Overlanding and Road Trip Gear Checklist: What to Pack
The basics to pack for an overlanding trip or long road trip: water, fuel, fire, shade, warmth, recovery gear and more, with a printable checklist.
A good overlanding or road trip kit is not about buying everything. It is about covering the basics that keep you moving and comfortable when you are hours from the nearest store: water, fuel, fire, shade and a way to clean up. This checklist covers what to pack and why, whether you are heading out for a weekend in the desert or a week on forest roads.
1. Water
Water is the first thing to plan. Count on at least one gallon per person per day for drinking, cooking and washing, and more in hot weather. Bring an extra day’s worth beyond your plan in case you get delayed.
- Use rigid, food-grade containers that will not puncture or leak on rough roads.
- Upright 5 to 6 gallon cans strap down easily and are still light enough to lift when full.
- Keep water and fuel containers clearly different colors so nobody grabs the wrong one.
Our pick: the Wavian 22 Liter Water Can, 5.8 gallons of food-grade storage in a slim jerry-can shape, in blue, black or OD green.
2. Extra fuel
Gas stations get sparse quickly once you leave the highway. A spare can adds range and peace of mind, and it can run a generator or camp stove too.
- Steel cans hold up to bumps, heat and sun better than plastic.
- A locking spout makes it far easier to pour without spills.
- Mount cans outside the cabin when you can, and always strap them down.
- Check your state’s rules. California requires CARB compliant containers, and not every color is sold in every state.
Our picks: the Wavian NATO Jerry Can and Spout System (EPA and CARB compliant, 10 or 20 liters) or the Portable Fuel Container 20L in Army Green. For a deeper comparison, read our guide Steel vs Plastic Gas Cans.
3. Fire
A reliable way to start a fire matters for warmth, cooking and morale, especially after rain or at altitude where lighters struggle.
- Pack two ways to light a fire, such as a lighter and a ferro rod or matches.
- Bring a fire starter that works when wet.
- Always check local fire restrictions before you go.
Our pick: the Black Beard Fire Starter Rope. One rope lights more than 50 fires, gives over 4.5 hours of total burn time and is fully waterproof. See also How to Start a Fire in Wet Weather.
4. Shade and sun protection
A parked vehicle turns into an oven in the sun, which is hard on you, your pets, your electronics and your food.
- Window sunshades keep the cabin cooler while you are parked at camp or on a trail.
- Pack sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses.
- An awning or tarp gives you a shaded spot to cook and rest.
Our pick: the Mossy Oak Foldable Sunshade (2 pack), which folds flat and blocks heat and UV.
5. Cold mornings
Even desert trips get cold at night. Cold hands make every camp chore harder.
- Pack a warm layer and a beanie, even in summer.
- Gloves that keep fingers warm but still let you work a zipper or a stove save a lot of frustration.
Our picks: Huntworth Heat Boost Gloves and the Huntworth Heated Muff. More ideas are in Best Hunting Gloves and Hand Warmers for Cold Mornings.
6. Recovery and repair basics
- A tire repair kit, a portable air compressor and a tire pressure gauge
- A recovery strap, a shovel and traction boards if you will be in sand or mud
- A basic tool kit, zip ties, duct tape and spare fuses
- A jump starter or jumper cables
- A first aid kit
7. Navigation and communication
- Offline maps downloaded to your phone, plus a paper map of the area
- A car charger and a backup battery pack
- A satellite messenger or a plan for checking in if you will be out of cell range
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back
8. Clean up on the way home
Dust, mud and spilled coffee build up fast on the trail. A quick wipe-down before the grime sets in keeps your interior looking new.
Our pick: Chemical Guys Inner Clean for the dash and seats, and Chemical Guys All Clean+ for tougher dirt.
Quick checklist
- Water: 1 gallon per person per day, plus a spare day
- Extra fuel in a steel can with a locking spout
- Two ways to start a fire, including one that works wet
- Sunshades, sunscreen and a hat
- Warm layer and gloves
- Tire repair kit, compressor, recovery strap and shovel
- Tools, jump starter and first aid kit
- Offline maps, charger and a check-in plan
- Interior cleaner for the drive home
The bottom line
Cover water, fuel, fire, shade and warmth first, then add recovery gear as your trips get more remote. Everything above ships free within the U.S. from Overstock HQ, with a 30-day return window.
