Roadtrip checklist

Former RN&R Arts Editor and current contributor Kris Vagner loves camping. Extended famly trips are one of her usual summer activities, but in her years of planning trips all over Nevada and beyond, she’s left more than a few things behind.

“For me, summer is all about starry night skies, crystal blue lakes, desert and mountain hiking trails, and, best of all, lounging in a camp site with my family and friends,” Vagner said. “It’s the loveliest, most peaceful thing going—unless you forget the lighter. Or the breakfast foods. Or the mosquito repellent. I have forgotten all of those things, but that was in the distant past, before I wrote—and spent a few summers refining—my trusty master checklist.”

Years of trial and error on Vagner’s part have resulted in the following list, lightly editted with some classic road trip essentials, for our readership to consult before leaving the driveway.

Vagner also stresses that this list is intended for family trips, and she probably wouldn’t consult it for solo backpacking treks or the like. Still, the following necessities will suit most travelers and their families well on the open road •

Tent
Tarp
Hammer
Lighting (lantern, flashlights, spare batteries)
Pillows
Pocket knife/hatchet
Sleeping bags/pads
Chairs/table
Water storage (bottles, Camelback, etc.)
Rope/bungee chords
Toilet paper
Maps
Car charger for phone/electronics
Cooler
Stove
Fuel (butane, firewood, lighters, matches, etc.)
Dishes and mugs
Dish rags
Paper towels
Cutting board
Utensils (knives, forks, spatulas, serving spoons, etc.)
Dish tub (for washing)
Aluminum foil
Coffee
Canned milk
Oatmeal
Bread
Peanut butter and jelly
Trail mix
Dinner items
Breakfast items
Cards
Boardgames
Binoculars
Book
Speaker/stereo
Cds/car playlist
Walkie talkies
Socks
Pajamas
Underwear
Shoes
Jacket
Swimsuit
Towel
Shirts
Shorts/pants
Hat
Sunglasses
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Deodorant
Soap
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Earplugs
Hygiene products
Medications
First aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relief, treatment for poisonous plants etc.)
Sunscreen
Bug repellant
Ponchos
Spare tarps
Spare car key
Spare tire/tire jack
Road flares
Jumper cables/jump starter
Fire extinguisher