Packing light and right can be a difficult task. Here are a few pointers I’ve discovered in my travels. One thing I’ve found to be true on every trip is that the more uses an item has, the more it comes in handy. Here are a few of my dual purpose road trip hacks.

Key products to bring along on any western road trip: Carhartt Women’s Calumet Long-Sleeve V-Neck, Carhartt Chicago Logo Tee (exclusively available in Chicago stores), Women’s Minot Shirt, Women’s Halley Shirt, Women’s Equestrian Belt, Women’s Cascade Jacket, Women’s Series 1889 Slim-Fit Double-Front Denim Dungaree, Carhartt Water Bottle, Clarkston Cami Tank, Carhartt Women’s El Paso Shorts, & Carhartt Legacy 23″ Gear Bag. All of these items are staples for an outdoor adventure. Make sure to pack clothing that can be layered and re-worn. The weather can be unpredictable. Come prepared.

Use mini storage bins to organize snacks, toiletries, and even jewelry. This helps when packing in a duffle bag where things get messy fast. On a road trip, having a variety of snacks at your fingertips keeps you entertained and satisfied with less food. Avoid salty items if possible. It will keep you from drinking too much water and the need for multiple bathroom breaks.

I always pack a few dryer sheets in my luggage. They keep dirty clothes from stinking up the rest of your things. Also, by rubbing a dryer sheet over a garment, you prevent static. That is an invaluable trick to know, particularly when it’s colder outside.

Save old pill bottles. They come in handy as waterproof containers. You can pack a mini first aid kit, fit a bottle filled with quarters into your car cup holder to facilitate paying road tolls, or even use it for moisturizers or hair care products. The secure lid will set your mind at ease. No one wants shampoo exploding all over their clothes.

Shower caps are a normal enough travel item. Obviously you can use them in the shower, but they’re also perfect for packing dirty boots. Let’s face it, Carhartt girls very rarely have clean boots. Truthfully, I leave shower caps on my Wellington’s even when I store them in my closet at home. If you’re staying a hotel, ask the front desk if they have extra caps available.

Ziplocks are another packing favorite of mine. I use them to optimize my organization. Keep your electronic cords and chargers together. Pack a bag with each day’s outfit, then load up the outfit bags into your duffle. This will save you time later and you won’t have to dig around for socks or a certain shirt later on. I often keep my phone in a ziplock when I know I’ll be outdoors a good bit of the time. Your phone can still sense touch through the plastic and it’s protected from dirt and rain.

Binder clips are a great thing to carry. You can use them for clipping sunglasses to the car visor, managing hair bands, covering shaving razors, clipping together receipts from your trip, etc… The possibilities are endless. Just buy a bag of these things to keep on hand. You’ll be glad you did.




Now get out there and have an adventure!
my travel outfit: Carhartt Women’s Pondera Shirt, Original-Fit Canvas Crawford Dungaree, & Women’s Wellington Boots