What to Pack for Route 66: The Real List Nobody Else Will Give You

Let’s be honest. You could Google “Route 66 packing list” and get the same 15 items on every single website. Sunscreen. Comfortable shoes. A camera. Thanks, very helpful.

This is not that list.

This is the list from someone who has actually driven this road, gotten out of the car, explored the abandoned stuff, hiked the trails, sweated through their clothes in the desert, and yes — gotten a little too friendly with a cactus. This is the stuff nobody thinks to tell you and the stuff that will make the difference between an incredible trip and a miserable one.

Pack right and go. 🛣️

Packing Your Car for the Ultimate Route 66 Road Trip

Before you think about what to wear or what snacks to pack — the car comes first. This is your home for 2 to 3 weeks and Route 66 is going to take you through terrain you are not used to. Prepare it like you mean it.

Safety & Emergency — Just Do It

We know. This is not the fun part. But Route 66 is a long road with long stretches of nothing between you and the next town and the rangers, the travel guides, and everyone who has driven this road will tell you the same thing — bring the safety gear. The good news is most of this stuff lives in your car permanently once you have it. Buy it once, throw it in the trunk, forget about it, and go have the time of your life.

• Fix a flat a tire repair kit, and a tire plug/screw kit — keep these where your spare is, you should have them in your car always anyway. The tire repair kit is the most thorough option but if it feels intimidating the screw kit is a great backup — it’s simple, fast, and gets you to a gas station. Honestly we’d bring both. One to get you to a station, one to get you further if you need it.
• Portable jump box — because your passenger might run back to roll up the window real quick and not quite turn the key all the way off. Or a light gets left on. Or any of the hundred tiny things that drain a battery when you’re distracted by one of the most incredible road trips of your life. You don’t want to sit on the side of Route 66 waiting for a stranger to come along when a jump box makes this a five minute non-event that doesn’t even put a dent in your day. Don’t ask us how we know. 🔋
• Portable tire inflator — for when your tire gets low and the last gas station you saw was an hour ago and the one before that didn’t have air anyway. No waiting, no hunting, no problem. Just pull it out, fill it up, and keep going. And it’s not just for tires — balls, air mattresses, pool floats, whatever you need inflated this thing has you covered way beyond the road trip.
• Portable charger/power bank — your phone is working harder than usual out here. Searching for service, running maps, taking photos, downloading nothing because you forgot to do it before you left. But here is where it really hurts — you spend all day on an incredible hike taking a million pictures and then you round a corner and there are actual donkeys standing in the road and your phone is dead. No pictures. No proof. Just you and the donkeys and a memory nobody will believe. Keep a power bank charged and in your bag every single day.
• First aid kit
• Ibuprofen, motion sickness meds, and any prescriptions — do not assume you’ll find a pharmacy when you need one
• Duct tape
• Small tool set
• Make sure you have the right antifreeze for your car topped off before you go — and if your car takes extra oil you already know who you are 😉
• Rain-X on the windows before you leave and check your wipers while you’re at it
• A couple extra gallons of water for refilling bottles — keep one or two cold in the cooler at all times
• Blanket — toss it across the back seat or fold it in the trunk, takes up no extra room and you’ll be glad it’s there
• TP for emergencies — you will thank yourself
• Bug spray
• Hand wipes

How to Stay Organized and Sane on the Mother Road

• Sunshade — the desert sun will bake your car while you’re out exploring every single time. And while you’re at it consider side window shades for driving too — the sun coming in from the side on a long desert stretch is relentless and your passengers will thank you. Your ice cream will also thank you.
• Floor mat protection — the red mud along this route will turn your car into Mars no matter how careful you are. If you have WeatherTech or a similar rubber or vinyl mat you are probably fine. If you have cloth mats or anything you actually care about throw a cheap set of rubber mats on top of them for the trip and toss them at the end. Thank us later.
• Car organizer so snacks, maps, and anything you need fast is actually reachable from the front seat
• Small hard sided cooler between the seats — hard sided is easier to get into than soft sided when you’re reaching from the front
• Flat Rubbermaid tote in the back for souvenirs, breakables, and anything you want protected from the heat
• Day bag — change of clothes and swim stuff for whatever the day throws at you
• Shoe bag — for hiking shoes so they don’t paint your car red 😂
• Sunscreen — this one gets its own paragraph because it took us years to find the right one and we are not keeping it to ourselves. Sky and Sol Mineral SPF 50 is made with grass fed tallow and non-nano zinc oxide, non greasy, water resistant, works on face and body, and is reef safe which matters when you hit California. Free from harmful chemical UV filters like Octinoxate and Oxybenzone — just clean natural protection that actually feels good on your skin in desert heat. We searched for years for a mineral sunscreen that worked and felt good and this is it. You’re welcome. ☀️
• Bug spray — we use Murphy’s Naturals Mosquito and Tick Repellent and we are not going back to DEET ever. Made with oil of lemon eucalyptus, water, and corn derived ethanol — that’s it. Three ingredients. It actually smells good, it won’t eat through your gear or clothing like DEET will, and it repels mosquitoes for up to six hours and ticks for up to eight. Pack the 2 pack so you have one for your hiking bag and one for the car organizer.
• Car trash — keep a small trash can or old grocery bag within reach in the car and empty it every single chance you get. Gas stations, rest stops, anywhere you see a trash can. There are long stretches on Route 66 where you won’t see one for a long time and a car full of trash on a hot day in the desert is not the vibe.
• Large trash bags — throw a few of these in the trunk and thank yourself later. Soaking wet hiking clothes, muddy shoes, a haul from a roadside shop you didn’t expect, anything you want contained and protected. A large trash bag is basically an emergency solution to approximately everything and they weigh nothing.
• Recycle bag — on long stretches you won’t see a trash can for a long time and you’ll want options
• Diaper bags — hear us out. When you haven’t seen a trash can in 100 miles and something needs to be contained immediately, a diaper bag is your best friend
• Power strip — older hotels along the route have limited outlets and if you need it you are going to really want it
• Extension cord 10-15 feet — because sometimes the one outlet that works is across the room
• Small travel fan — Route 66 takes you through some seriously hot desert towns and the hotels along the way are not always the newest or the most reliable when it comes to air conditioning. A small travel fan is not just for people who can’t sleep without one — it’s for anyone who doesn’t want to find out what a 95 degree night feels like with no airflow. Pack it.
• Quarters for laundry machines and penny press machines
• Travel laundry soap and dryer sheets — most hotels have machines and a quick wash mid trip is a game changer
• Dish soap — a small travel bottle for cleaning your water bottles and Camelbak on the road. In a pinch it doubles as an emergency hand wash when the bathroom situation is less than ideal. Tiny bottle, a lot of problems solved.
• Cash — small bills, fives and tens specifically, for donation jars at the free museums and attractions. There are a lot of them and they survive on those jars.

Don’t Get Lost and Don’t Go Crazy: Navigation & Entertainment for Route 66

• Everything downloaded before you leave — music, podcasts, audiobooks, offline maps, hiking guides. The radio will test your patience in ways you are not ready for out here.
• Paper map for the no service stretches — and they are real
• GasBuddy downloaded so you always know where the next gas station is and who has the best price
• EZ66 Guide on the seat not in the trunk
• Your printed list of stops with tickets, reservations, and any info you need — do not rely on your phone for this
• A separate camera — put the phone down sometimes. You’ll get better shots and better memories.
• Binoculars — for the views that go on forever
• A highlighter and your paper map — mark every mile you drive and give it to someone you love at the end. One of the best souvenirs this trip produces and it costs nothing.
• A 3 ring binder with page protectors — slide in every pamphlet, brochure, park map, postcard and paper menu you collect. Add stickers everywhere. This becomes the best souvenir of the whole trip.

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What Your Mother Would Tell You to Pack for the Mother Road

The car is ready. Now let’s talk about the humans inside it. Route 66 is hot, dusty, sweaty, and absolutely worth every second of it — but you need to pack for the reality of this trip not the Instagram version of it.

What to Wear on Route 66: The Clothes You Don’t Want to Forget

You already know to pack your basics — t shirts, jeans, leggings, whatever you normally travel in. This is not that list. This is the stuff that will make the difference between being comfortable and being miserable on this specific road.

One thing most people don’t think about — pack for both ends of the temperature spectrum. The desert days are brutally hot but the nights can drop dramatically and catch you completely off guard. You do not want to be on the wrong end of either one. Light and breathable for the day, a real layer for the night. Both matter.

• Moisture wicking underwear, bras and socks — this is not optional in desert heat. We love Paka for these because they dry fast and feel good even after a long day. These are not just for hiking, these are for every single day on this trip.
• After hike clothes bag — not an emergency bag, just a separate easy access bag with a fresh outfit so you don’t have to dig through your whole suitcase after a sweaty morning exploring. Make this bag even if you’re not hiking. You’ll use it.
• Body wipes — you spent the morning sweating through an incredible hike and now you want to stop for a nice dinner before driving a little further. You don’t want to walk into a restaurant feeling like you just crawled through the desert — because you did. A quick wipe down in the car before you go in and you feel human again. No shower required. We love Refreshify XL Body Wipes because they’re oversized so you actually get full coverage, they don’t leave a sticky residue, and the resealable packaging keeps them fresh in your bag or car. Tuck a pack in your after hike bag and thank yourself at dinner. 🧼
• Slip on shoes for hotels — always
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hiking shoes — broken in before you leave please
• Sun shirt — when sunscreen isn’t enough and you just need coverage this is your answer. We love a UPF 50+ hooded sun shirt with moisture wicking fabric for the desert stretches. Yes it’s a hoodie but in dry desert heat a lightweight hooded sun shirt actually keeps you cooler than bare skin because it blocks the sun directly. Thumbholes keep your wrists covered, the hood keeps your neck and face protected, and the quick dry fabric means you won’t feel like you’re wearing a wet towel after an hour on the trail. This is not a fashion choice this is a survival choice and you will wear it every single day.
• Sun hat — if you have never spent time in the desert prepare yourself. The heat out here is a completely different thing than what you are used to and the sun is relentless in a way that will catch you off guard. Your head, your neck, and your face will all thank you for bringing a real hat — not a baseball cap, a hat with actual coverage all the way around.
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuit — this is not optional. There are hot springs along the route that you are going to want to stop at and when you are that hot a quick dip in the hotel pool before bed can change your entire night. It doesn’t matter if you are not a swimmer. After a long hot day in the desert sliding into a cool pool will put you to sleep like a baby and you will wake up ready to do it all over again. Pack the swimsuit.
• Rain jacket
• Emergency poncho — these fold down to almost nothing and live in your hiking bag or day bag permanently. If there is even a small chance of rain and you don’t want to haul your full rain jacket or an umbrella around all day throw one of these in your bag and forget about it. Until the sky opens up and everyone around you is soaked and you are not. Then you will remember it. 😄

How to Stay Cool and Happy in the Desert Heat

If you have never been to the desert you are not ready for what this heat feels like. It is not humid sticky hot like a summer back home — it is dry, relentless, and sneaky. You won’t feel yourself sweating the way you normally would which means you won’t realize how hot you actually are until you are already too hot. Everything in this section exists to keep you ahead of it.

• Florida Water and a cooling towel — — add a quarter bottle of Florida Water to a gallon of water, soak your cooling towel in the mixture, and wipe down the back of your neck and wrists. The alcohol evaporates instantly and pulls the heat right off your body. People in the south have known about this forever and the rest of us are just catching up. Pack both.
• Sunscreen — reapply, reapply, reapply
• Hydration packets — you are going to be drinking way more water than usual out here and that is actually the problem. Drinking more water than your body is used to flushes your electrolytes and throws everything off balance. Once you are sick from it you cannot get out of it easily — you need water, then water with electrolytes, and you have just lost a day of your trip feeling terrible in a hotel room. So drink your normal amount of water with a hydration packet and then add more plain water on top of that. Keep your body in balance and keep moving.
• Water bottle— keep it with you always. And if carrying a water bottle feels like one more thing to juggle there are crossbody water bottle holders now that make it as easy as carrying a purse — your bottle slides in, your phone and cards go in the pocket, and your hands stay completely free. Game changer for a full day of exploring.

The Toiletries That Will Actually Save Your Day

• Deodorant in your suitcase, your car organizer AND your hiking bag. Just do it.
• Body wipes — dry heat creates a sticky feeling on your skin that you’ll want to wash off between stops. These are a game changer.
• Tweezers — and we’ll just say this from personal experience… if you are exploring abandoned places along the route and you get a little too close to a cactus, you are going to want these. You’re welcome. 🌵
• Fingernail clippers — just keep a pair in the car permanently. You will need them at some point on a trip this long and you will be glad they are there.
• Any medications already covered in your car kit

What Camera is Best for Route 66?

Cameras this trip deserves more than your phone camera. Before you go buy some, check your local library — many libraries now loan out cameras, GoPros, and other equipment with just your library card. Free gear for the trip of a lifetime. If your library doesn’t have them or you want your own here is what we would bring:

• Canon EOS Rebel T7 — this is our go to DSLR recommendation for this trip. 24.1MP sensor, beginner friendly, Wi-Fi enabled so you can transfer photos easily, and it comes with a shoulder bag and 64GB card so you are ready to shoot right out of the box. The landscapes on this trip will make you want a real lens and this one delivers without requiring a photography degree to use it.
• Polaroid with black and white film — this trip was literally made for black and white Polaroid. The abandoned motels, the old signs, the wide open desert. Trust us on this one.
• Gimbal for smooth video
• GoPro for capturing everything around you in motion
• Selfie stick for the angles you can’t get otherwise — and for shots you’d normally feel too awkward to take

Leave Your Mark Route 66 has a long tradition of people leaving something behind. Here’s how to be part of it:

• Spray paint — Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo TX is the most iconic stop on the whole route and spray painting the cars IS the experience. Bring 2 cans per stop minimum — one can will get you through but two gives you real coverage and the freedom to actually create something. If you have an artistic side bring more and don’t forget the road itself is fair game too. While you’re in Texas don’t miss Slug Bug Ranch in Conway — same energy, buried VW Bugs, so plan your cans accordingly.
• Old shoes — there are shoe trees along Route 66 in Oklahoma and in Amboy California where travelers have been throwing their shoes for years. Bring an old pair you don’t mind leaving behind and add them to the collection.
• Business cards — Delgadillo’s Snow Cap Drive-In in Seligman AZ and the Bagdad Café in Newberry Springs CA both have walls and ceilings covered in business cards left by visitors from around the world. If you don’t have business cards make some before you go — even a simple Road Trip Owl style card with your name and where you’re from.
• A padlock and marker — there are love lock spots all along the route. Mother Road Monument in El Reno OK, Cyrus Avery Centennial Plaza in Tulsa OK, Lebanon MO, and Granite City IL all have official spots. Write your names, lock it in, throw away the key. And you don’t need a lover for this — a lock with just your name or your travel crew’s names works just as well. You can go with a simple heart shaped lock or a personalized engraved one. Either way you are leaving a piece of yourself on the Mother Road forever.
• Permanent markers — for Nelly’s on Route 66 in Wilmington IL where you sign the ceiling, the Route 66 Stone marker in Quapaw OK where you sign your name, and Becky’s Cool Bus in Auburn IL where you write on the inside of a bus. Markers belong in your car organizer anyway.
• Your cowboy hat — Silva’s Saloon in Bernalillo NM sits right on the original 1926 Route 66 alignment and the rafters are lined with hats left by loyal customers going back generations. Leave yours and become part of the story.
• A bra — yes really. The Elbow Inn in Devil’s Elbow Missouri has bras hanging from the ceiling. We’re just going to leave that there. 😂
• New pennies — for the penny press machines along the route. Quarters to run them.
• A highlighter and your paper map — mark every mile you drive. At the end of the trip give it to someone you love. Best souvenir on the whole route and it costs nothing.
• A brick at Standin’ on the Corner in Winslow AZ — you can buy a brick and have your name added permanently to one of the most iconic spots on Route 66. And while you’re there find Road Trip Owl’s brick. 🧱

Packing for Hikes on Route 66

Route 66 is not just a drive. There are hikes along this route that will blow your mind — and the best part is you don’t have to be a serious hiker to do them. Some take 5 minutes, some take all day. Either way you need to be ready because you are in the desert and the desert does not care if you were only planning a quick stop.

The Rangers Will Check Your Water and So Will We

Let’s talk about water and food because this is not a regular hike and this is not a regular trail. When we hiked the Grand Canyon the rangers actually stopped hikers to check that they had enough water and reminded everyone to eat before they were hungry. They weren’t being dramatic — the desert will humble you fast.

And while we’re here can we talk about the dads for a second? We watched so many sweet dads carrying 4 water bottles while their family walked next to them completely empty handed. A grown adult woman carrying a purse and a kid carrying a toy that weighs the same as a water bottle. Let the man enjoy his hike too. Everyone in your group above the age of 5 carries their own water. No exceptions. He is sweet but this is not the place for that kind of sweet. Carry your own water and let him actually enjoy one of the most incredible hikes of his life.

• Water. More water. Then more water after that. The dry heat will dehydrate you faster than you think and there is no convenience store at the trailhead. Even if you think you don’t need it — bring it anyway. You can be 10 minutes from the car and suddenly want every drop you left behind.
• Camelbak or similar hydration pack — keeps your hands free and makes it easy to sip constantly without stopping. But here is the real reason to have one — carrying water weight in your hands or on one shoulder throws your whole body off balance and wears you out faster than the hike itself. A hydration pack sits the weight directly on your back and distributes it evenly across both shoulders so your body carries it the way it was designed to carry weight. You will go further, feel better, and actually enjoy the hike instead of just surviving it.
• LifeStraw or water purification pills — for emergencies only but take up almost no space and could genuinely save you
• Snacks — and eat before you are hungry. By the time you feel hungry out here you are already behind. Eat on a schedule not when your body tells you to.
• Pocket meat, nuts, anything high protein and easy to carry

When You’re Prepared There Are No Emergencies — Just Plan Bs

Last winter we had an ice storm that had everyone around us in a full panic. We weren’t even excited. We weren’t cold, we had water, we had food, we could cook, we had everything we needed. While everyone else was scrambling we were just living our normal life. No drama, no panic, no problem.

That’s the energy we bring to hiking too. When you’re prepared there is no emergency — there are just plan Bs. The items in this section are not here because we think something bad is going to happen. They’re here because when you have them nothing bad can happen. Pack them, throw them in the bottom of your bag, and forget about them. Until you need them. And if you do need them you are going to be the most prepared and most relaxed person on that trail.

• Headband flashlight — essential for caves and slot canyons. Hands free is the only way when you need both hands to climb or navigate and you need light wherever you look. The brightest one we have found is here — fair warning it is heavier than most but it is seriously bright and worth every ounce if you don’t mind the added weight. If you want something lighter and easier to wear all day this one is a great option too. Either way bring one.
• Flashlight — for when you want to point light in a specific direction without turning your whole head. Peek around a corner, check something out without committing your whole body to it, or just get a focused beam exactly where you want it. Both serve a purpose and together they cover everything.
• Hiking Backpack — once you start carrying water your whole relationship with hiking changes. A good hiking backpack with a hydration sleeve distributes the weight properly so it’s not just pulling on your shoulders the whole time. This is not a one trip purchase either — you will use this long after Route 66 is done. But you will never be happier you had it than on this trip.
• Water Bottle Crossbody Bag — for the 10 minute walks where you don’t want to drag out the whole backpack but you still want your hands free. This one holds up to 40oz, fits Stanley and Hydro Flask bottles, has an insulated compartment to keep your drink cold, and has pockets for your phone and cards. It’s basically a purse for your water bottle and once you have one you’ll use it everywhere.
• Small emergency blanket — folds down to almost nothing and lives at the bottom of your bag forever just in case
• Blister bandaids — not regular bandaids, the real blister ones
• Pocket first aid kit separate from your car kit
• Whistle
• Lighter — not because you’ll need it but because if you ever do need it you will really need it
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen — reapply on the trail, the sun is relentless

Hiking Gear That Will Make Your Route 66 Trip That Much Better

• Broken in hiking shoes — this is not the trip to test new ones
• Moisture wicking socks — already in your clothing bag but worth saying twice
• Camelbak already mentioned above
• GoPro — for capturing everything around you in motion
• Rope — for when you want to drop the GoPro into a cave and see what’s down there. Also just useful in approximately a thousand other ways you won’t think of until you need it.
• Rock hammer and pocket knife — because sometimes a rock just needs to be opened and Route 66 is full of spots where you’ll want to investigate. No further explanation needed. 🪨
• Plastic bag for any trash you find on the trail — leave it better than you found it
• Downloaded AllTrails maps before you leave cell service — AllTrails is the app, download the specific trails you plan to do so you have them offline

Now you’re ready for Route 66. Not the sanitized version, not the highlights reel — the real thing. The abandoned stuff, the desert heat, the caves, the mud, the neon signs, the wide open nothing that goes on forever.

This Route 66 road trip packing list is everything we wish someone had handed us before we left. Pack the list, download the maps, grab your spray paint, and go find your adventure on the Mother Road.

And if you haven’t figured out the cost of the trip yet — we broke that down too. Check out our complete Route 66 road trip cost guide before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions About Packing for Route 66

What should I pack for a Route 66 road trip?

The basics are covered in this list but the things most people forget are the real game changers — a hard sided cooler between the seats, cheap rugs for your floor mats, moisture wicking clothing, Florida Water, and a printed list of your stops. The full breakdown is above.

Do I need cash on Route 66?

Yes. Bring small bills — fives and tens specifically. There are free museums and attractions all along the route that survive on donation jars. There are also small food stops, penny press machines, and places that simply don’t take cards. Don’t get caught without it.

Is there cell service on Route 66?

Not always. There are real stretches with no service at all. Download everything before you leave — maps, music, podcasts, AllTrails, and any reservations or tickets you need. Bring a paper map. Don’t rely on your phone.

What shoes should I wear on Route 66?

Bring three pairs minimum — comfortable walking shoes for towns and attractions, broken in hiking shoes for the trails, and slip ons for hotels. Do not bring new hiking shoes. Break them in before you go.

How hot does it get on Route 66?

If you are coming from the Midwest prepare yourself. The desert heat is a completely different thing than what you are used to. It is dry heat which means you won’t feel yourself sweating the way you normally would — which means you dehydrate faster than you realize. Drink water constantly, wear a sun hat, wear a sun shirt, and use Florida Water with a cooling towel. See below.

What is Florida Water?

Florida Water is a light citrusy cologne that has been used for cooling and refreshing for generations. You can find it at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or Amazon for just a few dollars. Despite the name it is not water — it is a high alcohol content cologne that evaporates quickly on the skin which is exactly what makes it so effective in the heat.

How do you use Florida Water to stay cool?

Add about a quarter bottle of Florida Water to a gallon of water and label it so nobody drinks it. Soak a cooling towel in the mixture and wipe down the back of your neck, your wrists, and your head. The alcohol evaporates instantly and pulls the heat right off your body. People in the south have known about this forever and the rest of us are just catching up. Pack both and use them every single day on this trip.

What is the EZ66 Guide?

The EZ66 Guide by Jerry McClanahan is the book for driving Route 66. It has been recommended by Route 66 traveler’s for years and for good reason — it gets you to the good stuff without wasting miles on wrong turns. Keep it on the seat not in the trunk.

How much water should I bring on a hike?

The general rule is half a liter of water per hour of hiking in normal conditions. In the desert that rule goes out the window — plan for at least one liter per hour and bring more than you think you need. Rangers at the Grand Canyon will actually stop hikers and send them back if they don’t have enough water. If you think you have enough bring one more bottle. The desert will always want more than you packed.

For emergencies pack a LifeStraw or water purification pills in the bottom of your hiking bag. You will probably never need them but if you do you will be very glad they are there.