08 Nov Winter Road Trip Packing List: 56 Essential Items

Planning a cross-country road trip requires a lot of thought. What kind of clothes should you pack? How much money do you need to budget for gas? The questions go on and on. Moreover, the questions double for a cross-country road trip in the winter. The unpredictability of winter weather means you need to be prepared for just about anything. This winter road trip packing list will help you do just that!

Are you also planning a summer road trip? Check out my summer road trip packing list. Traveling with a pop up camper? Check out my best accessories for a pop up camper. 

Contents:

A. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks:

1) Water 2) Reusable Water Bottle 3) Hot Chocolate or Tea 4) Breakfast Bars 5) Your Favorite Snack 6) Nuts or Trail Mix

B. Clothing and Accessories:

7) Tennis Shoes, Hiking Shoes, Snow Boots 8) Crampons 9) Hiking Poles 10) Waterproof Jacket 11) Winter Coat 12) Hat 13) Scarf 14) Earmuffs 15) Gloves 16) Wool Socks 17) Layers 18) Snowsuit 19) Fanny Pack or Backpack 20) Flip Flops 21) Light Jacket 22) Umbrella 23) Comfortable Clothing

C. Hygiene / Medical:

24) Medicine 25) Hand Sanitizer 26) First Aid Kit 27) Lotion 28) Chapstick 29) Sunscreen 30) Bug Spray

D. Car Essentials:

31) Car Chargers 32) Bluetooth Car Adapter 33) Portable Chargers 34) Phone Car Mount 35) Pillows and Blankets 36) Paper Products 37) Cleaning Products 38) Emergency Car Kit 39) Portable Jump Starter 40) Ice Scraper 41) Windshield De-Icer 41) Snow Shovel and Road Salt 43) Winter Tires / Snow Chains 44) Portable Air Compressor 45) Tire Repair Kit 46) Maps 47) GPS 48) Car Air Freshener 49) Printed Out Directions from Google Maps

E. Other:

50) Photography Equipment 51) Binoculars 52) National Park Pass 53) Hand and Foot Warmers 54) Road Trip Playlists and Podcasts 55) Games 56) Books

A. Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks

I think it goes without saying that water and food are essential components of your road trip. You want to make sure you have enough water while you are driving as well as exploring around any attractions you plan to visit for the day. Additionally, you want to keep snacks handy for long hikes or when you are in an area with little to no restaurants or grocery stores available.

1) Water

• You most likely will not be excessively sweating when exploring outside due to the colder temperatures. However, it is still important to remain hydrated. I recommend packing some bottles of water or a few gallon jugs.

2) Reusable Water Bottle

• My 36 oz Yeti rambler accompanied me on many trips, including two cross-country road trips in the United States. Consider purchasing your own reusable Yeti water bottle from the Yeti store. As a bonus, there are so many different sizes and colors. It is time to ditch the plastic water bottles and instead opt for a more environmentally-friendly bottle that you can reuse over and over again. Unless you lose your Yeti water bottle, you are set for life. 

3) Hot Chocolate or Tea – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• After a day of driving and exploring outside in the cold, nothing will feel better than curling up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa (or tea) once at the hotel. When buying hot chocolate, be sure to get the packets with mini marshmallows. While my taste buds do not like tea, a good option for a diverse array of teas is the Teas of the World. 

4) Breakfast Bars

• Breakfast bars are a great option for breakfast or a quick snack throughout the day. Personally, I enjoy a Clif bar now and then. The peanut toffee buzz is my favorite flavor.

5) Your Favorite Snack

• We do not want anyone to get hangry on the road trip. Multiple hangry people trapped in a car for hours does NOT sound fun. Thus, be sure to include your favorite snack on your winter road trip packing list. It will keep your stomach as well as your mood happy.

6) Nuts or Trail Mix – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• A variety pack of trail mix is the perfect small yet satisfying snack. Moreover, nuts as well as trail mixes are generally high in protein. These are the perfect snacks to throw in your backpack for the day if you plan to complete a hiking trail, for example the Skyline Arch Trail in Arches National Park.

Sunrise at Glendora Mountain Road in California

B. Clothing and Accessories 

It is all too easy to pack a little bit of this and a little bit of that…and this…and that. Then before you know it your suitcase is full, and you have not even packed any shoes. To avoid that issue in the first place, start with the essentials I have conveniently listed out below. You are obviously going to want to pack more than the items I listed below (underwear, bras, etc.). However, those items are a bit more personal – aka make sure you include your favorites on your winter road trip packing list!

