Whether you’re picturing Harold and Kumar or Thelma and Louise, get ready to pack these fun and practical camping and RV living essentials.
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Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and if you’re looking forward to some heat-free fall adventures, we’ve got you covered with the best road trip essentials.
Despite what you’ve seen in crazy road trip movies, not every memorable road trip has to turn into an epic Twitter story or end in a tumble down the abyss. With flight cancellations, fluctuating fuel prices, lost luggage, and other nightmares that air travelers have had to endure over the past few years, many travelers are opting to travel more by car. Plus, traveling in your own car is perhaps the most convenient way to enjoy a spontaneous vacation.
If you don’t already have a luxury camper like Nomad actress Holland Roden or don’t want to rack up the miles, Outdoorsy and RV Share are two of the best online RV and trailer rental services that let you rent Airstreams (loved by stars like Milo Ventimiglia), towable campers, and other RVs directly from owners. If you have a station wagon that’s either driveable or trailerable and just sitting around collecting dust, you can make money when it’s not in use by renting it out on the platforms mentioned above.
To help you plan the perfect mini-vacation, we’ve rounded up the most practical and essential road trip essentials to help you tackle any challenge—no matter the route or season. Whether you’re heading off-road for a camping trip or vacationing at a destination a few towns away, we’ve got a road trip shopping list with fun and practical items to suit everyone.
Our travel essentials include a well-stocked roadside first aid kit, a nomad-friendly backpack, a toiletries kit, TSA-approved items, and entertainment for a long, relaxing trip. Below, we’ve listed some of our recommended must-have items for a summer or fall trip. Most of these items are made from eco-friendly materials so you can reduce your environmental impact while traveling.
Extra miles can also mean more mess. The Thisworx Car Vacuum conveniently attaches to your car or RV and features a HEPA filter, three attachments, and a 106-watt motor to pick up dust, crumbs, ash, pet hair, and other debris.
For compact vehicles, the Yeti Hopper Flip 8 Compact Cooler can hold a six-pack of beer or anything else you need to keep cool while parked. Its DryHide body allows it to withstand harsh environmental conditions, and when used in combination with Yeti Ice Packs and regular ice, the cooler can keep contents cold for two days or more.
Staying hydrated while traveling is essential, which is why Stanley’s TikTok-popular Quencher 40-ounce tumbler is a must-have for travel. We especially love the convenient cup holder design and stainless steel vacuum insulation that keeps drinks cold for up to two days or hot for up to seven hours. It’s available in a dozen colors, and the splash-proof Flowstate lid lets you enjoy your drink three ways. (Fans of Joanna and Chip Gaines will also love Magnolia’s Hearth & Hand colorway, available exclusively at Target.)
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 instant camera features a retro design and automatic exposure control, making it easy to capture the perfect moment. The built-in selfie mirror makes it easy to take solo or group photos; don’t forget to bring extra film.
Can’t stand the road? Dimenhydrinate tablets (like the motion sickness tablets recommended by your pharmacist) are a must-have in the glove compartment and can help relieve symptoms of nausea or dizziness in the car. Children can also choose chewable tablets.
If you’re traveling with digital nomads or tech-obsessed passengers, this 200W car inverter features two 110V outlets and four USB ports, so you can charge up to six devices.
Rumpl’s Nanoloft Travel Blanket is made from 100% recycled 30D ripstop polyester and fits into the side pocket of your backpack or waist pack to keep you warm wherever you go. The clip and waterproof roll-top make it easy to pack and carry.
Keep bored kids entertained (and away from screens) by placing this road trip journal and activity book in the backseat.
Whether you need off-grid power or just peace of mind, we found the Yeti 1000X Portable Power Station from Goal Zero to be ideal for lighting up a small campsite, providing hours of power. We used it to power a mini fridge on long trips, and it can also power laptops, phones, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other devices. Use the solar panel (from $300; ​​sold separately) to charge on sunny days.
The Hart Toiletry Bag from State is our current favorite for weekend getaways and weeklong trips. It’s roomy enough to hold full-size toiletries, and it can be unzipped to expand if you need more space. As travelers who like to stay organized, we appreciate the internal organizer and zippered compartment with mesh pockets.
When space is tight, a modular approach to packing will help you stay organized and on track on every trip. Béis’s storage bag set includes six pieces: small, medium, and large; two shoe bags; and a zippered tote. We like the mesh front panel for a quick peek inside, and the top handles make grabbing things easy.
