigid like a hard-sided case—so it’s easier to pack—and it’s also way better than a plastic bag. The technical makeup of the case also allows the soap to dry out while being totally watertight, meaning your Dopp Kit and all your gear stays dry. Yeah, it’s basically magic.

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A microfiber, antimicrobial towel is about the most massively useful thing a road tripper might have (any Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fans out there? No?). In all seriousness, this microfiber towel is super handy. It’s necessary if you plan to shower at a campsite or gym, but also nice-to-have in case your Airbnb forgets to supply a towel. It’s also great for beach trips or picnics. The antimicrobial properties of the towel mean that smells are kept to a minimum and that you don’t have to wash it as frequently as other towels. Plus, this towel dries really, really quickly. Additionally, it packs down into a small carrying case that won’t take up much space in your car. There are a few different sizes available, so you can grab what you need—we recommend the XL.

You might not know, but coconut oil is a triple threat. It’s a great way to moisturize your skin after spending all day in the sun. Plus, you can use to strengthen and de-frizz your hair, and, finally, you can cook with it. We like that this one is organic with no added chemicals.

While this first aid kit doesn’t have a bunch of trauma stuff, it should take care of most minor ailments (and if you need trauma supplies, you should probably seek medical attention anyway). We like the extra hand-sanitizer and the addition of the anti-itch ointment. It’s also relatively small, so you can easily keep it in your middle console or glove box.

Stains happen on road trips. Like a lot. Whether it’s dropping melted chocolate onto your shorts while making s’mores around the campfire, spilling coffee on your shirt after hitting the road early, or rubbing dirt into your sweater on a picnic. A Tide to Go Pen won’t alleviate every stain out there, but it gets rid of most stains with just a few pats.

• Toothpaste or powder
• Hand sanitizer
• Shampoo bar
• Powder laundry detergent
• Hair creams or pomades
• Nail clippers
• Lip balm (road trips lead to cracked lips…trust)
• Toilet paper
• Gallon plastic bags

Cooking on the road is a great way to stretch your budget and stay healthy, whether you’ll be road-tripping for a weekend or six months. While the idea of cooking over a campfire is romanticized in that whimsical living-off-the-land kind of way, it’s not practical for a road trip that lasts any length of time. But you also don’t want to take the finest chef’s knife and ceramic pot and pan set from your kitchen either.

Finding the best supplies to spin up tasty meals out of your car—without taking up too much room in your trunk—is a difficult dance. Luckily, through lots of trial and error, we’ve come up with a list of what we find useful, but not overkill (of course, tailor it to your preferences).

YETI made a name for itself by taking the cooler world by storm, so, yeah, we’re going to recommend a YETI cooler. It keeps ice really well—we’re talking days in the right conditions—so you don’t have to continually buy ice. We recommend this soft-sided style as it can kind of expand or contract based on how full it is, can be jammed into places, and has a flat top, so you can throw some stuff on top of it. YETI also offers larger sizes if you think you’ll need that extra space.

You can use this lightweight tea kettle for far more than making tea. Boil water for instant oatmeal, coffee, sanitation purposes, etc. The one-liter size of this kettle is large enough you can boil enough water for the aforementioned activities (you can always fill it and boil it twice if need be), but not so large that it will take up precious space in your car. The coated handle is nice to grip.

This stainless steel bowl is great for eating on the road. First of all, it cleans up ridiculously easily. If you’re in a pinch, you can pour a little water into the bottom, clean off any gunk with your finger, rinse, and you're good to go. It’s also lightweight and small, but deep enough that you can fit a good amount of food inside. And, if you need more than one, they stack into each other nicely. Our only caveat is that it can get hot to the touch when you fill it with hot food, so keep that in mind.

Yes, we’re telling you to pack everything and the kitchen sink (ha!). But, seriously, you can’t actually travel with your sink, so this is the next best thing. You can fill it up with soapy water—or just use it to catch your dirty dishwater—to clean up your cooking mess while at a campground, rest stop, or super cheap Airbnb that doesn’t have a kitchen. Just make sure you properly dispose of the water.

If you’ve spent any time in a kitchen then you probably know why a towel is handy when it comes to cooking. The same is true on the road. (Hint: it’s primarily for drying dishes and your hands. You can also use it as an oven mitt to hold your stainless steel bowl when it’s super hot.) This microfiber towel is perfect for travel as it dries quickly, so you can throw it back in the car after a quick pit-stop without having to worry about weird damp towel smells.

It’s super convenient to have a big ole mixing bowl while cooking on the road. You can use it to store chopped up veggies before sautéing them, to hold giant salads, or do other large mixing bowl activities. We like that this one collapses into a small size, so it won’t take up space whenever not in use.

Plastic and paper grocery bags can make your car dirty in the blink of an eye. Plus, they’re not great for the environment. We’re digging this tote since it packs into a tiny size to stay out of your way when not in use. The included carabiner clip is also handy—you can clip it to your keychain, the exterior of your bag, or wherever else to ensure it doesn’t get lost in the black hole that is your trunk. And it works for far more than groceries—take it to the beach, on a picnic, or wherever else you don’t want to lug your day pack.

Cooking on the road can be a hassle, so it’s important to keep leftovers when you can. Stasher Bags are a great way to do that. First of all, they’re better for the environment than disposable plastic bags. But they also work better—you can throw them in the cooler without worrying about melted ice water penetrating the silicone exterior and turning last night’s dinner into water-logged mush. Additionally, you can eat straight out of them. These bags also work well for snacks—you can partition out serving sizes of trail mix, pretzels, or [insert-your-favorite-snack-here]. Stasher sells a variety of sizes and colorways, so you can find one (or several) that works for you.

You may not be able to make intricate, complicated meals with this cook set, but the two pots and pan allow you to cook a good variety of things. They nest inside of each other and tuck into a handy carrying bag, which makes for easy packing. The pots also have a strainer built into the lid, so you can drain pasta (or other things) without having to pack a separate colander.

When it comes to camping stoves, this one from Coleman is luxurious. The two burners allow you to make meals that require cooking multiple things at the same time—think grilling up veggies and cooking rice. It’s also durable, simple to use, and has a range of flame size. Plus, it packs up nicely.

Fuel for your stove—need we say more? Actually, yes, we do have more to say. Make sure you keep an eye out of how much propane you have left, so you don’t roll up to your campsite hangry and tired only to realize you can’t use your stove. Also, be sure to responsibly dispose of empty canisters.

There are several ways to make coffee on the road, but we’re partial to an AeroPress. Sure, it’s not the easiest option out there, but it makes such exceptional coffee that we think the trade-off is worth it. And, yeah, it may not be as easy as a pour over, but it’s also not rocket science.

These plastic bins are a great, affordable option to organize your cooking supplies. You can easily grab them from the backseat of your car and set them on a picnic table whenever you’re ready to fire up the stove. Use one for traditional supplies—think chef’s knife, bowl, spork, lighter, etc. Use the other for bottles—olive oil, soy sauce, etc—and spices that you’ll want handy while cooking (note that if you want to store taller bottles standing up, you won't be able to keep the lid on).

This flat storage bin easily slides into backseats and trunks, so it’s a good place to keep all of your non-perishable food (cans of beans, boxes of pasta, etc). Plus, it’s clear, so you can see what food you have and how much you have left at a glance.

Not only do you need water for drinking, but it’s necessary for cooking and cleaning up too. We like this container because its shape is designed for easy pouring, the spigot makes doing dishes easy (well, easier), and 7L is a great size.

• Titanium spork
• Wooden spatula
• Vegetable peeler
• Lighter and/or box of matches
• Thin, flexible, plastic cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Paper towel roll

Sleeping & Camping

If you’ll be sticking to hotels and Airbnbs then this section doesn’t apply to you. But if you plan to spend some (or all!) of your trip camping and sleeping in your car, then you’re gonna need some stuff to help you get a good night’s sleep.

If you’ll be spending a lot of time in your tent, you’ll probably appreciate the space this tent provides. There’s enough room inside that you can stand up (!)—plus the fly goes all the way down for solid weather protection. That said, it’s going to take up more space in your car than a smaller tent and isn’t going to be great in heavy winds. Based on the length of your trip, how frequently you’ll be camping, and your personality, you can decide if the comfort and hangoutability (not a word, but go with it) of the Grand Hut is worth sacrificing some durability. Or if you would prefer something smaller. And, because REI will likely have REI-branded stuff at most of their locations, you should be able to drop by any REI store and easily get replacement parts or a new tent if your first one fails on you (within the scope of the one-year warranty).

You probably don’t need this technical of a sleeping pad, but it’s one of those things that are nice to have—especially if you’ll be sleeping on it nearly every night. It’s thick (for a sleeping pad) with great insulation to keep the cold from the ground from seeping into your body. Plus, it rolls up into a small size, so it won’t take up too much space in your car.

There’s a variety of highly technical, specialized, expensive sleeping bags on the market. This one is not one of them—but it’s all you (likely) need for basic car camping. It’s rated to 35℉, which is pretty dang cold, especially since most road trips take place in warm weather months (or involve chasing the sun). Plus, it’s not likely to make you too hot. It comes in two sizes (regular and long) and you can pick up a left-handed version if you’re left-handed. We also want to mention that it’s made from 100% recycled fabrics, which is, frankly, awesome.

While you could bring the pillow off of your bed, we suggest packing a specific pillow for camping. Just think of all the dirt and grime that camping involves. We’re digging this pillow since it’s made of soft, comfy, and up-cycled foam—perfect for camping and car naps. Plus, it’s compressible, so it won’t take up much space in your car when not in use. There are a few different sizes to choose from and plenty of colorways.

If you’re sleeping in your car—or even just lounging in it—you’ll want to be able to roll down your windows without inviting mosquitos inside to sleep with you. This netting will get the job done. Simply drape it over your windows and secure it with magnets. You only need one package if you want to cover two windows, but you’ll want two if you have large windows or several you want to cover.

These are the magnets you’ll need if you're draping mosquito netting over your windows. They may look tiny, but they are seriously strong. You may want to wrap these in duct tape before using them because, otherwise, they can rip the paint off of your car. Also, you can create little handles/pull tabs with the duct tape, so you can actually pull off the magnets.

This tarp isn’t durable enough for heavy lifting, but it’s a good all-around tarp to set your tent on to protect it from a wet ground/help extend its life. Additionally, you can tie the tarp over the windows if it’s raining and you need to sleep in your car (so you can keep the windows cracked without worrying about getting wet).

Rope is one of those things that seems to come in handy at random intervals. Say to help you tie your tarp over your windows in the aforementioned it’s-raining-while-you’re-sleeping-in-your-car scenario.

Miscellaneous

Not everything we recommend fits neatly into the above categories. While not as necessary as, say your toothbrush, these miscellaneous items will help you take your road trip to the next level. You know, the kinds of things you’ll be really glad you packed after a few days on the open road.

Road tripping with a reusable water bottle is the way to go (beyond environmentalism, who wants to drink lukewarm or, even, hot water from a plastic disposable bottle that’s been sitting in the car all day?). This bottle has double wall vacuum insulation to keep cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. The 18oz size is big enough that you should be able to quench your thirst, but it still fits inside most cup holders.

