The Ultimate Winter Road Trip Packing List

Whether you're driving home to visit family this winter or headed to the mountains on a ski trip, packing cold-weather road trip essentials will ensure your car adventure doesn't turn into a dangerous misadventure. As a longtime Bay Area resident, I've taken many road trips to Lake Tahoe during ski season. I find that a well-tested car packing list simplifies my Friday night escapes for weekend getaways. With my trusted list, I can ensure that my car is equipped with everything from a cozy blanket to a reliable ice scraper. 

To cover the details of road trip safety gear and car preparation, I spoke with an automotive expert and referred to top-rated winter accessories, tech gear, and car essentials tested by the Travel + Leisure team. Wherever you're headed, this complete winter road trip packing guide will make sure you arrive safe and warm.

Best Accessories for a Winter Road Trip

It might be cozy in your car, but David Bennett, Master Automotive Technician and Senior Automotive Manager at AAA, says it's important to be prepared for the elements. "Dress in layers so if all of a sudden you break down and have to walk somewhere, you have the ability to bundle up," he explains.

With the right winter accessories, you'll be weather-ready when stretching your legs, changing a tire, or waiting out road-side assistance if an emergency arrives. 

Best Gloves

Hestra Wind Shield Liner Glove

$36 at Amazon View on Moosejaw.com View on Hestragloves.us

We surveyed our T+L editors to find our top picks for winter gloves, and this fleece pair had excellent feedback. They come with grip on the palm and fingers, making them practical to wear while driving. They're also compatible with touchscreens so you can keep them on during driving breaks as you check your GPS or messages. While the gloves aren't waterproof, you can also wear them as a base layer under more heavy-duty gloves or mittens.

Best Snow Boots for Men

Columbia Men's Fairbanks Omni-heat Ankle Boot

$65 at REI View on Columbia.com View on Rackroomshoes.com

On a winter road trip, you want shoes that are comfy enough for the car, but sturdy enough for a snowy destination. These winter boots for men are totally water-resistant and stood up to every puddle we could find during testing. The tread is also high-quality, reducing the risk of slipping while you stretch your legs. One T+L team member described them as "wildly comfortable" and like "snow pants for my feet." The shoes can get a little toasty, but that will reduce your need to crank the heat during your drive, saving on gas or EV battery power.

Best Snow Boots for Women

Keen Women’s Revel IV Polar Boot

View on Amazon $180 at REI $112 at Zappos

These winter boots for women are perfect for a hike, running errands, doing yard work, and, yes, a winter road trip. Out of 24 women's snow boots tested by T+L editors, these earned a perfect score for support, traction, waterproof capabilities, and design, placing them as our pick for the most versatile pair. They are sturdy and structured, so you might want to swap them out for longer drives, but they’re also lightweight, weighing in at only 1.3 pounds. You'll be happy you have them in case you need to spend time outside your car in snowy weather.

Best Blanket

Oceas Waterproof Fleece Blanket

$45 at Amazon $45 at Walmart $45 at QVC

A car blanket provides a little coziness and warmth in cold weather and is a road trip essential. This blanket from Oceas feels more high quality than others we've tested, and it comes with a carry pouch so you can keep it in your trunk when not in use. It folds down compactly, and there is an elastic band attached to the blanket that secures it when rolled up. The ripstop fabric is softer than other waterproof blankets we tested, which can sometimes have a plastic feel to them. The top layer is made from warm polar fleece.

Best Thermos

Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

$36 at Amazon $17 at Target $33 at Wayfair

Hot coffee might be the fuel you're looking for on a cold winter road trip. This insulated tumbler stood out among the 33 travel mugs we tested because of the screw-on, leakproof lid and autoseal feature that reduces the chance of spills. We found it easy to use with just one hand because all you need to do is press the button to drink rather than removing the lid, making it easy to use with gloves on. It is also skinny enough to fit in most cup holders. It can keep cold drinks insulated for nearly two days, while hot drinks remained warm for about two and a half hours during our test. The top is dishwasher safe, but you'll have to wash the painted stainless steel mug by hand.

