Road Trip Essentials: A Minimalist Road Trip Packing List
This summer may have you heading East bound and down, but when it comes to being loaded up and trucking, you don’t want a bunch of unnecessary and useless stuff in tow.
That’s why we’re here to cover the basics and do a quick drive-by of some minimalist road trip essentials.
However, we encourage you to think of this more as a road trip packing list template to get your creative juices flowing, because your exact list will depend on a ton of different factors. To polish and fine-tune your list, answer the following questions:
What kind of road trip will you be taking? Are you staying in hotels and AirBnBs? Camping? RV road trip essentials are going to be very different than camping road trip essentials.
What’s your mode of transport? A motorcycle, small car, truck, RV, or a camper van?
Who’s going with you? Are you looking for road trip essentials for couples or just you? Maybe you’re traveling with kids or a dog.
What season are you going? A winter road trip packing list will look a little different than a summer road trip packing list.
Where are you going? A southwest road trip packing list will likely center more on outdoorsy, warm-weather activities whereas a New England road trip packing list might need to be a little more style-savvy for days spent exploring the marvelous historical cities there.
Regardless of what category your road trip fits into, here are two big rules of thumb to follow when putting together a packing list for road trips:
Don’t overpack. While road trips aren’t constrained by luggage weight limits, vehicles don’t store as much as you might like, especially for long road trips. Even if you have the space in your vehicle, you don’t want to be so bogged down with sorting through stuff every day that you forget the reason you’re on a road trip to begin with: to experience the world.
Consider luggage: When selecting luggage for your road trip, consider opting for hard-shell luggage. Hard-shell suitcases are designed to withstand rough handling and offer excellent protection for your belongings. Their durable construction can help prevent damage ensuring that your items remain intact throughout your journey. Additionally, hard shell luggage often comes with secure locking mechanisms, providing an extra layer of safety for your valuables during stops and overnight stays. Eminent, Samsonite, and Away which stand out in the realm of hard shell luggage offer a range of options that combine durability with sleek designs. Hard shell Eminent luggage, in particular, has both functionality and aesthetics, which is important when you want to look stylish without sacrificing safety. As you explore your options, remember that investing in reliable hard shell luggage not only safeguards your possessions but also adds a touch of style to your travel gear.
Think minimalist. This not only means not overpacking but also intentionally packing versatile items that will have many uses. This is especially important for a road trip wardrobe, as you may never know exactly what conditions to dress for.
*This post contains affiliate links.
Navigation for Things to Bring on a Road Trip
Road Trip Clothing Essentials
Title Nine Mad Dash Reversible Crop Tights
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T
Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket
Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Anorak
Salomon Speedcross Trail Runners
Teva Ember Moc Indoor/Outdoor Slippers
Road Trip Food Essentials
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset
Hitchfire Forge 15 Grill Camp Stove
WACACO Minipresso
Stanley Fast Flow Water Storage Jug
Camping Road Trip Essentials
Luno® Car Sleeping Pads
Haven Hammock Tent
Sierra Designs Down Sleeping Bag
Rumpl Blanket
Family Road Trip Essentials
Roofnest Vehicle Rooftop Tent
Camp and Car Games
Dog Road Trip Essentials
ROAD TRIP CLOTHING ESSENTIALS
Title Nine Mad Dash Reversible Crop Tights
Image credit Title Nine
Looking for a super versatile pair of leggings for your road trip?
These are it. Comfortable, functional, and equipped with pockets, the Title Nine Mad Dash Leggings are thoughtfully designed to have it all. With a buttery soft texture, they’re comfortable for long-mileage days stuck sitting in the car but are then stretchy and durable enough for hiking, biking, and whatever other outdoor adventures are on your road trip bucket list.
Flash the fun print side around on your outdoor romp-around then flip to the sleek, solid black for a nice dinner out on the town.
Amber was given a pair of these to try out and they’ve quickly become one of her favorite garments—both for road travel and everything else!
What we especially like about them is their odor resistance. They easily pass the multiple-day smell test, which, on a road trip without regular laundry facilities, is super helpful!
