10 Best Road Trip Essentials 2025 in the United States

The Power-Bank-Solar-Charger with a 42800mAh capacity is a potent portable charger that fits well into road-trip essentials. This device is designed to withstand tough conditions, being waterproof, dust-proof, and drop-proof, which is excellent for any outdoor adventure. Its compatibility with all USB devices means you can charge smartphones, tablets, and more.

The inclusion of a super bright LED flashlight is an excellent feature for nighttime emergencies or camping situations, offering up to 100 hours of continuous use. Moreover, the QC3.0 fast charge protocol ensures quick recharges when connected to compatible devices. However, it is important to note that while it has solar charging capability, this feature should primarily be seen as an emergency backup due to its slow charging rate. Daily charging should be done via a standard 5V2A charger for efficiency.

Though slightly heavier at 1.34 pounds, and with dimensions of 7.48 x 1.02 x 3.94 inches, its robust build and large battery capacity make it a worthwhile addition to your travel gear.

The GoPro HERO12 Black action camera is a fantastic addition to your road-trip essentials, especially if you prioritize capturing high-quality photos and videos of your adventures. It's waterproof up to 33 feet, making it perfect for capturing moments in all weather conditions and underwater activities. The camera features 5.3K HDR video and 27MP photos, ensuring you get stunning visuals with great detail and vibrant colors.

The HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization technology ensures steady footage, even during bumpy rides or while engaging in high-action sports like biking or skiing. The extended battery life allows for up to 2.5 hours of continuous recording at lower settings and up to 90 minutes at higher resolutions, which is ideal for longer road trips. Additionally, the bundle includes a 64GB memory card and a 50-piece accessory kit, providing everything you need to start capturing your journey right away.

While the GoPro HERO12 Black excels in capturing memories, it does not directly fulfill some other key road-trip essentials like portable GPS navigation, car chargers, or first aid kits. Its primary focus is on recording and capturing moments, so you'll need to complement it with other practical items from the list to ensure a smooth and well-prepared trip. The camera's compact design and lightweight nature are convenient, but some users might find it unnecessary if their focus isn't on documenting their trip in high definition.

The Coleman Roadtrip 225 Portable Propane Grill is a versatile and convenient addition to any road trip. Its portability is a major strength, with quick-fold legs and wheels making it easy to transport and set up at various locations like campsites, beaches, or tailgates. The grill's InstaStart push-button ignition system ensures an effortless and matchless start, enhancing user convenience.

With 11,000 BTUs of heating power and a 225 square inch cooking area, it provides efficient and ample cooking space for outdoor meals. This makes it particularly valuable for those who enjoy barbecuing on the go. The grill operates on a single 16.4 oz. propane cylinder, which needs to be purchased separately, but offers a decent fuel efficiency for a portable unit. The build quality is robust, with a cast iron frame and powder-coated finish ensuring durability.

Additionally, the grill comes with a 3-year limited warranty, providing some peace of mind. However, at 35.12 pounds, it may be a bit hefty for some users to handle easily, and the need for assembly might be a drawback for those looking for a plug-and-play option. Despite these minor inconveniences, the Coleman Roadtrip 225 stands out as a reliable and efficient portable grill, ideal for outdoor cooking enthusiasts on road trips.