Route 66 Packing List: 25 Essentials for the Ultimate Road Trip

In celebration of the Centennial Year of Route 66, more people than ever are hitting the open road to take the 2,448-mile-long journey between Chicago and Santa Monica. This road trip typically takes 2-3 weeks, depending on stops, so being well prepared with a Route 66 packing list is important for the long days of driving on the Mother Road.

This Route 66 cross-country road trip survival guide lists what to bring, from clothes to essentials and safety items, with changing climates and terrain across eight states in mind.

The Ultimate Route 66 Packing List for Every Traveler

Whether you’re a history buff, a nostalgia chaser, or a curious road tripper, not only will you want to experience everything you can along Route 66, but document it along the way. Here are a few road trip packing list USA items that anyone traveling cross-country would want to bring:

1. Rand McNally Official Centennial Map:

As "The Official Map of the Route 66 Centennial," this foldable map and guide gives road trippers navigation through the eight states along the Mother Road. Plus, you'll get all the history, best stops, and more!

2. National Parks Pass:

Although Petrified Forest National Park is the only national park on Route 66, there are several others within 30 miles of the road, including Indiana Dunes, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Bandelier National Monument, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Having a National Parks Pass allows for free entry to some of the most remarkable outdoor spaces in the U.S.

3. Route 66 Road Trip Journal & Passport Stamp Book

Want an easy way to log the attractions you visited along Route 66? Track locations and dates you visited on this cross-country road trip checklist.

4. KODAK Mini Shot 3 Retro 3x3” Instant Digital Camera & Photo Printer

Instamatic cameras were once a retro novelty, but over the years, they have become a popular way to document travels and memories. This retro KODAK camera prints photos instantly with its built-in photo printer, perfect for adding your Route 66 road trip memories to a journal or scrapbook.

Car Essentials You Should Never Hit the Road Without

There are certain items we should always have in our cars, no matter how long the journey. These Route 66 essentials are handy to have because you never know when you'll need them:

5. Rechargeable Flashlight:

In case of an emergency or if you need extra light to search for something in the vehicle, a flashlight always comes in handy, no matter where you are traveling.

6. Windshield Washer Fluid:

Long days on the road mean dirt, dust, and debris on the windshield, which can reduce visibility and, therefore, safety. Keeping a gallon in the car is crucial to making sure you never run out.

7. Car Window Cleaner:

Just like windshield washer fluid, car window cleaner keeps the interior and exterior of all vehicle windows clean for safety and visibility.

8. Micro-Fiber Towels:

I love microfiber towels for easy cleanup, both inside and outside the car. Plus, they come in handy to dry off a car and windows after it rains.

9. Car Trash Can:

If you're driving for hours at a time without stopping, you're bound to have snacks and drinks and a way to dispose of them. They are also essential if you are traveling with kids and want to keep the vehicle as tidy as possible.

Clothing for Every Climate Along Route 66

With such varied temperatures and climates you'll experience along Route 66, from humid continental and high-altitude to arid high-desert and coastal Mediterranean climates, you may be wondering what to pack for Route 66. Depending on the time of year, you could experience rainfall or snow in one area and sunshine and warm weather in another. The key to your clothes packing is layers, along with a few additional necessities:

10. Patagonia Nano Puff Insulated Hoody Jacket:

I have one of these jackets, and I wear it in all kinds of weather, whether it's cold, snowing, or raining. Lightweight and water-resistant, this jacket is also packable and comes in both men's and women's styles.

11. Moisture-Wicking Layers:

From activewear shorts and pants to tees, lightweight long-sleeve tops, and hoodies for both men and women, these versatile items will keep your skin dry and moderate your body temperature.

12. Buff Neck Gaiter:

A Buff neck gaiter may be necessary to cover the face when traveling along the dusty, yet beautiful, stretches of desert highway. What I love about Buff gaiters is how multi-functional they are. They can be worn around your neck or on your head, or as a face covering, and they also have cooling properties and UPF 50 sun protection.

13. Wide-Brimmed Packable Hat:

A much-needed item when driving through the hotter, sunnier regions, this wide-brimmed hat offers added sun protection with a UPF 30 rating.

