Bronco Nation

Essentials of Our Road Trip Go-Bag & How You Can Build Your Own

Jan 09, 2025
MS
By Meghan S.
8

Happy New Year friends! If we haven’t met yet, I’m Meghan, Bronco Nation’s resident outdoor-enthusiast, bonus mom, chicken farmer and coach (I’m working on a more succinct title).  

My husband and I live life on the go, road-tripping 2,000 miles per month to spend time (mostly outdoors) with our teenagers in Northern Michigan. And as two Type A personalities, I like to think we’ve perfected the family road trip formula.  

So, what’s the secret sauce? How can you save time, money and your sanity traversing the country with family members (of all ages) in tow? That is what I aim to share with you over the course of 2025 in a monthly series called Are We There Yet!? 

In today’s edition we’re checking out the essentials of my mini road trip survival kit, why it never leaves our truck and how you can build your own. 

1 & 2. Boruit Mini Torchlight & EOS Small Flashlight 


  • Why I love it: The Mini Torchlight is by far the most loved and used item in my kit. The 900-lumen flashlight keeps me visible to traffic on my nightly hikes with my yellow lab, Ruby and the alarm feature gives me peace of mind should I feel unsafe. A powerful two-way clip and magnet keeps it secure on just about any surface (including the side of a Bronco) and it recharges my phone to boot. 


  • Why Ruby loves it: The EOS Flashlight is small, simple and strong. It puts out 300-lumen and has a 21-hour battery life making it the perfect light for Ruby’s collar. Plus, no matter how fast she runs or how many decaying animals she rolls in (she’s kind of gross like that) it never falls off. 

 

3. & 4. Better Barf Bag & Travel John 


  • Why you need it: Because there is nothing worse than feeling sick or desperately having to go potty without a rest area in sight. These two products have saved the day and the dignity of multiple family members. The Travel John boasts some type of voodoo magic that absorbs liquid making it impossible to spill and both products have a heavy-duty seal, keeping your Bronco clean and odor-free.  

 

5. - 8. Hot Hands, Mylar Blanket, Butane Lighter & Fat Wood 


  • When you’ll use it: Pretty much anytime you’re cold, which for me is every day, but especially if you find yourself on the side of the road or trail during the winter months. If you aren’t familiar, Fat Wood lights quickly, even when wet, it’s wind resistant and burns hot enough to add larger pieces of wood to the fire. Hot Tip: Stick your Hot Hands in your armpits and wrap yourself in a mylar blanket and you’ll be warm to your core in mere minutes. 

9. - 12. Nail Clippers, Sliver Grippers, Band Aids & Epi Pen* 


  • Why I like these items: Anytime you have a bump, bruise, cut, sliver, or allergic reaction on the road you’ll be glad you have this “gear” in the glovebox. You can gather these items from around your home or if you really want to nerd out, I particularly love the products linked below because they are compact, durable and easy to use.

  • *Epi Pen: Requires doctor’s prescription (not pictured)

 

13 -17. NexTool, Bits, Tactical Pen, Kershaw Spork & Boker Knife 


    • Why you need it: Think of the Next Tool like a more compact and affordable Leatherman. This handy multitool includes a dual-purpose screwdriver (flat-head and Phillips), sharp scissors, file, bottle opener, can opener, Xacto knife and pocket clip. The tactical pen of course writes but also has a tungsten tip for breaking glass in an emergency situation. (Because of this I keep my clipped to my visor). Meanwhile the Kershaw Spork is self-explanatory—because what’s a road trip without snacks!? Lastly, the titanium blade of the Boker Credit Card Knife is razor sharp and when folded, is only 2.5 inches long and just 3 mm thick.  

 

18 - 21. Misc. Items: Duct tape, $100*, Batteries & Sharpie 


  • Why you need it: If duct tape is good enough for MacGyver, it’s good enough for me. I wrap a few dozen yards around an old gift card for easier storage. As for the batteries, sharpie and emergency money, it never hurts to have those within an arm's length. ($100 bill not pictured. Choose any dollar amount that best suits your needs).


Have questions, comments or care to share what your road trip essentials are? Drop your feedback in the comments below! 

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