Picture this: You’ve decided on the dreamiest destination for your summer getaway, the hotels are booked, and the itinerary is locked in with exciting outdoor adventures. You’re eager for the trip to begin, but it will require a miles-long road trip to get there. This means packing items that wouldn’t typically be in your shopping cart when staying close to home, and because you’ve spent much of your budget on the vacation, doing so economically.
We’ve enlisted Backcountry Gearhead Christopher J. to share the must-have, wallet-friendly products you should pack before hitting the road, and we suggest you take notes. (For reference: Backcountry is an online retailer of outdoor apparel and accessories. Gearheads are the company’s customer service experts with deep knowledge about the products they sell.)
The Hungry Traveler
“For me, one of the main factors for budget-conscious travel is being able to pack your own food and drink; to avoid eating out, as that can dramatically increase the cost of a trip,” Christopher said before sharing his recommendations for cost-effective finds so you can eat on the go. One is a chest cooler like Coleman 316 Series 150-Quart Chest Cooler, which he stressed would save you considerable money while traveling, as long as you leave plenty of room for food and drinks, and provides many of the benefits of high-end coolers, without the steep price tag.
Another item Christopher proposes adding to your shopping list is a water purifier. “If you are in an area where you can access a stream, river, pond, or lake, and having replenishable drinking water can be a big space saver if you are already over-packed with your gear,” the expert noted. He pointed out that the Grayl UltraPress Purifier Bottle would do the trick, especially if you’re venturing on a long hike or a longer-than-expected journey.
Luggage/Storage Saviors
Christopher again gave us insight into the best luggage or storage travelers should invest in for a road trip, and you might find yourself adding these to your wish list. One product he suggests is the Flated Air-Carrier Medium, which provides ample roof-top storage, particularly suitable for soft goods that can withstand the wind and unpleasant weather outside your vehicle.
He also swears that the Backcountry Destination Packing Cube is great for in-vehicle storage because it allows for stacking and molding things to fit awkward spaces inside. For storage solutions for when you need items in the backseat to be accessible from the front, Christopher suggests the Backcountry All Around 70L Gear Tote or the smaller 36L. “They are also great for quick stops at a C-Store or trading outpost in those small mountain towns instead of disposable bags,” he added.
An Adventurer’s Style Guide
It’s sometimes challenging to know what clothing to pack when traveling because the weather conditions aren’t exactly predictable. However, Christopher narrowed down some affordable picks that promise comfort and versatility, like The North Face Paramount pants, which are lightweight, technical, and a snug fit.
To get the most out of your pants when the temperature is below freezing in the morning and into the 80s in the afternoon (which is a frequent occurrence in The Rockies), Christopher vouches for the Paramount Pro Convertible Pant and for tops, the Backcountry Tahoe collection, with the added benefit of offering a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating.
That Clean Car Feel
It is possible to feel good and stay clean while on long drives to the mountains; you just have to come prepared. Christopher’s tip for doing so is always to ensure disposable wipes are on hand. His personal favorite is Klean Freak Body Wipes, which work for quick wipe-downs in the car or simply to stay fresh.
Pack Like a Pro
Lastly, Christopher dove into the world of car organization, which often feels overwhelming when your vehicle is filled with what feels like everything you own. But there are ways to maximize space, like by using packing cubes.
“They provide structure and organization to your packing. They are also soft-sided for wedging those last few bits of gear into the nooks and crannies of your vehicle,” Christopher assured.
He shared that the Peak Design Ultralight Mesh Packing Cube Bundle is an excellent reference for these kinds of storage, pointing out that the mesh design allows you to see inside the pack to know if you’re grabbing what you need.
Ready to Ride
We’ve given you the resources for everything you’d need for a smooth road trip, including a list of expert-recommended gear items to take with you on the ride. We also suggest checking out our recent article with tips for road-tripping from seasoned travelers, which offers additional tricks to prepare for long drives.
With all this knowledge, you’ll be well on your way to having the vacation you dreamt about and can enjoy the journey with ease.
