Packing for a road trip is not an easy task. You must think of a million things and ask yourself a lot of questions. So, if you are traveling with kids, what are the things required to make them feel comfortable and secure? What snacks do you need to pack? Especially in 2020, as you have limited options for buying snacks, drinks, and food on the road by making pit stops due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The best way to make packing a hassle-free task is to plan and make a list of essentials and things to carry. 

While food, clothes, water, toiletries, etc., are something you won’t forget packing, here’s a list of five carry-on gears that are essential on a road trip. Whether you are headed to a short weekend getaway or planning a long camping and hiking road trip, these things must be on your checklist. If this list is not enough, then have a look at the this ultimate packing guide.

1. Cargo carriers and roof racks

Unlike air travel, you need not worry about luggage restrictions while packing for a road trip. That means you will end up with more things to carry on a road trip. The best way to accommodate all the cargo and any additional sports gear for a comfortable road trip is by having roof racks. You can find several types of roof racks available in the market to serve various purposes. For instance, if you plan a kayak adventure trip, don’t forget to purchase a kayak roof rack for your car. Despite having a lot of cargo space in your SUV, there will be moments on the road where you or your companions will anticipate more space. Therefore, having a roof rack or a cargo carrier always helps, especially for small cars.

2. Portable chairs

Next on the list is a foldable and portable chair. Whether you are driving to a lake, camping site, a beach, you might want to sit comfortably and enjoy the pleasant weather. Having a portable chair that is comfortable, efficient, durable is a must for a road trip. However, the challenge lies in opting for the right one in terms of occupancy and durability. 

So, pick a chair that offers better arm support and does not take up too much space in the car. Most of the portable chairs come with a cup holder, so you can watch the sunset sipping on your favorite drink. Moreover, they come with a carrying case.

3. Coolers

Cooler is another road trip accessory you do not want to miss, especially in 2020, as it’s better to carry things to avoid unnecessary pit stops along the way. You can choose from various sizes according to your requirements. One of the well-known brands when it comes to coolers is Yeti. They offer ultra insulated and highly durable coolers in different sizes and colors. You can rely on these portable coolers to keep your stuff frozen for an entire week. 

The tie-down slots, non-slip base, and extraordinary handle support make it convenient to carry them around. Invest in a premium quality cooler that will last you years and enjoy the perks of having chilled drinks during your camping expeditions.

4. Roadside Emergency Kit

According to a survey conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), at least twenty percent of road accidents occur due to inadequate maintenance or broken components. Therefore, it’s better to carry a proper roadside emergency kit that contains all the essential tools helpful in fixing any malfunction or issue. 

The roadside emergency kit usually consists of at least a hundred useful tools, such as jumper cables, flashlight, a tire-pressure gauge, etc. The emergency kit also accommodates a reflective vest, a caution triangle that keeps you safe at night while fixing any car issues. Be ready to overcome any potential car issues with the right set of tools to ensure a safe road trip.

5. Seat cushions

Road trips are fun except for one thing, sitting in the car seat for several hours, for both passengers and the driver, so comfort plays a vital role. However, passengers can relax en route, while that’s not possible for the driver, so their comfort is crucial compared to passengers. Car seats are usually comfortable for short distances and everyday commute. 

When driving across cities and highways, you will need an extra layer of comfort. Gridded seat cushions are the best way to ensure a comfortable seating position for longer rides. The seat cushions come with an easy-to-carry zipper case, and the design ensures proper air circulation. Apart from the car, you can also use the seat cushion for the portable chair during camping.

Final Thoughts

That sums up the list of five carry-on gears for your next adventure trip. Hopefully, it helps you possess the right accessories and make your road trips safer and memorable. Apart from the ones mentioned above, other exciting road trip accessories and tools include laptop backpack for men, or women, insulated glassware, a portable barbeque grill, air scape containers to store food, etc. And to save cargo space, you can use packing cubes for essential items as well. The key is to analyze your needs properly and buy the things you require.