The Best Road Trip and Camping Gear for Your Next Adventure

If you're like me, then you love road trips. There's something about hitting the open road and seeing new places that just makes my soul happy. And if you're going to be road-tripping, then you need the right gear! In this blog post, we'll go over the best road trip gear for your next adventure, from tents to cookware. So read on and get ready to hit the open road!

Camping Equipment

Camping Tent

One of the most important things you'll need for road-tripping is a good tent. After all, where else are you going to sleep? When choosing a tent, make sure to pick one that's comfortable and spacious enough for your needs. You don't want to be cramped up in a tiny tent! I also recommend getting a tent with a waterproof and breathable fly. This will help keep you dry in case of rain and also help ventilate the tent so you don't wake up feeling sweaty. This Coleman tent is a great budget-friendly option for first-time campers, but if you're looking to splurge a bit and want to get a more durable tent that will last for years, I absolutely love everything about this tent by Big Agnes.

Sleeping Bag

Another essential piece of road trip gear is a good sleeping bag. After all, you'll need somewhere to rest your weary head at night! When choosing a sleeping bag, make sure to pick one that's comfortable and warm enough for you. I also recommend getting a sleeping bag with a waterproof and breathable shell. This will help keep you dry in case of rain and also help ventilate the sleeping bag so you don't wake up feeling sweaty. I really like this sleeping bag by ALPS which is rated for -10 degrees, and uses flannel material instead of the synthetic feeling fabric of most sleeping bags.

Pillow

Don't forget a pillow! You'll need something to rest your head on at night, and a pillow is just the thing. When choosing a pillow, make sure to pick one that's comfortable and soft enough for you. You can definitely save some money and just bring your regular pillow from home, or you can spend a little on a camping pillow that will save you some space. This pillow from Ivellow is made of super comfortable memory foam and can compress, but if you really need to save space, this inflatable pillow from Hikenture is a great option too.

Blankets

You will also want to bring along some blankets. Blankets are great for snuggling up in at night, or for using as an extra layer of warmth. When choosing blankets, make sure to pick ones that are comfortable and warm enough for you. I have several blankets that I keep in my car and that I use as blankets, extra padding, or for my dogs. My favorite is a Pendleton Wool Blanket that I got as a birthday gift.

Camping Chairs

Camping chairs are another great piece of road trip gear. After all, you'll need somewhere to sit and relax! When choosing camping chairs, make sure to pick ones that are comfortable and sturdy enough for you. You don't want to be sitting in a flimsy chair that might collapse under your weight! These foldable chairs from Esup are perfect and fold up into the size of a water bottle, and they come in a bunch of different colors.

Cooking Equipment

Camp Stove

If you're planning on doing any cooking while on your road trip, then you'll need a camp stove. When choosing a camp stove, make sure to pick one that's easy to use and also compact enough to fit in your car. I also recommend getting a camp stove with an integrated igniter like this Coleman Camp Stove. It will save you the hassle of having to fumble around with a lighter. If you're planning on backpacking, this Jetboil is a compact and easy option for heating up water to make coffee and hydrate

Propane

Of course, you'll need something to fuel your camp stove. Propane is a great option because it's easy to find and relatively cheap. Find the right propane tank for your specific stove and make sure to have enough for your trip. Just make sure to have enough for how much you will be cooking on your trip, and to store it in a safe place.

Cooler

A cooler is another must-have if you're planning on doing any cooking while on your road trip. After all, you'll need somewhere to keep your food fresh! When choosing a cooler, make sure to pick one that's big enough for your needs. You don't want to be stuck with a tiny cooler that can only fit a few things! I also recommend getting a cooler with wheels. This will make it easier to move around, especially if it's full. This Igloo Cooler has everything you need and is a great for the price!

Cookware

Of course, you'll also need some cookware if you're going to be doing any cooking on your road trip. When choosing cookware, make sure to pick stuff that's easy to use and also compact enough to fit in your car. I also recommend getting cookware that's made of lightweight materials. This will make it easier to carry and also won't add too much weight to your car. I usually bring normal pots and pans and a small cast iron skillet, but they make a bunch of these really handy Cookware Kits that are super portable and great for backpacking as well.

Portable Coffee Maker

If you're a coffee-lover, then I highly recommend getting a portable coffee maker. This will save you the hassle of having to stop at a coffee shop every morning. A french press or pour over kit can be used, but I like this Aeropress since its so compact and easy to use.

