trip supplies list

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.

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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!

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The Complete Travel Packing Checklist for 2024 & the Best Packing Tips [Printable]

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Before you even take your suitcase out of the closet

When you’ve done your prep and you’re almost ready to pack, apps for packing assistance, apps for itinerary management, before leaving the house.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

When it comes down to it, packing for a trip (domestic or international) can be stressful. Do you wait until the last minute? Put off researching what you’ll need for certain activities or weather at your destination? Get distracted easily, or have young kiddos that need attention? It happens to the best of us!

On one hand, if you under-pack you might not be prepared. But if you over-pack, you run the risk of incurring hefty baggage fees or missing out on space to bring home that lovely souvenir. If you forget an essential travel document, you could even miss your trip altogether! We get stressed just thinking about it!

That’s why Upgraded Points is bringing you a guide full of packing tips and tricks, a printable travel checklist, a list of apps to help you out, and reminders for to-do’s around the house before you leave.

We’re here to assuage your anxieties and make sure you’ve got what you need, you’ve cut what you don’t, and there’s no wallet/phone/swimsuit/teddy bear left behind!

Hot Tip: Don’t forget to also check out our “Carry-On Travel Essentials” guide where we’ve compiled a “His” and “Hers” list of some great products that we simply can’t do without when we travel!

📋  Click To View Our Printable Travel Packing List >>  📋

General Packing Tips & Tricks

Check the weather at your destination.

This seems intuitive, but you’d be surprised how many people are stuck traveling in rainy season without a raincoat.

Note how many days/nights you will be away.

This will help you decide the number of necessary outfits. Obviously, how often you prefer to wear the same clothes plays a part in this as well.

Note any special activities/events you may partake in.

Traveling for a birthday? You don’t want to forget that heartfelt gift you bought weeks in advance. Going to a wedding? It’d be a shame if you showed up without your suit. Hiking in Hawaii? Your water-shoes won’t get much use if you leave them behind.

Make a packing list early and review it at least twice. (Yes, twice.)

You can easily find printable vacation packing lists online (like ours above), or you can write out your own. There are also a number of apps you can utilize if you prefer something more tech-based. Read about several of these below!

Timing is key here. If you jot things down or review your printed list in advance, it gives you the opportunity to take a second look with a fresh mind. All too often you’ll remember something you didn’t yesterday when your brain was thinking about pizza instead of packing.

If you’re printing a list that’s not trip specific, review it first and immediately cross off items you won’t need. Why bring a winter coat to the beach?

Take items you can grab at your destination off the list.

If you’re planning to travel with only a carry-on, this tip is especially important as it will save space (at least for your outgoing journey!).

Most times when traveling, your hotel will provide shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.; why waste space packing them? If you’re a little picky about your toiletries or you’re not staying at a hotel, you’ll probably still encounter a drugstore where you can buy anything you might need.

Purchase travel-sized containers or toiletries if you plan on bringing your own.

Remember regulations for the amount of liquids you can bring in a carry-on for a flight. You’ll want travel-sized containers if you plan on carrying liquids this way.

Even if you’re flying with a checked bag and are allowed more liquids, do you really need that 16oz bottle of shampoo for a weeklong trip? Cutting it will save you room for other essential items.

Choose the right luggage.

Yes, different airlines have different restrictions on sizes for carry-ons and checked bags but stick to some general guidelines and you should be safe.

For carry-ons, you’re generally accepted at/under max linear dimensions of 155cm/45in. For checked bags, you’re generally safe under 158cm/62in max linear dimensions. However, be sure to check the airline you’re flying with prior to packing, as some can be stingy!

You also want to seriously consider the type of bag you enjoy traveling with – shoulder bag , backpack , roller bag, hard shell , soft shell, etc. There are definitely loads of options so just remember, your bag shouldn’t stress you out, it should make traveling easier.

Hot Tip:  We’ve done tons of research on this topic so don’t miss our articles on the best carry-on bags and the best checked luggage bags for any type of traveler. 

Essentials first.

Gather your most important items first. This includes all travel documents such as your passport, ID/driver’s license, boarding passes, hotel reservations, etc. This also includes anything you’ll seriously regret forgetting and can’t purchase while traveling: wallet , credit cards , camera , cell phone, etc.

This being said, there are a number of apps that can assist with itinerary management and decrease the number of printed documents you’ll need to carry. See our list of helpful packing apps at the end of this post.

Choose an appropriately sized suitcase.

If you only have 1 suitcase, then you’re set. If you’ve got more options, attempt to use the smaller one – most people tend to overpack when their suitcase is too large for their trip. You don’t really need an extra sweater, 2 more t-shirts, and another pair of boots just because they fit! Plus, your baggage will be a lot easier to handle if it’s smaller and lighter, which will cut your stress level significantly.

Lay everything out.

Laying all of your items out allows you to plan outfits and account for your days/nights away. When everything’s laid out, you can clearly see how much you’re bringing and spot missing items easier. This also includes shoes, accessories, toiletries, etc.

Dividing items into sections based on where they’ll be packed is also helpful.

Lastly, don’t forget to lay out your plane/travel day outfit and consider it with your other pieces.

Pick simple mix-and-match pieces to prevent overpacking.

In general, choose simple tops and bottoms that can be mixed and matched to make multiple outfits. Did you know that just 3 bottoms (pants, shorts, skirt, etc.), 4 tops (tee, tank, etc.), and 2 outer layers (sweater, coat, or cardigan) can make up to 24 different outfits??

Depending on the reason for your trip, you might need to pack a special item that can only be worn once (suit, bridesmaid dress, etc.), but try to keep these to a minimum! This step is key if you’re pressed for space.

PUT STUFF BACK!

Once you’ve laid out all your items, really consider the number of days you’ll be on your trip. Chances are you could stand to put a few things back in the closet in order to pack more efficiently. Remember, no one wants to pay a fee for overweight baggage or lug around extra clothes for no reason!

Pack it up.

You never thought we’d actually get to this step, did you? There are a number of recommended packing tips when it comes to getting everything neatly in the suitcase. This can be overwhelming, but if you pick up the right habits packing will seem much less stressful.

Check, double-check, and triple-check your essentials.

Put a checkmark next to each item you’ve packed and DON’T TAKE IT OUT OF YOUR BAG. If you’re not ready to pack an item, do NOT check the box! That’s exactly how you leave your phone at home on the charger next to your bed. “But the box was checked!!!” you’ll say…

(Note: this rule actually goes for everything, not just essentials.)

If you’re notorious for leaving essentials at home, print an extra travel checklist just for those items and tape it to your front door the night before you leave. Make a promise that you can’t walk out without reviewing the list one final time.

Fold, Interfold, Bundle, or Roll?

By now you’ve probably heard that old-fashioned folding isn’t the best method to use when it comes to packing, especially in tight cases. If you have the room to spare, virtually any of these methods will do.

Interfolding involves layering clothes on top of each other in a top-to-bottom, bottom-to-top format, then interweaving them as you fold them together. If you fold the items in accordance with the size of your suitcase, you’re left with a neat little bundle that will fit right in. Additionally, this style of folding will leave your clothing virtually wrinkle-free.

Bundle packing is very similar to interfolding, but you are tightly folding or wrapping your clothing items around a soft core (like a dopp kit , stack of underwear, cloth zippered jewelry bag , etc.). Bundle packing is also said to reduce wrinkles and save space.

Many people also recommend rolling when packing your clothes – at least for softer items and jeans. Again, this method tends to save room and reduce creasing in the process.

If none of the above methods are doing the trick and you don’t have the option of a hanging garment bag , it may be beneficial to learn the proper way to fold nicer items (like a dress shirt or suit coat ) for the best results.

Pack liquids in secure bags.

Toiletries that can leak will leak. These should be placed in a plastic zippered bag or another secure bag of your choosing. Some travelers even encourage cutting small squares of plastic wrap to cover the opening between bottles and their lids in attempts to prevent further seepage.

Utilize shoe space when you can.

Rolled-up socks, belts, gloves, stocking caps, and other small items can easily fit into shoes (as long as they’re relatively clean and not smelly!). This also helps the shoe hold its shape throughout your travels. Rolled-up belts can also be used to keep a shirt collar stiff if needed.

Prevent dirty shoes from soiling clothes.

Pack them in a separate space or utilize plastic bags/shower caps to cover the bottoms and prevent dirtying the rest of your clothing. Have a delicate pair of dress shoes or heels? Pack them in their own bags if possible, or clean the bottoms and wrap with a durable garment.

Toss a dryer sheet into your suitcase to keep things smelling fresh.

While you’re at it, grab a stain pen or stain wipes for your carry-on. If you happen to spill on one of the only tops you’ve brought and don’t have laundry facilities, you’re cutting your number of outfits drastically. If you know you’ll have laundry facilities or need to wash your clothes by hand, you can purchase individual detergent packets.

Pack a change of clothes in your carry-on.

By packing a change of clothes and undergarments in your carry-on , you’re covered for at least a day if your baggage gets delayed or lost. Some travelers may want to pack an extra pair of shoes just in case.

Similarly, if you’re heading to a beach locale, pack a swimsuit and sandals . If you have to wait to check into your hotel, you can head to the pool while the concierge keeps your luggage.

Keep expensive/irreplaceable items on your person.

As a general rule of thumb, you should leave irreplaceable items at home. This includes objects such as expensive jewelry and heirlooms. If you must travel with them, these items should be kept with you at all times. Do not trust them to be safe when placed in checked baggage; if your suitcase is lost, delayed, or stolen, you’re out of luck.

Similarly, if you must travel with official documents such as birth certificates or social security cards, check to see if a certified copy will suffice. Or maybe take a photo on your phone for less hassle. Otherwise, the same rule applies to these irreplaceable documents.

Follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule for liquids in carry-on baggage.

3 – Travelers may carry liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes in containers of 3.4oz (100ml) or smaller.

1 – These items must fit into 1 clear plastic quart-sized bag.

1 – Only 1 bag per passenger is allowed.

Remove this bag from your carry-on and place it separately in the screening bin. This is meant to slightly expedite passing through security .

The following apps can be ultra helpful for those who prefer a mobile device to the standard pen and paper methods.

Evernote: While Evernote isn’t technically travel-oriented, it’s all about lists and can be a big help for packing. With Evernote, you can sync your packing list across all your devices, making it easy to keep track of things no matter where you are…even out at the store buying items from your list!

Evernote also enables sharing notes with others, which is especially helpful for group trips. Need reminders? No problem, you can set alerts in Evernote to keep you on top of your game.

Packing Pro: This app is everything you ever wanted if you’re a list maker, and everything you didn’t know you needed if you’re a forgetful person. Packing Pro helps travelers get organized via packing lists. From templates and suggestions to customizable designs, Packing Pro has options for every type of traveler. Users are allowed an unlimited number of packing lists of an unlimited length, and you can even add images, alerts, and mark “need to buy” items.

It also has iCloud support and the ability to share your lists via email, AirDrop, Dropbox, etc. You can also export and edit your lists with Excel, Numbers, or Google Docs. If you’re the type that physically needs to cross things off, you can send directly to a printer too.

The Expert List-Making Assistant is a cool feature if you’re low-maintenance: it will take your parameters (number of people, destination, weather, etc.) and automatically create lists for you.

PackPoint: PackPoint’s purpose is to take the guesswork out of packing. The app pretty much tells you what to pack based on how long you’re traveling, where you’re going, the weather when you get there, and any activities you have planned (chosen from a pre-defined list in the app). With PackPoint Premium, users can connect to TripIt, share their lists across devices, and add customizable packing items/activities.

Travel List: Travel List seems to have fewer bells and whistles. You can do many of the same things as with Packing Pro and PackPoint: create customizable packing lists, sync across your devices, share with other people, and create alerts/reminders. One nice component is their calendar view, which gives a different type of visualization that some people really prefer. And this one is compatible with Apple Watch, which can be a huge organizational perk.

Lists To Do: This app keeps things simple for general to-do lists and is super easy to use. See your list’s percentage progress for a clear visual on how much you have left to do/pack before jetting off and set yourself reminders and share lists with your travel companions.

The following apps are helpful for keeping all your travel information in one place. From flight itineraries to hotel confirmation, event tickets to dinner reservations, they’ve got you covered. Plus, this means fewer printed travel documents you need to worry about carrying with you.

Google Trips: In a nutshell, Google Trips seamlessly integrates reservations (flights, hotels, rental cars, etc.) from your Gmail and creates a specific “trip” in the app. These trips are like folders of information including some basic categories like Reservations, Things to Do, Saved Places, Day Plans, Food & Drink, Getting Around, and Need to Know.

It also provides opportunities for travel inspiration, traveler reviews, dining/drink options, and encyclopedic information on several hundred top cities and attractions around the globe.

Also good to note: when you download your trip, everything is available offline in case you’re stuck without WiFi or data.

Kayak Trips: Part of Kayak’s main app includes a platform called Trips, which acts as an itinerary management app to keep all your pertinent travel information together. With Trips, you can forward your booking confirmations to [email protected] , where your itinerary is managed for you in a nice timeline format with maps and important info all on one screen.

Kayak Trips gives you the ability to send other people access to your travel plans through sharing options, link to your calendar app for planning consistency, and receive SMS and email flight alerts.

TripIt: TripIt is one of the most popular travel organization apps on the market. The app automatically imports flight, hotel, rental car, and other booking confirmations ( concert tickets from StubHub, dinner reservations from OpenTable, etc.) from your e-mail. If you don’t appreciate the e-mail scan, you can always forward your emails to [email protected] or manually input all the information into the system.

TripIt then creates an itinerary in an easy-to-read format, including space for directions between airports, rental car pickup, and hotel details. TripIt also allows for calendar syncing and makes it easy to send your travel info to family/friends by sharing via text, Evernote, LinkedIn, Slack, or WhatsApp.

With TripIt Pro, users get real-time flight alerts, help to find alternative flights, an airline seat tracker for better seats, reward program points tracking, and interactive airport maps.

In this section, we list some steps you might forget to take when you’re in a hurry to leave for vacation.

Remember to:

• Download your travel resources (guidebooks, language apps, etc.)
• Notify credit card companies of upcoming travel if required (international trips)
• Set an email auto-responder if necessary
• Take out the garbage
• Check the washing machine for wet clothes
• Check the dishwasher for dirty dishes
• Turn off all lights and electronics
• Set lighting timers
• Water the plants
• Drip taps (in cold climates where pipes could freeze)
• Close/lock all doors and windows; pull all curtains
• Set alarm system

For longer trips, don’t forget to:

• Empty the refrigerator/pantry of perishable food
• Unplug electronics
• Put a hold on your mail
• Consider having a friend check on your house from time to time

The Upgraded Points team is always jetting off somewhere and even we  still have trouble packing sometimes!

Additionally, if you’re interested in “the best of the best” travel products to up your packing game, check out these posts:

• All Our Best Travel Product Reviews – In One Place
• The Best Checked Luggage Bags For Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Duffel Bags on the Market

Lastly, if you’re looking for the top travel-related gifts, we’ve got you covered with our Best Gifts for Travelers .

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to fold or roll clothes in a suitcase.

Whether it’s better to fold or roll clothes for your suitcase may depend on a number of things. If you’ve no concern about saving space, folding could be just fine. However, if you’re trying to fit a lot of clothes into a small bag, there’s no shortage of youtube videos out there which prove rolling clothes can help with this task.

Additionally, interfolding and bundling are other techniques that could be helpful space savers. However, to save the most space, vacuum bags will be your best bet – just keep in mind your weight limit when packing a lot of things into one case!

Do packing cubes really save space?

Packing cubes don’t necessarily save space but they definitely help you stay organized when packing.

They can also help by keeping items separated — who wants smelly gym clothes next to their fancy dinner outfits?

How do I maximize space in my luggage?

To maximize space when packing, try using these methods for your contents: roll, bundle, or interfold (explanations above). Each has its own special technique but all can help you save space and fit more into your luggage of choice.

Another quick space-saving tip? Utilize typically unused space. For example, pack socks or belts inside your shoes.

How to I pack clothes without wrinkling them?

Here are a few quick tips to decrease wrinkling when packing your clothes into a suitcase: iron first, use a roll or interfold method, pack wrinkle-prone items in garment bags or utilize tissue paper between folds and layers, and/or choose fabrics that are less likely to wrinkle in the first place (wool, Tencel, knit, cashmere, polyester, nylon, spandex).

How should I pack toiletries in my suitcase?

When packing toiletries, you’ll want to be sure they’re kept separate from your clothes in a special bag or case. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy — a Ziplock baggie will do — but this will prevent the leaking of liquid onto your clothing items.

Additionally, you can place a small piece of cling-wrap between the bottles and lids of your liquids to prevent leakage.

If you’re bringing them in your carry-on, you’ll want to be sure you’re adhering to the 3-1-1 rule (use 3 oz containers max, in 1 quart-sized bag, with one bag per traveler) in order to pass easily through security.

Should I pack valuable items in my suitcase?

Always keep valuable items on your person while traveling. This includes identification cards, passports, visas, money, credit cards, jewelry, important medications, etc.

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About Erin Miller

An experienced points hacker, Erin is Alex’s partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points with in-depth guides and relationship management. Erin’s work has been cited in multiple major publications.

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Vacation Packing List

This Vacation Packing List includes all the travel essentials you need to get the most out of a week-long trip.

The Ultimate Packing List for Vacation

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Our packing list tool allows you to customize this list to your exact needs. You can add specific products directly from our website, adjust quantity, and keep an eye on total weight and price. Sign up for a free account or Join Pro for additional features & deals.

Everyone relaxes a little differently. Sometimes you spend the whole day taking it easy, only moving from your lounge chair long enough to refill your cup with a fruity drink (you know the kind we’re talking about—half a coconut and a bendy straw). Other days, you feel the urge to venture off and experience local life, whether you’re making your way to a nearby waterfall or window shopping in a quaint downtown. Maybe it’s a mix of both, and you rotate between relaxing in a hammock and snorkeling just offshore.

Regardless of how you chill, this vacation packing list covers everything you need for a week of R&R. Though we focus on travel essentials designed for warm-weather destinations, this gear covers more than just the tropical bases. We’re talking comfy clothing, exciting travel accessories, and everything in between to help you decompress in style.

Spend time away from your hotel or Airbnb and go on a cave tour, search for seashells, or explore a museum. Then, come back for a night of enjoying warm breezes on a restaurant patio or light a beachside bonfire. Whether you’re an ultra-planner with dedicated days for each activity or a go-with-the-flow type, we’ve got you covered.

Our team has researched and tested each item on this vacation packing list. We checked for durability, breathability, packability, and just about every other -bility you can think of. We even spent the day at the beach to ensure the water essentials are up to snuff. It’s hard work, we know, but someone has to do it.

The sections are split into unisex items (productivity & tech and miscellaneous) or men’s and women’s (bags & organizers, clothing & accessories, and toiletries & personal care). However, that doesn’t mean you need to follow the binary. After all, you’ll be the one on vacation, so you should pack what’s best for you. Check out our guides , reviews , and other packing lists to explore more options and find exactly what you need.

After all, vacations are about staying stress-free, and by creating a packing and travel checklist like this one, you’ll be ready to relax at the drop of a (sun)hat. So, without further ado, let’s dive in.

Vacation Packing List Video

• Men's Focused
• Women's Focused

Standalone Bags & Organizers

In this section, we cover the bags used to carry everything on this list. We recommend choosing a pack with enough space for your creature comforts, though you can always go smaller if you want to keep it light.

Every item on this vacation packing list fits inside the main travel pack so that you can one-bag it all the way to paradise. Well, two-bag if you count the sling. So, whether you’re catching your flight, hauling entertainment to the pool, or touring the local sights, you have all the space you need for your travel essentials.

The Topo Designs Global Travel Bag covers all the bases, from a supportive carry with its stowaway hip belt to gear organization with its built-in pockets. There’s a place for everything without needing a million cubes and pouches. You heard that right—a zip panel separates the main bucket storage from the rest of the bag, so you don’t even need packing cubes to keep your clothing from unraveling. Most importantly, there’s enough space for a week’s worth of travel gear, even if you don’t go ultra-minimalist. You can opt for the smaller 30-liter size if you want to pack light, but we like the 40-liter version because there’s more than enough room for everything you need, plus a little extra. You are going on vacation, after all, so you may as well make the most out of your trip. Either way, choose between Topo Designs’ notoriously fun and punchy colorways so everyone at the airport knows you’re off to somewhere fun.