Best Hand Warmers

Survival Frog QuickHeat Pro Rechargeable Hand Warmer with Portable Power Bank

$50 at Amazon $40 at Walmart View on Survivalfrog.com

Hand warmers are helpful in emergency situations, like an unexpected breakdown when you might spend time in the cold. This hand warmer from Survival Frog was our pick for the one with the best battery life out of the 14 we tested. It heats up easily in 10 seconds and can hold a long charge as long as 14 hours on the lowest setting — just make sure to charge it well in advance. We found it can give off a very strong level of heat, and overall it was popular for its heating capacity and consistency. Drivers can use it for a few minutes to heat up their hands during a stretch break or before hitting the road, while passengers can enjoy it during the drive. It also doubles as a 9000 mAh power bank that can fully charge a smartphone.

Best Tech Gear for a Winter Road Trip

AAA expert Bennett puts a phone, a phone charger, and a flashlight at the top of his list of tech gear essentials. With these T+L-tested tech choices, you can stay connected and prepared for whatever the winter roads have in store.

Best Rechargeable Flashlight

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight

$71 at Home Depot $75 at Tractor Supply Co. View on Nitecorestore.com

You might be thinking: if I have my phone, why do I need a flashlight? Well this rechargeable flashlight from Nitecore topped our list as the best overall out of the 16 we tested. We love it for its compact size, durability, and five brightness levels ranging from ultra-low to turbo. Some of its safety features include strobe, beacon, and SOS modes, and we found it to be solidly water tight, which means it will stand up to rain and snow. In our tests, it also fit in every car console, big or small.

Best Phone Mount

Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount

$23 at Amazon View on Andobil.com

This is one of the best car mounts we’ve ever tried, making it a must-have for your winter road trip. In fact, we named it our best overall pick out of all the car mounts we tested this year. There are three ways to mount it into the car: with a suction cup stuck either to the dashboard or directly onto the windshield, or with a different attachment that clicks into the vent. The mount is easy to use, stays stable, and features a quick-release button so you can get your phone back with one hand.

Best Power Bank

Mophie Powerstation XXL

$40 at Walmart $54 at Best Buy

We did some research to find this high-capacity power bank that is strong enough to power your tablet and can handle three devices at the same time. That's great if you have multiple phones and tablets that you or your passengers need to charge at once during a long ride. It’s important to have a fully charged phone in case of an emergency, especially if you don’t have access to an outlet.

Best Emergency Communication Device

Garmin inReach Messenger

$300 at Amazon $300 at REI $300 at Walmart

If you plan to drive in remote or snow-covered areas, an emergency communication device may be necessary. It provides a reliable way to call for assistance when cell phone service isn't available. This one from Garmin has a strong battery life and employs reliable satellite technology. With it, you can text contacts, share your location, and send out SOS signals to monitoring staff. You will need a satellite subscription, and monthly plans are about $15.

Best Car Gear for a Winter Road Trip

As with any road trip, you want to make sure your car is ready for whatever comes your way. For a winter road trip, there are specific considerations to make for the weather, including winter wiper blades or washer fluid. Here's some key items you’ll want to keep on hand for your car.

Best Multi-tool

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-tool

$120 at Amazon $120 at REI $120 at Dick's

This multi-tool hits the sweet spot in terms of size and function, making it T+L's winner for best multi-tool out of 30 we tested. It's big enough to be useful but small and light enough to carry around. We noted that the tools and blades are easy to open, including the locking mechanisms. At home, you might prefer to use each full-size, standalone tool for a specific job, but if a situation arrives on the road, you'll be happy to have access to this practical solution.

Best First Aid Kit

Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight .5

$23 at Amazon $46 at Target $23 at REI

This versatile kit tops our list of the best first aid kits for travel. With over 40 pieces, it addresses a wide range of potential issues and includes two doses of various over-the-counter pain relievers, antihistamine, and antibiotic ointment. When fully stocked, it offers ample supplies to cover one person for approximately two days. The bright yellow color enhances visibility in emergencies, though it's worth noting that the lack of interior organization may lead to some fumbling in urgent situations.

Best Tire Chains

KÖNIG XG-12 PRO 210 Snow Chains, Set of 2

$166 at Amazon View on Konigchain.com

The König XG-12 Pro 235 chains have a pattern design that allows for maximum grip in tough conditions. According to our research, these chains are easy to install — which you know is a major plus if you've ever been on the side of the road putting on chains during a blizzard. These chains also provide good braking performance and stay tight to the tire.