If you’re a coffee drinker you’re going to need a separate bottle for the delicious drink (for obvious reasons). This one seals, so you don’t have to worry about spills in between sips. And, because of its trigger-action lid, you can easily drink your coffee one-handed, which is ideal (and necessary) for driving.

This seven-in-one multi-tool isn’t going to be handy for any big things. In fact, we recommend you bring an actual tool kit for that kind of stuff. But the Shard is perfect for quick jobs like opening bottles or tightening the screw on that wobbly Airbnb chair. Plus, this little fella is small and inconspicuous enough to fit nicely on a keychain.

Part carabiner, part clip, the Heroclip is a handy tool to have around. Use it as a clip to hang things up. Or use it as a carabiner, which has a million different uses, from keeping your keys more secure inside of your bag, to clipping your water bottle to your pack. It’s available in a few different sizes and a variety of colorways and patterns.

This travel wallet is a great place to stash and organize your roadside assistance card, insurance, registration, America the Beautiful pass, passport(s), emergency cash, etc. All of the things you may need occasionally on the road, but don’t want to keep in your everyday wallet. And, because the wallet will mostly stay out of sight, you don’t need anything fancy looking. Plus it has a spot for coins (for showers!).

Between stopping for smoothies, enjoying a creamy milkshake, or slurping down ice water at a restaurant, road trips involve a fair amount of straw action. This stainless steel reusable straw is a great alternative to plastic straws. It folds down to a small, packable size, ends up being more fun to drink out of than disposable straws, and will help mitigate your environmental impact. That’s a win, win, win right there.

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This camping chair is a great middle-ground between a traditional big camping chair, which will take up precious space inside of your car, and something ultralight, which usually involves sacrificing comfort. Use it at a campground or sitting around a fire pit in the backyard of your Airbnb.

This thing is only necessary if you’ll be road tripping to a place without easy access to washers and dryers (or sinks). A simple concept, we’ve been impressed with how effective it is at cleaning clothes (the interior washboard makes all the difference). It does leave your clothes sopping wet, but as long as you keep drying time in mind, that’s not a huge problem.

These plastic bins are a great way to keep your stuff organized—whether that be camping stuff, paper towels, coconut oil, plastic bags, and other things of that nature. The lids clip into place, ensuring that whatever you have inside won’t fall out, plus they’re stackable to make for a nicely organized car.

These convenient little tubs work well for storing those random small items you want to take on the road. Say ibuprofen, vitamins, or jewelry. We like to fill a second one with snacks (think almonds) to take on quick hikes or day trips. Plus, they’re available in different sizes, so you can mix and match.

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• Playing cards
• Yoga mat (if you’re in to that sort of thing)
• DSLR camera
• Combination lock

Ready, Set, Drive.

So there you have it—everything we’ve found that you need for a successful road trip after years of trial and error by members of our team. We hope this list has helped ease any of your pre-road trip stress. Remember, this list is more of a guideline. Please adapt it to your trip and preferences ( our reviews may help you find gear that suits your needs).

And don’t forget to check out our Road Trip Guide for more advice, including tips on how to pack your car. Now, crank up that music, roll down your windows, and hit the road.

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Road Trip Essentials: 50 Things to Bring on a Road Trip

There is nothing better than a road trip! The independence and flexibility of spending a couple of days or weeks on the road is second to none.

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

Compared to typical vacations, road trips are more about the journey than the destination. However, in order to make the most of those long rides there are some road trip essentials that we recommend. 

Why You Need a Road Trip Packing List

At the beginning, it was rare for us to leave on a road trip without forgetting something. But having now been on so many road trips, we’ve compiled a list of the road trip essentials for every trip! 

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Essential Road Trip Items

From US and Canada to Australia and Namibia , we have been on our fair share of road trips. Along the way, we have come up with this tried and tested road trip packing list. These long road trip essentials have kept us happy, healthy and entertained along the way. 

Basic Essentials for a Road Trip

Don’t leave the house without adding these road trip car essentials to your packing list. In some cases, you won’t even be allowed to hit the road without them!

1. License & Registration

The most important thing you need to consider before jumping in the car is paperwork. It is a road trip essential.

Whether you are at home or abroad ensure that you are licensed to drive. If you are abroad you may need to obtain an international driver’s license. For some countries, your home license is not enough so check with local laws before departing for your road trip. 

Nearly as important as your driver’s license is car registration. This proves that the vehicle you are driving is legally owned by yourself, a friend/family member or the rental car company. In most countries, if you get pulled over by a police officer they will ask to see your registration alongside your driver’s license. 

2. Car Manual

Don’t forget to add the car manual to your road trip checklist. Whether you are driving your own car or a rental car, a car manual is handy to have with you at all times. This instructional book contains information about the vehicle’s maintenance program, safety and is great for troubleshooting. 

Not sure how to turn on the AC? Need to know your vehicle’s ideal tire pressure? Your car manual is one of the road trip essentials that has the answers.

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3. Car and Travel Insurance

We have made the mistake of traveling without travel insurance and we won’t do that again! Make sure you and your car are protected against accidents.

If your car is hit or if you get into a car accident you are financially protected with car insurance. It usually comes at an additional cost at most rental agencies but it is mandatory to drive with insurance in many countries including in Canada and the USA. 

If you are abroad, you may also need to invest in travel insurance outside of your car insurance. Check to see if personal injury is covered with your car insurance policy or if your travel insurance policy will cover injury as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Car Road Trip Essentials

No list of road trip essentials is complete without mentioning the items that will keep your car running in case of the unexpected. Road trips may take you off the beaten path, so it’s important to be able to fix basic car problems like flat tires on your own.

4. Spare Tire

There are lots of reasons why you might get a flat tire. Wear and tear, bad road conditions, and even heat can contribute to flat tires. Be prepared by adding a spare tire to your packing list for road trip adventures.

Most cars come with a spare tire. They are often located under the car, attached to the back of the vehicle or located in the truck. If you are renting a car, ask the rental agency where you can find it.

It’s all well and good to have a spare tire but if you can’t change it you are back at square one. Make sure to pack a car jack with your car trip essentials. Having one on hand will make it much easier to change that blown tire. 

6. Roadside Emergency Kit

A roadside emergency kit contains the items you may need if you run into trouble on the road. This road trip essential comes in all shapes and sizes but typically includes items such as jumper cables, tire pressure gauges, road flares, washer fluid, and oils. It is also a good road trip essentials gift. 

If you are embarking on a cold-weather road trip, road trip essentials such as hand and feet warmers, a thermal reflective blanket and an ice scraper are good things to store in your roadside emergency kit.

As much as we rely on technology sometimes we lose cell reception or it fails. A backup map is one of the most important long car ride essentials. Especially when you are on isolated roads with no one to ask for directions.

A paper map can help you orientate yourself in an otherwise unfamiliar setting. It gives us the chance to take the scenic route, which your all too efficient GPS may not have suggested. 

If a paper map is too old school for you, consider downloading our favourite offline maps app “ Maps.me ”. Download the map of the country or region you will be road-tripping in and enjoy navigation and detailed maps without a need for wifi connection while on the road. 

8. Flashlight

Some rural towns may not have the same level of light you are used to. If you are driving at night or camping – bring a flashlight. A regular flashlight will do the job, but we prefer to bring a headlamp for its versatility and hands-off approach.

9. Multi-Tool

A multi-tool is great for fixing all kinds of minor auto repairs or providing solutions for everyday obstacles. A multi-tool is equipped with everything from scissors to wine openers and files without weighing you down.

10. First Aid Kit

One of the first family road trip essentials you should pack is a first aid kit for minor aches and pains. If you are making your own, we recommend you add the following to stay comfortable on the road. 

• Tylenol: effective at relieving pain and fever
• Ibuprofen/Advil: an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever
• Pepto Bismol: if you haven’t heard their catchy commercials, Pepto is effective for nausea, heartburn, upset stomach, diarrhea.
• Imodium: treats traveller’s diarrhea
• Tums: an antacid used to relieve upset stomach and heartburn
• Benadryl: an antihistamine used to treat allergies
• Polysporin: an antibiotic cream used to protect against infection and speed up the healing
• Bandages: to cover wounds and cuts 

Electronics

If you want to want to stay connected on the road, don’t forget to add these to your road trip list of essentials. 

11. Power Inverter

Charge anything, anywhere with this handy power inverter. It has an outlet and two USB slots. It plugs into your car’s cigarette holder and it won’t drain your battery. If you are on a family trip, add this to your road trip essentials with kids. It’s perfect for tablets or laptops which need an outlet to charge. 

12. Phone Charger

To stay connected, remember to pack a phone charger. Did you know that a phone charger is one of the most frequently forgotten items?  Your phone is a line to the outside world, your GPS, game and music player. You don’t want to leave for your next road trip without it.

13. USB Cord

A universal charger is essential for keeping some of your most precious electronics charged. Most cameras are charged via USB cords, same with personal battery packs and wifi hotspots. 

14. Dashboard Cell Phone Holder

We do not endorse looking at your phone or texting while driving. So, if you are using your phone as a GPS or can’t resist the temptation of grabbing your phone when you hear a “ding”, then consider a dashboard cell phone holder. It is one of the car essentials for a road trip.

Make sure to get the Ram X-Grip cell phone holder or something similar so you can move it in different directions, based on the driver’s preferences.

15. Wifi Hotspot

If you want wifi on the road, a wifi hotspot, like Solis Hotspot is one of the best essentials for long road trip journeys. Solis allows you to connect to up to 10 devices and works in over 130 countries with high-speed data whether you are in the US, Europe, or the rest of the world. You can choose plans by the month, by the day, or by gigabyte with no contracts and hidden charges.

Fun Road Trip Essentials

Don’t just count on the radio. Stay entertained with these games and other cross country road trip essentials.

16. Car Games

Car games aren’t just for kids. Come armed with games to keep you and your travel companions laughing along the way. These 14 road trip games from Buzzfeed are essential for road trip travel with friends or family.

17. Spotify Playlist

Some say the playlist makes the road trip! So don’t forget to add it to your road trip checklist. Make and download some playlists from Spotify before you leave so there are no connectivity issues on the road. If you are going abroad, why not download a few playlist with local music? It will give you a feel for the local culture.

18. Podcasts

Keep your mind engaged, learn about current issues, or have a laugh with your favourite podcast. Podcasts top the list for solo road trip essentials. However, if you are travelling with someone else a good way to pass the time is by starting a new podcast series together. 

19. Games for Kids

If you don’t want to hear “are we there yet” for hours on end, don’t forget to pack some road trip games for the little ones. Cards, mini board games, and tablets are road trip essentials for kids.

Food & Drink

If you want to avoid “hanger” on the road, don’t forget to add some food and drinks to your road trip packing list. They will keep hunger and thirst at bay when you don’t know where the closest supermarket or eatery is.  