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The Moment MTW Mini Fanny Sling's design is simple, effective, and so lightweight that you hardly even remember you have it on. Plus, it comes in eye-catching colorways that easily accent your daily looks. We like to wear it across the chest; however, it also works as a hip pack if that's more your style. Though it's on the smaller side, this 1-liter sling is a great dump pocket for your everyday items like a wallet, battery bank, or even a camera. There's minimal internal organization, with only a single slip pocket at the back to hold a smartphone or similarly sized item. After all, you won't need to carry much with you on a day of relaxing beyond your chill attitude and a couple of essentials.

Your travel bag is great for getting you to your destination, though it looks pretty out of place at the beach. We dig Nanobag Reusable bags for their versatility and ultra-small form-factor. They take up virtually no space until you need them. The diamond ripstop is exceptionally lightweight but can hold up to 66 pounds, so it’s more than capable of hauling your pool towel, speaker, e-reader, and a drink or two. It dries fairly quickly when wet and is super easy to clean with a quick flip inside out if you accidentally get sand inside. Though it comes in a few different styles, we like the 19-liter Crossbody Sling because it feels the most secure. You won’t have to worry about it falling off when both of your hands are full of ice cream cones.

The Bellroy Slim Sleeve’s thin profile is surprisingly spacious and feels right at home in a pants pocket. It's not exactly a minimalist wallet , as there are two quick-access sliders for things like your credit card or hotel key and a pull-tab pocket for extra cards. Though there’s no cash sleeve, it does have enough space to fit half-folded US dollars or larger tri-folded international currencies. There are over a half-dozen leather colorways, a handful of leather-free options, and a few premium leather models with a refined style if you want to go the extra mile for your everyday carry.

We appreciate wallets with thin profiles that still have plenty of storage, and the Bellroy Card Pocket delivers. There are 3 storage spaces to choose from, with enough room to hold a few cards, some cash, and even coins. We like the zippered design for its added security, though it can be a bit sticky to open. That said, it’s small enough to slip into a pocket or sling, so you’ll never be without a few dollars to buy an ice cream cone. Choose between a few chic leather colorways and embrace your vacation style.

If you’re doing your relaxation internationally, the Bellroy Travel Wallet’s low-profile slim form factor fits all your daily essentials and two passports. Size is a huge factor here, as it won’t bulk up your pockets at the airport or while exploring the local downtown. If you’re not traveling internationally, you can leave this behind.

Clothing & Accessories

It’s time to embrace your vacation personality. Whether you’re into tropical patterns or prefer to keep things simple with solid t-shirts, we’ve got something for you. In fact, everything on this vacation packing list is designed for warmer weather.

Fabrics like linen, bamboo, and cotton are in no short supply, as they’re lightweight, breathable, and—most importantly—super comfortable. However, since they’re prone to wrinkles, it’s worth perfecting your packing technique. For a detailed walk-through on how we keep our clothing crisp, check out the How We Pack It video in Pack Hacker Pro .

We’ve also chosen light, neutral colorways that reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, which helps keep you cool in the hot sun. Plus, neutral colors are fairly easy to turn into a capsule wardrobe—just be sure to match tones of saturated colors like blue and brown to avoid clashing. Once you pick your color palette, add flair in the form of individual pieces that accentuate your personality. We’re talking patterned button-ups that look right at home at the cabana.

Let’s get comfy.

When traveling to a warmer place, your entire outfit should be tailored to the climate, from your hat to your underwear. The David Archy Comfy Bamboo Rayon Boxer Briefs are crafted from a soft bamboo material that’s lightweight and wicks away moisture when a leisurely walk down the boardwalk turns into a hike off the beaten path.

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While we don’t have beef with underwire per se, there’s something bralette-like about Aerie’s Real Chill Wireless Lightly Lined Bra that’s hard to beat when you’re in relaxation mode. It has enough support without feeling stiff against your body, which, let’s be honest, is the worst part about a bra. It provides more coverage and support than a bralette can give, though the material is thicker and can therefore get a little warm if you’re in the tropics.

Comfort is the name of the game on this vacation packing list, and the Aerie Real Free Padded Bralette delivers whether you’re sleeping or going on an evening walk. It’s shaped like a regular bra and has enough support to keep you comfortable while you lounge. Plus, the wide straps and soft, lightweight material won’t feel heavy on your body or dig into your shoulders. We like that the cups are removable, though they’re so thin you’ll hardly even notice they’re there.

It can be hard to avoid panty lines on a regular day, so why worry about them when you’re decompressing? Aerie’s No Show Underwear features a seamless design that won’t show through lightweight or light-colored fabrics. We’ve chosen a mix of bikini and thong cuts to cover us for any look. Though we’ve only packed three pairs and opted to give them a quick wash between wears, these are so lightweight that you could probably bring 20 and still have room to spare.

Even on a tropical vacation, you’ll need to wear closed shoes now and then. Bombas Cushioned No Show Socks ensure that your feet stay comfortable and dry until they’re back in the sand where they belong. Their cotton construction is breathable even on the warmest days, and the low-cut design won’t show with most shoes. Though they aren’t super odor-resistant, we’ve only packed three pairs since we’ll mostly be wearing sandals. You can still get a couple of days in before they need a wash, or you can always bring extras.

The Outlier Ramielust Cut One T-Shirt is made with a fabric called ramie, which is crafted from nettles and performs similar to linen. It’s lightweight and airy to keep you cool on humid days and is a great base layer for almost any weather. Its breathability also makes it somewhat see-through, though it’s mostly only visible if the shirt color you choose contrasts with your skin tone.

Versatile clothing is important for any trip, especially when your journeys take you into climates you’re not used to. The Fair Harbor Kismet Solid Tee is a t-shirt crafted from 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The cotton is breathable, so you stay cool while the polyester wicks away moisture that might make you uncomfortable. We’ve gone with plain white because it pairs well with any pants, shorts, or bathing suit, no matter the pattern or color.

Nothing screams vacation like a patterned button-up, and the Howler Brothers Mansfield Shirt delivers. It adds a sense of flair and fun to your wardrobe as an accent piece and even has a microfiber attachment on the hem to keep your sunglasses clean. We recommend looking for a pattern with colors that complement the rest of the clothing on your vacation packing list so that you can wear it any time, anywhere.

During a long day in the sun and surf, cool breezes off the water aren’t uncommon. The Patagonia Regenerative Organic Certified Cotton Lightweight Henley (that’s a mouthful) is a casual long-sleeved shirt that will keep you warm in the evening and looks at home just about anywhere. Though we like the casual look of the buttons, they can show through if layered with a lightweight sweatshirt. However, the breathable materials make it a great addition to any warm-weather loadout.

Even on the most laid-back trip, it’s important to have a piece that doesn’t look out of place at a fancier affair. The Everlane Linen Standard Fit Shirt is a breathable long-sleeved top that looks just as comfortable poolside as it does at a classy restaurant. Just be sure to pack it properly, as linen is prone to wrinkles and may still require some steaming or ironing once you get to your destination.

The transition from a hot beach to an air-conditioned restaurant can be a bit jarring. The Free Fly Bamboo Slub Hoodie is lightweight enough to be carried in your bag all day and acts as a comfortable layer when you need some extra warmth. The breathable material makes it a great option for varying temperatures, whether on the airplane or at the poolside bar; however, it is prone to wrinkling, so be sure to roll it up nicely.

The Outlier New Way Shorts look like your favorite pair of chinos but are crafted from a stretchy material that gives them a performance edge in warmer climates. They have a drawstring, so you won’t need a belt, and they can even be worn as swim shorts if your bathing suit hasn’t dried yet.

Sometimes you need durability in addition to comfort. The Patagonia Men’s Stand Up Shorts are tough enough to handle a day excursion hiking up a mountain as much as a relaxing afternoon under a cabana. The double-fabric seat and large back pockets are great if you want to go hands-free on your adventure. They’re not the most packable due to the thick organic cotton material, but we dig the loose, casual look.

The Cozy Earth Men's Ultra-Soft Bamboo Jogger Shorts are comfortable enough to sleep in but don’t look out of place at the breakfast buffet or on a late-night walk before going to bed. They’re crafted from super-soft materials, so comfort is top dog no matter where you wear them. Plus, the bamboo helps wick away moisture during sleep—feel free to open those windows and enjoy the warm breeze.

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One of the most essential pieces of gear for a vacation packing list is a bathing suit. The Wellen Lined Swim Trunks pair vintage styling with subtle (yet fun) pattern options. The quick-dry poly blend and extra pockets make this a great beach or pool companion all trip long. We find the suit to be a perfect balance between loose and tight-fitting, ensuring that comfort is king.

The Madewell Athletic Slim Chino Pants have a relaxed fit and feature stretchy and breathable materials for a casual look on warm days. It’s made with COOLMAX, a cotton and polyester blend that’s lightweight and woven for better airflow. The loose fit looks good just about anywhere you might end up on vacation, so these are great as everyday pants.

The lululemon ABC Pant looks like your favorite pair of chinos, though its breathability and stretch are a step ahead of the game. It’s great for hot and humid days, wicking away moisture and stretching with your body as you drink one-too-many daiquiris. Plus, there are over a dozen colorways, so you can find something to wear for all occasions.

Whether you’re going to the arctic or the everglades, your pants need support. The Arcade Ranger Belt is a Pack Hacker favorite and slides perfectly into a vacation pack out. The material is stretchy, not restrictive, so you’ll be comfortable whether you’re exploring local towns or sitting on a patio all night. Plus, it has a TSA-safe buckle, so you don’t need to worry about taking it off at the airport security checkpoint.

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These Cotton-Linen High-Rise Pants from Madewell are a happy medium of comfort and style. The material is lightweight and keeps you cool on warm days, and there’s a fair amount of stretch both in the legs and the waistband. We’re big fans of the relaxed fit—it’s almost like wearing more stylish sweatpants. Plus, the neutral colorways are easy to pair with just about any top.

Though they’re called joggers, we all know these comfy pants are just as happy lounging on a patio set. The elastic waistband adds comfort for sleeping while the included drawstring stays out of your way unless you want some additional cinching at the waist for a more stylish look. Plus, the FlashDry-XD material is stretchy, breathable, and dries quickly if you find yourself caught in a surprise rainstorm. Not that it ever rains when you’re on vacation, obviously.

The best leggings feel like a second skin, and the Pack Out Tights from Patagonia are comfortable, stretchy, and soft enough to do just that. They feature two side pockets for holding your phone while you run to the breakfast bar for another waffle and a zippered pocket large enough to hold your ID or credit card if you venture off in search of a specialty morning coffee.

Versatility in your clothing is key, and the Athleta Brooklyn Short’s simple design and soft material are great whether you’re poolside lounging or taking a short hike to a nearby waterfall. Plus, they even work as pajamas—yes, they’re that comfortable. Other features like the ribbed waistband, quick-drying fabric, and UPF 50+ protection make these shorts great for travel.

Some days are so hot that even shorts aren’t enough to keep you cool. On those days (and any other day, if we’re honest), we reach for the Abercrombie & Fitch Linen-Blend Pull-On Shorts. With 55% linen and 45% Viscose—a type of rayon that’s breathable, soft, and absorbs moisture—you’re set for both extra-sunny days and breezy nights. They come in a range of colors from neutral to neon and patterns from floral to plaid, so you can wear them as a staple solid or opt for a design to add flair like us.

Even if you won’t be doing any yoga on your vacation, the lululemon Align Tank Top’s soft, stretchy material makes days of walking around town more comfortable. Its cropped, fitted style looks great on its own, though it also works well as a base layer on a chilly day under a long sleeve shirt or button-up. It even comes in a few bold colorways, though we kept it neutral for easier pairing. We like the built-in bra, and the cups are removable if you prefer to go without.

Patagonia’s Trail Harbor Tank Top’s simple design and blend of hemp and cotton is the perfect combination to wear with…well…anything. The materials keep you cool as temperatures rise throughout the day while the scoop neck, wide shoulder straps, and hip-length design is easy to tuck in or leave out depending on the waistline of your pants.

When we say the Cozy Earth Stretch-Knit Bamboo Lounge Tee is soft, we mean it. Though we like to wear it to bed or while lounging around because of its breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo material and flowy look, it doesn’t look out of place tucked into a nice pair of pants for a night out. And, if you happen to find yourself with a gnarly sunburn on your chest, shoulders, and/or back, it’s soft enough to be comfortable on your sensitive skin. Not that it ever happened to us, of course.

What do we want? Flowy tops! When do we want them? Pretty much always, but especially on vacation! The Cates T-Shirt from lululemon is made with 94% Pima Cotton for breathability and 6% Lycra elastane for stretch and to help keep its boxy shape. This top is great for lazy mornings and pairs well with high-rise pants or shorts but is long enough to go with low-rise, too.

Not only does The Linen Workwear Shirt from Everlane keep you cool, it has a casual look that can be dressed up or down depending on where the day takes you. Tuck it in for a more dialed-in dinner style or leave it unbuttoned and layer it over a tank top to keep your shoulders protected on a sunny day. However, because it’s made with 100% linen, it wrinkles pretty easily and may require some TLC once you arrive at your destination.

The Scoop Swim Top from Cuup has an innovative underwire that’s flexible enough to bend, meaning you get extra support in your swimsuit without losing packability. Plus, the ECONYL nylon resists fading in chlorine and salt water or after contact with sunscreens and oils. The lack of padding may not be for everyone, though the ability to granularly adjust the fit and inclusive cup sizes are great for practically any body type.

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the water, the ECONYL nylon fabric of Cuup’s Highwaist Swim Bottom is a must. It resists fading whether you’re heading to the beach or the pool, and it even fights against sunscreen and oils. Its thin, too, so it packs down small like a pair of underwear in your bag. We like the cheeky high waisted cut because of its unique fit, though they also have bikini, brief, and a fuller coverage high waist options available at the time of publishing.

Whether you’re wearing it to dinner or as a bathing suit cover-up, the Athleta Newport Wrap Dress has a flowy fit that’s comfortable enough to wear all day long. The material is lightweight, stretchy, and thin without being see-through. Plus, it wicks away moisture and easily fights wrinkles. We also like that it has cap sleeves for a little added shoulder protection.

The Abercrombie & Fitch Halter Linen-Blend Mini Dress is a saucy little number that looks good whether you’re on a boardwalk patio for lunch or jumping between local nightlife hangs. The light color keeps you cool while the linen and Viscose blend of fabric adds breathability and stretch. This means that you’ll not only feel better in warm temps, but you’ll also be comfortable as this slim-fit dress moves with your body. Just be sure to hang it up when you get to your accommodations, as the fabric is prone to wrinkles.

This Bamboo Lightweight Long Sleeve from Free Fly is made with—you guessed it—lightweight bamboo material. What does that mean? You won’t be left overheating if you decide to throw it on before the sun fully sets, and you’ll even get the added benefit of UPF 40+ protection. We like this top for lounging around at night or on breezy mornings, though its soft colorways are great for any time of day.

The Organic Cotton Dreamsoft Travel Scarf from Zestt is a scarf, shawl, and blanket all in one—a triple threat. The soft cotton adds just enough warmth when you need it. Drape it over your shoulders on an evening walk around the city or when it gets breezy. We went with a solid color so it’s easier to match, though there are also color-blocked designs if you want to add some variety.

With sunny days ahead, you’ll need a set of sunglasses to see the ball in an intense beach volleyball game. The Sunski Avila sunglasses are lightweight enough to keep on your person at all times, and they don’t feel heavy on your face after a day in the sun. Plus, they provide polarization and protection from UVA, UVB, and UV400 wavelengths. There are tons of styles and colors to choose from, so you can show off your personality all day, every day.

A sunglasses case will ensure nothing breaks in transit, whether between the hotel and the beach or your home and the airport. Though we don’t have a specific recommendation, we prefer a hard case to ensure they don’t get crushed in our bag. However, keep in mind that they’re often bulkier than a soft case.

A hat is a vacation must to keep the sun out of your eyes and prevent sunburn. The Melin Hydro Hat has the feel of a regular hat but is made with materials that float in water. This means you won't lose it to the deep end if you get thrown in the pool by your travel buddies. After a long day of sun and surf, take it into the shower, give it a quick wash with shampoo, and hook it to the outside of your pack to dry using a carabiner.

What’s a vacation packing list without shoes that feel at home on sand, water, and the trail? This list’s answer is the Tropicfeel Monsoon, a lightweight sneaker that can be put on quickly for a day exploring town, short hikes, and even a dip into the water. It isn’t the most packable shoe we’ve seen, but we dig the fact that it dries quickly and has a drainage hole in the sole for water to dissipate. Who doesn’t want to slide their toes into a waterfall now and then?

The Birkenstock Arizona Essential EVA packs the ruggedness you expect from Birkenstock into a lightweight, waterproof shoe that’s perfect for walks along the beach. After a day in the sand, they clean easily with any water source or the brush of a hand. Plus, they come in tons of bold colorways, so you can make a statement or keep it neutral like us.

Nothing says vacation like a wide brim hat. However, that doesn’t mean they’re the easiest to pack. Thankfully, this FURTALK Beach Hat is flexible enough to pack down into your bag and bounce back after a few hours of travel. Or, hang it on the outside of your bag if you bring along a hat clip. The fit is adjustable via a hook-and-loop closure on the inside head band. Plus, it comes in plenty of shades and ribbon colors, so you can choose the palette that best suits your vacation packing list.

Wide brim hats may scream beach, but they also scream, “Wait, how do I carry this without wearing it?” Instead of shoving your hat into your travel bag and risk impacting its shape, hang it from the outside using the Klipsta. It uses powerful magnets to secure on either side of a brim, meaning you don’t need to worry about poking holes in your hat just to hang it. Though your hat can still slip through if you swing your bag around hard enough, we haven’t had any issues making it through the airport, TSA, or in and out of an overhead bin with the hat attached. You may just need to adjust the hold every now and then.

We’ve opted for a satin scrunchie from Kitsch to keep our hair up. The material dries quicker than a jersey or cotton commonly found in other hair ties, so you can get in and out of the water without hanging on to a wet scrunchie for the rest of the day. Similarly, satin (and scrunchies in general) are less harsh on hair, so they’re great for sleep. We went with black, but there are fun patterns and lighter colors to choose from, too.

We kicked it up a notch on this classic Vans shoe and went with the Old Skool Platform. Its chunky midsole has a trendy look without being so bulky that they’re hard to pack. Plus, the flat bottoms easily slot together in your travel bag; however, we prefer to wear these in transit. Though they’re not the most breathable shoe we’ve worn, we still find them comfortable enough to walk around in all day, even in the heat. We like the white because they have a sleek, trendy look that pairs well with the wide range of colors on the list, though there are plenty of fun colors available.

Embrace the urge to dip your feet in the water without taking off your sandals every time. The Reef Water Vista sandals have TPU straps that won’t hold on to moisture, so you’ll dry off quickly. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and feature a hook-and-loop adjuster to dial in your fit. Plus, the simple style is easy to pair with any outfit on this vacation packing list and will look nice on just about any occasion. However, keep in mind that the adjuster can take a while to dry, unlike the shoes themselves.

The Peak Design Shoe Pouch ensures that sand doesn’t make its way into your travel pack and has enough room for two pairs of shoes. This enables you to go off the beaten path without worrying about how to get a pair of dirty shoes home. Plus, it packs into itself, so you can leave it in your daily bag in case you decide to walk back to your beachside accommodations barefoot but don’t want to carry your shoes the whole way.

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Productivity & Tech

This is great time to relax and unwind, and everything on your vacation packing list should help get you there. Maybe you like to watch movies before bed or wake up and read a few pages of your local newspaper. No matter how you unwind and unplug, we’ve got you covered.

Though we’ve kept tech to a minimum on this list, there’s still plenty to keep you connected to your life back home. As long as you come out on the other side refreshed, we’re happy.