A must-have for any coffee lover’s travel kit, the AeroPress 3-in-1 Coffee Press lets you make espresso, hand-brewed coffee, or French press coffee anytime, anywhere. We love the microfiltration process, which allows for a finer grind for a smooth, rich taste—just add grounds and hot water, then press the button. Use paper or reusable stainless steel filters to avoid leaving behind coffee grounds. (Don’t forget to pack your Burr grinder!)
It is never too late to be prepared for a trip, so in addition to a first aid kit and a portable charger, we recommend having a travel first aid kit in your car, which is one of the most important essentials for a driver. This emergency kit includes a life jacket, reflective warning triangle, 2.3 meters of jumper cables, a whistle, tools, basic first aid supplies, gloves, PVC tape, a tire repair kit and other essentials for traveling in a caravan or caravan.
Transform your passenger or backseat into your own personal spa with the Drowsy Sleep Co Silk Eye Mask. The soft material and lining keep your eyes comfortable without creating irritating wrinkles.
If you’re looking to pack a quick picnic, this cooler bag from Business & Pleasure lets you enjoy cold drinks in style. It’s made from signature umbrella fabric that’s UV, water and mildew resistant, and features stylish leather handles and an eco-print lining.
This premium RV air mattress is a must-have for DIY camping. It comes in four separate sections that can be customized to fit the back of your vehicle, and both sides of the mattress are flocked for added comfort. It’s suitable for temperatures from -13°F (minus 7°C) to 122°F (49°C) and comes with a 12-volt air pump.
Take a nap in the passenger seat or backseat with Cabeau’s best-selling Evolution S3 Neck Pillow, which features memory foam filling and an ergonomic design to protect your neck and allow you to breathe and sleep comfortably.
For kids, there are the JBuddies Studio 2 Wired Kids Headphones from JLab that connect to a variety of devices via a USB-to-3.5mm cable — perfect for when you’re on the go and don’t have time to figure out Bluetooth. These comfortable headphones have a volume limit of 85 decibels, making them ideal for protecting the hearing of children ages 6 to 16. The headphones feature JLab Cloud Foam Comfort ear cushions and a headband to keep kids comfortable during long trips.
When you’re on a long road trip and there aren’t always places to stop or stores to buy a drink, collapsible water bottles (with spigots) come in handy. Available in 1.3, 2.6, and 5.3 gallon sizes, this road trip essential is also perfect for camping or as a home emergency kit.
If you are unsure of the quality of the water at your destination, LifeStraw’s individual reusable stainless steel straws can also be used as filters.
This official “car karaoke” microphone could be the best or worst choice for a road trip, depending on how you and your traveling companions sing. Passengers can easily sing karaoke without any technical assistance, and everyone can recreate their favorite parts of “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” complete with echo effects and lighting. The microphone and speaker can play audio from a music app or smartphone via Bluetooth, or you can connect them to your car’s FM radio. The battery provides up to six hours of continuous karaoke (or pure music fest).
With this set of four travel bingo cards (other games available), you’ll never be bored in or out of the car. Each card is small and portable enough to fit in your glove compartment or seat pocket. Each card features a finger-friendly slide-out cover and large print for easy reading by adults and kids.
Do you need support when walking? We love the comfortable Classic Insoles from Fulton, which are perfect for those with flat feet like us or who need arch support. We love that it’s made from eco-friendly cork (which molds to the shape of your foot) and that it doesn’t need to be trimmed. We found that the insoles made our feet and knees more comfortable, especially when we were outside all day.
Transform your car into a mobile spa and bring your favorite spots home with the Pura Portable Car Diffuser. The brand’s fresh, urban- and nature-inspired scents (starting at $15) last about 30 days and include Guy Fox’s Musky Sandalwood SoHo, Homesick’s Road Trip, Illume’s Fresh Sea Salt, Anthropologie’s Apple Orchard-inspired Honeycrisp Oak, and Nest New York’s Bamboo, among others.
If you want to listen to audiobooks and podcasts while driving and have a poor signal, Amazon’s Audible can help you download books for offline listening. New subscribers get 30 days free and 1 free credit, and Prime members get 2 free credits to buy books that will be permanently added to their digital library. Click here to sign up.
Target recently launched its first collection of car accessories under its own Brightroom storage line. This large, collapsible trunk organizer is made from 20% recycled polyester and features an interior cooler pocket, two open storage compartments, and an exterior pocket. Adjustable shoulder straps and an interior mesh pocket make this a must-have for anyone looking to keep their car organized.
