Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Must-Have Gear, Gadgets, and Tools for Your Next Road Trip

Svetikd/Getty Images

Since traditional travel has been a no-go for most Americans since the spring, 2020 has been a year of road-tripping and RV’ing unlike any other. You might be the kind of traveler who can hop in the car with zero planning and go where the wind takes you. But, if you’re not — or even if you are — a little pre-trip preparation goes a long way. Let’s round up our favorite must-have gadgets and tools for traveling comfortably and safely on your next winter road trip.

Sierra Designs Borrego Hybrid Jacket

Sierra Designs Borrego Hybrid Jacket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Staying warm is important when road-tripping in winter. Having a cold-weather kit in your car — with essentials like a first aid kit, extra food and water, and a camp quilt — all the time is smart. We love the idea of keeping an extra layer in the back too. The new Borrego Hybrid Jacket from Sierra Designs is a perfect solution. The Primaloft Eco Silver insulated core is guaranteed to keep you warm, while four-way stretch panels allow you to move freely during the most active pursuits. Plus, it packs down extremely small and weighs just eight ounces, so you can tuck it in your car and practically forget it’s there until you need it.

weBoost Drive Reach Cell Phone Signal Booster

weBoost Drive Reach Cell Phone Signal Booster
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For camping or road trips far off the beaten path, we’re all about “the less technology, the better.” But, having a reliable source of communication — even if only for emergencies — is critical. The problem is, escaping too far from civilization means you may be out of luck when you need to call for help. The Drive Reach by weBoost is a simple device that boosts the signal from the cell towers nearest you. So, you can make calls from almost anywhere, even in remote areas. It’s dead-simple to install in any vehicle, even for non-DIYers. Plus, it supports multiple users and works with every major U.S. cell carrier. Of course, if you’re the type who can’t be without Candy Crush and an always-on mobile internet connection, even while camping, this is good for that too.

Leatherman Signal Multitool

Leatherman Signal Multitool
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Choosing the right multitool can be a challenge. But, if you’re planning an extended road trip, it might be the single most useful thing you pack. Leatherman’s Signal multitool is an excellent all-around choice. It offers 19 tools — including pliers, a bottle opener, a saw, a mini hammer, and a 420HC combo knife — to help you survive and thrive on any long-distance road trip. Plus, it’s made in the USA and boasts a 25-year warranty, so it’ll probably outlast you. For a bespoke upgrade, check out Leatherman’s new Custom Shop, where you can add engravings, patterns, and images to make your Signal truly one-of-a-kind.

Goal Zero Yeti Portable Power Station

Goal Zero Yeti 500X Portable Power Station
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For a carload of roadtrippers with smartphones, tablets, laptops, digital cameras, and more, all that tech adds up. That gear has to plug in somewhere. If you’re keen not to drain your vehicle’s battery while parked or camping, Goal Zero’s Yeti portable power stations are the perfect solution. In winter, when you might also want to run an electric blanket at night, the compact Yeti 500X is a good option. If money is no object, the beefier Yeti 1500X is even better for a group of travelers. The latter is good for around 30 recharges of most laptops or 61 run hours of a portable refrigerator.

RoadPro Polar Fleece Heated Travel Blanket

Roadpro Polar Fleece Heated Travel Blanket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are few things in life as satisfying as climbing into a nice, toasty bed at night. RoadPro’s Polar Fleece Heated Travel Blanket ensures no one ever needs to be deprived of that joy, even while camping. The eight-food cord gives you plenty of flexibility, while an LED indicator makes sure you know it’s working. It plugs directly into a standard cigarette lighter socket or, even better, the above Yeti portable power station for all-night heat without sapping your car’s battery.

Bravo Sierra Antibacterial Body Wipes

Bravo Sierra

After a long weekend or a week of camping, few things can make you feel human again like hot, running water. But, showering in the woods in the dead of winter is something else entirely. Sometimes, body wipes are the best alternative. Bravo Sierra’s Antibacterial Body Wipes are the answer. They’re military-tested, kill 99.99% of bacteria in 60 seconds, and extra-thick to tackle every part of your stinky business in one go.

