The Best Road Trip Gear to Keep You Comfortable and Prepared
There’s nothing quite like the open road—the endless horizon, the freedom to explore, and, of course, the right gear to keep your trip running smoothly. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a cross-country expedition, the right equipment can make all the difference. From securing your phone for navigation to keeping your drinks ice-cold, here’s the essential gear you need for your next epic road trip.
RAM Mounts X-Grip Phone Mount | TREKURE 10-in-1 Car Battery Jump Starter | SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box | RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler | GoPro HERO13 Black | Uncle Elk Car Air Mattress |
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A versatile and secure phone mount with a rugged design, perfect for keeping your device safely accessible. | A powerful multi-function jump starter/air compressor with a high-capacity battery, USB charging, and emergency tools. | A spacious, weather-resistant rooftop cargo box with a secure locking system, adding extra storage for road trips. | A lightweight yet heavy-duty cooler that keeps ice frozen for days with premium insulation and rugged durability. | A 6K ultra-HD action camera with advanced stabilization, waterproofing, and AI-powered editing for capturing every adventure. | A durable, quick-inflating mattress that turns your car into a comfortable sleeping space for road trips and camping. |
RAM Mounts X-Grip Phone Mount – Your Phone’s Best Copilot
Image credit: Ram Mount
If you’ve ever wrestled with a flimsy phone mount that gives up at the first pothole, the RAM Mounts X-Grip is about to be your new best friend. This isn’t some dollar-store plastic clip that sends your phone flying when you hit a speed bump—this is the real deal. The spring-loaded ‘X’ grip holds tight without obscuring your screen, making sure your navigation stays visible while you’re cruising down the highway. The included tether adds an extra layer of security, so even if you’re bouncing down a dirt road to that remote camping spot, your phone isn’t going anywhere.
The real magic, though, is in the RAM Twist-Lock suction cup base. This thing grips like a vice. Stick it to your windshield, give it a twist, and it’s not budging until you want it to. Combined with the adjustable double socket arm, you can fine-tune your phone’s position to perfection—no more awkward angles or glare messing with your view. It’s also made of high-strength composite and stainless steel, so it won’t fall apart after a few months in the sun.
This mount is compatible with just about every phone under the sun, from the latest iPhones to Android devices of all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re using Google Maps, Waze, or just blasting your favorite road trip playlist, you need your phone within reach and securely in place. The RAM Mounts X-Grip ensures that, making it a must-have for any road warrior.
TREKURE 10-in-1 Car Battery Jump Starter – The Ultimate Roadside Savior
Image credit: TREKURE
Imagine this: you’re miles from the nearest town, it’s freezing cold, and your car won’t start. Normally, you’d be flagging down a stranger or waiting for roadside assistance. But with the TREKURE 10-in-1 Jump Starter, you take matters into your own hands. This beast delivers 6000A of power, strong enough to bring even a totally drained battery back to life. It doesn’t matter if it’s a tiny sedan or a 12L diesel truck—this thing gets it running. And unlike those old-school jumper cables that rely on another vehicle, this unit is completely self-contained.
But wait, there’s more. This isn’t just a jump starter—it’s also a high-powered air compressor, capable of inflating tires up to 160 PSI. You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road with a flat and a donut spare that’s just as useless. With five inflation modes and an auto shut-off feature, it takes the guesswork out of getting your tires road-ready again. The digital display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight, so you always know exactly what’s going on.
And because road trips always come with surprises, TREKURE throws in extras that actually make sense. A 600-lumen LED flashlight helps when you’re stuck at night, insulated gloves keep you safe while handling the unit, and multiple USB ports keep your devices charged. It’s the kind of gadget you might not think about until you need it—but once you do, you’ll never want to hit the road without it.
SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box – Extra Storage Without the Clutter
Image credit: SportRack
Packing for a road trip always feels like a game of Tetris—until you run out of space. Enter the SportRack Vista XL Cargo Box, a roof-mounted storage solution that gives you an extra 18 cubic feet to stash your gear. That’s enough room for luggage, camping supplies, or even your kid’s collection of “essential” stuffed animals. Unlike flimsy cargo bags that flop around in the wind, this hard-shell box keeps everything secure, dry, and locked away.
Built from UV-resistant ABS plastic, the Vista XL is tough enough to handle long trips in any weather. It mounts easily to most factory or aftermarket roof racks, using a simple U-bolt system that makes installation a breeze. No tools required, no frustration—just mount it, tighten it down, and you’re good to go. And when you reach your destination, the quick-release hardware lets you remove it just as easily.
