CES 2026 Gear to Pack for Your Next Car Rental Road Trip

CES 2026 Gear to Pack for Your Next Car Rental Road Trip

Hook: You’ve found the perfect rental, but then the questions hit: will the car have enough power ports for everyone’s devices? Is the interior cosy after dark? Can you stream movies for back‑seat passengers without using your phone’s data? CES 2026 introduced a crop of travel‑ready gadgets that solve those exact pain points—without modifying the rental or breaking the bank. This guide curates the standouts and explains exactly why each is worth packing for a UK road trip in 2026.

Why CES 2026 matters for car renters

At CES 2026, manufacturers doubled down on portability, energy density and easy setup—three trends that matter to people renting cars and campervans. Expect:

• Smaller, more powerful batteries — portable power stations with higher energy per kilo, and more USB‑C PD outputs.
• Ambient smart lighting for small spaces — RGBIC lamps and strips designed for low power use and quick install/removal.
• Better pocket audio — micro Bluetooth speakers with full sound and long runtime for windowsill and tailgate use.
• Wearables with real longevity — multi‑week smartwatch batteries that are perfect when you’re off the grid.

These shifts mean you can bring gear that adds comfort, navigation and entertainment without relying on the rental’s factory options. Below is a curated packing list, real‑world tips and practical rules for using these gadgets in rented vehicles.

How to use this list — quick strategy

1. Pick the smallest set of gadgets that solve your biggest pain point (power, light, or entertainment).
2. Before booking, use vehicle filters to confirm power outlets, EV features (V2L) or campervan sleep setups.
3. Pack non‑invasive mounts and low‑impact lighting—suction cups, straps and magnetic clips are your friends.
4. Respect rental terms: no permanent modifications, and don’t hard‑wire into the car.

Power: portable stations, fast chargers and solar backups

Why it matters: Modern travel gadgets are power hungry. CES 2026 showcased a wave of compact power stations and GaN chargers designed for road use—smaller, lighter and with more USB‑C PD outputs. For renters this is a game changer: you no longer need to depend on the factory 12V socket or limited USB ports.

Pack these

• 300–600Wh portable power station — enough for a weekend of lighting, a mini fridge in a campervan, phones and a laptop. New LFP cells at CES 2026 improved cycle life and safety.
• 100W+ GaN USB‑C charger — charge laptops and phones quickly from any mains power at B&Bs or campsites.
• 50–100W USB‑C PD power bank — fast top‑ups during long drives; keeps phones and wearables charged.
• Foldable solar panel (optional) — a 100W folding panel will maintain a battery on sunny days for longer trips without grid access.

Actionable tips

• Bring the right cables: at least two USB‑C to USB‑C (100W rated), a USB‑A cable for legacy devices and an AC cable for the power station. Consider advice from portable power field reviews when picking cables and extension leads.
• Use the power station at idle—avoid jump‑starting or heavy draws from a rental’s 12V outlet unless the rental explicitly allows it.
• Label your gear and store it in a soft case so you can remove it quickly at drop‑off.

Smart lighting: lamps, strips and lanterns that transform a rental

Why it matters: Rented cars and campervans often have harsh overhead lights or no ambient options at all. CES 2026 highlighted portable RGBIC lamps (like the updated Govee models) and battery LED strips designed for rental life—easy to attach, battery‑powered and low draw.

Pack these

• Compact RGBIC smart lamp — single‑piece lamps you can place on a dashboard or fold‑out table; lightweight and often on discount post‑CES.
• Battery LED light strips — for subtle footwell or ceiling lighting in campervans; stick with adhesive that peels off cleanly.
• Rechargeable lantern — dual purpose for campsite and inside‑van use; look for dimming and USB‑A/C output ports.

Actionable tips

• Mount with removable clips or low‑tack adhesive so you don’t damage surfaces—most suppliers use 3M Command hooks for renters.
• Use warm colour modes for sleep hours (2200–2700K) and bright white for cooking or reading.
• Sync lighting to music or use white noise to improve sleeping conditions inside a campervan.

Bluetooth speakers and in‑car audio: pocket power, big sound

Why it matters: The passenger experience hinges on audio. CES 2026 confirmed a trend toward micro Bluetooth speakers that deliver larger‑than‑expected sound and long battery life—ideal for tailgate sessions or small campervans. Retailers even cut prices post‑show, making quality audio an affordable addition.

Pack these

• Micro Bluetooth speaker (12+ hour battery) — choose IP‑rated models for outdoor use; look for hands‑free call support and multipoint pairing.
• Low‑latency Bluetooth transmitter — for streaming video from a device to rear‑seat wireless headphones without lip‑sync issues.
• Aux/USB adapter — if the rental has an AUX socket, bring a cable to avoid Bluetooth pairing hassles during short stops.

Actionable tips

• For campervans, position the speaker near the sleeping or dining area, not the engine bay—the sound carries better.
• Turn off party modes at night; use quiet or podcast equaliser presets to avoid disturbing campsites or neighbours.

Wearable tech: navigation and battery longevity

Why it matters: Wearables evolved at CES 2026 with multi‑week battery options and offline navigation features—great when you want quick directions without draining your phone’s battery or data allowance. Watches with turn‑by‑turn haptics are especially useful for cyclists, walkers and passenger navigators who want to stay hands‑free.

Pack these

• Multi‑week smartwatch — use it for offline maps, step tracking and silent turn alerts; the Amazfit Active Max family is an example of this trend.
• Compact GPS navigator — a backup to phone-based navigation, especially useful off‑grid or when your phone battery is low.

Actionable tips

• Download offline maps for your intended route before departure (OSM or Google offline areas).
• Use the wearable for simple haptic turn alerts—fewer times you need to glance at a screen while driving.

