Essential Road Trip Gear: From Phone Chargers to Podcasts, Travel Miles in Style

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Road trips are a quintessential American getaway, allowing you to visit family across states, escape to the mountains for a picturesque autumn weekend, and enjoy an extraordinary journey that may last weeks. While it’s possible to hit the road with just a driver’s license and a water bottle, incorporating some practical gadgets and supplies can lead to a much smoother experience.

Having lived in a camper van while traversing North America, I’ve continually taken numerous trips each year, giving me plenty of time to test the best road trip gear. From entertainment options like podcasts and games to utilities such as portable power banks and pet accessories, we’ll introduce essential items that will make your next excursion the best adventure yet.

All prices are current as of publication.

Portable Power Bank

Anker Laptop Power Bank

<sub>$119.99 on Anker


$119.99 on Amazon</sub>

I travel with a variety of electronic devices (many of which are work-related), so I’m always conscious of their remaining battery life. Although most modern cars come with USB ports, they often lack the power needed for larger gadgets like laptops. Some hotels may have malfunctioning or inaccessible outlets, and most campsites traditionally don’t have any.

Pack the Anker Laptop Power Bank for reliable power on the go; it features two built-in USB-C cables for fast laptop charging and a port for other devices, with enough capacity to recharge your iPhone about four times.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

If you’ve embarked on a long drive, you know how listening to music can soon become monotonous. A great way to break up the routine is by mixing in podcasts and audiobooks. Audible provides an excellent selection, offering access to thousands of audiobooks for $7.95 per month. Furthermore, if you’re already subscribed to Spotify Premium, you may not realize you are entitled to 15 hours of audiobooks each month, including Bomber Mafia by Malcolm Gladwell.

For free options, check out the Libby app, which allows access to free audiobooks from your local library. And, naturally, most podcasts are free; some popular choices include Serial and S-Town.

Travel-sized Board Games

GoCube Edge 3×3 Speed Cube

<sub>$49.95 on Amazon


$69.95 for retail</sub>

If you’re traveling with friends, small travel board games and puzzles can significantly reduce the time spent on the road. Many of my favorite games come in compact travel editions such as Catan, Chess, and Checkers. On your journey, your travel partners can play and save the big game night for your arrival.

Looking for something more engaging? Consider the GoCube Edge, a Rubik’s Cube that connects to your smartphone, offering tutorials to help you solve its colorful challenges.

Catan Traveler: Compact Edition


<sub>$51.99 at Coles



$51.99 at Toys R Us</sub>

Magnetic Wooden Chess Set
_{$39.99 on Amazon}

Play Monster Magnetic Checkers
<sub>$11.52 on Amazon



$11.99 on Playmonster</sub>

Pet Accessories

Earth Rated Poop Bags
<sub>$7.99 on Amazon


$7.99 on Chewy</sub>

Don’t forget to pack your pup’s poop bags for bathroom breaks along with dog food, medication, a foldable water bowl to save space, and a protective seat cover if your furry friend has sharp claws or sheds. Consider an affordable and durable standard active pet car hammock; it’s practical and fits most vehicles.

Easy to Fold Dog Bowl
_{$5.59 on Amazon}

Active Pet Dog Car Hammock
_{$24.57 on Amazon}

First Aid Kit

Mini First Aid Kit
_{$9.99 on Amazon}

It’s common sense, yet many overlook regularly checking and restocking their first aid kits after use. Some even forget to bring one along! Keeping a stocked first aid kit in your car is essential for road trips, particularly with painkillers, band-aids, allergy meds, and antiseptics. It’s never fun to injure yourself only to realize there’s no bandage available, especially when the closest convenience store is hours away.

Cooler

RTIC Road Trip Cooler

<sub>$99 on RTIC


$105 at Walmart</sub>

It’s astounding how fast food and drink costs escalate on the road—just a Big Mac can surpass $7. Prices soar as you approach the highway, making packing a cooler a smart strategy to avoid these inflated costs. I’ve been using the Moose Jaw Chiradilla, which is no longer available. Its robust build doesn’t just keep your fruit, sparkling water, and sandwiches safe; you can also place it on a short hike without worrying about damage.

While the Chiradilla is no longer on the market, the RTIC 16-Quart road trip cooler features a similar durable design. For ease of travel in a packed vehicle, the RTIC cooler is ideal. Alternatively, Rei Trailgate cooler is a popular soft-sided choice. While we can’t guarantee all these options, check them out as you consider an upgrade.

RTIC Daily Cooler

<sub>$39.98 on RTIC


$39.98 at Walmart</sub>

Rei Trailgate Weekend Cooler


_{$129.95 at REI}

Tablet or E-Reader

BOOX Tablet GO 10.3
<sub>$409.99 on BOOX


$409.99 on Amazon</sub>

In addition to my laptop, I always like to have another entertainment source handy, usually my 10.3″ e-reader tablet. This slim device not only provides access to hundreds of books, but also enables note-taking and drawing, while handling word and PDF files. With its multifunctionality, it’s easy to justify bringing it along on any trip, especially since it’s portable.

For films and games, a simple iPad can be an excellent choice. Available in four variations, the basic iPad comes with an 11-inch screen, ample power, and a reasonable price of $349, ensuring you can enjoy a full day of battery life.

Headphones

Sony WH1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones

<sub>$198 at Walmart


$228 on Amazon</sub>

While you shouldn’t use headphones while driving, they can be great for passengers to enjoy their favorite tunes. It’s wise to invest in a set with superb noise cancellation to block out the car radio and nearby chatter. I use the Sony WH-1000XM4, which delivers fantastic noise cancellation and impressive audio quality. For even more advanced features, consider the Sony WH-1000XM6.

Sony WH1000XM6 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones

<sub>$448 on Amazon



$449.99 at Sony</sub>

• Jon Bitner is a travel, outdoor, and tech writer for platforms like GameSpot, Digital Trends, and Islands. An avid hiker, he enjoys exploring the Rocky Mountains from his home in Boulder, Colorado.