Winter Packing List | U.S. National Parks
Not sure what to pack for your winter road trip? We can help! Don't get caught in the cold without these essential items for your winter National Park road trip.
Clothing
The weather can change at a moment's notice, so it is important to keep items nearby for sudden temperature drops.
- Long underwear (Dress in layers to keep your body insulated)
- Mittens or gloves
- Hat
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Warm socks (wool socks are often recommended)
- Sweater
- Jacket (Water-repellent clothing is often recommended to help keep you warm and dry)
- Rain jacket, parka, windbreaker or umbrella
- Snow boots
- Hiking boots
- Scarf
- Hiking boots
- Face coverings
Toiletries
Winter weather can mean dry skin or treacherously cold conditions. Make sure you are prepared for dry skin, chapped lips and everything in between.
- Medication
- SPF sunscreen for lips, face and hands (the reflected glare from snow and ice can be intense, especially at higher altitudes)
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Floss
- Brush/Comb
- Face wash
- Face cream
- Lotion
- Q-tips
- Hand warmers
Miscellaneous Items
- Snacks
- Water bottle
- Travel mug/Cup
- Camera
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Earplugs
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunglasses
- Small medical kit
- Trash bags
- Bandana/handkerchief (for runny noses)
- Battery-operated alarm clock/wristwatch
- Dry bags/waterproof bags
- Binoculars
- Camera
- Cash
- Identification card
- National Park Pass (if required; check with the National Park you are visiting for more up-to-date information on entry requirements)
Packing Your Car for a Road Trip
In Car Essentials
Your road trip starts and ends with your car! Make sure you're equipped to handle important situations:
- Driver’s license
- Car registration and insurance information (When renting, oftentimes your car rental agreement will act as your registration and/or insurance)
- Car manual
- Extra car key (Not on the same car ring. If you lose one, you'll lose them all.)
- AAA membership card and/or phone number(s) for Roadside Assistance
- Spare tire (With a tire jack and tools to change a flat)
- Flashlight
- Paper map (For when you're stuck with no service)
- First-aid kit
Roadside Emergency Kit
No one plans on breaking down during a road trip, but it can happen. Be prepared with a roadside emergency kit.
- Quart of oil
- Jug of coolant or water
- Wiper fluid
- Portable gas container
- Ice scraper
- Small shovel/Trowel (In case you need to dig yourself out)
- Tire chains
Road Trip Must Haves
- Phone
- Chargers for cell phone, tablet, digital camera and/or laptop
- Facial tissue
- GPS (or traffic app like Waze or Google Maps)
- Wet wipes/baby wipes
- Paper towels
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunglasses
- Air freshener/Deodorizer
- Blankets and pillows
- Sweater/Sweatshirt
- Comfortable shoes
Popular Road Trip Cars
Take your pick from one of these classic road trip car options.
SUVs
Room for one more? With an SUV rental, you'll have room for baggage, souveneirs and last-minute additions.
View SUVs2-Door Jeep
2 is better than 1 with a 2-door jeep from Enterprise. Bring a friend, pick the playlist and start your next trip.
View 2-Door Jeeps4-Door Jeep
With more leg room and ample space for luggage, a 4-door Jeep is perfect for family outings.
View- 4-Door JeepsRental Car Resources
From our Complete Clean Pledge to curbside pickup options, we're here to help you get back on the road again.
COVID-19 Car Rental FAQs
Check our COVID-19 FAQs for information on hours of operation, reservations and steps we're taking to keep employees and customers safe.
View COVID-19 FAQsPlanning a Road Trip During COVID-19
Are you thinking about taking a road trip during COVID-19? Check out our tips and resources to consider before you leave.
Plan Your TripComplete Clean Pledge
Learn about our commitment to protecting the well-being of customers and employees, including our Complete Clean Pledge.
See DetailsRoad Trip Ideas
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