7) Tennis Shoes, Hiking Shoes, Snow Boots

• Pack a pair of comfy tennis shoes to wear in the car as well as whenever you plan to walk around a city. For example, maybe you are planning to spend a day exploring the city of Seattle to check out some of its most famous attractions. 
• I definitely recommend you pack a pair of hiking shoes if you plan to hike at all during your winter road trip. Hiking shoes help provide traction so that you can hike along a trail as safely as possible. For example, they can help you prevent rolling an ankle or slipping on loose gravel. I love my Merrell hiking shoes, so I recommend you check out their options.
• Additionally, I recommend you pack a pair of snow boots if you plan to engage in a variety of winter activities. For example, maybe you want to go sledding, make some snow angels, etc. 

8) Crampons

• Definitely pack crampons if you plan on hiking along a trail that even has a chance of being covered in snow and/or ice. Keep in mind that park officials generally do not clear off trails, so they are thus at the mercy of the winter weather. Crampons are spikes that attach to the bottom of your shoes for safety and stability.

9) Hiking Poles – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Hiking in winter weather conditions can be a lot more difficult than hiking on a beautiful, sunny day. Pack a set hiking poles for extra help.

10) Waterproof Jacket

• Let’s be honest – being caught in the rain and the cold sucks. What a horrible combination. That being said, pack a rain jacket so that you can stay dry and can continue exploring. My North Face rain jacket has saved me from the rain on many occasions, including multiple times on my cross-country road trip. Winter weather can include rain, sleet, snow, etc. – be prepared!  

11) Winter Coat

• Pack the warmest coat you own. You do not want to have to stop an adventure just because you only have a light jacket and cannot handle the temperature. Trust me, I have been unprepared plenty of times for the weather. Do I regret that? Absolutely. 

12) Hat – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Your winter road trip is the perfect time to show off those cute beanies you have been collecting. Keeping your head warm helps to keep your entire body warm. 

13) Scarf

• Priority number one: a thick scarf. Fashion comes second when trying to keep warm. 

14) Earmuffs

• The winter wind can be brutal. If you leave your ears exposed, you might feel as though they are slowly turning to ice. Pack a pair of earmuffs to keep your ears warm and cozy. You can even get a little fancy and buy earmuffs that connect with your phone to play music, for example.

15) Gloves – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• I recommend purchasing a pair of gloves with touch screen fingers so you do not have to take off a glove to use your phone. Keep the fingers warm!

Grand Teton mountains covered in snow

16) Wool Socks

• Pack wool socks or another similar variety to keep your feet and toes warm. One of the main areas in which heat can escape your body is through your feet and toes. 

17) Layers – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• For example, pack a long sleeve shirt and a jacket for your winter road trip. Feeling hot? Take the jacket off. Feeling cold? Put the jacket back on. Repeat. Layers were my saving grace on my road trip in Iceland in August. As I am sure you can imagine, Iceland generally has chillier temperatures. Nevertheless, I often became hot when hiking along a trail. 

18) Snowsuit (Snow Pants, Snow Jacket, Etc.)

• Pack snow gear if you plan on doing fun, snow-based activities on your winter road trip. This includes sledding, tubing, skiing, etc.  

19) Fanny Pack or Backpack

• I love a cute, mini backpack I can throw on my back and easily carry around. It is perfect for walking around town or hiking up a mountain.
• Additionally, a fanny pack is a great option if you just need to hold a few essential items. That is right – they are coming back in style. 

20) Flip Flops – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Some people. including myself, prefer to wear flip flops in hotel showers. My pair of Nike flip flops (similar to this pair of flip flops) have lasted for years. 

21) Light Jacket

• If out and about during the day, a thick coat might be restricting or even offer too much warmth. You can thus opt for a lighter jacket at that time.

22) Umbrella

• Similar to the rain jacket, be prepared for any type of weather in winter. I have experienced sunshine, rain, snow, and everything in between on Christmas Day in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. However, you can still be prepared in style with a clear bubble umbrella.

23) Comfortable Clothing – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Pack whatever clothing in which you feel most comfortable. This goes for exploring outside as well as sitting in the car for hours…and hours…and hours… Trust me, it is so much more comfortable to sit in the car in leggings compared to jeans. 

Skiing down a mountain at a resort in Colorado

C. Hygiene / Medical – Winter Road Trip Packing List

The most important item within this category is medicine. First, bring enough of your prescription medication along to last the entire length of your road trip. Second, bring along any other medication you think might be helpful. For example, I get motion sick from just about anything that moves. You can thus always find dramamine in my backpack and suitcase. 