The Topo Designs Accessory Bags are great for keeping like items together, whether you’re using it as a pouch for your daily essentials or to keep your camera and its accessories packed into one convenient place. They come in fun colors that feel at home in a tropical destination and are surprisingly spacious given their flat, simple design.

With a tiny pouch like the Topo Designs Square Bag, you can organize your small gear and keep it close at hand. This little dump pocket is a perfect spot for headphones, chapstick, a small deck of cards, or anything else you want access to during a flight or throughout your day. It even comes with an attached carabiner to hook it to your travel bag or belt loop. You’ll project major dad vibes in the best way.

Sometimes it’s nice to decompress after a long day in the sun. Instead of a laptop, bring along an iPad Air to watch your favorite TV show or movie, chat with friends and family members back home, or play a few brain puzzles to tire your engine out. The M1 chip and enhanced graphics are a step ahead of the iPad’s previous generations, so you’ve got a lot of power in a tiny package. However, we recommend disconnecting your work email for the week—you've earned it!

The TiMOVO Case for iPad Air pairs protection with a ton of bright colorways, making it perfect for a fun vacation. It has a low-profile design that fits into most device pockets. Plus, the front cover folds into a built-in stand so you can watch videos and play games hands-free on the plane or while you decompress before bed. Though the case isn’t sand-proof, its tight fit reduces the number of particles that get inside.

Remove the pressure to get the perfect photo when you’re on a stress-free vacation. The Instax Mini 40 brings new meaning to the term point-and-shoot, offering a fun alternative to taking pictures with your smartphone or camera. Plus, there’s no fuss around editing the photo or selecting the perfect shot. We like to bring two film packs with us, one loaded in the camera and one extra. The film is pretty easy to find, so if you run out, just stop at a local drug or big box store to grab more.

We’ve opted for the Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition for its IPX8 rating and glare-free screen that auto-adjusts to your surrounding light. You don’t have to worry about surprise splashes while sitting poolside or fighting for a cabana to avoid the afternoon sun. Plus, the upgraded 32-gigabyte storage ensures you have plenty of room to download another beach read.

We like to wear an Apple Watch because it allows us to put our phone away for the day and still keep an eye on our notifications. That way, we can determine what can be ignored for a little while longer—this is a vacation, after all. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as blowing your step goals out of the water while you’re exploring a new city.

Though phones are becoming more durable and waterproof, the GoPro Hero10 is a perfect supplement to your smartphone camera when the journey becomes aquatic. It’s waterproof up to 33 feet, shoots 5.3K video, and fits into the palm of your hand. What else could you ask for?

The Handler Floating Hand Grip is a GoPro accessory that makes it easy to take selfies, point the camera at underwater life, and get action shots playing in the ocean–all while protecting your GoPro from sinking if you accidentally drop it.

What’s a vacation without some killer tunes? The Soundcore 3 offers an IPx7 waterproof rating, meaning it can withstand submersion up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. When combined with its robust sound and vibrant colorway options, the Soundcore 3 is the perfect companion for the pool or beach.

The Anker 735 has three available ports for charging every device on the full vacation packing list. It has a skinny form factor and flip-in prongs, which packs away nicely. With a maximum capacity of 65 watts, it quickly gets you the juice you need. Top up more of your entertainment at once, whether you prefer to do it overnight or while getting ready for the day.

Bringing universal cables is an easy way to save space in your bag when you only have a few devices on hand. The Rolling Square inCharge XL looks the same as your typical cable but has swappable adapters, so you can charge up to six different ways. Bring the 1’ version for your battery bank and leave the 6.5’ version back at your accommodations in a hard-to-reach outlet. The included case is a little bulky, so we opted to ditch it and keep it in our tech pouch instead.

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The iFory Watch Charger is about as minimalist as it gets. It acts as a base to charge your Apple Watch, but instead of an attached cable, you can plug in your own USB-C cord. We love its small size and sturdy feel that takes up practically no space in a tech pouch. The less cords you have to manage, the better.

Charge up to three devices at once with the Anker PowerCore III 10K Wireless Portable Charger. Set your headphones case on the wireless top to charge while you listen to tunes and top up your phone and e-reader using the other two available ports. And, with 10,000 milliamp hours at your disposal, you won’t have to worry about losing access to your map while directing friends or family back to the hotel.

Whether you typically bring a full DSLR set-up or simply enjoy capturing casual memories, the iPhone 13 Pro has you covered. While the standard lens is great for most shots, the second two lenses are ideal for group photos and detailed shots of native flowers. Plus, 12 megapixel photos are more than adequate for sharing on social media. If Android phones are your cup of tea, look for one with multiple lenses to ensure you can get the perfect shot!

When you want to keep your carry as minimal as possible, reach for the Jimmycase Wallet. It protects your phone and features a stretchy elastic pocket that can hold up to six cards. Store your ID when you head to the nearest patio for a drink or bring extra cash to buy a lemonade on the pier. Plus, there are a ton of fun patterns and colors to choose from.

Protect your phone, charging cables, and power bank from sand and surf with the Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Travel Pouch. Its IP67 waterproof design acts as a barrier between your tech and sand or spilled margaritas. In the meantime, use it as a tech pouch within your travel bag to stay organized. Plus, you can even attach a strap or weave paracord through the side loops to create a makeshift sling and go hands-free.

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Whether you’re looking for some peace at the airport or a cabana overrun by Spring Breakers, Apple Airpods Pro have noise-canceling technology that allows you to find your beach no matter where you are. Plus, they fit into the palm of your hand, your pocket, or your sling with ease.

If you’re traveling internationally, it’s essential to be prepared to charge your phone, tablet, or eReader once you arrive. The Kikkerland Travel Adapter has you covered in more than 150 countries so that you can juice up your devices around the globe. It’s important to note that the Kikkerland adapts the outlet—it doesn’t convert power—so be sure to double-check the specifications of the country you’ll be traveling to. If you’re staying local, you can leave this adapter behind.

You never know where you’ll find inspiration worth jotting down. The Pokka Pens Classic Pen is lightweight enough to fit just about anywhere and has a ton of colorways to match the mood of wherever you’re heading. Though it’s not the most premium pen we’ve tested, it’s a great option for writing in your journal while enjoying the sound of crashing waves.

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The Baronfig Confidant Hardcover Notebook is perfect place to store your thoughts and experiences, doodles, and a few games of tic-tac-toe while on the go. It comes in dot grid, ruled, and blank page formats, so there’s something that will feel natural for everyone. We went with the Flagship size so we have enough room for new Pack Hacker ideas, though you can opt for the Pocket size if you want something smaller.

Toiletries & Personal Care

Looking to check out that five-star restaurant everyone’s been raving about? What about when it’s time to spend the day sun-bathing as you nurse a cold drink? No matter where you’re headed, you’ll need your toiletries to get ready for it.

Before you start adding everything and the kitchen sink to your vacation packing list, first check with your accommodations. Most will provide things like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Some even go so far as to provide makeup wipes (if you need them)! By checking what’s available first, you’ll save space in your bag for other (more fun) things—we’re looking at you, Miscellaneous section.

The Aer Travel Kit 2’s ability to organize bulky and tiny toiletries alike makes it a great pick if you have more to carry. The deep bucket shape secures larger bottles of lotion in place while the zippered pockets keeps your tweezers and makeup brushes from getting lost in the shuffle. Plus, there’s even a built-in hook for hanging, so you can give yourself a little extra counter space while you’re getting ready for the day.

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The Gillette Venus Intimate Grooming Razor has a super flexible head that makes it easy to touch up a hard-to-reach bikini line. There’s a built-in bar that reduces the amount of contact it makes with your skin, which means there’s less of a chance for irritation. Plus, there’s even a precision trimmer on the back of the blades to really clean things up.

You can’t always plan a vacation around your cycle, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack a bunch of sanitary items just in case. We like the MeLuna Menstrual Cup for its convenience if your cycle starts early or runs late. They have sizes and shapes to accommodate just about anyone, so you can find a fit that feels right.

After a long day of body-surfing in the waves, your hair will need a bit of detangling. The Michel Mercier Travel Hair Brush is compact and features a cap that protects the bristles when you toss it in your sling or beach bag. Though it works great for getting knots out, the bristles are pretty hard on the end, so take care in how you brush if you have a sensitive or sunburnt scalp.

The lightweight coverage of Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drop feels breathable in warm weather and adds just enough coverage to lightly even out pigmentation. You’re on vacation, after all—looking great with minimal effort is the name of the game. Plus, it comes in tons of skin tones, so there’s something for everyone.

Even on vacation, it’s nice to put a little makeup on. What’s not-so-nice is getting to the beach only to realize that you’re at risk of raccoon eyes if you go underwater. The Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara from Too Faced comes in a travel size container and stays on even when you decide to show off your best swan-dive at the pool.

With the Milani All-Inclusive Eye, Cheek & Face Palette, you have everything you need to get ready for a day in or night out. Go glittery with your eyeshadow or keep it basic with a little blush. There’s even a bit of highlighter and bronzer when it’s time to contour. Though you can’t choose the individual shades, there are a few different palette combinations to match your makeup style and preference.

Whether you want to wear makeup every day or just on special occasions, the Daily Essentials Total Face Kit from EcoTools gives you more options with less bulk. Use the large handle for the blush and buffer brushes and the small handle for the crease, concealer, and spoolie heads. Swap between them as needed and go through your routine with ease. Plus, you can add more interchangeable heads, as each type is compatible with either the small or large handle.

It’s nice to go to bed with a fresh face. At the end of the day, the Clean 10 Cleansing Balm from JUNO & Co. makes quick work of taking off dirt, SPF buildup, and yes, even waterproof mascara. A little bit goes a long way! Rub it between your fingers to create an oil, massage it into your skin, and wash your face just like you usually would. If you’re feeling adventurous, double-cleanse and follow up with a regular face wash. Your skin will thank you.

We like to keep things simple while on vacation, even with our toiletries. The Bellroy Dopp Kit has basic organization for carrying just what you need and nothing more. It has a flexible structure that’s easy to pack full of travel bottles, and it even has a dedicated shelf for your toothbrush. Bring it along to the beach or leave it on the bathroom counter until you’re getting ready for bed. Either way, it’s easy to find exactly what you need.

If you expect to be in and out of the water throughout the day, having a comb on hand is a great way to ensure that your hair always looks dapper. The Chicago Comb Co. Model No. 2 Carbon Fiber is ultra-lightweight, fits into your pocket and is durable enough to take the bumps and knocks of travel.

In addition to the Braun Electric Razor’s sleek design, it operates relatively silently with two double-A batteries. We like the twist cap that acts as both a protective cover in transit and a longer handle when it’s in use. Plus, it won’t turn on while the cover is closed, so the rest of your toiletries are safe. We’re sticking with easy beard maintenance on this vacation packing list, though you can bring a razor if you want a closer shave.

You might think your daily deodorant is perfect for a beach vacation, though standard roll-on deodorants are at risk of melting in hot weather or getting flagged at TSA. The Vasarii nakd. Thai Crystal Deodorant Stone comes in a sturdy, travel-size case and won’t melt in the sun, so you won’t have any issues with airport security. Get it wet before applying for the best results.

Though it comes with its own clear pouch, Eagle Creek’s Silicone Bottle Set fits snug in practically any Dopp kit. Between the four included bottles, we’ve split our SPF protection, regular lotion, aloe for soothing skin after long days in the sun, and toothpaste for, you know, your teeth. If you want to bring face wash, swap out the sunscreen and buy a big bottle at your destination instead. No matter what you pack, the thin, compact design of these bottles is ideal for your liquid essentials.

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Here at Pack Hacker, we like to keep everything organized, including our medications. The humangear GoTubb is small, lightweight, and has enough room to stow medication for your trip. We like to keep ibuprofen here just in case we need it, and you can even leave the pills in there when you return home until your next trip.

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A vacation packing list calls for sun, surf, and sugary snacks. The Philips One Battery Toothbrush by Sonicare meets our travel toothbrush size expectations and has the vibrations we’re used to from our regular model at home. Nobody likes messing up their daily hygiene routines, and staying ahead of your brushing can save you a toothache later.

Walking barefoot on the beach is one of the best feelings in the world; however, the occasional splinter is possible while traveling along the boardwalk. The Tweezerman Slant Tweezer has a minimal design that works well at removing everything from wood pieces to errant eyebrow hairs.

Nobody likes a hangnail, especially on vacation! The Victorinox Swiss Army Nail Clippers are a super packable set of clippers that ensure you won’t ever have to wait to get rid of a pesky hangnail again. Plus, they're TSA-friendly.

Though most hotels and Airbnbs provide beach towels, it’s always good to have a spare for spontaneous trips to the water. With over a dozen designs to choose from, the Nomadix Ultralight Towel adds flair to your relaxation without taking up too much space in your beach bag. It’s made with MicroSuede, which is a type of microfiber designed to absorb water and dry quickly. The included carrying case is a little large, so we prefer to roll it up and stow it in our pack on its own.

We always keep a tube of lip balm with us, especially on a beach vacation, to ensure our lips don’t get chapped due to humidity changes, sun exposure, and salt water. We recommend choosing a version that includes SPF protection. That way, you have an extra layer of safety from the sun’s rays.

Whether you need to contain something inside or outside the bag, a Ziploc bag does the trick. We’re bringing a quart size to get our liquids through TSA and a gallon size just in case we go for one last dip before our flight and need to lug home a wet bathing suit. We like to use a VELCRO cable tie to keep them rolled up and stowed in our toiletry bag or travel pack.

Miscellaneous

The items in this section are here to amp things up. We’re talking games, relaxation enhancers, and travel essentials that will make your life easier.

Though some of these aren’t necessities, they’ll help you get the most out of your vacation. Sometimes day 4 of sitting on the beach can get a little old, and this gear will ensure you’re having a good time as you relax.

On days when you want to go straight from the beach to dinner, store your wet bathing suit in Matador’s Droplet Water-Resistant Stuff Sack so it’s separate from the rest of your dry gear. It has 2.5 liters of storage space when expanded and packs down into a silicone container small enough to fit on your key ring. However, it’s not waterproof, so moisture can still seep out of the top cinch closure. It’s important to keep it upright when possible.

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Card games are a great way to pass the time, whether you’re waiting for a storm to pass or just looking for a way to spend a few hours without screen time. Though they’re only slightly smaller than a regular deck of cards, every inch counts when you’re traveling with one bag. They’re durable enough to be used anywhere, though be gentle with the case, as it’s similar to a standard deck of cards and can be easily crushed.

Simply put, the Waboba’s name is a shortened version of what it is: a WAter BOuncing BAll. It fits into the palm of your hand and skips across water with ease, offering endless opportunities for fun at the beach or pool. The gel core doesn’t get saturated with water, so you can play with it for hours. However, it can skip a long way, so be careful how hard you throw it!

A hammock is a perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring a new destination. The Kammok Roo Single UL Camping Hammock makes that possible without adding weight to your pack. It weighs less than 6 ounces and packs into itself, so it’s easy to stow away until you need it. However, it takes a few tries to get used to the repacking process, so practice makes perfect.

An ultralight hammock is nothing without a set of ultralight hammock straps to pair with it. The Kammok Python 10 UL Hammock straps compress easily and slot nicely into your pack. Despite their small size, they can hold up to 300 pounds. They come with an included carrying case, though rolling the straps to fit inside can take some getting used to.

One of the best things about a tropical vacation is enjoying the sunset from the beach, though sand can deter you from sitting on the ground in your dinner clothes. The Matador Pocket Blanket 3.0 fits in your pocket for easy storage and has enough coverage for up to three people to sit. However, we’ve found it’s best suited for two. Plus, with the included stakes on each corner, you won’t have to worry about it blowing away.

Though the Purist Collective Mover looks like your everyday insulated water bottle, its unique design gives it an edge. On the inside is a thin layer of glass that protects your drink from developing that metallic-y taste you sometimes get when it’s left in a stainless steel bottle too long. This means that your ice-cold lemonade will stay fresh even if it takes you a few hours to finish it. We also like the sleek matte exterior, though it can scuff.

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Tropical climates usually mean sun and surf, but it’s worth being prepared for inclement weather. We chose the DAVEK MINI umbrella for its compact size and lightweight construction. It’s so small that you won’t regret lugging it around town even if you don’t end up needing it. Plus, it comes in a ton of bold colorways, so there’s something for everyone.

The Loop Quiet Noise Reduction Earplugs help you enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet after a night on the town. They dampen outside noises so you can easily get a few more hours of shut-eye. Choose between four different silicone ear tip sizes to find the right fit for you. Plus, they come with a small carrying case, so you’ll always know where they are when you need them.

The Orbitkey Key Organiser is a minimalist key ring that holds a handful of the keys you need, like your house key for your place back home or the Airbnb you're staying at for the week. Leave it inside your travel pack or throw it in your pocket when you head out for the day.

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Carabiners are always useful, but The James Brand Mehlville takes function to a new level. It’s separated into two sections, so you can secure small items like your keys on one side and attach them to your everyday bag with the other. Plus, it has a built-in bottle opener to crack open a cold one on the beach or poolside.

Whether you plan to take a few day-long excursions or don’t plan to leave the pool for more than an hour, it’s always best to be prepared with first aid. We like to purchase a standard premade kit and empty the contents into a small, thin pouch that’s easier to store. That way, we can look cool while we tend to a blister from walking around town all day!

Eating a frozen snack from a cart vendor is a great way to cool off; however, it can be a little tricky if your hands are covered in sand. Hand wipes are the perfect way to clean up before eating to ensure no sand or saltwater makes its way into your mouth. We like disinfectant wipes both for our hands and sanitizing public bathrooms or changing surfaces before using them.

See How We Pack It

Time to Chill!

So, there you have it! A vacation packing list designed to help you relax in style and, most importantly, comfort. If you’re curious about how to pack for more than just your vacation, check out our other packing lists and guides to help you get started. We cover everything you need, from traveling as a digital nomad to choosing the best travel backpack.

Whether you’re hitting up international beaches or staying within your home country’s borders, we hope this vacation packing list takes the stress out of packing so you can relax before your trip even starts.

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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

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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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Home » Gear » road trip packing list

Your ESSENTIAL Road Trip Packing List for 2024!

Do you feel that? That energy gathering inside of you? That sensation where you can’t stand still? Sounds like you’re getting excited…

Because it’s road trip season, baby! The open country is calling our names, and we must go because it’s been a rough week at work and things are always better out there in the world.

But knowing what to include in your road trip packing list can be a little daunting. You may have a hard time deciding how many clothes you really need to bring. You might not know what it takes to pack an effective kitchen with you.

Enter our road trip packing list for 2024. We’ve condensed all our experience into this one mega-post to make sure you know what to bring on your next adventure.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “what do I need for a cross country road trip?”, well, we’ve got all the answers below, so let’s crack on!

Form first -aid kits to card games, we’ve listed all of the absolute must-haves that will make your trip a full success.

Let’s get to it!

Why you should prepare for a Road Trip

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By now you should kind of know what you’ll see in this guide. These are the most important things to bring on a long journey – the absolute road trip necessities that you shouldn’t ever leave the house without. What you pack into your bag is just as important as planning your trip ahead and we’ve got you covered with this list of essentials for a cross-country road trip.

These tools will bail you out of a sticky situation and are practically mandatory to start ANY epic road trip. Whether you want to do a road trip through the USA or check out the amazing roads on the coast of Australia , you need to be prepared. Whatever you do, don’t leave without these top 10 road trip essentials on your packing list!

Right then, let’s get things going on our cross-country road trip checklist.

1. First Aid Kit

Even if you don’t plan on doing any extreme wilderness adventures on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations. If you’re wondering what item you should never forget when you’re considering what to bring on a cross-country road trip, well, the first aid kit might just be the most important.

Our team absolutely swears by packing a good quality first aid kit not just for road trips but for any trip. This pack is rugged enough for multiple trips and frequent use, the gear is excellent quality and comes with a kit list that can be checked off when restocking it.

Unless you know the region you’re driving in very well or intend on just asking for directions, a map is an absolutely necessary thing to bring on a road trip. You may settle for just using digital apps, like Google Maps or Maps.me , but having a physical map will always be best even just as a backup in case you lose GPS. When you’re compiling your packing list for a cross-country road trip, a map is pretty essential!