Opt for high fibre, high protein snacks which are recommended for long periods of inactivity. Apples, bananas, cereal bars, and trail mix are all good options. 

21. Water Bottle

Staying hydrated on the road is just as important as eating healthy. So, don’t forget a water bottle. We always take our handy Hydro Flask bottles with us. 

They are double-wall vacuum insulated and stay cold for up to 24 hours so even if you leave your water bottle in the car for a few hours you won’t come back to boiling hot water. Unless you’ve opted to keep hot water in your bottle and in that case it will stay hot for up to 12 hours. We also love that Hydroflask bottles are crafted with sustainability in mind and they support social initiatives like Parks For All.  

22. Steripen

If you are in an area with questionable tap water, carry a SteriPen with you to zap the water clean. It works using UV rays to kill 99.99% of protozoa, bacteria and viruses. You can even use it to clean water from rivers and lakes.

23. Coffee and Tea Mug

You might think that your coffee cup is recyclable but the truth is that the majority have a thin plastic coating which makes it impossible to recycle. Do your part to keep coffee cups out of the landfill by adding a reusable mug to your road trip pack list. Fill it up at a drive-through or home before hitting the road. 

24. Storage Containers for Snacks and Leftovers

Portion your snacks and save leftovers in easy-to-access storage containers. These collapsible silicone storage containers are one of the road trip essentials for car journeys. They help save space when they are not being used and are ideal for long road trips or short weekends away. 

Overnight Road Trip Camping Essentials 

What to pack for road trip adventures? Anything that will keep you feeling fresh. Especially if you are camping on the road or spending any significant time outside. The following are road trip essentials to add to your road trip packing list.

Personal Hygiene Products

25. toiletry bag.

Keep your toiletries nice and organized with a toiletry bag . We recommend the Wash Pouch from Peak Design , a well-made and meticulously designed bag that keeps all of our day-to-day necessities. It’s made with 100% recycled 200D nylon and DWR impregnated shell for long-lasting use and carry. It has a convenient hook at the top, so you can let it sit on the counter or hang it on a hook in the bathroom/shower or in your room. 

26. Toothbrush and Toothpaste

At the last minute, a toothbrush and toothpaste can be easy to forget to add to your road trip packing list. To protect your toothbrush from the other contents of your bag use an antibacterial toothbrush cover.

27. Moisturizer

Road Trips can be dehydrating. Keep your skin looking vibrant with a good face and body moisturizer. Bonus points if your face moisturizer contains SPF. It is one of the essentials to pack.

28. Make-up

Look good, feel good. If makeup is part of your daily routine then add it to your road trip packing list. Recently, I (Oksana) transitioned to zero-waste make-up and featured a list of my favourite zero-waste makeup brands that are good for your skin and the planet.

29. Bug Spray

Fight off annoying mosquitos, flys or ticks with a good bug spray . It is one of our must-haves! Bug spray will also help you avoid diseases that mosquitoes, flys or ticks may spread. 

30. Sunscreen

Whether you are travelling somewhere warm or cold, sunscreen should be added to your road trip essentials list. Pick a product that’s water-resistant, safe for the environment, and for you by opting for an all-natural variety.   

31. Biodegradable Wet Wipes

Clean up any food or drink spills will biodegradable wet wipes. If you are traveling with kids, adding wet wipes to your road trip packing list is a must if you want to keep your vehicle clean.

32. Toilet Paper

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Whether you are camping or stopping at roadside facilities, don’t get caught road tripping without this necessity.

33. Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer kills harmful bacteria and viruses that can make you sick. When handwashing is not an option, hand sanitizer is a great alternative that you should pack for a road trip.

34. Lip Balm

There is nothing worse than chapped lips and no lip balm in sight. Make sure you add lip balm to your essentials for road trips. Two, if you seem to lose them! 

Clothing & Other Travel Accessories

35. travel clothing.

We can’t talk about packing for a road trip and not mention the importance of road trip-proven clothing. You’ll want to pack clothing that’s light, multi-functional, comfortable but most importantly, easy to take care of. After all, you want to look great, smell great but not have to worry about keeping your clothing wrinkle-free and clean for the entire road trip. To avoid the complexity of doing daily laundry while on your road trip, we recommend packing a smart capsule wardrobe with items in natural fabrics that can be easily layered, mixed and matched. Here are our favourite road-trip-approved brands!

prAna – Our favourite sustainable clothing brand with a great selection of athleisure, travel, and everyday clothing for men and women . You’ll find great quality items with styles on-trend and prices – affordable. They have everything from hiking gear to sweats, jeans, and nice dresses and dress shirts! US-based, ships worldwide. 

Unbound Merino – another great his and her clothing brand that focuses on all things Merino Wool . Knowns for its anti-microbial and thermo-regulating properties, Merino wool clothing is perfect for travel, road trips, or weekends away. The items are super easy to take care of – they don’t wrinkle easily and don’t require as much washing! Canadian-based – ships worldwide!

36. Rain Jacket

Weather can change at the drop of a hat. You can still enjoy those outdoor road trip activities you’ve been dreaming of if you are prepared with the proper rain gear on your next road trip.

37. Rain Pants 

Don’t let the weather ruin your trip. While often overlooked, rain pants are must-haves to keep you dry if you are out and about in the rain. 

38. Running Shoes

Running shoes are a double-duty road trip essential. They make road trip activities like exploring cities or going hiking more comfortable and they are good for driving.  Close-toed shoes are recommended footwear for driving. In Canada, you can even get fined for wearing flip flops while driving

39. Flip Flops

Flip flops are lightweight and great camp shoes in the warmer months. They are also perfect when you’re in the car and want to kick off your shoes between gas stations or pit stops. 

Invest in a pair of Chaco flip flops or sandals and we promise you, they will last you for years to come. No blowouts, no broken soles – it’s the best brand of flip flops we have ever owned. 

40. Blanket 

A blanket or cozy rug will keep you and your passengers warm and comfy while having a road trip snooze, or just driving on a chilly day. It’s also a great accessory to bring to the beach, or use for a picnic in nature. 

Will & Bear is a small brand of road trip tested hats from Australia. Will & Bear hats come in a variety of styles, ranging from baseball caps to straw hats, wool hats, and beanies. All hats are made from 100% Australian wool and mirror the earthy tones of the Australian landscapes.  Their hats are a  perfect travel accessory , be it for a hike in the mountains or a day on the beach.  Although the company is based in Australia, Will & Bear has a warehouse in the US and their hats are shipped worldwide. 

42. Sunglasses

Avoid squinting your whole trip. Sunglasses are one of the top car essentials for road trip journeys. Since they reduce glare and improve visibility, they will also keep everyone in the car safe. We recommend Pela Sunglasses , eyewear with 33% less CO2e Emissions, 34% less water usage, and 82% less waste compared to conventional sunglasses and packaging.

43. Microfiber Towel

Road trip packing but have limited space? Microfiber towels are one of the best travel accessories and one of the road trip necessities that shouldn’t be overlooked. They are super absorbent, small and compactable. Plus, they usually come with their own bag to store them in.

44. Daypack 

When you need a little more space than a purse and less than your suitcase, a day pack is an answer. A day pack will fit your water bottle, snacks , camera and other electronics, and anything else you’ll need for an active adventure away. 

Our favourite backpacks:

• Everyday Backpack from Peak Design: an urban-style backpack that can be filled with camera gear and electronics or with snacks and spare clothing.  It’s just as comfortable on long hikes as it is on short strolls around the city. 
• Mckinnon Camera Bag from Nomatic : our go-to camera bag for days when we have to carry a LOT of gear while traveling. This bag is a collaboration with Nomatic and Peter Mckinnon, one of Canada’s top photographers, so its design specs are top-notch. The bag comes with tons of great pockets for all your photography accessories, tons of room for camera, lenses, drone, etc. Plus it’s ergonomically well done and comfortable enough for long hikes thanks to the well-designed hip straps and shoulder straps. 

Other Important Road Trip Accessories

45. garbage bags.

Not only is littering bad for the environment but you will get a ticket in most countries if you are caught throwing anything out the window. As sustainable travel advocates, we encourage you to add biodegradable garbage bags to your road trip packing list and dispose of them at appropriate receptacles. 

Take a portable cooler with you if you want to keep your snacks and other food cool and away from insects. We have found a Yeti cooler to be one for the road trip essentials for couples that we never leave home without. 

47. Reusable Utensils

Swap out plastic forks and knives with reusable utensils. If you choose bamboo utensils , they are lightweight, 100% biodegradable, and can be used time and time again. 

48. Reusable Straws

Just like reusable utensils, reusable straws keep plastic out of landfills. There are all sorts of reusable straws on the market including metal, bamboo, silicone and glass. Most of which come with individual straw cleaners to pack for a road trip. 

49. Solar Powered Light

You’ll want solar-powered lights for camping. They harness the sun’s energy and don’t require any pesky battery and light bulb changes.

50. Portable Power Bank

A portable power bank will keep your USB electronics from dying. It’s a great alternative to in-car charging if you are nervous your electronics will drain the car battery or if your vehicle is turned off for the night.

. Your Next Road Trip

Wherever the road trip takes you, make sure your next road trips are a success by packing these necessary items. You’ll be packing light but prepared for anything. 

Need some inspiration? Check out some of our favourite road trips below!

Usa road trip.

If you are travelling domestically throughout the USA this year, we have provided a breakdown of what it costs for a 2 week USA road trip . Not sure where to go? It contains advice on the best USA road trips, too. Our favourite was definitely our Colorado road trip ! 

Australia Road Trip

Live in Australia and want to explore some of your own backyard? We have broken down the 5 best road trips in Australia . The Pacific Coast and Western Australia road trips were some of our favourites. 

READ NEXT: A Comprehensive Road Trip Checklist

About The Author

Max St. John

5 thoughts on “road trip essentials: 50 things to bring on a road trip”.

do u have kids? have u been to Africa?

We do not have kids and yes, we have been to a number of countries in Africa. You can find articles about our time in Africa under https://drinkteatravel.com/africa/

We are planning a Middle States roadtrip in 2024, so while we have our itinerary loosely planned, we are turning our thoughts to what to bring with us to make things easier without bringing everything we own, haha. This list of items included some things we probably would not have remembered, so thank you for the post.

Glad to hear it was helpful!

I love this post! I always forget to pack some of the things on this list, so I’ll definitely be using it when I go on my next road trip!

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33 Must-Pack Road Trip Essentials

Carol McPherson

Carol McPherson is an Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @cj_mcpherson.

A member of SmarterTravel since 2019, Carol is an eco-friendly travel enthusiast with a passion for exploring historical sites and trying new things (especially new foods!) She’s lived in Boston and Rome, and hopes to call more cities home in the future.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: “Noise cancelling headphones. I can handle a flight of any length if I have my headphones and a good podcast.”

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Hiking trip in New Zealand."

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The weather is getting warmer, the sun is shining, and people are itching to get out of the house and hit the open road. When you hear the highway calling, the last thing you want is for packing to become a roadblock. Add these 33 road trip essentials to your packing list to ensure a smooth ride.

Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Table of Contents

Pre-Planning Essentials Personal Essentials First Aid Essentials Entertainment Essentials Pit Stop Essentials Miscellaneous

Pre-Planning Essentials

Road Trip Planning Apps

Gone are the days of scribbling your route on paper maps! There are dozens of helpful road trip planning sites and apps that will help you map out your perfect route and find interesting places to stop along the way. Roadtrippers lets you plan your route, add stops, and get fuel estimates and pre-made trip guides for your journey. Google Maps Trip Planner is a twist on their classic functionality, allowing you to add multiple destinations and plot the best route between them all. 

IDs, Credit Cards, and Documents 

Like any trip, it’s important to bring along the right documentation. Your license and credit cards are obvious road trip necessities. Make sure you also pack your car’s owner’s manual, a copy of your up-to-date registration, and any roadside assistance documentation you need. If your trip is taking you to Canada or Mexico, don’t forget your passport as well.

I know cash is dead, but hear me out. This is not for the toll roads that mostly take credit cards now, but it is for the coin-operated laundry you will need to use at some point on the trip. It is for tips to valets who park your car in places like New Orleans where there is no self-park option. It is also for those little businesses that only take cash or local checks.

10 Smart Ways to Carry Money While Traveling

Tire Repair Kit

A flat tire can put you seriously behind schedule. Having a tire repair kit on hand can be the difference between getting back on track and sitting roadside for hours. The three things you need in this situation are a jack, a lug wrench and a spare tire. Oh, and someone who knows how to change a tire when you are away from home and nothing is open. 

Car Emergency Kit

If the dreaded dashboard lights come on halfway through the trip, you may need to wait a while before AAA can come to the rescue. Equipped with items such as reflectors, hand warmers, jumper cables, and snow shovels, these kits have everything you need to fix the issue or wait it out safely until help arrives. 

Full Tank of Gas

Starting off your trip with a full tank of gas can delay the oftentimes frustrating experience of finding a place to pull off the highway for a little longer.

How to Save Money on Gas: 8 Easy Tricks

Personal Essentials

Airplane Pillow 

A long car ride may be an improvement to a cramped flight in the comfort department, but only slightly. Take advantage of the technology created to combat stiff necks on the plane and break out the airplane pillow in the backseat. As an added bonus, many models can deflate and be stored away easier than a standard pillow.

Everything is better with snacks. This is especially true for a multi-hour car ride. Opt for snacks that cause minimal mess and can be eaten without utensils, like granola bars , fruit, or peanut butter sandwiches. 

The Best Snacks for Road Trips

Water Bottle and Refills

Hydration is key when cooped up in any vehicle. Bring along a large pack of water bottles for the group or, for an eco-friendly option, pack reusable water bottles and one large water jug for refills.

Consistent access to showers can be unreliable on a long road trip. Freshen up on-the-go by keeping deodorant on hand. For particularly sweaty days, deodorant wipes like these ones from Lume offer a strong, all-over clean.

As the Blues Brothers made clear, sunglasses are a must-pack for any road trip. Use them to keep the sun out of your eyes when it’s your turn to drive or to block out the light when you’re trying to catch some Z’s in the passenger seat. 

Mints and Gum

Throwing a few packages of mints and gum in the center console is a great way to refresh during a long ride. It’s also a courtesy to any fellow passengers within coffee breath distance after the last Starbucks stop.

A trash can is a small investment you won’t regret after the snack wrappers start piling up. You can purchase trash cans specifically designed to fit in a car and take up minimal space.

Small Cooler

A small cooler can be used to keep water bottles chilled or to pack a light lunch for the road. An easily portable one like this from Coleman can do double duty as a temperature controlled picnic basket for excursions along the way.

10 (and a Half) Tips for Road Trips

First-Aid Essentials

Motion Sickness Medication

While some of us are motion sickness veterans and some don’t know what’s coming until they’re relegated to the backseat for a few hours, it never hurts to have motion sickness medication on hand. If you find full strength Dramamine too powerful, try a children’s dosage . Options like ginger ale , ginger chews , and peppermints are effective natural alternatives for those who only get lightly nauseous. 

Pain Relief Medication

Staying awake and alert while driving for long periods of time would make anyone tense. Having medication like ibuprofen and tylenol on hand can be a life saver.

5 Unforgettable National Park Road Trip Itineraries

First Aid Kit

As much as we all hope otherwise, accidents happen. Don’t get stuck with a mid-trip nose bleed or pinched finger without the proper gear. Certain first aid kits are developed specifically for travel and camping and can take care of bigger accidents, but make sure to have a few everyday bandaids on hand as well. 

Hand Sanitizer and Sanitizing Wipes

Keep it clean with these sanitizing products that can be used to wipe down hands before mealtime or questionable gas station surfaces during a bathroom break.

Entertainment Essentials

Car Charger

Keep your devices alive with a car charger . Make sure you have the correct charger for your phone’s make and model and adapters for anyone else who may want to plug in. 

Portable Charger 

You can use a portable charger in the car or while exploring at stops along the way. Many models offer multi-device charging and aren’t reliant on the car’s USB port location, making it easier to share with friends in the backseat. Make sure your charger is powerful enough to handle the devices you plan on using. 

The unfortunate reality is that not everything can be recharged. Have a few batteries on hand for these devices, especially ones included in your car emergency kit. 

Biolite Charge Series Portable Charger Review

Headphones 

Finding some peace and quiet in a car full of people is no easy feat. Simulate that precious alone time with noise canceling headphones . They can quiet down the buzz of conversation in the small space and diffuse the always heated battle for the AUX cord.

Mobile Hotspot

Passengers will appreciate access to the internet and drivers will appreciate the navigation app not cutting out when they hit a data dead zone. 

Music and Podcasts (Downloaded)

Speaking as someone who forgot to hit download on their Spotify playlist before boarding a four hour flight—you’re going to want to make sure you have some offline entertainment. Make a special road trip mix and download a few episodes of your favorite podcast before you leave. Use a mobile hotspot or connect to hotel WiFi in the evenings to change up the tracks or download new episodes throughout the trip. 

The 10 Best Travel Podcasts

When you’re not in the driver’s seat, use the time to catch up on your reading list .  If reading in the car is a no-go, download audio books on your device to listen to as a group or alone with some wireless earbuds . 

I Spy, punch buggy, the alphabet plate game—there are endless ways to entertain your littlest passengers on a long drive. Brands like Melissa and Doug offer a variety of road trip games in physical form, from printable bingo cards to a flippable version of the license plate game . For an adults-only road trip, try out adult Madlibs or a round of TableTopics.

Pit Stop Essentials

While many destinations are loosening their mask requirements, it’s always good to have a few on hand. You don’t want to get stuck outside an attraction or event because regulations, or personal comfort levels, keep you from entering.

The Right Footwear

If you think footwear is the least of your worries during a trip spent mostly in the car, think again! Pack a comfortable pair of shoes for ride that can double as a light walking shoe for short excursions, like the Mega Z Cloud from Chacos . Pack a sturdier secondary pair, like a sneaker or hiking shoe , for more physically intense activities or stops where open toed shoes are not permitted.

8 Shoes That Feel Like Slippers

If you’re planning on taking a few day trips along your route, you’ll need a daypack to carry all of your essentials. Throw your toiletries and a change of clothes into your pack when stopping at a hotel for the evening and avoid having to to haul your suitcase out of the trunk at every overnight stop. The Flash 22 backpack from REI is the perfect option, with plenty of space and a comfortable and breathable design. 

Specialized Gear

Packing for a road trip involves more than just what you’ll need on the road. Think about what activities you’ll be doing along the way and at your final destination. Are you camping or hiking ? Will you be visiting national parks ? Are you traveling with children? Make a list of the specialized gear you’ll need for these activities, and remember to pack it!

GoPro Camera

Everyone loves an action shot. Get great footage and high resolution photos of your adventures by bringing along a GoPro camera . It’s small and lightweight so it won’t take up a lot of valuable space in the car and it will be easy to bring along with you during your stops as opposed to a larger camera. 

Miscellaneous

Polaroid Camera 

There’s something special about being able to hold a photo in your hand the moment you snap it. A fun addition rather than a necessity, bringing along a cheap polaroid camera lets you gather memories while keeping the phone in your pocket. Polaroids also make a cute personalized stand-in for postcards to send to friends and family back home.

Speaking of postcards, keeping a book of stamps in the glove compartment for such occasions will save you unnecessary trips to the local post office.

Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels

When you need to escape the car for the evening, find great deals on your hotel stay with SmarterTravel Hotels .

Download a Printable Checklist Here :

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Carrie Honaker contributed to this story.

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30 Absolute Crucial Road Trip Essentials You Need To Be Packing

Post Summary: Road Trip Essentials To Put On Your Next Packing list

So, you want the freedom of the open road, with nowhere to go but onward.

But what the heck do you need to pack?

Berty and I always find ourselves on the road ( our Instagram pretty much consists of road trip pictures! ), so we  created a list of road trip essentials to minimize stops, keep us entertained and save us money along the way. 

We’ve perfected this road trip packing list for countless trips – from Alaska to Utah , the Pacific Coast Coast to the Olympics in Washington .

If you are in the beginning stages (or dreaming up your next destination!) this post provides a great list to get you started, along with other road trip tips along the way!

Planning A Trip? Make Sure To Read These Posts For More Road Trip Essentials:

Car Camping 101: The Guide To Sleeping In Your Car (For Free!)

20 Brilliant Car Camping Hacks For Your Next Road Trip

How To Find Free Camping In The USA

101 Fun And Random Road Trip Questions To Ask Your Friends

15 Essential Road Trip Planning Apps To Use

30 Necessary Road Trip Essentials You Must Be Packing

Note: This post contains affiliate links of seriously cool items we love. Any purchase of things we recommend here will help us fund our next epic road trip to share with you all!

Ever been with a hangry passenger?  Snacks absolutely need to be on your road trip packing list, especially if you want to  save money while you travel . Make sure to bring a good mix of healthy foods like baby carrots, apples, nuts, and crackers.

Bring a mix of sweet and salty things, but also indulge in some junk food as well. Need meal tips? Read our post full of easy camping meals .

2. Good Navigation Apps

Have you ever lost your way, and lost cell service at the same time? It’s a jarring experience – one we don’t like to be in! Before any journey now, one of our most important road trip essentials is downloading a navigation app , especially one with offline features.

Currently, we’re loving The Dyrt and their new road trip planner feature! It helps us plan out stops like the best places to get gas, camping along our route, and it can even work offline.

We also recently upgraded to The Dyrt Pro Membership to find places to stay near some hot springs in Idaho, and it was so helpful to have these maps downloaded offline to look on the go! Try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES !

3. Kleenex / Hankerchief

If you are feeling under the weather, Kleenex can prevent further germs from infecting your other car mates too. Looking for a sustainable option ? Try to purchase a few bandanas instead, and washing them with the rest of your clothes on laundry day!

