Travel Light, Travel Far: Roadtrip Packing 101
5 Tips to Help You Pack For Your Next Adventure
First rule of roadtripping: don’t overpack!!
Most average cars in the Unites States fit 1 large, 1 medium and 2 small suitcases in the trunk. Be considerate of the cargo space when packing. Don’t be the one to show up with a large bulky suitcase, 3 unclosed totes and a duffle. We all have over-packing issues no matter what your sex so here are some ways to not start your road trip with salty ride-sharers.
- The clothes you pack are super crucial (for those perfectly curated #starttrippin’ IG posts,) so try to maximize your basic wardrobe. No matter where you go on your roadtrip, figure out a way to re-purpose versatile items you have (t-shirts, tanks, sweaters, jeans, leggings). For a 7-day trip, you should pack 4 pairs of bottoms; 4–5 tops; ladies, 1 dress; men, 1 button down; 1 sweater or sweatshirt and of course your undies which we recommend not re-purposing lol.
2. Now here’s where most people go wrong: bag choice! For a roadtrip, especially sharing trunk space with others, you gotta steer clear of bulky suitcases. Trust us. Anything too stiff or structured will cause spacial issues. Duffle bags or even a hanging garment bag is much easier to maneuver when packing the car trunk. If suitcase is your preference and you can’t fathom a duffle bag, check with the driver and ask about space. Don’t just show up with it and be salty if it doesn’t fit.
Here are a few hot duffle bags to check out that are perfect for road trip travel…
3. Toiletries, shoes and additional need-to-haves should be easily packed between your duffle bag and a small ‘carry-on’ tote or satchel. Shoes are an issue no matter the gender or foot size but try to consider flats (for the ladies), and avoid a clunky pair of boots for each day of your trip. Ladies, we know this sounds harsh but…you gotta self edit that makeup. Take one versatile eye pallet (New Urban Decay Heat palette is out or check out Colour Pop), and a lipstick and lip gloss that can be mixed up for great looks. For sure look through all the samples you have been getting from your beauty boxes the past few months, they’re perfect for building your on-the-road makeup kit.
Guys, this is the perfect travel shave kit is to buy your fave brand in travel size or try The Art of Shave travel kit that lasts much longer than the one week. For men of color, check out new Frederick Benjamin Shave Kit — it’s a must try!
4. The “in-the-car-bag”. For women, this will most likely be your large purse and men, a backpack. This is the bag you need to get in and out of while on your road trip. This bag is where you want to keep your snacks, wallet, electronics and book. This bag should fit easily without disruption in your seating area so don’t be obnoxious and try to pass your bag with your toiletries, makeup etc off as this bag.
5. Overall, try to plan ahead. When you wait until the very last minute to pack and throw stuff in a bag, you ultimately end up over-packing and that turns into packing in bags that don’t make for the best road trip (we’ve all been guilty of this at one point or another!) Think about where you are going, check the weather, and then plan your wardrobe appropriately. Self-editing and creativity are key to compact packing, and not leaving anything behind that you really did need or want.
So now you that you have the basics of how to pack for a road trip down, until next time…
Happy Trippin’!
-Team HikeMob
written by Kharma
