Packing Tips for Road Trips in the Winter: 10 Must-Pack Items

The winter is here and maybe you want to go on a road trip but looking for packing tips for road trips in the winter. if this is the scenario, this blog post is for you.

Driving in winter is not too easy as you have to face road condition and weather challenges. With beforehand planning, you can make your experience stress-free, smooth and memorable.

No matter whether you want to visit your family or headed to the mountains on a ski trip, the list in this blog post is useful to consider for your next road trip.

Read on!

Packing Tips for Road Trips in the Winter

It might be cold in your car, roads covered with snow and you think it’s challenging to complete a road trip but that’s not the case. With these best packing tips for road trips in the winter, you can conveniently go on a road trip.

Let’s discuss these tips one by one in detail.

1. Car Blanket

A car blanket during winter road trip provides little coziness, warmth and comfort to make your journey relaxing. Other than in car, you can use this blanket for camping, picnic and beach days it should be in your road trip packing list.

Safety is first so understanding the right way to use blanket in your car especially for infants in car seats.

One fun fact is that blanket also serves as a pad on which to lie if you need to inspect any damage or repair underneath the car.

Pro Tip: Be sure to choose a blanket that is durable, easy to store and water-proof.

2. Polarized Sunglasses

To mitigate the issues of sun glare on snow or fatigue, polarized sunglasses is must-have travel essential in travel and leisure packing list. Also, if you want to go on a road trip where there is a chance of snowy conditions, must pack polarized sunglasses with yourself.

Also, it helps you see clearly and cutting through the harsh light that may disturb your vision while driving. Polarized sunglasses are not recommended in one condition i.e., aviation environment, otherwise most recommended for winter snowy conditions.

Pro Tip: Choose sunglasses that are lightweight, comfortable and must have secure design.

3. Rechargeable Flashlight

You might be thinking why is there a need for rechargeable flashlight when I have my phone? But mobile flashlight is not enough to deal with dark winter & snowy conditions. These flashlights eliminate the need to carry extra batteries as it provides convenience.

If you want to go for hiking or trekking, flashlight will be helpful to give you better direction about challenging routes. While looking for personal items to pack for a trip, do not forget to pack rechargeable flashlight in your packing list.

Pro Tip: Go for flashlight that is compact in size and you can easily adjust brightness levels.

4. Phone Mount

Phone mount is one of the must-haves for your winter road trip. With phone mount, you can keep your phone stable and visible and is absolutely essential when you navigate the way of ski resort or town. It minimizes your distraction by keeping your eyes on the road.

During winter time, the roads are challenging and weather conditions are tricky so focused driving is must to avoid any road accidents. Most of the phone mounts comes with hands-free operation with voice commands.

Pro Tip: Before go for any phone mount, be sure that your chosen phone mount is convenient to travel with and can easily clip into air vent.

5. Ice Scraper

Without any reliable ice scraper, you can’t complete your road trip journey easily. Ice scraper is essential to remove ice from front side, windshield and windows to ensure clear visibility and provide better safety from any accident or incident.

During cold and snowy conditions, the snow accumulates on car windows and windshields. For improved visibility and convenient accessibility to road conditions, ice scraper is must. Also, in different regions, it is must to clear your windshield before driving.

Pro Tip: Choose for quality ice scraper that is both durable and sturdy to remove ice from windshield.

6. Tire Chains

If you will be driving on snowy roads and mountain passes with snowy conditions, tire chains are must for Vegas packing list male. With tire chains, you can maintain the grip of your tires so your car tires won’t get slippery.

For going on a road trip within U.S., most of the U.S. states comes with certain requirements regarding tire chains. There’s nothing worse than having a flat tire in snowy weather so also be sure that you have a spare tire in your car.

Pro Tip: Must travel by keeping spare tire in your car to avoid on-the-road issues.

7. Essential Car Supplies

Whether you are looking for tips for Men’s Italy packing list or Womens Italy packing list, essential car supplies are must-have during your road trip. There are some things that are must-have on your road trip.

These things include hand sanitizer, first-aid kit, Deodorizer, tissue box, paper towels, and air freshener. With these car supplies, you could make your journey hassle-free and convenient without stressing yourself.

Pro Tip: Must pack these things beforehand as these couldn’t be easily found everywhere.

8. Reusable Water Bottle

To stay hydrated on your road trip, you need to bring water along with water bottle. Consider purchasing your water bottle. There are different sizes and colors available so you could easily choose from any of the bottle.

What to pack for a trip to Ireland in October? When you are on a road trip in Ireland, do not forget to bring water bottle and try to avoid plastic bottles by giving preference to those bottles that are environment friendly.

Pro Tip: Go for Yeti water bottle as it is highly recommended for longer road trips or journeys.

9. Earmuffs

The winter wind can be dangerous and if you leave your ears exposed, you might feel they slowly turning to ice. Must pack earmuffs that will keep your ear cozy and warm on a road trip. Try to buy those earmuffs that connect with your phone to music.

Other than blocking cold winds, earmuffs protect your ears from unnecessary noises. So, it is must to bring them on your way to memorable road trip. Try to purchase quality earmuffs that are comfortable to wear.

Pro Tip: Keep earmuffs separate from liquid things.

10. Emergency Car Kit

Harsh weather conditions like snow, cold and freezing temperatures can increase the risk of car breakdowns and accidents. Winter storm survival kit is must to keep you stay safe and warm while you are on the go.

In emergency car kit, you need to keep things like cell phone charger, snow shovel, reflective triangles and sand/ cat litter for better traction. Consider keeping these things in the back side of your car so you could easily use them if there’s need of anyone.

Pro Tip: Pack all these things in one bag with different compartments to easily use required one on the right time.

Final Ideas!

Our detailed guide on packing tips for road trips in the winter comes to an end. Winter time is the challenging time to go on a road trip but with these packing tips, you can make your road trip journey more convenient and stress-free.

No matter whether you want to go on a long road trip journey or just commute within one state, these packing tips are must-have during your next travel itinerary. Do not forget to stay safe and active while you are driving.

Frequently Asked Questions