Author: Abacus Addington

If it feels like Covid-19 has put the brakes on summertime fun, maybe it’s time to consider a road-trip getaway. After all, road-tripping is a comparatively safe form of travel, and nothing beats the freedom of peeling out on an open highway after being cooped up. Just don’t make the rookie road-trip mistake of heading out before stocking up on essential gear.

To get the lowdown, we reached out to RV enthusiast Keith Sims to see what he considers road trip essentials. Keith, a retired Miami Dolphins offensive lineman, has spent the past six years traveling the country by RV with his wife Tia and three sons, KJ (11), Jayson (10), and Justin (8). After spending years playing NFL football, Keith and his family fully embraced RV life, as full-time travelers homeschooling their sons from the road. His road-trip expertise goes way, way beyond just keeping the kids entertained (and parents sane) during a long drive. Here’s the gear he says will enrich the overall experience for everyone.

WeBoost Cellphone Booster and Mount

Unplugging is a noble goal, but Keith says it’s really more important for his family to be connected, so they can stay on top of their itinerary and homeschooling schedule. Your mobile signal isn’t going to work the same everywhere in the country, so if you’re traveling through a potential dead zone, he recommends getting a signal booster. These can be mounted to the roof of your car and will increase your cell phone’s ability to pick up the signal—especially helpful if your car happens to suffer a breakdown.

Motorola Walkie Talkies

Road trips are all about serendipitous discovery—even when it comes to gear. Keith and Tia originally bought walkie-talkies so they could communicate while backing up their mega RV. But soon the walkie-talkies became a way to stay in touch with their boys as they explored campgrounds. “We don’t have to be right there,” says Keith, “but we can check-in.” Unlike cell phones, which don’t always have reliable service, walkie-talkies are a quick direct way to communicate. Plus they’re super fun for kids and adults. (Roger that!)

Columbia Hiking Boots

Trust this athlete when he tells you that if you’re planning on doing some hiking, you’ll need something beyond the average tennis shoes. “You have to take care of your feet when you’re searching for the perfect waterfall,” says Keith. Invest in a pair of waterproof boots that will not only protect your feet but also your knees and ankles. As far as brands go, Keith gravitates toward Columbia’s line of hiking boots.

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