Road trips are easily my favorite way to travel. The open road, the fresh air, and the endless possibilities for adventure make my spirit feel free. *Insert Jack Kerouac quote here*

But if there is anything to dampen that free-spirit feeling, it’s forgetting essential material shit at home. So here is a packing list of essential road trip items to take with you on your next adventure!

Scroll down to the very bottom for a simplified printable check-list.

Tech Gear

⊕ Headphones – For when someone else is in charge of the stereo.

⊕ Cell Phone – As if you could forget.

⊕ Camera

⊕ GPS / Map – For when you’re in the middle-of-nowhere and are void of cell service.

⊕ Portable Chargers / Car Chargers

⊕ Flashlight / Headlamp

Personal Hygiene

⊕ Toilet Paper – Because it’s better than a leaf!

⊕ Sunscreen / Bug spray – Because a car is the perfect place to get a half-body sunburn.

⊕ Clothes/ Shoes – Climate appropriate. And don’t forget your socks and skivvies!

⊕ Sunglasses – You can’t pretend to be Thelma & Louise without a serious pair of shades.

⊕ Toothbrush / Toothpaste – I personally like this eco-friendly toothbrush from Bamboo Love.

⊕ Dry Shampoo / Conditioner – You don’t want a full bottle to explode in your bag, after all. Try this dry shampoo from Lush!

⊕ Wet Wipes / Baby Wipes – You never know when you’ll find yourself in a sticky situation or without a shower!

⊕ Deodorant – Because you don’t want to out-smell your friends.

Entertainment

⊕ A music player – And a rad playlist such as this one or this one.

⊕ Road Trip Games – Road Trip Bingo and Name That Tune help pass the time!

⊕ Journal & Pen – Write down all those precious moments.

⊕ Books / Kindle – I am in love with my Kindle e-reader!

Camping Gear

⊕ Pillows / Blankets / Sleeping Bag

⊕ Tent

⊕ Cooler

Miscellaneous

⊕ Spare Set of Car Keys – And keep them separate from your primary set. There is no bigger bummer on a road trip than locking your keys in the car or losing them altogether!

⊕ Wallet – Unless you’re in it for the heist, of course.

⊕ Biodegradable Garbage Bags – Be kind to the environment.

⊕ Travel Documents & Photocopies – Drivers licence and a passport for any international travel. Personally, I print off all confirmation #’s for hotels and shows as well.

⊕ Refillable Water Bottles / Travel Mug – Don’t continuously buy plastic water bottles, keep one on hand!

⊕ Roadside Emergency Kit – Including a spare tire, motor oil, collapsible shovel, and jumper cables. For just-in-case.