One of its smartest design features is the rear-opening lid. Instead of risking life and limb standing in traffic to access your gear, you can safely open it from the back while standing on the bumper. It also locks securely, both to keep your belongings safe and to make sure the box stays put on your roof. Whether you’re heading to the mountains or the beach, the SportRack Vista XL is an easy way to expand your cargo capacity without cramming everything into your backseat.
RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler – Ice-Cold Refreshments for Days
Image credit: RTIC
When you’re out on the road, a solid cooler can make or break your trip. The RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler is built for adventure but won’t weigh you down. At 30% lighter than similar-sized rotomolded coolers, it’s easier to carry while still delivering top-tier ice retention. Whether you’re packing it full of drinks for a tailgate or storing fresh fish on a camping trip, you can trust this cooler to keep everything ice-cold for days. And with 52 quarts of space, you won’t have to worry about running out of room.
Durability is a big deal, and RTIC didn’t cut corners here. The ultra-tough construction is bear-resistant, meaning it can withstand rugged conditions—perfect for overlanding, camping, or off-grid adventures. The heavy-duty latches keep the lid secure, while the no-sweat exterior prevents condensation, so you won’t have a puddle in your truck bed or RV floor. The cooler also features molded tie-down slots, making it easy to secure in your vehicle for bumpy rides.
Another standout feature? Ease of use. The rapid-drain system makes emptying melted ice hassle-free, and the ergonomic handles provide a comfortable grip for carrying. Whether you’re setting up camp in the backcountry or just need a reliable cooler for weekend road trips, the RTIC Ultra-Light 52 Quart Hard Cooler is built to handle it all.
GoPro HERO13 Black – Capture Every Moment in Stunning Detail
Image credit: GoPro
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves capturing every wild moment, the GoPro HERO13 Black is the ultimate adventure camera. Whether you’re bombing down a mountain on your bike, diving into crystal-clear waters, or just documenting an epic road trip, this thing delivers mind-blowing video quality in 6K ultra HD. The detail, the color accuracy, the sharpness—it’s all next level. And with HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization, even your most chaotic shots come out buttery smooth.
One of the best things about this GoPro is how tough it is. It’s fully waterproof up to 33 feet without a case, dustproof, and built to withstand pretty much anything you throw at it. Whether you’re snowboarding, kayaking, or just braving a rainstorm, the HERO13 won’t let you down. The improved low-light performance means you can capture stunning sunsets, campfire scenes, and nighttime adventures without grainy footage.
GoPro also packed this model with AI-powered editing tools that make it ridiculously easy to create pro-quality videos right on your phone. The camera automatically selects the best shots, applies smooth transitions, and syncs everything to music—so you can go from filming to sharing in minutes. Add in voice control, a front-facing display for vlogging, and live streaming capabilities, and you’ve got an action cam that’s built for every kind of adventure.
Uncle Elk Car Air Mattress – Turn Your Car into a Cozy Haven
Image credit: Uncle Elk
Sometimes, you just don’t want to mess with setting up a tent—or maybe you need to crash for the night in your car on a long road trip. That’s where the Uncle Elk Car Air Mattress comes in. It transforms your backseat into a legitimately comfortable sleeping space in just minutes. No more stiff necks from trying to curl up in your seat or awkwardly propping yourself up with pillows—it’s like bringing a real bed on the road.
This mattress is built tough—it’s made from a high-quality puncture-resistant material, so you don’t have to worry about it deflating overnight if you’re camping in rough terrain. The top layer is soft and flocked, giving it a more bed-like feel instead of that sticky plastic texture most air mattresses have. It also comes with built-in support sections to keep you from rolling off in your sleep—because nobody wants to wake up wedged between the seats.
It fits most SUVs, trucks, and larger sedans, making it super versatile for all kinds of vehicles. The included air pump plugs into your car’s power outlet, so you can have it fully inflated in just a couple of minutes. Whether you’re camping, road-tripping, or just need a quick nap on the go, this air mattress makes sleeping in your car way more comfortable than you’d ever expect.
Hit the Road with Confidence
A great road trip is about the journey, not just the destination—and having the right gear ensures smooth sailing (or, rather, driving) from start to finish. With these must-have essentials, you’ll be prepared for anything the road throws your way. So pack your bags, grab your gear, and hit the open road!