It might seem old school but our team always carries paper maps on them and they’ve been a lifesaver when mobile phone batteries have died or GPS signals have dropped off. We’ve got first-hand experience of how much of a lifesaver they can be. Our main advice here for both digital and paper maps would be to give them a test run beforehand so you know how they work!

3. Aux Cord

One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxiliary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

This humble aux cord might seem like a pretty simple bit of kit, but our team wouldn’t leave for a road trip without one. Not only do they keep the vibes rocking whilst on the road, but on a more serious note they can be a lifesaver when it comes to avoiding falling asleep whilst driving.

4. Phone mount

It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and whatnot, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view. It might seem like something pretty small, but we think it’s one of the most important cross-country road trip essentials.

Like much of this list, these items so far might seem small and insignificant but trust us when we say, as a team we love the functionality and safety that this phone mount adds to our trips. This particular mount is ideal because it fits all different sizes of phone and easily clips and unclips to the vents in your car.

5. Roadside Emergency Kit

Just like you never know what could happen to yourself , one never knows what can happen to their car . A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and even more. Make sure you bring an emergency kit for your car on your road trip – most include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties. It would also be smart to inform yourself about how to use each vehicle tool so you don’t depend on other people’s help as much.

Our team swears by this roadside emergency kit and it’s saved their arses a good few times on the road! You just never know when you’re dream roadie is going to go from awesome to being stuck in the middle of nowhere! This thing has everything you need in it and it’s all good quality without being too bulky or heavy too.

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

6. Driver’s License

Obviously, you shouldn’t even be driving without one. If you happen to be pulled over without a license, you could face a heavy fine. If you’re on an epic road trip abroad, be sure to check and see which countries require an International Driver’s Permit.

7. Roadside Assistance

Unless you plan on including an auto shop’s worth of tools in your road trip packing list, you can’t be prepared for every disaster. If your car suffers catastrophic damage, you’re going to need roadside assistance for towing and repair. A lot of travel insurances offer roadside assistance .

8. Spare Keys

Take it from someone who’s been in this situation – if you lose your keys in the middle of nowhere, you could be screwed royally. You’ll have to get a special locksmith to come out there or even have your car towed.

If it’s a rental, the fees for either of these could be enormous. Consider a spare set a road trip necessity: just in case. And this one might seem obvious, but keep it separate from your main key! If you’re headed to the beach consider getting a lockbox that uses a code to keep your keys safe.

9. Registration or Rental Agreement:

These documents should be in your car at all times, regardless if you’re packing for a last-minute road trip or just going to the grocery store. Make sure they’re there before you leave. It’s also good to have a digital copy with you too.

10. Water bottle

You’re going to be drinking a lot of water on your journey – therefore you’ll need a water bottle. If you’re just buying plastic bottles, not only will you be wasting money, but you will also be creating clutter in your car (plus the environment and shit, man). Invest in a good quality water bottle and fill it periodically. Now go and get your own water bottle – save the environment, save your wallet and stay hydrated.

Our team are massive fans of this Grayl bottle and take it everywhere with them, and we mean that! This bottle will not only see you right on your roadie but it will keep you hydrated on your other travels, at the gym or even sat next to your laptop whilst working!

It’s easy to forget that your actual means of transport needs its own kit when you’re compiling your cross-country road trip packing list. But, it’s just as important!

Your car itself needs to be given just as much attention as yourself or your road trip packing list. To help maintain your vehicle and to fix minor problems, like a flat tire, consider packing these items.

• Spare Tire: One of the most common issues on the road is a flat tire. Most cars, especially rentals, have a spare hidden in the floor of the trunk, just in case such a situation arises. Check to see if you have one and buy one if you don’t.
• Car Jack and Lug Wrench : To change that flat tire, you’re going to need the proper tools. A car jack and lug wrench are all that is required to do this. Be sure to brush up on how to change a tire, yourself.
• Tire Repair Kit : If you’re up to it, you can not only change that flat but fix it as well. It’ll take a couple of extra tools and some resins, but it can be done. When you’re finished, you can rejoice at your own handiness.
• Extra fluids : Running out of fluids like coolant and oil could lead to disaster – trust me, you don’t want your car running with a lack of either. Keep a bottle or two of these tucked away in the trunk. Maybe have some extra windshield wiper fluid as well.
• Gas Can : If for some reason you run out of gas, you’ll need a spare gas can to run and grab more. This is one of the most important things to bring on long rides into the middle of nowhere because you never know where the next gas station may be.
• Sunshade : Nothing sucks more than getting into a car after it’s been baking in the sun. If you sit on a leather seat after it’s been cooking, it can feel like 2nd-degree burns. Keep your car cool with one of these.
• Cable ties : A useful road trip item to have around in case something needs arresting, like a loose bumper (or a rowdy hitchhiker) . Also handy when tying down stuff on the roof or in the bed of a truck.

Things to Bring on a Road Trip in Winter for Car Care

• Chains: Regular tires cannot handle snowy conditions – they do not have enough tread and often spin out on ice or snow. Chains provide traction and can handle snowy conditions. Always have a pair if snow is a possibility. Note that there are different sized chains for different sized wheels.
• Ice Scraper : Speaking of swerving, you need to be able to see to drive. Before starting up your car, use a scraper to clear the ice from the windshield and make sure the defroster is on. If you don’t have a scraper, a credit card can work to (but you may destroy it).
• Shovel : If it dumped snow and your car is buried, you’re going to have to dig it out. A lightweight, portable snow shovel is obviously the best way to go about this. If you’re in a really hairy situation, you can use this winter road trip essential for digging a snow cave as well.

Hygienic Things to Pack on a Road Trip

Unless you want to return home looking like you just came from a weeklong music festival (then again maybe you are actually doing this…) you have to take care of your hygiene while on a road trip. Forget one of these on your road trip packing list and you’ll never miss it so much.

• Toiletries : Gotta keep those teeth and hair healthy, people! Admittedly, I almost always forget to pack these things on a long trip and immediately regret not having them (toothbrush: number one most forgotten travel item). Nothing feels better than having a fresh mouth after a night of camping.
• Deodorant: No one likes your brand of BO, especially when they’re stuck in a car with you. Wear some deodorant for the sake of everyone else.
• Comb/Brush : Hair gets nappy, especially when you’re on a wild road trip and doing all kinds of cool things. Don’t forget to take care of your luscious locks. Otherwise, your hairdresser is going to throw a shit fit when they try to unravel all of those dreadlocks.
• Tote Bag : Unless you wanna deal with a dozen objects haphazardly rolling around in the car, you need to have a bag for them. A tote bag is one of those items that will help you stay organized and improve your life 100% while on a road trip.
• Hand sanitizer : You may have just used a disgusting rest stop bathroom or you may have gotten your hands dirty while camping; either way a bottle of hand sanitizer is extremely convenient road trip item and cheap to buy as well.
• Tissues: Good for blowing your nose, drying your hands, killing bugs in the car, and a whole lot more. These are a family road trip essential to help clean up the kids.

Skin Care on a Road Trip

• Lotion: Car heaters can raise the aridity of the cab over time, which, in turn, causes dry and cracked skin. Have some lotion with you in case your skin begins to dry out and become uncomfortable. You can also use lotion as your lip balm.
• Sunscreen : If you’re planning on being outdoors a lot while on this road trip, you definitely need sunscreen in your road trip packing. On another note, if you’re the type who likes to drive long hours with the window open, you can even get burned and have an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Wet wipes : Ever heard of the wet wipe shower? It’s possible and it’s actually pretty effective. If you’ve been driving non-stop and haven’t had the chance to stay in a proper hotel with a shower, a quick wet-wipe-rinse-off is great for freshening up.

Which Clothing to Bring on a Road Trip

Don’t overlook what you kind of clothing you’re putting in your road trip checklist – you’re about to be limited to whatever you pack. On the other hand, don’t bring your entire closet with you because you need space for the other road trip essentials.

Choose your clothing wisely and make sure to bring these key pieces:

• Sunglasses: Driving into the sun and being blinded by it is never fun or particularly safe. Keep a pair of good glasses in your car at all times and have a second pair for walking around.
• Sandals : Wearing sandals feels SO good after you’ve been driving or hiking all day. Taking my shoes off and letting my toes breathe as I slip them into my sandals is one of the greatest highlights of my day. They’re small and flexible too, which means they aren’t hard to pack.
• Shoes: Obviously, you’re going to have to wear shoes at some point. Since you may be stuck in them for hours at a time, you need to make sure they’re extra comfy . Bring the right pair and don’t just settle for some old pair of Converses.
• Hat : I prefer a good bucket hat because they keep my ears protected and can take quite a beating. Any kind of hat will be fine though – just so long it gets the job done and looks good.
• Kaffiyeh : A kaffiyeh is one of the most useful things to bring on a road trip. They’re warm, easy, tough, and, most importantly, can serve multiple purposes. When I’m not using mine as a scarf, I’m using it as a blanket, a pack, a headscarf, and a whole lot more.

Winter Road Trip Essential Clothing

• Beanie : They’re cheap, effective, small, and sometimes stylish. I’d take one even if I was packing for a summer road trip because they’re just so damn easy and convenient to have.
• Rain jackets : Rain can quickly ruin your day if you aren’t ready for it. While most First Aid or Emergency Kits have an emergency poncho included, you should still pack your rain jacket .
• Warm Coat : Down jackets are very lightweight and can sometimes take up next to no room. They can be a bit expensive though. Fleece jackets are quite good at keeping out the cold but you’ll have to layer up if you intend on road-tripping in the winter or in the mountains. A down poncho is also great for cold nights in the tent or around the campfire.

Maybe you intend on sleeping in only hotels and Airbnb apartments on your cross country road trip. Regardless, I highly recommend packing some camping gear . You’ll get to enjoy the outdoors and save a lot of money in the process.

• Air mattress : I personally can’t sleep without having something padded underneath me. Luckily there are some very comfortable and compact sleeping pads out there that are great for camping. If you have a truck, you can also invest in a BIG inflatable mattress and then stick it in the bed of the truck for ultimate comfort.
• Tent : It always pays to have a tent wherever you go . With a tent, you can sleep just about anywhere and cheaply too! If you have a rugged 4×4 vehicle, you can also pimp it out and put a tent on top of it, much like these rooftop tents.
• Sleeping bag : They’re warm, light, come in all shapes and sizes, and are relatively durable. I take a sleeping bag with me whenever I travel and have even gotten to the point where I use it even when there’s a blanket on hand. Check out our favorite sleeping bags .
• Blanket : A blanket is not only useful for staying warm at night, but for keeping an area relatively clean. If I want to avoid getting dirty, I lay one of these on the ground and then use it as a rug. I also use blankets to conceal valuables from curious, would-be car thieves.
• Pillows : One of the things I miss the most when I’m backpacking in the wilderness is a good travel pillow . So when I’m car camping and have the means to pack such luxuries, I always take advantage of it. Nothing is better than a fluffy bag full of goose-down feathers – the ultimate in road trip gear!
• Headlamp : You can invest in a good flashlight if you like, but headlamps are much more useful. They’re hands-free, which then allows you to cook, set up camp, or whatever in the dark. You can opt for a good flashlight if you want, but, honestly, I could never go back to one.

Road Trip Packing List – Kitchen Edition

Unless you plan on eating out every night with greasy spoons or snacking the entire way, you’re going to have to cook eventually. Why not invest in a proper kitchen for yourself so you can cook your own food? You can get creative with your cooking and even involve (here’s a road trip idea) the kids.

• Camping stove : You can invest in a monster stove if you feel so inclined. Or you could get by just fine with a portable backpacking stove.
• Pots and pans : We’re not saying you have to bring the latest and greatest Teflon with you, but you gotta have something. Packing one of each for your road trip should accommodate most of your cooking needs. If you can manage it, cast iron works really well outdoors and adds a lot of flavors.
• Cutlery : I eat with my hands all of the time but my guests may not be so keen on this method.
• Plates : They don’t have to be anything special – just a couple plates and/or bowls. You can buy some collapsible ones, which are very useful when you’re backpacking too.  
• A good knife : Not only is one of these essential for preparing food but it’s also quite handy for small tasks, like cutting rope, twigs, tape, etc. It’s one of the most useful tools in human history and an equally useful thing to bring with you on a road trip.
• Cooking utensils : You’re going to need a spatula, a set of tongs, and a large spoon. I generally stick to plastic or silicone when cooking – wood tends to get grimy after a while and metal can ruin Teflon.
• Coffee press : One thing that adults tend to do on road trips is wake up early – either because they need to get the car ready or to rouse their kids awake. It’s moments like this, when perhaps you had a bit too much to drink around the fire, that having some fresh coffee really pays.
• Camping mugs : These are good for holding everything from coffee to water to wine to whiskey. Invest in a good titanium one and it will last a while for you.

Keeping Your Car Clean and Tidy

• Collapsible bins : By now, we’ve featured a lot if things to bring on a road trip (there’s more to come). Collapsible bins are one of the best road trip items for keeping all that stuff orderly in your trunk. They’re light, flexible, and an essential piece of road trip gear once you’ve used them.
• Compression sacks : These are great for dirty clothes and for packing objects tightly. If you plan on going wilderness backpacking, these are also useful for keeping stuff neat in your backpack.
• Campsuds : This is easily one of my favorite things to pack on a road trip. Campsuds can be used for everything: dishes, upholstery, your body, hair, whatever. It’s also biodegradable and smells pretty damn good.
• Towel: We don’t just mean any kind of towel – we mean you need to get a microfiber one. They absorb more liquid, dry quicker, and are way more portable than cotton ones. All important features when considering what to bring on a road trip.
• Garbage bin: Whether you actually have a dedicated bin or just use a regular old garbage bag, you gotta have something for the litter. While on a road trip, you’ll have to be much better about cleaning up, unless you want to be swimming in trash.
• Air freshener: Being cooped up with the same dirty equipment and same smelly friend is going to make the air a bit stagnant at times. Do yourselves a favor and spray some Febreeze every once in a while.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

What Food to Bring on a Road Trip

When you’re considering what to pack for a cross-country road trip, you don’t want to overlook fuel, and by that, we mean for yourself, not just for your car!

• Nuts: These are a good source of protein and fat. Peanuts are the classic road trip snack but I’ll splurge and get some cashews every once in a while. Avoid sunflower seeds and other nuts with pods as they just make a mess.
• Dried fruit: Raisins are obviously the most popular dry fruit and are practically married to peanuts. You can get just about any fruit dehydrated these days though, including kiwis, mangos, and strawberries. Avoid fruits with too much sugar and banana chips fried in palm oil.
• Jerky: Jerky is pretty expensive and sometimes coated in salt, but it’s a great source of protein. Avoid “fake” jerky, like Slim Jims, and get the natural stuff. Jerky should only have spices, water, salt, and one or two preservatives – stay away from anything with more.
• Canned goods: These can actually be really healthy and delicious if you buy the right ones. Canned tomatoes, vegetables, fruits, and beans are great examples. Preserved meats work in a pinch (love SPAM) but often contain an unhealthy amount of salt.
• Grains: Rice, flour, wheat, cereals, and muesli all have a long shelf life and are great foods to bring on a road trip. Just be sure you keep them in well-sealed bags because they can be a real mess.
• Candied-coated sweets: No road trip packing list is really complete without some sort of candy. Try to avoid raw chocolates, like bars or truffles, as they’ll melt easily. Stick to candy-coated items like M&Ms or fruit snacks.

Food Storage for a Road Trip Packing List

• Cooler : You may end up buying some fresh meat, some dairy products, or you might just want to keep your beers cold. Either way you need to have a cooler in case of these situations. When it’s not occupied by perishables, you can also use the cooler as a storage unit.
• Tupperware : Use these for packing leftover food or random bits in pieces in your car. They’re better than plastic bags because… well… duh.
• Water Jug : This is actually one of the most important things to bring on your road trip because you should ALWAYS have water with you. Keep this in the back and fill it up regularly. Make sure it’s a big one too because you’ll end up going through more water than you expect.

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Camping Road Trip Packing List

One of the best things to do on a road trip cross country is to spend a few days in the wilderness . I always organize my road trip necessities around this activity and have my own ideas on what to bring.

• Wheel lock: Being away from your car for days at a time increases the chances of someone coming along and jacking the whole shebang. While it may seem like overkill to use these, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Backpack : If you are planning on going on a multi-day backpacking trip, you’re going to need a good hiking backpack. If you’re just making little day hikes, maybe consider a smaller day pack instead.
• Hiking boots : While you may enjoy wearing a pair of sandals in the car or some trainers in the cities, you need hiking boots for the adventurous stuff . Make sure they’re sturdy and broken in before using them.
• Trekking poles : If you have bad knees, trekking poles will make your life so much easier. They can also be used to prop up a tarp-style tent or to poke people in the back seat.
• Hiking Essentials : A lot of these essentials have already been spoken about in this road trip checklist, but make sure you have them for hiking as well.
• Dry bag : If you’re going to participating in some sort of water sport on your road trip, you should consider investing in a dry bag. These are designed to keep gear safe from water, but NOTE that they are not totally waterproof.
• Mosquito spray : Fuck mosquitoes.

Packing for a Digital Nomad Road Trip

Some people may actually live and work in their car as a way of life i.e. digital nomads . These people need to be both mobile and efficient, which demands a special road trip essential list. Make sure you have all of the following items so you can work and then play.

• Laptop : Just because you’re mobile, doesn’t mean you can’t get shit done. Today’s best laptops are extremely powerful and can do just about anything you could ask for. Bring yours with you to work remotely.
• Camera : You should never travel without a camera! It doesn’t matter if it’s a professional DSLR or disposable point-and-shoot – having one is always useful. Try out one of these fancy travel cameras or consider something more fun, like an Instax.
• Camera accessories : If you’re serious about photography, don’t forget the proper camera accessories either.
• Power inverter : Use one of these docks to charge different devices in your car. They plug into the cigarette lighter and behave just like a regular outlet. A great item to pack for a long drive or if your laptop is about to die on the road.
• Portable Battery : These work really well in a pinch or if your power inverter seems to be on the fritz. When you need to leave your car for an extended period of time – like hiking – these are often good for a couple of days.
• Hard drive : I put all of my essential digital files on a hard drive e.g. movies, photos, etc. Considering how small these are, they shouldn’t take up too much space and make for useful road trip accessories.
• Multi-cord : USB, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt; who can keep up with the different types of cords these days. Buy an all-in-one package and save yourself the clutter.  

Keep that precious laptop safe and all your accessories organized with our favorite laptop protector, the Nomatic Tech Case . Water-resistant and durable this case offers plenty of protection from daily travel life.

Packing for a Fun Road Trip

What’s a road trip packing list without some entertainment?! Pack these items for those long, quiet rides and for when you’re ready to have some fun.

• Notebook : Some people like to keep a journal, some like a day planner for itineraries, and others just like somewhere to take notes. The Nomatic Planner has been my favorite with its mix of calendars, organization and journalling pages. Check out our round up of the best travel journals out there for more options! 
• Deck of cards: No matter what I do, I ALWAYS bring a set of cards with me. Even if I’m packing for a last-minute road trip and have time to grab one thing, I’ll take these over spare underwear. With a deck, I can happily play of my favorite road trip games, like cribbage, rummy, and bullshit.
• Kindle : While it’s hard to replace a physical book with actual pages, Kindles are just too convenient. These devices can literally store thousands of books and weigh no more 12 ounces. Because of their small size, these are one of my favorite road trip packing hacks.
• Road trip book : Boredom can be disastrous on a long ride and can really sour the mood. To avoid these situations, be sure to pack one some sort of special road trip game book. These provide lots of entertainment and are one of the best things for long road trips with kids.
• Portable speaker : I almost always grab one of these when packing for a weekend trip to the lake. Then, we’ll have good drinks, good company, and good tunes. If your car doesn’t support your MP3 player either, you can use this speaker instead.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

Whatever you do, don’t hit the road without travel insurance. I’ve claimed my travel insurance three times. If I hadn’t had insurance, I would have been fucked.

Check out this post for plenty of intel on staying safe whilst traveling.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Check out these additional road trip packing hacks and take your game to the next level!

