5 Made in USA Essentials for the Great American Road Trip

If you’re planning your next great road trip, make sure you’ve got the dependable Made in USA gear that’ll make your long haul a true vacation.

The all too familiar American road trip. A staple of childhood experiences, buckled up in the car venturing on the open road to whatever destination. Cross country, coast to coast, or even just travelling the duration of one state like Texas or California; what a privilege to be able to go from woodlands to a beach destination all via car.  

Extensive planning is typically necessary for such an endeavor. Rest stops pre-selected, bathroom breaks spaced out, snacks pre-packaged and devices fully charged, everyone is ready for the great adventure. This summer, no matter where the road is taking you, consider adding these Made in USA products to the checklist.  

Vermont Flannel Company: When it comes to spending hours in the car, comfort is of the essence. And with the hot weather outside, AC is probably blasting inside. Stay cozy with a blanket made exclusively in the United States. The Vermont Flannel Company makers flannel blankets that are soft and cozy while remaining durable to the elements. The company’s blankets are made with organic cotton, hand cut and sewn in the United States though the fabric is imported. With a plethora of colors available, there is a perfect blanket for everyone on this road trip. 

ACU Bracelet: One caveat of every road trip, especially with young kids and pets, is the eventual car sickness. Instead of utilizing medications like Dramamine, opt for a more natural approach: pressure bracelets. ACU bracelets, a woman-owned small business, provides the remedy for nausea, fatigue and sickness brought on by the motion of cars by applying pressure on the P6 pulse point. The bands come in a variety of colors and styles, some smelling like peppermint while others have more pressure spots for more intense symptoms. Bands, some of which can be used as Apple Watch bands, can also be used in out of car adventures, like boat rides, flights and even to aid in everyday wellness.  

United States Playing Card Company: Need a break from the tablets but also bored of playing the license plate game? Opt for a classic card game to pass the time using United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) playing cards, which the 140-year-old company still . The options are limitless with a deck of Bicycle cards — a hand of rummy, some individual solitaire, a round of spoons or even the classic 52 pickup are sure to be a crowd pleaser. The 140-year-old company, the largest playing card manufacturer in the United States, recently celebrated producing more than 100 million decks in a single calendar year from its Erlanger, Kent., facility. Note, however, that USPCC is a global company, so check the pack you pick up for a Made in USA label.

Audeze Headphones: Sometimes the chatter of car rides and conversations becomes a bit too much, or maybe you can’t agree on what to listen to, Taylor Swift versus The Rolling Stones can be a hard decision. That is why headphones are an essential item to bring on road trips. Tuning out others or staring out the window at the passing landscape is a better experience with noise-controlled surround sound like from Audeze headphones. One of very few speaker/sound companies with American manufacturing, Audeze has a wide line of headphones, from professional gaming gear to more entry-level listening equipment. They are leading the way for electronic manufacturing in the United States, doing so out of their California factory.  

Purell: Being on the go can be germ-filled. From rest stops to gas stations and coffee shops in between, germs are running rampant, which is where Purell comes in. One of the most accredited hand sanitizer companies in the world is made primarily in Akron, Ohio, and pumped out across the United States. Bringing a small or even medium-size container of hand sanitizer can’t be a bad idea to keep those hands clean and germs away on road trips, especially at popular destinations.  But make sure you check country-of-origin labeling, as some Purell is manufactured in France.

BONUS — Snacks: No road trip is complete without a full suite of snacks to make crumbs in the car and lodge in between the seat cushions, or was that just my family? Purchasing snacks that are both healthfully made and packed with nutritious ingredients can oftentimes be difficult, yet this list compiles some Made in the USA favorites.  You may even drive through some states where these products are made on your road trip, keep your eyes peeled! 

• Purely Elizabeth: Gluten-free granola that is as delicious as the flavors sound is hard to come by, yet Purely Elizabeth accomplishes that task. Famous for their cookie granola made with 100% whole grains, free of many allergen ingredients, this stuff is the real deal. Coming in flavors like peanut butter, double chocolate, oatmeal raisin, blueberry hemp, chocolate chip and several more, this granola is good for you and tastes exactly like the name advertised. In addition to granola, Purely Elizabeth makes delicious cereal and oatmeal for on the go eating, based in Boulder, Colo.  

• RX Bars: Famed for being the bar made with one four ingredients and yet having quite a ton of taste, RX Bars are proudly Made in America. Sourced primarily out of Chicago and California, they are real protein bars also made with real ingredients. Choose from the variety of flavors and feel nourished no matter where your trip is taking you.  

• Jackson’s Sweet Potato Chips: Looking for a salty snack that doesn’t leave you feeling uncomfortable afterward? Jackson’s Chips famed from the popular show “Shark Tank” and made in Muskego, Wis., are the perfect solution. With a variety of sweet potato and classic kettle choices, these snacks are ones you feel good about eating!  

What did we forget to pack? Email us your favorite Made in USA road trip gear at info@aamfg.org!