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Road trip packing list: what to bring in the car and the bag

A road trip packing list split into three zones: the bag, the car and the seat. Includes a comfort kit, snacks, a breakdown kit and what to leave behind.

Baptiste Moreau3 min read

A car boot packed with soft bags and a cooler
Image by Pexels from Pixabay

A car forgives bad packing. You can bring a pillow, a cooler and three pairs of shoes. The problem is finding things. Pack by zone, not by category.

This road trip packing list works for a weekend or two weeks. Rules for driving, insurance and equipment differ by country and state, so check the official transport site for the places you will drive through.

The three zones

Zone 1: the bag. Clothes and toiletries. One soft bag per person.

Zone 2: the car box. A box in the boot with things you hope not to use.

Zone 3: the seat kit. A small bag within reach of the passenger.

Ruling: if you need it while moving, it does not go in the boot.

Zone 1: the bag

Use the clothes counts in the weekend trip packing list or the how many clothes to pack for a trip formula. Add a warm layer. Car air conditioning is cold.

Zone 2: the car box

  • Spare tyre or repair kit and a way to inflate it
  • A torch
  • Jump leads or a portable jump starter
  • Phone charger that works in the car
  • A paper map or offline map
  • First aid kit
  • Water and a blanket
  • Documents: licence, insurance, booking details

Check your own car's manual for what to carry. Some regions require a warning triangle or high-visibility vest, so check the local rules.

A car emergency kit with a torch, cables and a first aid box
Put it in the boot and forget itImage by stevepb from Pixabay

Zone 3: the seat kit

  • Water bottle
  • Snacks that do not melt
  • Wipes and a bag for rubbish
  • Sunglasses
  • Phone, cable and a power bank
  • Coins or a card for tolls
  • Tissues, medication and a pen

What goes on your body

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can drive in. Avoid thick-soled boots at the wheel. Keep a pair of slides or flip-flops for gas stops.

Leave at home

  • Hard suitcases that waste boot space
  • Eight pairs of shoes
  • Big pillows (use a travel pillow)
  • Anything valuable you will leave in a parked car

If it goes wrong

  • Flat tyre. Stop somewhere safe and follow your car manual or call roadside help.
  • Running late. Stop for a break. Tired driving is worse than a late arrival.
  • Overnight stays. Take one small overnight bag in with you and leave the big bag in the boot.

For hotel stays on the way, see hotel vs Airbnb: what to pack. If you plan to camp, use the camping weekend packing list.

Quick questions

What should I keep in the car for a road trip?

A first aid kit, water, a torch, a phone charger and your documents.

How much should I pack for a road trip?

Less than you think. Use the same counts as a flight and add one warm layer.

Should I pack snacks?

Yes, ones that do not melt or crumble. A soft cooler helps for longer trips.

Where should I put the bags?

Soft bags in the boot, heavy items low. Keep a small bag in the seat zone.

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