Find it here: Title Nine
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
Image credit Outdoor Research
Available for both men and women in a variety of styles, both short and long, the Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants are all-time favorites among hikers, climbers, and vanlifers alike…and for a good reason!
These lightweight, ultra-stretchy pants provide maximum comfort and mobility whether you’re spending long hours sitting in the car or a long day exploring the National Parks.
Because they’re so light and breezy, they’re definitely something you’ll want on a summer road trip packing list, but they could also accommodate a base layer for colder weather.
The newest additions to the Ferrosi collection are now made with partially recycled synthetic materials, and we look forward to seeing more of how OR plans to become a sustainable outdoor clothing brand.
Find it here: Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
Patagonia Synchilla Snap-T
Image credit Patagonia
Speaking of eco friendly outdoor gear brands, Patagonia is always a fan favorite in pretty much any semi-outdoor niche and road-tripping is no exception.
Their clothing is just so darn good—in terms of style, quality, and responsible manufacturing!
For road-tripping, be sure to take along one of their uber classic Synchilla Snap-T Fleece Pullovers. These babies have been on the market since the early 90s with very little stylistic change for a reason.
They’ll keep you cozy around the campfire, make for a warm outer layer on chilly nights, and still look fly enough to stroll around the city wearing one.
Find it here: Patagonia / Worn Wear (Used Options) / Backcountry
Arc’teryx Atom LT Jacket
Image credit Arc’teryx
When something a little warmer is required, bundle up in the incredibly light yet warm Coreloft™ Compact 60 insulation of the Arc'teryx Atom LT jacket.
The Atom LT is the middle jacket in Arc’teryx’s Atom series, being a little lighter than the namesake but heavier than the Atom SL. This jacket in particular is ideal for a huge variety of conditions, being temperature regulating and breathable enough to handle either a mild chill or more extreme cold.
Between its stretch-insulated and equally mobile wind-blocking, water-resistant shell, there’s nothing it can’t handle.
While Arc’teryx is known both for its top-notch quality apparel and for its’ equally high price tag, the Atom series is refreshingly affordable when compared to their GoreTex shells, without sacrificing quality.
Find it here: REI
Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Anorak
Image credit Cotopaxi
Inclement weather doesn’t go on vacation when we do and sometimes, the rain might be a little heavier than the Atom LT can handle.
Don’t get stuck inside on those days by ensuring you can dress for the worst weather in the Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Anorak.
Made of 100% recycled polyester and styled using Cotopaxi’s patented bold colorblock patterns, it’ll keep you dry and bring a little brightness to gray, rainy days.
If pullovers aren’t your jam, they also make full-zip models.
Find it here: Cotopaxi / Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
Salomon Speedcross Trail Runners
Image credit Salomon
When it comes to versatile road trip footwear, nothing beats a solid pair of trail runners.
With all the functionality of hiking boots with not as much bulk, trail runners are better suited for a wide variety of occasions, whether it be city strolling, hiking, or actual trail running.
Salomon’s Speedcross line is one of the best, featuring a very durable, highly water-resistant upper, easy cinch laces, and high-traction tread, they’re a convenient shoe for all your road trip needs.
Find it here: Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
Teva Ember Moc Indoor/Outdoor Slippers
Image credit Teva
We could talk about these shoes all day long (and we pretty much have since the day we moved into our van).
Whether you’re a full-time roadlifer or just taking a weekend road trip, the Teva Ember Mocs are honestly the most comfortable, versatile shoe we’ve EVER tried.
Insulated, water-resistant, and easy-clean quilted uppers are paired with non-slip tread outdoor soles. The collapsible neoprene heel counter easily turns them from slides to more secure shoes, meaning you can wear these anywhere and everywhere, from light hikes, to dinner in town, to chilling around camp.
As an all-in-one shoe, they really need to be on any road trip packing list.
Plus, as Teva continues to grow its efforts to provide more eco friendly outdoor shoes, they now offer the ReEmber, which is made of recycled materials.
Find it here: Teva / Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
ROAD TRIP FOOD ESSENTIALS
Part of the fun of a road trip is eating out and experiencing different locational gems. However, eating out for every meal can get costly really quickly, so unless budget isn’t an issue for you, it’s always a good idea to have the means to prepare at least some of your meals yourself.