Camp Chef Sherpa Table and Organizer

Camp Chef Sherpa Table and Organizer
Image used with permission by copyright holder

More important than organizing your clothing, toiletries, or even emergency gear is knowing where your food is when you need it. As its name implies, Camp Chef’s Sherpa Table & Organizer is an all-in-one solution for storing your eats and cooking them, too. The cooler-sized organizer is soft-sided with a lightweight frame, so it’s portable yet sturdy. Inside are four color-coded, zippered bags for stowing food, dishware, cutlery, and other kitchen essentials however you like. One features a special waterproof liner, so it doubles as a cooler or even a camp sink. The included aluminum tabletop provides a stable, heatproof surface for cooking, then rolls up and stows in a dedicated pocket when it’s time to break camp.

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair

GCI Outdoor Freestyle Rocker Chair
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re still using the same tired camp chair you bought at CVS ten years ago, it’s time to upgrade. GCI Outdoor’s Freestyle Rocker is a legit portable rocker. Dual gas struts at the rear provide smooth rocking action on almost any terrain, from pavement to dirt to gravel. The sturdy, powder-coated frame is durable enough to support up to 250 pounds, yet it folds almost completely flat for easy transport and storage.

REI Co-op Outward Side Table

REI Co-op Outward Side Table
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Of course, a comfy chair isn’t of much use in the outdoors without somewhere to put your beer down. For that, you need the REI Co-Op Outward Side Table. This compact camp table is ultra-packable but sturdy enough to hold up to 50 pounds. A 21-inch by 12-inch rigid aluminum tabletop provides plenty of space for serving dinner or throwing down cards.

Garmin Dash Cam 66W

Garmin Dash Cam 66W
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Filming your road trip is mandatory these days. If you don’t Instagram it, did it really happen? The Garmin Dash Cam 66W is an all-in-one solution with plenty of useful features. The camera features an extra-wide, 180-degree lens that captures crisp 1,440p HD video, even in low-light conditions. But, a dashcam is also invaluable in the event of an accident. A slew of clever safety features makes it a must-have to both prevent and document accidents, including GPS-enabled incident detection that can automatically save recent footage. Plus, voice control lets the driver take still pictures and start/stop the video without taking their hands off the wheel.

Therm-A-Rest Pillow

Therm-A-Rest Pillow
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Copiloting a road trip is hard work. It means long hours spent fiddling with the GPS, poring over paper maps, picking the right playlist, and doling out gas station snacks to fellow passengers. That’s why naps are an important part of a copilot’s duties. The Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow is our go-to for snoozing comfortably on long highway stretches. The pillow foam fill is upcycled from the company’s camping pad manufacturing process to reduce waste. It packs down small but expands when you need it, with the XL size measuring 27 inches by 16.5 inches (almost the size of a standard pillow).

The Dyrt Camping App

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re planning a road trip right now, it probably doesn’t involve traditional hotel or motel stays. For finding the best camp and RV sites anywhere in the U.S., The Dyrt is our go-to app. The newest version covers more than one million locations around the country, including Hipcamps, primitive tent sites, RV campgrounds, state and national parks, and even free dispersed campsites on BLM land. The search results can be filtered to pinpoint your preferred type of site, and most are bookable directly within the app. Plus, it’s available for both Android and iOS.

SlimK LED Road Flares

SlimK LED Road Flares
Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are two kinds of road-trippers in this world: Those who’ve broken down and those who will. Shopping for automotive safety gear is hardly fun, but it pays to be prepared. Old-school road flares add a bit of Fourth-of-July-inspired excitement to any roadside breakdown. But, this isn’t 1985, so it’s time to upgrade your emergency kit accordingly. These chemical-free LED “road flares” serve the same function as traditional flares, but without the risk of a 3,000-degree magnesium burn. Each one is about the size of a hockey puck and lasts up to 36 hours on a single charge. Plus, they’re magnetic, so you can affix them directly to your car if you like.

