Pat yourself on the back. You’ve secured an awesome RV and you’re ready for your road trip adventure to begin. The next question you’re probably asking yourself is what to pack.
Having extra space means you’ll have room to stretch out and be comfortable on the road. It also means you have the ability to bring more on the trip than you would if you were car camping, tent camping, or backpacking. But don’t let this be a hall pass to go packing everything in reach. Space is still limited, so you’ll only want to bring along what will add value to your trip.
With so many neat outdoor gadgets available on the market, it can be hard to decide what is actually worth it. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of five underrated things to pack for your next trip.
1. The Right Light
You’ll likely find yourself wayfaring after the sun dips below the horizon or setting out in the wee hours of the morning to make the most of the day. To brighten your path, bring along a variety of light options for safety and ease of travel. BioLite makes a practical and awesome-in-every-way Cook Kit, which includes a camp stove, portable grill top, kettle pot, burn sticks, and lighting ecosystem (lantern and power bank).
Should you find yourself without power, you’ll be glad that you have this nifty gadget. It’s a complete off-grid modular system in a packable kit. BioLite also makes headlamps, sun-powered lights, light strings, and site lights for all of your campsite illumination needs.
2. Wardrobe Essentials
It can be tempting to pack your whole closet when you’re going camping, especially if you aren’t quite sure what kind of weather to expect. Consider stocking your dresser and wardrobe with versatile pieces from PrAna like the Foundation Top, which can be easily paired or layered for different looks. Complete your look with a large kangaroo pocket or the Meme Pant, with water-resistant fabric and cargo pockets perfect for holding campsite essentials.
Smartwool makes the best socks around, no matter what activity you’re doing—hiking, skiing, fishing, or while you’re snuggled up in your cozy RV.
Protect your feet with quality trail footwear made by Vasque. They make shoes ideal for any adventure on a trail, around a campfire, or while fixing up your camper. The Sundowner GTX, for example, is made with waterproof leather and will last you for years of quests on the road.
Another great footwear choice is a pair of felt Glerups. They are perfect for inside the RV or walking to and from the wash facilitates at any campsite. They come in kid and adult slip-on sizes, and may just prove to be the warmest and most comfy boots in your closet.
3. A Tool for Everything
You never know what sort of challenges you might have to face while on the road. While you should, of course, have a full tool kit on board, sometimes the job is simple and small. Enter: The Leatherman Surge, which comes complete with essentials like needle nose pliers, wire cutters, electrical crimper, knives, saw, and more! Long-lasting and built tough, Leatherman’s knives, multi-tools, and wearables may also be engraved with important health notes, or love messages if it’s a gift.
4. Protection for Your Phone
Of course, you’ll have your cell phone with you while you’re out adventuring. Whether it be for snapping photos or to finding your way around a park, your phone will come in handy. It’s important to protect it with a well-made case that’s designed to withstand adventures in snow, mud, ice, and rivers. A case will even help for those smaller adventures involving a gooey mess of marshmallows and hot chocolate.
LifeProof makes covers that will keep your phone safe, guarding it on all sides, while submerged in water, covered in dirt, buried in snow, or dropped from the roof of your RV. LifeProof has a number of athlete ambassadors that have tested the products—motocross, skateboarding, BMX biking, track and field, skiing—and if it’s good enough for them, it will likely be good enough for you too!
5. A Comfortable Spot to Kick Back
You’ll definitely want to make room in your RV for all of those campsite essentials that make hanging out around a fire comfortable and long-lasting. Look no further than REI to supply your vehicle with everything you’ll need.
Check out camp furniture like the REI Co-op foldable Camp X Chair with two cup holders or the REI Outlet WindRester Inflatable Chair. Our personal favorite is the Kelty Discovery Low-Love Seat, which makes snuggling up with your pooch or significant other idyllic. Here’s a review of the Kelty Low Loveseat from YouTube duo Rooftop Trekkers.
To go with your chair, you may want to also tote along a foldable camp table. They’re made in every size and shape for one person or many. The extra-large, lightweight, aluminum ALPS Mountaineering Dining Table is a good choice. It easily rolls up for storage and can accommodate up to eight people.
And, while you’re at it, pick up a camp blanket for extra warmth while outside if you’re going to be camping in cooler climates. Check out the Woolrich Travel Blanket or the REI Co-op Camp Wrap, a wearable blanket that has a hoodie attached.
Hit the Road
Don’t stress out about what to pack for your next RV trip. These five items are a great place to start for any camper but don’t forget to consider your own camping style and hobbies. Happy travels!
