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From phone mounts to ice scrapers, these are the essentials to help you stay safe on the road.

Utimate Winter Road Trip pack list

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As a longtime Bay Area resident, I’ve taken many road trips toLake Tahoeduring ski season.

I find that a well-tested packing plan simplifies my Friday night escapes for weekend getaways.

A warmdown jacketand snow boots with solid traction (for menorfor women) can make all the difference.

Hestra Windshield Liner

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The cherry on top?

They come with their own paracord leash and custom roll-top buckle pouch with a built-in microfiber cloth.

The top is dishwasher safe, but you’ll have to wash the painted stainless steel mug by hand.

Smith Seeker

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This dual sided hand warmer from Ocoopa was our favorite out of all therechargeable ones we tested.

It heats up instantly and can hold a charge as long as four hours on the lowest setting.

Well, this rechargeable flashlight from Nitecore topped our list as thebest overall out of the 16 we tested.

Someone holds a pair of sunglasses

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We love it for its compact size, durability, and five brightness levels ranging from ultra-low to turbo.

In our tests, it also fit in every car console, big or small.

In fact, we named it our best overall pick out ofall the car mounts we testedthus far.

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That’s why we recommend investing in a cigarette lighter USB charger, like this one from Amazon.

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.

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You will need a satellite subscription, and monthly plans are about $15.

Here’s some key items youll want to keep on hand for your car.

It’s big enough to be useful but small and light enough to carry around.

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We noted that the tools and blades are easy to open, including the locking mechanisms.

These chains also provide good braking performance and stay tight to the tire.

An emergency kit is definitely a must, and this is a good place to start.

Someone holds a pair of sunglasses in a case

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.

A pair of sunglasses on a table

The formula can also repel water and is suitable all year long.

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.

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Just don’t forget to be extra careful when you’re setting them up behind your vehicle.

Carrying a jumper starter pack that doesn’t require another vehicle to operate.

You just attach the clamps to your battery, press power, and start the vehicle.

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It also has an LED flashlight with emergency strobe and SOS modes.

Prioritize the essentials

To start off, ensure you have a phone and a charger.

So prioritize making sure you always have a charge.

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Bennett also shares this great tip: keep the smaller essentials in a backpack in your vehicle cabin.

Think of it like an airplane carry-on and pack accordingly.

In that case,snow tiresare a good idea.

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The packing list above will ensure you have all the basics covered.

Also,a trunk organizercan help these must-haves in one designated place to maximize your car’s storage space.

For tires, you should check the tread and pressure.

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you’re free to check the tread yourself with the “quarter tire test.”

Take a quarter, put it upside down, and stick it inside the tread.

Also, see to it you have a spare tire, if your vehicle allows for one.

Someone holds a pair of sunglasses in a case

“Understand what equipment you have,” Bennett advises.

“Don’t be looking at your phone while you’re driving,” Bennett cautions.

And create and download your playlist before you hit the road.

A pair of sunglasses on a table

If you’re traveling as a family,keeping kids engagedis also crucial to a less distracted ride.

And that task at hand is going from point A to point B, safely."

Comfortablekids' headphonesalso provide a good way to keep kids focused on their own entertainment.

Someone wearing a pair of sunglasses

Maintain visibility while carrying cargo

Packing up skisor a snowboard?

Consider getting a cargo box and ensure it’s securely fastened.

Also know that a heavy load will impact your gas mileage or battery range.

Yeti Lowlands Blanket

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare your car for a winter road trip?

“The big thing is to start early,” Bennett says.

He recommends inspecting your vehicle two or three weeks ahead of your trip.

A Yeti Lowlands Blanket in its bag displayed on a bed

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There may be a part you oughta order or an expense you weren’t prepared for.

What do you wear on a road trip in winter?

How can you make long car rides more comfortable?

A Yeti Lowlands Blanket in its bag in a car trunk

“Take frequent breaks,” Bennett advises.

If not, you could get tired mentally and physically.

This means you won’t be able to react as well.

A Yeti Lowlands Blanket unfolded on a floor

Best case scenario: there is a scenic overlook or historic site on your way.

What should you keep in mind for a winter road trip in an EV?

Bennett is also clear to emphasize the importance of checking tire pressure and tread on all cars.

Close-up of the label on a Yeti Lowlands Blanket

In addition, low tire pressure can reduce your range.

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.

A Yeti Lowlands Blanket in its bag displayed on a bed

A Yeti Lowlands Blanket in its bag in a car trunk

A Yeti Lowlands Blanket unfolded on a floor

Close-up of the label on a Yeti Lowlands Blanket

Contigo Autoseal West Loop Vacuum Insulated Travel Mug

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OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer

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OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer connected to charger and power supply on wooden floor

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Hands holding the OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer in front of glass door

OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer in the packaging on wood floor

OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer connected to charger and power supply on wooden floor

Hands holding the OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer in front of glass door

OCOOPA 10000 mAh Electric Hand Warmer in the packaging on wood floor

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight

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Light from Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight showing on wall

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Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight in carrying holster displayed on rocks

Closeup of fingers holding cap above open Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight in carrying holster displayed on rocks

Person holding Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight displayed in white tray on wood table

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight battery being charged

Light from Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight showing on wall

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight in carrying holster displayed on rocks

Closeup of fingers holding cap above open Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight in carrying holster displayed on rocks

Person holding Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight displayed in white tray on wood table

Nitecore MT21C Rechargeable Flashlight battery being charged

Andobil Car Phone Holder Mount

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andobil Car Phone Holder

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Cocivivre Retractable Car Charger

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Anker 747 Power Bank (PowerCore 26K for Laptop)

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Amazon Garmin inReach Messenger

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Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

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Person holding Leatherman Wave Multi-tool

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Person holding Leatherman Wave Multi-tool

Leatherman Wave Multi-tool is being used to cut a wire

Person holding Leatherman Wave Multi-tool

Person holding Leatherman Wave Multi-tool

Leatherman Wave Multi-tool is being used to cut a wire

Adventure Medical Kit Ultralight Watertight .5

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

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

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

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Amazon Valvoline Multi-Vehicle Concentrate Antifreeze/Coolant

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Amazon Rain-X- 2 Latitude Water Repellency Wiper Blade

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Amazon Prestone Deluxe 2-in-1 Windshield Washer Fluid

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Amazon Cartman 3-pack Warning Triangle

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

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Snow Joe Shovelution SJ-SHLV01 Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel

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WORLD’S BEST CAT LITTER Multiple Cat Unscented

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