So i’ve been invited to partake in an approx. 2 week long road trip camping along the way and sharing drive duties. I’m on the fence.
Going from east coast out west. Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, all that sort of thing. The idea is to rotate driving between 3 people and get there quick, so not much sightseeing till (I would guess) New Mexico or Arizona.
So, anyone who has taken such a journey where it didn’t consist of taking a flight to a hotel somewhere, i’d like opinions on what to pack. What will I kick myself for not bringing and what sort of crap am I likely to bring that i’ll end up not needing?
The actual camping stuff is covered. I guess basically clothing, hygiene advice.
Don’t bring too much stuff. You won’t need it. Don’t bring anything valuable. Life is too short to worry about your laptop getting stolen while you are traveling.
I travel:
3 or so days worth of clothing. I choose things that are lightweight, easy care and will dry quickly on a clothes line. Avoid jeans, heavy cottons or heavy cargo pockets that will get damp and musty. Bring a sweater, too. Have at least one outfit that is passable for going out in.
1 travel clothesline-- braided surgical tubing is better than twisted bungee stuff. Both hooks and suction cups for each side
Doc Bronner’s soap. Good for clothes, dishes, hands and body. Not great for hair but will do in a pinch.
1 pair of good hiking sandals. Seriously, you don’t need more than 1 or two pairs of shoes.
1 lightweight silk money belt, because nothing sucks more than getting robbed. The silk ones are the least hot.
1 travel towel. They dry quickly and are totally worth it. They work by patting, not rubbing. You can use a car shammy if you are on a budget, but the good travel towels have usefully hanging loops. Don’t bring the stupid bag it comes in- it will never fit back in it again.
1 Nalgene bottle, which protects my glasses and anything that can’t get wet.
Solid shampoo and maybe some good smelling soap samples from Lush Cosmetics. Strictly a luxury, but makes you feel human again after a grueling day. Moist towlettes are also a nice luxury for non-bathing days.
Whatever toiletries and cosmetics. Just the essentials. I don’t travel with a first aid kit, because I’ve never needed one, and of I did, someone else always has one. But this may be irresponsible. Also, if you are single, condoms. You never know. Rehydration salts are good for the sun, and for hangovers.
Photocopies of my important documents, the number to call if my credit card gets stolen, phone numbers of important contacts, etc. I keep a couple copies in separate places, as well as small amounts of cash hidden in various places- about $100 worth of $20s stashed in my shoes, backpack seams, etc.
A couple pens, in case I need to fill out a form or something.
Some small packs of tissue, for use as toilet paper.
a deck of cards and a frisbee (doubles as a plate!) infinite entertainment.
a silk travel sheet. Keeps you warm when it’s cold, and cool when it’s hot.
a couple books or a loaded, charged Kindle (the kind with a long battery life)
That’s it. This sustain me from a week to several months just about anywhere in the world (with warm weather.) I used to pack a lot more random stuff- from duct tape to rope. But after a fair amount of travel, I’ve figured out the stuff I actually use.
I pack in a small travel backpack with a few plastic garbage bags lining the bottom (just in case stuff you need rain protection for something.) I do use packing cubes and mesh bags (for dirty clothes). I’m philosophically against them, but they do help contain the mess I somehow manage to make every time I’m looking for things in my pack.
The good thing about road travel is that you have essentially no packing or cargo restrictions (unless firearms are somehow involved and you need to watch state-to-state laws), and in most cases you have ample, even generous cargo space. So you can tuck in those extras and maybes and might-wants without a second thought.
That said, “Don’t pack too much” is good advice even if you have your own cargo semi following you. You can always buy small things, do a little laundry, etc.
Not what you asked but for a road trip, I’d be sure you and your companions are agreed on a useful size cooler and/or an ice water jug. Otherwise you’re tied to your little sippy bottles and regular stops at interstate convenience stores. I’ve done 3 roundtrip driving road trips from the southeast to CA.
