One of the biggest problems for anyone considering driving across the country is what to bring.
What are the things I'll want - and need - for all of those things that
might arise as I'm traveling the (X amount of) miles it'll take to get there. So,
after reading over 50 packing lists, over 100 stories from people who
have made similar trips, and making a solo drive over 2,000 miles across America myself, I've compiled this complete packing list.
If you believe I've left out something important, please leave a comment
and tell me so that myself and others can benefit from
your experience as well!
*Notes: I am female; certain items may not be
applicable. I didn't stay in hotels for the trip I made this list for; I slept in my car and camped along the way. Some of these things might not apply depending on your travel plans. Certain items are optional but might be handy to have if your car breaks down (for example). As for
the clothing and miscellaneous items, this will change depending on your
trip. I was planning for three months on a beach in California when I
originally made this list and ended up staying for a year. Luckily I was well-supplied and had no problems.
 |
| Paul Bunyan had me in the palm of his hands at one stop on my trip. |
The Ultimate Cross-Country Packing List (updated on 1.9.14)
Camping Gear- Tent
- All-weather sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Blankets
- Pillow
- Plastic dishes and cutlery
Clothes
- Pants, shorts, and shirts
- Pajamas
- Bathing suit
- Tennis shoes
- Sandals
- Warm sweater
- Jacket
- Hat with a brim
- Wetsuit
- Socks
- Underwear
- Bras and sports bras
- Sweatshirt
- Nice outfit (for days off)
- Jewelry and/or accessories
Emergency Kit
- Battery-powered flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Self-powered flashlight
- Jumper cables
- LED road flares
- Tire gauge
- Pocket knife or leatherman
- Rain poncho
- Screwdriver
- SOS sign
- Tow strap
- Safety signaling cone
- Knit gloves
- Rope
- Duct tape
- Scissors
- Sewing kit
First Aid Kit
- Cotton balls
- Ace bandage
- Safety pins
- Alcohol prep pads
- Hand sanitizer
- Cough drops
- Cold compress
- Heating pads
- Allergy medicine
- Ibuprofen
- Gauze pads (of varying sizes)
- Benzkalkonium wipes
- Triple antibiotic
- Band-aids
- Butterfly closures
- Cold medicine
- Kleenex
- Tweezers
- Q-tips
- Thermometer
- Tongue depressors
- Antacid
- Aspirin
- Non-aspirin
- Acetaminophen
- Gloves x2
- Medical tape
- Hydrogen peroxide
- CPR pocket mask
- Scissors
Toiletries
- Hairbrush
- Hair ties, clips, & headbands
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Shower gel
- Body lotion
- Body mist
- Razor
- Razor heads
- Pads and/or tampons
- Birth control
- Deodorant
- Nail clippers
- Make-up
- Q-tips
- Kleenex
- Dental floss
- Manicure set
- Mouthwash
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Chap stick
- Contact lenses
- Contact case
- Contact solution
- Eye drops
- Poop shovel & TP
- Roll of paper towels
- Waterproof matches
- Small hand mirror
- Toiletry travel case
- Milk jugs filled with water
- Towels
- Sunglasses
- Laundry bag
- Water bottles
- Pens and pencils
- Mace and/or pepper spray
- Baseball bat or other blunt object
- AAA or similar service
- Driver's license and insurance information
- Keys (car, house, etc.)
- Wallet
- Credit card and/or cash
- Extra plastic bags
Optional Gear
- Passport and travel visas
- Thank You notepaper (if staying with someone along the way)
- Host gift (if staying with someone along the way)
- Sleeping mask
- Cooler
- Neck pillow
- Ear plugs
- Business cards (if applicable)
- Camera
- Tripod
- Extra memory cards (if using a digital camera)
- Travel candle
- Hard case for (sun)glasses
- Music and/or audiobooks
- Chargers (phone, MP3, camera, etc.)
- Headphones
- Cell phone
- Mace and/or pepper spray
- Baseball bat or other blunt object
- AAA or similar service
- iPod or MP3 player
- Computer
- Music speaker
- Reading material
- Photos from home
- Wrist watch
- Envelopes and stamps
- Notebook
- Addresses
- Journal (a neat memorabilia idea)
- Power chord
- Video camera
- GPS system and charger
- Power adapter
- Sports equipment (surfboard, snowboard, etc.)
- Hiking stick
- Water purification pump
- Camping stove
0 thoughts :
Post a Comment