We’re all about staying comfy and prepared, hydrated and fed when we’re on the road. Here are some products to pack when you head out.
Are you itching to travel now that the weather is warming up? If so, you've come to the right place. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite road trip essentials that will cover all your needs. From ready-to-go food to adjustable hammocks, these products will help make your adventure one to remember.
Taiga Cooler
Time to up your game from Styrofoam with this quality-construction, made-in-Texas hard-side cooler that holds ice for seven to 10 days. The Taiga Terra Cooler has a super-sturdy plant-based construction, durable walls, a thick rubber gasket, plenty of insulation, and antimicrobial lining. It comes in a true-to-size 27-quart with white, tan, blue, and red color assortments. Taiga Original Coolers are available in small (27Q), medium (55Q), and large (88Q), with customizable color options and lid graphics, and premium camo offerings. taigacoolers.com
Miniware GrowBento Box
This snazzy system makes carrying food for the kids (or grownups) in the car a tidy breeze. These stylish and durable little boxes have leakproof lids, so you can transport everything from pureed baby food to hot soup without spills. The food-grade silicone “silipods” fit snug in the stainless steel bento box; use all four or mix and match the space depending on what you’re snacking on. miniware.com
The Comfy Sweatshirt
This giant hoodie wearable-blanket sweatshirt, which has been keeping people cozy since it got a yes on SharkTank, is out with some cool new patterns and textures, including fleecy options, and designs in red and black check, moose, and camo. thecomfy.com
ChordBuddy
Shark Tank’s Robert Herjevic says ChordBuddy allowed him to start playing songs instantly. If you’re packing your six-string, just attach this gizmo when you’re not the designated driver and let the musical fun begin. chordbuddy.com
Kate’s Real Food
Junk-food pitstops are on most roadtrip itineraries. Counter that with some easily portable real food that tastes good and is good for you. Kate’s Real Food energy bars and snack bites are organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free. New to the yummy lineup: dark-chocolate mint. katesrealfood.com
Huel Fuel for Humans
Ever heard of Huel? It’s a line of “nutritionally complete” drinkable meals formulated from plant-based ingredients. The idea is that if you add a bottle of water to a couple of scoops of the stuff, you’ve got the fats, fiber, protein, and vitamins necessary to power you through part of your day. Nutritional shakes (as tasty and oat-y as they may be in their various flavor profiles) might not excite a hungry Western road tripper, though. So it’s fortunate that the Huel folks have introduced some “Hot & Savory” options for something a little more substantial and tasty on a long road trip. We recommend the Mexican chili for a warm, spicy, extremely nutritious bowl on the go. huel.com
Black Diamond Headlamp
No, you don’t look like a dork when you can see in the dark while keeping your hands free with a headlamp strapped on. We like Black Diamond’s new Spot Lite 200, Cosmo 300, and Astro 250 super-affordable models. blackdiamondequipment.com
LifeStraw Water Bottle
You’ll hydrate happily knowing that you’ve filtered contaminants like lead, PFAS, bacteria, and parasites from your water — and that you’re not part of the single-use-plastic problem — with these bad boys. The 24-ounce stainless steel water filter bottle, which is double-walled and vacuum-insulated and has a 2-stage filter straw; the little LifeStraw is pocket- and lanyard-friendly. lifestraw.com
Rumpl Down and Ripstop Nylon Puffy Blanket
Outside magazine called them “the Cadillac of outdoor blankets.” Famed for their national-park blankets, Oregon-based Rumpl has just come out with a line that partners with artists to incorporate their designs in the brand’s puffy blankets, shammy towels, and accessories. New limited editions include designs by Native American artists — check out “Woven Daydream” by Jordan Craig (Northern Cheyenne). If you like to blur the line between indoor comfort and outdoor performance, this blanket’s for you, baby. rumpl.com
Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock
Got two trees? We’ve got what you need for napping nicely or just sitting pretty. Made of sturdy 210T parachute nylon, Wise Owl’s hammock chair sling is adjustable, so you can lie back or sit up depending on how far apart you rig your carabiners to the included straps. wiseowloutfitters.com
Photography: (Cover image) Courtesy Jasmine M. Lehman