In‑car entertainment and streaming: projectors, dongles and local media

Why it matters: The family or group dynamic on a long drive is made or broken by entertainment options. CES 2026 highlighted compact projectors and dongles built for low power draw and edge AI upscaling for clearer video on improvised screens (curtains, tailgates, campervan ceilings).

Pack these

• Compact LED projector — choose 720p+ models with built‑in battery for a 2–3 hour movie session.
• Streaming dongle (offline capable) — a dongle that supports local playback (USB drive) and avoids heavy mobile data usage.
• Tablet or media hard drive — keep a playlist, movies and maps locally stored for no‑connection situations.

Actionable tips

• Use a blackout sheet or the inside of a boot tailgate as a projection surface for better contrast.
• Check the rental’s Wi‑Fi hotspot policy—some companies block hotspot use by default or charge extra.

Mounts, comfort and non‑invasive accessories

Why it matters: The best gadgets fail if you can’t mount them securely and remove them without traces. CES 2026 featured more rental‑friendly accessories: magnetic mounts with non‑marking pads, strap‑based roof rack systems for soft luggage and quick‑release window shades.

Pack these

• Strong suction cup phone mount — quick to install and remove without marking dashboards.
• Adjustable headrest tablet mounts — keep rear passengers entertained and remove them when you return the car.
• Privacy/window shades — universal clamp or static cling shades for campervan sleep-in privacy.

Actionable tips

• Keep receipts and packaging for rental‑friendly accessories—removing them on return proves no damage.
• Avoid drilling, zip‑ties or permanent adhesives; rental agreements commonly ban these.

Pack for comfort, not modification. Bring removable, non‑invasive gear so you can enjoy every mile without risking your deposit.

Booking smarter: use tools and filters to support the tech you’ll bring

Gadgets only help if the rental supports them. Use these practical booking strategies when you search and compare:

• Vehicle filters: Look for filters that show power outlets, cigarette lighter sockets, USB‑C ports and EV features (V2L). If you’re renting a campervan, filter for ‘sleep ready’ and internal 240V sockets.
• Instant quotes and booking forms: Choose platforms that show total costs for add‑ons like Wi‑Fi hotspots and roadside assistance so your tech needs aren’t blindsided at the counter.
• Supplier notes: Read supplier reviews for notes about interior space, roof‑rack availability and whether the supplier allows chargers or small power stations.

Actionable booking checklist

1. Filter vehicles by the ports/features you need before you pick dates.
2. Use instant quotes to compare total costs with/without the tech you’ll rent.
3. Message the supplier if you need confirmation about V2L outlets or an inverter.
4. Choose a supplier with clear T&Cs on third‑party equipment and battery use.

Mini case study: a weekend campervan run — what I packed and why

Real experience beats theory. Here’s a short example (based on a weekend run in late 2025):

• Vehicle: 2‑berth campervan rented for a coastal weekend.
• Problems: limited cabin lights, one 12V socket, no 240V at the site.
• What I packed: 500Wh LFP power station, 100W foldable solar panel, Govee RGBIC bedside lamp, micro Bluetooth speaker, multi‑week smartwatch and suction phone mount.
• Outcome: The power station ran lights, a mini kettle and night reading lamps for two nights; the solar panel topped it up during the day. The lamp created a calm sleep environment, and the speaker made evenings pleasant without a noisy car engine.

2026 trends and what to expect next

Late 2025 and early 2026 saw consistent signals: rental fleets are increasingly offering EVs and hybrid vans; gadget makers are focusing on efficient USB‑C ecosystems; and smart lighting and audio continue to shrink while improving battery life. Expect:

• More rental filters listing EV‑friendly features (V2L, onboard inverters).
• Standardisation around USB‑C PD in the car dash—check filters and supplier photos.
• Safer, longer‑life power stations using LFP chemistry becoming mainstream and affordable. Read field reviews for real-world runtimes and charging behaviour.

Advanced strategies for tech‑savvy renters

• Pair local media with a small DLNA server: store movies on an SSD and serve them to devices without using mobile data.
• Use your power station as a UPS: keep it powered at 20–80% state of charge and use it to handle short surges for coffee makers or fridges. See smart plug and outlet playbooks for safe load planning.
• Bring a small infrared thermometer: monitor in‑van temperatures for battery and device safety during hot summer stops.

Common rental rules and how to comply

Always check rental terms. Key rules renters often enforce include:

• No structural modifications or drilling.
• No permanent wiring to the vehicle battery or CAN bus.
• Inform the supplier if you plan to use high‑capacity external batteries—some insurers expect notification.

When in doubt, ask via the booking platform’s messaging tool and save their response—this prevents disputes at drop‑off.

Packing checklist — a one‑page summary

• 300–600Wh portable power station + AC cable
• 100W+ GaN USB‑C charger + 2x USB‑C cables
• 50–100W power bank
• Govee‑style RGBIC lamp or compact smart lamp
• Battery LED strips or rechargeable lantern
• Micro Bluetooth speaker (IP‑rated)
• Compact projector (optional) + media drive
• Multi‑week smartwatch + downloaded offline maps
• Non‑marking mounts and window shades
• Foldable solar panel (optional)

Final takeaways

CES 2026 has made it easier and cheaper to travel with tech that improves comfort, navigation and entertainment—without needing to modify a rental vehicle. Pack smart: prioritise power (portable station + GaN charger), light (smart lamp + lantern) and sound (micro speaker). Use booking filters and instant quotes to verify the rental supports your setup, and always favour removable, non‑destructive accessories.

Call to action: Ready to pair your CES 2026 haul with the right rental? Use our instant quotes, detailed booking forms and vehicle filters to find a car or campervan that supports your gear—compare prices and book instantly on carrenting.uk.

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