Post Summary: Road Trip Essentials To Put On Your Next Packing list
So, you want the freedom of the open road, with nowhere to go but onward.
But what the heck do you need to pack?
Berty and I always find ourselves on the road (our Instagram pretty much consists of road trip pictures!), so wecreated a list of road trip essentials to minimize stops, keep us entertained and save us money along the way.
We’ve perfected this road trip packing list for countless trips – from Alaska to Utah, the Pacific Coast Coast to the Olympics in Washington.
If you are in the beginning stages (or dreaming up your next destination!) this post provides a great list to get you started, along with other road trip tips along the way!
Planning A Trip?
Make Sure To Read These Posts For More Road Trip Essentials:
Car Camping 101: The Guide To Sleeping In Your Car (For Free!)
20 Brilliant Car Camping Hacks For Your Next Road Trip
How To Find Free Camping In The USA
101 Fun And Random Road Trip Questions To Ask Your Friends
15 Essential Road Trip Planning Apps To Use
30 Necessary Road Trip Essentials You Must Be Packing
Note: This post contains affiliate links of seriously cool items we love. Any purchase of things we recommend here will help us fund our next epic road trip to share with you all!
1. Snacks
Ever been with a hangry passenger?Snacks absolutely need to be on your road trip packing list, especially if you want tosave money while you travel. Make sure to bring a good mix of healthy foods like baby carrots, apples, nuts, and crackers.
Bring a mix of sweet and salty things, but also indulge in some junk food as well. Need meal tips? Read our post full of easy camping meals.
2. Good Navigation Apps
Have you ever lost your way, and lost cell service at the same time? It’s a jarring experience – one we don’t like to be in! Before any journey now, one of our most important road trip essentials is downloading a navigation app, especially one with offline features.
Currently, we’re loving The Dyrt and their new road trip planner feature! It helps us plan out stops like the best places to get gas, camping along our route, and it can even work offline.
We also recently upgraded to The Dyrt Pro Membership to find places to stay near some hot springs in Idaho, and it was so helpful to have these maps downloaded offline to look on the go! Try their pro membership free for 30-days when using our code MANDAGIES!
3. Kleenex / Hankerchief
If you are feeling under the weather, Kleenex can prevent further germs from infecting your other car mates too. Looking for a sustainable option? Try to purchase a few bandanas instead, and washing them with the rest of your clothes on laundry day!
4. Emergen-C / Vitamin C Tablets
Speaking of sickness, in addition to packing lots of vitamin C rich foods, Emergen-C or an electrolyte drink mix/tablets can be a great way to support your immune system and overall health on a long road trip. We like to add these items on our road trip packing list because they usually come in a tablet or dry form, which is easy to store and carry.
5. Chapstick
Sometimes air conditioners can dry out the inside of the car. Add chapstick to your road trip essentials to help! We like buying from the brand Burt’s Bees, because they have lots of flavor options and are made with natural ingredients!
6. Car games/cards for delays or waits
If you are waiting, say, for a ferry or a traffic issue to clear, it’s always nice to fall back on classic card games (just not the driver!) or classic road trip questions to keep spirits up and your mind off the delays! Have kids? Download these free printable games and puzzles to keep them busy!
7. Headache Medication
Sitting in the car for long periods of time can take a toll. Ibuprofen, Advil, or other similar headache medication can be a great addition to any packing list because this over-the-counter product not only can relieve headaches but reduce fevers too.
8. Sunglasses
Driving into the sunset can seem romantic, but not when you’re staring straight into the bright lights for hours on end. Save your vision and protect your eyes with these road trip must-haves!
9. Car Chargers
Berty and I have loads of tech we use on a regular basis during long road trips. To make sure our batteries are charged we have this car adapter to use when we’re driving from place to place. We’ve had it for years and we love that it not only has USB ports but regular ones for bigger items like laptops!
10. Slippers
For me, I like to take off my shoes and get comfy on long road trips. We absolutely love the Ember Mocs made by Teva, because they have a collapsible heel. You can easily slip them on and off, or lift up the back for a little more grip on your foot.
11. Pillow
When putting together your road trip packing list, bring a pillow for those times when it’s not your turn to drive. A pillow is also useful for when you need some quick shut-eye at rest stops to regain your energy and stay alert on the road.
We own two of these super comfy neck pillows (one on the driver side and the other on the passenger) and we actually use them as pillows for a clever car camping hack too.
12. Headphones
Headphones are excellent road trip essentials for those times you need to have a little bit of space to yourself. These noise-canceling ones from Bose are a little pricey, but worth every penny for peace and quiet. Alternatively, you could purchase wireless ones, that easily fit in your pocket and take up very little space.