4. Emergen-C / Vitamin C Tablets

Speaking of sickness, in addition to packing lots of vitamin C rich foods, Emergen-C or an electrolyte drink mix/tablets can be a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a long road trip. We like to add these items on our road trip packing list because they usually come in a tablet or dry form, which is easy to store and carry.

5. Chapstick

Sometimes air conditioners can dry out the inside of the car. Add chapstick to your road trip essentials to help! We like buying from the brand Burt’s Bees , because they have lots of flavor options and are made with natural ingredients!

6. Car games/cards for delays or waits

If you are waiting, say, for a ferry or a traffic issue to clear, it’s always nice to fall back on classic card games (just not the driver!) or classic road trip questions to keep spirits up and your mind off the delays! Have kids? Download these free printable games and puzzles to keep them busy!

7. Headache Medication

Sitting in the car for long periods of time can take a toll. Ibuprofen, Advil, or other similar headache medication can be a great addition to any packing list because this over-the-counter product not only can relieve headaches but reduce fevers too.

8. Sunglasses

Driving into the sunset can seem romantic, but not when you’re staring straight into the bright lights for hours on end. Save your vision and protect your eyes with these road trip must-haves!

9. Car Chargers

Berty and I have loads of tech we use on a regular basis during long road trips. To make sure our batteries are charged we have this car adapter to use when we’re driving from place to place. We’ve had it for years and we love that it not only has USB ports but regular ones for bigger items like laptops!

10. Slippers

For me, I like to take off my shoes and get comfy on long road trips. We absolutely love the Ember Mocs made by Teva , because they have a collapsible heel. You can easily slip them on and off, or lift up the back for a little more grip on your foot.

When putting together your road trip packing list, bring a pillow for those times when it’s not your turn to drive. A pillow is also useful for when you need some quick shut-eye at rest stops to regain your energy and stay alert on the road.

We own two of these super comfy neck pillows (one on the driver side and the other on the passenger) and we actually use them as pillows for a clever car camping hack too.

12. Headphones

Headphones are excellent road trip essentials for those times you need to have a little bit of space to yourself . These noise-canceling ones from Bose are a little pricey, but worth every penny for peace and quiet. Alternatively, you could purchase wireless ones , that easily fit in your pocket and take up very little space.

13. Clothes/Shoes

Don’t forget to account for enough clothes on your road trip packing list. Pack enough for the number of days you will be gone, or pack less and plan forr stops at a laundr0-mat. On any given trip, we recommend no more than 3 pairs of shoes and always pack more socks and underwear than you need. Find our PNW Packing List here !

Stylish and functional, make sure you have something to cover your eyes and protect your skin on an extra sunny day.

15. Audio Choices (Road Trip Podcasts, Playlists + More)

Entertainment is one of the most important road trip necessities!

Download playlists on Spotify so you can listen to them offline. We also highly recommend >audiobooks too, so that you can “read” while you drive. We listened to 20 hours of Ready Player One on our road trip around Vancouver Island , and we couldn’t wait for long stints in the car!

Want to learn new things? We have a list of the best road trip podcasts to check out, ranging from true crime to The Office recaps!

16. Little Bluetooth Speakers

Bluetooth Speakers are helpful in case you reach certain areas with poor reception, but still want to listen to music. We own this one!

17. A Cozy Blanket

Whether it’s cold at your destination or the air conditioning is too much to handle, a blanket is an easy go-to comfort on a long drive. You can also use it as a privacy screen if you are sleeping in your car.

It’s okay to have your favorite indulgences on your road trip packing list! That little burst of sugar will give you energy for the long drive ahead. Our favorites are gas station candy, which includes some combination of Sour Patch Kids and something chocolate!

Studies show that chewing gum can help you concentrate on the task in front of you . So grab your favorite flavor and get driving!

20. Paper Directions/ Road Trip Apps

Berty and I constantly lose service when driving on remote roads to find free camping spots . Make sure to screenshot the route on your phone, or track it on a map with a pencil in case you go out of cell range. Have a smartphone? Download these essential road trip apps to make your life easier!

21. Water Bottle

A hydrated driver is a happy driver! Easy, go-to water bottles here , here , and here . Need a LOT of water for your road trip? Try this 5-gallon foldable water cube for easy water transportation.

22. Thermos

Ask at gas stations and convenience stores if you can fill your thermos with coffee instead of using their disposable cups. This reduces YOUR waste and probably does a better job of holding your hot beverage. I’ve got my eye on this Stanley thermos as my next purchase.

23. Empty Tote

Bringing an empty tote is an excellent addition to your road trip checklist for its many uses. Pack a tote full of food and have a roadside picnic or bring it with you to a local farmer’s market to pick up goodies.

Our favorite universal tote is this one , which has carried all sorts of things for us! You can also find our favorite adventure bag picks in this post .

24. Duct Tape

Duct Tape seems to be the fix for everything.

25. Flashlight /Headlamps

It’s important to bring extra lighting for camping, night adventures, and emergencies alike! Pick up a few of these inexpensive headlamps from Petzl for keeping in your car to see at night.

26. First Aid Kit

A simple first-aid kit will do. Make sure to keep it in your car, even on short weekend trips!

27. Batteries

Make a list of items that may need a battery change on your journey and have a few extras of those on hand.

28. Proof of Insurance/ID

A driver’s license is a no-brainer as far as road trip essentials go, but make sure you have a hard copy of your proof of insurance too! In addition, make sure your tabs won’t expire during your trip and you’ve got the proper registration forms.

29. Jumper Cables

Jumper cables are one of those things on your road trip list you hope to never use! They can save you from being stranded, but you can always help out a buddy who is stuck too. Here’s a video on how to do it properly.

30. Car Fluids

Things like oil and antifreeze are a must. If you’re taking a winter road trip , make sure to read our winter emergency car kit of essential items to keep in your car during cold weather!

Did we miss anything? What are YOUR road trip essentials? Let us know in the comments!

Read road trip essential tips.

9 Ways To Keep Your Tech Safe While Traveling

10 Strategies for Finding Discounted Outdoor Gear

8 Vital Reasons To Travel With Your Friends

How To Travel on A Budget In The Pacific Northwest

Follow our Road Trip Board on Pinterest for some inspiration for other road trip essentials!

• Outdoor Life
• All OFHQ Posts

Download this guide to get your kids outside and off screens.

53+ Road Trip Essentials (2023): The Ultimate Packing List

Our first road trip as a family took place about a decade ago in a KIA Sorento.

Lord, have mercy , we put that little cross-over through its paces.

Knowing what I know now, I would have planned better. Heather and I were just kids who, as it turns out, had a kid, and our wanderlust drove us to abandon the every-day in search of … well, whatever was out there.

I learned a lot on that 5,000-mile journey: the importance of rest stops on a long drive (as opposed to being in a hurry to get there); the fact that state and national parks are better places to stay than the finest hotels and resorts, and that the open road is just as exciting as the destination.

The important things come to light with experience. Like, the things you need on a family road trip that make it less of a trek and more of an enjoyable adventure.

After all, this isn’t survival school; it’s a vacation!

So, can I share with you what I’ve learned over 40,000 miles of road-tripping with my family?

15. Emergency Roadside Kit

19. flashlight.

• 21. Road Atlas 

24. Books [or E-books]

26. tire chains, 29. compact foldable chairs, 33. towel [and washcloth].

• 38.  Tablet or Laptop

43. Paper Towels

• 46. Shelf-Stable and Travel-Friendly Ingredients 

51. Packable, Lightweight Jacket

• 55. Hangers 

The Essentials You Can’t Leave Out of Your Road Trip Packing List

While planning your route and  creating a realistic budget  are critical for a successful road trip, so is ensuring that your vehicle is stocked with items, gear, and supplies to be prepared for any number of scenarios, foreseen and unforeseen.

This road trip checklist is your ultimate guide to a successful road trip. Follow along and start packing!

Personal Carry Items

1. license and registration.

“License and registration, please” – the first words you’ll hear in a routine pull-over.

Consider these to be the most essential of road trip necessities. Nothing will ruin an otherwise fun-filled time on the highway faster than being caught without it.

In an emergency, having a dependable supply of cash on hand can be a lifesaver. You may need it if the establishments you head into do not accept credit cards, are experiencing internet service issues, or if you lose your credit card.

Helpful Tip: Don’t keep all of your cash in one place. In case your wallet or purse goes missing, be sure to have a cash stash somewhere else in the car or on your person , safe from prying eyes.

3. Credit/Debit Cards and Wallet

Obvious, yes; however, when your mind is preoccupied with packing everything else, sometimes the obvious gets left out!

These plastics are the go-to method of payment, so don’t leave the house without them. It’s also nice to have a secure place to store them, and in most cases, it comes in the form of a wallet, purse, or concealed money belt .

4. Pocket Knife

A pocket knife or a multitool such as a Swiss Army knife can come in handy more than you would think.

Our Best Camping Knife post features some foldable knives that would make great travel companions!

A daypack is a commonly forgotten item on most beginner’s road trip packing lists. They focus so much on what they need for their day-to-day, they forget to include a daypack for their adventures away from their luggage.

We suggest keeping a separate smaller bag or pack equipped with cash, water, a small flashlight , a small first aid kit , a self-defense item , and other preferred personal items.

Emergency and First Aid

6. proof of car insurance (auto, rental, and travel).

You will need copies of your auto, rental car documents (if you’re using one), and travel insurance (or whichever is appropriate).  Your driver’s license and this go hand-in-hand.

Accidents can happen on the road, so we should always be prepared for the unexpected. Having a copy of your insurance is essential if you get pulled over.

All rental car companies should provide you with all legal documentation; so, when renting, double check your rental paperwork and the rental car’s glove box to ensure they have followed through.

7. Car Manual

In case you have to do some road-side troubleshooting ensure your car’s manual (or the rental’s) is stowed in the glove box.

8. Alternative Forms of I.D.

If the only form of I.D. you take with you is your driver’s license, you’ll be in a pickle if it becomes lost or stolen. Take a passport, CHL, or other form of state or federal issued I.D. and store it somewhere apart from your license.

9. Large First Aid Kit

A family-sized first aid kit stocked with basic meds such as painkillers, gauze, scissors, bandages, and antiseptic is a priority road trip essential.

Familiarize yourself with the contents and restock previously-used items. You could be miles away from the nearest town when you need medical aid, so it’s a good idea to have a first aid kit to rely on during your road trip.

10. Bug Spray

Depending on where you’re headed, a supply of bug spray could be an emergency or comfort item.

Road trips and itchy red welts just don’t mix.

11. Su n screen

Even if you don’t plan on a lot of outdoor time on your trip, sunscreen is among those items you’ll be glad to have if you need it.

For example, a broken-down vehicle in a hot climate can turn into an oven quickly. You and your family will need to wait outside for help to arrive (or, if you’re handy and well equipped) until you get the car up and running again.

12. Duct Tape and [Super] Glue

When things break and you’re miles away from a repair shop, some handy duct tape and glue (or super glue) can hold it together until you get there.

13. Emergency Radio and Power Bank

A well-equipped emergency radio can get you the latest NOAA weather updates, evacuation notices, provide a light source, and store power for your devices.

