Road-tripping is my favorite way to travel. With two dogs and now a baby, I’d much prefer to drive somewhere than fly. Also, there is an undeniable magic to a good road trip: the freedom of the open road, the opportunity to get off the beaten path, and the surprises that you stumble upon along the way.
However, packing for a road trip can be super stressful. While I consider myself a packing pro these days, I’ve definitely made the mistake of forgetting something really important, like the time I left my hiking shoes behind. I can’t tell you what a huge bummer it was to have to stop and spend $150 on new hiking shoes when I have so many pairs at home.
So, to help myself (and you!) stay organized, I created a road trip packing checklist that has all of the essentials you need for a successful road trip. I keep a condensed, printable version of this packing checklist on my phone to make sure I don’t forget anything.
In this post, I’m excited to share all of the details of what I bring on my road trips, including safety gear, clothing, food, and other gear.
Vehicle Road Trip Essentials
This is the basic safety gear that I always pack on all of my road trips.
Driver’s License, Registration, and Proof of Insurance
Car Operation Manual: Your car manual will come in handy if your check engine light comes on or you need to change your tire.
Spare Tire and Tools: If you get a flat, you’ll need a lug wrench, a jack, and a portable compressor that you can use to pump up your tire.
Jumper cables: If your battery dies, you can save yourself a call to roadside assistance by having jumper cables, or even better, a self-starting battery jumper
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. 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. I once had a dead battery in my Sprinter Van and no cell sevice, and I used the Garmin InReach to text my dad who was then able to call a tow truck.
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 my recommendations.
Atlas: Although we all know Google Maps is essential for directions, I personally like carrying a paper map too. Plus, hopefully some of your itinerary will take you off the grid and out of cell phone service. 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.
GPS: 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.
A paper map is always handy for road trips. I’ve found some of my favorite roads and campsites using the Benchmark Road and Recreation Atlas.
Road Trip Apps
Before you hit the road, download these apps. These are the apps I rely on daily when I’m on a road trip for finding camping and other services.
Gas BuddyApp: This 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.
The Dyrt App: The Dyrt is one of my favorite campsite finder apps that has reviews and photos, and you can even use it to make reservations at some campgrounds. Sign up for the Dyrt Pro and try it for free for 30 days.
iOverlander: Another one of my go-to apps for finding free dispersed camping on public land. For details on how to use it, see my iOverlander review.
AllTrails: The most popular trail finder app for hiking trails on your road trip. If you upgrade to AllTrails+ you can download trail maps for offline use which I find to be super handy when I’m are visiting remote areas.
What to Wear on a Road Trip
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. The key is to not overpack, otherwise, your luggage will be overflowing and your car will get messy quickly.
I like to pack clothing, footwear, and accessories that:
Won’t wrinkle
Retain their shape (think a little bit of stretch)
Wick away moisture
Are comfortable to spend full days in
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 is a list of the types of clothes I bring on a road trip. If you click on the links it will take you to my blog posts with female-specific suggestions.
Road Trip Entertainment
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? Load up your phone with plenty of tunes ahead of time in case you’ll be driving through areas with limited service.
Podcasts and 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 podcast. For suggestions, check out my favorite outdoor podcasts. The Libby App and Audible are also great resources for downloading audiobooks.
Book: A book or two is always nice to have along on a road trip so you can read in your downtime. I prefer a Kindle since I can load it up with a few different books just in case I get bored with one.
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 for entertainment in the evenings.
Headphones: A set of headphones or AirPods are nice to bring on a road trip in case you need a little alone time.
Camera: I like to bring a camera to capture the memories on my trip. Of course, you can always use your phone too.
Notebook: If you like to journal or make notes about the places you travel to, pack a small weatherproof notebook.
iPad or 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.
Packing Food on your Road Trip
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. If you are camping, check out my car camping packing checklist which has additional gear like a stove, cookset, etc. Here is the food and cooking essentials I pack on a road trip.
Cooler: A cooler will keep your fruit, veggies, dips, dand other snacks cold so you can eat fresh on the road.
Reusable Water Bottle: An insulated water bottle will keep your water cold in the hot car and is key for staying hydrated. You can fill it up at gas station soda fountains, which will also save you money on having to buy water.