That’s why your cooking tools are some of the most important things to bring on a road trip.
While we can’t tell you what should go on your road trip food packing list (other than recommending some sustainable backpacking food as a lightweight, no-fuss emergency meal kit), here are just a few basic cooking items that will suffice. Think of it as a Camper Van Kitchen Lite™.
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Camper Cookset
Image credit GSI Outdoors
GSI’s Pinnacle Cookset is just about the most comprehensive, confined cook set ever made. We personally use one not only for road travel, but even more space-limited backpacking travel.
Featuring 4 plates, 4 bowls, 4 insulated lidded mugs, 2L lidded pot, frying pan, pot gripper, and a sink/stuff sack neatly contained in a 3L pot, it had everything the whole family needs to make and eat basic meals.
The only things you’ll need to pack separately are the utensils, which GSI also conveniently makes.
Find it here: REI / Moosejaw
Hitchfire Forge 15 Grill Camp Stove
Image credit HitchFire
You’ve got what you’re going to cook with; what about what you’re going to cook on?
The Hitchfire Forge 15 Grill is the most comprehensive, simple solution for on-the-go meals that money can buy.
Forget about having to break down your kitchen after every meal. This tabletop-stove-combo attaches right to the hitch of your vehicle via a swing arm that makes stopping, cooking lunch, then getting back on the road a breeze.
If this is a little above budget, any old two-burner stove, like a Coleman will do.
Alternatively, plan for your next big road trip by adding this to your road trip gift list and dropping some hints to friends and family members.
Find it here: Backcountry / REI / Moosejaw
WACACO Minipresso
Image credit Josh Fletcher Photo for WACACO
What good is a road trip food packing list without the liquid of life and a way to make it.
We’re talking about coffee, of course!
Making coffee on the road can be a hassle and leave you with a lot of mess, which is why WACACO’s handheld espresso makers are brilliant. They utilize pressure to transform a few tablespoons of grounds into quality, strong espresso. All you need to do is add water and push the button.
For those who don’t like strong coffee, just dilute it with water.
Find it here: WACACO
Stanley Fast Flow Water Storage Jug
Image credit Stanley
Okay, now for the actual liquid of life: water!
Storing water on the road can be a hassle and cases of disposable plastic water bottles are a quick way to clutter up your car (not to mention the planet).
That’s why we recommend a reusable, large-capacity water tank like the Stanley Fast Flow Water Jug. Not only is this 2-gallon tank ultra-durable, insulated, and leak-proof, but it also comes bearing an easy-access pour spout which makes getting your daily recommended H2O a breeze.
Its handles make refilling (at gas stations, grocery store water fills, and campground waterspouts) easy, too.
Just be sure to also bring some reusable water bottles to ensure you stay hydrated when out and about.
Find it here: Stanley / Backcountry
CAMPING ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
Your packing list for camping road trips should start with what you’re going to be sleeping in. Maybe it’s your car or van, or maybe a tent, and depending on that, check out these recommended sleep systems.
Luno® Car Sleeping Pads
Image credit Luno®
No car camping road trip packing list is complete without one of the coolest brands to come onto the road trip scene: Luno®.
In addition to cool gadgets like mini fans and window shades, their inflatable car air mattresses transform any vehicle into a luxurious 5-star hotel (well… sort of).
From truck bed pads, hatchback pads, and even front cab van air mattresses, Luno® is in the business of providing a good night's sleep on the road without the hassle of having to set up an external camp.
For those traveling in more urban areas where outside camping is a little scarce, these come in clutch.
Find it here: Luno®
Haven Tents Hammock Tent
Image credit Haven Tents
Looking for true sleeping versatility for a landscape that changes every day?
Haven Tents offers the perfect solution in the form of a two-in-one hammock tent.
If you’re camped in the forest one night, hang up their fully waterproof and enclosed canopy hammock and sleep blissfully without the buggy issue of traditional hammocks. With a square bottom and integrated sleeping pad, it also eliminates the head pinching and cold bottom problems that often plague hammock enthusiasts.
