Riding on Amtrak is our favorite thing to do! Over the years we’ve compiled a list of must have items to make your Amtrak trip more enjoyable. If you are looking to take better photos or just have an easier trip to the bathroom in the night, these suggestions will help!
The Most Requested Item
By far the most requested item we get is the charger we use in our videos. We have been using this one for the last year and love it! If you are going on an Amtrak trip, don’t go without this charger!
This box will charge 4 regular USB devices at once. It will plug into the single outlet in an Amtrak Roomette and let you charge one item from a regular plug and 4 USB Items at once. Problems solved! They come in packs of 1 or 2, you really only need 1.
Packing For Amtrak
Backpack that Allie uses on the train
Backpack Rob Uses on the train
This backpack serves several purposes for us. First of all it is waterproof, so it holds our most valuable gear, including cameras, drones, and computers. Secondly, it has a hard shell on the top and the back, so there is added protection if it gets bumped or falls. The hard shell also doubles as a drone launch and landing pad if you carry one! Most importantly though, this backpack is large. If you are riding in coach you’ll want to keep all of your valuables with you when you leave your seat, and this backpack will fit everything you need and more.
Rob carries this backpack and loves the comfort and durability it has shown so far.
Lowepro Camera Bag
Allie carries this smaller camera bag for her GoPro and Sony A6600 Camera. Even though we both carry a GoPro, we use the one she carries for almost all of the filming we do, since it is easily accessible. This bag has proven to be a valuable addition to our luggage. She loves just taking this bag down to the observation car or even the dining car to take take some pictures and videos.
- The Adventura SH 160 II fits a DSLR with attached kit lens (such as Canon Rebel T5i with 18-135mm), extra lens (such as 28-300mm zoom) and flash, spare memory card and small accessories
Last update on 2026-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
21 Inch Suitcase
When we first started riding Amtrak we both were using the large 26 inch suitcases, and they were just too big for every situation. If you are checking your bags or are going to leave them in the storage compartment on the lower level of a Superliner Sleeper Car, those will work, but they can be difficult to get up the steps on Amtrak trains.
Instead we now use the 21 inch suitcase and it is much easier. In general these bags are much easier to manage than our older, larger bags. If you are doing a long trip, each person should have one, but for a trip of just a few days, you could get away with just one.
Travel Duffle Bag
Update: We now travel with a 30L Columbia Bag that we bought in the store.
Our snack bag! When in coach we put a 6 pack of soda and quite a few snacks in this bag. In a sleeper car, we leave the soda out since it is included. We choose this bag because frankly, it looks terrible. But, it is also not the type of bag others would think something nice is in, so we are confident to just leave it at our seat when we walk around the train. We only keep food in our “leave at our seat bag” anyway, so if somebody wants some, it wouldn’t bother us if they took anything!
You really don’t want to be leaving your Vera Bradley bag on your seat in coach while you go to the observation car.
- Decent room: 20 x 9.5 x 9.5 Inches, 23L, enough space for personal exchange clothes for domestic and international travel as well, or gears for shuttling between work and gym. One inner pocket (Size 9 x 8 inches) for private storage like personal items and toiletries. One outer pocket (Size 6.7 x 6.3 inches) for quick access to tickets, phone charger, earphones, tissues, etc.
Last update on 2026-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Sleeping On The Train
Bose Sleep Buds II
Allie doesn’t like hearing the train through the night while she is sleeping so she wears these Sleep Buds all night. They are noise canceling headphones that eliminate most of the train noise. Since she started wearing these at night, her sleep on the train has improved dramatically. If you purchase these, get the version II, they are way better than the version I.
- Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the size of your ear canals or the headset is not worn properly in your ears, you may not obtain the correct sound qualities or call performance. Change the earbud tips to ones that fit more snugly in your ears
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Neck Pillow
We both use a neck pillow on the train. They are useful during the day for a nap or at night to sleep. One like this snaps easily to the upper loop on our backpack, so we conserve space by carrying it that way.
- CHIN SUPPORT TRAVEL NECK PILLOW – This airplane pillow can better wrap your neck and free your chin, prevents the head from falling forward, relieves neck pain during travel.
- Classic style：360 ° all-around support for your neck, head, and chin， Make your travel and rest easier
Last update on 2026-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Life On The Train
INUI Portable Charger
Ok, so you bring a lot of electronics with you on the train. We do too! We also carry a larger charger that will charge two USB devices at once. Great for a tablet, phone or computer. This one doesn’t need an outlet to charger your devices so it really helps out when your battery is running low.
Billabong Flip Flop
We bought these for Rob to use on the train. They are perfect. Easy to slip on at night when he crawls out of the top bunk to go down the hallway to the bathroom, but also stylish enough to wear during the day. You’ll definitely want a nice pair of flip flops to take to the shower and bathroom, but why not get ones you can wear out too.
Some of the fresh air breaks are quick, and you don’t want to waste 2-3 minutes of the 7 minute break to find and put on socks and shoes. This is a big deal when your next stop isn’t for another 4 hours!