14. Satellite Phone or Communicator

With a satellite phone or communicator , you’re not limited to areas with cell reception, just as long as you’re covered by a satellite. In the face of natural disasters or when traveling through no-service zones, it’s a handy device to have on your road trip packing list.

An emergency roadside kit should have all the small things your car needs such as an ice scraper, folding shovel, and a tire puncture seal just in case you need to do some quick repairs yourself while on your road trip.

Road Trip Car Essentials

The following items should always be stored in your car whether you are planning a road trip or not.

16. Spare Tire

Sometimes a puncture seal just won’t cut it. In this case, you’ll need a whole new tire; so, make sure your spare is in good condition … and that you know how to change it!

Being equipped and able to change your own tire will potentially save hours of waiting on a roadside rescue, save hundreds of dollars in service fees, and prevent a mere inconvenience from escalating into a situation that threatens your family’s safety.

17. Car Jack

You can’t change a tire without the jack. make sure it’s stowed and locked down.

You can normally find this next to your spare tire in the trunk, under the car, or under your seats depending on which vehicle you have.

Refer to your owner’s manual if you have trouble locating it.

18. Jumper Cables or Jump Starter Box

A dead battery is just as likely as a flat tire. Don’t depend on the average passer-by to have jumper cables on hand.

Or, if you don’t want to wait on a good samaritan to stop to help, equip your car with a jump starter box.

You can keep a flashlight in your emergency roadside kit, but we suggest keeping a big one handy in the glove compartment or under your seat so you won’t have to rummage around in the dark to find it. 

These days, global positioning system apps are standard on our phones; however, if you’re traveling through no-service zones, you may consider one that is satellite-linked.

21. Road Atlas 

GPS systems and Google Maps have and will crash from time to time.

A road atlas will not! Have a backup road atlas ready in case your electronics fail while road tripping.

Entertainment

22. road trip games.

Not essential to your survival but definitely a must for your sanity, don’t forget fun games on the road to combat boredom. 

23. Playlist

Depending on where your travels take you, you may or may not be able to depend on streaming internet radio such as Pandora or Spotify.

If music enhances your family’s road tripping experience, purchase a list of your favorite songs and download them to your device.

Then, you can keep rocking when the internet can’t hang.

Time flies by when you’re engrossed in a good story. Whether taking turns reading out loud from a book or streaming an audiobook, make the trip a little smoother with a good page-turner.

Inclement Weather and Environmental Gear

25. umbrella.

When it rains, it pours. Don’t forget to pack some travel umbrellas to keep your family dry.

Winter road trips to the north are likely to see snowy weather, and tire chains give your tires more traction on slippery surfaces.

Comfort and Convenience

27. sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow.

Who knows where hotel blankets and pillows have been, or maybe you want to be comfortable in the backseat with your own blanket and pillow.

You can’t go without a sleeping bag when you’re camping, so don’t forget to bring all of the one, two, or all of the above!

28. Earplugs

It may not be essential for everyone, but earplugs have their benefits. You can block out the sound of the outside world (or the family snore champion) no matter where you are. 

Compact foldable chairs can be considered essential if you want to be able to pull over anywhere, anytime outside of city limits for a respite from the car.

You’re bound to come across some scenic overlooks or historical sites, so pull over, pass around some snacks, sit back, and enjoy the view!

Personal Hygiene and Cosmetics

30. hand sanitizer.

Washing with soap and water is best, but not always possible. After a stop at any public facility or after a spontaneous hike through the woods, have some sanitizer on hand for the interim.

31. Wet Wipes

From spilled coffee to runny noses, wet wipes will be your best friend through countless mishaps whether you have young children or not.

32. Personal Toiletries

Personal hygiene is important no matter where you are. In your road trip toiletry kit, you should include a brush, toothpaste, toothbrush, hair ties, a small mirror, floss, bodywash, and anything else you need to clean up after a long day.

Who knows how sanitary hotel towels are, so it’s always a good idea to bring your own travel towels .

If camping or swimming is on your itinerary, be sure to have something to sit on when you jump back in the car.

Tech Essentials

34.  car charger with [back-up] battery.

Your phone is necessary for emergencies, so don’t let it run out of juice.

Be sure to include car chargers for your devices.

35.  Power Inverter

Having a power inverter turns your car’s 12-volt DC outlet into a 110-volt AC adapter, making it easier to share the power supply among multiple devices.

36. Wireless Earbuds [or Headphones]

Sometimes, you just need some me-time and on a family road trip, a good set of headphones can provide just that.

Or if you’re granting the kids some backseat screen time, they can enjoy the entertainment without the whole family having to hear it.

37.  Camera

You can use your phone, but special camera lenses can produce high-resolution and authentic pictures that a phone just can’t do.

38.  Tablet or Laptop

You may just need to get some work done on the road or want a bigger screen than your phone, which is why a tablet and laptop are handy to have. 

Food Storage, Prep, and Clean-Up

39.  cooler with ice.

You need food and snacks on this trip, especially if camping is involved. It’s nice to have a cool drink in hand while relaxing by the lake, so keep a good soft-sided car cooler stocked full of ice to keep your favorite beverages and treats cool.

40.  Portable Camp Stove [with Fuel]

It’s nice to have cold food and drinks, but sometimes it’s nice to warm your belly with hot soup and cook your own meals – this is where a portable camp stove comes in. Don’t forget to bring some fuel !

41.  Cooking and Eating Utensils

You don’t want to end up two hours outside of town only to realize you have nothing to eat or cook with. Aside from the portable camp stove, pack a well-equipped mess kit so that eating on the road is as enjoyable as possible.

42.  Dish Soap and Sponge

That mess kit will need to be cleaned up before hitting the road again. Take along a small bottle of dish soap and quick-dry silicone sponges to make things quick and easy.

Paper towels are useful to keep around to soak up any spills, dry your dishes and cups, and wipe stuff down after eating. 

Food and Water

44. water and snacks.

You can buy everything while you’re on the road, but why not come prepared so you can enjoy more time on the road? Have some bottled water for long drives, and some snacks to curb your hunger if you want to avoid stops early in the trip.

45. Road Trip-Friendly Foods

By road trip-friendly foods we mean ones that can last on the road, are relatively healthy, and are easy to eat without making a mess. Here are some examples that you can keep in the cooler, in the car, or cook on the camp stove:

• Your favorite beverages
• Protein bars
• Travel-friendly fruit and veggies (grapes, apples, carrots, celery, etc.)
• Popcorn (pre-fab)
• Canned beans (careful … you might want to crack a window …)
• Corned beef hash
• Canned corn
• Sweet potato stew and more canned food options to reheat over the stove
• Fruits such as grapes and orange and apple slices for the cooler
• Veggies such as carrots and celery for the cooler
• Hard-boiled eggs for the cooler

46. Shelf-Stable and Travel-Friendly Ingredients 

Here is a quick list of travel-friendly ingredients that can elevate your self-cooked meals

• Butter (kept in the cooler filled with ice)
• Packets of salad dressing if kept in the cooler
• Salt and pepper
• Dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, and basil
• Packets of mustard and ketchup

Variety of Clothing

47. shirts, pants, and shorts.

You can’t forget to bring a change of clothes because you may not always have access to a laundromat or laundry service. You certainly cannot wear the same clothes for an entire trip.

Or, maybe you can … and that’s gross.

48. Socks and Shoes

Your socks need changing even more often than clothes, especially on a road trip, so toss a couple of pairs into your luggage. You can rely on a trusted pair of sneakers, but just in case they wear out on a hike, we suggest packing one more.

49. Weather-Appropriate Accessories

Mother Nature is spontaneous, and even if the weather forecast claims to be sunny skies for the week, the dark clouds could still rain on your parade. We suggest being overly prepared with all the weather-appropriate accessories you can think of such as a rain jacket and rain boots.

50. Disposable Underwear

Not that I’ve tried these … I didn’t even know they existed. But, apparently, it’s a thing.

I’ll stick to my usual skivvies and my family is adept at relieving ourselves in the woods or a conveniently-placed shrub.

Still, if you want to go-on-the-go … and sit in it (!?!) …

… I can’t. I just can’t.

Even if you’re not in the midst of winter, it’s still a good idea to bring a packable down jacket . Even in the desert, temperatures can plummet from blazing hot to freezing overnight.

Better to have it and not need it …

Storage and Organization

52. plastic bags [and/or tubs].

Bringing along plastic bags and plastic tubs of multiple sizes can keep you organized.

Aside from your luggage for clothing, you need a way to keep food, and gear, games and other items neat and easy to access and find while on the road.

Not only will it be easier to find what you’re looking for, but it also makes cleanup and packing much easier.

53. Packing Cubes

Packing Cubes help keep smaller personal items from getting mixed together in your luggage. These make packing and unpacking along your various stops efficient and quick.

54. Reusable Shopping Bag or Tote

Avoiding grocery-store plastic bags is always a good idea. Plus, having are usable bag or tote is handy if your family stops at a location popular for small boutique shopping.

55. Hangers 

Lastly, we suggest keeping a few hangers among your belongings. These can come in handy if you’re faced with heavy rain or a thunderstorm. You can hang them on a tree or even in your car using the handles above the windows.

Wrapping up the Road Trip Essentials

There you have it! We know it was a good long read but now you’re fully prepared for your next road trip!

Not all of these items may be essential for you. Personalize our road trip essentials list to fit your family’s needs and what’s appropriate for where your trip will take you.

Safe travels! Now, get out there!

Joshua Davis

What to Pack for a Road Trip (+FREE Printable PDF Packing List)

Not sure what to pack for a road trip or just don’t want to forget any road trip must haves? I’ve got you covered with the ultimate road trip packing list with a FREE printable pdf checklist of everything you’ll need. This checklist is perfect for any road trip – whether doing a short day trip or a long cross country road trip.

My road trip essentials list includes everything you need for you and your vehicle as well as fun things to bring on a road trip. For anyone traveling with kids and/or pets, I have also included family and pet road trip essentials to keep them healthy and happy.

The Ultimate Road Trip Checklist

Road trip essential items (that should always be in your car!)

• Driver’s license, registration and insurance information
• Pen and paper
• Cash and coins (for tolls, parking meters or places that don’t accept credit cards)
• Paper map (I always like to bring a paper map just in case as a backup to GPS or my phone dies and I can’t access navigation apps)
• Smartphone (loaded with road trip apps like Google Maps)
• Cell phone car charger
• Extra set of car keys in case you get locked out
• Emergency road side assistance kit – this one by AAA is more affordable or splurge on this one
• Jumper cables, flashlight, duct tape , scissors, pocket knife or seat belt cutting tool if not part of your emergency kit
• Tire chains, ice scraper and snow shovel if traveling somewhere cold in the winter
• Extra gas in a can (just in case you run out of gas!)
• Sunglasses for everyone
• Blankets (for those that get cold from the AC or to keep warm if your car breaks down at night or in the winter)

Food, drink and snacks for your road trip

• Lots of water! (Keep some water both in the trunk and inside the car)
• Insulated water bottle (to keep your drinks cool and to fill up at water fountains)
• Food and snacks – Stock up on non-perishable road trip snacks ( granola bars , fruit, turkey jerky, nuts, dry cereal, popcorn, crackers, trail mix) but you can keep some food in the cooler as well.