24) Medicine

• Pack a bottle of Advil for when you get a random headache, when your legs are sore after a hike, etc. 
• For all of us who struggle with motion sickness, pack some Dramamine. Motion sickness is not exactly what you want to experience in the middle of a winter road trip, so it is definitely important to include this item on your packing list.
• Pack a bottle of Pepto Bismol to help resolve any stomach issues that might arise. You might not be eating the same kinds of foods or on the same schedule as usual. 

25) Hand Sanitizer

• I always keep a larger bottle of hand sanitizer in the car. Additionally, I usually bring a smaller bottle of hand sanitizer with me while out and about. I feel as though a lot of people have become more health-conscious since the Covid pandemic. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching clothes, groceries, etc. in a public space. 

26) First Aid Kit – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Check out this list on what to include in a first aid kit for travelers, authored by John Hopkins. You can then make your own first aid kit. On the other hand, you can look up some first aid kits on Amazon.

27) Lotion

• Hand lotion, body lotion, face lotion – include them all on your winter road trip packing list! Winter can really dry out the skin. My favorite lotion is Cetaphil, for it is easy on my sensitive skin and works wonders on dry skin. 

28) Chapstick

• I always travel with chapstick, but for those who usually do not…please bring some! Your lips will thank you after they experience that winter wind.

29) Sunscreen – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• You might think, sunscreen in winter…really? Yes. You can still get sunburn if you are outside all day in the sun, even during your winter road trip. Do not let the cold air fool you. Neutrogena sunscreen is my go-to brand, for it is gentle on my sensitive skin. Additionally, they even offer a sunscreen stick if you want or need to cut down on liquids. 

30) Bug Spray

• While bugs are generally not as common in the winter, it is better to be safe than sorry. Therefore, pack some bug spray or mosquito repellent bracelet if you do not like the feel or smell of the spray. 

Skiing down a mountain at a resort in Colorado

D. Car Essentials

While the items listed below are all incredibly useful, they might not be at the top of your list when you are thinking about your winter road trip packing list. People generally start to think first about the clothes they want to bring, the snacks they want to munch on along the way, etc. However, do not forget the items mentioned below as they are just as important, especially if you come across inclement weather.

31) Car Chargers for Phones (and Laptops if Necessary)

• Consider packing a charging port with multiple slots. It is not fun to fight over the charger with everyone else in the car. On the other hand, you might have a newer car and thus only need the charging cord.

32) Bluetooth Car Adapter – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Again, this is for the people with older cars (do not worry, I am with you there). Buy a bluetooth car adapter so you can connect your phone to the car speakers. Then you can blast your favorite road trip playlists to help you get through your longest driving days. 

33) Portable Chargers

• You never want your phone to die in the middle of running around on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Therefore, be prepared with a portable charger. As a bonus, this portable charger holds four charges. 

34) Phone Car Mount

• Shout out to everyone who still relies on their phone for a GPS since their car is too old to have that feature. If that is you, then consider a phone car mount that you can easily attach to the dashboard or windshield. It is more dangerous to have to hold your phone and continuously look down for directions. 

35) Pillows and Blankets – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• For all the car naps your heart desires AND because it is cold outside. In the unfortunate case of a car mishap or breakdown, you then have some blankets to keep warm. Why not buy a blanket and pillow set that is specifically made for travel? 

36) Paper Products

• The cold weather can mess with your sinuses, so I recommend packing some tissues. These adorable tissues can fit within most car cup holders. 
• Pack napkins for when you inevitably decide to try and eat tacos in the car. 
• It is possible you will make too big of a mess for just napkins. In that case, pack a roll of paper towels. 
• Pack a roll of toilet paper, for mother nature calls when mother nature calls. 

37) Cleaning Products – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• You can never go wrong with packing some cleaning wipes. A clean car = happy occupants.
• Pack a few plastic bags for trash or other needs as they arise. In the unfortunate incident you do get sick in the car, you can use the plastic bag as necessary. 

38) Emergency Car Kit

• It is always a good idea to be prepared in case any difficulties with your car arise. You should thus buy an emergency car kit or build your own. For example, check out this 100-item basic emergency car kit.

39) Portable Jump Starter

• Basic emergency car kits usually include a set of jumper cables. However, what happens if you are in the middle of nowhere when your car does not start, and there is no one around to assist you? You might encounter that exact situation if you are driving all around the country on your winter road trip, for there are more rural areas than you might think. That being said, I recommend you pack a portable jump starter so that you do not have to rely on another car giving you a jump start. 