- Vegan nubuck upper strap with sbr padding
- Boat friendly non scuff outsole
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Woman’s Pashmina
Allie gets cold on the train, and brings this to the dining car and observation car to use as needed. It is also great to throw on quickly when stepping off the train at a quick fresh air break.
- Premium Soft Luxurious Texture:FURTALK shawl wraps for women feature an ultra-soft,buttery-touch fabric that delivers lasting comfort for all-day wear.These soft scarves undergo strict color fastness testing,making them gentle and safe for daily use.For best maintenance,hand wash cold with mild shampoo,do not bleach, and lay flat to dry to preserve their elegant shape and premium quality
Last update on 2026-06-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Ginger Chews
If you think you might have a problem with motion sickness on the train, these could help. Allie uses them and says they do help to settle her stomach if she is experiencing any type of motion sickness.
Hanging Toiletries Bag
There isn’t much counter space in the bathrooms on Amtrak and if there is counter space, it could be wet. That water is hard to control on a moving train. For that reason we suggest a hanging toiletries bag. There is usually a hook to hang it up on the back of the door.
- Dimension: Medium-10.8’‘L x 3.5″W x 7.9H(folded); Large-12.6’‘L x 4.5″W x 9H(folded); 4 separate compartments with zip and back open pocket for great organization. Suitable for your family trip to pack all men, women , and kids toiletries
- Large Capacity – 12.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inch (rolled); 12.6 x 33.5 inch(open) 4 separate compartments with zip and back open pocket for great organization. Suitable for your family trip to pack all men, women and kids toiletries.
- Efficient Organization: Our hanging travel toiletry bag is designed with 10 compartments, allowing you to neatly store and easily access your cosmetics, makeup, and toiletries. Stay organized on the go!
Last update on 2026-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Lysol Disinfectant Wipes
There are so many uses for these, especially if you are in a Viewliner I Roomette (with toilet). Just plan to bring some and you’ll be glad to have them if you need them.
- LYSOL DISINFECTANT WIPES: Tested and proven to kill 99.9% of viruses and bacteria*, including COVID-19¹⁴ and 8 cold and flu viruses¹⁰. Disinfects, cleans, removes allergens and deodorizes on 100+ surfaces.
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Metal Travel Straw
We use these in a variety of situations, and they come in real handy. They are easy to clip on your backpack.
- 【MINI & PORTABLE DESIGN】: our telescoping Metal straws comes in a aluminum alloy case specifically designed to keep it handy and clean. The travel case is lightweight in size for you to easily throw in your purse, pocket, cosmetic bag, key chain etc.
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Water Bottle
Amtrak provides water for you, but sometimes you just want your own bottle.
- Samll Size: With dimensions of 2.4*2.5*5.7 inches and a capacity of 8oz/ 250ml, this small water bottle for handbag is incredibly compact and portable. It is the perfect alternative to disposable water cups when you’re on the go.
- To Hydration and Beyond: Our 8 Fl oz Pure Life mini water bottles are great for little ones, providing big refreshment in a small water bottle, and are also ideal for slipping in a backpack or popping in a packed lunch. 24 pack of 8 Fl oz water bottles. Available for a limited time only in specially designed packaging.
Last update on 2026-06-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Electronics on the Train
We carry an extensive amount of Cameras and accessories on the train. If you’d like to see all of our photo and video equipment, and how we use it, see our Amtrak photography post.
GoPro Hero 11 Black
The best way to capture video on the train is with a GoPro. The newest version out as of this writing is the Hero 11 Black. We each have one while we are on the train.
- Capture. Charge. Get a Highlight Video Automatically
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Amazon Kindle Oasis
Allie loves to read on a train as she enjoys the passing scenery. She’s tried most of the Kindle’s and this one is her favorite. It is easy to hold and easy on the eyes.
Tablet
Rob has a Samsung tablet and Allie carries an iPad with her on the train. It is good to download a few movies because on the long distance trains you won’t have WiFi or cell service in some places.
Snacks
Snacks are important if you stay up late, as dinner and the cafe will close long before you go to sleep. Bring enough snacks to make it through your trip as the snacks in the cafe are expensive and only available until around 10pm.
Orange Smoothie Protein Bar
This is Rob’s go to snack on the train. It tastes great and provides enough protein to feel like a meal. We’ve only seen the Orange Smoothie flavor at one local store in New York, so we just order them now. They are not messy, so they can be easily eaten on the top berth overnight. We also sometimes get the Caramel Bars.
- Families love NuGo Protein bars! Every NuGo Original protein bar is made with real, non-GMO ingredients, loaded with vitamins,
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- CARAMEL CHAOS: A thick caramel layer covers this protein bar and crispy crunchies give Grenade’s Caramel Chaos the perfect texture! A triple-layered, high protein bar that is the perfect guilt-free snack! Go ahead, and indulge, our Carb Killa bars will keep you on track with your health and fitness goals
Last update on 2026-07-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