13. Clothes/Shoes
Don’t forget to account for enough clothes on your road trip packing list. Pack enough for the number of days you will be gone, or pack less and plan forr stops at a laundr0-mat. On any given trip, we recommend no more than 3 pairs of shoes and always pack more socks and underwear than you need. Find our PNW Packing List here!
14. Hat
Stylish and functional, make sure you have something to cover your eyes and protect your skin on an extra sunny day.
15. Audio Choices (Road Trip Podcasts, Playlists + More)
Entertainment is one of the most important road trip necessities!
Download playlists on Spotify so you can listen to them offline. We also highly recommend >audiobooks too, so that you can “read” while you drive. We listened to 20 hours of Ready Player One on our road trip around Vancouver Island, and we couldn’t wait for long stints in the car!
Want to learn new things? We have a list of the best road trip podcasts to check out, ranging from true crime to The Office recaps!
16. Little Bluetooth Speakers
Bluetooth Speakers are helpful in case you reach certain areas with poor reception, but still want to listen to music. We own this one!
17. A Cozy Blanket
Whether it’s cold at your destination or the air conditioning is too much to handle, a blanket is an easy go-to comfort on a long drive. You can also use it as a privacy screen if you are sleeping in your car.
18. Candy
It’s okay to have your favorite indulgences on your road trip packing list! That little burst of sugar will give you energy for the long drive ahead. Our favorites are gas station candy, which includes some combination of Sour Patch Kids and something chocolate!
19. Gum
Studies show that chewing gum can help you concentrate on the task in front of you. So grab your favorite flavor and get driving!
20. Paper Directions/ Road Trip Apps
Berty and I constantly lose service when driving on remote roads to find free camping spots. Make sure to screenshot the route on your phone, or track it on a map with a pencil in case you go out of cell range. Have a smartphone? Download these essential road trip apps to make your life easier!
21. Water Bottle
A hydrated driver is a happy driver! Easy, go-to water bottles here, here, and here. Need a LOT of water for your road trip? Try this 5-gallon foldable water cube for easy water transportation.
22. Thermos
Ask at gas stations and convenience stores if you can fill your thermos with coffee instead of using their disposable cups. This reduces YOUR waste and probably does a better job of holding yourhot beverage. I’ve got my eye on this Stanley thermos as my next purchase.
23. Empty Tote
Bringing an empty tote is an excellent addition to your road trip checklist for its many uses. Pack a tote full of food and have a roadside picnic or bring it with you to a local farmer’s market to pick up goodies.
Our favorite universal tote is this one,which has carried all sorts of things for us! You can also find our favorite adventure bag picks in this post.
24. Duct Tape
Duct Tape seems to be the fix for everything.
25. Flashlight /Headlamps
It’s important to bring extra lighting for camping, night adventures, and emergencies alike! Pick up a few of these inexpensive headlamps from Petzl for keeping in your car to see at night.
26. First Aid Kit
A simple first-aid kit will do. Make sure to keep it in your car, even on short weekend trips!
27. Batteries
Make a list of items that may need a battery change on your journey and have a few extras of those on hand.
28. Proof of Insurance/ID
A driver’s license is a no-brainer as far as road trip essentials go, but make sure you have a hard copy of your proof of insurance too! In addition, make sure your tabs won’t expire during your trip and you’ve got the proper registration forms.
29. Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are one of those things on your road trip list you hope to never use! They can save you from being stranded, but you can always help out a buddy who is stuck too. Here’s a video on how to do it properly.
30. Car Fluids
Things like oil and antifreeze are a must. If you’re taking a winter road trip, make sure to read our winter emergency car kit of essential items to keep in your car during cold weather!
Did we miss anything? What are YOUR road trip essentials? Let us know in the comments!
READ ROAD TRIP ESSENTIAL TIPS
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10 Strategies for Finding Discounted Outdoor Gear
8 Vital Reasons To Travel With Your Friends
How To Travel on A Budget In The Pacific Northwest
Follow our Road Trip Board on Pinterest for someinspiration for other road trip essentials!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information on the concepts mentioned in this article. Here's some information related to the road trip essentials mentioned in the article:
Snacks
- Snacks are an essential part of a road trip packing list as they can help save money and keep you energized during the journey.
- It's recommended to bring a mix of healthy foods like baby carrots, apples, nuts, and crackers, as well as some indulgent treats.
- For meal ideas, you can refer to the article's suggestion of easy camping meals.
Good Navigation Apps
- Having a reliable navigation app is crucial for road trips, especially when you may encounter areas with limited or no cell service.
- The article mentions The Dyrt as a navigation app with offline features, which can help you plan stops, find gas stations, and locate camping spots along your route.
Kleenex / Hankerchief
- Carrying tissues or handkerchiefs can be useful, especially if you or your travel companions are feeling under the weather.
