We’ve dreamed up seven D.I.Y. road trips—all packed with amazing country, great food, and out-of-this-world fishing. Here are 19 items that you shouldn’t leave home without.
Lash together a lean-to to save your roadside picnic from a freak summer storm. 2. Video Camera
Compact and waterproof, the GoPro Hero Session will record a digital log of your journey. Splurge on different mounts to film an epic montage worthy of YouTube fame ($200). Ralph Smith
The Classic 2-Burner folds down small enough to slide into a milk crate, leaving room for a skillet and corn oil ($140). 4. Toilet Paper
For obvious reasons—plus, as a quick fire starter. Protect it from getting wet with a gallon zip-seal bag. Ralph Smith
Guarantee access to fresh water by bringing it along with you. I suggest having 3 gallons, minimum. 6. Headlamp
Because in the heat of summer, the best fishing often happens after dark. Ralph Smith
Nothing debugs a camp better than a Thermacell. The Scout lantern now features 12-hour Max Life refill mats ($40). 8. Tums
I don’t care if you have an iron stomach. All that gas-station junk and tarlike coffee will catch up to you eventually. 9. Journal
Miles behind the wheel leaves plenty of time to think. Keep track of your bright ideas, as well as other notes and souvenir scraps, in a journal. Your future self, and your grandkids, will thank you. Ralph Smith
A postcard will always trump a text message. Bring some stamps and send your friends notes from the road. 11. Yeti Rambler Bottle 64
You could just get a six-pack of corporate lager, but a microbrew delivers more local flavor to your trip. With its leakproof lid, the 64-ounce Rambler serves as a stainless-steel growler you can fill up at any brewery and enjoy later on at camp ($90). Ralph Smith
For filleting fish, slicing summer sausage, and serving as an impromptu plate, a few compact cutting boards are indispensable. Ralph Smith
Fish hard enough and you will cut, sprain, or otherwise injure yourself. The Be Red Cross Ready Kit will cover most minor accidents ($20). 14. Recovery Kit
If you don’t get your truck stuck, then you’re fishing too close to the crowds. Bring a folding shovel, plus a snatch strap, tow chain, and Hi-Lift jack. 15. Camp Kitchen
It can be as simple as a tote full of utensils and silverware, or an elaborate camp cupboard complete with drawers and foldout tables. ($50; gsioutdoors.com) Ralph Smith
Where you’re going, you won’t always have cell service. A good paper map will get you there and back. Sorry, Siri. 17. Fillet Knife
Supplement the Dinty Moore and Beanee Weenee with fresh-caught fish. Ralph Smith
The occasional inexpensive Swisher Sweet keeps you awake on late-night runs and smokes out mosquitoes. Save the Macanudo to celebrate hooking (and landing) that lunker. Ralph Smith
For food, drinks, the occasional rainbow trout, and anything else you need to keep cold on the road, a solid cooler is a must-have. This straight-walled chest doesn’t take up much room, yet packs in enough insulation to keep ice for days ($290). Ralph Smith