There is nothing more fascinating than an open road. One feels free and can eat questionable food in gas stations. However, for such a journey, you need to be prepared. Subaru Outback or your Honda Civic will be your mobile command center, and you cannot pack yourself as a frat star during spring break.
You should abandon the idea of chaotic packing. Let us consider the packing list for the modern gentleman. It will make your life more comfortable and convenient.
You have a smartphone as the brain, but you need its protection. The case from Otterbox or Spigen is necessary because gravity never loses. Moreover, you have to purchase a power bank. Anker 737 is the real brick of energy, which will charge your phone better than your playlist. You should take a separate GPS navigator. Using cell service in rural Nevada will get you lost near Area 51.
Water is needed, but you should not use single-use plastic bottles. Get a 32-ounce Hydro Flask or Yeti Rambler. They keep your water cool forever, and it will be useful when air conditioning fails in Arizona. Purchase a portable water filter like LifeStraw. You never know what kind of water you will drink if you go somewhere strange. Nobody wants dysentery during a road trip; this is not the Oregon Trail.
There should be a tier system of snacks. Tier 1 will consist of protein bars, almonds, and jerky. Tier 2 is the cooler. There will be sparkling water, hummus, and maybe some fancy cheese if you feel extremely rich. Yes, there is a Yeti cooler, but you do not have to purchase it because the Coleman cooler works great without getting loans. Forget heavy carbs because otherwise, you will sleep in a Walmart parking lot. It sounds terrible, so take snacks that provide you with energy.
Your clothes should be multifunctional. Merino wool t-shirts from Smartwool do not smell, and it is the gift for everybody in your car. Layers are required because the weather on the mountain changes faster than your Spotify mood. Boots from Danner or Red Wing will fit you both for hiking and for going to the diner. Yes, take some sunglasses; your eyes deserve Ray-Bans.
Sanitation is the moment when you prove yourself. You should purchase a microfiber towel that dries quickly and takes little space. Purchase a toiletry kit and fill it with travel-sized CeraVe and decent deodorant. Do not underestimate wet wipes; they will help you to clean your hands and car seats in an emergency situation. Believe me.
You can listen to podcasts or audiobooks. Download them before losing the connection to the Internet. Podcasts are also good, but you should choose something interesting. Silence is the good alternative.
Put a toolkit in your trunk. There should be a set of jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, and basic socket set. You are not a mechanic, but it will be useful in the case of having some problems with your battery. And remember that roadside assistance from AAA is the best purchase for your money; it is like a cheat code for adulting.
The modern gentleman is always prepared for a trip. He does not panic when the check engine light comes on. He stops, checks the oil and drives on.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin
