What you pack for a winter road trip should help you stay warm, visible and supplied if traffic stops or your car breaks down. NHTSA, the National Weather Service and AAA Oregon/Idaho recommend basics such as blankets, traction material, a shovel, a flashlight, food, water and a phone charger. Here is what to pack, what to do if a winter storm strands you and what to check before you leave.
Quick overview: pack blankets and warm layers, sand or cat litter, a shovel, an ice scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, water and non-perishable snacks, a phone charger, a first aid kit and reflective warning gear. Check the weather and road conditions before you leave, and keep the gas tank at least half full all winter.
Winter road trip packing checklist at a glance
Category
What to pack
Warmth
Blankets, extra warm clothing, hats, gloves, winter boots, a sleeping bag
Traction and digging
Sand or cat litter, traction mats, snow shovel, tire chains
Visibility
Ice scraper, snow brush, winter washer fluid, flashlight and extra batteries
Breakdown tools
Jumper cables, tire gauge, portable air pump, multi-tool
Food and water
Drinking water, non-perishable snacks, soup or cocoa packets
Power and signals
Phone car charger, reflective triangles or flares, whistle, bright cloth
Safety
First aid kit, any necessary medicine, fire extinguisher
The items below come from NHTSA, AAA, Ready Wisconsin, the National Weather Service and a North Dakota survival kit sheet, each linked where it is first used. Items we add ourselves are labeled as tips.
10 things to pack for a winter road trip
1Blankets and extra warm clothing
AAA Oregon/Idaho says to pack blankets and gloves, and Ready Wisconsin lists blankets, extra warm clothing, hats, gloves and winter boots for colder months. ND Response adds a sleeping bag and advises against cotton because it provides no insulation when wet. Our practical tip: keep a dry spare layer where you can reach it without opening the trunk.
2Sand or cat litter, traction mats and a shovel
NHTSA lists a snow shovel, broom and ice scraper plus abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter in case your vehicle gets stuck in snow, and AAA South Jersey lists traction mats as an alternative. AAA Oregon/Idaho also says to have tire chains on hand in case you encounter ice or snow. Check your vehicle manufacturer’s instructions and the chain requirements and restrictions along your route.
3An ice scraper, snow brush and washer fluid
AAA South Jersey lists an ice scraper, snow brush and window washer solvent. NHTSA says to fill the washer reservoir with winter fluid that contains de-icer, and AAA Oregon/Idaho says not to dilute it with water.
4A flashlight with extra batteries
Several emergency-kit lists, including NHTSA and Ready Wisconsin, include a flashlight. The ND sheet lists a flashlight and batteries, with a note to keep them separate.
5Jumper cables and basic tools
Jumper cables appear on the NHTSA, AAA, Ready