• Make sure you get a system in place FIRST. Trying to reorganize the car halfway through a trip is a nightmare and probably going to be a huge ordeal.
• Use every little piece of space that you can. If a cooler is empty, fill it with something. Use those coat hangers in your car (if they still exist). Check underneath the floorboards for additional space as well.
• Use a road trip planning app like ViaMichelin . Not only will it list all nearby gas stations and their current prices, but it will also alert you of upcoming tolls and bridges. The app even provides rough estimates for the cost of whole road trips.
• Check relocation services, like immova or Cruise America , to see if someone needs a car moved near you. If you’re lucky, you can actually get paid to take the car on a cross country road trip.
• If you have a truck, seriously consider turning the bed into your sleeping space. I know several friends who do this and swear it’s the most comfortable way of car camping. Just make sure you have a plan B for rain.
• If you’re car camping, master the wet wipe shower. Trust us, you’ll be devoid a real shower more often than nought.
• Take your car to the shop and have it checked before going anywhere. You don’t want to be halfway through your road trip and have your car break. That could potentially ruin your hard-earned vacation.
• Overnight oats are my favorite road trip breakfast because they’re super easy to make and delicious. If you don’t have milk, a dehydrated mix or some condensed milk will do just fine.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

What are some things to do on a long car ride by yourself?

That’s tough because you have to dedicate most of your attention to the road. Aside from contemplating your navel or singing along to music, try listening to an audiobook or a podcast.

What are some family road trip ideas when kids are involved?

Try and limit your time in the car as kids get antsy very quick. Have lots of activities planned and limit drive times. Distract them with mobile games (or even packable travel games ) or have everyone listen to that audiobook together.

How much will a road trip cost?

Road trip expenses add up very quickly, especially if you spend frivolously. It’s possible to spend less $100/day, but you need to have extremely strict habits. This means doing things like camping out as much as possible, being fuel-efficient, and cooking your own food. Having a smart road trip packing list goes a long way!

Is it legal to sleep in parking lots?

While it’s technically illegal in most states, camping in certain public areas – like parking lots – is not always enforced. Wal-Marts are a well-known secret among transients as overnight parking is usually allowed at these. Be sure to check the local laws when travelling internationally.

How often should I take a break?

Taking a breather is one thing you should always do on long drives. The official Highway Code recommends taking a 15-minute break every two hours and I completely agree. Step out of the car, do some stretching, whatever you like.

• Epic California Road Trip
• Epic New Zealand Road Trip
• Epic Alaska Road Trip
• Epic New England Road Trip

Still have some questions about the things you need for a cross-country road trip? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What are the three most important things you need on a road trip packing list?

While there are many things that should be on your packing list, these are the essentials: – First Aid Kit – Driver’s License – Spare Keys

What should I bring on a long road car trip?

A waterbottle is a no-brainer when going on a long road trip. That way, you won’t need to spend extra money on plastic bottles. And of course, the Aux Cord and a Phone mount can’t be missing either.

What do you need to pack on a roadtrip with kids?

Snacks and entertainment . Make sure to bring your kids favorite toys, books or maybe even an iPad.

Should you get an extra car insurance for a roadtrip?

Most definitely, especially if it’s a longer one. Having an extra travel insurance during your trip can be a real life-safer.

There it is, folks: our comprehensive road trip packing list. We hope it works well for y’all!

Get packing for a road trip and get out there! There are a lot of good roads to drive with a lot of good views. There’s nothing quite like a good road trip!

With this road trip packing list in hand (printable for your viewing pleasure) you’ll be sailing – uhh, driving – smoothly. Nothing to fear! Except for maybe a warped head gasket. That will fuck everything up; they’re as bad as mosquitoes.

Did we miss anything, like any family road trip essentials, in this list? Tending to the rugrats is not my speciality.

Please leave a comment if you feel like we missed anything or want to add to this guide! What are your must-haves for a cross-country road trip? We love to listen.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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That’s a good idea to make sure to bring some roadside assistance contact info. I wouldn’t want to have a crash or a breakdown or something and be stuck in the middle of nowhere. That would be bad if we got stuck with no civilization in a hundred miles. That way you could have a way to get some help to tow your car.

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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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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!

The Ultimate Road Trip Supplies Checklist

Planning a road trip can be an exciting yet daunting task. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of road trip supplies to help you pack for your next adventure!

The fun part of planning is looking at road trip ideas then deciding where to go. But the important part of a successful road trip is knowing what to pack and what to leave behind!

You want to make sure you have everything you need to ensure your journey is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. To help, here’s a comprehensive checklist of all the essential supplies you’ll need for your next road trip adventure!

From snacks and entertainment options to camping gear and safety items, this list has it all covered so that nothing gets left behind on your epic voyage.

Grab the free planner and road trip packing list by clicking the graphic below!

This site contains affiliate links which means WE may receive commissions for purchases made through these links. We only provide links to products we actually use and/or wholeheartedly recommend! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read the full Disclosure Policy.

Lists of road trip supplies.

We’ve created this ultimate resource to help you know what to pack for a road trip:

• Road Trip Accessories

These lists of road trip accessories provide comfort, safety, and organization while driving to your destination. If you’ll be doing a family road trip, check out the lists specifically for driving with kids!

• Road Trip Car Organization
• Family Road Trip Items to Pack
• Family Road Trip Accessories
• Road Trip Accessories for Kids
• Holiday Road Trips with Kids
• Road Trip Coolers
• Road Trip Gift Ideas

Road Trip Toys and Games

Be prepared with travel toys and games to reduce the number of times your children say “Are we there yet?” Size matters when it comes to road trip toys. When choosing toys to pack, consider how much space they will take up versus how much time your kids will spend playing with them.

• Road Trip Journals
• Road Trip Activity Pack
• Road Trip Toys for Babies
• Road Trip Toys for Toddlers
• Travel Toys for Younger Kids
• Car Games for Road Trips
• Road Trip Games for Teens
• Road Trip Games for Older Kids
• Family Road Trip Games
• Travel Printable Games

Road Trip Snacks and Food

You’ll find a good mix of road trip snacks and food for travel. We like to focus on the the healthy road trip snacks that include a well-balanced mix of protein and good-for-you fats, not those that add extra sugar, sodium and empty calories to your diet. 

• Gluten Free Road Trip Snacks
• High Protein Road Trip Snacks
• Homemade Road Trip Snacks
• Portable Road Trip Snack Recipes
• Road Trip Snacks for Adults
• Road Trip Snacks for Kids
• Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Breakfasts for Road Trip Travel

Healthy Road Trip Snacks and Food

• Healthy Road Trip Snacks
• Healthy Road Trip Snacks for Adults
• Healthy Road Trip Snacks for Kids
• Healthy Homemade Road Trip Snacks
• Healthy Gluten Free Road Trip Snacks
• Healthy Portable Road Trip Snack Recipes
• Healthy Protein Road Trip Snacks
• Healthy Road Trip Make Ahead Freezer Friendly Breakfasts
• Healthy Road Trip Food  
• Low-Calorie Road Trip Snacks

Find Healthy Snack Ideas

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20 Yummy Low-Calorie Road Trip Snack Recipes

20 Recipes to Make Road Trip Snacks For Kids

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Ultimate List of Essential Road Trip Supplies + Gear to Organize your Car

I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that road trips are  the way to travel right now. Most people are avoiding airports, which means folks determined to go on vacation, visit family or otherwise roam are doing so by vehicle. Are you planning a road trip? Then you’ll want to make sure you have these essential road trip supplies.

We’ve been going on a  lot of road trips lately, so I 100% get the urge for a change of scenery. But just because you’re in your car for days doesn’t mean you have to accept messes, disorganization or even nonstop fast food.

(This road trip list is an excellent foundation. If you want to go way in-depth to take all the stress out of planning a road trip, check out my new online course, Rock Your Road Trip !)

These road trip essentials will help you keep your car clean, organized and safe. This list will recommend the best products to keep your food safe and tasty. And if you’re adventuring with kids, you’ll want to check out the supplies to keep kiddos organized and happy.

Read on for a road trip essentials list: the things you won’t want to drive without.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click and buy, I earn a small income at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this free resource for family travel!

Keep your car organized on a road trip 

You can’t control everything about a road trip—construction and weather are out of your hands. But you  can  control how messy (or not-messy) your car gets.

That’s why I’m sharing these essential road trip supplies to keep the car tidy. 

Car charger splitter

Do you and your road trip companions have to take turns charging your electronics? Not anymore! Simply get a car charger splitter, which turns a single electronic port into multiple USB chargers. (If you only need two chargers, I recommend this compact double car charger .)

If your car has a USB charger built-in, plug in a USB hub like this one to turn one charging spot into four. That way you can power up your phones, tablets, cameras and any other electronics—at the same time.

Level 10 travel tip: Charging multiple devices at once is even more important if you’re camping. Everyone’s devices will need a full charge before you stop driving since your tent doesn’t have a power outlet!

Cord organizers

If you’re charging more than one advice, you’ll want to wrangle all those cords. I like these cord organizers for a few reasons. They’re great for bundling multiple cords together (so the front seat doesn’t look like a nest of snakes from all the cords!). We also use them to wrap up long cords when we’re storing them.

Plus, when you buy pack of multiple cord organizers, you can stash them everywhere you need one: in each car, your home charging station and your work desk. 

Milk crates

You’ll pack your clothes in a suitcase or bag and your perishable food in a cooler, of course. I recommend packing just about everything else in sturdy milk crates . 

Here’s why.

• Milk crates are hard-sided, unlike cardboard boxes, so the contents won’t get smashed.
• You can see through the sides of milk crates so you know what’s inside at a glance.
• Milk crates are stackable.
• They’re sturdy, so you can use them on all your road trips to come.
• They’re big enough to hold road trip supplies and food but small enough that you can use several and organize your gear.

A wet bag is one of my recommended essential road trip products. Why? It has so many uses!

We’ve used a wet bag to store used cutlery and plates until we can wash up when we arrive at our destination. We put wet swimsuits in a wet bag so our car doesn’t get a musty smell. They’re also critical on the off-chance someone in your group gets car sick.

It’s a good idea to have a set of at least two wet bags, like these pretty ones .

Organize the car for a family road trip

No one wants their nicely packed car to devolve into chaotic mess an hour into your road trip. These are the products and gear I recommend to keep your kids and their stuff organized on a road trip.

And remember, if you’re feeling even slightly overwhelmed by the idea of a family road trip, my online course Rock Your Road Trip is made just for you. In it, I teach you everything from how to pick a destination and plan a route with fun trips to how to organize kids’ gear and stop bickering in the back seat. 

Seat back organizer

Seat back organizers keep all your kids’ stuff organized. That means it’s off the floor, less likely to get lost or broken, and more likely to be accessible to your kids. (That all means less whining—WIN!)

I like these sturdy seat back organizers . They even have a clear 10-inch pocket for tablets, letting the kids watch their own movies or shows. They also have lots of pockets for kids’ activities, snacks and gear.

Cup holder organizer

If your kids’ car seats have cup holders, did you know you can use a cup holder organizer ? Kids (or adults!) can store pens, markers, electronic devices, headphones and more.

Activity organizer

If your car has a seat between kids’ car seats, a back seat organizer like this one is beyond helpful. It fits in the middle seat and has compartments for books, magnetic games, tablets, art supplies and more.

I like this style of activity organizer because it gives kids access to their own stuff. Road trip hacks are meant to make the journey easier, after all. And when you don’t have to constantly reach back to give your kiddos different activities, everyone is happier!

My kids’ seats are actually pilot seats, so they don’t have a spot to put a back seat organizer. Instead, we use a bin on the ground in between where their feet go. Ours is filled with books. You should hear them read stories to each other—so adorable!

Tablet headrest mounts

If you don’t opt for the seat back organizers I linked to above, you should consider a headrest mount for your kids’ tablets. These tablet mounts attach to the head rest of the front seat. That way your kids can watch a movie or show without craning their necks down at their laps. That just gets them a sore neck.

Kids travel pillow

I cringe when kids fall asleep on a road trip and doze with their heads at seriously uncomfortable angles. That’s why I recommend a kids’ travel pillow like this one , which wraps gently around their neck. It won’t slide off (like the horseshoe-shaped ones), and it supports their little heads. 

Kids headphones

If your kids are doing any screentime that you don’t want to hear, get them some headphones. (Personally, I hope to never listen to another episode of Paw Patrol ever. ever. again.)

My kids love these cute headphones . They stay on their heads and don’t hurt their ears. 

Suction cup organizer

If you’re driving a minivan on your road trip, this handy road trip hack only works for kids in the third row. (You need to keep windows in the middle row clear so doors can open and close.) Simply stick a suction cup organizer on a window. It becomes an incredibly helpful way for kids to organize and store things like markers, headphones, small toys or their other activities. 

**Bonus** Suction cup organizers mean kids will have what they need within reach. They’ll rely on you less to pass back what they need!

Supplies to eat well on a road trip

I love road trip junk food as much as the next person. (Cheddar Ruffles are my jam!) That doesn’t mean I want to eat gas station food nonstop.

These are the products, supplies and gear I recommend for organizing meals, keeping food safe and eating well on a road trip.

Reliable cooler

A cooler keeps all your food cold—and safe—so it’s important to buy one that’s reliable. After all, you don’t want to spend a ton of time (and money) buying ice multiple times a day!

If you want to invest the least amount possible while still getting a cooler that works, I recommend this budget cooler . It definitely does the job!

If you really need to make your ice last, I recommend this terrific mid-price cooler . Ice remains solid longer than in a cheaper cooler, and I like that it has cup holders on the lid.

Snack caddy

Road trip snacks are one of the best parts of hitting the road. Keep all your munchies organized with a snack caddy. We keep ours on the floor between the front seats.

(To be completely honest, I don’t recommend buying a snack caddy online. Most come in multiple packs but you likely need only one or two. You can buy one at the dollar store for a fraction of the price.)

Reusable baggies

Plastic baggies are convenient, but they create so much trash. Invest in a set of reusable silicone baggies instead . Since we bought these, we use  so much less plastic .

I recommend storing individual portions of snacks in these so you don’t end up with a bunch of family size chip bags in the front seat. At the start of the drive, simply dole out the amount you’ll want in one of these reusable baggies. Keep the full sized bag in the back. Then refill as needed!

Reliable ice packs

You’ll want to pack your cooler to maximize the ice. (Read my insanely detailed post on the right way to pack your cooler for more tips!) That includes creating a base layer of solid ice at the bottom of your cooler.

You can fill and freeze plastic ziplocks or use ice packs , which last longer. 

Reusable cutlery

There’s nothing worse than getting ready to eat your road trip lunch than realizing you don’t have a spoon to eat it with! We avoid this problem by keeping sets of reusable cutlery in the glove box at all time.

You can use silverware from home or buy cute, sustainable reusable cutlery. (I love this pretty pink cutlery set , which comes with its own case.) We wrap the cutlery in cloth napkins and secure the whole shebang with a rubber band.

Waterproof picnic blanket

There’s something charming and nostalgic about picnics, don’t you think? Take advantage of a road trip to eat al fresco!

You don’t want your bum getting wet or dirty, though, so make sure you pack a waterproof picnic blanket. ( This checkered one is adorable and it rolls into an easily packable tote.) We always keep one in the car so we’re ready for spontaneous picnics.

Road trip safety supplies

Chances are, the worst accident you’ll have on a road trip is when you spill the Goldfish crackers. Just in case you experience car trouble or some other unexpected issue, ensure you have safety supplies.

In fact, you should keep most of these car safety supplies in your vehicle at all times (not only on road trips). Does your car have all this safety gear?

First aid kit

Hopefully you have a first aid kit in your car already. If you do, check it thoroughly before a road trip. Make sure nothing is expired or missing, and replenish any supplies, like band aids or wipes. 

If you don’t have one yet, it’s easiest to get a pre-stocked first aid kit . (It’s more budget-friendly to buy one like this than purchase all the supplies individually.)

If you have car trouble, you need to stay safe while you fix it. That’s why you should have reflective triangles in your road trip safety kit. 

I like these reflective triangles because they’re sturdy (i.e. they won’t blow over on a windy day). They’re also approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Reflective vest

You’re not going to win any fashion awards wearing a reflective vest like this one , but it  will keep you safe on the side of the road. You want to make sure all traffic can see you.

Emergency go bag

We have an emergency go bag in each car, plus one next to the door in our house. (I bought them shortly after I read that article about an overdue mega-earthquake in the Pacific Northwest.)

I like a pre-stocked emergency go bag like this one . It includes emergency supplies like food and water, plus things like a flashlight and dust masks, for a family of four. 

It’s extremely unlikely you’d need to use an emergency go bag during a road trip. That said, I prefer to be safe than sorry. And it’s good preparation to have one just in case, as they could be used in any type of disaster.

Jumper cables

Most people keep a standard set of jumper cables in their car at all times—crucial if you find yourself with a dead battery. Double-check that yours haven’t wandered off!

Essential Road Trip Supplies

When you go on a road trip, you want to focus on what really matters: having fun, taking in the scenery and enjoying the adventure. You  don’t want to worry about having to track down your stuff, re-organize after every stop or find yourself stranded with car trouble.

I recommend evaluating what additional supplies you need well before your road trip begins. That way you have plenty of time to buy gear to fill the gaps. No last-minute stress for you!

I’d love to hear what road trip hacks or car organizing tips work best for you. Do you have any to add? Let me know in the comments!

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7 reasons to road trip now: How road trips will save 2021 travel

These are great ideas! I especially like the milk crate suggestion. You can see what’s in them and they don’t get wet like cardboard boxes. Going on a road trip in 10 days and I’m using your ideas!

Yes! And milk crates don’t warp and bend (or fall apart at the bottom when you pick them up). 😉

Love a good list of road trip supplies – I always overlook simple ones or don’t think creatively enough (like with the milk crates!). Great suggestions!

So glad the road trip supplies list helped, Jamie! It’s helpful to have a list so you don’t have to come up with everything on your own.

Wow this list is so helpful, especially for traveling with kids. Thanks for all of your great tips!

You’re welcome Tina! I hope it helps.

I’m going on a big road trip soon so this was super helpful! Thanks for all the great tips.

Fun! Where are you headed??

Oh wow, great timing. I so needed this list. My hubby just got his work van back and we were thinking of giving it a temporary camper van makeover.

So exciting! I love the idea of a temp camper van. Let me know how it goes!

I needed this list my car is always a hot mess express on road trips.

Hahaha you’re not alone Jasmin. The good news is car organization isn’t magic; it’s just some thoughtful tips and products. I’d bet your road trips will be more organized from now on!

Perfect timing for me to find this as I am going on one this weekend! thanks!

That IS perfect timing! Have fun, stay safe and travel well!

Love this list of tips! You have created such a smart list of essential things to travel smart. Love the wet bag idea, there are so many uses for that!

I know, right?! I love multipurpose items like the wet bag – that makes your road trip supplies work harder for you. 🙂

This list definitely brought me peace while I’m planning our next family trip! Thank you!

Oh my goodness I’m so happy to hear that Christine!!! Anything we can do to make family trips easier gets a big thumbs up.

This is a perfect list. I have just returned from a road trip from Milan and I wish I read this post before then. I will definitely consider a wet bag for my next road trip.

Ooh, a road trip from Milan sounds dreamy!!

Super smart post! I often forget that one thing you don’t want to forget. I love that all the information I need is in this post!

So glad the post on road trip supplies is helpful, Melissa! And forgetting things is so easy‚ which is why having a solid list is crucial. Happy travels!

I love a good road trip and this list is soo good. I never would’ve thought of milk crates, such a good idea! And the waterproof picnic blanket makes so much sense. Thanks for sharing!

You’re welcome Tina! I’m all about making road trips easier – and more fun as a result. 🙂

Amazing post! This blog has everything you need for a comfortable and luxurious road trip. I went on a road trip last year with my family in the Jeep Wrangler, we customized our car and had a comfortable road trip. I will surely add these items to my travel essentials.

I’m so glad the road trip list is helpful, Noah! It would be soooo fun to customize a Jeep for a road trip! Dream goals!

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TO & FRO FAM

This family travel blog is written for you—a mom who wants quality time and memorable vacations with her kids. I’m one of those moms, so I get that you want to leave your stress at home. I crafted (and tested!) these travel hacks and destination ideas to help the whole crew make the most of your time together. xo, Catherine

Drop me a line if you want to collaborate, connect or simply say hello.

