The Ultimate Packing List: Essential Products for a Long Car Trip
Planning a long car trip is exciting, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming when you start to think about all the things you’ll need to bring. Whether you're heading out on a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, having the right things on-hand will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. From comfort items to entertainment must-haves, be ready for anything the road throws your way with this comprehensive list of essentials!
💺 COMFORT ESSENTIALS
Travel Pillow
For passengers (or backseat nappers), a supportive neck pillow is clutch. Long hours in the car can leave your neck stiff and your posture wrecked, especially if you doze off mid-ride. A well-designed travel pillow cushions your head and keeps your spine aligned, making rest stops feel more refreshing and less like waking up from a wrestling match. Bonus points for ones that compress—space-saving and ready when you need it.
Blanket
Cars can be cold—even in summer, thanks to blasting A/C or unpredictable weather. A soft, lightweight blanket or shawl is a road trip must, keeping passengers cozy without overheating the whole vehicle. It also works great as a sunshade or to cover up the window for a quick outfit change. And, if someone needs to discreetly use a portable urinal, it can provide privacy and dignity when nature calls.
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Even through a windshield the sun is sneakier than you think—it can leave you squinting for hours and even sunburned. That’s because UV rays penetrate glass, so your skin and eyes are still exposed even if you're inside the car. A good pair of polarized sunglasses helps reduce glare and eye strain, especially during long stretches on bright highways. And don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your face, arms, and hands—you can rack up a lot of unintentional sun damage on a long road trip!
🥤 SNACKS & HYDRATION
Reusable Water Bottle
It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re on the road. A good reusable bottle helps cut down on waste and keeps your drink at just the right temperature for hours—whether it’s icy cold or warm for coffee and tea lovers. Most reusable bottles are designed to fit snugly in standard car cupholders, so you won’t have to juggle it between your legs or worry about spills. Plus, they’re easy to refill at rest stops, gas stations, or even fast food drink fountains along the way.
Snacks with Substance
When preparing snacks for the car think: trail mix, granola bars, fruit, cheese sticks, jerky—snacks that actually fill you up without the energy ups and downs that sugary foods deliver. On long drives, you want fuel that keeps you satisfied and alert. Choose items with a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep your energy steady and hangry vibes at bay. And avoid super salty snacks which will make you thirsty and turn your trip into a constant hunt for the nearest bathroom.
Small Cooler or Insulated Bag
A small cooler is a game-changer for road trip snacking. It keeps perishable items like fruit, cheese, yogurt, or sandwiches fresh for hour, which is especially helpful when the only option seems to be fast food. Plus, it saves you from relying on overpriced sugary snacks and pre-packaged, mystery-meat sandwiches sold in gas station mini marts. Load up the cooler in the morning and enjoy real food on the road. If space in the car is an issue, use an insulated bag in lieu of a cooler.
📱 TECH & NAVIGATION
Phone Mount
A sturdy phone mount keeps your GPS in easy view. It allows you to quickly – and, more importantly, safely – glance at directions and take hands-free calls while staying focused on the road. Plus, it keeps your car interior more organized—no tangled cords or phones sliding under the seat.
Charging Cables + Power Bank
A dead phone can quickly turn a fun road trip into a logistical nightmare—especially if you're relying on it for directions, music, or emergency calls. Bring extra charging cables and, if you’re traveling with others, make sure they’re long enough to reach even the back seat. Consider throwing a portable power bank in the car as well. They’re great when outlets aren’t available or if you're parked with the engine off. After all, getting stranded with 1% battery is not the kind of thrill you want on the open road.
Offline Maps
Cell signal can vanish fast once you leave city limits, and GPS apps are only helpful if they can actually load. Download offline maps before you hit the road so you’re not stuck guessing at turns in the middle of nowhere. Most mapping apps let you store entire regions for offline use, which means turn-by-turn directions even with zero bars. It's one of the smartest, most underrated prep steps you can take for a smooth, stress-free trip.
🚻 TOILETING ON-THE-GO (Yes, Let’s Talk About It)
Nature calls. Sometimes when there’s no bathroom in sight—or just as bad, one you really don’t want to use.
Portable Travel Urinal
This might be the MVP of your road trip kit. Ours are leakproof, discreet, and made for real-life emergencies.
- $40 each
- Designed
- Easy to clean, pack, and use in a parked car
- A game changer for parents, road warriors, and anyone with a small bladder and big travel dreams
boomessentials.com — You’ll thank yourself at mile 172.
Toilet Paper or Wipes
Packing a roll of toilet paper in a ziplock bag is a low-effort, high-reward move. Public restrooms, especially those found at highway rest stops, are infamous for running out of toilet paper – or offering TP that’s so thin it’s more like tissue paper. So why not bring your own? Or, if you want to level thing up, toss a pack of travel-size pack of wipes it the car. A moist wipe offers added benefits – it can double as a hand cleaner or face refresher and help clean-up unexpected spills.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer keeps you clean and germ-free when soap and water aren’t available. Cause let’s be real, gas station bathrooms aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness, and half the time their soap dispensers seem to be empty or broken. A small bottle of sanitzier takes up barely any space and comes in clutch after bathroom stops. Because your health isn’t negotiable!
🧰 JUST IN CASE
First Aid Kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is one of those things you hope you never need—but are incredibly grateful to have when you do. Pack the basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers, along with motion sickness medications if anyone in the car is prone to queasiness. Don’t forget personal prescriptions, especially on longer trips where it might be hard to find a pharmacy.
Trash Bag
When you’re on the road, it doesn’t take long before your car starts looking like a dumpster on wheels. A simple trash bag—or even a small plastic grocery sack— helps keep things tidy and prevents wrappers, receipts, tissues, and other bits of miscellaneous trash from accumulating on the floor and seats. Having a trash can on hand also makes clean-up at the end of the day much easier. After all, when you finally reach your destination exhausted from a day of driving, the last thing you want to deal with Is a mess.
⚡️ Bonus For The Extra Prepared
- Headlamp or Flashlight (for night travel)
- Multi-tool or Car Tool Kit
- Paper Towels
- Printed Travel Itinerary and Contact Info
FINAL THOUGHT: PEACE OF MIND IS THE REAL MUST-HAVE
Long road trips should be exciting—not stressful. So stock up the car with snacks, sync your playlist, round up the essentials (yes, especially the urinal), and hit the road ready. Because adventure awaits!