If you’re not planning a solid road trip this summer, stop what you’re doing now and check your pulse; you might be dead inside. The road trip is an integral part of outdoor culture: a rite of passage for the young and an annual ritual for the experienced. While most of us feel like we have our road trip gear dialed in, few people have spent as much time curating their kit as Derek DiLuzio, a professional photographer who shoots everything from powder skiing in the Rockies to fly fishing in the Southern Appalachians. DiLuzio is on the road shooting for a variety of magazines at least four months out of the year, and he knows exactly what to pack to get the job done in style.
“There’s a lot of unpredictability when you’re shooting pictures, so you have to be ready for anything,” DiLuzio says.
Orion Cooler ($499)
It’s a 65-liter, really big cooler that will keep ice for about a week. It’s such a relief not to have to buy ice every day. I can truly establish a base camp and not worry about keeping food cold.
Sylvan Sport GO ($9,995)
This is a game-changer for me. I can’t tell you how luxurious it is to be able to stand up and change, or sit at a table and work or eat. I can drop it anywhere, and it can be a home base for camping or just a place for wardrobe changes. It feels so civilized after camping on the ground for so many years.
Boardworks Shubu Sport ($899)
This board folds into a backpack, and it’s incredibly stiff after you blow it up. It handles river rapids and even ocean surf really well.
BMC Speedfox 02 TrailCrew ($5,900)
The Speedfox is an efficient way to explore the forest and look for different shooting locations. It’s a mix of carbon and aluminum with a Fox Float fork and XT components.
Road Shower 2 ($300)
It’s basically a five-gallon, solar heated water tank that you can pressurize with air. It’s great for washing off the bikes or board, or just taking a shower after a ride.
Catan ($20)
If my wife is traveling with me, we always bring board games because we’re incredibly competitive. The card game version of Catan is our go-to night time diversion. My wife taught me everything I know about Catan, but I’m absolutely the champ.
Osprey Momentum 32 Bicycle Commuter Pack ($140)
The mesh-covered shoulder straps and back panel provide ventilated comfort, especially on long, hot, sweaty commutes in the South. Laptops stay protected in a dedicated top-sleeve, and there are plenty of zippered pockets and storage compartments in this versatile 32-liter pack.
Kammock Thylacine Sleeping Bag ($329)
It’s two bags in one: on its own, the Thylacine Down is a 20°F rated sleep system. Combined with the zip-in Thylacine Liner, you can sleep comfortably at or above 0°F. Lightweight and durable, the bag can be tailored directly to the body with simple cinch straps.
OnSight Half Nelson 2 Minimalist Bike Pack ($45)
For cycling commuters or mountain bikers on an all-day ride, the Half Nelson pack holds all your essentials: hydration bladder, pump, tools, food, and a light jacket. All the main fabrics, mesh, zippers, and buckles in the Half Nelson minimalist bike pack are produced from recycled plastic water bottles.
Goal Zero Sherpa 100 ($299)
I need power for my laptop and cameras. This battery pack comes with a solar panel, so I can charge it off my truck engine or off the sun. It’ll run my computer, charge my camera and power some lights. And it’s small too, so you can put it in a backpack if you need to.