Water Jug: Having a full 5-gallon water jug makes it easy to fill up your water bottle on the go and is also important in case your car breaks down or you run out of gas.
Coffee Mug: Consider bringing an insulated coffee mug for keeping coffee and tea hot on sunrise drives.
Multi-tool: 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 at the end of the day.
Utensil set: This To-Go Ware Bamboo Utensil Set comes in a handy holder and is perfect for on-the-go meals when you’re road-tripping.
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.
Reusable Bag: A reusable bag will come in handy for those grocery store stops along the way and once you arrive at your destination.
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 my favorite road trip snacks are:
Veggies and dip, like carrots and sugar snap peas with hummus or Bitchin’ Sauce (if you’ve never tried it, you gotta find it, it’s sooo good)
Fresh, easy-to-eat fruit, like apples, bananas, and mandarins
Trail mix or roasted nuts
Better for you chip alternatives like baked chips, snap pea crisps, and popcorn
Pre-packaged hiking snacks that are easy to eat while you are driving that you can also throw in your backpack for your outings.
Staying Organized on your Road Trip
Nothing drives me more crazy when I’m road tripping is a trunk full of clutter. I like being able to quickly find things that I need without having to pull everything out of my car. Here are some of the things I use to keep organized.
Luggage: Try to fit all of your clothing in a carry-on sized piece of luggage. That will make it easy to carry it in and out of your hotel (or tent), and it also wont’ take up too much room in your trunk. I love the REI Co-op Roadtripper Duffel.
Packing Cubes: I use packing cubes to keep all of my clothing organized inside my duffel. Underwear in one. Socks in another. Pants. Shirts. Each category of clothing gets it’s own cube. That way it’s easy to pull out a new shirt without unfolding all of my clothes.
Toiletry Bag: Having all your toiletries and smaller essentials in a toiletry bag makes it easy to find them when you need them.
Day pack: I love this comfy 30 liter hiking pack that has lots of pockets and straps that I can adjust for the perfect fit. I keep all of the stuff I need for my hikes and other activities in my pack so it’s ready to go.
Plastic Bins: I always organize the rest of my gear by category in plastic bins that are easy to stack and pull out of my car. I’ll put all of my food and kitchen stuff in one and any camping gear in another.
Personal Items
Getting out of your normal routine can make it a bit more of a challenge to keep up with personal care, but if you can pare it down to the necessities, you won’t have to pack as much.
Sunscreen: 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.
Lip Balm: Lip balm is always nice to have along in case your lips get extra dry. I prefer lip balm with SPF for sun protection.
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.
Other Toiletries: Bring the toiletries you need from home, like soap, shampoo, and conditioner, in these refillable 2.5 oz humangear GoToob+ Medium Squeeze Bottles that help save room in your bag.
Kula Cloth: This is a reusable pee rag that I bring on every hike and road trip. That way if I have to pop a squat, I’m not having to drip dry.
Body Wipes: Sometimes it’s nice to freshen up with a body wipe after a long drive, or maybe you’re hiking and camping on your road trip as well.
Electrolytes: I like to pack electrolytes that are easy to throw into my water when I need an extra boost.
Hand sanitizer: I keep hand sanitizer in my center console so I can sanitize after filling up my gas tank or using a pit toilet at a trailhead.
First aid kit: 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.
Other Road Trip Essentials
If you have extra room in your car, these are some additional things I like to pack on my road trips.
Pillow: Ideally I’m bringing my pillow from home since hotel pillows often suck! But if I don’t have room, I bring a lightweight, compressible camping pillow that makes riding in the passenger seat just a bit more comfortable.
Headlamp: I always pack a rechargeable headlamp. It makes rummaging around in your car at night so much easier.
Blanket: 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. I 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.
Large quick-dry towel: Be ready for those impromptu swimming hole dips or beach hangs with a lightweight, quick-dry towel
Phone charger: 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.
Cash: 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.
Camp Chair: It’s nice to have a small, packable camp chair so you can have somewhere to sit when you’re enjoying a snack or a nice view.
I 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?
