A little prep turns “Are we there yet?” into “That was easy.” Pack these 13 items (and the right apps) to stay safe, comfortable, and on-schedule.
1 · Portable Jump-Starter
Modern lithium packs weigh 1 lb and crank 2 000 A—no need for a stranger’s jumper cables.
2 · Digital Tire-Pressure Gauge
Keep tires at spec before you load the trunk; under-inflation is a top cause of blow-outs.
3 · Full-size Spare or Repair Kit
Many new cars ship with sealant only—verify you have a jack, wrench, and a usable spare.
4 · First-Aid & Med Kit
Bandages, pain reliever, antihistamine, and any prescription meds plus a two-day buffer.
5 · USB-C & 12-V Charger Hub
Nothing tanks morale faster than a dead phone when you still need maps and music.
6 · Paper Map Backup
Remote canyons eat LTE for breakfast; a $5 state map saves the day when GPS drops.
7 · Reflective Triangle & High-Vis Vest
Required in the EU, smart everywhere. Place 150 ft behind the car if you’re stopped.
8 · Headlamp, Not Flashlight
Hands-free light is priceless when swapping a tire at night.
9 · Re-sealable Trash Bags
Obvious but often forgotten—keeps the cabin civilized on day 3.
10 · Hydration & Protein
1 gal water per person per day + nuts or jerky = emergency calories without sugar crash.
11 · Weather & Traffic Apps
- Windy for live radar and wind gusts
- Google Maps / Waze for closures
- PlugShare if you’re driving EV
12 · Emergency Contact ICE Card
Low-tech but vital if your phone is locked or dead. Keep one in the glove box.
13 · Entertainment Downloaded
Podcasts & playlists offline before you lose service. Happy passengers = focused driver.
Quick pre-drive ritual: check oil, coolant, washer fluid, and inflate tires to door-jamb spec + 2 psi for heavy loads.