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45+ Hiking Essentials: The Ultimate Hiking Packing List for Beginners

March 18, 2021 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Lauren Melnick

Does packing for an overnight hike make you want to set your hair on fire and send you into a state of panic? Then this is the article for you!

I’m sharing everything you should include in your hiking packing list to make sure you have the most stress-free experience while in the mountains.

However, you don’t need to bring allllll these items for every single hiking trip . You’ll need to tweak it according to your needs. For example, multi-day hikes like the Otter Trail have huts so you don’t need to pack a tent and an insulated mattress.

As someone who has had quite a view hiking fails from not packing the right gear, I’ve learned a thing or two about you need (especially the things that’ll help you get a good night’s sleep).

Trust me, by the time you get to the end of this article, you’ll be an absolute hiking packing master

So, let’s get started – here are all the hiking essentials to pack for a multi-day trek!

Psst…Want more hiking tips and inspiration for your next adventure? Check out these other posts:

• 15+ Best Hikes in South Africa With Mind-Blowing Views
• 12 Best Hiking Trails in Cape Town With Jaw-Dropping Views
• The Best Drakensberg Hikes That’ll Take Your Breath Away
• Hiking The Otter Trail in South Africa: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know
• Hiking Tugela Falls: Africa’s Highest Waterfall
• 10+ Spectacular Multi-Day Hiking Trails In The Western Cape

Table of Contents

Trekking Poles

Hiking shoes, water bladder, first aid kit, mosquito and bug repellent, spf lip balm, sweat wicking shirt, insulated jacket, windbreaker, rain jacket, hiking shorts, hiking pants, wool hiking socks, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liners, insulated mattress, toilet paper and plastic bags, knife and duct tape, jet boil and fuel, water bottle, dishwashing liquid + cloth, portable charger, camera/phone, multi-day hiking packing list, hiking gear for beginners.

Before you go into the mountains, you need the right hiking gear. Here’s what to add to your overnight hiking checklist:

The most important item for any overnight hike is a  hiking backpack .

You want to make sure you’re investing in a bag that is made specifically for multi-day hikes. It’s going to give you all the support you need and keep your weight off your back.

I use the Osprey Aura 65l . It’s one of the best hiking backpacks for women as it’s designed for our bodies for a more comfortable fit.

While the weather forecast may say clear skies, sometimes you can’t predict the weather.

A  rain cover for your backpack  is one of those must-haves for hiking to keep all your gear dry (like your camera and sleeping bag).

If your pack doesn’t come with one, you can buy a rain cover separately. I bought this one from  Outdoor Warehouse  before I upgraded my pack to an Osprey.

A  headlamp  needs a spot on any hiking equipment list. It’s also one of my essential items for photography as I often wake up before sunrise to shoot or venture into the wilderness to shoot the Milky Way at 1 am.

When you’re packing for a multi-day hike, a  headlamp  is going to make it easier to see what’s lurking around your campsite at night.

Plus, you might need to start hiking before sunrise if you’re doing the Otter Trail and need to cross the Bloukrans River at low-tide.

Do you need  trekking poles  for every single overnight hiking trip? Yes and no.

If your multi-day hike is strenuous (like the Mnweni Circuit in the Drakensberg),  trekking poles  will go a long way in helping you get up the mountain while it’s not required for an easier hike like Tugela Falls .

However, if you have bad knees, you should invest in poles even if you’re doing easy day hiking trails.

Why do you need a  dry bag  if your backpack has a rain cover? Extra precautions.

If you’re someone like me who brings expensive camera gear on adventures, you’ll want to add a dry bag to your hiking trip packing list. 

Choosing the right  hiking shoes  for your trip is incredibly important. You want to consider the type of conditions you’re trekking through as well as the style of hiking.

My go-to hiking shoes are the  Altitude V Ultra from Hi-Tec . While these hiking boots are quite heavy, they are waterproof (I love jumping in puddles!), have an excellent grip (a must if your route involves scrambling), and super comfortable. For something lighter, I love the  K-Way Women’s Scree Shoe .

Water bladders are one of the first things to pack for hiking trips.

It makes it easier to stay hydrated, and you don’t need to keep taking off your pack to pull out your water bottle. I use the 2l water bladder from First Ascent, and it also comes in a 3l if you want more carrying capacity.

Always remember to check the trail has water points and pack purification tablets.

When you’re out in the mountains, you never know what might happen.

You could need a headache tablet, or you might trip and cut yourself on the trail. Add a  small first aid kit  to your hiking packing list.

Outdoor Warehouse has kits specifically designed with hikers in mind, and it tells you how many people can use it.

If you’re hiking in the summer months, you’ll want protection from the swarms of mosquitos.

If you’re wearing sweet-smelling deodorant, you might attract a few more unwanted friends.

Pack a small bottle of bug and mosquito repellent to get a good nights sleep and avoid bites while on the trail.

I’ll admit, I’m not the best at remembering to pack my SPF lip balm, but it’s a hiking essential. My lips always start to crack and sometimes bleed on a backpacking trip.

When I don’t use my lip balm, I’m in pain for the next couple of days after the hike while the cracks recover. 

Don’t leave home without packing sunscreen! It’s one of the top 10 essentials for hikes and will protect you from painful sunburns.

I use the  Cetaphil SPF 50+ for oily skin from Dischem . I’d highly recommend it if you’re someone who finds the ‘greasiness” of sunscreen makes you breakout.

P.S. You should wear sunscreen every day to prevent signs of ageing and skin damage.

Toiletries include things like your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, make-up etc.

It’s anything that will make you feel clean and comfortable. When packing for a hike, try to use small bottles to lessen the weight in your pack.

What to Wear Hiking

 Not packing the right clothes for hiking will leave you freezing or sweating your butt off in the mountains. Here’s what to add to your hiking wardrobe:

When you start building a hiking wardrobe, invest in a  moisture-wicking and quick-drying shirt.

On multi-day hikes, you’re going to sweat A LOT, and you want to wear something that can keep you comfortable.

K-Way has  sweat-wicking shirts  made from Quik Wic fabric to keep you cool and dry outdoors.

 As someone who is a reptile and gets cold as soon as the sun dips under the horizon, I am obsessed with my  insulated jackets .

I use the  K-Way Women’s Swan ’18 Down Jacket . It’s incredibly light-weight and packs down small.

K-Way also has the  Women’s Ember Re: Down Jacket , made from 100% recycled down.

I bought my first  windbreaker  for my overnight Tugela Falls hike, and it changed my life.

The  K-Way Franklin Rain Jacket  is light-weight, windproof and waterproof. I used it as an extra layer in the late afternoons and early mornings when the temperatures were cooler and loved it.

When the wind did pick up, it insulated me and kept me comfortable the entire time. I love that you can adjust the sleeves with a velcro strip to stop the wind from sneaking in up your arms!

Another investment I made towards my hiking wardrobe is an insulated mid-layer.

I often reach for my  long sleeve mid-layer  when I am layering under a heavier jacket or when I want a bit of extra warmth.

My favourite is the  K-Way Women’s Hazel Crewneck Fleece . It uses an insulating waffle knit, making it perfect for chilly outdoor conditions. 

If you have a waterproof windbreaker, you can get away without buying a separate  rain jacket.

However, if you’re hiking or trail running in heavy rain, you might want to invest in something like the  First Ascent Ladies AR-X Waterproof Running Jacket  or the  First Ascent Ladies Submerge Rain Jacket .

Both are light-weight, packable, and designed to keep you dry in heavy downpours.

For multi-day hikes in the Drakensberg or anywhere else in South Africa, a  pair of hiking shorts  will go a long way in keeping you cool in the summer months.

I’ve been using a pair from  Boody  (it’s made from sustainable bamboo), but I have noticed it’s not the most durable material.

I’m looking at upgrading to  First Ascent’s Ladies Corefit Short Tights  which has a pocket for your phone!

For colder temperatures of if you want to limit sun exposure on your legs, add a pair of long pants to your hiking packing list.  

Hiking leggings  are a great choice, but if you’re going through more bushy areas, opt for more durable  hiking pants .

I did Mnweni without a pair of  thermals , and I will never make that mistake again. 

Thermals are excellent base layers when you want extra warmth and double as pyjamas in the evening. 

Have you ever had sunburn on your head or ears? It’s the WORST! Protect yourself with a  sun hat  on your overnight hiking trip.

I often wear a  cap from Stoked  (one of my favourite South African brands) but opt for a wider brim hat like  Olive Venture Wide Brim Hat  if you want extra protection.

A thick pair of  hiking socks  will go a long way in preventing blisters.

For your hiking packing list, look for hiking socks that are breathable, moisture-wicking and odour resistant.

I like to double up my socks as an extra precaution for blisters, and it works like a dream!

After a long day of hiking, a  pair of sandals  will feel like the ultimate luxury for your toes.

I bring a  pair of flip flops , but if you want to wear socks with your sandals in the evenings, opt for a pair like the K-Way K-Way Women’s Lily Sandal.

Gloves  are essential for your trekking gear list if you’re going to colder climates or the temperature will drop quite a lot in the evenings.

Gloves  will keep your hands toasty in the evenings and make it easier to cook or take photos in the cold.

Another must-have for sun protection is a  pair of polarised sunglasses .

I love the  Gold Vintage Octo Lens With Metal Frame  from Escape Society. These sunglasses are super affordable and stylish.

Buffs  are a handy piece of gear to own.

You can use them as a mask when shopping or use them to protect your neck and face from the sun, wind, and cold.

Camping Equipment

For overnight hikes, your camping equipment can make or break your trip. Here are some backpacking essentials to make your night in the wilderness more comfortable:

For multi-day hikes, you want to pack a  light-weight tent  that can handle outdoor elements like wind and rain.

My go-to tent is the  Helio 2 Person 4 Season Hiking Tent . It’s small enough to fit into the bottom of your pack and weighs only 2.45 kg.

The right  sleeping bag  is crucial to getting a good night’s rest on your overnight backpacking trip.

When I first started multi-day hiking, I used the same cheap sleeping bag I bought for OppiKoppi. BIG MISTAKE. I froze my butt off and didn’t sleep a wink.

For my next trip, I added the  First Ascent Ice Breaker Down Sleeping Bag  to my hiking packing list. It has a comfort rating of -3°C and an extreme rating of -18°C. The bag weighs 1.62kg and is made from responsibly sourced down filling.

Sleeping bag liners  aren’t necessary, but they go a long way if you’re someone like me who struggles with staying warm. 

Without a doubt, one of the most underrated items on an overnight hiking checklist is an  insulated mattress .

After sleeping on a yoga mat inside a Drakensberg cave , I had the worst sleep in my life. I kept on getting cold, my entire side would go numb, and I could never get comfortable.

When I got back home, I invested in  First Ascent Ultralight Insulated Mattress . It’s light-weight, takes up hardly any room, and insulates your body heat, so you don’t freeze to death at night.

For some reason, I never bought a  hiking pillow  until my overnight hike to Tugela Falls . In the past, I used a neck pillow or my backpack.

After taking the plunge and buying a self-inflating pillow, I’m never going back. The  First Ascent Deluxe Pillow  is light-weight, compact, and comfy.

When hiking and camping in the wilderness, one-ply toilet paper is the way to go. It’s the best for the environment as it breaks down quicker than two-ply.

You should always pack a plastic bag to practice leave-no-trace principles and keep the trail waste-free.

After one or three nights camping in the wilderness with no showers, you’re going to feel gross.

Packing baby wipes can help you feel a bit cleaner, especially if there aren’t any rivers to swim in. Just don’t bring scented baby wipes, or you might attract hordes of bugs.

You never know when you might need a knife. From cutting rope, opening bags/cans, or cutting something up for dinner.

Duct tape is one of the most useful items you can pack. Your tent pole could snap, and you need a quick fix, or your sleeping pad gets a hole.

Kitchen Equipment

The best part of any backpacking trip? Taking your pack off, putting on your flip flops, and making a delicious cup of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows! Here are the kitchen essentials you need to survive a night or two in the wilderness:

A  Jet Boil  is an investment, but it will change your life. It’s a nifty device that boils water in less than five minutes!

Plus, most Jet Boil’s come with a 2-in-1 pot and bowl, helping you save space in your pack. Just don’t forget the fuel!

Always pack a lighter. Even if you think you won’t need it, chances are something will happen, and you will.

Plus, it’s always a good time to have a spliff on a mountain at sunset.

I tend to DIY some trail mix on multi-day hiking trips, throw in a few energy bars, and dried food.

At Outdoor Warehouse, you can buy  dehydrated food packs , which are super light-weight but a bit pricey. Don’t forget to bring along some instant coffee or a coffee press if you don’t mind the extra weight.

A spork is an excellent backpacking utensil. It doubles as a spoon and a fork, meaning that’s one less thing for you to pack. 

Pack a mug for your coffee or tea. You can clip your mug to the outside of your bag if you’re running out of space.

Bring along a small water bottle to use at the campsite at night.

It’s super useful for when you’re cooking with your Jet Boil or when you need to clean your pots and utensils.

I usually decant a small amount of dishwashing liquid into a travel-sized bottle and pack a small cloth.

It makes the clean-up process in the evening and morning that much easier!

Electronics Equipment

You don’t need a lot of electronic equipment for a hike, but here are a few essentials you may want to pack:

Tip #1 for making your battery last longer, put it on Airplane Mode.

Tip #2, always add a fully charged portable charger to your hiking packing list.

For the casual photographer, your smartphone camera is perfect for multi-day hikes.

However, if you’re someone who wants to shoot landscape or get fancy with astrophotography , you’ll need to pack a camera.

I currently shoot with a Canon 80D and the 18-35mm 1.8 fs Sigma Art lens , but mirrorless cameras from Canon, Sony, and Fuji are a better light-weight option.

You only need to pack a tripod if there are specific shots you need, and stability is a must!

I use the Manfrotto Traveller range.

What are your essentials for a hiking packing list? Hit ya gurl up in the comments!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

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The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for a Smooth Ride

If you're hitting the open road for a long trip, you don't want to forget something important. This is your ultimate road trip packing list for everything you need - and some things you might have never thought of before. With these road trip necessities, you'll be prepared for every situation.

Make Road Trip Packing Easy

Know all the items you'll need for a great road trip, plus get our picks on extra items to make everything more comfortable and convenient, with this handy list. You can also use the printable version to check off what you've packed and add other items specific for your travel needs.

Basic, Vehicle, & Emergency Items

Before you pack the car with all the bags and items you'll want for the ride, make sure you've covered all the items you might need for traveling in a car and to be prepared for an emergency, whether it be a flat tire or a weather-related issue. (These are items that can also come in handy anytime, not just on long road trips.)

• Spare tire & changing kit
• Jumper cables
• IDs & car registration
• First aid kit
• Cash & spare change
• Flashlights and batteries
• Paper towels, wipes, & spare toilet paper
• Bag for trash

Ice scraper

Spare tire & changing kit.

You'll be spending a lot of time in your car for a lengthy road trip, so it's important to make sure you have everything you might need for an emergency. Equip your vehicle with a spare tire and a changing kit so you can replace a flat if you need to. Also, make sure you or someone else in the vehicle knows how to change a spare tire.

Jumper Cables

Speaking of emergencies, hopefully you won't need a jump on your exciting trip. But if you do, it's best to keep jumper cables in your trunk. It's much easier to find someone who can help jumpstart your car if you already have the cables on hand.

IDs & Car Registration

This might be an easy road trip item to remember, but it's worth a double check before you leave home. Make sure all of your IDs are on hand and your car's registration is within reach should you need it.

First Aid Kit

You have your car prepared for every unplanned situation. Make sure you also prepare your family for unexpected situations like minor injuries. A basic first aid kit helps you treat minor scrapes, burns, and other injuries that could happen in nearly every circumstance.

Cash & Spare Change

Debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, but it's a good idea to have some spare change and cash on hand just in case. Tolls, rest stop vending machines, or gas stations might require cash in some areas and you'll be glad you came prepared.

Flashlights & Batteries

File this one under the emergency car item list. At least one flashlight, but preferably a few, comes in handy for late night stops, low-lit rest areas, or a tire change after sundown. Make sure you have a pack of batteries on hand as well.

Paper Towels, Wipes, & Toilet Paper

One thing you can count on for a long road trip is at least one mess in the car. Whether it's sticky fingers after a snack or a small spill, make sure you're prepared for small clean up jobs. Keep a roll of paper towels and a pack of baby wipes near the driver or passenger seat for those inevitable messes. Also keep a roll or two of toilet paper on hand for rest stop bathrooms that aren't fully stocked. A small bottle of all-purpose cleaner might also come in handy.

Food is important in case of an emergency, but water is essential. Keep a pack of water bottles in your trunk so you can stay hydrated in an unexpected situation. A stainless steel water bottle that's reusable is perfect for quenching your thirst during a long drive.

You know you won't forget your phone on a long road trip, especially if it's your source of tunes and directions. But you could easily forget your car charger. Make sure you have all of your device chargers accounted for before you hit the road.

Trash Can and/or Bags

Even a short drive might produce a bit of waste or trash. Keep a mini trash bin lined with a plastic bag in your car for keeping the space clutter-free. Have extra bags on hand so you can ditch the used bag at gas stations or rest stops and add a new bag to the bin.

Even if you never find a need for an ice scraper at home, you never know what sort of weather you could encounter during your travels. Pack a scraper for clearing your windshield on a frigid morning and look for one that also includes a brush for freeing your car of debris.

Extra Car Keys

Locking yourself out of the car is also an unplanned road trip obstacle that occurs more than you might think. If you have at least one other passenger with you, give them an extra car key to keep in their pocket. If you find yourself locked out at a pit stop, you'll have a spare key to get you back on track.

No one actually plans to run out of gas on the highway, but it happens. Keep a gas can in your car for an emergency trip to the gas station. For your road trip, you might have a bit of gas stored in the can, so you aren't going on a long hike if you run out of fuel. With a little gas on hand, you can top off your tank until you get to the next gas station.

No one wants it to rain on their road trip parade, but the weather is unpredictable. Keep an umbrella or two in your car for quick dashes inside a restaurant or other establishment should a downpour come your way.

You don't want to stop for every single meal, especially snack time, so keep some on hand. Having road trip snacks in the car is important for emergencies as well . If you find yourself stranded for any reason, you'll want something nutritious to keep your energy up.

Pack your favorite snacks for the drive but also keep a bag of emergency non-perishable food on hand for emergencies. Protein bars, granola, trail mix, and beef jerky will stay fresh for a while and give you a mini meal option if you need to improvise.

Items for Comfort & Convenience

Long road trips are loads of fun, but they can get uncomfortable after a few hours. Add some essential comfort items to your list and a few extras that make the trip feel more luxurious.

Small Cooler

• Blankets and hoodies
• Phone mount
• Eye masks and ear plugs

Sunglasses are famous for getting lost or breaking at the most inconvenient times. Pack an extra pair or two for yourself or any passengers who need to borrow some shades during the drive.

You may stop for most of your meals or just keep a reusable water bottle on hand for hydration, but a small cooler will still come in handy. Keep restaurant leftovers fresh and store a few chilled snacks and beverages for your trip in a small cooler that fits neatly into your back seat.

Blankets & Hoodies

Even if you're on your way to a warmer climate, some passengers might get chilly during the trip. Pack blankets and a hoodie for each person on the trip so everyone can stay warm with the air conditioning on blast or just feel comfortable during a car nap.

Passengers might want to tune out of your favorite podcast or just have some time alone with their thoughts on a long trip. A few pairs of headphones will keep passengers of all ages happy.

Phone Mount

If you're using your phone for a GPS or to play those road trip jams, do so safely. Use a hands-free mount to keep your phone on the dash so you can see your map, incoming calls, and other details without compromising the safety of your passengers.

Handheld Fans

Passengers might find your preferred temperature too warm or you could encounter an air conditioning issue along the way. With a few handheld fans , you'll keep everyone cool in any situation. A cooling fan is also helpful for calming motion sickness. This is another reason you'll want some extra batteries on hand.

