What to Pack for U.S. National Parks in the Winter | Enterprise Rent-A-Car
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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

Weather you're hiking through the wildnerness or setting up for s'mores by the fire, make sure your campsite is equipped with these oftentimes forgotten 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

You're ready to hit the road. Make sure your car is, too, with these convenient lists of must-have items

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

The number one rule of the road: comfort is key. Make sure you and your travel companions are prepared:

  • 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.

2-Door Jeep

2 is better than 1 with a 2-door jeep from Enterprise. Bring a friend and exmplore more of the great outdoors in rugged style. 

View 2-Door Jeeps

4-Door Jeep

Bring the family along for the adventure in a 4-door jeep. With more room for luggage, you can bring everything you need for your campsite. 

View- 4-Door Jeeps

SUVs

Pack everything on your camping checklist in an SUV rental from Enterprise. Our SUVs offer plenty of flexibility with seating capacity, power, and luggage room.

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