As a dad, I’ve always prided myself on being prepared. I’m the guy with the backup phone charger, the spare tire that’s actually functional, and the snacks you didn’t know you needed. But when it comes to family road trips, this instinct to prepare spirals into something far more… ambitious.
“Overpacking” doesn’t even begin to describe it. I’m the Overpacked Dad. You know the type—the guy whose car trunk defies the laws of physics and whose backseat resembles a chaotic general store. But hey, what can I say? I don’t want to be the dad who forgot the one thing that could save the day.
The Packing Process
The night before a road trip, while everyone else is sleeping, I’m up late meticulously planning for every possible scenario. Sure, my wife tells me to relax, but does she realize how many “what-ifs” could arise on a 500-mile journey? What if we hit unexpected rain? What if the kids get bored halfway through the trip? What if someone gets carsick or spills juice all over the seats?
These thoughts keep me up, staring at my growing pile of “essentials.” Let me walk you through it.
Snacks for every mood. Sweet? Salty? Healthy? I cover it all. There are granola bars, chips, fruit snacks, pretzels, and even a secret stash of chocolate in case morale dips mid-trip.
Entertainment options. I pack books, coloring supplies, tablets, headphones, and even a trivia game that no one will probably play. But it’s there, just in case.
Emergency gear. First-aid kits, extra clothes for everyone, blankets, flashlights, and of course, a toolkit I barely know how to use but feel compelled to bring.
Random extras. Umbrellas, sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, reusable water bottles, and a travel pillow. Oh, and let’s not forget the duct tape—I’m convinced it fixes almost everything.
The end result? By the time I’m done, our car looks like it’s been prepped for a six-month expedition, not a weekend getaway.
The Departure
When it’s finally time to head out, I’m already a little exhausted. Loading the car is a game of Tetris, and I’ll be honest—I take pride in my ability to fit it all in. The kids usually stare in disbelief as I rearrange bags for the 12th time to make everything fit. Eventually, it works. Barely.
I get behind the wheel, adjust the rearview mirror (only to find my view blocked by luggage), and announce, “Everyone ready?” My wife raises an eyebrow at the precarious stack of gear in the back, but I wave it off. It’s fine. Totally fine.
The First Hour
The first hour of the trip always feels like a win. The kids are excited, the snacks are untouched, and the Spotify playlist is fresh. I’m feeling pretty good about my overpacking tendencies at this point.
Then it begins. “Dad, can you pass me the chips?” “Dad, I’m bored.” “Dad, where’s my book?” Suddenly, my perfectly organized plan starts unraveling. Half the items I packed are now scattered across the car, and I can’t find the one thing someone urgently needs at that moment.
But I persevere because I’m Dad, and being Dad means rolling with the punches.
The Midway Stretch
At the halfway point, we pull over for a rest stop. This is where my overpacking really shines. While other families are fumbling through their bags looking for sunscreen or napkins, I’m handing out neatly packed sandwiches, offering sunscreen for exposed noses, and confidently whipping out hand sanitizer after bathroom breaks.
I feel like a hero. For about five minutes.
Then I look back at the car and realize it’s an absolute disaster zone. Crumbs everywhere. The once-organized trunk is now a jumbled mess. My son is using the travel pillow as a weapon, and my daughter is pouting because she can’t find her headphones.
“Why did I pack so much?” I mutter under my breath, but deep down, I know the answer. It’s because I want to be the dad who’s ready for anything—even if it drives me nuts in the process.
The Unexpected Curveballs
No road trip is complete without surprises, and this one is no exception. At some point, we hit traffic, and the kids start getting restless. I pull out the trivia game—finally, a use for it!—but it only holds their attention for about 10 minutes.
Then, the inevitable happens: someone spills juice on the seat. My wife shoots me a look that says, “Your overpacking better pay off right now.” Thankfully, I’m ready. Wet wipes to the rescue!
Later, we take a scenic detour because I thought it would be fun. That backfires when the kids start whining about the extra time in the car. But hey, at least I remembered to pack extra snacks to keep them distracted.
The Arrival
When we finally arrive at our destination, I’m a mix of triumph and exhaustion. Unpacking the car is an ordeal, and suddenly my wife’s earlier “Maybe we don’t need all this stuff” comment feels valid. But as the kids race off to explore, I can’t help but feel like the chaos was worth it.
Sure, I overpacked (again), but I’d rather have too much than not enough. Because at the end of the day, being prepared isn’t just about stuff—it’s my way of showing I care.
Lessons Learned (or Not)
Every road trip teaches me something new. This time, I learned that maybe I don’t need to pack quiteso many snacks. Maybe I could simplify the entertainment options or trust that not every minor inconvenience needs a pre-packed solution.
But let’s be honest—I’ll probably overpack next time too. It’s part of who I am as a dad. And honestly, despite the chaos, there’s a certain comfort in knowing we’re ready for anything.
Would I do it all again? Absolutely. Because being the Overpacked Dad might be a little ridiculous, but it’s also part of what makes these family adventures unforgettable.
