A must-have to stash in your car

Plus: A pretty on-sale trunk we love

View in browser June 17, 2025 Our expert's car-camping packing checklist Source photos by Yeti, Yakima, Reliance Writer Trey French tests outdoor and travel gear for Wirecutter and has spent over 300 nights camping in his truck, trekking everywhere from the desert to mountain trailheads. And after a lot of trial and error, his adventures now start with … a spreadsheet. "You don't need fancy gear for car camping," he writes, "but there are some things you need to manage the weather and to stay fed, rested, and entertained." His must-haves — from an unexpectedly useful grabber tool to his favorite camping rug — will help you, too, go car camping like a pro this summer. Happy trails→ We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more › Plus: A car essential we always bring with us Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter To deal with a dead car battery quickly, efficiently, and safely, our experts recommend stashing this portable jump starter in your trunk. It contains enough juice to start most cars and SUVs, and it's easier, safer, and less intimidating than old-fashioned jumper cables. Plus, you can use it alone, instead of having to wait for someone to show up and bail you out. Become a self-rescuing human→ More for hitting the road Renting a car? Bring your own fan. Here's everything you might need to make traveling in a rental car run smoothly, according to someone who has road-tripped through 49 states→ "I never vacation without this all-in-one coffee maker" This lightweight gadget makes great-tasting coffee — likely better than what you'd get from a sad pod coffee maker in a hotel kitchenette→ The best gear for your road trips After hundreds of hours of research and 1,500 miles behind the wheel, here's the definitive list of everything you need for the open road→ Your daily deal(s): These summer-friendly picks are all on sale, exclusively for Wirecutter readers NYT Wirecutter Behold: a roundup of a few truly great discounts, all perfect for summer and all just for Wirecutter readers — including a beach towel that's "everything a beach towel should be" and our longtime favorite sunscreen. A few great deals we're eyeing right now→ One last (trunk) thing: A trunk Connie Park/NYT Wirecutter Unlike hard-sided suitcases, most trunk luggage has one cavernous main compartment, high walls, and a spacious lid that gives it considerable space — making it incredibly easy to pack. And this handsome one, the modern incarnation of the steamer trunk, is pretty darn charming. Our travel expert found it's not only delightful to pack, it's also incredibly easy to maneuver. But what makes it really stand out is its durable aluminum frame and satisfying latches. It's pretty luxe. But it's on sale right now→ And some advice from NYT's Travel desk: a user's guide to the latest travel lingo — from "land snorkeling" to "townsizing." You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can't always respond, but we do love to hear from you. If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Recommendation from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Recommendation, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018