Entertainment for road trips

• Travel journal and pen
• Books, audio books or kindle
• Music playlist (here is my free Spotify road trip playlist with the top road trip songs of all time)
• Road trip games ( Mad Libs on the Road , License Plate Game )

Health, safety and personal care essentials

• Face mask or other face covering to cover your nose and mouth when going inside a gas station, grocery store, convenience store or other indoor establishment
• First aid kit (band aids, pain reliever, allergy medicine, anti-nausea medicine, antacid tablets, cotton balls, q-tips)
• Antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen because you can get sun damage from UVA rays (make sure to keep sunscreen in the car so that you can reapply)
• Disposable gloves for filling up at gas stations
• Essential medication and prescriptions
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
• Lip balm, lotion and other toiletries
• Scarf and extra sweater or fleece (to keep warm if the A/C is too chilly)
• Bug spray (I like this one because it is pocket sized)
• Body wipes for when you are not feeling fresh

Other recommended items for your road trip packing list

• Cell phone mount
• Car seat back organizer – This one has an insulated main compartment and this is a good one for kids
• Towels – Can be used as a seat cover, picnic blanket, to cleanup spills or dry off in an unexpected downpour.
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper in case you run into bathrooms without any!
• Plastic and trash bags
• Nail clippers & tweezers
• Reusable shopping bag for when you leave the car to buy snacks or souvenirs
• Day pack (tote or small backpack) – Handy for exploring your destination but also to keep inside the car with your personal items
• Camera – Make sure to keep a camera in the car. Also consider a GoPro for videos or instax camera
• Sun shade to keep your car cool while exploring
• Batteries for any devices you bring and external battery to recharge your electronics (this is one of my travel essential items for any trip!)

Family road trip checklist – if traveling with kids

• Tablet for each kid loaded with movies,books, educational apps and games (my nephew loves this kid friendly tablet )
• Headphones for each kid (my niece loves these headphones )
• Notebooks and colored pencils
• Change of clothes for babies younger children – keep in the car so they are easily accessible in case of spills or illness
• Extra formula/baby food/diapers for infants
• Favorite toys or stuffed animals

Pet road trip essentials – if bringing your pet along

• Leash, collar, tags
• Pet food and bowls
• Vaccination records and medication
• Bed or crate for the hotel room

What is on your roadtrip checklist?

Liked this packing list? Check out some of our other helpful travel essentials guides and packing lists:

• Carry On Bag Essentials List
• Beach Essentials Packing List
• Essential Things to Take to a Hostel
• Best Eco Friendly Travel Products & Accessories to Help You Travel Green
• Practical and Useful Travel Gifts That Every Traveler Needs

Related Posts

10 Comments

This list is a great resource! I take frequent road trips and I always carry a paper map as well. I learned my lesson on a cross country trip and we ran into several areas where our GPS lost satellite service. Crazy. I know. But now I carry an atlas in my minivan everywhere I go.

Before each trip, I think it is very important for us to plan our safe and comfortable road trip especially preparing car for our trip such as checking basic car features, making sure the tires are in good shape, packing first aid kit, tool-box and emergency numbers.

You’ve got some good tips there. I can pack really fast myself because I travel a lot. I just grab things and put them in my suitcase. I leave my ziplock bag ready so I can just grab that and it has everything in it I need.

I will be going on a road trip this weekend this article is perfect right now. Thank you.

Thanks for sharing so much information. Ideas like these are so useful for a travel freak like me. Looking forward to going for a road trip soon! 🙂

Great list. We’re going on a road trip next month around California so it’s really useful. We need to start making our playlist and downloading a few audiobooks to keep us entertained on the journey.

I should use this as my go-to list for my next road trip. This will help so much and prevent me from leaving my essentials.

Fantastic list! I keep forgetting bin bags lately. Definitely downloading the PDF so I remember everything next time! (Btw you should put your blog name on the PDF!)

Thanks that is a great idea. Will do it next time I revise the list.

Oh these are some really good tips, thanks for putting all together 🙂

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I Road Tripped Through Southern Ireland for 7 Days, and These Are the 13 Items I Couldn’t Have Done It Without

They're all from Amazon.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

As an Italian travel writer with Irish citizenship, I recently planned a week-long road trip through southern Ireland to explore my maternal grandfather’s country and connect with my heritage. The road trip included driving through six counties, with nights spent in small fishing villages on the coast, cliffside hikes accompanied by wandering sheep, and mountain-and-lake-framed sheepdog demonstrations. With the weather in constant flux (Ireland could give Boston a run for its money when it comes to capricious weather), plenty of outdoor activities planned, and long hours spent in the car, the trip required the right gear, which I quickly realized can make all of the difference — especially when driving on the opposite side of the road. 

I’ve created a foolproof packing list of my favorite travel essentials from Amazon that made my week-long road trip through southern Ireland a breeze. From rain boots and compression packing cubes to portable tire inflators and water-resistant hiking pants , these 13 products made my trip go off without a hitch, so much so that I’m already planning a second Irish road trip. 

Chelsea Rain Boots

Rain boots generally aren’t known to be the most stylish footwear, but these ultra-affordable Chelsea-style ones from Asgard manage to strike the right balance between functional and fashionable. These were my primary footwear while in Ireland, as they were durable enough to deal with the rain, wind, and mud (which easily came off with a wet wipe), but also nice enough to be worn around towns and cities. However, the best part is how comfortable they are — after walking 10,000 to 20,000 steps a day (every day) for a week, my feet were miraculously blister-free. It’s no wonder that these boots have more than 17,000 five-star rating at Amazon.

Lightweight Puffer Jacket  

My road trip took place in March, which is when Ireland is known to be rainy with mild temperatures — hence why I decided to pack a lightweight, water-resistant puffer. I wanted some degree of insulation, but not to the point of overheating and feeling bogged down. I wore my favorite lightweight puffer jacket from Zara that comes with two large exterior pockets, which are perfect for holding smaller items such as lip balm and my phone. If you're in need of an equally lightweight and high-performing puffer, this best-selling Amazon Essentials one has over 15,000 five-star ratings and should do just the trick. Available in multiple colors with sizes ranging from XS to 6XL, it can pack neatly into a small, handy travel case for easy packing. 

Asia Palomba

Compression Packing Cubes

I’ve never been a believer in compression packing cubes until I came across this Gonex set with more than 5,900 five-star ratings at Amazon. Since I only brought a carry-on suitcase and a personal item for my trip, I needed to make sure that I could pack a week’s worth of bulky clothing between the two — and these compression packing cubes did just the trick. In them, I was able to pack two pairs of pants, one pair of leggings, four long-sleeve shirts, a pair of thermal long johns, two T-shirts, a pair of sleeping shorts, and four sweaters. 

Available in a bundle of four different sizes, ranging from S to XL, they not only easily compressed my thick clothing items, but also left me with plenty of room to pack a pair of hiking boots, a rain poncho, and my toiletry items. Now that I’ve officially been converted into team compression packing cubes , I won't be traveling anywhere without them.

Portable Tire Inflator 

My week-long road trip naturally hinged on having a functioning rental car. As I knew the majority of the roads that I would be driving on would be narrow and at times unpaved, I wanted to make sure that I had a compact, portable tire inflator that could quickly and easily inflate my rental car’s tires. It especially came in handy when driving up the Priest’s Leap, a steep, narrow, and winding mountain pass freckled with cows and sheep. Half-way up the rural pass, all four of my rental car’s tire pressure got low, but this small, mighty device thankfully inflated them within 20 minutes. The tire inflator is compact enough to fit into a personal item, and comes with different valves that can inflate anything from balls to air mattresses, so it’s an especially versatile gadget to have on hand for any road trip.

Ankle-height Hiking Boots

Much of my trip included cliffside hikes and traipsing along mud-soaked fields, which as one can assume, was a fairly messy affair. These Keen hiking boots, which I’ve had for two years, protected me against the rain and mud, even when they were submerged in an ankle-deep puddle (only the tops of my socks, which weren't protected by the boots, were stained). They can be worn in any season thanks to their breathable, waterproof exteriors and light mesh linings. The grip from their high-traction rubber soles, which is great for hiking in damper conditions, has always kept me firmly on the ground, even in the slipperiest of situations. Plus, they come with removable, dual-density EVA footbeds with arch support, so they’re incredibly comfortable and supportive.

Waterproof Hiking Pants

I’ve come to learn that a good pair of waterproof hiking pants can make or break any hiking experience. I’m particularly fond of hiking pants with plenty of pockets, which is why my favorite pair, that I’ve worn everywhere from New Hampshire to Iceland, have four of them. In Ireland, I wore them while hiking alongside cliffs and across fields to not only protect me against the elements, but also dirt, mud, and cow and sheep feces (sheeps are quite literally everywhere in Ireland).

While my favorite pair are no longer sold at Amazon, I’ve been eyeing these affordable lightweight ones from Baleaf for quite some time. The Amazon top-sellers come with four zippered pockets, quick-dry fabric, and adjustable cord locks around the ankle cuffs. Available in a variety of colors, their most attractive feature may just be their tall and petite versions — the latter of which is ideal for me as I always struggle to find pants that fit right.

I first purchased these wool socks last year for a trip to Iceland, and they’ve been keeping my feet warm ever since. Comfortable, well-insulated, and not overly thick, they come in handy when I'm home in Boston; I wear them on a daily basis during the winter to protect against the city’s notoriously frigid wind chills. They’re designed with reinforced yarn in the heels and toes for extra durability and warmth, plus arch compression reinforcement to support any kind of movement regardless of your footwear. 

During my Ireland trip, they saved the day when they went up against the wind and rain, as both my rain and hiking boots weren’t insulated. Woven with spandex fibers, they’re slightly flexible and can be stretched to fit any foot size. For reference, I wear a size 5 shoe and purchased the extra small/small size, which fits me perfectly. 

Rugged Backpack

The Fjallraven Kanken backpack has been my go-to travel backpack for the last eight years. And although it’s been around the world with me and has taken quite a beating since I first purchased it in 2016, the backpack is as sturdy and durable as ever. It may lack some of the flashier organizational features that more contemporary backpacks boast, but its selling features are its compact size, which belies a spacious main compartment, and rugged canvas exterior that can handle everything from spills and rain to mud and wind. It can easily fit up to a 15-inch laptop and a 32-ounce water jug, which makes it a great personal travel item or hiking backpack, which is what I used it for during my trip. 