If you find yourself in a tree-less desert the next night, you can pitch the very same hammock like a tent on the ground.
It’s truly innovative and we personally love ours, even though it is only built for one person so we each need our own.
Find it here: Haven Tents
Sierra Designs Down Sleeping Bag
Image credit Sierra Designs
Want a sleeping bag that (we kid you not) is almost as cozy as your own bed?
Look no further.
Sierra Designs offers a whole host of sleeping bags, including both down and synthetic bags and double sleeping bags, all in a range of different temperature ratings.
Depending on where you’re going and how cold you tend to sleep, you can pick whatever bag best suits your needs, but we personally vouch for their ultra-plush high loft down sleeping bags that truly make you feel like you’re sleeping in a cloud.
Find it here: Sierra Designs / Moosejaw
Rumpl Puffy Blanket
Image credit Rumpl
Alternatively, if you feel a full sleeping bag is excessive for your warm-weather destinations, a Rumpl Puffy Blanket might just be right up your alley.
Filled with either down or recycled polyester, these durable, nature-resistant blankets won’t just keep you warm at night but are perfect to snuggle up in around the campfire or haul on a hike for a desert picnic.
Not to mention they come in all sorts of fun colors and prints!
Find it here: Rumpl
FAMILY ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
Family road trip essentials are going to be extremely varied depending on your family.
For example, things to bring on a road trip for tweens are going to differ slightly from toddler road trip essentials or even teenage road trip essentials. But here are a few basic extra things to consider:
Roofnest Vehicle Rooftop Tent
Image credit Roofnest
Too many bodies crammed in one tiny hatchback? Not thrilled to sleep in the same tent as your chaotic kids who will be up half the night in excitement?
Check out the Roofnest pop-up rooftop tent that mounts right on top of just about any vehicle. Set-up and take-down are incredibly easy and you’ll be amazed at how much space you’ll save in the care by being able to keep sleeping stuff stored right in the collapsed tent on top.
A rooftop tent is not only an easy-to-set-up secondary sleeping solution but kids will be stoked to sleep on top of the car.
Find it here: Roofnest
Car and Camp Games
Image credit GSI Outdoors
Car games and other activities to keep kids occupied over long hours of driving definitely belong on a road trip with kids packing list.
When the driving’s done and the car is in the park, keep the fun and games going at camp with any number of the ultra-portable, lightweight games offered by GSI Outdoors and Outside Inside, including cribbage, table tennis, shuffleboard, and even corn hole!
Not only are these road trip essentials for kids, but can be fun for adults without kids in tow, too!
Find Car Games Here: Amazon
Find Camp Games Here: GSI Outdoors / REI / Amazon
Dog Road Trip Essentials
If you have a pup that is part of the family (or a dog that simply IS your family), make sure you consider them, too, when packing for your road trip. Here are a few things all dog owners should bring:
A leash: It doesn’t matter if your dog is trained off-leash and well-behaved, the fact is that not all dogs are this way and in unfamiliar locations, you should always have your dog on a leash. In fact, it’s required in my state parks and natural areas. It also helps you always keep an eye on when they go #2 so you can practice good Leave No Trace and pick up their poop.
A collapsible dog bowl: Make sure your dog stays hydrated when out and about with an easy-to-carry collapsible dog bowl.
Dog booties: Depending on where you’re going, you might spend time on terrain that your dog’s paws are unfamiliar with. Hot desert sand, sharp rocks, and more can all damage the pads of your pup's paws so protect them if you think you might be traveling to locations like this.
EMERGENCY ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
Portable car jump starter (no need to reply on other vehicles around to give you a jump)
Max Trax traction boards (you never know when a dirt road will turn nasty!)
Tire chains (While not necessary for summer travel, they’re definitely winter road trip essentials)
Before You Drive Away…
For a more general list of things to all consider, be sure to download Well Planned Journey’s road trip packing list PDF.
Oh, and just remember: forgetting something on a road trip is not the end of the world, so while your packing list is important, we recommend spending more time on your itinerary ;)
**This post contains affiliate links to support the continued creation of these van life guides. This just means that if you purchase something from one of the links above, I get a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Read more here or reach out with more questions.