Best Ice Scraper

Birdrock Home Snow Moover 55-Inch Extendable Foam Snow Brush & Ice Scraper

$35 at Amazon $37 at Target $38 at Home Depot

One of our researched options, this ice scraper and snow brush combo will get your car out from under snow and back on the road again. It can extend up to 55 inches, which means it works for larger cars, too, without taking up too much space inside. The freeze-resistant foam head makes it easy to push off snow, and since it extends, you won't end up with snow all over you.

Best Roadside Emergency Kit

First Secure 90-piece Car Emergency Roadside & First Aid Kit

$90 at Amazon

This 90-piece roadside emergency and first aid kit covers a lot of the road trip essentials. It comes with a reflective triangle, jumper cables, an air compressor, a headlamp with an LED bulb, a tow rope, a tire repair kit, a window breaker/seatbelt cutter, a tire pressure gauge, electrical tape, bungee cords, cable ties, bandages, tools, work gloves, and more. You won't necessarily have the best of each item, but with one purchase, you'll buy a lot of peace of mind. An emergency kit is definitely a must, and this is a good place to start.

Best Antifreeze

Valvoline Multi-Vehicle Concentrate Antifreeze/Coolant

View on Valvolineglobal.com

Antifreeze, aka coolant, prevents the water in your engine's cooling system from freezing when it's cold outside. Without antifreeze, the engine water could ... freeze. That would cause damage to the engine block and radiator, leading to extensive and costly damage. This antifreeze from Valvoline has a long life and is compatible with many vehicles. It also claims to be compatible with other coolants, which means you can use it even if you don't remember the last coolant you used.

Best Snow Tires

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

$150 at Amazon $199 at Walmart

If you plan to drive regularly in the snow, snow tires (aka winter tires) are a must. They use specialized rubber and tread to work better on cold, wet roads. Using snow tires increases overall safety by reducing the likelihood of skidding, sliding, and hydroplaning. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 are a reliable, high-quality option. Note that some drivers notice more noise compared to all-season tires.

Best Winter Wiper Blades

Rain-X- 2 Latitude Water Repellency Wiper Blade

$17 at Amazon $17 at Walmart

Bennett, the AAA expert I spoke to, recommends winter wiper blades for their thicker rubber. This set from Rain-X also has water repellent coating that transfers to your windshield and will allow you to maintain visibility even in downpours. They're also easy to install, but you may have to clean off residue the first time you use them.

Best Winter Washer Fluid

Prestone Deluxe 2-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid

$16 at Amazon View on Home Depot

This washer fluid from Prestone won’t turn to ice, thanks to a super low freezing point of  -27 degrees Fahrenheit. The formula can also repel water and is suitable all year long. It actually comes with a bug wash, which you might appreciate more in the summer.

Best Emergency

Cartman 3-pack Warning Triangle

$32 at Amazon $28 at Walmart

Heavy snowfall or foggy conditions can significantly reduce visibility on the road. If you stall out or need to pullover to install chains, reflective safety triangles make it easier for other drivers to see you. In fact, carrying safety triangles is required in some areas and for some specific types of vehicles. These Cartman triangles are approved by the Department of Transportation and have a folding, snap-fit design. Just don't forget to be extra careful when you're setting them up behind your vehicle.

Best Jumper Pack

NOCO Boost Sport GB20 500 Amp 12-Volt UltraSafe Lithium Jump Starter Box

$80 at Amazon $80 at Walmart

You know what's better than carrying jumper cables? Carrying a jumper starter pack that doesn't require another vehicle to operate. If your car battery dies, trust me when I say you'll be grateful to have the Noco Boost Sport GB20 with you. You just attach the clamps to your battery, press power, and start the vehicle. The jumper pack also works as a portable power bank you can use to charge smartphones, tablets, and other USB devices, although the charge can be slow. It also has an LED flashlight with emergency strobe and SOS modes.

