8 Road Trip Essentials

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Embarking on a road trip — be it a few hours away by car, or across the globe, requires that no detail be overlooked. If you’re the adventurous sort, it only makes sense that the same care would find its way into the essentials you take along for the journey. After all, sometimes the difference between making it over that last hill, or around that last bend, comes from the gear you carry with you. And if you’re the type used to jetsetting, you know exactly what you need to get you from point A to point B.

We’re talking hard-wearing, dependable gear — from your boots to the shirt on your back When you need to be prepared for anything — be it a crosstown bar crawl or a backcountry hike — only the best will do. We’ve assembled our picks for road trip essentials, so all you have to do is worry about the stops along the way.

United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle

United By Blue Mt. Drew Duffle

This handsome-looking, organic waxed canvas weekender bag is every bit as durable as it is stylish. Rich brown leather handles and straps complement the unique moss exterior color (which should look just right alongside inky-blue denim). Added details like brass hardware ensure it can take a beating and keep on going. The waxed canvas should break in over time, telling a story that’s as unique as your adventures. Interior and exterior zipper pockets give you plenty of space to hold your daily carry, too. United By Blue’s bags are also crafted sustainably — for every product sold, they remove one pound of trash from oceans and waterways. That’s a mission worth celebrating, and carrying with you. – $228

Taylor Stitch Chromexcel Moto Boots

Taylor Stitch Plain Toe Moto Boots

When you’re bringing along gear that’s the epitome of head-to-toe style, you need boots that look the part. Taylor Stitch continues to pump out product of tremendous quality and value with materials sourced and produced in the United States, and these boots fit that same mold. That’s to be applauded — and the fact that the gear looks as great as it does is of equal importance. With Natural Horween Chromexcel leather, antique brass eyelets and the kind of versatile style that goes with jeans or wool trousers, these boots are worth a spot in your bag. – $398

Byrd x Richer Poorer Carry On Dopp Kit

Byrd x Richer Poorer Carry On Dopp Kit

When it just won’t do to bring along any dopp kit, reach for a package that contains everything you need in one handy case, filled with everything from soap to hair pomade to keep your mugh looking extra-sharp. The fact that it’s crafted from tough nylon by the folks at Topo Designs is just a bonus. And this particular collaboration piece also features some of the best grooming products money can buy, courtesy of the West Coast-centric designers at Byrd. Lastly, should you need any versatile, colorful socks — well, Richer Poorer has you taken care of there, too. – $74

Mack Weldon 18 Hour Boxer Briefs

Mack Weldon 18-Hour Jersey Boxer Briefs

If you think style is only about what you wear on the outside, think again. Credit Mack Weldon and its boxer briefs for making guys think twice about these types of things, too. And again, every detail’s up for consideration when you hit the road. Made from a long-staple cotton blend and engineered with a no-roll waistband and stay-put leg design, these boxer briefs are built with endurance and comfort in mind. Mesh zones also help out the comfort factor, too. For long days of travel, you certainly can’t put a price on those intangibles. – $24

Apolis Indigo Wool Chore Jacket

Apolis Indigo Wool Chore Jacket

Among all of the jackets you might be able to reach for when packing for a big trip, you want one that’s just as durable and up-for-anything as you can possibly get. Apolis knows that dual functionality perfectly. Its Indigo Wool Chore Jackets are the stuff of legend, woven from two different indigo-dyed wools in Italy for a premium piece. The great thing is that this jacket can be worn like a blazer or a piece of outerwear without missing a beat. The indigo dye ensures that it’ll break in over time as it sees more and more action. A hidden phone-and-pen pocket plus fallen buffalo horn fisheye buttons add to the high-quality details. – $328

Mott & Bow Mercer Denim

Mott & Bow Mercer Denim

Mott & Bow is all about merging comfort and style. Its jeans blend excellent colors and washes with comfort and durability — all things to keep in mind when packing strategically for your next trip. And what’s shocking is the recently released Mercer just might be among the brand’s sharpest releases yet. Dyed in a dark blue/black fade, this pair of denim combines dressy style with a rocker edge — they’re truly able to go anywhere and do anything. The 2 percent built-in stretch is an added bonus; it doesn’t get much better for travel jeans than these. – $96

Owen & Fred Brass Money Clip

Owen & Fred Brass Money Clip

While a money clip seems like a small and insignificant detail initially, it’s of the utmost importance when you need to pay for that ferry, or bus ride, or intercontinental toll. Owen & Fred sticks to its well-designed, functional aesthetic with this brass money clip forged in Chicao from high-quality materials. The finishing process ensures the money clip won’t tarnish over time — that means it’ll look just as sharp when you pay for dinner in a nice suit as it will when you’re on the road. On trips where all the details matter, it pays to have durability down to the smallest item in your pocket. – $19

Richer Poorer Pocket Tees

Richer Poorer Pocket Tees

Sometimes, style is at its best when it’s kept simple. That’s certainly the case with Richer Poorer’s pocket tees. Known for its stylish and colorful socks (which also wouldn’t be a bad addition to your luggage), Richer Poorer has knocked it out of the park with one of its newer releases. These tees blend details like a workwear-inspired pocket with made-in-the-USA quality, for starters. And they’re garment-dyed and made from 100 percent organic cotton for a vintage feel — paired with a modern fit, however. The Natural color should go perfectly alongside inky blue-black denim, too. – $54

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