Comfort and Convenience Items That Make a Big Difference

When spending 8 hours or more in a car each day on a road trip of this caliber, you and your passengers may at times feel uncomfortable or bored, and your electronic devices will need to be charged. Also, keeping your vehicle well organized is key, especially if you need to find something like a bottle of water or a snack. Here are some of my top comfort and convenience picks for the car:

14. Cell Phone Holder:

This cell phone holder comes with a strong suction cup for attaching to the windshield or dashboard and a clip for attaching to a vent, allowing for hands-free navigation and reducing distraction.

15. Grand G Polarized Sunglasses by goodr:

These large-framed sunnies have scratch-resistant, polarized lenses that reduce glare while traveling on Route 66 through sunny states like Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California.

16. SitCushion Car Seat Cushion:

To prevent or alleviate sciatic or tailbone pain while sitting in a vehicle for hours, a seat cushion is a must. Constructed with orthopedic memory foam, it's the ultimate comfort item for long drives.

17. Pure Enrichment PureZone Mini Portable Air Purifier:

When driving through the long stretches of desert on Route 66, the air will be dusty... and it's quite noticeable both outside and inside the car. This cordless HEPA air filter eliminates nearly all dust particles so you can better concentrate on driving through the stunning desert landscape.

18. Car Backseat Organizer:

Featuring 11 storage pockets and a foldable tray table for snacks, drawing, or a tablet, this backseat organizer is a must when traveling with kids. It also has a kick mat to prevent scuff marks on the backs of the front row seats.

19. Anker Laptop Power Bank:

Whether traveling by yourself or with others, chances are you'll need some extra power to charge your electronics. Able to power a laptop, this 100W power bank can also charge tablets and cell phones with its three USB-C ports and two retractible USB-C cables, keeping you and everyone else in the car happy.

Emergency and Safety Items for Peace of Mind

It's a long road between Chicago and Santa Monica, but for many, the miles under our tires are well worth it for what we see, discover, and experience along Route 66. However, we should be prepared for anything to happen, especially on the seemingly endless stretches of desert with little to no amenities, including gas stations and diners, along the way. And sometimes, you'll drive through an area with no cell service. As with any cross-country road trip checklist, emergency and safety gear should be among the most important items you pack.

20. LED Road Flares:

In case of a flat tire or other roadside emergency, this road flare kit comes with batteries, a multi-tool, and a case to store it all in your trunk. Hopefully you won't ever need these, but it's a smart safety kit to have in case you do!

21. NEBO Assist Air 1500XP Jump Starter and Air Compressor:

Battery died? Have a flat? Tires need air? This tool is the ultimate must-have for roadside emergencies. Not only cany it fill your tires and jump start a car battery, but also charge multiple electronic devices via USB.

22. Satellite Communicator by ZOLIO:

For those dead zone areas where you can't get a signal for your phone, this satellite communicator connects to your cell phone via Bluetooth for 2-way messenging, SOS alerts, weather forecasts, and more.

23. First Aid/Medical Kit:

Injuries can happen on the road as well, so make sure you have a first aid kit on hand. The Adventure Medical Kits have up two three days worth of first aid supplies for three travelers.

24. Electrolytes:

During long drives through the arid desert on Route 66, dehydration can become a problem, and a dangerous one at that. Make sure you have plenty of water on hand and enhance your hydration with an electrolyte tablet.

25. Sunscreen:

Prevent burns from the intense sunshine, especially in the southwestern states, by applying a high-quality, waterproof sunscreen. Wear it every day to protect your skin.

Packing Essentials for a Route 66 Road Trip

The open road beckons, and 2026 marks the Mother Road's 100th year with exciting events and plenty of retro roadside attractions to celebrate. Being prepared for this epic 2,448-mile, once-in-a-lifetime road trip requires a bit of thoughtful planning, including where to stop for food and fuel and what to pack, so you can enjoy the journey with a peaceful mind. And remember to check the weather before hitting the road on each leg of your Route 66 road trip so you'll know which layers to wear!

Are you ready to get your kicks on Route 66 during its Centennial Year celebration? Visit the official Route 66 Centennial website for ways to participate, along with a calendar of events.