Still worried about finding charging cables for your Apple devices? This 3-in-1 charger is easy to fold, compact, and portable. It can charge your Apple Watch, AirPods, iPhone, and other MagSafe and wireless charging devices simultaneously.
The Hidaway Collapsible Silicone Bowl is our top pick for camping and trailering, especially when space is tight. We love that this quart-size bowl, which includes a lid and insulated cover, folds up easily and fits into a backpack or picnic basket. (Other sizes and styles available.)
For kids who love music, and parents and caregivers who want to protect their children’s hearing, the JBL Jr460 Bluetooth headphones are definitely worth the investment. The maximum volume is 85 decibels, the headphones support active noise cancellation, have a built-in microphone, and can work for up to 20 hours without recharging.
Whether you’re checking into a hotel or just need to freshen up during a layover, this hanging toiletry bag makes it easy to store all your bath and body products, makeup, jewelry, and other travel essentials in one convenient bag. When you’re ready to board your flight, this bag also features a separate storage compartment that’s TSA 3-1-1 compliant for liquids, making it easy to get through airport security. READ MORE: The Best Toiletry Bags for Every Type of Traveler
A quality dash cam is popular with rideshare drivers because it provides peace of mind in the event of an accident or allows them to capture breathtaking scenery while driving. The Nexar Beam 1080p HD dash cam features GPS, captures 135-degree wide-angle video, and syncs with the company’s iPhone or Android app to create an incident report containing key collision information (such as vehicle speed, location, G-forces, and video footage) that can be sent to an insurance company. Even if the car is parked, the device can immediately begin recording when a minor collision is detected, and comes with a 32GB SD card for on-device video storage, as well as unlimited cloud storage.
This portable charger features two USB charging ports and a 120V AC outlet, and can also be used to jump-start your car battery with the included jumper cables. It also features an LED spotlight to help you see in the dark, and comes with a carrying bag. READ MORE: The Best Portable Chargers for Everyone
For passengers who prefer a less cluttered ride, the Auto Drive rear seat organizer features spacious storage compartments and two cup holders to keep all cables, active items and knick-knacks in one place.
Keep track of your adventures with Compendium’s Everywhere You Go travel journal, filled with creative prompts, inspirational quotes, and blank pages for notes (like packing lists and contact information) so you don’t forget anything during your trip.
The Airvue Car Headrest Tablet Holder from Kenu allows passengers to transform the backseat into a mini movie theater.
Never worry about toilet paper (or lack thereof) at a rest stop again with the Tushy Travel Bidet. It folds easily to save space while remaining hidden. It holds up to 11 ounces of water and comes with a flip-up three-spout spout, a carabiner, and a carrying case.
When you’re dozing off but don’t have time for coffee, GummiShot Energy Gummies give you a boost of plant-based caffeine to help you stay alert.
This LCD drawing board will help you kick your screen addiction (and boredom) even if you’re not a kid anymore. Amazon reviewers say it’s a great alternative to digital tablets. This 10-inch drawing tablet is on sale for up to 56 percent off and magically erases your screen with the touch of a button.
Accidents (hopefully minor ones) can happen anywhere, and this first aid kit from Surviveware includes over 200 essential first aid items like bandages, splints, dressings, tweezers, a first aid guide and more, all in a waterproof 600D nylon storage bag.
Never worry about power outages again—stuff the River 2 Portable Power Station from Eco Flow in your trunk! This compact 600-watt generator weighs less than 8 pounds and can power up to six appliances during your off-grid adventures. A full charge from an AC outlet takes just one hour, and an optional solar panel can be connected for solar charging, making it one of the most versatile and convenient (under $300) power stations on the market.
When a trip to the toilet is unavoidable, stop fidgeting in your seat and wait until your next rest stop. This versatile urinal allows anyone, including children, to relieve themselves in the car without spilling urine (for safety and hygiene reasons, we do not recommend using it while driving).
You may live a laid-back lifestyle, but your car doesn’t have to. Keep your car organized on the road and in your daily life with this trunk organizer that includes pockets, a fold-out tray (perfect for tablets and passenger entertainment), a water bottle holder, and other storage compartments.
Of course, you’ll want to capture your moments, and the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro Instant Camera is perfect for analog and digital photography enthusiasts who want a more affordable option than instant film.