Pillows & Car Pillows

Speaking of naps, you'll need a pillow if you want a good quality nap that doesn't strain your neck. Regular pillows are great, especially if you're packing them for your destination, anyway. Car or neck pillows are also helpful for keeping you cozy while you catch a snooze.

Eye Masks & Earplugs

Naps are inevitable for passengers on a long road trip and you make sure your fellow travelers are extra comfy when catching up on sleep. Eye masks to block out the light and earplugs to drown out the sounds of the road will help your passengers get some quality road trip rest.

It's not a road trip without some of your favorite travel tunes. Get everyone in on the playlist creating action and have a few options to choose from as you're making way down the road. You might also find podcasts or audiobooks to keep everyone entertained.

Health & Hygiene Items

For unexpected messes and freshening up between car naps, these items will help you feel clean and healthy throughout your trip.

• Medications
• Hygienic wipes
• Spare toiletry bag
• Laundry bag
• Plastic zip bags
• Toilet seat liners
• Mints and gum

Hand Sanitizer

Whether the rest stop bathroom is out of soap or you need to kill germs after a stop at the gas station, hand sanitizer is an actual life saver. Keep a bottle or two handy for stopping the spread of bacteria on your trip.

Bag With Medications

A zipper pouch - picture a small cosmetic bag - is perfect for packing all the medications you might need on your journey. Include all of your necessary prescriptions, of course, but don't forget to pack some of the over-the-counter medications you might find a use for. Pain killers, decongestants, antihistamines, and medications for nausea and indigestion are a few basics that could come handy.

Hygienic Wipes

A toiletry bag is helpful, but if you're trying to keep stops at a minimum, a pack of hygienic wipes will help you feel (and smell) like you were doing anything but sitting in a car for hours on end.

Some messes call for more than just a paper towel. Pack one towel for each passenger on your trip. This will come in handy for large messes, impromptu swims, torrential downpours, and catching crumbs during a road trip meal. Microfiber towels are useful for absorbing large amounts of liquids.

Fully Stocked Toiletry Bag

While you're thinking about ways to feel refreshed on your trip, pack a small toiletry bag. This would be a smaller, more compact version of the one in your suitcase. Keep it stocked with travel size essentials so you can freshen up at a rest stop or in a bathroom after a long drive.

Mesh Laundry Bag

Messes are bound to happen during your travels, and that includes spills and other messes on your clothes. A mesh laundry bag will help you keep soiled towels and clothing in one place until you can give them a wash at your destination.

Plastic Zipper Bags

Plastic zipper bags also help stash soiled clothing. The main reason you'll want to keep plastic bags on hand, though, is to keep leftover food items fresh or to seal away any garbage items that might produce an odor. Bags are also helpful for sharing snacks among passengers, so you don't have to pass around the same large bag of pretzels for everyone.

Mints & Gum

If your drive is long, especially overnight, you're going to want a quick and easy way to refresh your breath during stops. Gum and mints are a great way to feel fresh after a long drive or car ride snooze. Gum and mints also help you stay alert during a drive after sundown.

Toilet Seat Liners

If you really want to be prepared for any situation that might arise during your road trip, a few toilet seat liners will make you the travel prepping champion. You never know when you might end up at a rest stop or gas station that has a less-than-sanitary bathroom, but you just can't wait until the next stop. A few liners will help you feel secure wherever you take a restroom break.

Extra Road Trip Packing Items for Families

If you have kids in the back seat, your road trip might require more careful planning. This list will help you prepare for any sort of situation, including boredom. With the right items in tow, your kids will just be happy to be along for the ride.

• Back seat organizer
• Toddler potty/liners
• Window screens
• Backpack for each kid
• Games/word games
• Extra clothes
• White noise soundtrack
• Handheld vacuum
• Tablets and chargers
• Motion sickness bag

Back Seat Organizer

Kids are famous for untidying your perfectly tidy backseat during a long drive, but a backseat organizer will keep the clutter to a minimum. Plus, it's helpful for storing tons of your packing list items for easy reach. Snacks, wipes, games, and sunglasses all tuck away neatly in your organizer so kids can grab exactly what they need without disturbing the driver.

Toddler Potty & Liners

Kids are also famous for doubling the amount of stops you'll make on a road trip and asking for a bathroom break right in the middle of nowhere. Pack a portable potty - like the ones toddlers use for potty training - to make bathroom breaks quick and possible practically anywhere. Don't sweat over emptying the potty because you can bring disposable liners that actually absorb liquids and keep odors out until you can make a pit stop to toss them in the garbage.

Fast Food Trays

If you're making a list of must-have road trip items for kids, this one comes in second only to the portable potty (because that is truly a life save). A food tray that neatly sets in your child's lap or attaches to their booster seat helps them enjoy a meal on the go without getting most of it on your car's floor. You can also find middle console versions of food trays that will help you enjoy a meal while you drive.

Window Screens

Nap schedules are important no matter where you are and sticking to them is much easier when you can control the amount of light coming into the car. Window screens that block the sun will help dim the interior so your little one can grab a snooze.

A Backpack for Each Child

If you have kids of various ages or just need to stop potential arguments before they start, a backpack designated for each child comes in handy. Include a change of clothes, personalized snacks, favorite games, a blanket, and toiletries in the pack. This way, kids have access to their basic needs and an easy grab-and-go bag for pit stops.

Games without pieces or boards are the best games for long car rides . Plan for a few rounds of classic word and word association games. Choose a few games to fit each age group in the car so everyone enjoys the friendly competition.

Simple Games

Word games are great, but your kids might look for something more interactive to keep them entertained on the drive. A few car-friendly card games will help your kids play together and stay occupied as the hours roll by.

Extra Clothes

Accidents happen and with kids in the mix, those statistics double. Bring an extra change of clothes - one that isn't stuffed into the depths of a suitcase - for any little mishaps that might occur. For toddlers and babies, more than one extra outfit might be in order.

White Noise Soundtrack

You have the light covered for naps, but you might need to consider the sound as well. If your little one is accustomed to dozing to the sound of white noise or a sound machine, bring along a white noise soundtrack to make car naps as cozy as possible. You can use a CD or a playlist on your phone to drown out the sounds of big trucks and honking horns.

Handheld Vacuum

Snacks and meals in the car mean crumbs everywhere. A small handheld vacuum will save you from a cleaning overhaul after your trip. Keep one on hand for catching small messes as they happen or just freshening things up at pit stops.

Tablets & Chargers

When you run out of word games or you just want to listen to your own music for a change, you're going to want to break out the tablets. Screen time can be a lifesaver on long road trips. Make sure you have a tablet for each passenger and portable chargers to keep the entertainment going.

Motion Sickness Bags

Car sickness can strike at any time and you may not be in the perfect position to pull over when it does. Motion sickness bags will help contain the mess until you can safely pull over and address the issue.

Download Helpful Apps for Your Road Trip

You've packed everything and you're ready to go. Your family is practically bouncing off their seats in excitement. The final thing you need to do is download a couple of apps that make the trip easier and more fun.

Plan your entire trip for an organized journey with Roadtripper .

Use an app like Sleep Sounds to help little ones nap with noise or just help yourself stay calm and at ease in the middle of intense traffic jams.

Large coffee companies like Starbucks and Caribou Coffee have apps that help you track down a location for your caffeine emergencies while on the road.

Find the cheapest gas station along your route with GasBuddy.

Never miss an interesting attraction along the way with the Roadside America app.

Plan & Pack for a Stress-Free Road Trip

Whether you're traveling to a dream destination or just seeing where the road takes you, you can be be prepared for anything. The adventure of a road trip is much more exciting when you have a plan in place for any need you and your road trip pals might have.

19 Top Road Trip Packing List Items for 2024 + What NOT to Bring

Road tripping is a fun and adventurous way to not just get from Point A to Point B, but to see the hidden gems of the country which you’ll never get to see if you fly. Although it comes with its challenges and inconveniences, taking a road trip is an experience you won’t soon forget. To help you get out there, here is our list of the 19 most important things to pack for your road trip along with what NOT to bring and other important FAQs.

Don’t forget to go with the flow and enjoy the journey while bonding with your fellow passengers!

What to Pack for Road Trip – 19 Essentials

1. packing cubes.

No matter where you’re headed or for how long, you’ll want to keep your clothing organized and accessible. Do so by using packing cubes, which will make your trip infinitely easier. This set comes in a variety of fun colors and even includes cases for your laundry and shoes.

Available on  HeroTravelSupply.com  with an exclusive 15% discount using the coupon code  “HERO” .

View on Or view them on Amazon.com ➜

It’s a great idea to keep a cooler within arms reach from the driver’s seat. Everyone who’s done a road trip knows that your food options are limited mainly to fast food. With a supply of your own snacks, you’ll have easy access to cheaper and healthier options. This cooler is perfect for keeping your snacks and drinks cool during the ride.

View on Amazon.com ➜

3. Quick-Dry Travel Towel

A quick dry travel towel is another convenient road trip item you’ll be glad you brought with you. Much better than bringing along a bulky bath towel that takes forever to dry, this microfiber option is lightweight, compact, and dries incredibly fast.

4. Female Urination Device

This may sound strange but having a female urination device is an amazing asset for a long road trip. Not only does it allow ladies to stand to pee at the side of the road, it also means if you have a weak bladder, you can pee while sitting in the car into a bottle! This one is designed to be fully reusable, it’s easy to clean and makes it so you don’t even need toilet paper.

5. Windproof Travel Umbrella

Weather can be unpredictable and you never know when you’re going to get caught in a rain or snow storm. You’ll be glad you brought along this windproof travel umbrella, which packs down small and can easily be tossed in your purse or stored in the trunk of your car.

6. Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger

There are few handier items to bring with you on any type of trip than a lipstick-sized portable charger. Whether you’re on the road or have stopped to explore, this small charger will act as a backup battery if your phone or camera runs out at an inconvenient time.

7. Cooling Towel

If you’re going on a road trip then you probably will find yourself outside a lot of the time. Whether you’re visiting new cities on foot, exploring trails at national parks, or going on adventurous hikes, you’ll need help staying cool while being active on the road. These chemical-free, non-toxic cooling towels can cool down to 20-30 degrees below the outside temperature and can stay refreshingly cold for 60 minutes. All you have to do is get it wet, wrap it around your neck, and instantly enjoy the ice-cold relief.

8. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

If you plan to drive across the border into a foreign country on your road trip, you will definitely benefit from using a VPN . If you need to connect to WiFi on your laptop or phone in a public place like in hotels or cafes, turning on your VPN will prevent potential hackers from accessing your sensitive information. It’ll also allow you to access websites that may be blocked or censored in the host country.

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

9. Trunk Organizer

Keep your car and yourself organized on your drive by using a trunk organizer. This one clips in with bungee cords, and has heavy duty compartments. It’s perfect for organizing your toiletries, clothes, shoes, and anything else you need to bring along with you.

10. Neck Wallet

You’ll want to keep cash and other essentials on you during a road trip. You never know when you’re going to run into tolls or have to pay for street parking. Keep your cash and other valuables, like credit cards, passport, and ID in this handy neck wallet to keep your belongings organized and secure during your road trip.

11. Air Mattress

If you’re planning on camping or staying over with friends, you’ll be glad you brought along a reliable air mattress like this one. This way you’re guaranteed a comfortable place to sleep, even if you haven’t quite worked out your accommodations yet while on the road.

12. First Aid Kit

Make sure you keep a supply of any and all first aid items you could potentially need while on the road. This will be perfect for any aches and pains you may encounter during your trip. Keep this one in your car all the time.

13. Road Trip Travel Insurance

If your road trip is taking you more than 100 miles away from home, you should definitely make sure you’ve got good travel insurance. We really like using TravelInsurance.com for all of our travels because we can compare policies from top companies that best fit us and the type of trip we’re going on.

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

14. Emergency Car Kit

You should never take any long drive without a car emergency kit. You never know what can happen on the road, and things like jumper cables and an emergency hammer can really save you some trouble or even save your life if it comes down to it!

15. Travel Trash Can

Trash can build up quickly when you’re on the road, and soon you won’t know where to put your empty snack containers, receipts, and complimentary park maps. This travel trash can is the perfect solution. It’s collapsible so it takes up relatively no space when not in use.

16. Daypack

You can never go wrong bringing a daypack on any type of trip, large or small. This one is perfect for a day trip or excursion and it can hold all the essentials while you’re out and about. Throw in some snacks, your neck wallet, portable charger, sunscreen, and quick dry towel and you’ll be good to go!

17. Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is perfect for a multi-day road trip. Especially if you’re camping or don’t feel like stopping for the night, you’ll definitely benefit from using dry shampoo as a quick way to freshen up so you’ll look and feel cleaner while on the road.

18. Travel Neck Pillow

If you’re not the one driving, you’ll be glad you packed a travel neck pillow for the ride! Spending hours in the car can be uncomfortable and a neck pillow will keep you feeling relaxed and supported while you doze off in the passenger seat.

19. Hand Sanitizer

Road trips usually mean you’ll be spending most of the day driving and exploring. You may not always have access to a restroom to wash your hands so be sure to bring hand sanitizer with you. Sun Bum makes a nice hand sanitizing spray that’s also moisturizing and smells great.

Other Road Trip Packing List Items Not to Forget

• Luggage Lock
• Hand sanitizer or baby wipes
• Camping equipment
• Tea/ coffee
• To-go coffee mug
• Glasses if you wear contacts
• Tide to-go pen
• Extra phone chargers
• Tire chains (For winter weather)

What to Wear on a Road Trip

Comfort is key on a long road trip. Sweatpants, leggings, tee shirts and sweatshirts are all good ideas – make sure you dress in layers so you can add or remove clothing as necessary to keep comfy. There’s always that one person who likes it a different temperature than everyone else, so layers will help you adjust accordingly. Make sure to bring sunglasses as well!

What NOT to Take on a Road Trip

1. drugs (no brainer).

Needless to say, don’t bring anything illegal on a road trip. Lots of cops are roaming the highways!

2. Imported fruit

This one is weird, but if you bring bananas from Ecuador, for example, they’ll definitely get taken when crossing state lines or at checkpoints.

3. Snacks that need to be cut, cooked or prepared

Bring simple, easy-to-eat snacks like cheese sticks, granola bars and apple slices.

4. Carbonated beverages

They’ll get shaken up during the drive, and if you go up in altitude, they might burst.

5. Nice clothes or jewelry

No need to dress to impress on a road trip, so leave the nice clothes at home, unless they’re packed in your luggage, of course.

6. Bulky luggage

It’s easier to pack your clothing and toiletries in a trunk organizer or laundry basket, rather than hauling out a suitcase every time you need to swap clothes.

FAQs About Packing for a Road Trip

1. what should i drive.

Almost any car can work for a road trip, as long as you get it checked out first! There are a few things to consider when choosing a car or deciding if the one you already own will work.

2. Where can I sleep?

Obviously, you can book a hotel or Airbnb pretty last minute, but if you are looking to save money on accommodation, you have a few free options: Rest stops, truck stops, and casinos. You can also park inside national forests and camp for free (as long as you camp at least 300 feet away from paved roads and waterways). You can also check out the Bureau of Land Management  website  and find out where you can camp almost anywhere for free. Surprisingly enough, you can even park at most Walmarts overnight.

3. How do I decide my destinations?

If you truly have no idea where you’d like to go, use websites like  Roadtrippers  to build your perfect trip starting in your hometown.

4. What do you eat?

Bring road snacks that are convenient and healthy. I like to bring along a lot of nuts, dried fruit, granola bars and apples, along with a cooler full of yogurt, salami, cheese and other easy foods! One nice thing about road tripping is that you can stop in at grocery stores frequently so you don’t have to stock up on anything.

5. How do you shower?

You can shower at hotels or B&Bs that you stay at, find a clean stream or river to wade in, or (worst case scenario) keep a stash of wet wipes ready!

6. How do you get internet?

Invest in a solid data plan (unlimited is obviously best) so that you can use your phone without wifi. Almost all cafes, hotels and even some gas stations have free wifi these days if you’re in a pinch.

7. How much does a road trip cost?

It obviously depends on the length of your trip and where you are going, but websites like Google Maps can look at the prices of gas in areas you’re passing through and calculate the estimated amount of money you’ll have to spend on gas. Add that number to your budget for nightly accommodation and food, and you’ll get a ballpark estimate of what you’re going to be spending.

8. Why take a road trip instead of fly?

Getting there is half the fun. If you’re traveling with a companion, you’ll get to know your copilot in a new way with all of the long on-the-road conversations, and bonding over new sights. If you’re traveling solo, you’ll likely learn a lot about yourself. At any rate, you’ll see areas and hidden gems of the country that you would never see through a plane window.

9. What’s the best time to take a road trip?

Obviously it’ll depend mostly on the destination and your starting point, but there are some things to think about regardless. Variables like seasons and weather will be entirely geographically determined, but other factors like things you want to see along the way, availability of campsites, cost of gas and food, and how much gear you’ll have to bring may fluctuate based on time of year. Be sure to check seasons and  weather , and plan your route accordingly.

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The Ultimate Camping Packing List: 29 Essentials

Caroline Morse Teel

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline .

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

The Handy Item I Always Pack : "Earplugs. A good pair has saved my sleep and sanity many times!"

Ultimate Bucket List Experience : Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro.

Travel Motto : "Don't be boring."

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat : "Aisle (when the first class private suite isn't available)."

E-mail her at [email protected] .

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Unlike other vacations where you can just run out to the nearest store if you’ve forgotten something, you’re solely dependent on your packing skills when you’re out in the wilderness. This camping packing list has all the essentials you’ll need for a safe and comfortable trip.

Download Our Ultimate Camping Packing List

Be prepared for the great outdoors with the editable version of our Ultimate Camping Packing List .

Camping Packing List: Gear

Sleeping Bag: A sleeping bag is the most essential piece of camping equipment—without the right one, you’ll be in for a cold and uncomfortable night. Many sleeping bags are “mummy style,” which can be way too claustrophobic for a good night’s sleep, especially if you’re a side or stomach sleeper.   Sierra Design’s Backcountry Bed 700 / 20 Degree sleeping bag has a unique design that feels more like sleeping with a comforter on your bed at home than a sleeping bag. It doesn’t have any zippers; instead, there are insulated hand and arm pockets to help you completely cover yourself, plus a self-sealing foot vent so you can regulate temperature. The bag has an minimum temperature rating of 16F, which is very impressive considering that it only weighs 2.5 pounds.

Sleeping Pad (Backpacking): Thermarest’s NeoAir XLite is a favorite of many through-hikers, and it’s easy to see why. This three-season air mattress will keep you warm and comfortable even on the rockiest ground, yet it packs down to the size of a water bottle and weighs a mere eight ounces. I love that this mattress doesn’t skimp on comfort despite the light weight—the fabric is super soft, and it uses a patented reflective ThermaCapture technology to trap your body’s warmth and minimize heat loss.

Sleeping Pad (Car Camping): If you’re not hauling all your camping supplies on your back, comfort is more of a concern than weight, and you can go for a plush model like Sea to Summit’s Comfort Deluxe S.I. Sleeping Mat , available in a double size that’s perfect for couples camping together. This mat has an R-value of 5.2, so you can use it even in the winter, and it has 10-centimeter vertical side walls that make it feel like a real mattress. Best of all, this sleeping mat is self-inflating, so you don’t have to waste your breath trying to blow it up before you can finally go to sleep.

Pillows: After a long day in the woods, you’ll want to rest your head on something soft. Short on space? Sea to Summit’s Aeros Pillow Ultralight lives up to its name, clocking in at 2.1 ounces, and is small enough to fit in a pocket when deflated. The pillow is covered with a polyester stretch knit fabric that’s cozy enough that you won’t miss a pillowcase. Got a little extra room in your pack? For just 0.5 ounces more, the Aeros Pillow Premium uses an even more plush fabric covering and is extra comfortable. Both pillows have a thin synthetic fill layer that wicks away perspiration, as well as a curved design that cradles your head. Each pillow inflates in just three breaths and deflates in under a minute.

Tent: Unless you truly want to sleep under the stars (and deal with any inclement weather that comes your way), you’ll need a tent. An easy-up tent, like this one , is quick to assemble or to tear down.