40) Ice Scraper – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Ice loves car windshields. An ice scraper will save you a ton of time as you blast the heat and try to defrost the car on your winter road trip.

Riding a ski lift at a resort in Colorado

41) Windshield De-Icer

• Pack a can of windshield de-icer to help save even more time when your windshield is covered with ice. Simply spray it onto the windshield and watch the ice start to melt away. 

42) Snow Shovel and Road Salt

• If you happen to get stuck in the snow, do not fear! Grab your snow shovel and road salt (or cat litter can be used as a substitute) to help you get unstuck so that you can resume your road trip. Here is a video tutorial for how to get your car unstuck from the snow.

43) Winter Tires / Snow Chains – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• You should consider having these items equipped on your car in advance, especially if you plan to drive up a mountain or in hilly areas. Additionally, some parks might require snow chains for entry, so be sure to check such requirements in advance.

44) Portable Air Compressor

• Please keep in mind that tire pressure changes with the temperature. For example, a general rule is that the tire pressure drops about one or two psi (pounds per square inch) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit (every ~5.5 Celsius) drop in temperature. A portable air compressor allows you to not only check the tire pressure but also to inflate or deflate the tires as needed. 

45) Tire Repair Kit

• In the event that one of your tires becomes damaged due to a nail or other sharp object, a tire repair kit can save the day. The directions included within the kit can explain how to use it better than I ever could. Nevertheless, to put it simply this kit allows you to plug holes in your tires. 

46) Maps – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Even though you are most likely utilizing your phone as a GPS, paper maps are a good back-up if you lose service. During my two cross-country road trips, I found myself without cell service more than once. For example, cell service is incredibly limited in Pisgah Forest North Carolina near Sliding Rock, which is a natural rock waterslide.

47) GPS

• Maybe you would rather save your phone battery for playing music? Then consider buying a GPS to help out with directions.

48) Car Air Freshener 

• A good smelling car is a happy car. Nowadays, they even make car diffusers so you can use essential oils to spruce up the car.

49) Printed Out Directions from Google Maps

• I like to have a back up plan…and another back up plan. If your phone dies, you do not have a GPS, and you cannot read a map, then the printed out directions will save the day on your winter road trip. 

Frozen lake at Grand Teton National Park

E. Other – Winter Road Trip Packing List

This is the category that includes all of the random items that do not have a home elsewhere on a winter road trip packing list. For example, this category includes a national park annual pass and books. 

50) Photography Equipment

• To capture absolutely epic shots of the surrounding scenery, pack a drone (with a camera included). 
• Pack a GoPro to capture all of your adventurous moments on camera, for example sandboarding down the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado. 
• Selfie sticks allow you to snap those group photos, even if nobody else is around to do it for you.

51) Binoculars – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Compact binoculars are the perfect choice for a winter road trip packing list due to their convenient size. Get out your binoculars for some wildlife watching, for example alligator spotting and bird watching in Myakka River State Park. 

52) National Park Pass

• Some of the U.S. national parks, like Zion or Great Smoky Mountains, look like winter wonderlands in the winter months. Consider buying a national park annual pass if you plan to visit multiple parks. The annual pass essentially pays for itself after a visit to three parks. If you plan to visit even more parks, then you will save even more!

53) Hand and Foot Warmers

• A variety pack of hand, foot, and body warmers can be a lifesaver if you tend to get cold easily. They can also be super beneficial if you plan to be outside for long periods at a time. Trust me, these have gotten me through many football games in the winter season in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

54) Road Trip Playlists and Podcasts 

• You can say this is not necessarily a “packing item”. However, I think it is important enough to include on this winter road trip packing list. Build some playlists and choose some podcasts in advance. I have spent hours on road trips listening to Crime Junkies on Spotify, for example.

55) Games – Winter Road Trip Packing List

• Let’s be honest…road trips can get boring. Sometimes conversations die down or you simply cannot listen to another podcast. Therefore, I recommend adding a few games to your winter road trip packing list. Check out Exploding Kittens or look up trivia questions to also allow the driver to play.
• For a bunch of printable road trip games, check out my shop on Etsy. Examples include vehicle bingo, road trip scattergories, and national parks word scramble. 

56) Books

• Reading is another way to pass the time on the road. Consider adding Factfulness or Because of Sex to your reading list.

There you have it – the ultimate winter road trip packing list!

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Zion National Park is a must-visit attraction on your road trip: 7 Things Besides Hiking to Do in Zion.

Also consider stopping by the Great Sand Dunes: Sandboarding / Sledding at Great Sand Dunes.