Cutting Board and Knives

You will want a good cutting board to make meals while on the road. I like this one because it is lightweight and easy to clean. You will also need a good knife to go with it. This is my favorite camp kit that includes knives, a small cutting board, tongs, and all the cooking utensils you'll need in one easy-to-carry case.

Dish ware and Silverware

You'll need some dish ware and silverware if you're going to be eating on your road trip. When choosing dish ware and silverware, make sure to pick stuff that's easy to use and also compact enough to fit in your car. I actually bring a pack of ibambo bamboo cutlery with me that is biodegradable but also washable and reusable.

Cooking Oil and Spices

You might also want to bring along some cooking oil and spices. These can be really handy if you want to add some flavor to your meals. Just make sure to pack them in a leak-proof container. I like using these Spice Bricks to store a few pre-made seasonings to make cooking on a roadtrip easier.

Dish soap and Sponges

You'll also need some dish soap and sponges if you're going to be doing any cooking on your road trip. These Brillo pads make cleaning up after cooking super simple since it's a scrubbing steel sponge that has soap already on it.

Electronics

Headlamp

A headlamp is another essential piece of road trip gear. This will come in handy for late-night trips to the bathroom or for reading in your tent at night. When choosing a headlamp, make sure to pick one that's bright enough for your needs and also has a red light mode. Also I tend to find rechargeable headlamps are better than ones where you have to replace a battery.

Flashlights

You might also want to bring along some flashlights. These can be really handy if you find yourself in a power outage or if your headlamp runs out of batteries.

Batteries and Rechargeable Batteries

Speaking of batteries, it's always a good idea to pack some extras. This way, you'll never be caught without power for your electronics. I also recommend getting some rechargeable batteries. This will save you money in the long run and is better for the environment.

Solar Charger

A solar charger is another great piece of road trip gear. This will allow you to charge your electronics using the power of the sun. Just make sure to pack it in a sunny spot in your car.

Extension Cord Power Strip

An extension cord power strip is also a good idea. This will allow you to charge multiple devices at once. Just make sure to choose one that's long enough to reach the outlet in your car or at a campsite with an electric hookup.

Miscellaneous

Portable Shower

A portable shower is a great way to stay clean on your road trip. When choosing a portable shower, make sure to pick one that's easy to use and also compact enough to fit in your car. I also recommend getting one that's made of durable materials. This Ivation Portable Shower Head can turn any bucket of water into a on the go shower.

Tarp

A tarp is a must-have for any road trip. It can be used for a variety of things, such as picnicking, setting up a makeshift shelter, or even just as an extra layer of protection for your tent. When choosing a tarp, make sure to get one that's made of durable materials and is also waterproof.

Rope

Rope is another must-have for road trips. It can be used for a variety of things, such as tying down your gear, setting up a makeshift shelter, or even just as an extra layer of protection for your car. When choosing rope, make sure to get one that's made of durable materials and is also strong enough to hold your gear.

Fire Starter and Lighter

You'll definitely need a way to start a fire while camping. I recommend bringing a fire starter and a lighter. This will ensure that you can get a fire going even if it's wet outside. Some of my favorite fire starters are the UCO Stormproof Matches. They're easy to use and they always light the fire. You can also make your own fire starters by dipping cotton balls in vaseline.

Bug Spray/Camp Fogger

No one likes dealing with bugs, especially when you're trying to enjoy a relaxing vacation. I always bring bug spray and a camp fogger to keep the bugs away. The camp fogger is great for spraying down your campsite before you go to bed. This will help keep the bugs away so you can sleep peacefully. This Organic Mosquito Repellent is deet free and safe to use on kids and pets as well.

Sunscreen

Another must-have for any camping trip is sunscreen. You'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so it's important to protect your skin from the sun. I always bring a sunscreen that has an SPF of 50 or higher. This will help ensure that you don't get sunburned while you're camping.

Fun and Games

Camping is a great time to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it's also a great time to have some fun. I always bring a few games to play while I'm on a roadtrip. Some of my favorites are Pass the Pigs, Spikeball, and Anomia. These games are perfect for when you're taking a break from driving or just want to have some fun.

First Aid Kit

Last but not least, don't forget a first aid kit! This is essential for any road trip, and you never know when you'll need it. I recommend getting a basic first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. You can also add in any other items that you think you might need, like allergy medication, antacids,

So there you have it! These are the essential items for your road trip adventure. Now all that's left to do is hit the open road and have some fun! Safe travels!