Chair: Relaxing, eating, and sitting around the fire are all better when you’re not on the ground. The CLIQ Chair packs down small for easy transport, but assembles into a comfortable seat in seconds.

Light: Goal Zero’s Crush Light runs off of solar power and can last for up to 35 hours on one charge. It collapses nearly flat, so you can use this on backpacking trips—hang it from your tent as a reading lamp or carry it to light your way on a dark trail.

Solar Charger : If you can’t bear to completely disconnect in the wild, pack a solar charger ( like this small foldable one ) to power up your phones and other gadgets. Even if you don’t plan on using your phone, this is good to have in case of emergency, as it has a built-in LED flashlight, compass, and whistle.

What to Pack for Hiking: 38 Essentials

Camping Packing List: Food and Drink

Bear Bags: If you’re bringing food, you need to also bring a way to protect that food from wildlife. Even if you’re not in bear country, you’ll still have rodents and other animals after your stash. A bear-resistant bag, like this one by Ursack , is made from a bulletproof fabric that can withstand a bear attack and doesn’t need to be hung off the ground (but must be tied to something secure, like a tree trunk). Or go for a lighter-weight odor-barrier bag like this one from Base CampSource, which eliminates any food smell and won’t attract animals to your camp. These should be hung off of the ground in bear country.

Cooking Set: Unless you’re doing ready-to-eat meals, you’ll need to bring utensils and pans for cooking. This one from Bulin has everything you need, from pots and pans to a dish sponge for scrubbing, for an affordable price.

Camping Stove: This gas camping stove from Coleman packs down small when not in use and is lit with the push of a button so you don’t waste time fumbling with matches. The cover unfolds into a set of wind-blocking panels to keep the flames alight.

Instant Coffee: If you’re used to starting off your day with a nice hot cup of coffee, don’t deprive yourself of that in camp. Instant coffee, like these sachets from Tandem Coffee Roasters , are easy to pack and prepare in minutes.

Cups: These collapsible cups are made from a food-grade silicone that is lightweight and packs down small, but can hold hot beverages without scalding your hands.

Water Bottle: If you’re staying at a campground with potable water, where keeping your drink cold is more of a concern than water quality, pack an insulated bottle like this one from YETI . Headed to the backcountry? The LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle will give you safe drinking water fast.

Meals: Don’t feel like cooking while on vacation? There are plenty of tasty ready-to-eat meals these days that just need boiling water to eat. Check out our editors’ taste test of Good to Go meals here .

The 5 Best Lightweight Hiking Boots for Travel

Camping Packing List: Hygiene

Wet Wipes: If no shower is in sight, these Surviveware biodegradable wet wipes are designed for “no rinse bathing and showers.” Thankfully, they’re unscented and hypoallergenic.

Dry Shampoo: Similarly, a small container of dry shampoo can help remove sweat, smells, and oil—no water required.

Hand Sanitizer: Hygiene is really important while camping, especially if you don’t have a clean water source for hand washing. Use hand sanitizer before eating, before preparing food, and after using the bathroom.

Camping Shower: Can’t go that long without a shower? A small solar shower bag can be filled up and heated by the sun to give you a quick hot shower.

Quick-Dry Towel: This microfiber towel dries up to four times faster than a regular cotton towel, and packs down very small.

Biodegradable Soap: Coleman’s Camp Soap comes in spill-proof sheets that are biodegradable and can be used for hand washing, showers, and dish washing.

Biodegradable Shampoo & Conditioner : This eco-friendly 3-in-1 conditioning shampoo and body wash from Stream2Sea is biodegradable, eco-friendly, and reef safe.

Toothbrush and Paste: Make sure you use potable water when brushing your teeth, and pack a small toothbrush and toothpaste set like this one .

The Best Travel Swimsuits for Any Type of Vacation

Camping Packing List: Miscellaneous

Trashbags : Always pack out what you pack in (even trash), so don’t forget the trashbags .

Sunscreen and Bug Repellent : Badger offers both sunscreen and bug repellent made from natural ingredients in easy to apply packaging.

First Aid Kit: Don’t go camping without a first-aid kit —even if you just use the bandages for blisters, you’ll be glad you have it.

Caroline Morse Teel is still working on her camping packing list. Follow Caroline on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline for photos from camp.

Some review products are sent to us free of charge and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions, positive and negative, and will never accept compensation to review a product.

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We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Table of contents

Ultimate Backpacking Checklist & Gear Essentials

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links

We’ve spent decades honing our backpacking gear to (our) perfect balance of weight and creature comforts. After 20,000 miles and 1,000 nights on trail, we’re pretty dialed in to what we want and need for any adventure, and we love helping people find their perfect kit as well.

We’ve organized the Ultimate Backpacking Checklist into categories to make it easier for you to gather your backpacking gear for your next trip. We also have adownloadable checklist. Print it out and have a hard copy with you as you organize your gear.

Ultimate Backpacking Checklist

DOWNLOAD OUR PRINTABLE CHECKLIST

*We consider items in italics to be optional

• Tent poles or trekking poles
• Groundsheet for tent floor durability

BACKPACK & STORAGE

• Trash compactor bag or waterproof stuff sacks for interior rain protection
• Large Ziploc for garbage
• Shoulder strap camera pocket
• Summit pack

ENTERTAINMENT

• Book or Kindle
• Crossword puzzles
• Cribbage or dice
• Notebook + pen

NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT

Always be prepared and know how to use your map and compass, even if you plan to use a GPS or GPS app.

• Topo map(s)
• Waterproof map bag / Ziploc
• GPS or GPS phone app with maps downloaded for offline use
• Satellite Messenger/PLB for remote locations
• Download driving directions for offline use
• Photos of guidebook pages
• Check current weather before trip
• Call ranger station pre-trip for trail conditions + regulations
• 2 copies of itinerary: 1 left with friend + 1 under car seat
• Backpacking permits
• Band-aids of various sizes
• Antibiotic ointment
• Medical tape
• Latex gloves
• Safety pins
• Antihistamines
• Antidiarrheal
• Check out our Best First Aid Kits list for more suggestions

PERSONAL TOILETRIES

• Sunscreen + lip balm
• Bug repellant
• Toiletries (biodegradable shampoo, etc.)
• Prescription Rx
• OTC meds + vitamins
• Contact lenses + supplies/glasses
• Toilet paper/wipes + sealable bag to pack it out
• Digging trowel
• Menstrual products
• Hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush, paste + floss
• Earplugs + eye mask
• Nail clipper
• Pre-trip: Clip nails, cut hair, shave, etc.
• Provisions – commonly between 2,500-3,500 calories per day
• Extra day’s supply of food for emergencies
• Food bag / Ursack
• 50’ nylon cord + small carabiner for bear bag hanging or bear canister where required

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR SNOWY & ICY TRIPS

• Ice axe – learn + practice proper self-arrest technique
• Traction devices

SLEEP SYSTEM

• Sleeping bag / backpacking quilt
• Pad attachment straps (optional)
• Sleeping pad
• Pump sack (optional)

TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

• Trekking poles
• Lightweight hammock
• Backpacking chair / sit pad
• Light pocket knife or multitool
• Phone (turn on low power/airplane mode)
• Waterproof phone case
• Bear spray for grizzly country
• Camera + waterproof case/Ziploc
• Extra camera battery
• Headlamp (check batteries pre-trip)
• Extra batteries for long trips
• Power bank + charging cords
• Wall plug for thru-hikes
• Assorted Ziploc bags
• Cash, ID, credit card, insurance card

EMERGENCY KIT

• Duct / Tenacious Tape for repairs
• Sleeping pad patch kit
• Needle + thread
• Small Sharpie
• Stormproof matches + small fire starters
• Small backup lighter
• Backup water treatment pills ( Chlorine Dioxide )
• 2-4 water bottles (ability to carry 2-6 liters depending on climate) or a hydration pack & bladder
• Collapsible water containers for carrying lots of water in dry locations
• Water treatment
• Pre-filter for water treatment, ex: pantyhose

All clothing items should be lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick-drying (synthetic or wool, no cotton).

• Hiking pants ( Men’s / Women’s ) & shorts ( Men’s / Women’s )
• Wicking shirt/tank & long-sleeve sun shirt ( Men’s / Women’s )
• 1-2 pairs quick-dry underwear
• Down jacket and/or fleece jacket
• Rain jacket
• Rain pants for wet trips
• Windbreaker depending on forecast
• Base layers
• 2-4 Pair socks

PACK IN CAR

• Parking pass for car
• Clean clothes + shoes to change into
• Gallon of water for trailhead shower
• Camp towel to dry off
• Water + snacks

Backpacking Tips

LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD – Start by weeding out things you don’t need. Be careful with every choice you make, a few ounces here and there can add a lot of weight in the end. A lightweight backpacking checklist, like the one here, will help you to focus on essential items. Next, focus on lightening your heaviest gear: shelter, backpack, and sleeping bag. Switching your traditional big three out for lightweight options is the best opportunity for weight savings, especially when you’re starting out. If you invest in a lightweight shelter, backpack, and sleeping bag, you can easily cut 10 or more pounds and be well on your way to having an ultralight backpacking setup.

CLOTHING FOR BACKPACKING – The clothing you pack will change slightly depending on the conditions you expect to encounter on specific trips, but the fundamentals remain the same. Clothing made with quick-drying fabrics that wick moisture away from your skin are best to help your body thermoregulate and stay comfortable in both hot and cold environments. Nylon, polyester, wool, bamboo, silk, and synthetic blends are all good options. Avoid cotton – it absorbs moisture and takes a long time to dry, which can cause a variety of problems including blisters and chafing. Choose items that can be worn together in layers. Fleece and goose-down have the best warmth-to-weight ratio and make the best insulation materials for backpackers. Rain gear should be lightweight, breathable, and waterproof.

BACKPACKING FOOD – Good food is really important for any backpacking trip, so it’s well worth the effort to put together a simple meal plan before your trip. Keeping food weight down is a critical backpacking skill that usually takes experience to master. A good place to start is our Guide to Lightweight Backpacking Food . Most seasoned backpackers opt for lightweight, calorically-dense foods that are very easy to prepare. Packaged freeze-dried meals and snack foods can be great, but keep in mind, they tend to be very high in sodium/sugar, which can take their toll, if eaten in excess.

Another approach is to prepare your own backpacking meals , using a food dehydrator to dry meats, fruits, veggies, and sauces. Combining them with spices and quick-cooking or easily rehydrated dried goods such as pasta, couscous, instant potatoes, instant refried beans, and minute rice is a great way to customize your own highly-nutritious meals. This method takes more time and effort, and you must be more willing to carry more weight, but making your meals can be more cost-effective and healthier for long trips. Our approach is usually a mix of both methods. For more specifics about food, check out our Best Lightweight Backpacking Food guide , where we outline our general backpacking food strategy and suggest some of our favorite meals .

CleverHiker Backpacking Video Series

If you’re new to backpacking, or have been hiking with outdated equipment, we highly recommend watching our two professionally-filmed video series (below), where we’ll teach you everything you need to know to start backpacking -the skills and the gear.

• Essential Trail Skills – 20 HD tutorial videos to teach the most critical skills for backpackers of all levels, such as: Leave No Trace, Backpacking Trip Planning, How to Find and Fit the Right Backpack, How to Pack a Lightweight Backpack, and much more.
• Lightweight Backpacking Basics – One of the main reasons to minimize your pack weight is to maximum your freedom on the trail. Backpacking with a lighter pack will reduce stress on your body, give you more free time on the trail, and allow you to hike farther with less effort. In this 10-episode series, you’ll learn all about the gear that will allow you to hike lighter to make the hiking the most enjoyable part of your trip.

Why trust us?

We understand how tough it is to find trustworthy gear advice, and that’s one of the main reasons we built CleverHiker. We live for outdoor adventure, and we take these guides very seriously.

• Our recommendations are completely independent and based on hands-on experience.
• We test outdoor gear for a living – we’ve logged over 20,000 trail miles and 1,000 nights in the wilderness.
• Our team has thru-hiked some of the most iconic long trails, including the Continental Divide Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Long Trail, Oregon Coast Trail, Arizona Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Superior Hiking Trail, as well as extensive peak bagging, and international treks.
• We field test every product we recommend, which is sadly not the norm.
• We travel to industry trade shows to stay up-to-date on product innovations.
• We continuously update our guides throughout the year and when new products launch.
• We treat recommendations to our readers as if they were for our family and friends.
• We’re lifelong learners and we’re always open to feedback. If you think we’ve missed a worthy product or got something wrong, we’d love to know about it.

Need More Backpacking Advice?

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Middle East latest: 10 militants killed in Israeli raid in West Bank; Erdogan and Hamas chief discuss 'lasting peace process'

The IDF has said its forces killed 10 militants in a raid in the West Bank. Meanwhile, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh for talks in Istanbul.

Saturday 20 April 2024 23:30, UK

• Israel-Hamas war

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• Israeli raid in West Bank kills ten militants, IDF says
• 'Lasting peace process' discussed between Erdogan and Hamas chief
• Airstrike on Iraqi base from 'unknown source'
• US Congress approves aid package for Israel 
• Six children among nine killed in Israeli airstrike, hospital says
• Analysis: Iran isn't biggest threat to the coalition right now

We'll be back tomorrow with more updates on the Israel-Hamas war.

You can scroll back through today's coverage for the latest developments.

Earlier today people gathered near the remnants of an intercepted ballistic missile that fell near the Dead Sea in Israel.

The scenes come after Iran's drone and missile strike on Israel last week.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it was responding to an "attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus" on 1 April.

It is "forbidden to impose sanctions on the Israel Defence Forces", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said.

In a statement on X, Mr Netanyahu said he had been "working against the imposition of sanctions on Israeli citizens".

"At a time when our soldiers are fighting the monsters of terror, the intention to impose a sanction on a unit in the IDF is the height of absurdity and a moral low," he said.

"The government headed by me will act by all means against these moves."

The comments come after US sources reportedly told American news website Axios that Washington was expected to sanction the IDF.

Israeli forces have killed 13 Palestinians since beginning a raid on Tulkarm city and Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry has said in an update this evening.

Earlier, the IDF said its forces killed 10 militants in the camp and the surrounding areas since it began its raid (see post at 3pm).

In a statement, it said the Israeli army and the country's border police arrested eight Palestinian suspects from the area.

Israel's foreign affairs minister Israel Katz has said the US aid vote today proved "the strong ties and strategic partnership between Israel and the US" and "sends a strong message to our enemies".

Below is what Mr Katz said on X...

We have been reporting today on an Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza's southernmost city, which killed at least nine people, six of them children.

The strike late on Friday hit a residential building in the western Tel Sultan neighbourhood of the city of Rafah, according to Gaza's civil defence. 

The bodies of the six children, two women and a man were taken to Rafah's Abu Yousef al-Najjar hospital, the hospital's records showed.

Rafah, which lies on the border with Egypt, currently hosts more than half of Gaza's total population of about 2.3 million people, the vast majority of whom have been displaced by fighting further north in the territory.

Despite calls for restraint from the international community, including Israel's staunchest ally, the US, the Israeli government has said it intends to push a ground offensive into the city, where it says many of the remaining Hamas militants are holed up.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thanked the US Congress for passing its aid bill for Israel.

"Thank you friends, thank you America," he said.

The US House pushed swiftly through a series of votes today in a rare Saturday session to approve $95bn in foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel and other US allies.

The US House of Representatives has approved a $26bn package aiding Israel and providing humanitarian relief to people in Gaza. 

The package will now go to the US Senate, where it is likely to be passed on Tuesday. 

Congress has also approved sending $60.8bn in foreign aid to Ukraine.

People have been attending a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in Tel Aviv today.

Protesters are also calling for the release of hostages kidnapped in the 7 October Hamas attack on Israel.

By Alex Rossi , international correspondent in Tel Aviv

On Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest, people took to the beach in Tel Aviv. Under the hot spring sunshine, the tensions between Iran and Israel seemed a world away.

Most of the people there are hoping that the worst of this phase of the crisis has passed.

As he rested on the sand between surfs, Jonathan Weiss told me: "I definitely hope this direct bit is over. We have enough things to worry about - internally and with our direct borders.

"Lebanon, Hamas, Gaza…we don't want to add anything to that."

Lior Shalev agreed: "I hope everything will be over soon. It's just unnecessary for both sides to get people hurt."

Israel's government has remained officially silent on the attack on a base near the Iranian city of Isfahan. It is another indication that the situation is de-escalating.

The strike appears to have been limited; symbolic in nature to send a warning rather than ignite a bigger confrontation.

But whilst the latest flare-up in the wider Middle East appears to have died down for now, Israel is still locked in conflict closer to home.

The indication is that Israel's long-anticipated incursion into the southern city of Rafah - which Israel sees as the last stronghold for Hamas - may not be far away.

US officials met their Israeli counterparts virtually this week to discuss the imminent incursion.

The White House has consistently warned the Israelis against a wholesale ground offensive of the city, fearing that an indiscriminate approach could lead to yet more huge civilian casualties.

But as we saw this week, Israel will make its own decisions on matters of war.

After Israel repelled a mass Iranian drone and missile attack, President Biden initially advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "take the win" and not strike back.

Within days, the US realised Mr Netanyahu was going to strike anyway - albeit in a limited fashion.

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Iran missile and drone attack on Israel – what we know so far

Israel’s military has reported minor damage after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles towards it late on Saturday

• Iran attack on Israel – live updates
• Full report: Iran launches drones and cruise missiles against Israel

Iran launched hundreds of drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel , in the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Jewish state, in response to the 1 April strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which killed a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards and eight other officers.

Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet, said that Israel will exact a price from Iran in response to its mass missile and drone attack when the time is right. His comments came ahead of a war cabinet meeting alongside Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the country’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant.

Tehran has warned it will strike again with greater force if Israel or the US retaliate for the Iranian strike on Israel by more 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night. The air raids , the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Israeli state, brought a years-long shadow war into the open and threatened to draw the region into a broader conflagration as Israel said it was considering its response.

However, the attack, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down with the help of the US, Britain and Jordan. An air force base in southern Israel was hit, but continued to operate as normal and a seven-year-old child was seriously hurt by shrapnel. There were no other reports of serious damage. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said that 99% of the launches had been intercepted.

Most of the Iranian drones flying over Syria’s airspace during Tehran’s strikes overnight were downed by Israeli and US jets before reaching their targets in Israel, two western intelligence sources told Reuters .

The UN security council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday at the request of Israel’s ambassador to the UN, the council’s president said in a statement.

Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source has told Reuters . The source also said that the US conveyed to Iran via Ankara that its operation must be “within certain limits”. These reports come after Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian , said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran that Iran had informed the US that its attacks against Israel will be “limited” and for self-defence only.

John Kirby, the White House’s top national security spokesperson, told ABC’s This Week programme on Sunday that the US will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran. “We don’t seek escalated tensions in the region. We don’t seek a wider conflict,” Kirby said. News outlet Axios reported that Joe Biden , the US president, had told Netanyahu that he would oppose an Israeli counterattack against Iran and that the prime minister should “take the win”.

UK Royal Air Force fighter jets and refuelling aircraft were also involved in Israel’s defence, taking off from bases in Cyprus. Their role, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, was to fill in for the US air force in the sorties against Islamic State normally carried out over Iraq and north-eastern Syria, but also to intercept Iranian drones if they came into the UK area of operations.

World leaders have condemned Iran’s attack, with regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Egypt calling for restraint. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said: “I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”

Jordan’s prime minister, Bisher Khasawneh , warned that any escalation in the region would lead to “dangerous paths”, joining a chorus of condemnation from world leaders to the attack. Other countries including the UK, Spain, the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and China, have called for restraint amid fears of a regional escalation of conflict across the Middle East. Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned the ambassadors of the UK , France , and Germany to question what it referred to as their “irresponsible stance” regarding Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel, the semi-official Iranian Labour news agency reported .

Major airlines across the Middle East, including Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways , announced they would resume some of their operations in the region after cancelling or rerouting some flights in response to Iran’s attack on Israel. Israel said it had reopened its airspace as of 7:30am local time on Sunday morning, with Beirut airport also reopening this morning. Several Iranian airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International, however, have cancelled flights until Monday.

• Middle East and north Africa
• US military

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