Week 1 (July 3-9)
I have taken around 11 cross country road trips so far, each time providing a new tip to keep in mind when going cross country or just exploring nature in general.
1.SLEEPING BAG
First is the most essential in my book and that is a quality sleeping bag. A quality down sleeping bag can make the difference between a night gone different to a night gone horrible if there happens to be cold weather passing over your travel route. My big tip is to stay away from a cheap rectangular shaped camping bag, while it might be cheaper, it will fall apart not long after purchase while not even keeping you warm in the first place. Spend a little more and a quality bag might last you 20 years depending on usage. I personally like my Mountain Hardware Bag for trips and adventures South of Colorado with warmer temperatures. This bag in my opinion is affordable and extremely versatile as I have used in temperatures above and below the 30 degree rating. For 100$, this is a great bag to start with especially if you are on a budget.
Amazon: Mountain Hardware Bozeman
For lower temperatures or road trips across the Northern US my top pick is the Marmot Ultra Elite 20 degree. In my experience this bag is comfortable down to about 5 degrees Farenheight. While the cost is slightly higher, this bag is usually suitable for any geographical area at reasonable altitudes. Obviously if your making a summit push on Denali, you probably want something a bit warmer but for most, this will suit your needs.
Amazon: MARMOT Ultra Elite 20
2. Quality sweat wicking and stretching pants.
I am very particular when it comes to pants while driving cross country or just going out on a hike. I would recommend not wearing sweatpants because after 10-12 hours driving, you might have a pond of sweat under you. I also recommend pants instead of shorts too because you never know when you will have to get under the car and take a look at something and they provide something on your legs in case you run into some brush during a hike or even worse, poison oak. I love to wear O’Neil Hybrid pants, they are like swim shorts with the stretching and quick dry material yet still substantial enough against rips and tears. These are awesome because if you want to jump in the water quick, go for it, if your hiking through tall brush, go for it, meanwhile you wont get too hot or cold and your legs will stay protected.
3. First Aid Kit
This is pretty self explanatory, you never know what could happen while out adventuring. Having a small travel first aid kit is a must and also very easy to obtain at a low cost. Make sure you have a few things in it before taking off: Band-Aids, Neosporin, Athletic Tape, Super Glue, sunscreen, Sting Kit, and some tweezers.
4. Car Breakdown kit.
Read my roundtrip page and you might understand why I have the best roundtrip car emergency kit out there. Some essentials: Triple A-worth the yearly fee for a free tow when you might need it most. Code scanner– When you get the red check engine light of doom, a cheap car OBD2 Scanner can decide whether your getting a tow, turning around and stopping the trip, or continuing on. Socket Set– Anything will do here, just not something too expensive if your leaving it in the car at all times. Spare Tire and Jack-most cars should have this already but if not make sure to get your self a cheap donut spare tire and scissor jack just incase you get a flat. Lysol Wipes and Duct Tape– In case of you bumper clips breaking hitting a bump or rock, a quick wipe over with a Lysol wipe and a strip of duct tape should make a good temporary fix to keep you on the road.
5.Sleeping Mask
A sleeping mask becomes your friend when you end up camping out in a truck stop or Walmart. Getting a good nights rest is key in having a successful next day, which if street lights blaring in your eyes while sleeping is an issue, a sleeping mask solves all your problems. Just something to cover your eyes. I have also just used a hat that you place on top your face with the bill covering your eyes.
While this list is a short break down into absolute essentials, find out more about each individual recommendation by staying up to date with my Weekly Tips and Tricks. Every new week, new topic to cover. STAY TUNED!!!
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