Thermal Long Johns 

Although the weather in Ireland was fairly mild, there were a few days when the blankets of wind buffeting the coast were downright frigid. When I visited the Cliffs of Moher, for example, the damp wind was throwing me around like a rag doll and cutting through my layers like a knife. Thankfully, I had on a pair of these Thermajane thermal long johns, which I first purchased last year for Iceland, that blocked out the worst of the chill. Lined with soft fleece, they’re ultra-comfortable, warm, and stretchy, so they don’t feel suffocating even when buried beneath other layers. They’re available in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns and have been dubbed Amazon’s best-selling women’s thermal underwear set . But, if that doesn’t convince you, then read through a few of its near-8,000 five-star reviews.

Rain Poncho

Rain in Ireland is a constant, if not somewhat irksome, companion. Over the week-long trip, it wasn't uncommon to experience a drizzle with interspersed sunshine, a torrential downpour, and hail within the same day. For this reason, I purchased a rain poncho so that I could quickly whip it out when the skies opened up. As someone just under 5-foot-1 inches, most of the ponchos I purchased prior were way too big and long for me, which is why I gravitated toward this kids-sized Amazon one ( the brand also has adult sizes ).

With a functional hood and a front zippered pocket, I was pleasantly surprised at how well it fit and how durable it was after being battered with rain and wind. I bought the 2XL size, which is meant for ages nine to 13 and can fit anyone up to 5 feet 3 inches — a win for fellow shorties like me. Plus, the poncho can easily fold up into a small carrying sack, so it’s ideal for traveling light. 

Small Camera Bag

As I was constantly on the move, I wanted an inconspicuous camera bag that would protect my device while being small enough to wear on my person. It’s roughly the same size as a small pocketbook, which meant that I could wear it while sightseeing without it getting in my way. It comes with an adjustable strap and two mesh side pockets to hold additional gear or accessories. This compact water-resistant carrying case withstood some pretty harsh weather, but didn’t suffer any external wear and tear aside from a few grass stains and flecks of mud. While not all cameras may fit within the bag depending on their make and model, my Fujifilm XT30 fit perfectly and left just enough room for extra batteries and chargers. 

Fleece Sweater

I’ve always been partial to a cozy sweater, and this Amazon quarter-zip fleece pullover is no exception. Lightweight yet warm, this ultra-comfortable and affordable sweater goes well with jeans or hiking pants, so it’s a versatile item to add to your travel closet. It comes in seven colors, including red, gray, and green, with sizes ranging from S to 2XL, and its slightly baggy fit is both cozy and flattering. It’s an item that I plan on bringing with me on future trips, especially when hiking and camping is involved as it’s good for layering purposes.

USB Car Converter 

This light and compact gadget was a boon during the hours spent in the car as I could charge multiple devices at once in between stops. The USB car converter comes with two USB charging ports and two, 110-volt AC outlets that are capable of charging larger devices such as laptops and tablets. I was able to charge my phone, Amazon Kindle, portable tire inflator, and multiple camera batteries at once while driving, so it’s ideal for road trips, especially if you'll be traveling in a group. Small enough to fit into the palm of my hand, it can easily be packed away in a personal item.

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Taking a Road Trip This Summer? 27 Essentials to Bring

Posted: April 23, 2024 | Last updated: April 23, 2024

Hitting the highway for a road trip may be one of the best ways to see the country . Plus, it can be more affordable than flying , and certainly cheaper than international travel. If you already have travel plans in mind, it's smart to prepare accordingly with some road trip essentials.

Whether it's a long car ride by yourself, with family members, a significant other, or a close friend, there's something on this packing list for everyone, no matter where you're going. Below, see our top musts for what to bring on a road trip, before shopping some specific items in each category.

A spacious backpack to travel light and maximize trunk space.

A portable garbage can to keep your car tidy.

A cooler for snacks and drinks.

A travel pillow to snooze when you're in the passenger seat.

A raincoat for unexpected weather.

An air mattress, if you plan on camping.

A physical map in case you lose service or your phone runs out of battery.

Perhaps most importantly, a car emergency kit.

Ready to join your fellow wanderlusts on the road, traveling the coast, visiting national parks, and sightseeing? We promise this checklist will make your journey more comfortable. Shop our road trip selections ahead.

- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano and Emily Co

Portable Camping Air Mattress

FBSPORT Bed Car Mattress ($33, originally $40)

Some road trips include camping out, and if you don't have the particular time or energy to set up a full campsite, then try this air mattress that fits perfectly in the backseat. The mattress also comes with two inflatable pillows and a storage bag to fold it back up when ready to move on to your next destination.

Note that the mattress is inflated by an electric pump, so you'll either need to find a power source or buy the power inverter in this list below.

Travel Backpack

Taygeer Carry On Backpack ($34, originally $51)

With a variety of compartments, this backpack fits far more than you think. Plus, it'll take up less space than a suitcase, and makes for easy disembarking once you arrive at your destination.

Cocoon CoolMax Blanket ($35)

A travel blanket is one of the best items to get cozy with, and this one comes with a storage bag so it won't take up too much space. Plus, its breathable fabric is lightweight enough for any hot summer nights on the road.

ThisWorx Car Vacuum Cleaner ($38, originally $40)

We all know how messy cars can get, and if you can't stand the dirt, clean up with a car vacuum. Despite its small size, this particular kit comes with various attachments for vacuuming those hard-to-reach spots, like beneath seats.

Kimkoo Cotton Sleep Mask ($10, originally $15)

Block sunlight from getting in the way of your afternoon nap with a sleep mask. This soft option is a great deal, and comes with a travel pouch.

Car Power Inverter

Foval Car Power Inverter ($20, originally $26)

Let's face it: traveling with multiple people can be tough when there's only one carport to charge your phone with. Luckily, this car power converter - complete with two sockets and four USB charging ports - gives everyone's phone the ability to juice up at once.

Canvas Grocery Bags

Organic Cotton Mart Canvas Grocery Shopping Bags ($28)

You never know when you'll need to restock on food, and these canvas bags make grocery shopping easy. You can buy three for $28, but if you're just taking a quick trip, then these bags are also individually sold.

Car Emergency Kit

First Secure 90-Piece Car Emergency Roadside and First Aid Kit ($90)

Keep this roadside kit in the car in case of emergency. The thorough, 90-piece purchase includes jumper cables, tire repair tools, a flashlight, and a first aid safety kit, which is also smart to have with you during your travels.

Car Mount Phone Holder

iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Dash & Windshield Car Mount Phone Holder ($20)

Raise your hand if your phone doubles as your GPS! If this is the case, then a phone holder makes navigating a breeze.

A Card Game

Our Moments Road Trip Bundle ($50)

If you and your passenger need a little something to pass the time, try a card game. This particular conversation game includes over 300 thought-provoking questions, with dedicated packs for couples, families, or kids.

Travel Pillow

MLVOC Travel Pillow ($25)

All that driving will likely tie you out. If you're a passenger in need of a nap before your next driving shift, get comfortable and rest your head on this travel pillow. Better yet, it already comes with earplugs and a contoured sleep mask.

Window Shade

Enovoe Car Window Shade ($15, originally $16)

For peak comfort while driving, snag this window shade, which will prevent intense sun rays from affecting your vision and making the car too warm. Plus, it couldn't be easier to install: just place it in the window of your choosing, and run your hand across the shade.

Car Garbage Can

Farasla All-in-One Car Trash Can ($21)

When you're spending a lot of time in the car, the last thing you want it to be is messy. This car garbage can gives your trash a home and comes with a tissue holder for wiping up any spills or crumbs.

Diamond Candy Waterproof Rain Jacket ($43)

Sure, you might plan for pleasant weather along your journey, but unexpected summer showers may come up. For those moments, it helps to have a sturdy rain jacket so you can keep exploring as planned. This one is better than your average poncho because it has zippered compartments and a removable hood.

Wet Brush Original Detangling Hair Brush ($6, originally $10)

Long road trips tend to take a toll on hair. Clean up tangles and knots with this classic detangling hair brush.

Dry Shampoo

Bumble and Bumble Prêt-à-Powder Post Workout Dry Shampoo Mist ($12, originally $16)

If your hair is feeling greasy after a long car ride, then freshen it up with dry shampoo. We're a fan of this Bumble and Bumble mist , which is available in a handy travel size, but browse the other best dry shampoos on the market.

Editor Quote: "It's safe to say this is my new go-to dry shampoo any time I'm looking to extend the time in between washes. I think this product is perfect for anyone who frequently has sweaty hair but still wants to skip out on wash day without the entire world knowing." - Renee Rodriguez, staff writer and social producer

Showerless Body Wipes

DRMTLGY Body Shower Wipes ($13)

If you haven't had time to shower (don't worry, we won't tell), body wipes are the next best thing. These are biodegradable, and unscented, which is helpful for folks with sensitive skin.

Female Urination Device

Sunany Female Urination Device ($13)

When you've got to go, you've got to go, and this reusable funnel allows you to do so anywhere. This kit comes with a waterproof bag and a nylon bag for storing, but just make sure to wash in between uses.

The Get Out Cooler Bag ($150, originally $260)

Store your snacks and drinks in a cooler to keep them from overheating in the car. Better yet, this cooler bag has straps so it can be worn as a backpack once you arrive at your picnic destination.

Travel Utensils

To Go Ware Bamboo Travel Utensils ($14)

Being on the road doesn't mean you can't eat! These travel utensils are reusable so that your car can stay extra clean without all of the excess waste and trash.

Motion-Sickness Cures

Simply Gum Natural Chewing Gum 6-Pack ($15)

Get some motion-sickness essentials for the road just in case you start feeling unwell from the ride. There are all-natural cures, like this ginger gum, that people swear by, so you might want to check it out if Dramamine isn't for you.

Water Bottle

BrüMate Era 40-Ounce Tumbler ($45)

Sitting in a car can make you really dehydrated. Make sure you're constantly drinking water; packing it and other beverages in the car before leaving home will make it much easier. If you're looking for an alternative to plastic water bottles, try a reusable one like this editor-approved BrüMate water bottle .

Editor Quote: "I took my BrüMate to the desert for a weekend getaway and it kept my water icy cold despite the temperature being over 100°F." - Jordan Shalhoub, lead social producer

StreetSmart USA Interstate Road Map ($9)

Don't totally rely on your GPS. Carry a real map with you so that even if your navigator breaks down, you'll at least have a physical map to fall back on.

Walkie Talkies

Retevis RT38 Walkie Talkies ($21)

If you're driving with other cars, then walkie-talkies would be a smart purchase. There will be times when you drive through areas without cell phone service, so it's always good to have an alternative. It's also much easier to pick up the walkie talkie and start chatting with someone, rather than constantly redialing their number and waiting by your phone.

IRON °FLASK Thermos for Hot Food ($10, originally $21)

Keep soups and drinks warm for hours on end in an insulated thermos. This one even comes with a foldable spoon.

Trunk Organizer

HOTOR Trunk Organizer ($13, originally $20)

Place extra snacks and clutter in a trunk organizer. This large-capacity option has two compartments and six pockets total. It's also collapsible and easy to store when you don't need it.

Seatbelt Headrest

Seatbelt Protector Headrest ($16)

Protect your skin from rubbing against the seat belt with a cushiony headrest that'll make your ride more comfortable even when you're not snoozing.

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