Best Snow Shovel

Snow Joe 18-Inch Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel

$41 at Amazon $24 at Walmart View on Quill.com

If the snow really comes down, you'll need a snow shovel to get your car out or clear the driveway or parking spot at your accommodations. That can be a literal pain, but the spring assist on this shovel will keep the strain to a minimum.

Best Kitty Litter for Traction

Worlds Best Cat Litter Multiple Cat Unscented

$39 at Amazon $19 at Target $42 at Walmart

If you get stuck on ice, sprinkling kitty litter under your tire can help regain traction. Since it's also absorbent, it can soak up water or wet snow that might be keeping you stuck. This relatively small eight-pound bag is easy to throw in the car so you have it on hand if needed.

Tips for Packing for a Winter Road Trip

Now that you have your complete winter road trip packing list, here are some expert tips to help make your departure smooth. 

Prioritize the essentials

To start off, make sure you have a phone and a charger. During a road trip, we rely on our phones for essentials like directions, music, and reaching emergency services. So prioritize making sure you always have a charge. Other essentials you should have on hand include snacks, water, a flashlight, and jumper cables or a jump pack that you know how to use. 

Bennett also shares this great tip: keep these essentials in a backpack in your vehicle cabin. If an emergency comes up, you can easily carry the essentials with you as you walk to get help. Having an essential backpack also makes it easy to access things like snacks and water during your trip. Think of it like an airplane carry-on and pack accordingly. 

Prepare for all types of weather

If you're heading on a ski trip or covering a lot of ground in the winter, chances are you'll see some snow. In that case, snow tires are a good idea. “They're going to provide a little bit better grip on the road and give you better traction," Bennett says. 

You also can be prepared by bringing along a set of chains — but be sure you know how to install them. "If you do not know how to put them on correctly, they could cause significant damage to the vehicle," Bennett points out, noting that poorly installed chains could fly off and cause a lot of damage to the vehicle.

Make sure you have a roadside safety kit

In the event of unexpected breakdowns or accidents, the kit provides tools to manage minor repairs and jump-start the car in cold weather. Since accessing help may take longer in bad weather, having a roadside safety kit adds an extra layer of security on challenging winter roads. The packing list above will make sure you have all the basics covered. 

Check your vehicle maintenance

Tires and lights are the two most crucial car elements for a safe winter road trip, according to Bennett. "Take a look at your lights to make sure that you can see and can be seen," he says. 

For tires, you should check the tread and pressure. You can check the tread yourself with the "quarter tire test." Take a quarter, put it upside down, and stick it inside the tread. "If you can see Washington's head, it's probably time for a new set of tires," Bennett explains. 

Also, make sure you have a spare tire, if your vehicle allows for one. Bennett points out that up to 30 percent of new cars are not equipped with spare tires, so in that case bring an inflator kit and have your roadside assistance number handy for emergencies. "Understand what equipment you have," Bennett advises. 

You also want to check all your fluids (oli, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, wiper fluid), and ensure that your car's battery, brakes, and heating system are in good working order for winter conditions. If your car battery is more than three years old, Bennett also recommends having it tested, as most batteries last between three and five years.

Put away all distractions

Whether your car ride is five minutes or five hours, distractions are dangerous. "Don't be looking at your phone while you're driving," Bennett cautions. He advises that you add your destination on your GPS navigator before departing and plan as much as you can while you're not driving. And create and download your playlist before you hit the road. 

If you're traveling as a family, keeping kids engaged is also crucial to a less-distracted ride. "There's always the license plate game or I spy, but give them things to read or a tablet or something that entertains them," Bennett says, noting, "You want to remove anything that distracts you from the task at hand. And that task at hand is going from point A to point B, safely."

Maintain visibility while carrying cargo

Packing up skis or a snowboard? Consider getting a cargo box and make sure it's securely fastened. "If all of a sudden you're filling the hatchback, you can't see out your back windshield," Bennett says. Also know that a heavy load will impact your gas mileage or battery range. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this story, T+L contributor Annie Gabillet spoke with David Bennett, a 36-year automotive industry veteran, ASE Master Automotive Technician, and Senior Automotive Manager at AAA. Annie included products extensively tested by the T+L team as well as thoroughly researched options. She also called on her experience planning winter road trips, including many ski trips to Lake Tahoe. 

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