Hello hello hello! My name is Timmy Shivers. I’m a photographer living in New York City, and I did a crazy thing: I road tripped for 30 days around the United States, starting and ending in NYC. I took the northern route to the west coast, hitting sites like Badlands, Yellowstone, and Glacier National Parks, headed down the west coast before cutting inland for Yosemite and Grand Junction, and finally journeyed back to the east coast via Texas.

Did I mention the trip lasted 30 days? Again, it’s a lot. Thankfully I’m a light packer, so the idea was to bring as few things as possible and be sorry about it later. For this unique opportunity, I trusted my instincts when it came to packing and managed to narrow my list down to the absolute essentials.

Timmy’s luggage of choice? Away’s weekender in canvas →

1. NEMO Forte 35 Sleeping Bag 

I’m traveling during summer months, but I’m thinking of cold nights in Yellowstone and Glacier National Park. I’d rather be safe than sorry when I sleep, so I bought this bougie sleeping bag just in case! And if it turns out I’m too warm, I can always open up the sleeping bag, right?

2. Bandanas

I often use bandanas as masks, but I also use them as headbands. They are so versatile, and when packing for a month, versatility is key. (Fashion AND safety, sign me up!)

10 tips for first-time campers →

3. Travel Chess

The idea of this trip is to be immersed in nature, hopefully with ample free time to do nothing. When I’m bored of doing nothing, I’m bringing along this travel game set! It’s foldable, easy to pack, and comes with enough game options to switch things up.

4. Multi-colored Japanese Fans

She’s coming out the second I break a sweat. Look good, feel good, amirite?

5. The Pocket Pema

Thirty days on the road sounds romantic, but it’s also a lot. I’m a person who needs routine, so living out of a car can be difficult. This Pocket Pema is small in size (good for packing!) but big in grounding.

6. Patagonia Hat

I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a cosmetic choice. But also it blocks one from the sun, so in my defense…more versatility?

The ultimate beginner’s guide to planning a road trip →

7. Master & Dynamic MH40 Headphones

I thrive off of music. I plan on using these in the back seat when I want to be in my own world, or when I’m falling asleep. Music helps me tap into myself, so these are essential.

8. Summer Fridays gel cleanser

For the sake of ritual, and for the sake of (attempting) to keep my face clean while on the road, I’m bringing this trusty cleanser.

9. Salt&Stone Sunscreen Stick

I love a sunscreen stick. Compact for whenever you need her.

10. Burt’s Bees chapstick 

Yes to classics, and yes, I am an addict.