Make Sure to Pack the Car with These Fall Road-Trip Essentials

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The leaves are changing, Jack Frost is getting ready to reintroduce himself, and car covers everywhere are making their first appearances of the season. Oh yeah, it's fall all right. But don't get depressed about putting your sweet ride in hibernation for a few months; take one last road trip before you gotta bring the slippers out.

Fall road trips can be extremely rewarding, but 0nly if you're prepared. That's easier said than done, however, because autumn likes to play games with the weather. On any fall trip, you'll want to bring gear for the cold, warmth, and wet, so we made this list to keep you comfortable on your autumn expedition.

Fodor's Travel: Best Weekend Road Trips

A good fall road trip starts with deciding where to go, and this guide is perfect for a one- or two-night trip. Inside, there are 106 three-day itineraries, all within a six-hour drive of 20 major U.S. cities. The travel outlines relieve a ton of planning stress; all you have to do is start driving.

Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Polarized Sunglasses

A good pair of sunglasses goes a long way on the road and can help prevent eye fatigue. These frames are comfortable for any trip, and the polarized lenses dial down glaring light—a helpful perk.

Riparo Genuine-Leather Driving Gloves

Leather driving gloves were originally designed more than a century ago to protect drivers' hands from cold metal steering wheels or their splintery wooden counterparts. Nowadays, they're more of an aesthetic accessory, but who cares? They're awesome. This pair from Riparo is a nice, affordable choice and—as a bonus—will help shield your hands from crisp temperatures.

Insulated Soft Cooler

This soft cooler can hold up to 24 cans, or a full lunch and some snacks. The exterior is constructed with a water-resistant oxford fabric for durability, and the inside is lined with food-grade PEVA foil to keep temperatures hot or cold.

Flint and Tinder Flannel-lined Waxed Trucker Jacket

This made-in-the-USA waxed canvas trucker jacket is the perfect fall top layer. It's constructed with weather-resistant Martexin 7-ounce sailcloth, which will only get better with age. and wear. It fits like a blanket, and comes lined in your choice of flannel, wool, or quilted. Available in eight autumn-ready colors and in sizes from XS to 3XL.

Gapplebee's Hoodie

If you're hitting the road bright and early, you know how chilly those fall mornings can be. This hoodie should keep you comfortable on the road, and we like the Gapplebee's logo for obvious reasons.

Stetson Texas Classic Wool Driving Cap

This flat cap from legendary Stetson is made of premium-quality wool that breathes pleasant warmth. A skin-friendly, moisture-regulating cotton lining adds comfort. The mottled tweed finish comes in navy, grey, black, or Bordeaux, and the six-part cut in a slim-fit shape adds a touch of elegance. Made in the EU with a metallic Stetson emblem on the side.

Yeti Rambler

The Yeti Rambler is one of the best choices to keep hot chocolate or warm cider nice and toasty to enjoy on the road. The lid utilizes magnets to contain spills, and it fits into standard cupholders perfectly.

Relwen Windzip Popover

Breathable yet water-resistant, this lightweight pullover is inspired by the functionality of classic outdoor gear and infused with sturdy heritage details. Made of nylon with a bit of spandex, it features just the right amount of stretch for comfort, plus plenty of pockets and lycra cuffs and hems to lock out wind. It's stuffed with a 60-gram down alternative so it's warm enough over a t-shirt. Best of all, it's also available as a hoodie, jacket, or vest.

Zip-Off Pants

The versatility of a comfortable pair of zip-off pants can be so handy on a road trip. They're great for a cold departure and a warm arrival, while also being comfy enough for the car. As an added bonus, they're water resistant.

Pen-Style Flashlight

This handy pen light fits right into any pocket or glovebox for easy and instant access. It packs a punch, too, producing 220 lumens for seven full hours. This light is perfect for finding a lost chicken nugget or changing a tire at night during the short days of autumn.

Compact Travel Umbrella

The minute you leave for a fall road trip without an umbrella, it starts to rain, right? This compact umbrella measures 11 inches closed and fits neatly into a bag or under your car seat. The vented canopy means you won't be whisked away by the wind, Mary Poppins style.

Bluetooth AUX Adapter

This Bluetooth aux adapter allows you to blare Sunday driving jams and has active noise canceling if you plan on making on-road calls. For music, the sound quality of this little guy is excellent. This one has a long playing time of 16 hours (along with a charging time of 2.5 hours).

CraveBox Care Package

You're gonna have munchies on a road trip, and this CraveBox has virtually every kind of snack you could imagine. Ranging from Goldfish to Laffy Taffy, the box comes with 45 assorted goodies. They won't be kind to your love handles, but tomorrow is another day, right?

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