Yeti Loadout GoBox Gear Case

Yeti Loadout GoBox Gear Case
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Road trips are messy business. When several human beings (or even a solo traveler) cram into a confined space for days or weeks on end, it’s almost impossible to keep things organized. Invest in a good storage strategy to keep those clothes, snacks, emergency equipment, and outdoor gear wrangled. Yeti’s Loadout GoBox 30 is the ideal solution. This rugged storage case offers 30L of storage, so it’s spacious yet compact enough to secure to a factory roof rack. It’s also dustproof, waterproof, and — perhaps most importantly — bearproof (with Yeti’s Bear Proof Locks), so it doubles as an outdoor food pantry, should you find yourself camping among grizzlies.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Think twice before packing those ‘everyday’ medications on your next trip
Ignorance of the law is no defense for breaking it. That's why it pays to do your research when traveling with medication abroad.
medication drugs pills

Over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs are such an accepted part of everyday life here in the U.S. that we hardly give them a second thought. Everything from Tylenol to vitamin-based hangover remedies to sleeping pills (from melatonin to Xanax) can be found in most Americans' EDC. But some foreign countries aren’t so lenient about what you put in your body. For international travelers, this can pose a serious risk with harsh legal consequences. Here’s what you need to know about packing and carrying “everyday” (by American standards, anyway) medications abroad and why you might want to think twice about what you pack for your next trip.

(Note that this isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list. Rather, it’s intended to provide a jumping-off point so you’re aware of what some countries consider contraband. Travelers should always consult their destination country to determine what is and is not allowed.)

Read more
Get your camping trip organized this summer with these campground booking sites
Whether it's an RV getaway or a tented escape, book your campground early to avoid disappointment
Lake campsite booking using campspot.com

Spring is finally here. Though, for those living in ski resorts over the West, it might not feel like it. For campers around the U.S., this means it's finally time to haul your favorite tent and all your camping equipment back out and start getting excited for nights under the stars. But woah, there camper! What if your chosen campgrounds are all booked up when you roll up in your new RV?

Since the COVID era, camping and outdoor recreation have seen a huge spike in interest and participation. This is great, right? More people getting outdoors and sharing our passion? But it means everywhere is probably going to be busier, too. Trails are seeing more footfall than before, people are hitting the water in their new kayaks in greater numbers, and campgrounds are busier than ever. This spring, use one of these booking websites to get your campground booked early and avoid disappointment.
Hipcamp
Hipcamp.com pioneered the online campsite booking industry and was the first third-party booking site to feature real-time availability data for both public and private campgrounds. Nowadays, they're one of the best in the business, featuring everything from state parks to private ranches in all 52 states. Hipcamp is our go-to for finding off-grid car camping opportunities and unique stays on private lands. Think: Booking a weekend getaway in a treehouse or organizing a group camp along a private stretch of river.
Learn More

Read more
The 10 best states for road trips: Where to go on your epic summer getaway
Need a road trip planner? Here are the best states for road trips
Couple heading out on a road trip

There's something very inviting about hitting the highway for a road trip, even when the price of gas is on the high side. Road trips offer freedom other types of vacations don't. When mapping out a road trip, the itinerary isn't set in stone. There aren't flights or trains to catch, or even a hard check-in time.

Sure, you still need a vague road trip planner with a general idea of the sites you want to see and the timeframe available. What you don't have, though, is a firm schedule with little room for spontaneity. Part of the fun of a road trip is the unexpected nature of it. Spring and summer are earmarked for road trips, but you can plan an amazing vacation on the road any time of the year. All you need is a route planner. To help you on your way, we've got a list of the top 10 states for road trips.

Read more