How To Pack For A Desert Road Trip (And The 3 Things You Can’t Forget!)

So, you’re planning a road trip through the desert? It’s time to start packing! However, with such an extreme environment (think: scorching hot summers and freezing cold winters) it can be difficult to know what exactly you should pack for your adventure.

Read on as we give you some great tips on what to pack and how to pack for a desert road trip.

What To Pack For The Desert

The desert is one of the most unique environments in the world. The arid land that runs through deserts is largely barren, with rocky terrain and very little vegetation. Because of this lack of vegetation, there are no large forests to protect you from the sun’s rays or give shade when it gets too hot out.

This means that you will need to be extra diligent when it comes to protecting yourself against the elements while exploring the desert during your road trip. Here are some things you might want to pack for your trip:

Sunscreen

Even if it is cloudy out if you plan on spending any time outside (and exploring a desert) then sunscreen should be one of your top priorities. It can get extremely hot out in the desert, and you can get severely sunburned even when it’s not summertime.

Hat

A hat is definitely one of those things that should be common sense when thinking about what to pack for a road trip through the desert, but we thought we would add it anyway. It can get extremely hot out in the desert, and you risk getting a severe sunburn to your face and head if you don’t have protection.

Sunglasses

Just like with sunscreen and your hat, sunglasses can be such an important part of what to pack for a road trip through the desert. There is nothing worse than not being able to see where you’re going because of how bright it is outside! Find some shades that fit well enough over your regular glasses so that they will protect both your eyes and their prescription at all times.

Camping Equipment

Depending on whether or not you plan on camping along the way (as well as where), there are definitely some things that should be part of the camping equipment that you should think about packing.

Water

While you can technically get water from any service station, it is always better to be prepared and plan ahead for your road trip. Pack some extra bottles of water along with you in case there isn’t a service station (or gas station) nearby. Food

Whether you plan on stopping at rest areas or not, make sure that you bring food for yourself and your family! Even if you do stop at a rest area, the prices are usually pretty high. That way, if need be, you can save money by packing supplies instead of buying them while traveling through the desert.

Extra Fuel

Just like with water and food, make sure that you bring extra fuel to top off your car or truck! You never know if the next station will be too far away for your tank to reach. Make sure you’re safe rather than sorry!

GPS Device

A GPS device can easily be one of those things that you forget to pack, but should 100% consider bringing along. If for whatever reason you get lost or become stranded off the road, a GPS device could literally save your life during your desert road trip!

Don’t Forget These 3 Things When Packing For Your Desert Adventure!

Here are some items that are probably the most important things to remember to pack for your desert road trip. Make sure you have these with you at all times or else it may be a bit more dangerous than if they were.

Cell Phone

Your cell phone is one of those things that should be an absolute, 100% necessity when out exploring the desert! You never know what can happen while out in the middle of nowhere, and even though there isn’t always service you should still make sure to bring yours along with your GPS device.

First Aid Kit

The dangers of snakes, scorpions, and other dangerous wildlife shouldn’t stop anyone from taking a road trip through the beautiful desert! However, it should be known to always be prepared in case something happens. No matter where you are, you should ALWAYS bring a first aid kit with you.

Insect Repellent

Insects can be a huge problem when driving through the desert, especially if it’s springtime. Make sure that you’re prepared against these little critters by packing some repellent with you! It has been known to get pretty bad sometimes because of how many insects there are outside. You want to make sure that your road trip is as comfortable as possible, and bringing along an insect repellent will definitely help with this!

There are definitely a lot of things to consider before going on a desert road trip. Check out our other articles for more valuable insight into what you should pack for your next outdoor adventure! Good luck and have fun exploring those dunes!!