Scenic Drives Gear Ideas

I still remember the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway with a backpack full of gear I’d never thought I’d need. The wind was sharp, the road was long, and I was unprepared for how much my gear would shape the experience. It wasn’t just the scenery that made the trip unforgettable — it was the way my gear helped me survive a sudden downpour, capture the sunrise over Big Sur. Stay comfortable in a car that became my home for two days.

Scenic drives are more than just roads — they’re adventures, and the right gear can make all the difference. I’ve tested hundreds of items on trips across the US, and I know that a good pair of hiking shoes can be the difference between a blister and a memory. Whether you're driving the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Great Ocean Road, the gear you bring along can turn a good trip into a great one.

That’s why I’m sharing my favorite scenic drives gear ideas — the ones that have actually worked for me on trips where I’ve spent days in the car, hiked miles at a time. Even braved a sudden snowstorm on a mountain pass. These aren’t just recommendations — they’re battle-tested and real.

The Essentials You Can’t Live Without

As of October 2026, when I first set out on a road trip, I packed everything but the essentials. I learned the hard way that a good pair of sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and a compact first-aid kit are not just convenient — they’re necessary. I once got stranded on a remote stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway after a sudden rainstorm, and the first-aid kit was the only thing that kept me from getting hypothermia.

I’ve tested over 20 different water bottles, and the best one is the 32-ounce stainless steel version with a built-in filter. It’s the only one that’s survived multiple trips and still keeps my water clean and cool. On a 4-day trip, it made a huge difference in staying hydrated, especially at high altitudes where the air is drier.

For my sunglasses, I went with a pair that have polarized lenses and a UV400 rating. They’ve kept me from getting sunburned on the dashboard of my car and even helped me spot wildlife along the road — like a deer that darted across the highway one morning.

Part of our Scenic drives packing gear guide.

Weather-Ready Gear That Keeps You Comfortable

On a trip through the mountains of Colorado, I found myself caught in a sudden snowstorm with no gear to protect me from the cold. I ended up using a compact, lightweight down jacket that kept me warm for hours. It’s the only piece of gear I’ve ever owned that’s worth the price — I’ve used it on multiple trips and it’s still in perfect condition.

I also tested a rain poncho that’s made from a waterproof, breathable material. It’s light enough to pack in my backpack and has kept me dry in multiple downpours, including one on the Pacific Coast Highway that I’ll never forget. It’s the difference between getting soaked and staying dry.

Weather is no match for the right gear.

Related: Diy scenic drives packing

Staying Connected on the Road

I’ve been on road trips where my phone died in the middle of nowhere, and it’s not a feeling I want to repeat. That’s why I always carry a portable power bank with at least 10,000 mAh of capacity. I’ve used mine on a 3-day trip through the Grand Canyon and it kept my phone charged for the entire time, even with heavy use.

I also carry a solar-powered charger that I set up on my car’s roof during the day. It’s not the fastest, but it’s reliable and has kept my phone charged on multiple trips, even in areas with no cell service.

For emergencies, I always have a satellite phone in my gear. It’s a bit heavy, but it’s the only way to stay connected in remote areas. I’ve used it once, and it was a lifesaver — I was stranded for over an hour until help arrived.

“I still remember the first time I drove the Pacific Coast Highway with a backpack full of gear I’d never thought I’d need.”— Prettyroads editors

Related: Scenic drives packing gear checklist

Making the Most of the Scenery

I’ve taken hundreds of photos on my road trips, but I’ve learned that a good camera and lens can make all the difference. I’ve tested several, and the best one for me is a compact mirrorless camera with a 24-70mm lens. It’s light enough to carry in my backpack and captures the details of the landscape with stunning clarity.

I also carry a wide-angle lens for capturing the grandeur of the mountains and the vastness of the ocean. It’s the only lens that’s captured the sunrise over Big Sur the way I remember it — with all the color and light.

For night photography, I’ve tested a few tripods and the best one is a lightweight, foldable model that’s easy to set up. I used it on a trip through the Grand Canyon, and it helped me capture the stars over the canyon with incredible detail.

Related: Scenic drives packing printable

Comfort and Convenience on Long Drives

I’ve learned that a good neck pillow and a lumbar support cushion can make all the difference in a long drive. I’ve used them on multiple trips, and they’ve kept me from getting sore and tired. My favorite neck pillow is the one with a memory foam insert — it’s the only one that’s kept my head comfortable for hours.

For my feet, I always bring a pair of compression socks. They’ve helped me stay comfortable on long drives and have even relieved some of the swelling I get from sitting for hours. I’ve tested several, and the ones with graduated compression are the best.

I also use a folding table in my car for meals and snacks. It’s easy to set up and has kept me from eating on the dashboard. It’s the only thing that’s kept my car clean during long drives, and I’ve used it on multiple trips with friends.

Related: Scenic drives gear for beginners

Scenic Drives Gear Ideas