I love to drive and take multiple road trips a year, but my first cross-country one departed from Los Angeles, then hit Death Valley, Napa, Salt Lake City, and Denver, before ending at my parents’ house in South Dakota.
Then I turned around and did much of it again in reverse.
That trip taught me that there’s a big difference between a long car ride and a road trip. A car ride might be a couple of hours to a quick weekend escape, but a road trip can take several days and needs extra care and real itinerary planning.
I learned pretty quickly what I needed to bring, too, and what was just taking up space in the back of my Prius. These are the seven things I'd make room for every time.
In this article
Red Cross First Aid Kit
Fingers crossed this stays untouched, but I always keep this Red Cross First Aid Kit in my car. It’s stocked with essentials (115 items to be exact), like aspirin tablets, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic cleansing wipes, dressing pads and gauze, bandages, tweezers, thermometers, and much more, including a Red Cross emergency first aid guide.
It gives me peace of mind for everyday mishaps, whether scrapes or small cuts, blisters, or headaches, and I like that even with so much packed inside, it’s still compact and doesn't take up much space. I can easily tuck it away behind my front passenger seat, but still quickly reach it with my right hand if needed.
If you don't want to spring for a whole first aid kit, just account for your personal, predictable ailments. Treat yourself to some fun Band-Aids, an ice pack, and some aspirin, and those little issues won’t hold you back on the open road.
Anker MagGo Power Bank
On a road trip, your phone is much more than a phone. It’s your map, reservation confirmation, camera, music player, communication device, and potentially your connection to help.
That makes a serious backup power bank much more useful than the tiny charger I might carry around town.
The Anker MagGo has two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, with total output up to 140 watts. That’s enough power to charge phones and tablets and even support compatible laptops for around 1.5 to 2 hours. It’s heavier than a pocket-sized battery, weighing a little over a pound, which is great for a multiday drive.
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Water is at the top of the road trip list, especially if part of your trip is through any type of desert.
My favorite brand is Hydro Flask; I’ve been using them since 2019, and their insulated stainless-steel construction keeps cold drinks COLD.
Personally, I like the Wide Mouth Water bottles with the built-in straw cap, so I don’t have to worry about spilling water all over if I hit a bump in the road; they come in a multitude of sizes and shapes.
Using a refillable bottle like this replaces a pile of disposable bottles and, more importantly, means I’m not dependent on the next gas station for something as basic as cold water.
Car Phone Holder
While it might not be at the top of a packing list, there is nothing more obnoxious (or dangerous, for that matter) than having your phone slide all over the car as you’re trying to find your exit, change a playlist, or pick up a call.
The Miracase Car Phone Holder is my favorite because it swivels, making it easy for a solo driver or passenger to guide to the next destination. Easily mounted to an air vent and adjustable to fit different phone sizes and cases, the quick release makes it a breeze to remove at the next stop.
It might not seem like a big deal at first, but it’s little things like this that matter the most to make your trip run as smoothly as the road.
Columbia Women’s Weekend Long Rain Shell
A road-trip wardrobe has to handle the weather you left behind and the weather you haven’t reached yet. That was one of my biggest lessons from covering so much ground on my first trip. Since I have lived in Southern California for so long, I tend to get a little colder when the weather dips below 68°F; bringing layers is a necessity the farther north I go.
Now, I bring a packable, all-weather travel jacket on every trip. My pick is the Columbia Women’s Rain Shell. It uses Columbia’s Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable construction with fully seam-sealed seams, plus it has a hood, adjustable cuffs, zippered hand pockets, back venting, and a two-way front zipper.
It works well as a shell, layered with a T-shirt or sweatshirt underneath depending on the temperature. The longer cut adds coverage and can double as a lap blanket in colder weather.
Memory Foam Travel Pillow
After enough hours in a car, comfort stops being a nice extra.
I love the Szxyx Memory Foam Travel Pillow, which is made with 100% memory foam and is designed to provide 360-degree neck support. The breathable cover keeps it from feeling overly warm after hours of use.
I cannot tell you how much use this got in the car after I cradled it behind my head while driving for 10+ hours. The U-shaped design supports the neck and chin to encourage proper alignment, rather than simply giving your head something soft to lean against.
It’s also stowable, so it won't take over the car when it isn't in use. On a multiday road trip, that extra bit of support can make the difference between arriving ready to explore and immediately wanting to lie down.
Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400
This is the one thing on my list that isn't about preparedness, and that’s exactly why I’d bring it.
A road trip produces the kind of photographs you don't plan for: a strange roadside sign, a diner you stop at on a whim, a quirky motel, or a landscape that looks completely different from the one you saw an hour earlier.
And an iPhone just won’t do it justice like the Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400, which has 27 exposures and weighs barely 3 ounces, so it takes almost no luggage space. There’s no scrolling, editing, or retaking. You snap the picture, keep driving, and wait to see what you captured when the trip is over.
The Shortcut
Keep emergency gear within reach, including your first-aid kit and backup power bank, instead of storing it underneath your luggage.
Pack for the entire route with versatile essentials like a refillable water bottle and waterproof shell rather than dressing specifically for the weather at your starting point.
Bring an old-fashioned QuickSnap Camera for a fun, vintage '90s-style way to capture unique souvenirs from your trip.