Think safari gear. A packable, crush/roll/washable wide-brimmed hat. Items that can be layered from a tank to tee to collared button shirt, even convertible pants are handy. Light, lightweight that can be hand washed/rinsed and air dry overnight. (including lightweight wool hiking or running socks depending on what shoes you wear) A few clothes pins, a bar soap that can be used for your body and clothes (Lush shampoo bars are great for this). If you rotate clothing that way, you can pack very little and have fresh clothes daily. Where you’re going it’s really dry so things should hang out and dry out very quickly. You’ll get chilly at night so will want a long sleeved shirt or light jacket.
For roadtripping in the Southwest, I like to have a portable cooler containing a couple bottles of sparkling water, some string cheese or co-jack slices, some quality ham or salami, a tub of soft cream cheese, some cherries or grapes, a bit of butter, and some good dark chocolate. In a cloth grocery bag are some savory crackers (Vinta or Sociables), the best bread I can find, some kind of sweet roll from the last good bakery I passed, a metal knife and fork, a hard plastic plate, a few plastic cups, wet wipes, clothespins and binder clips to reclose packages, and thick paper towels. This allows me to make a picnic lunch in a spot chosen for its scenery rather than its restaurant variety, and to turn motel breakfasts (or just a cup of coffee) into a more well-balanced meal.
I also usually take some books on CD to pass the highway miles, and a small inverter so I can recharge things. I have a pouch for the sun visor where I stow my various receipts and keep a tire gauge and an emergency $20. I like actual folding paper maps (or DeLorme atlases) that let me see the big picture, not just the next turn. Finally, a hand towel. Usually brought from home but sometimes nicked from the first motel and left at the final motel.
If you think you’ll do any informal picnics or remote sunset-watching, consider folding camp chairs for everyone—though one thing I like about the West is that the mountain rocks are clean enough to sit and eat on. In the Appalachians, you can look for hours for somewhere to sit that’s not covered with moss or bugs.
I should point out that the temperature difference between Arizona and Yellowstone is significant!
We just got back from a 2-week roadtrip to Yellowstone, and it was in the 100’s in Arizona, while there were times in Yellowstone that I needed a jacket during the day.
I too will be taking a road trip from East to out West in 2 weeks: I’ll wave to you when we pass on the highway
The only thing I can think of that hasn’t been mentioned is finger food. Since you will be most likely trading off driving duties and travelling nonstop, you’ll want food that can be eaten easily in case you get peckish in between gas + bathroom stops. Chips, peanuts, stand-alone edible crackers, etc. (cookies and candy if you’re into the sugar thing.) Keep 'em somewhere accessible inside the car. You can make the more complicated stuff when you stop.
I like to take some fruit along, too - bananas, grapes, the sort of thing you can easily eat with fingers that won’t get mushy or too messy. Also, some water. Especially when someplace like Arizona, I don’t think you can stash too much water/fluids in the trunk of the car.
I like to use large wet wipes and baby powder for daily cleanup when I’m not showering.
If you need to shave without water or an electric shaver, a decent job can be done with cheap disposable razors used dry. The blades won’t last as long as usual, but it works.
An extra pair or two of socks is well worth the pack space they take up.
A rain jacket can serve as an extra layer in the cold.
I always like to have a full-brimmed hat. A straw one with generous ventilation is great for shade in the sun, and will still help with warmth at night.
If the nights will be cold, a soft knit ski cap to sleep in really helps.
If it’s really hot, a button-up shirt that can be opened at the neck is cooler than a T-shirt.
I second bringing a small folding chair. Also, bring a bandana you can wet and put around your neck if it’s hot. Bring more socks than you think you’ll need. Nothing feels better at the end of a long, hot day
than putting on a fresh pair of fresh socks.
If you don’t have it already, think about buying hiking clothing (merino-mix or goretex baselayers, microfibre fleeces etc). They’re lightweight, extremely packable, easy to wash and quick-drying, and are usually designed to manage perspiration and body odour well. They are also easy to layer to help deal with rapid temperature changes.
Some of it is actually reasonably fashionable too.