- The article also suggests using sustainable options like purchasing a few bandanas instead of disposable tissues.
Emergen-C / Vitamin C Tablets
- Packing Emergen-C or vitamin C tablets can help support your immune system during a long road trip.
- These items usually come in a tablet or dry form, making them easy to store and carry.
Chapstick
- Air conditioners in the car can sometimes dry out the inside, so having chapstick on hand can help keep your lips moisturized.
- The article recommends Burt's Bees as a brand that offers chapsticks with various flavor options and natural ingredients.
Car games/cards for delays or waits
- When facing delays or waits, having car games or cards can help keep spirits up and pass the time.
- The article suggests classic card games as a fallback option, but it's important to ensure that the driver remains focused on the road.
Headache Medication
- Sitting in the car for long periods can sometimes lead to headaches. Packing headache medication like ibuprofen or Advil can provide relief.
- These over-the-counter medications can also help reduce fevers.
Sunglasses
- Sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the sun's glare, especially when driving into the sunset.
- The article emphasizes the importance of protecting your vision and recommends bringing sunglasses on your road trip.
Car Chargers
- Carrying car chargers is important for keeping your electronic devices powered during long road trips.
- The article mentions a car adapter with USB ports, which can be useful for charging smaller devices like smartphones, as well as larger items like laptops.
Slippers
- Slippers can provide comfort during long road trips, allowing you to take off your shoes and relax.
- The article suggests Teva's Ember Mocs, which have a collapsible heel for easy slipping on and off.
Pillow
- Bringing a pillow on a road trip can provide comfort when it's not your turn to drive or when you need a quick nap at rest stops.
- The article mentions using neck pillows, which can also be used as pillows for car camping.
Headphones
- Headphones are useful for providing personal space and enjoying some quiet time during a road trip.
- The article recommends noise-canceling headphones from Bose for a peaceful experience, or wireless headphones for convenience and portability.
Clothes/Shoes
- Packing enough clothes for the duration of your road trip is important.
- The article suggests packing no more than three pairs of shoes and bringing extra socks and underwear.
- It also mentions a specific packing list for the Pacific Northwest region.
Hat
- Wearing a hat can provide protection from the sun and help keep your eyes shaded on sunny days.
Audio Choices (Road Trip Podcasts, Playlists + More)
- Entertainment is essential during a road trip, and the article suggests downloading playlists on Spotify or listening to audiobooks.
- It also mentions a list of road trip podcasts for those interested in learning new things or enjoying different genres.
Little Bluetooth Speakers
- Bluetooth speakers can be useful for listening to music in areas with poor reception.
- The article recommends a specific Bluetooth speaker for this purpose.
A Cozy Blanket
- Bringing a cozy blanket is a good idea for staying warm during cold weather or using it as a privacy screen when sleeping in your car.
Candy
- Indulging in your favorite candy can provide a burst of energy during a long drive.
- The article suggests gas station candy as a popular choice.
Gum
- Chewing gum can help improve concentration while driving, according to studies.
- The article recommends bringing your favorite flavor of gum on the road trip.
Paper Directions/Road Trip Apps
- Having paper directions or using road trip apps can be helpful, especially when driving in remote areas with limited cell service.
- The article suggests screenshotting the route on your phone or using a map and pencil to track your journey.
Water Bottle
- Staying hydrated is important during a road trip, so having a water bottle is essential.
- The article suggests various water bottle options, including a foldable water cube for easy water transportation.
Thermos
- Bringing a thermos can allow you to fill it with coffee instead of using disposable cups, reducing waste.
- The article mentions a specific thermos brand and model as a recommendation.
Empty Tote
- Carrying an empty tote can be useful for various purposes during a road trip.
- The article suggests using a tote for roadside picnics or bringing it to a local farmer's market to carry goodies.
Duct Tape
- Duct tape is known for its versatility and can be useful for various fixes or repairs during a road trip.
Flashlight/Headlamps
- Extra lighting, such as flashlights or headlamps, is important for camping, night adventures, and emergencies.
- The article recommends a specific brand of headlamps for nighttime visibility.
First Aid Kit
- Carrying a simple first aid kit in your car is always a good idea, even for short weekend trips.
Batteries
- It's important to have spare batteries for items that may require them during your road trip.
Proof of Insurance/ID
- Carrying a hard copy of your proof of insurance and driver's license is essential for any road trip.
- The article also mentions the importance of having up-to-date registration forms.
Jumper Cables
- Jumper cables are important for jump-starting a car in case of a dead battery.
- The article suggests watching a video on how to use jumper cables properly.
Car Fluids
- Car fluids like oil and antifreeze are essential to check and maintain before embarking on a road trip, especially during winter.
Please note that the information provided above is based on the concepts mentioned in this article.
